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Former Artesia guard looks to rebound at next level 

JT Keith
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Former Artesia guard looks to rebound at next level 

JT Keith 

Artesia Daily Press 

jtkeith@elritomedia.com 

 

Since leaving Artesia High School, star basketball guard Nick Sanchez has not had a chance to show the talent that made him a three-time All-State guard in high school. 

In his freshman year at the University of the Southwest (2023-2024), he played in 24 games. Sanchez then decided to take his talents to his current team: Temple College, formerly Temple Leopards Junior College, in Temple, Texas.  

Sanchez, a 5-foot-10 guard, played in four games before suffering a knee injury for the Leopards and missed the rest of the basketball season. 

Artesia years 

Sanchez came off the bench as a sophomore guard for the Artesia Bulldogs and led the team to a 2020-2021 championship game and a 52-41 loss to Del Norte. In that game, he scored 23 points and made 14 free throws. As a sophomore, he was named first team All-District and second team All-State. 

Sanchez said his junior year (2021-2022) was a rebuilding season with two returning players and 11 new players.  

The team went 17-12 and 4-2 to finish in second place in District 4A-4. The ’Dogs played in the first round of the playoffs and defeated Lovington 50-47 on a shot at the buzzer. The team lost to eventual state champions Highland 83-71. Sanchez scored 34 points against the Hornets. Sanchez was named District Player of the Year and first-team All-State. 

In his senior year (2022-2023), Sanchez said the whole team returned and was ranked No.2 in the state before losing four out of its first five games to begin the season. 

Sanchez said the Bulldogs played well in the Hobbs Holiday Tournament and made it to the championship game but were defeated by Organ Mountain 60-52 after being up by 13 points. 

“That was a way to get our momentum going,” Sanchez said. 

At state, the Bulldogs defeated Valencia 60-38 at the Bulldog Pit but lost at The Pit to the Valley Vikings 49-48. Sanchez scored 24 in the quarterfinal loss. Sanchez was the District Player of the Year and first-team All-State for the second consecutive year. 

Mondragon trust 

Sanchez said that his time playing for Bulldogs’ head coach Michael Mondragon was great. It was Mondragon’s belief in him as a player that made it easy to play for him.  

“The good thing about him is that on the court we could bump heads,” Sanchez said. “But off the court, it was nothing personal. He trusted me a lot, and I will be forever grateful.” 

Dog in Sanchez 

The one thing Sanchez learned about playing college basketball is that he is a dog, that he plays hard and knows he can play with the best. He just needs an opportunity and to be healthy.  

Sanchez said he has no doubts that he can compete against bigger, stronger and faster athletes.   

Sanchez has been rehabbing and playing at the open gym in Artesia, in the hopes of being ready for the basketball season at Temple. 

“Rehabilitation has been going well,” Sanchez said. “I look forward to playing college basketball, and I believe in myself and my talents to play at this level.”

A closer look at Luke 12:40

Michael Smith
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A closer look at Luke 12:40

By David Grousnick

When you were a child, did you play the game, “Hide and Go Seek?” The person who is it closes his or her eyes, counts to 10, and then searches for other children who are hiding. “1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10. Ready or not, here I come!”

When you were a child, did you play the game, “Hide and Go Seek”? The person who is “It” closes his or her eyes, counts to ten, and then searches for the other children who are hiding. “1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10. Ready or not, here I come!” 
Something like that is going on in Luke 12:32-40. The master is off to a wedding banquet. His servants are at the family farm. Some are alert, ready for his return; some are not ready. The countdown has begun. No one knows exactly when the master will return. At the end of our story, Jesus says, “You … must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour” (Luke 12:40). 
While it may feel like summer across the country, Artesia schools are back in session. Here is a story for all of the teachers, students, and school personnel who are beginning another academic year.  
Lutheran pastor Larry Henning tells a humorous story about when he was in the fourth grade. He writes: 
“Our teacher, Mrs. Cannon, would periodically leave the room and say, I’ll be back in a few minutes. Just work quietly at your desks on your math worksheets. Now, my friends and I tried hard to figure out just when Mrs. Cannon was coming back. We would take turns going to the door to see if she was indeed making her return.  
“Why this obsession about the exact timing of her return? Because in her absence, we were throwing chalkboard erasers around the room and didn’t want to get caught by her sudden and unexpected reappearance. Mrs. Cannon was a good teacher who was nice most of the time, but her wrath in response to willful disobedience was an awesome thing to behold.  
“Meanwhile, our classmate Elaine never worried about just when Mrs. Cannon might reappear. Why? Because Elaine would be at her desk the whole time faithfully doing what Mrs. Cannon asked her to do.  
Whenever Mrs. Cannon would return, she would find Elaine faithfully at work. Elaine was so good! (I wonder whatever happened to Elaine.)” 
Now, I don’t know about that Elaine, but I’m pretty sure my wife is related to her! 
The purpose of sharing this story – a story that some of us may have variations on – is to suggest an analogy to our gospel reading. In the story, Elaine is doing the work her teacher has set before her. So, whenever her teacher returns, she is busily engaged in her work. She has no need to fear the return of her teacher, unlike the boys in the story.  
In our lives, the Rabbi – the Teacher – from Nazareth has given us work to do as well. We are to live as those who belong to God. We are to love as those who belong to God.  
If we are faithfully engaged in such work for the sake of God’s realm, then we need not fear those times when Jesus enters our lives, when Jesus returns in the stranger, or alien, or outcast.  
We will be ready, for our hearts are turned toward God, and we have been faithfully doing the work of love that we are given. 
Many of you are familiar with the childhood prayer “Now I lay me down to sleep, “ but I was little surprised to learn that it is a shortened version of an Old English prayer, which goes like this: 
 
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, 
bless the bed that I lie on. 
Before I lay me down to sleep, 
I give my soul to Christ to keep. 
 
