News

The U.S. Department of Energy and Salado Isolation Mining Contractors will host a virtual community forum on Nov. 4 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. to discuss operations at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. The public can register via the story’s QR code, ask questions and raise concerns about WIPP’s underground disposal of transuranic nuclear waste.

Artesia City Council selected Pete Quinones as the city’s permanent police chief during a special meeting Sept. 29. Quinones had served as interim chief after Kirk Roberts announced his retirement in July. An Artesia native, Quinones joined the department in 2005 and has led patrol, criminal investigations and administrative divisions during his career.

The Bureau of Land Management proposed leasing 4,053 acres across 15 parcels in New Mexico and Oklahoma for oil and gas development, with an auction planned for February 2027. Most acreage is in Eddy and Lea counties. The public can submit comments online through Oct. 30, while federal analysis projects limited impacts from future drilling.

President Donald Trump renewed his call to rename New Mexico “New America” while endorsing Republican Greg Cunningham in the competitive 2nd Congressional District race. The proposal drew criticism from state Democrats, while Cunningham dismissed it as a distraction. Democratic Rep. Gabe Vasquez accused his opponent of prioritizing Trump, as polling showed Vasquez holding a narrow lead.

Daniel Garcia, 39, of Roswell, was sentenced to 10 years and one month in federal prison for a charge of illegally possessing a firearm during the shootout with police, which led to the chase near downtown Roswell, according to a Sept. 30 news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico.

Nano Nuclear is reviving plans for a commercial nuclear tailings deconversion facility near Hobbs, taking over a project first proposed by International Isotopes more than a decade ago. Lea County commissioners approved a letter of intent extending negotiations for a 640-acre site. The company also plans future fuel conversion, potentially creating up to 400 jobs.

Artesia City Council delayed voting on proposed golf cart and recreational OHV street regulations after residents questioned safety equipment requirements and age limits, including an 18-year-old minimum for drivers and 12 for passengers. Council will seek further input before a potential November vote. Members also approved rezoning three lots near 13th Street and Hermosa Drive for apartments.

Southeast New Mexico College will host its annual Taste of Culture from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 15 at 1500 University Drive in Carlsbad. The free public event invites community members to sample foods from around the world, learn about cultural traditions, and celebrate Eddy County’s diversity. For information, call 575-234-9200.

A $10 million federal investment is funding repairs to U.S. Highway 285 near New Mexico’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. The New Mexico Department of Transportation and Department of Energy began work Oct. 1, with the state given one year to spend the funds. Officials say annual support is needed to maintain WIPP’s aging transportation routes.

A 13-year-old Highland Middle School student accused of shooting and stabbing special education teacher Kelly Matthews will remain in custody, following a Fifth Judicial District Court ruling. RT faces charges including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, weapons violations, evidence tampering and resisting arrest. Matthews survived and continues recovering in a Lubbock hospital as investigators work to determine a motive.

Artesia Bullldogs win 51-0 over the Chaparral Lobos.

About 2,000 people attended Artesia’s 11th annual Red Dirt Black Gold Festival despite September temperatures in the 90s. The two-night downtown event featured live music, food, drinks and vendors, with Downshift Brewing serving more than 1,800 beers. Organizers called the festival a success after moving it to Quay Avenue to improve safety and downtown foot traffic.