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Bulldogs finish strong after slow start

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Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press
msmith@currentargus.com

Artesia trailed 13-12 in the first quarter but picked up the pace as the game wore on and defeated the Moriarty Pintos 69-32 Jan. 4 at the Bulldog Pit.

“They didn’t have any energy,” Artesia head coach Michael Mondragon said of the Bulldogs’ opening quarter performance.

Saturday’s game was the first of 2025 after the Bulldogs ended 2024 Dec. 28 with a 54-50 win over Farmington to take third place in the Hobbs Holiday Tournament.

The Bulldogs led Moriarty 23-18 halfway through the second period and stretched the lead to 35-18 by halftime. Artesia coasted in the second half, outscoring the Pintos 34-14.

Guard Braylon Vega led the Bulldogs with 20 points and Charlie Campbell scored 15.

Artesia opened the season Dec. 5 with a 65-29 victory over Kirtland Central in the Artesia City of Champions Classic, and Mondragon said the Bulldogs have been improving while compiling a 7-4 record.

As the season moves along, the coach said, the Bulldogs will focus on defense and rebounding.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-308-8734 and can be followed on X @MSmithartesianm.

Basketball war comes to Carlsbad

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Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press
msmith@currentargus.com

Carlsbad Cavemen head basketball coach John Zumbrun welcomed the month of January with his team set to be home for a while.

Carlsbad’s last home game was Dec. 10 against Gadsden. At 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, the Cavemen host in-county rival Artesia at Carlsbad High School.

Carlsbad is 8-3 and Artesia is 7-4 coming into the contest.

During a telephone interview Monday, Zumbrun said the Cavemen were road warriors during December with the Gadsden game the only one on their home court. After two road games in Las Cruces this Friday and Saturday, he said, Carlsbad can look forward to four home games this month, including Tuesday night’s contest against the Bulldogs.

“We’re happy to play in the front of the home crowd,” he said, noting that home games allow coaches, players and fans to develop a different routine from having to travel to out-of-town venues.

Zumbrun said Tuesday’s rematch against Artesia would prove to be a good test for the Cavemen after the Bulldogs took game one, 64-51, Dec. 20 at the Bulldog Pit.

To avoid a sweep, Zumbrun said, the Cavemen need aggressive rebounding against an Artesia squad that has a height advantage.

“They hurt us on the boards last time,” he said.

Zumbrun said Carlsbad held its own in other aspects of the game and rebounding was the main focus of pregame preparations.

“They want to play fast,” he said of the Bulldogs.

Zumbrun said Carlsbad needs to find a way to stop Bulldog guards Braylon Vega and Charlie Campbell.

The 6-foot-2 juniors both scored in double figures against the Cavemen last month – Vega had 18 points and Campbell had 11.

“They’ve got great guard play,” Zumbrun said.

Artesia head coach Michael Mondragon praised the Bulldogs’ defensive effort in the Dec. 20 game in Artesia.

“Carlsbad’s type of thing is if they hit shots they’re hard to beat,” he said. “We’ve got to make sure we put active hands on shooters and make sure we rebound and make sure we dominate the paint. Because that’s one area where we’re a lot bigger than they are.”

At 6-foot-4, Carlsbad’s Shane Sullivan can play either small forward or point guard. Carlsbad’s other forward is 6-2 junior Jonah Moyers.

While Artesia power forward and center Trent Egeland is 6-foot-4, center-power forward Clay Kincaid is 6-8 and forward Steven Williams is 6-5.

“It’s going to be a different game in their gym. We know that. We’ve got to make sure we match their energy and play hard,” Mondragon said.

Girls square off too

At 6 p.m. Tuesday at Carlsbad High School, the Cavegirls look for a sweep against the Lady Bulldogs.

Carlsbad needed an extra period to defeat Artesia 58-49 in the opening game of the rivalry Dec. 20 in Artesia.

The Lady Bulldogs led until the fourth quarter when Carlsbad outscored the home team 25-13. A last-second shot by Cavegirl Abbey Dugan tied the score and forced the overtime period as Carlsbad came away with a victory.

Carlsbad is 11-2 and Artesia is 5-6. The Lady Bulldogs earned a 41-32 victory over Taos Saturday.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-308-8734 or email at msmith@currentargus.com.

Harold Herbert Friesner

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A funeral service will be held for Harold Herbert Friesner at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church followed by a graveside service at Woodbine Cemetery.