Four corners to my bed, 
four angels there aspread, 
two to foot, and two to head, 
and two to carry me when I’m dead. 
 
I go by sea, I go by land, 
the Lord made me by his right hand. 
If any danger comes to me, 
Sweet Jesus Christ, deliver me. 
 
He’s the branch, and I’m the flower, 
pray God send me a happy hour. 
And if I die before I wake, 
I pray that Christ my soul will take. 
 
The prayer has an important refrain, that Christ is the keeper, the caretaker of our soul. And, when we slip into the unconsciousness of the night, I suppose, on a daily basis, we are never nearer death. It was out of this fear of sleep that this prayer was written.  
At night, when we are vulnerable, we want someone watching over us. So, we prepare ourselves with a prayer: If I should die before I wake. Our text asks us to be prepared, to be dressed ready for service. We are to keep our lamps burning for we do not know when our Lord returns. 
Many blessings to all as this school year begins! Have a great weekend!!

Something like that is going on in Luke 12:32-40. The master is off to a wedding banquet. His servants are at the family farm. Some are alert, ready for his return; some are not ready. The countdown has begun. No one knows exactly when the master will return. At the end of our story, Jesus says, “You … must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour” (Luke 12:40). 

While it may feel like summer across the country, Artesia schools are back in session. Here is a story for all of the teachers, students, and school personnel who are beginning another academic year.  

Lutheran pastor Larry Henning tells a humorous story about when he was in the fourth grade. He writes: 

“Our teacher, Mrs. Cannon, would periodically leave the room and say, I’ll be back in a few minutes. Just work quietly at your desks on your math worksheets. Now, my friends and I tried hard to figure out just when Mrs. Cannon was coming back. We would take turns going to the door to see if she was indeed making her return.  

“Why this obsession about the exact timing of her return? Because in her absence, we were throwing chalkboard erasers around the room and didn’t want to get caught by her sudden and unexpected reappearance. Mrs. Cannon was a good teacher who was nice most of the time, but her wrath in response to willful disobedience was an awesome thing to behold.  

“Meanwhile, our classmate Elaine never worried about just when Mrs. Cannon might reappear. Why? Because Elaine would be at her desk the whole time faithfully doing what Mrs. Cannon asked her to do.  

Whenever Mrs. Cannon would return, she would find Elaine faithfully at work. Elaine was so good! (I wonder whatever happened to Elaine.)” 

Now, I don’t know about that Elaine, but I’m pretty sure my wife is related to her! 

The purpose of sharing this story – a story that some of us may have variations on – is to suggest an analogy to our gospel reading. In the story, Elaine is doing the work her teacher has set before her. So, whenever her teacher returns, she is busily engaged in her work. She has no need to fear the return of her teacher, unlike the boys in the story.  

In our lives, the Rabbi – the Teacher – from Nazareth has given us work to do as well. We are to live as those who belong to God. We are to love as those who belong to God.  

If we are faithfully engaged in such work for the sake of God’s realm, then we need not fear those times when Jesus enters our lives, when Jesus returns in the stranger, or alien, or outcast.  

We will be ready, for our hearts are turned toward God, and we have been faithfully doing the work of love that we are given. 

Many of you are familiar with the childhood prayer “Now I lay me down to sleep, “ but I was little surprised to learn that it is a shortened version of an Old English prayer, which goes like this: 

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, 
bless the bed that I lie on. 
Before I lay me down to sleep, 
I give my soul to Christ to keep. 

Four corners to my bed, 
four angels there aspread, 
two to foot, and two to head, 
and two to carry me when I’m dead. 

I go by sea, I go by land, 
the Lord made me by his right hand. 
If any danger comes to me, 
Sweet Jesus Christ, deliver me. 

He’s the branch, and I’m the flower, 
pray God send me a happy hour. 
And if I die before I wake, 
I pray that Christ my soul will take. 

The prayer has an important refrain, that Christ is the keeper, the caretaker of our soul. And, when we slip into the unconsciousness of the night, I suppose, on a daily basis, we are never nearer death. It was out of this fear of sleep that this prayer was written.  

At night, when we are vulnerable, we want someone watching over us. So, we prepare ourselves with a prayer: If I should die before I wake. Our text asks us to be prepared, to be dressed ready for service. We are to keep our lamps burning for we do not know when our Lord returns. 

Many blessings to all as this school year begins! Have a great weekend!!

Police blotter

Michael Smith
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Police blotter

July 26

Arrest

Andrea Maria Baker arrested for battery against a household member.

John Deandre Mchenry arrested for battery against a household member.

