JT Keith

Artesia Daily Press

jtkeith@elritomedia.com

When the Artesia Bulldogs football team invades Ralph Bowyer Cavemen Stadium at 7 p.m. Friday, August 22, it will be time to renew the football rivalry with Carlsbad.

There have been 115 games played between the two schools since 1913, with Carlsbad holding the edge at 52-50-10. (No scores were found for the games in 1915 and 1916.)

The first game played between the two schools was in 1913 at Fireman’s Park on South Canal in Carlsbad.

According to Bulldogs coach Jeremy Maupin and Cavemen coach Cale Sanders, this game is essential, yet they say they are looking at it as just another game.

Both see this game as a building block toward district play and making the playoffs.

“I think there is going to be some excitement there,” Maupin said. “They spent a lot of money on the state-of-the-art facility over there. I think Cale Sanders has done an excellent job there. They have a solid group. This will be a challenging game for us.”

Sanders said that Artesia is a good football team, but his team of seniors will be ready to play.

“We are a lot better team than when I took over three years ago,” Sanders said. “We are continuing to change the culture, and we need to be ready when adversity hits. How we handle adversity will tell a lot about the game and season.”

2024

For the past two seasons, the Artesia Bulldogs have defeated the Cavemen in the Eddy County War.

In 2024, Artesia dominated Carlsbad and led 37-0 at halftime.

Carlsbad could not contain Artesia’s offensive attack as the Bulldogs exploded for 446 yards of total offense.

The ’Dogs had 88 yards on 19 rushing attempts, and in the air, the Bulldog receivers grabbed 22 receptions for 358 yards.

Carlsbad’s lone score came in the fourth quarter, and the team only surrendered a touchdown in the second half to lose 44-7.

Artesia’s quarterback, Izac Cazares, who has since graduated, completed 17 of 23 passes for 309 yards with four touchdowns.

Caveman quarterback Kason Perez completed 14 passes for 98 yards and one touchdown.

The Cavemen had only 18 yards rushing on 12 carries.

2023

In Cavemen head coach Sanders’ debut, the Bulldogs won 55-7 at Ralph Bowyer Cavemen Stadium in Carlsbad.

Artesia senior quarterback Nye Estrada completed 15 of 19 passes for 329 yards with four touchdowns for the Bulldogs in the season-opening victory.

Jesse Leroch had 11 carries for 60 yards for Artesia on the ground. In the air, Cazares caught four passes for 127 yards, and Ethan Conn had five catches for 113 yards.

Perez completed 11 passes for 127 yards and one touchdown, which came in the opening period for the Cavemen.

Four Carlsbad running backs had a combined 31 carries for 69 yards. Ian Sandoval was the leading receiver with five catches for 65 yards.

5 keys to the game

Consistency: Artesia must play consistently all four quarters, regardless of what happens.

Derrick Warren: Quarterback Derrick Warren must stay composed in his first start as the Bulldogs quarterback. But Warren has weapons in the backfield and when he throws the ball. Maupin is starting him as quarterback because he gives the Bulldogs the best chance to win.

Carlsbad a challenging opponent: Though Artesia has beaten the Cavemen during the past two seasons, they should expect a challenging game going into the fourth quarter this year.

Do not look ahead: The Bulldogs may be looking ahead to next week’s battle against Hobbs, but the focus should be on Carlsbad and this week’s game.

Offensive line: The Bulldogs’ offensive line must dominate in all aspects of the game. With one returning starter in Steven Williams, the others must blend on the fly and quickly. With the next two opponents being 6A schools, the Bulldogs need to make sure their technique and assignments are solid.

jtkeith can be reached at 575-420-0061, or on X@JTKEITH1.

Staff Reports

The National Championship Air Races held next month in Roswell cleared federal hurdles for this and next year’s event, via approval from the Federal Aviation Administration.

The agency, after a review of the Air Races’ application issued letters in support of the event hosting multi-class air races, including new racecourses as this year’s event will be the first held in New Mexico after it was moved from Reno, Nevada.

The approval is valid through Aug. 31, 2027 and the races for this year are planned to run from Sept. 10 to 14 in Roswell.

