Photos provided by Luke Burns, City of Artesia
Tuesday night was the final meeting Artesia City Councilors George Mullen, Wade Nelson, and Dickie Townley.
Artesia Mayor Jon Henry also presided over his final council meeting.
All four decided not to seek another term during the municipal elections, which took place earlier this month.
A new mayor and council will be sworn in next month.
Story and words by Adrian Hedden
Dancing with the Eddy County Stars wows locals, raises funds
Becky Thompson took the stage at 84 years old, performing a Pink Panther-inspired dance routine, complete with a pink cat-print costume.
She was lost in the crowd after Dancing with the Eddy County Stars concluded, mobbed by her adoring fans.
But Thompson, a local Carlsbad sports legend known as the owner of Becky’s Drive-In, would not take first place in the annual competition hosted by the United Way.
That honor was bestowed via the “Mirror Ball” trophy to Sandra Borges, executive director of Artesia-based nonprofit the PY Foundation.
Borges also took the award for the most funds raised in the days leading up to the competition at $31,520.
In second was Elizabeth Higgins, president of the Carlsbad Rotary Club, who raised $25,630.
The contest sees eight competitors, local celebrities from around Eddy County, train for a week with a professional dancer from the Utah Ballroom Dance Company. The company also hosts the culminating event where the competitors display their performances for a panel of judges and the crowd.
Crowd members submit votes, along with the three judge’s scores. Judges scores are averaged, and the contestant with the highest audience score gets 10 points. The scores are added to the points contestants receive through fundraising – one point per $1,000 raised, with the top fundraiser getting an extra three points.
All three scores – judges, audience and fundraising – are totaled to choose the winner.
To Higgins, 39, the show was all about giving back to the community, and keeping her footing during her dance inspired by the TV show Friends.
“I was just focused on getting through the steps and finishing,” she said. “It’s amazing to hear the support of the fans, and it’s great to support the community.”
Bruce Lesman
When I entertain at home, I’m always looking for dishes that feel indulgent yet leave guests satisfied—not weighed down. This Zucchini Lasagna baked in a loaf pan delivers all the comfort of traditional lasagna while replacing pasta with delicate ribbons of zucchini. Layered with sautéed mushrooms, sweet caramelized onions, creamy ricotta, and bubbling mozzarella, it slices beautifully and presents elegantly on the plate.
Baking it in a loaf pan gives it structure and height, making it perfect for dinner parties or intimate gatherings. It’s rustic, hearty, and surprisingly refined. The mushrooms provide depth and umami, the onions bring gentle sweetness, and the zucchini keeps the dish light yet satisfying.
Why This Version Works
• Naturally lower in carbohydrates
• Elegant loaf presentation for entertaining
• Rich flavor from caramelized onions and mushrooms
• Make-ahead friendly and reheats beautifully
Zucchini Lasagna Loaf (Serves 4–6)
Ingredients
• Vegetable Layers
• 3–4 large zucchini, sliced lengthwise ¼-inch thick
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Cheese Layer
• 1½ cups whole milk ricotta
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Sauce & Topping
• 2 cups high-quality marinara sauce
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
• Additional Parmesan for finishing
Preparation
1. Prepare the Zucchini: Lay zucchini slices on paper towels and lightly salt. Let rest 20–30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry thoroughly. For best texture, lightly roast at 400°F for 8–10 minutes to remove additional moisture.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook onions until soft and lightly caramelized, about 8–10 minutes. Add mushrooms, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until mushrooms release moisture and become golden. Cool slightly.
3. Mix the Cheese Filling: Combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Assemble the Loaf: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Spread a thin layer of marinara, add zucchini slices, ricotta mixture, mushroom-onion mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with marinara and mozzarella on top.
5. Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
6. Rest Before Slicing: Allow lasagna to rest at least 20–30 minutes before removing from the pan. This ensures clean, structured slices perfect for presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve thick slices with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, warm crusty sourdough, and a medium-bodied Italian red wine such as Chianti. For an elegant presentation, spoon a small amount of warm marinara around the base of the slice and finish with fresh basil and shaved Parmesan.
Bruce Lesman is a seasoned culinary professional with decades of experience in fine dining, resort cuisine, and private entertaining. Prior positions, Corporate Director of Cunard and Seabourn Cruise Lines, Vice President of Canyon Ranch Wellness Resorts, Lead consultant, Miami Culinary Institute.
JT Keith
Artesia Daily Press
jtkeith@elrtomedia.com
If you watched Kevin Blake Chandler play basketball at Artesia High School, you knew the moment never intimidated him.
Whether navigating pressure defenses or stepping into a big shots, Chandler carried himself with a calm confidence — a trait that would later take him far beyond the hardwood to an acting career.
That presence was on full display Jan. 5, 2008, when the Bulldogs pulled off one of the biggest upsets in school history, defeating Hobbs 77-74 in overtime at The Pit.
“We hadn’t beaten them in 10 years or more,” Chandler said. “It felt good and gave us confidence for the rest of the season. It made us feel like if we could beat them, we could match up with anyone.”
As a junior, Chandler played strong defense and handled the ball against Hobbs’ vaunted press, a performance highlighted in the Artesia Daily Press coverage of the game.
“Kevin was just a great guy,” said former teammate and current Artesia High School athletic trainer Koby Caton. “He was real. There was no pretense with him. He was fun to be around and brought a lot of intensity. He has always been motivated to do more in life, and I can tell he is headed that way. I am excited and happy for him.”
Chandler played under former Bulldogs coach Ike Montoya, whose intensity he now understands helped prepare him for life beyond basketball.
“On the hardwood, Coach Ike was intense, but in a good way,” Chandler said. “He wanted discipline. He wanted us to be good. It was tough, but it was fun.”
The Bulldogs finished the 2008-09 season as state runner-up, falling to Roswell 59-50 in the championship game. Chandler returned as a senior starter and earned all-star honors.
Chandler said moving from South Georgia to Artesia as a seventh-grader was a culture shock.
“I had never experienced a small-town community,” he said. “At first, I didn’t really understand it.”
As he grew older, his perspective changed.
“I grew to love the community aspect,” Chandler said. “People look out for each other here. To this day, I feel embraced and supported in Artesia.”
That support continues. Chandler said he often hears from people back home when he appears in a show or releases a project.
“It means everything to me,” he said.
Looking back, Chandler understands why his mother, Caren Chandler, moved him and his sister, Payton Chandler, to Artesia.
“Living here was beautiful,” he said.
Chandler graduated in 2010 and attended New Mexico Junior College, where he played basketball for two seasons. The jump proved humbling.
“I knew pretty quickly I would not be the next Michael Jordan,” Chandler said.
He later walked on at New Mexico State University, but a crowded roster and a torn ACL brought his basketball career to an abrupt end.
“Once the ACL happened, I mentally checked out,” Chandler said. “That was it for me.”
With basketball no longer an option, Chandler struggled with his identity. As a child, he loved performing and idolized Michael Jackson. He grew up watching films such as “Free Willy,” “Jurassic Park” and “The Lion King.”
While in college, Chandler began doing skits on campus and eventually auditioned for a student-led play at the ASNMSU Center for the Arts.
He landed the role and quickly realized acting was more than a hobby.
“I could just be myself,” he said. “That’s when I got hooked.”
After graduating from NMSU in December 2016, Chandler had a heart-to-heart conversation with his mother. He told her he wanted to return home, save money and eventually move to Los Angeles to pursue acting.
Her response was immediate.
“If you give it 100%, I support it,” she told him.
Chandler moved back to Artesia in May 2018. His mother did not charge him rent, instead encouraging him to save every dollar.