Jamison Travis Toney arrested for driving while under the influence of liquor.

Isaiah Marcus Carrera arrested for failure to pay fines, concealing identity, possession, delivery, of drug paraphernalia.

DOMESTIC

12:30 am – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to physical domestic.

WELFARE

7:49 am – Officer dispatched to N. 8th St. and W. James Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

ACCIDENT

9:19 am – Officer dispatched to N. 1st St. and W. Richey Ave. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

WANTED

10:10 am – Officer dispatched to 100 block of S. 1st St. in reference to a wanted subject.

DOMESTIC

11:21 am – Officer dispatched to 1500 block of W. Yucca Ave. in reference to domestic.

WELFARE

1:30 pm – Officer dispatched to 200 block of Hermosa Dr. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

DWI

1:37 pm – Officer dispatched to N. 1st St. and W. Richey Ave. in reference to DWI.

HARASSMENT

3:19 pm- Officer dispatched to W. Main St. and N. 9th St. in reference to harassment.

SHOTS FIRED

4:15 pm – Officer dispatched to 2800 block of W. Missouri Ave. in reference to shots fired in the area.

DISTURBANCE

5:01 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of Bowman Dr. in reference to disturbance.

DOMESTIC

5:30 pm – Officer dispatched to 2500 block of Permian Pavilion St. in reference to domestic.

UNWANTED

9:27 pm – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Main St. in reference to an unwanted subject.

RECKLESS

9:35 pm – Officer dispatched to S. 1st St. and W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to a reckless vehicle.

DOMESTIC

9:38 pm – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to domestic.

July 27

Arrest

Randolph Alvarado Samora arrested for concealing identity, resisting, evading, obstructing an officer.

DWI

1:01 am – Officer dispatched to 800 block of S. 1st St. in reference to a DWI.

LOUD

1:22 am – Officer dispatched to 600 block of N. 8th St. in reference to loud music.

2:26 am – Officer dispatched to 600 block of W. Dallas Ave. in reference to loud music.

DISTURBANCE

7:03 am – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of W. Missouri Ave. in reference to disturbance.

ALARM

11:06 am – Officer dispatched to 500 block of W. Richardson Ave. in reference to an alarm.

WELFARE

11:30 am – Officer dispatched to W. Grand Ave and S. 6th St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

DISTURBANCE

12:17 pm – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of W. Missouri Ave. in reference to disturbance.

ALARM

2:35 pm – Officer dispatched to 2900 block of Browning Ave. in reference to a burglary alarm.

DOMESTIC

4:48 pm – Officer dispatched to 1300 block of W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to verbal domestic.

HARASSMENT

5:04 pm – Officer dispatched to 200 block of W. Kemp Ave. in reference to harassment.

INDECENT EXPOSURE

6:47 pm – Officer dispatched to 500 block of W. Hank Ave. in reference to indecent exposure.

BATTERY

8:06 pm – Officer dispatched to 1600 block of N. 1st St. in reference to battery.

SUSPICIUOS

8:21 pm – Officer dispatched to 800 block of W. Quay Ave. in reference to suspicious person.

LOUD

8:31 pm – Officer dispatched to 400 block of W. Logan Ave. in reference to loud noise.

RECKLESS

8:36 pm – Officer dispatched to JC Park in reference to a reckless vehicle.

SUSPICOUS

10:45 pm – Officer dispatched to 800 block of W. Quay Ave. in reference to a suspicious person.

July 28

Arrest

Robert Dean Schneider arrested for criminal trespass.

Cody Allen Schneider arrested for disorderly conduct.

Richardo Franco arrested for contempt of court, failure to comply.

Juan Rodolfo Rico arrested for DWI intoxicating liquor or drugs, driving while intoxicated with a minor in the vehicle, careless driving, designated through highway stop/yield intersection, driver must be licensed.

UNWANTED

2:45 am – Officer dispatched to 800 block of N. 5th St. in reference to an unwanted subject.

WELFARE

7:24 am – Officer dispatched to W. Main St. and N. 13th St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

UNWANTED

8:53 am – Officer dispatched to 1500 block of W. Main St. in reference to an unwanted subject.

WELFARE

10:26 am – Officer dispatched to W. Main St. and N. 16th St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

11:29 am – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of W. Merchant Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

SHOTS FIRED

11:47 am – Officer dispatched to 900 block of N. 13th St. in reference to shots fired in the area.

WANTED

11:54 am – Officer dispatched to N. 15th St. and W. Yucca Ave. in reference to a wanted subject.

UNWANTED

12:53 pm – Officer dispatched to 2100 block of W. Dallas Ave. in reference to an unwanted subject.

INCORRIGIBLE

2:14 pm – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to an incorrigible child.

DISTURBANCE

2:23 pm – Officer dispatched to 600 block of S. 1st St. in reference to disturbance.

WELFARE

2:57 pm – Officer dispatched to 2800 block of W. Main St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

UNWANTED

4:41 pm – Officer dispatched to 400 block of N. 26th St. in reference to an unwanted subject.

5:08 pm – Officer dispatched to 800 block of S. Roselawn Ave. in reference to an unwanted subject.

SUSPICIOUS

5:23 pm – Officer dispatched to 800 block of N. 5th St. in reference to a suspicious trespass.

