Home Blog Page 107

It’s chile time

Michael Smith
-
0
It’s chile time

Marshall Mecham
Artesia Daily Press
marshallmecham21@gmail.com

Roasting season could extend into fall

New Mexico’s iconic green chile pepper grows in popularity each year, says Joseph Quintero of La Tienda grocery in Carlsbad where the summer/early fall roasting season is in full swing.

Quintero, who serves as the store’s produce manager, said staff will be in front of the store daily at least until Labor Day weekend, roasting the beloved peppers by the bushel.

Aside from freshly roasted peppers, La Tienda sells jarred, bottled and frozen green chile. The market receives its crop from La Reina Chile Company of Hatch.

La Tienda roasts chile Monday through Friday from about 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and until 6 p.m. on weekends. They chiles are sold for about $1.99 per pound, and the store sells about 2,500 to 3,000 bushels per year with each bushel containing 80 peppers and weighing about 20 pounds, Quintero said.

He didn’t have specific numbers, Quintero said, but he said sales grow every year.

 “My goal is to try to sell more than last year,” he said. “Normally, we don’t start until the end of July, but (this year) we were roasting chile by Fourth of July weekend.” 

Chile roasting could continue well into fall, Quintero said, depending on sales. The store continued roasting last year until the beginning of October.

The ever-growing popularity of green chile in southern New Mexico is attributed to the pepper’s status as a staple of the state, Quintero said. And the smoky taste doesn’t hurt, he said.

“The flavor just makes food taste better,” Quintero said. “It just gives it that authentic flavor of New Mexico.”

Fenn’s Country Market, a grocery store in Artesia, sells chile products as well. La Reina Chile Company provides Fenn’s chiles.

Miguel Delgado, Fenn’s store manager, said more than 150 bushels of green chile were sold last year. His goal this year is to sell 200 bushels.

Each bushel weighs about 25-30 pounds and costs $1.89 per pound, he said. The store roasts chiles Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Delgado said he expects Fenn’s to be busy selling chiles at least through Labor Day Weekend. Fenn’s started roasting chiles in the middle of July.

“During the holidays, we tend to be busier as a store, but the green chile definitely brings customers to the store despite the weather being so hot,” Delgado said.

This year’s weather benefited the chile harvest, said Preston Mitchell, owner of the Hatch Chile Store in Las Cruces. His business not only grows chiles but also ships chiles to customers all over the world. He said he ships 80-90 truckloads of fresh green chile to grocery stores across state lines.

“We never had a big rain and then a stretch of really, really hot weather immediately thereafter,” he said. “That’s usually death for chile.”

Mitchell also hoped better weather could reverse a downward trend in chile production statewide, as New Mexico contends with a multi-year drought and labor shortages that have impeded recent harvests.

Chile production declined 15% to a total of 46,750 tons in 2023, according to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. About 84% of that was sold for processing, likely to be shipped out of the state, while less than 16% was sold to fresh market outlets such as La Tienda and Fenn’s.

Mitchell was optimistic the industry could see an increase in production, with lighter but more frequent downpours which he said would hydrate the chile plant without overwhelming the fields.

“This year, we had lighter rains and there was spacing between them for the most part,” Mitchell said.

But regardless of the rains and other impacts to the state’s signature crop, Mitchell said, the popularity of the chile has not waivered in New Mexico, or across the country.

“The vast majority of what we sell is actually outside of New Mexico,” Mitchell said. “While New Mexicans eat a lot of chiles, there’s only two million of us. We got to remember there’s 370 million people across the country.”

AHS classes start with pep assembly

Michael Smith
-
0
AHS classes start with pep assembly

Photos by Mike Smith, Artesia Daily Press

The 2025-2026 academic year for the Artesia Public Schools began Thursday.

At Artesia High School, a pep assembly was held in the old Red Brick Gymnasium as teachers and faculty members were introduced to students.

Senior Artesia High School cheerleader Jase Starnes pauses during a pep assembly Thursday at Artesia High School.

The Artesia High School cheerleaders were present on the first day of classes for the Artesia Public Schools.