Pallbearers will include Steve Cyrus, Jr., Bill Cyrus, Brian Shetterly, Travis Kelsey, Brandon Ortega, and Jerry Ortega Jr. Honorary pallbearers will include Ron Friesner, Mike Shetterly, Steve Cyrus, Jerry Ortega Sr., Lynn Terry, Chris Gomez, Dion Gomez, Marcos Cabezuela, and Jerome Rodriguez .

Mr. Friesner, 92, was born on November 5, 1932, to Floyd and Ethel Friesner in Pocahontas, Iowa. He passed away surrounded by the love of his family on December 13, 2024 in Roswell, NM.

On June 6, 1953, Harold married his beloved wife, Donna Grill. In 1976, seeking new opportunities, they moved from Williams, Minnesota, to Artesia, where Harold worked in the oil and gas industry, retiring from Anadarko Petroleum Company.

Harold loved spending quality time with his family, enjoying coffee, sharing jokes, and playing cards, especially when he won. To him, nothing was more valuable than the moments spent surrounded by loved ones. He cherished fishing trips and eagerly anticipated watching football, baseball, boxing, and hockey games.

An avid lover of music, Harold found joy in listening to old-time country tunes, often reminiscing with family about the songs that framed his life. He was particularly fond of his dogs, Frisky and Bentley, who brought smiles to his face and companionship to his days.

Harold is preceeded by his wife, Donna Friesner; father and mother, Floyd and Ethel Friesner; father and mother-in-law, Otto and Esther Grill; sister Viola Henderson; brothers Elmer and Cecil Friesner.

Those left to cherish his memory are son, Ronald Friesner; daughters, Debbie Cyrus and Husband Steve, Cindy Shetterly and Husband Mike, Sheila Ortega and Husband Jerry; grandchildren, Steve Cyrus and wife Janell, Bill Cyrus, Shannon Gomez, Lori, Terry and husband, Lynn, Ashley Friesner, Brandi Kelsey and Husband Travis, Brian Shetterly and Wife Eve, Stephanie Rodriguez and husband Jerome, Jerry Ortega Jr. and Rosa Torres, Brandon Ortega and wife Gina; great grandchildren, Avery Cyrus, Roy Cyrus, Chris Gomez and Marivel Valdez, Dion Gomez , Danielle Cabezuela and husband Marcos, Carlie Terry, Nolan, Charlotte and Kai Kelsey, Riley, Marlie, and Teak Shetterly, Josh, Liam, Hunter, and Corbin Rodriguez; great-great grandchildren, Kayson, Kamdyn, Kaidydn, Zoel, Aviana, Aubree, Kenzlee, Maddox, Kallyhan, Emmalyn and Cayten.

Memorial contributions may be made to charity of your choice. The family would like to thank everyone for the love and time they shared with our dear Harold.

Wanda Hunt

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During the early morning hours of December 15, 2024, Wanda Jean (Collvins) Hunt passed away peacefully at her home in Artesia, New Mexico, at the age of 89. A wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Wanda will be dearly remembered for her generous soft heart and her playfully tacky stubbornness.

Wanda was born June 24, 1935, in Idabel, Oklahoma, and was raised in Dekalb, Texas, with her 9 siblings. On February 6, 1952, she married John A. Hunt, Jr. in Texarkana, Arkansas. They lived in Lamesa, Texas, before settling down in Artesia, New Mexico, raising 3 children. She and her devoted husband of 65 years raised a family rooted in love and togetherness. Wanda was affectionately known as Nana and Great-Nana, roles she cherished most in life. Her home was always a place of warmth, love, and unforgettable family gatherings.

Wanda is survived by daughters Alfreda (Freda) Kay McGreevey and husband Mark of Denton, Texas, and Terri Beth Hamilton of Artesia, New Mexico; brothers Archie R. Collvins, J. Dale Collvins; sisters Patsy N. Telchik, Ernesteen Collvins, Carolyn C. Everette; Grandchildren Sean Steven McGreevey and wife Lisa of Round Rock, Texas, Freya Jeneane Cargill of Hutto, Texas, Mikael Darrick Gleghorn of Breckenridge, Colorado, and William Jefferson Lee Hamilton of Artesia, New Mexico; Great-Grandchildren Austin Tabler Scott and fiancé Kimberly Young of Cedar Park, Texas, Tristin Skye Cargill of Georgetown, Texas, and Brylie Allison Cargill of Hutto, Texas, and Mira Nova McGreevey of Round Rock, Texas.