ACCIDENT

6:19 pm – Officer dispatched to N. 26th St. and W. Main St. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

THREATS

6:47 pm – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of S. 14th St. in reference to threats.

ACCIDENT

7:27 pm – Officer dispatched to N. 13th St. and W. Richey Ave. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

WELFARE

8:38 pm – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of W. Richardson Ave. in reference to the welfare of a child.

FIREWORKS

9:53 pm – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to fireworks.

July 29

WELFARE

12:52 am – Officer dispatched to 800 block of N. 5th St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

SUSPICIOUS

2:11 am – Officer dispatched to 1300 block of W. Sears Ave. in reference to suspicious activity.

2:36 am – Officer dispatched to 1300 block of W. Sears Ave. in reference to a suspicious person.

2:47 am – Officer dispatched to 1300 block of W. Sears Ave. in reference to a suspicious activity.

SHOTS FIRED

5:02 am – Offier dispatched to W. Lolita Ave. in reference to shots fired in the area.

BATTERY

5:40 am – Officer dispatched to W. Lolita Ave. in reference to battery.

BURGLARY

5:58 am – Officer dispatched to 800 block of W. Mann Ave. in reference to burglary.

UNWANTED

10:22 am – Officer dispatched to 300 block of W. Main St. in reference to an unwanted subject.

2:27 pm – Officer dispatched to 1500 block of W. Main St. in reference to an unwanted subject.

DOMESTIC

2:32 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of W. Lolita Ave. in reference to domestic.

RECKLESS

3:29 pm – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of W. Quay Ave. in reference to a reckless vehicle.

BURGLARY

4:29 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to burglary.

GRAFFITI

4:35 pm – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of S. 14th St. in reference to graffiti.

WELFARE

5:08 pm – Officer dispatched to 800 block of N. 5th St. in reference to welfare.

INDECENT EXPOSURE

 5:22 pm – Officer dispatched to 1500 block of W. Main St. in reference to indecent exposure.

SUSPICIOUS

6:41 pm – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of S. 4th St. in reference to suspicious person.

8:22 pm – Officer dispatched to 1600 block of W. Centre Ave. in reference to suspicious activity.

DOMESTIC

9:17 pm – Officer dispatched to 1800 block of W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to verbal domestic.

July 30

ALARM

1:13 am – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Main St. in reference to a burglary alarm.

SUSPICIOUS

2:49 am – Officer dispatched to 300 block of W. Mahone Dr. in reference to suspicious person.

3:00 am – Officer dispatched to 300 block of N. 4th St. in reference to a suspicious person.

5:06 am – Officer dispatched to 900 block of S. 13th St. in reference to a suspicious person.

9:11 am – Officer dispatched to 400 block of W. Logan Ave. in reference to a suspicious person.

WELFARE

11:46 am – Officer dispatched to 2400 block of W. Main St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

WANTED

12:14 pm – Officer dispatched to 200 block of W. Texas Ave. in reference to a wanted subject.

STOLEN

1:21 pm – Officer dispatched to 800 block of W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to a stolen vehicle.

FRAUD

1:21 pm- Officer dispatched to 300 block of S. 19th St. in reference to fraud.

WANTED

2:51 pm – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of W. Washington Ave.in reference to a wanted subject.

3:42 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to a wanted subject.

SUSPICIOUS

5:33 pm – Officer dispatched to S. 1st St. and E. Main St. in reference to suspicious trespass.

FIGHT

5:55 pm – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of S. 14th St. in reference to a fight.

8:43 pm – Officer dispatched to 900 block of N. 13th St. in reference to a fight.

THREATS

6:12 pm – Officer dispatched to 1400 block of W. Merchant Ave. in reference to threats.

SHOTS FIRED

10:18 pm – Officer dispatched to 200 block of N. 2nd St. in reference to shots fired in the area.

July 31

Arrest

Demetrius Lopez Moreno arrested for municipal failure to appear.

Jordan Devon Quiroz arrested for resisting, evading, obstructing an officer.

UNWANTED

9:28 am – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of W. Richardson Ave. in reference to an unwanted subject.

WELFARE

9:43 am – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

HARASSMENT

10:00 am – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of S. 14th St. in reference to harassment.

ACCIDENT

10:54 am – Officer dispatched to 300 block of S. 1st St. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

SUICIDAL

3:10 pm – Officer dispatched to 500 block of W. Missouri Ave. in reference to a suicidal subject.

UNWANTED

5:05 pm – Officer dispatched to 1500 block of W. Mann Ave. in reference to an unwanted subject.

SUSPICIOUS

5:48 pm – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Main St. in reference to a suspicious person.

WANTED

7:17 pm – Officer dispatched to 900 block of W. Mahone Dr. in reference to a wanted subject.

LOUD

7:17 pm – Officer dispatched to 800 block of S. Roselawn Ave. in reference to loud noise.

SUSPICIOUS

9:02 pm – Officer dispatched to 1500 block of W. Hank Ave. in reference to a suspicious person.

Aug 1

Arrest

Nicholas Jon Davis arrested for battery against a household member.

SUSPICIOUS

3:23 am – Officer dispatched to 500 block of W. Bullock Ave. in reference to suspicious activity.