He ran a monthly basketball camp, worked as a substitute teacher at Artesia Middle School and High School, and waited tables at Adobe Rose Restaurant.
From May 2018 to July 2019, Chandler maintained that pace, saving $20,000 before moving to California.
Chandler said his athletic background prepared him for the realities of Hollywood.
“Sports teach you rejection,” he said. “Every ‘no’ just gets you closer to a ‘yes.’”
He works at a gym to help make ends meet, continues writing his own material and has earned multiple acting credits.
“The more shots I put up,” Chandler said, “the more chances I give myself to get hired.”
Chandler said fame is not his goal.
“I just want my life to count,” he said. “I want to do good work and inspire people to believe they can do whatever they want in life.”
His faith continues to anchor him.
“It only takes one moment,” Chandler said. “That’s why I don’t quit.”
When life in California becomes overwhelming, his thoughts often return home.
“I miss the simplicity of Artesia,” Chandler said. “No one’s in a rush. It is a beautiful and a great place to raise a family.”
JT Keith can be reached at 575-420-0061, or on X @JTKEITH1.
The SENMC Health Clinic will be offering walk-In clinic hours to the community starting in April
The Health Clinic at Southeast New Mexico College is piloting walk-in clinic hours to the community next month.
Medical services are provided by Candace Byers, CNP. The Health Clinic is a teaching site for SENMC health programs, so patients may be cared for by students from phlebotomy, nursing assistant, medical assistant, nursing, or health administration programs during their visit.
The clinic can see adults for acute illnesses, flares of chronic illnesses, minor injuries, “bridge” prescriptions, and mental health concerns. The clinic does not treat minors, provide opiates, or manage serious emergencies.
The clinic also does not bill insurance; all care provided within the walls of the clinic is covered by a $25.00 charge, discounts are offered to send-out lab services. During SENMC’s academic year, hours are Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 2 to 5 p.m.
Call 575.234.9293 for an appointment.
Information and photos provided by New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Trout, a staple of New Mexico fishing, have some company this week in the state’s waterways.
In western New Mexico at Quemado Lake, fishing for trout and tiger muskie was exceptionally good using Trout Slayers.
At Lake Van in southeast New Mexico, fishing for catfish was fair to good using golden Kastmasters.
In Lincoln County at Bonito Lake, trout fishing was good using red worms and Rainbow Garlic Scented PowerBait.
At Grindstone Reservoir, trout fishing good was using PowerBait and salmon eggs.
In northern New Mexico at Conchas Lake, fishing for largemouth bass was slow to fair using plastic tubes.
Streamflow along the Pecos River near Pecos was 23.5 cubic feet per second (cfs) on Wednesday. Trout fishing was good using worms.
Along the Santa Cruz Reservoir, trout fishing was good using a variety of PowerBait.
In Albuquerque at Tingley Beach, trout fishing was incredibly good suing Green Garlic PowerBait and good using Pistol Petes.
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.
March 7
SUSPICIOUS
12:50 pm – Officer dispatched to S. 1st St. and E. Hermosa Dr. in reference to a suspicious person.
FIGHT
2:20 pm – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of N. 13th St. in reference to a fight in progress.
RECKLESS
4:28 pm – Officer dispatched to W. Main St. and S. 20th St. in reference to a reckless vehicle.
DISTURBANCE
6:38 pm -Officer dispatched to E. Main St. and N. 1st St. in reference to disorderly disturbance.
ACCIDENT
7:02 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of W. Richardson Ave. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.
THREATS
7:20 pm – Officer dispatched to 200 block of S. 13th St. in reference to threats.
March 8
Arrest
Richard Carrett Garner arrested for driving while under the influence of intoxication liquor, unlawful use of license driving when privilege to do so has been suspended or revoked.
Carlie Cheyenne Terry arrested for municipal failure to pay.
WELFARE
12:15 am – Officer dispatched to 400 block of W. Washington Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
DOMESTIC
12:50 am – Officer dispatched to 700 block of W. James Ave. in reference to verbal domestic.