Artesia High School student Kyle Bean participates in a tug-of-war during an opening day pep assembly.

Artesia High School principal Halee Goff addresses students on the first day of class on Thursday.

Artesia High School teacher Max Rodriguez dressed as a pickle leads a pep assembly at Artesia High School.

Gladys Joyce Huntsman

Latisha Romine
-
0
Gladys Joyce Huntsman

August 31, 1933 – July 24, 2025

With heavy hearts, the family of Gladys Joyce Huntsman announces her peaceful passing on July 24, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas, at the age of 91.

Born in Munday, Texas, on August 31, 1933, Gladys was the beloved daughter of John and Wanda Decker. She married Harold Huntsman, on March 1, 1954, beginning a lifelong journey together. In 1955, they settled in Artesia, New Mexico, where Gladys became a cherished member of the community.

Gladys devoted her life to her family and found joy in the simple moments shared with those she loved. She and Harold raised two children: Terri Lynne Huntsman, married to Tom Campbell, and the late Glen Ray Huntsman, married to Leigh Huntsman, nurturing them with warmth and unwavering support.

Her legacy continues through her daughter Terri, and her grandchildren:

  • Zachary Campbell, married to Kristen Campbell (Lubbock, TX)
  • Paige Nichole Acree (Lubbock, TX)
  • Kaycee Rae Huntsman, married to David (Azle, TX)
  • Cody Huntsman, married to Rebekah (Bristol, TN)

Gladys was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Lawson, Jayden, Ashlyn, Brodey, Wyatt, Holly, and Paul.

Her greatest joys came from her family, she treasured every moment spent with her precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she adored her husband of many, many years. She also found companionship and laughter playing bridge with her circle of close friends. Above all, Gladys was deeply devoted in her faith and lived as a shining example of love, kindness, and grace to all who knew her, especially her family.

A Rosary will be held at 9:30 AM, followed by a Memorial Mass at 10:00 AM on August 18th, 2025, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Artesia, New Mexico, where family and friends will gather to celebrate her life and legacy. 

Her ashes will be laid to rest at Woodbine cemetery alongside her husband.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Huntsman and her son Glen Ray Huntsman. 

Eddy County approves budget for next year

Michael Smith
-
0
Eddy County approves budget for next year

Adrian Hedden
Artesia Daily Press

Ongoing capital projects such as those to rebuild the Eddy County jail and its administrative complex were driving up the county’s expenses for the next fiscal year, commissioners were told during their meeting July 29 as they approved a $148 million operating budget for Fiscal Year 2026.

Finance Director Roberta Smith said total expenses were budgeted for about $444 million, while total revenue was budgeted for $236 million for the next fiscal year.

The county’s fiscal years, named for the calendar year they end in, run from July 1 to June 30.

Of the countywide budget expenses in FY 2026, Smith said, $225 million was for capital projects with $93 million in operating expenses and $68 million in personnel costs.

The General Fund, used to fund the county’s day-to-day operations, was balanced at $148 million, meaning revenue to the fund and planned expenses were equal.

Aside from capital projects, Smith said, the county has several new personnel expenses including four new county positions – three in administration and one at the detention center. The cost of those salaries was compounded by the county’s decision last year to fund 100% of all employee health insurance.

The insurance coverage added an additional $6.5 million to the county’s expenses, Smith said.

“We had a lot of big changes this year,” Smith said. “We do have a balanced budget for the General Fund.”

Following Tuesday’s unanimous approval, with little discussion from commissioners, the budget was submitted by the July 31 deadline. Commissioners approved an interim budget at their May 6 meeting, which Smith said saw few changes leading up to the final approval.

Eddy County ended the last fiscal year, running from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, with about $650 million in actual revenue, compared with about $634 million budgeted as of June.

About $484 million in expenses were tallied – only about 66% of the $735 million in costs the county budgeted for FY 2025.

“We’re so low in expenses because we had so much in capital that we didn’t end up expensing that,” she said, adding that upcoming projects such as construction of the county’s new detention center would drive up expenses in future fiscal years.