 VANDAL

10:50 am – Officer dispatched to 100 block of W. Main St. in reference to vandal.

DISTURBANCE

2:23 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to disturbance.

ALARM

2:32 pm – Officer dispatched to 3700 block of W. Main St. in reference to a burglary alarm.

ACCIDENT

4:43 pm – Officer dispatched to 900 block of S. 1st St. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

DOMESTIC

4:54 pm – Officer dispatched to N. 8th St. and W. Lolita Ave. in reference to physical domestic.

INCORRIGLIBLE

7:56 pm – Officer dispatched to 1800 block of W. Briscoe Ave. in reference to an incorrigible child.

LOUD

9:35 pm – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to loud music.

The rest of the story: ‘Ozzy and Jack’s World Detour’

Michael Smith
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The rest of the story: ‘Ozzy and Jack’s World Detour’

K. Jan Wafful

Otero County Film Liaison

2018 was an interesting year for the Otero County Film Office. Since becoming the film liaison in 2006, the personal office policy that is held most important is never to miss a film call and never let a project opportunity go unanswered for the film office and the sake of countywide economic development. An unexpected call from A&E television producer Dan Hall one morning was answered, as always, on the second ring. He introduced himself and remarked that he was calling film liaisons in smaller communities in New Mexico and was having trouble connecting with anyone. He was delighted that this phone call had scored a quick and lively response. He explained that he was producing a “Reality” TV show in Los Angeles and it was about two guys traveling around the United States in an RV to see local historical sites and to experience the interesting places to go and things to do and they wanted to come to New Mexico. Naturally they wanted things like the Native American culture and art in Northern New Mexico—but they were calling smaller communities with iconic and historic sites as well. He was surprised that, so far, not one small place had responded to his inquiries with any ideas of what people could do there.

Having a background in both tourism and film, we chatted for a while and emailed pictures and he wrote down an avalanche of information, history and places that he could bring his crew to explore on a visit to Otero County. Ranching and modern-day cowboy scenes were of great interest, but also the suggestion to visit nearby pistachio farms and wineries for spiced nut mixes and local wine-tasting. Then White Sands, the Space Museum, the Tularosa Basin History Museum, the zoo, and the attractions of Cloudcroft’s Hwy Tunnel, Mexican Trestle and the haunted Victorian Lodge were all written down on the list of noteworthy things to see and do here along with about 40 other ideas. It was brainstorming at its finest. Dan Hall was elated to have all this information and wound up the call with effusive thanks and a promise to get back to the film office if any of these numerous ideas appealed to the director and staff.

About two or three days later, this A&E producer called back himself. He wanted to be the one who called to let the film office know that because of our friendly conversations the director and staff were very pleased with both the pictures and ideas exchanged for their TV show—so much so that they had decided that New Mexico and Otero County would be a perfect smaller community to visit. Then Dan Hall imparted the confidential part of the call: The “Reality” TV show was titled “Ozzy and Jack’s World Detour” and the stars would be Ozzy Osbourne and his adult son, Jack Osbourne. The film office quickly sent them a registration, asked where they wanted to go and set about to contact private and government properties of the impending opportunity to host this project. This popular icon heavy metal rocker has not only proven that he had musical star-power and unprecedented showmanship, but also that he is an avid history buff and despite some old catchphrases and subsequent weird public typecasting, he is a great father and the heart of his family.

The film office collaborated with the show and made sure that all the named entities wanted them to visit and would support the show. Two days before the show’s arrival to film here, Dan Hall called once again with some added good news. Not only were we going to host Ozzy and Jack, but Kelly Osbourne, Ozzy’s famous fashion-review icon daughter who had worked red carpets with Joan and Melissa Rivers, was coming on the shoot as well to spend some time with her dad and brother. That was a surprise that was so welcome. The only family member who would not be present was Ozzy’s wife, Sharon, who was scheduled with another TV talk show. The film shoot in every different location was lovely, as were the Osbournes. A director even remarked that the most animated he had seen Ozzy and the family was while they shot here. They were gracious and kind—so lovely.

They visited all the places we agreed upon and when we got out to McGinn’s Pistachioland they were excited to compete in creating new and unusual spice flavors of pistachio nuts at the pistachio certified kitchens. Jack concocted “Jack’s Nuts,” a bourbon BBQ spice blend, while Ozzy made “Ozzy’s Nuts,” which was a big hit with an exotic curry spice blend that was his favorite. The overall winner was Kelly with a “Kelly’s Nuts” blend that was made with garlic and honey and all savory-sweet. They visited the Oliver ranch and made some great friends, with Ozzy even joining the Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce, which G.B. Oliver was the director of at that time.

Then an amazing thing happened when they visited White Sands. All three of them started Instagramming their photos from White Sands and Instagram notified us that White Sands was the #1 Instagrammed photo location shared by the public—in the entire world—that day! No one here could pay for advertising that great on a global scale.

The film office will always be glad that they chose to come here for the historical value and to see the historic sites we have. The film office learned the sad news—that we have lost this amazing rocker. Ozzy has left our earthly world perhaps to play again on a much larger stage in a more spiritual musical dimension. Rest in Peace, Ozzy. And as a film office radio hero, Paul Harvey, would say … “and now you know the rest of the story.”