WELFARE
8:28 am – Officer dispatched to 400 block of W. Main St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
9:01 am – Officer dispatched to 300 block of W. Quay Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
2:31 pm – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
HARASSMENT
2:17 pm – Officer dispatched to 3300 block of W. Main St. in reference to harassment.
FRAUD
5:45 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 16th St. in reference to fraud.
March 9
Arrest
Michael Varela arrested for battery against a household member, interference with communications, destroying, removing.
RECKLESS
8:03 am – Officer dispatched to 600 block of W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to a reckless vehicle.
WELFARE
10:17 am – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of N. 6th St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
11:25 am – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
GRAFFITI
11:01 am – Officer dispatched to 800 block of W. Lolita Ave. in reference to graffiti.
11:32 am- Officer dispatched to N. 12th St. and W. Main St. in reference to graffiti.
11:37 am – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of N. 8th St. in reference to graffiti.
BURGLARY
2:38 pm – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of S. Roselawn Ave. in reference to structure burglary.
BATTERY
3:43 pm – Officer dispatched to 600 block of W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to battery.
WELFARE
4:19 pm – Officer dispatched to S. 26th St. and W. Grand Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
RECKLESS
5:48 pm – Officer dispatched to 500 block of W. Bullock Ave. in reference to a reckless vehicle.
LARCENY
6:27 pm – Officer dispatched to 2600 block of W. Missouri Ave. in reference to larceny.
SUSPICIOUS
6:54 pm – Officer dispatched to 900 block of W. Missouri Ave. in reference to suspicious activity.
UNWANTED
10:00 pm – Officer dispatched to 300 block of W. Quay Ave. in reference to an unwanted subject.
DOMESTIC
1:49 pm – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to physical domestic.
March 10
Arrest
Lee Anthony Delgado arrested for Municipal Failure to appear, controlled substance possession.
HARASSMENT
5:19 am – Officer dispatched to 700 block of W. Lolita Ave. in reference to harassment.
ACCIDENT
8:12 am – Officer dispatched to S. 10th St. and W. Quay Ave. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.
WELFARE
8:29 am – Officer dispatched to 500 block of W. Bullock Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
March 11
Arrest
Justin Lanning arrested for contempt of court, failure to comply.
Steven Ray Engle arrested for criminal trespass.
Kristyn Dana Hernandez arrested for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs.
Kaycia Rymel Montoya arrested for driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor.
WANTED
8:38 am – Officer dispatched to 100 block of N. 15th St. in reference to a wanted subject.
UNATTEDED DEATH
9:04 am – Officer dispatched to 1600 block of Briscoe Ave. in reference to an unattended death.
SUSPICIOUS
9:33 am- Officer dispatched to 800 block of W. Quay Ave. in reference to a suspicious person.
LARCENY
10:43 am – Officer dispatched to 1600 block of W. Ray Ave. in reference to larceny.
10:51 am – Officer dispatched to 600 block of W. Richardson Ave. in reference to larceny.
11:21 am – Officer dispatched to 1200 block of W. Merchant Ave. in reference to larceny.
DISTURBANCE
10:50 am – Officer dispatched to 600 block of N. Roselawn Ave. in reference to disorderly disturbance.
HARASSMENT
12:23 pm – Officer dispatched to 400 block of N. 26th St. in reference to harassment.
SUSPICIOUS
1:06 pm – Officer dispatched to 1300 block of S. 1st St. in reference to suspicious trespass.
1:25 pm – Officer dispatched to 2500 block of W. Quay Ave. in reference to suspicious vehicle.
WELFARE
5:27 pm – Officer dispatched to 1700 block of W. Main St. in reference to the welfare of a child.
THREATS
7:03 pm – Officer dispatched to 800 block of Catalina Dr. in reference to threats.
