On May 1, 2024 the 69th Annual District Ten Conference opened in Albuquerque, NM. Altrusans were present from every club in the district, which covers New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. During the Conference, members were able to donate and collect materials to support the New Mexico Dream Center – an organization which provides a 360° strategic approach to address human trafficking in New Mexico through prevention activities, outreach to victims, services for survivors, and a support system for clients in their self-determination. Attendees were also able to participate in workshops about leadership, fundraising, and organization. None of this would have been possible without the generous support from local businesses in Artesia and Dexter. When costs in Albuquerque put strain on the District budget, members reached out to local businesses for help. Altrusa International of District Ten would like to give a special ‘Thank You’ to those who answered our call and went above and beyond to help – Valley Dairy Products, SWCCI, Hocker & Sons, Sondie Stockton State Farm, Artesia Soft Water, Burgess Chiropractic Center, and Bennie’s Western Store. It is thanks to these sponsors that Altrusans were able to attend Conference and, in turn, could help others in another New Mexico Community. We are truly blessed to live in such a wonderful and supportive community.
The Artesia Arts & Cultural District recently finished the 11th mural in our Downtown Mural Program! “Dancing Downtown” is also the third mural in our Student Mural Program and was designed by recent Artesia High School graduate Savana Watts. Project leaders/art instructors/artists Brandi Cox and Juli Newton worked with art students Watts, Andrea Alvarado and Alison Greene to install the mural on the west wall of The Derrick Floor sculpture park’s pump house.
ARTESIA -- ConocoPhillips announced Tuesday that it has donated $100,000 to the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico (CFSNM) to support wildfire disaster relief efforts in Lincoln and Otero counties.
RUIDOSO -- Southwest Area Incident Management Team No. 5 reported Wednesday afternoon that the South Fork Fire is now at 64% containment and the Salt Fire at 55% as residents of the Ruidoso area continue to return to their communities.
LAS CRUCES – New Mexico-based agricultural businesses may now apply for internship funding through the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) Agricultural Workforce Development (AWD) Program. The goal of the AWD Program is to create opportunities for young and beginning farmers and ranchers, including students, to gain work experience in agriculture that can turn into careers and thus support New Mexico’s agricultural future.
ALAMOGORDO – Sitting Bull Falls, an historic recreation area on the Guadalupe Ranger District, Lincoln National Forest, has expanded its hours and will remain open seven days a week during the summer season.
-- Artesia Clean & Beautiful is sponsoring its Yard of the Week contest now through September. Colorful, attractive, wellgroomed lawns with curb appeal meet the qualifications. To nominate a yard worthy of the title, contact Linda at 575-513-0143 or the AC&B office at 575748-3192. ----------------- HEAD START ENROLLMENT -- Head Start is currently enrolling 3- and 4-year-olds for its 2024-25 program year. Children must turn 3 by Sept. 1. To schedule an enrollment appointment, call 575-748-1141. Parents or guardians will be asked to bring the child’s birth certificate and immunization records, verification of income (2023 tax return or SNAP), and a Medicaid or private insurance card.
-- The City of Artesia is informing the public that West Richardson Avenue from Fifth to Sixth streets will be closed from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, July 12, for the Artesia Public Library’s Family Field Day. For more information, call the library at 575-746-4252. ----------------- PAWS & CLAWS -- Paws & Claws will distribute spay and neuter certificates to Eddy County residents only at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 6, at the Artesia Animal Shelter, 501 Paddy Wagon Way. Saving spots in line is prohibited; one certificate per household. Donations are appreciated. ----------------- PRAYER WALK -- A True Unity Prayer Walk will be held around 7 p.m. Thursday, July 4, in the northeast area of Jaycee Park. The public is invited to join in two prayers and the singing of “Amazing Grace.” The event will take fewer than 30 minutes.