Around Town

Michael Smith
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Around Town

RESERVED SEAT SEASON FOOTBALL TICKET

Sales will begin on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, and will continue through Friday Aug. 22, 2025. Tickets may be purchased at the Bulldog Pit from 1pm-4pm Monday through Friday. Please enter through the west doors. Only reserve seat holders from the previous year will be allowed to purchase their same reserve seats the first two weeks of sales. Beginning Monday Aug 25 all remaining reserve seat tickets will go on sale to the general pubic on a first come first serve basis. There will be six home games this year. 

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Artesia Stitchers

August 11, 18 & 25 @ 1:00pm The Artesia Stitchers is a group of people excited about creating through stitchwork such as needlepoint, cross-stitch, embroidery and more. Bring your project and come join this group weekly at the library. Ages 18+

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 Dungeons & Dragons

August 12, 19, & 26 @ 2:00 The D&D group will resume their weekly meeting at the library. This group meets Tuesdays from 2:00-6:00) Ages 13+

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Yarn United

August 13 & 27 @ Noon Whether you are crocheting, knitting, or just untangling the yarn, come and create and learn with other individuals. No matter your skill level, we encourage everyone to join us in creating with other yarnsters. (all forms of sewing and crafting welcome) Ages 18+

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Traveling Dumpsters

Artesia Clean and Beautiful, HF Sinclair and S Brothers will host the Traveling Dumpsters at the following locations:  July 25th -Aug 10th at Harvest Fellowship parking lot; Aug 11th – Aug 24th at Artesia Public Schools corner of Grand and 13th St (behind the APS Storage facility); Aug 25th-Sept 7th at Artesia General Hospital corner of 10th & Memorial Dr.  Please do NOT bring household hazardous waste.  For more information, please call 575-513-0143.

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 Self Defense

August 16 @ 10:00am Varsity Academy of Artesia will be at the Artesia Public Library on the third Saturday of the month for a series of free community self-defense seminars. The seminars will cover basic ground competency, fundamentals of striking, distance management, and how to break common holds. You are encouraged to attend all of the seminars, as there will be new techniques each month. This is an all ages event.

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 Lunch Bunch Book Club

August 18 @ Noon The Lunch Bunch has a diverse selection of reads for the year. The selections for this group draw from multiple genres and reading formats. August’s Lunch Bunch selection is Dreamland by Nicholas Sparks. Books are available at the library and on Libby. Age 18+

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After Hours Book Club

August 26 @ 6:00pm The After Hours Book Club reads the same great books as the Lunch Bunch Book Club, but we meet in the evening. So if your work schedule is what is preventing you from joining in, join us after hours. Age 18+

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Literary Lounge

August 28 @ Noon The Literary Lounge book discussion group reads books on all topics pertaining to books, literature, libraries, bookshops, librarians, authors, and more. August’s selection is the classic That Night at the Library by Eva Jurczyk. Books are available at the library and on Libby. Age 18+

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Vitalant Bloodmobile

August 23 @ 12:00 The Vitalant Bloodmobile will be in the Library’s south parking lot from 12:00 to 3:00.

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Artesia Quarterback Club

Will meet each Tuesday night at 6:30 pm at the Field House. All men are welcome to come support out football program. 

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Hamburger Fry

Artesia Quarterback Club is selling tickets for the annual hamburger fry $5 each. The hamburger fry will be at Bulldog Bowl on Thursday Aug. 14 from 5-7pm. Tickets may be purchased from a quarterback club member or during the scrimmage at the Bowl. 

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Head Start Enrollment

Registrations for 25-26 school year Mon/Thurs 9am-4:30 pm. For More information call 575-748-1141 or visit us at 504 W. Gage St.

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Bible Study

All ladies are invited to participate in a lunch hour Bible study covering the book of Genesis. Bible study begins August 7, 2025 and will continue on Thursdays through April 2026.  This Bible Study is from Noon until 1 pm at the First Baptist Church Total Life Center and is perfect for working or busy women. For more information, please call Rita Derrick at 575-513-1523.

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26th St. Construction

 26th St. will be closed both directions from W. Grand Ave. to W. Washington Ave. for Phase II of the 26th St. Reconstruction project. Phase II will take approximately 3 months to complete. For more information call 575-626-6013 or 575-626-5042. 

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Yard of the Week

Artesia Clean and Beautiful is sponsoring a yard of the week contest starting June 3 through Sept. To nominate a yard worthy of the title, contact Linda at 575-513-0143 or AC&B office at 575-748-3192. Colorful, attractive, well groomed lawns with curb appeal meet the qualifications. 

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GUIDED MEDITATIONS

Are held during the summer at First Christian Church at 11th and Bullock on Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. It is free and all are welcome.

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Gas Line replacements

New Mexico Gas Company will be replacing a section of main gas line and service lines in Artesia on the south side of town. May 5 thru August 1, 2025. They will be removing/replacing bare main gas lines for NM Gas Co. Project will be located in between South 4th and South 6th from West Hermosa Dr to West Bullock Ave If you have any questions or concerns, call Victor Zulaica Jr. @ 830-513-1718, New Gas Company at 888-664-2726 or the City of Artesia Community Development Department at 575-748-8298.