Wanda is preceded in death by her husband John A. Hunt, Jr.(1931-2017), son Jeffrey Don Hunt (1956-1984), parents Ernest S. and Mabel L. Collvins, siblings Milton W. Collvins, Virginia L. Pewitt, B. Jo Robinson, and Teresa A. Collvins.

Her family takes comfort knowing Wanda is now with her beloved husband John, her son Jeff, and her loyal Yorkie, Tessa, a joyful reunion filled with love and laughter.

Graveside services are scheduled for 10:00 am, Saturday, December 21st at Woodbine Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm till 6:00 pm on Friday, December 20th at Terpening & Son Mortuary.

In honor of Wanda’s generosity, donations may be made to the Assurance Home in Roswell, NM. 

Carolyn Earvelle Schneider

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Carolyn Earvelle Schneider, 81, of Hope, New Mexico, passed away on December 5, 2024, in her hometown of Artesia, New Mexico where she was born and spent much of her life. A dedicated mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, Earvelle was known for her warmth, kindness, and deep commitment to her family.

Earvelle worked for many years as a waitress in many of the different towns where the Schneider family lived; she was appreciated by her employers, co-workers, and customers for her friendly nature and work ethic. She touched the lives of many with her generous spirit and willingness to help those around her. Earvelle enjoyed spending time with her loved ones and found joy in the simple pleasures of life.

She was preceded in death by her father, Samuel Benjamin Hanna, her mother, Ora Pearl Hanna nee McCabe, her stepfather, Edgar Curtis “Tom” Briscoe, an older sister, Elizabeth Marlene Head, and a younger brother, Wesley Alan Briscoe.

Earvelle is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Francis Darrell Schneider of Hope, New Mexico, a daughter, Thresa Benson, of Lovington, New Mexico, two sons, Michael Schneider of Lubbock, Texas, and Jesse Schneider and wife Patty of Palm Bay, Florida; four grandchildren, Kristen Gonzalez and husband Jerry of Lovington, New Mexico, Jennifer Martinez and husband Adam of Lovington, New Mexico, Casey Schneider of Melbourne, Florida, and Dillon Schneider and wife Gwyneth of Merritt Island, Florida; six great-grandchildren, Garrett Benson, Bastian Gonzalez, Tristan Gonzalez, Iziah Martinez, Pilot Martinez, Abrahm Martinez, and one great-great-grandchild, Zavier Gonzalez.

She is also survived by her sisters Wilma Privetts and husband Bill of Denver City, Texas, and Lana Powell and husband Kenny, of Brownfield, Texas, as well as her brothers Curtis Briscoe of Carlsbad, New Mexico, and Phillip Briscoe of Artesia, New Mexico, in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Graveside services were held December 9, 2024 at the Hope Upper Cemetery in Hope, New Mexico. Earvelle’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Richard Zuniga

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Richard Pablo Zuniga, 75, was born on September 1, 1949, in San Angelo, TX, to C.S. and Esperanza Zuniga. He passed away in his sleep on December 16, 2024, at his family home in Artesia.

Richard and his wife Deborah met in Lubbock before relocating to Artesia, New Mexico, in 1985. Richard worked for the Artesia Fire Department until retiring as Deputy Chief in 2008.

Richard is preceded by his father and mother, C. S. and Esperanza Zuniga; father and mother-in-law, Lionel and Mary Deloach; brother Henry; and sisters Lola and Romona.

Richard is survived by his wife, Deborah; daughters Sandra and husband Mark; Jennifer and husband Jeff; sons David and wife Regina; Ryan and fiancé Jennifer; and Jarod and wife Tejay; fourteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Memorial services are scheduled for 11:00 am, Saturday, December 21st, at Hermosa Church of Christ.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorial contributions to be made to Hermosa Church of Christ, Artesia, NM, in Richard’s name. The family would like to thank all of the friends and family who have provided support and well wishes during this difficult time.

Jimmy Sanders

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Jimmy Sanders, 67, died on December 24, 2024 in Carlsbad, New Mexico.

Jimmy was born on September 8, 1957 in Iraan, Texas; the son of Alfred Sanders and Sandra Cowen Sanders.