Smith said there was another $31.1 million left over in the county’s coffers in FY 2025 that could be used for capital projects coming up, namely the priorities outlined in the county’s Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plant (ICIP) which commissioners approved in May.

“We have quite a bit on that list that would still need to be funded by the county,” she said.

The county received about $7.9 million from the oil and gas sector in June through production revenue, equipment taxes and royalties for production on county land, Smith reported.

Other business

The salary for the community services director position was increased by about $12,000 to $132,516. Current director Steve McCroskey announced his retirement earlier this year, and commissioners voted to replace him with Debra Wilson, the county’s former DWI program director.

Commissioners also approved creation of a Community Development Department, which will take on several of the Community Services Department’s responsibilities such as business licensing and planning. So far, the only cost approved for the new department was a $131,516 salary for the director.

A presentation was given by local architectural firm Mitchell & Cruise for a 2,000-square-foot addition at the county’s Law Enforcement Training Center, mostly to increase office space and a breakroom at the center. The addition would expand the building used to train deputies with the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office to about 12,000 square feet. In total the addition was estimated to cost about $1.5 million.

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

Hayley Williams, strange fruit and white Christianity

Michael Smith
-
0
Hayley Williams, strange fruit and white Christianity

Trip Jennings

Until last week I didn’t know who Hayley Williams was or that she is the lead singer of Paramore, a rock band I’ve heard of but don’t listen to.

Hayley Williams and I share some crucial things, I have discovered.

Like me, Williams is a White Southerner who grew up attending a White church and knows parts of American history that a lot of us Southern Whites (and many White Americans) were not taught in school. She also is a skeptic of the dominant form of Christianity in our native South (or at least the dominant form of Christianity as perceived by politicians and the national media).

I thought a lot about all of this as I listened to True Believer, her new song that dropped on social media platforms and then on streaming services last week. It is about Southern White culture and certain types of American Christianity.

To say I felt as if I have found one of my own — that is, White Southerners who can’t shake faith from their lives while at the same time view many forms of American Christianity through jaundiced, angry eyes — is an understatement.

About halfway through the song, Williams sings these words:

“They say that Jesus is the way but then they gave him a white face

“So that they don’t have to pray to someone they deem lesser than them

“The South will not rise again

“ ‘Til it’s paid for every sin

“Strange fruit, hard bargain

“Till the roots, Southern Gotham”

Also like me, Hayley Williams says stuff out loud that many White Southerners (and many White Americans) are quiet about.

I too have wondered why a portrait of a White Jesus hangs in most White Churches across the country when Jesus was a brown-skinned, Middle Eastern Jewish rabbi.

I mused about this in a column last year in which I wrote “So what” to all the people around the globe who were angry that drag queens were re-enacting the Last Supper during the opening ceremonies of the Olympic games. I’m still not sure that’s what was going on. But even if it were, countless communities across the globe over the last 19 centuries have depicted Jesus and his disciples in their own image, I wrote. (Click on this link or read the book The Color of Christ: The Son of God and the Saga of Race in America if you’re skeptical.)

If they wouldn’t cop to making Jesus White, I wrote, I expected to see all the paintings and illustrations of “White Jesus” disappearing from White churches across the land as the realization takes hold that we’ve all been worshiping our own image instead of that of a 1st century Jewish rabbi’s.

I noticed something else as True Believer made the rounds on social media platforms. It was the many commenters who posted some version of “thank you” for the powerful lyrics accompanied by a confession: They didn’t understand the reference to Strange Fruit and had to look it up.

Strange Fruit, as you might know, refers to a song made famous by the legendary Billie Holiday in 1939 that protested the lynching of African Americans, a commonplace practice in the South at the time that happened in other parts of the country, too.

Strange Fruit began as a poem titled “Bitter Fruit” by Abel Meeropol, a son of Russian Jewish immigrants. It has been suggested Meeropol wrote it after seeing a photo of the lynching of two African American teenagers — Thomas Shipp and Abram Smith — in Indiana that happened Aug. 7, 1930, 95 years ago this week.