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PHLEBOTOMIST PROGRAM

Applications are now open for Artesia General Hospital’s certified phlebotomist program. To learn how to apply and for more information on this career opportunity, call 575-736-8178 or email foundation@artesiageneral.com.

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GRIEF SUPPORT

A Grief Group meets at 1:30 p.m. each Tuesday in the Saint Damien Center at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 1111 N. Roselawn Ave. Free support is offered in both English and Spanish. For more information, contact Nora at 575-308-3248.

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P.A.L.S.

People about losing safely meets at 9 a.m. Wednesdays at the Senior Center. For more information, call the Center at 575-746-4113.

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ALZHEIMER’S/DEMENTIA SUPPORT GROUP

Every other Tuesday  from 6:30pm-7:30pm at Artesia Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center -1402 Gilchrist Ave. RSVP to Helen at 575-746-6006.

Fishing activity not slowing down

Michael Smith
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Fishing activity not slowing down

Information and photos provided by New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Kids headed back to school and temperatures soared above 100 degrees but anglers kept finding their way to New Mexico’s waters this week.

In Lincoln County, fishing for trout was very good using Rainbow PowerBait at Bonito Lake.

At Grindstone Lake, fishing for catfish was slow to fair using white trout bait.

Around Carlsbad, fishing for largemouth bass was good using nightcrawlers at Brantley Lake.

Fishing for catfish at Carlsbad Municipal Lake was good using night crawlers.

At Dexter, fishing for catfish was good using chicken thighs and Kool-Aid at Lake Van.

Around Truth or Consequences, fishing for white bass was fair to good at Caballo Lake using shad, shallow-driving minnows and worms.

At Elephant Butte Lake, fishing for largemouth bass was fair to good using baby bass rattle traps and spoons.

Fishing for white bass was very good using top water lures, spoons, nightcrawlers and white grubs, and fair to good when using red eye white spinners. Fishing for catfish was good using bluegill.

In Las Cruces at Young Park Pond, fishing for bluegill was very good using hot dogs and shrimp.

In northern New Mexico along the Pecos River fishing for trout was good using worms, salmon eggs and PowerBait and slow to fair when using black-and-yellow Panther Martin spinners.

At Canjilon Lakes, fishing for trout was good using Rainbow Warrior flies.

Fishing for smallmouth bass was slow using red-and-white Daredevil lures at Cochiti Lake. Fishing for northern pike was fair to good using white crankbaits.

At Fenton Lake, fishing for trout was slow when using PowerBait, flies, salmon eggs and spinners.

This fishing report, provided by the Department of Game and Fish, has been generated from the best information available from area officers and anglers. Conditions encountered after the report is compiled may differ, as stream, lake and weather conditions alter fish and angler activities.

Disaster in the world

Michael Smith
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Disaster in the world

There seems to be no end to the natural disasters that plague our world. Some claim lives; others foreshadow even greater tragedies. When catastrophe strikes, all we can do is hope we’re prepared—both physically and emotionally. The Bible is filled with accounts of natural disasters, wars, and plagues—a sobering reminder that this world is deeply broken. Yet it also tells the stories of faithful people who endured great trials.

Remember Joseph from the Old Testament? Betrayed by his own brothers and sold into slavery, his suffering became part of God’s plan to save his family. And Daniel—persecuted, arrested, and thrown into a den of lions—emerged as a powerful example of living by faith in a hostile world. Even Jesus entered this world through an unexpected pregnancy and left it through an unjust death—yet through that very death, God brought salvation to all.

When I reflect on these stories, I find myself asking, “Is there any disaster my Savior can’t overcome?” Again and again, I’m reminded: No, there’s nothing that can happen to me that God doesn’t already have a plan for. That truth gives me peace. I believe it for myself—but do you believe it for you?

God’s promise to Jeremiah echoes through the ages, not just to him or to Israel, but to each of us:<n>“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Watch for kids and crossing guards

Michael Smith
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Watch for kids and crossing guards

Photos by Mike Smith, Artesia Daily Press

The Imai family of Jeremy, Jamie and Terri Imai can be seen mornings at the corner of Seventh Street and Missouri Avenue in Artesia helping kids cross the street to attend classes.

All three return in the afternoon as everyone heads home for day.

Jeremy and Terri Imai wait at the corner of Seventh and Missouri during the second day of school in Artesia on Friday.

During the school year, the Imai brothers are a fixture at the corner of Missouri and Seventh helping kids cross the intersection safely.

Jeremy Imai halts traffic on the second day of school in Artesia as young student bikes to class.

Jobs numbers look better in NM than they do nationwide

Michael Smith
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Jobs numbers look better in NM than they do nationwide

Sherry Robinson
All She Wrote

Day in, day out, the number crunchers at the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics keep tabs on the economy and report data, a job only a geek could love. Much hangs on those numbers. The stock market, industry and government decision makers, and the business press track statistics coming from the BLS and other agencies to gauge the health of the economy.

That’s why there was such an uproar when President Trump fired the bureau’s head geek, Commissioner Erika McEntarfer, because he didn’t like the numbers in the July jobs report. The economy had added just 73,000 jobs, the agency said, and it revised May and June numbers downward by 258,000 to just 33,000 jobs. That meant the economy has weakened in recent months. Trump accused the long-time economist of rigging the numbers to make him look bad.