Six of the seven race classes were granted full FAA approval, while the Unlimited and Sports classes withdrew and were hoped to return to the races next year.

Evaluations were made during this year’s Pylon Racing Seminar, held in May, during which several participating pilots complete their course certifications needed to compete, with others expecting to do so in an additional seminar session held ahead of the event.

The Pylon Racing Seminar, known as “Rookie School” provides pilots with the training needed to compete in the low-altitude environment that defines pylon racing, read a news release from National Championship Air Races.

“This accreditation underscores the strength of our long-standing partnerships with the race classes and the FAA who are committed to producing an event that meets and exceeds the highest standards of safety and performance,” said Fred Telling, CEO and chairman of the board of the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA).

“We’re pleased to have received full FAA approval across our operations and look forward to showcasing the very best of air racing once again.”

President and Chief Operating Officer Tony Logoteta said this year’s event will also include a biplane class. The event will also feature closed-course pylon racing, STOL drag, aerobatic performances and other activities and attractions.

“Our team’s diligence and the FAA’s cooperative approach have laid the foundation to carry on our legacy of hosting a safe and exciting event – the 2025 relaunch of the National Championship Air Races in Roswell,” Logoteta said.

Unlimited class withdraws from Air Races.

The Unlimited Class opted to forgo this year’s National Championship Air Races, following a similar announcement by the Sport Class, which means there will be five out of seven classes competing in this year’s air races.

The Unlimited Class did not provide a specific reason for its withdrawal, but in an Aug. 15 news release, spokesman Steve Hinton said the decision was not made “lightly.”

“The Unlimiteds are deeply woven into the fabric of air racing, and though we’re unable to participate this year, we look forward to working with RARA toward our return to the races in 2026,” he said in a statement.

The class and the Reno Air Racing Association will work together to evaluate the unique requirements of the Unlimited Class and ensure it can compete safely during the competition in Roswell, read the release.

“While they won’t be able to join us for our inaugural year in Roswell, we look forward to working closely with the class after this event to ensure their accreditation and return at NCAR 2026,” Telling said.

The Unlimited Class generally includes stock or modified World War II fighter planes, including P-51 Mustangs, F-8F Bearcats and Hawker Sea Furies, exceeding 500 miles per hour during the competition.

The class’ decision to pull out of the races followed a July 18 announcement by the Sport Class that it would also not compete this year.

Sport Class involves modern, kit-built aircraft with speeds reaching about 350 miles per hour.

The decision for that class to pull out was linked to “operational concerns” with the new track in New Mexico, read a news release, that arose during the seminar in May.

“This was not an easy decision for our Sport Class Board, but stemmed from the complexity of our class, which races a wide speed range of aircraft on 3 different courses,” said Sport Class spokesman Bob Mills. “We feel this decision is the right one for 2025, and feel it shows our commitment, along with RARA’s, to a culture of safety and long-term success.”

Todd Fuqua
Artesia Daily Press
tfuqua@elritomedia.com

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem was in Ruidoso Aug. 19 to view areas affected by monsoonal flooding and spoke with village officials about Ruidoso’s needs in recovery.

Following the meeting, Noem announced $11.4 million in disaster relief funding for New Mexico from the DHS, paired with $3.1 million in funding approved earlier this month for Ruidoso’s rebuilding, according to a news release.

Noem’s visit included a walking tour of Robin Road and Two Rivers Park to assess the damage from the July 8 flooding of the Rio Ruidoso. She was joined by Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford; Eric Queller, Ruidoso’s emergency manager; Ali Rye, director of New Mexico’s DHS office; Adam Sanchez, Ruidoso public works director; and Victoria Baron, DHS counselor to the secretary for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Noem took no questions from the media, but met with Crawford and village and state officials for what the DHS release termed a “listening session” to further discuss Ruidoso’s situation.

Following that session, Noem’s office announced the funding commitment, and established a “lead point of contact” in Lincoln County to serve as a direct liaison to her office, according to the release.

“I would like to personally thank Secretary Noem for coming to visit the Village of Ruidoso to see what we are dealing with first-hand,” Crawford said. “She recognizes the cascading events that continue to happen and the mitigation efforts that are going to be needed for the Forest Service lands, the Village of Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs and down into the Hondo Valley.”

