News

S&B Rentals is transforming Alamogordo’s former Economy Inn into 31 furnished monthly rentals aimed at easing Holloman Air Force Base’s housing shortage. Though only six rooms are currently occupied by airmen, local residents also rely on the $850-a-month units for affordable, flexible housing. Owner Peyton Snell plans continued renovations and community involvement, including sponsoring high school basketball.

New Mexico State University’s Carlsbad Environmental Monitoring and Research Center has received a $22.1 million Department of Energy grant to continue independent environmental monitoring around the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant for five years. CEMRC tests air, water, soil, vegetation and human samples within 100 miles, helping verify WIPP’s safety and keep surrounding communities informed.

An Artesia mother faces six felony child abuse charges after school staff reported her daughters’ unkempt appearance and allegations of physical abuse. Investigators said Christina Cooper hit the children with belts and other objects, forced them to exercise as punishment and neglected their hygiene. She was bound over for trial and barred from contacting children.

Artesia City Council will hold a public hearing before voting Nov. 10 on proposed ordinances regulating golf carts and recreational off-highway vehicles on city streets. The rules address licensing, permits, insurance, safety equipment, restraints, operating hours and age limits, with violations punishable by fines up to $250. If approved, they take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

Women for a Better Carlsbad and Women for a Better Artesia joined as Women for a Better Eddy County to host “SHE: The American Dream” at Riverside Country Club. The Oct. 15 event encouraged voter participation, featured local civic updates and a keynote from Sen. Crystal Diamond Brantley, and spotlighted the Eddy County Fairgrounds and local FFA students.

A 16-year-old Artesia boy, Jedidziah Juarez, was charged with multiple firearms and drug offenses after a Sept. 4 traffic stop. Police seized three guns, ammunition, narcotics and paraphernalia from his vehicle. Ballistic testing linked one firearm to two Roswell shootings, while investigators also examined a previous Artesia shooting. Charges included unlawful handgun possession, deadly weapon possession, drug possession and trafficking.

In “The Church and the State,” Pastor David Grousnick considers Jesus’ command to render to Caesar while keeping God’s Kingdom as Christians’ highest priority. He argues that faith does not justify withdrawing from public life: Christians should vote, obey civic laws, and serve their communities, remembering that a single vote can change history.

U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez and Republican Greg Cunningham clashed in a televised debate over affordability, crime, immigration and health care. Vasquez criticized Trump administration policies, including Medicaid and SNAP changes, while Cunningham emphasized tax cuts, border enforcement and support for law enforcement. The candidates also offered differing views on gun safety and deportations.

State Rep. Andrea Reeb, R-Clovis, resigned after a federal judge ruled her legislative seat and contractual work as a special prosecutor violated New Mexico’s constitutional separation of powers. Reeb defended her conduct, citing ethics and attorney general guidance. Democrats accused Republicans of hypocrisy, while county commissions will nominate candidates for the governor to appoint.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham condemned the EPA’s proposal to rescind federal methane regulations for oil and gas operations, warning it would increase pollution and threaten public health. The rollback would end or weaken rules on flaring, leak detection, super emitters and equipment emissions, while New Mexico officials and advocates pledged to maintain and strengthen state protections.

Carlsbad’s annual Mayor’s Energy Summit will examine how Permian Basin oil and gas production affects the national energy industry and local economy. Scheduled for Oct. 22, the event features Bureau of Land Management, industry and business leaders, a workforce award, technology and economic-impact presentations, and former NFL player Mark Ingram II as keynote lunch speaker.

El Rito Media’s five New Mexico newspapers won 43 awards at the New Mexico Press Association’s annual banquet in Albuquerque. The Ruidoso News led with 18 honors, followed by the Carlsbad Current-Argus with 10, Rio Grande Sun with seven and Alamogordo News with four. Artesia Daily Press also earned top honors, underscoring the company’s strength in local and digital journalism.