DWI
7:33 pm – Officer dispatched to W. Bullock Ave. and S. 5th St. in reference to DWI.
March 12
Arrest
Jamie Leigh Croft arrested for aggravated DWI of intoxicating liquor or drugs, accident involving damage to vehicle,
Angela M. Romero arrested for municipal failure to pay.
SUSPICIOUS
3:10 am – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of W. Ruyan Ave. in reference to suspicious person.
WELFARE
12:17 pm – Officer dispatched to 500 block of W. Bullock Ave. in reference to the welfare of a child.
5:04 pm – Officer dispatched to S. 4th St. and W. Main St. in reference to the welfare of a an adult.
ACCIDENT
12:46 pm – Officer dispatched to S. 20th St. and W. Quay Ave. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.
6:08 pm – Officer dispatched to S. Heath St. and W. Centre Ave. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.
WELFARE
7:08 pm – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of S. 2nd St. in reference to an altered mental welfare.
DOMESTIC
11:02 pm – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to physical domestic.
March 13
WELFARE
1:13 am – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of S. Richey Ave. in reference to the welfare of a child.
2:29 am – Officer dispatched to 1800 block of S. 1st St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
DISTURBANCE
3:13 am – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of W. Mann Ave. in reference to a family disturbance.
BURGLARY
8:01 am -Officer dispatched to 2300 block of Cerro Rd. in reference to an auto burglary.
THREATS
8:10 am – Officer dispatched to 600 block of W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to threats.
LARCENY
9:35 am – Officer dispatched to 800 block of W. Bullock Ave. in reference to larceny.
ACCIDENT
9:50 am -Officer dispatched to S. 1st St. and Main St. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.
BURGLARY
10:48 am – Officer dispatched to 200 block of W. Chisum Ave. in reference to burglary.
11:03 am – Officer dispatched to 100 block of N. 26th St. in reference to burglary.
ACCIDENT
11:50 am – Officer dispatched to 1300 block of W. Gilchrist Ave. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.
1:08 pm – Officer dispatched to E. Main St. and N. 1st St. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.
SUSPICIOUS
1:26 pm – Officer dispatched to 1700 block of W. Main St. in reference to suspicious activity.
WELFARE
3:50 pm – Officer dispatched to 1700 block of Harrison Ct. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
DISTURBANCE
5:02 pm – Officer dispatched to W. Grand and S. 20th St. in reference to disturbance.
THREATS
8:30 pm- Officer dispatched to 1500 block of N. 1st St. in reference to threats.
Staff reports
Sammy Lopez, Jr., a student at Southeast New Mexico College, was named a member of the 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team and will receive a $1,300 scholarship.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion.
Lopez is a “remarkable student whose dedication, leadership, and perseverance exemplify the values of Southeast New Mexico College,” school officials said.
He was awarded the Mountain Lion Student of the Month award for February 2026. Recently, Lopez changed his career path from pre-nursing to pursuing an Associate of Science degree so that he may continue his education and ultimately attend medical school with the goal of specializing in neurology. His said he hopes to attend Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.
Lopez is also highly involved in Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), where he serves as both a chapter officer and a New Mexico regional officer. Through his involvement in PTK, he has earned significant recognition for his achievements, including being named a 2025 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar and being selected this year for the prestigious New Mexico All-State Academic Team. Beyond campus, Lopez is a certified medication aide at CARC, where he assists clients with medication while gaining valuable hands-on healthcare experience, and he also helps care for a disabled family member at home.
“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Paulsen, president of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa to make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals and support tomorrow’s global community leaders.”
Students are nominated for the academic team by their college administrators. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service.
Coca-Cola Academic Team members will be recognized in both local and statewide ceremonies. They will also be recognized internationally during Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst, in Baltimore, Maryland, March 26-28.
“We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for recognizing these student leaders and for investing in their futures,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, president and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “Scholarships like these are integral to the success of these students in reaching their educational and career goals.”
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