Immediately, Bill Beach, a Trump appointee who previously held the job, spoke out on X: “The totally groundless firing of Dr. Erika McEntarfer… sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the statistical mission of the Bureau.”

The BLS measures unemployment, new job creation and the consumer price index, among other things. The agency routinely adjusts numbers as it has new information. “The process of obtaining the numbers is decentralized by design to avoid opportunities for interference,” said former commissioners in a statement.

They didn’t mince words. The firing “undermines the credibility of federal economic statistics that are a cornerstone of intelligent economic decision-making by businesses, families, and policymakers. U.S. official statistics are the gold standard globally.”

Banana republics cook their numbers. The United States doesn’t.

As it happens, New Mexico’s numbers were good for those same months.

The state’s nonagricultural jobs grew by 23,500, or 2.7%, between June 2024 and June 2025, according to the Department of Workforce Solutions. It was the highest number in the western region!

The lion’s share of those gains, 21,000 jobs, were in the private sector. The biggest increases were in construction (8,200 jobs, or 15.3%). Mining, which includes oil and gas, was up 1,200 jobs, or 5.1%. Other gainers were manufacturing, healthcare, professional services, financial, and hospitality. Sectors with job losses included information, transportation, utilities, retail, wholesale, and utilities.

Unemployment in June was 4.2%, which was in line with the national rate (4.1%) and in line with Arizona (4.1%), Texas (4%) and Colorado (4.7%).

Let’s take a moment to look at what’s happened in the public sector over the past year. Of New Mexico’s 908,000 jobs, 190,800, or 4.76%, are in government. Of those, 105,000 are in local government, 45,000 are in state government (this number includes teachers), and 28,900 are in federal government. State and local government jobs rose slightly (2,600 jobs). However, federal employment is down 1,400 jobs, or 4.6%, since June 2024.

Those numbers belie the importance of federal paychecks in the state. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, government and military were 22.4% of New Mexico’s gross domestic product, which measures the value of goods and services produced here. That’s higher than any other industry.

Now if the governor were running for office, we’d be hearing about those jobs numbers as evidence of her effective policies. In reality, governors have a limited impact on the economy, but they’ll campaign on good numbers anyway. And what if she didn’t like the numbers and fired the state’s chief labor economist? She’d never hear the end of it.

Returning to head rolling at BLS, the reason why the commissioner’s firing is so alarming is that it destroys trust not just in BLS data but all government data. What exactly are people to rely on to decide everything from a corporate expansion to buying a new car? If decision makers suddenly don’t know what they can believe, it introduces more uncertainty to the marketplace, and there’s already plenty.

The president is forgetting something. Down the road, what if the news is good, like New Mexico’s May and June numbers? What if nobody believes your good news?

Sherry Robinson is a longtime New Mexico reporter and editor. She has worked in Grants, Gallup, the Albuquerque Journal, New Mexico Business Weekly and Albuquerque Tribune. She is the author of four books. Her columns won first place in 2024 from New Mexico Press Women.

XTERRA Ruidoso is almost here

Michael Smith
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XTERRA Ruidoso is almost here

Todd Fuqua
Artesia Daily Press
tfuqua@elritomedia.com

Months of planning and preparation are about to come to fruition as Ruidoso gears up for an XTERRA Gold off-road triathlon event Aug. 15-17.

First announced in March, XTERRA Ruidoso will showcase elite off-road triathlon athletes as they compete to qualify for this year’s XTERRA World Championships to be held in Trentino, Italy, in September. The race will also serve as a preview/dress rehearsal for next year, when the world championships come to Ruidoso.

The full distance triathlon, the centerpiece competition of the weekend, is set to start at 8 a.m. at Grindstone Lake on Aug. 16 with a 1.5 kilometer swim. A 23.7K bike run through the Grindstone Recreation Area trail system follows, with contestants completing the full race on foot with a 10K run leading to the finish at Wingfield Park.

In addition to the chance to qualify for the world championships, the XTERRA Ruidoso event also features $15,000 in prize money for the elite division.

The second day of the competition, Aug. 16, features a short sprint triathlon that serves as a Youth World Championship Qualifier for athletes in the Youth A (ages 14-15), Youth B (16-17) and Junior (18-19) categories. The Aug. 17 schedule features a 10K trail run and 1K kids sprint, open to athletes of all levels.

Complete information on all races, including distances and course maps, can be found on the XTERRA website, xterraplanet.com/event/xterra-ruidoso

A full weekend

Beyond the competition, XTERRA Ruidoso will include a festival and community gatherings all weekend long with a guided hike, free yoga at Grindstone Lake, a movie night and concerts at Wingfield Park, and a Midtown shop hop, allowing racers and non-racers alike to take part.

The weekend kicks off with an Aug. 15 welcome party at Downshift Brewing Company Riverside, 2704 Sudderth Drive, where community members will be able to meet and mingle with athletes. The Under a Mountain Sky music series will also be a part of the festivities, featuring Dallas Burrow on Aug. 15, Phil Hamilton on Aug. 16, and a set by Dzaki Sukarno and Jones & Miles on Aug. 17.

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

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