News

Roswell man Sean Michael Caraska, 37, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the July shootings of homeless men Andrew Lujan-Huerta and Karl Affsprung. Police found a white pickup and firearm linked to both cases during a search. The investigation continues, including possible connections to other crimes; no motive has been established.

The first annual Ruidoso Antique Show drew more than 1,600 visitors and 56 vendors to the Convention Center, filling a gap left by the longtime Lions Club event. Organized by Bob and Cindy Dolgener, the show celebrated collecting as a personal pursuit, with vendors and attendees highlighting the value, history and nostalgia found in objects others might dismiss as junk.

Nearly 74 years after Sgt. Willie Estrada died saving his tank crew in Korea, his family continues seeking the Medal of Honor for Alamogordo’s war hero. Already awarded the Distinguished Service Cross posthumously, Estrada’s legacy is preserved by his brother Pete, nephew Mario and the American Armed Forces Museum, which will honor him throughout September.

Roswell Shorts Film Fest launched last year as a sister event to the Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival, held near Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

United Way of Eddy County’s Ninth Annual Day of Caring takes place Sept. 17, bringing more than 250 volunteers together for 19 projects benefiting local nonprofits. Businesses, industry partners and community groups will paint, clean, repair and provide services across Carlsbad, Artesia and Loving, with kickoff events and a simultaneous Facebook broadcast launching the countywide effort.

In total, 25 parcels on 20,334 acres were leased in the three states, with the highest bids going to southeast New Mexico properties in the Permian Basin.

Artesia is now 0-2.

First National Bank marked its 70th anniversary with community celebrations across Alamogordo, Tularosa, Cloudcroft, Ruidoso and Artesia. Events featured free lunches, prize opportunities and local bank officials, including a Friday gathering at the Artesia branch on West Main Street. The milestone highlights seven decades of service to Otero, Lincoln and Eddy counties.

Federal officials issued a notice on Aug. 11 that the FBI is looking for information on the deaths of Kent Hoffman, 56, on June 14, Andrew Lujan-Huerta, 46, on July 14 and Karl Affsprung, 50 on July 29.

Toothman brings more than 20 years of environmental science, project management and federal oversight experience to the position.

County commissioners voted unanimously at their Tuesday, Aug. 18, meeting in Carlsbad to schedule a public hearing and a possible vote to adopt an ordinance dealing with the issue.

New Mexico officials proposed methane abatement rules targeting large oilfield leaks, including a “super emitter” reporting program and mandatory zero-emission electric pneumatic pumps by 2031. The Environment Department says swift action is needed to reduce pollution and waste, while oil and gas representatives question the compressed timeline, technical requirements and potential conflicts with existing regulations.