He was preceded in death by A son Dru Sanders and his parents.

Survivors include his wife Monti Sanders; a daughter Makinzie Sanders; son in law Kyle Goodner ; daughter-in-law Bonnie Sanders; brothers Floyd Sanders (Kristin Sanders), Louis Sanders (Nichole Sanders), Walt Sanders (Destiny Sanders) and Robbie Sanders (Schalicia Sanders) ; Step mother Angel Sanders; Step father Lonnie Dawson and also by grandchildren Emma Sanders, Hanna Sanders, Jayci Sanders, Kaizlee Goodner, and Kylan Goodner, along with numerous nieces, nephews.

Jimmy enjoyed Hunting, Fishing, Watching horse racing in Ruidoso downs , and Dallas Cowboys football, he was always up for a good time.

A come and go gathering is scheduled from 11 am to 12:30 pm Saturday, December 28, at Terpening & Son Mortuary Artesia, New Mexico.

Troyce Lee Boone

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Troyce Lee Boone, 54, passed away on December 25, 2024 in Lubbock, TX. Troyce was born April 14,1970, in Portales, NM; the son of Terry Lee and Mary Lou Boone.
Troyce grew up in Floyd, NM, a farming community. Starting as a young boy, he spent many days farming alongside his dad. Troyce was baptized at Floyd Baptist Church and continued this faith throughout his entire life. He went to Floyd High School where they won 2 State Basketball Championships. He graduated in 1988. Following graduation, he attended NMJC on a baseball scholarship. Troyce was an incredible athlete, teammate and friend.
During the next phase of his life, Troyce was involved in several different careers and business adventures. He was an avid entrepreneur while at the same time being a father to his two sons and later his daughter, Tatum. Being a father was a true highlight of his life.
On June 29, 2013, at the Smokin on the Pecos BBQ event, he married the love of his life, Leah Turnbough-Smith and began a new chapter in Artesia, NM. Troyce quickly became invested in the community of Artesia and made many friends during his time there. Troyce and Leah lived happily in Artesia until his unexpected passing. Together they loved to travel any chance they could and especially enjoyed spontaneous getaways to Ruidoso, NM.
He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and various aunts and uncles.
He is survived by his wife Leah, son Tyler Lee Boone, son Taylor Lee Boone, his wife Cynthia, and children Tayson Lee and Taylyn LeeAnn of Canyon, TX, daughter Tatum Lynn Avery Boone of Roswell, NM, step-daughter Joli Harris and husband Tanner of Artesia, NM and; his Sister, Betsy Shields and family Alton, Tara and Terrence of Roswell, NM.
Above everything else in his life, Troyce was a devoted family man who adored his wife, sons, daughters, grandchildren and extended family. Troyce cherished his beloved Australian Shepard, Jake who was his constant companion. Troyce was an avid collector of many hobbies. He had a passion for cooking and was an expert pasta maker. He also loved hunting and fishing with his sons and son-in-law and enjoyed playing golf and bowling with many friends over the years. Troyce loved his country and had strong conservative values. In his free time, Troyce enjoyed welding and woodworking projects and was very proud of his many creations. One of his favorite places to be was poolside with family and friends.
Troyce was known for his beautiful smile and his contagious laugh. His sense of humor was unmatched and he never knew a stranger. He was so loved and will be missed by so many.
Memorial services for Troyce Lee Boone, 54, of Artesia, NM will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 10:30 am. The services will be held at First Christian Church, 1006 West Bullock with Rev. David Grousnick officiating.