Holiday began performing Strange Fruit at her shows but eventually recorded it in 1939 over the protests of her record label. Despite radio stations in the South refusing to play it, Strange Fruit became a hit even as it angered many around the country. Until she died in 1959, Holiday was harassed by the federal government in part because of her performances of Strange Fruit.

Strange Fruit’s lyrics can still shock more than 80 years after Billie Holiday made them famous:

“Southern trees bear a strange fruit/ Blood on the leaves and blood at the root/ Black bodies swingin’ in the Southern breeze/ Strange fruit hangin’ from the poplar trees…”

Wrestling with our country’s very messy history is not easy, nor should it be. It holds up a mirror to ourselves, leaving all of us all to ask, Do we learn from our history or just brush it under the rug?

I am thankful that Hayley Williams’ song helped some curious folks educate themselves on parts of our nation’s history that I feel we don’t talk about enough.

Since 2005, Trip has covered politics and state government for the Albuquerque Journal, The New Mexico Independent and the Santa Fe New Mexican. In 2012, he co-founded New Mexico In Depth, a nonpartisan, nonprofit media outlet that produces investigative, data-rich stories with an eye on solutions that can be a catalyst for change.

Police blotter

Michael Smith
-
0
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.

Ex-Artesia basketball player interns at Daily Press

Michael Smith
-
0
Ex-Artesia basketball player interns at Daily Press

JT Keith
Artesia Daily Press
jtkeith@elritomedia.com

Marshall Mecham spent a year (2021-22) at Artesia High School after moving from El Cajon, California. Following his junior year at New Mexico State this summer, he interned for the Artesia Daily Press from June 2 to August 1.

In his senior year at Artesia High, Mecham played a variety of positions on the Bulldogs’ basketball team.

In his lone season with the team, Mecham helped lead the Bulldogs to a 17-12 overall record (4-2 district) and win in a tiebreaker against Goddard for the regular season district championship.

Mecham contributed to the Bulldogs’ five-game winning streak and the district tournament championship with a 50-47 victory over Lovington. Artesia lost to Highlands in the second round of the quarterfinals 83-71, to end his high school basketball career.

“Winning district was great,” Mecham said. “One of my favorite memories is a game when I had 12 points against Shiprock in the Hope Christian Basketball Tournament. That was my best game individually, and we won that game 73-27.”

“I am super proud of him,” Artesia basketball coach Michael Mondragon said. “I am excited to see him following his dreams and becoming a sportswriter.”

Mecham, 20, said while growing up, he moved eight times. One of the reasons Mecham moved so much was that his dad, Arnold Mecham, 46, is a border patrol agent. Right now, his dad is working in Blaine, Washington.

Mecham also lived in Portland and Sandy, Oregon; Corpus Christi and El Paso, Texas; Las Cruces, New Mexico; and Blaine.

Mecham said it was a challenge moving during his senior year and an adjustment to move from a big town like El Cajon to a small town like Artesia.

“It was easy to make friends in Artesia during my senior year because everyone knows each other,” Mecham said. “The transition was not bad, and within the first week, I made many friends playing sports and friends in general.”

Mecham said moving so many times has prepared him for life. He feels that having moved several times will help him with new environments, jobs and meeting new people in the real world.

Mecham will graduate in 2026. He said that he heard of New Mexico when he lived in El Paso, but he never gave too much thought to attending school there. When friends from Artesia went there, he decided to also attend school there.

“I wanted to go to NMSU,” Mecham said. “I followed their sports teams, and the basketball team was in the NCAA Tournament, and my friends from Artesia and El Paso were going there. That made it an easy decision to go there.”

Mecham said he would go to his grandparents, Jeffry and Kathie Dullum, ever since he was young and write stories about his day or a show or movie he liked.

“As I got into sports, I combined sports and writing,” Mecham said. “I found that I wanted to work in journalism, but more specifically, sports. I have always been into sports as a young kid.”

On Mecham’s bucket list professionally is to cover the Portland Trail Blazers, having lived in Portland as a little boy.

“If I could cover a game or interview a player from the Trail Blazers, that would be a dream,” Mecham said. “I think anybody associated with the team would be awesome to do a story on.”