Todd Fuqua is Editor for the Ruidoso News and can be reached on Instagram at @toadfox1.

Adrian Hedden
Carlsbad Current-Argus
achedden@currentargus.com

A space for infants to be safely surrendered by their parents could be coming to Artesia after Artesia General Hospital signed an agreement with a contractor that will be tasked with designing and installing Eddy County’s second “baby box.”

On Tuesday, Aug. 19, Artesia General Hospital announced it had signed a contract with Safe Haven Baby Boxes, a nonprofit based in Woodburn, Indiana, to design and plan for a baby box at the hospital.

The signing was the first step in the process, meaning no baby box is yet available.

Hospital staff said it was unclear exactly when it would be installed, receive state approval and be available for use, reporting the process could take “several months.”

A groundbreaking for the baby box was expected “in the near future” and another public announcement was planned when the device becomes operational.

Jeremy Kern, hospital project manager, said the installation will help fulfill the “changing needs of the community.”

“This has been a long journey to reach today, and we are thrilled to begin this crucial next step – another demonstration of Artesia General’s commitment to meeting the changing needs of our community,” he said.

A baby box is a climate-controlled container installed on the exterior of a building, usually a fire or police department, that sounds an alarm when a baby is placed inside to notify staff who immediately retrieve the child to provide care.

Under New Mexico’s 1978 Safe Haven for Infants Act, babies up to 90 days old can be surrendered in this way. Adults surrendering babies are allowed to remain anonymous and are not sought by law enforcement, unless there are signs of abuse.

The county’s first box was installed at Carlsbad Fire Department Station No. 1 at 401. S. Halagueno St. in October 2023, with approval from the city of Carlsbad and funded by a $10,000 grant from the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration.

Other “baby boxes” are available in nearby cities Hobbs, Alamogordo and Roswell. There are currently 10 baby boxes in New Mexico, with the first installed in November 2023 at Gerald Champion Medical Center in Alamogordo.

The movement to install and use the boxes began in 2022 after then-18-year-old Alexis Avila left her infant son in a Hobbs dumpster and was convicted a year later of attempted murder and child abuse. She was sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Artesia General Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joe Salgado said the box will address the “vital issue” of infant safety in New Mexico, and prevent tragedies similar to the Avila case in Hobbs.

“I am once again proud of our hospital for leading the way in the Pecos Valley,” Salgado said. “Addressing this vital issue head-on speaks volumes about who we are and what we value.”

Local contractor Permian Construction will also aid in the design and planning of the device, which Permian owner Scott Taylor said will provide a positive impact on the community.

“I’m excited to collaborate with Artesia General on another community-centered initiative, he said. “This project underscores our shared commitment to safety, compassion, and positive impact.”

Managing Editor Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, or @AdrianHedden on the social media platform X.

Adrian Hedden
Artesia Daily Press

Grave concerns for the viability of a project to store nuclear fuel at a site near Carlsbad were shared by the company proposing to do so in a letter to local officials in southeast New Mexico.

Company officials wrote in the letter that the project “was impossible” amid strong opposition from state lawmakers and current agreements in place with local leaders, though suggesting later that such issues could be renegotiated to move the facility forward.

Holtec International appeared ready to build the facility which would hold up to 100,000 metric tons of the refuse after a June U.S. Supreme Court verdict reinstated a federal license to build and operate the site.

But in a July 28 letter to the Eddy-Lea Energy Alliance, which was presented to the group at its Aug. 11 meeting, the company said the project was blocked by New Mexico state law.

That’s because of Senate Bill 53, passed by state lawmakers in 2023 to bar any state agency from issuing permits Holtec would need to operate the site, and the overall “political climate” in New Mexico, read the letter.

Holtec was issued a federal license to build and operate the site known as a Consolidated Interim Storage Facility (CISF) by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in May 2023, an approval that was vacated by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals last year.

The matter, along with a similar license and ruling to vacate the license for a site to store the fuel in Andrews, Texas, by Interim Storage Partners, went before the U.S. Supreme Court this year with justices ruling those opposed and who initially appealed the license to the site had no legal standing to enter the licensing process in the first place.