SARAH KATHERINE POLLOCK

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Services are scheduled for 10:00 am January 2, 2025 at New Hope Baptist Church for Sarah Katherine Katy Pollock of Artesia, New Mexico. Visitation will be prior to the service from 9:00am – 10:00am at New Hope Baptist Church.
Mrs. Pollock, 89, passed away on December 29, 2024 in Artesia surrounded by loved ones.
Justin Swafford and Red Del Rio will officiate the services, with burial at Woodbine Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ricky Swafford, Justin Swafford, Seth Pollock, Justin Stewart, Justin Thomas Swafford, and Trenton Swafford. Honorary pallbearers include Stuart Swafford and Colby Stageberg.
Katy was born June 15, 1935 in Artesia, New Mexico, to Robert Harrison Pinson and Birdie L. Dealy Swinford Pinson. She spent her entire life in Artesia.
She married the love of her life, Jimmie Neal Pollock, Sr, on August 12, 1954 in Artesia. They were married for 68 years and had 2 wonderful children, Dealy Christine Pollock (Swafford), and Jimmie Neal Pollock, Jr.
Nina, as she was referred to by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Nina loved to spend time in the kitchen making various goodies like Gourd Seed, Pumpkin Cake, Cheese Cake, or her award winning Banana Nut Bread.
She was preceded in death by her husband Jim, her parents, brothers, Walt Pinson, Pinky Pinson, Charlie Pinson, sister Irene Pinson Ellis, son Jimmie Neal Pollock, Jr., and great-grandchildren Addyson Mae and Robert Henry Swafford. She is survived by her daughter Christine Swafford and husband Rick of Artesia; sister Onie Davis of Artesia, and brother Willie Pinson and wife Denise of Artesia; grandchildren Ricky Swafford of Irving, TX, Justin Swafford and wife Michelle of Sapulpa, OK, Stuart Swafford and wife Melissa of Lubbock, TX, Jessica Stewart and husband Justin of Phoenix, AZ, Kara Stageberg and husband Colby of Clovis, NM, and Seth Pollock and wife Kaitlen of Clovis, NM; great-grandchildren Justin Thomas Swafford, Shae Danielle Stageberg, Trenton Alan Swafford, Layton Gene Stageberg, Emma Dealy Stewart, Lyncoln Rae Pollock, Westin Neal Pollock, Katherine Mae Swafford, Brayleigh Renee Swafford, Owen Charles Swafford, and Charlotte Quinn Stewart.

Eddy County to swear in new commissioners at Tuesday meeting

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Adrian Hedden
El Rito Media
achedden@currentargus.com

Newly elected and reelected Eddy County commissioners will be sworn in during a ceremony at the Jan. 7 commission meeting in the body’s chambers at the Eddy County Administration Building in Carlsbad.

The incoming commissioners were elected to four-year terms in the Nov. 5 general election along with the county’s new sheriff and treasurer.

District 5 Commissioner Sarah Cordova of Carlsbad will return to her post while Hayley Klein of Artesia will take over the District 2 seat after Artesia Mayor Jon Henry stepped down to run for state representative in New Mexico’s 54th House District. He ran unopposed.

Phillip Troost will be sworn in as District 3 commissioner, succeeding Fred Beard who opted to not seek another term. Commission Chairman Bo Bowen’s term as District 4 commissioner runs through 2026.

Commissioners will vote to elect a chairman and vice chairman for the coming year.

Incoming Sheriff Matthew Hutchinson, formerly the county’s undersheriff, succeeds Mark Cage who will assume the position of undersheriff. Cage was ineligible to seek reelection after serving two four-year terms as sheriff.

Hutchinson ran unopposed in the November election after defeating Victor Martinez in the June Republican primary.

Patricia Carrasco is the incoming county treasurer, succeeding Laurie Pruitt who chose not to run again.

The newly elected officials will benefit from a new pay scale for elected officials adopted last month by the county commission. The sheriff’s annual salary will nearly double from $78,000 per year to $153,000; the country treasurer’s salary jumps from $75,000 to $129,000; and commissioners’ pay jumps $18,000 per year, from the previous level of $26,000 to $44,000.

Commissioners Bowen and Ernie Carlson (District 1) will not receive the higher salaries because they still have two years to serve on their current terms and the state constitution prohibits public officials from increasing or diminishing the salaries of incumbents during their terms in office.

The salary hikes were made by possible by New Mexico Constitutional Amendment 4, which the state’s voters approved in the Nov. 5 general election. Passage of the amendment transferred authority for setting salaries for the county’s elected officials from the state Legislature to county commissioners.

Other business

Also on the commission’s agenda is a discussion requested by Hutchinson about the undersheriff’s salary. No official action will be taken.

Carrasco and Pruitt will present the annual treasurer’s report for 2024, detailing the year’s finances.

The report showed Eddy County had about $166 million in its general fund, with about $2.6 million in property valuation. Other key funds were the building construction fund ($110.2 million) and the capital improvement fund ($124.6 million). The county had about $635.4 million in total claims on cash, according to the treasurer’s report.

Tuesday’s meeting will be the first to include new County Manager Mike Gallagher, who was appointed last month. He previously served as Lea County manager.

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