Mecham said he heard about the New Mexico Local News internship during his first year at NMSU. He had other jobs during his first and second years of college, but wanted to have something on his resume during his junior and senior years.

Mecham said he talked to his NMSU sports writing professor, Richard Coltharp, who helped him get an internship.

“He (Coltharp) is a big reason why I got the internship, so I am thankful to him,” Mecham said.

JT Keith can be reached 575-420-0061, or on X @JTKEITH1.

Bowler honors his father, chases his dream

Michael Smith
-
0
Bowler honors his father, chases his dream

JT Keith
Artesia Daily Press
jtkeith@elrtiomedia.com

For David McKay, life became real when his father, Scot McKay, 57, passed away from a heart attack in 2021.

On the day his father died, McKay talked to him as he was leaving the parking lot of Bowlero Bowling Center in Midland, Texas, and told him how he had gone bowling that night.

During the drive back, his mother, Donna McKay, called and told him that his father had suffered a heart attack as he was getting gas at Allsup’s.

After his mother called him and told him that his dad had passed, he went to Lubbock, Texas, to pick up his sisters, Vicki McKay and Angela Martel.

Until then, McKay had been working at the Artesia Lanes Bowling Center and trying to make it on the professional tour for 10 years.

“My dad was always bragging on me to his friends,” McKay said. “He believed in me and was the reason I quit (my job). I wanted to bet on myself before it was too late. My dad died at 57 years old.”

McKay said he began bowling full time in April 2024. McKay said that he was going through some mental struggles and decided to make a full run at qualifying for the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour.

McKay said that he was burned out from working at the bowling alley five days a week and then traveling on Saturdays and Sundays before returning to work. So he decided to quit and take a chance to follow his dreams.

“I am pretty much at peace with following my dreams,” McKay said.

To get on the tour, McKay said he needed a 200 or better average for a full season. He also had to pay entry fees for the tournaments he was entering and his PBA dues, which were $300 a year.

McKay has received sponsorship from Artesia Lanes, Tyrone Kitchen T&C Transport, as well as other businesses, and is also funded by his mother, Donna McKay.

McKay has been the Artesia Lanes Youth League coach for the past 11 years. He also mentors other bowlers at Artesia Lanes to keep the game going.

McKay, 31, was homeschooled and began bowling in Georgia. He started bowling at the age of 14 and joined a homeschool league to learn how to socialize with others.

“Bowling is my life,” McKay said.” I started bowling at 14 and fell in love with it. That is all I do. I love it.”

McKay moved to Artesia in 2013 when his dad was working in the oil field.

McKay’s best finish on the PBA Tour was 19th in Odessa, Texas, in 2021. In honor of his dad’s memory, McKay has his initials, SDM, stitched into the back collar of his shirts.

“He was always there with me when I bowled,” McKay said. “It is a way to keep him with me when I bowl. I have a plan written on my phone, and I have no doubts that I will make it.”

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

Upper Canyon closed for needed repairs

Michael Smith
-
0
Upper Canyon closed for needed repairs

Todd Fuqua
Artesia Daily Press
tfuqua@elritomedia.com

Residents encouraged to leave area

Ruidoso village officials are urging residents to vacate the Upper Canyon area for two weeks or more as major repairs are made to water and sewer infrastructure damaged by flooding throughout July.

The repair work and related disruption of traffic and services will begin at 8 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, and will affect an area stretching along Main Road west of the traffic circle at Fifth Street and extending west to the Mescalero reservation line.

Ruidoso Mayor Lynn D. Crawford, in an interview on KRUI-AM radio, stated this is not a mandated or forced evacuation. No one is required to leave, he said, but those who choose to stay will be without many services, and anyone who leaves the canyon at any time during the construction will not be allowed back into the area.

“It is your prerogative to stay, but you won’t have services and won’t be able to move around the canyon,” Crawford said. “We won’t make special provisions for you.”

Crawford said village and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials have been walking door-to-door, explaining the situation to the more than 600 residents who live in the canyon. According to a press release from the village, anyone displaced by the work will be sheltered in designated local hotels, paid for by the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Additional funding for food and other living expenses is also available from FEMA, the release said.