That left Holtec and its supporters claiming victory and expecting the project to move forward, after more than a decade of negotiations between the company and Alliance, public hearings and debate.

But the progress could be stalled, as Holtec’s recent letter to the Alliance sought to terminate its revenue sharing agreement with the consortium. The agreement would give ELEA a third of the project’s revenue once the facility was operational in exchange for use of the land needed.

“Unfortunately, the passage of state legislation that effectively prohibits the construction of the CISF, combined with the continued public opposition expressed by New Mexico’s current administration, has made the project impossible in the near future,” read the letter signed by William F. Gill, Holtec vice president and senior counsel.

Gill went on to explain that the project’s success hinged on support expressed by former Gov. Susanna Martinez, a Republican – support that was reversed by Martinez’ successor and current Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

Lujan Grisham, her Cabinet, lawmakers and New Mexico’s entire five-person congressional delegation – all Democrats – remained opposed to the proposal and the project in Texas throughout the licensing process due to risks they purported it could pose to the oil and gas and agriculture industries in rural southeast New Mexico.

“Faced with the obdurate opposition of the state government to establishing the consolidated interim storage facility in the state, we find ourselves with no alternative but to respectfully terminate the revenue sharing agreement effective immediately,” the letter read.

Waste project still viable?

Despite those words, Holtec spokesman Patrick O’Brien said in a statement the company still believed the project was doable, pending further negotiations with the Alliance to potentially alter the agreements and allay concerns expressed in the letter.

“With the NRC license in place, our HI-STORE consolidated storage project in New Mexico, partnered with Eddy-Lea Energy Alliance, remains a viable part of that solution,” read the statement emailed to the Current-Argus on Aug. 14. “The two parties, with a nearly decade long relationship, have discussed options available moving forward on both the revenue sharing and land purchase aspects under the current agreement, and will continue to do so.”

Alliance Chair John Heaton agreed it’s not over.

He said the Alliance and Holtec continued to negotiate how to get around the state legislation effectively blocking the project, and that Holtec cannot “unilaterally” terminate the agreement.

“The letter they sent us has no basis in fact as far as what they (Holtec) plan to do,” Heaton said. “This says they want to withdraw from the agreement, and there is no provision in that agreement that they can do that unilaterally.”

Aside from those plans, and concerns over opposition in New Mexico, Holtec also explained in the letter that it planned to take part in the U.S. Department of Energy’s “expressions of interest” program which would see the company going out to other communities to find support for other federal waste storage facilities.

Holtec’s agreement with the Alliance, Heaton said, is “essentially a non-compete” agreement, meaning the company is not allowed to promote or take part in competitive projects in conjoining states.

Heaton said that means Holtec cannot pursue projects in Colorado or Texas, places the federal government, he said, was targeting for such facilities. The company and local leaders remained in discussion on how to address these contractual concerns, Heaton said.

“I think we can get to some agreement,” he said.

Critic says project doesn’t ‘make any sense’

However, Don Hancock with the Southwest Research and Information Center in Albuquerque, a frequent critic of nuclear development in New Mexico, said Holtec’s letter was “unsurprising” as he said the project was doomed from the start.

He also said it is not economically sound as he argued Holtec does not have any customers – utility companies in possession of the spent fuel that are currently storing it onsite at the reactors.

About “90%” of spent nuclear fuel is already stored in the eastern half of the U.S., Hancock argued, and efforts to move it out west were “bad and nonviable.”

“It is confirming what has been suspected for a while,” Hancock said. “NRC licensing is necessary, but not sufficient. They have no customers. Who’s going to be pay for the transportation?”

As for the Supreme Court ruling that supported Holtec and the Texas facility, Hancock said the idea that it made the projects inevitable was “not realistic.”

He questioned if leaders in Carlsbad and the surrounding communities would ever receive a return on their investment in the project, which entailed granting Holtec access to the 1,000 acres of land for the site, along with promoting and supporting the project over the years.

“You can’t do it in New Mexico,” he said. “The thing I hope the local people in Carlsbad would say is that they invested the money to buy this site. What are local people actually getting out of it? That’s too bad that they pursued projects that don’t make any sense.”

Managing Editor Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, or @AdrianHedden on the social media platform X.