Those with medical conditions needing help with relocation should contact the Ruidoso Emergency Management Center at 575-258-6901, or toll free at 1-800-621-3362, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Residents also can visit the center, located at Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso at 709 Mechem Drive, from 8 a.m.-7 p.m., seven days a week, or apply for federal disaster assistance online at disasterassistance.gov.

According to village manager Ron Sena, large stretches of Main Road will be torn up to allow workers to assess the extent of damage in the area.

“There are parts of the (sewer) line buried so deep under debris that we can’t get to it. We don’t even know if it’s there,” Sena said. “There are also lift stations that are damaged. We were doing this assessment for FEMA.”

Sena said disruption to travel in the area means there will be no fire or ambulance service while damage is being assessed and repaired. In addition, he said, there will be no sanitation service due to broken sewer lines.

Crawford said Public Service of New Mexico (PNM) will be in the area putting up new power poles and lines, and the sheer number of workers, contractors and equipment in the narrow confines of the canyon will make getting in and out difficult, if not impossible.

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

The future of New Mexico’s health support rests on its social workers

Michael Smith
-
0
The future of New Mexico’s health support rests on its social workers

Richard L. Jones, PhD

In New Mexico, Medicaid is a critical lifeline that serves nearly 880,000 low-income children and adults. New Mexico is the nation’s top recipient of Medicaid, with 40% of residents relying on it for healthcare. But now the One Big Beautiful Bill has introduced more than $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts that threaten to dismantle that safety net. New Mexicans need support more than ever.

Specifically, New Mexico desperately needs social workers who devote themselves to guiding the most vulnerable communities through hardships. As Medicaid requirements become increasingly challenging to navigate, their support is even more critical to ensuring vulnerable communities don’t fall through the cracks. Social workers can help reeling residents navigate eligibility requirements, application processes and regulatory compliance so that they can get the care they deserve.

But it’s not just some communities; all of New Mexico will feel the impact of these sweeping Medicaid cuts. Nearly 90,000 will lose coverage, and more than 250,000 will have to go through complex hoops just to stay enrolled.

As healthcare facilities grapple with billions in decreased funding, patients with and without Medicaid will face higher premiums and co-pays. Healthcare facilities will be forced to pass on costs to patients or completely shut down, creating an exhausting ripple effect across the state. This is where social workers step in by helping close the healthcare access gap.

Social workers help clients stay up-to-date with shifting healthcare policies and connect them with local organizations that provide medical, legal or social support. They also help ensure that inadequate access to transportation doesn’t stop clients from seeking treatment by helping them coordinate rides and appointments. This is critical to elderly, disabled and rural clients who may not have access to reliable transportation.

Rural communities will bear the brunt of Medicaid cuts. With at least 15 rural New Mexico hospitals already at risk of closure, the 37% of Medicaid enrollees who live in these areas will face a disproportionate loss of care. If these hospitals close their doors, patients will be forced to travel long distances to access basic healthcare. But this isn’t possible for everyone, since access to transportation remains a major hurdle in rural areas.

Beyond connecting people with essential services, social workers are also advocates for these vulnerable populations. They push for policies that support their clients’ needs and protect communities that can’t advocate on their own. They have a powerful responsibility and opportunity to speak out for those who are often left out of conversations, including people with disabilities, older adults and non-English speakers.

Social workers have long fought to ensure the state’s vulnerable populations have access to much-needed care, but they can’t do it alone. Now, as New Mexicans’ right to affordable healthcare is under threat, widespread community advocacy is more important and impactful than ever. Every New Mexican has a role to play, whether by calling on local legislators, advocating for increased investment in rural communities or volunteering with local grassroots organizations.

Social workers are pillars of care in New Mexico. They support our friends, family members and neighbors every day. Now is the time to stand with them and help them protect the health and dignity of our communities.

Richard L. Jones, PhD, is the President of the Board at Preferra Insurance Company RRG, a behavioral health liability insurance company overseen by social workers.

1...106107108...256Page 107 of 256