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Americans expected to legally bet billions on Big Game

Michael Smith
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Americans expected to legally bet billions on Big Game

(Reuters) – A record $1.39 billion will be legally wagered in the United States on Sunday’s Super Bowl match-up between the two-times defending champion Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, the American Gaming Association said on Tuesday.

In years past, the trade group representing the U.S. casino industry did not break out an estimate solely for legal bets but rather one for all wagers, including those placed online, with a sportsbook, unlicensed bookmaker or casually with friends.

But with years of legal operations in several U.S. states, the AGA said it now analyzes historical revenue data and other trends to develop a legal wager estimate for major U.S. sports betting moments.

The AGA’s estimate for Super Bowl bets in up 11.2% from the $1.25 billion that gambling and research firm Eilers & Krejcik predicted would be legally bet on last year’s NFL championship in Las Vegas between the Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers.

“No single event unites sports fans like the Super Bowl, and that excitement extends to sports betting, with this year’s record legal handle reflecting its widespread appeal,” AGA President and CEO Bill Miller said in a news release.

“This figure underscores the positive impact of the legal market—from protecting consumers to generating tax revenue that benefits communities across the country—while enhancing the game experience for all.”

In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down federal ban on sports betting. Since the ruling, 38 states and the District of Columbia have now legalized sports betting in some form.

The NFL’s championship game creates an annual betting bonanza and this year’s edition will be played in New Orleans for a record-tying 11th time.

The Chiefs, appearing in the Super Bowl for the fifth time in six years and seeking an unprecedented third consecutive NFL championship, are slight favorites to beat the Eagles in a rematch of the February 2023 title clash.

So, how brave are you?

Michael Smith
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So, how brave are you?

By: Pastor David Grousnick

Many years ago, the great explorer, Sir Francis Drake, was attempting to recruit a number of young men for an upcoming exploration. He gathered them around and told the group that if they came with him, they would see some of the most marvelous things their eyes could ever behold. Sandy white beaches, juicy fruits, foreign peoples, priceless treasures, and gorgeous landscapes.

And he told them that this wild adventure could be theirs if they came with him. Not one of them enlisted for the journey.

The next day a different group came out. Drake told them that if they came with him, they would encounter storms that would terrify them into tears. Tiger winds would hammer them and blow them off course for months. Water would frequently be scarce. At times they will be so thirsty that their very souls would cry out for simply one drop of water. In short, danger would always be their constant companion.

Drake concluded by declaring that if they could handle these things, the joys of exploration would exceed their wildest dreams. Every single one of them in the group joined Sir Francis Drake that day, some did not even go home to say goodbye to their families, they just boarded the boat eager for the journey.

What made the difference in these two groups?

Why did the first group turn down the mission and the second jump at the chance?

Was the second group different and more adventurous than the first?

The answer is: No. It is not the men who had changed; it was the message.

The first spoke of rewards. The second spoke of challenges.

The first offered comfort; the second promised suffering.

The first tempted them with things; the second seduced them with an experience unlike any other.

I like to think that Sir Francis Drake discovered what Jesus knew all too well. And that is this: The paths that are offered to us must promise to shape us, build our character, change our world view, if they are to have any appeal to us at all.

If we are presented with a challenge that will change, we will be eager for the journey. That is what Luke 5:1-11 is all about – being brave!

So, how brave are we?

Let me tell you a true, but humorous and slightly scandalous story that comes out of the early days of the church.

When the father of Origen, a third century theologian, was arrested for being a Christian, Origen, then only 17, was aflame with the desire to follow his Dad and share in glorious martyrdom. His mother pleaded with him not to go, but the headstrong boy did not want to listen to reason.

His quick-thinking mother did what she could. She hid his clothes. Though Origen stormed and protested, she wouldn’t reveal where they were hidden. He couldn’t leave the house, and so he was unable to volunteer for martyrdom.

Isn’t it interesting? Origen was brave enough to be martyred but not brave enough to go outside naked. Stepping outside without clothing would have sped up his arrest and imprisonment, but it was a step he was unwilling to take.

In a sense, I suspect that talking with a friend about our faith is, for many of us, the equivalent of going outside naked. It makes us uncomfortable. We feel exposed. We declare that we will give our lives for Christ if he should ask it, but to risk a bit of embarrassment for him seems to be beyond our level of discipleship.

How sad. The disciples were willing to forsake everything including the esteem of their friends.

How brave are you?

Have a great and Super weekend!

David Grousnick, is the Pastor at the First Christian Church in Artesia.

Bill to move oil and gas away from schools advances in House

Michael Smith
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Bill to move oil and gas away from schools advances in House

Adrian Hedden
Carlsbad Current-Argus
achedden@currentargus.com

Oil and gas companies could be forced to build drilling rigs and other facilities a mile from all schools in New Mexico if a bill advancing through the New Mexico Legislature becomes law.

House Bill 35 was advanced by the House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee on a party-line vote with seven Democrats in favor and four Republicans voting no.

The bill cleared the committee without a recommendation, one of several options available to committees discussing bills during the legislative session. Committee members can approve a “do pass” or “do not pass” recommendation calling on the next committee that considers the bill to move it on or kill it; advance the bill with no recommendation; or “table” the bill to hold it back from further discussion.

With Tuesday’s vote, HB 35 must still be approved by the two required House committees, followed by a vote on the House floor before moving on to the Senate for a similar process.

Ahead of the vote to advance the bill, HB 35 survived a motion to table on a 7-4 vote with the same Republicans who voted no on advancing the bill also voting to table it. The motion to table was made by Rep. Rod Montoya (R-1) of Farmington.

What does the bill do?

If it makes it to the desk of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and she signs it into law, HB 35 will impose the 1-mile setback between oil and gas facilities and schools, parks, or playgrounds associated with schools. Supporters say the setbacks, termed “Children’s Health Protection Zones,” would protect children from air pollution linked to oil and gas operations.

Any operations currently within such a zone would be subject to increased emissions monitoring. HB 35 also would give the state the authority to fine operators $30,000 per day, capped at a total of $3 million, for violations.

Montoya and other Republican opponents of the bill criticized the legislation as an effort to stymie New Mexico’s nation-leading oil and gas industry and curb economic growth in the state’s oil and gas regions: the southeast Permian Basin and northwest San Juan Basin.

Several local municipalities, including the city of Carlsbad, already have such setbacks in place, opponents of the bill argued. In the case of Carlsbad, an ordinance in effect since 2004 requires a 500-foot distance between oil and gas facilities and any buildings within the city limits.

“Each community has a setback that works for them,” said Jim Winchester, president of the Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico, who spoke against the bill before the vote. “The local communities have not asked for a one-size-fits-all rule.”

But Kayley Shoup, a Carlsbad resident and member of local environmental nonprofit Citizens Caring for the Future, said existing municipal regulations and the state’s current fines could be inadequate to prevent worsening pollution.

Despite existing regulations, Shoup said, ozone levels have continued to rise in the southeast region, meaning stronger restrictions are needed.

“We’re actually one of the only regions in the country where ozone levels are rising, not declining,” she said. “These penalties must be large enough that there is an impact to these oil and gas companies, and it’s not just absorbed into their cost of business as it usually is.”

HB 35 sponsor Rep. Debra Sarinana (D-21) of Albuquerque said a statewide setback is needed in state law to ensure adequate protection for New Mexico schoolchildren, who she said are some of the state’s most vulnerable people.

Sarinana contended air quality was worsening, especially in the Permian Basin region shared by Eddy and Lea counties, where oil and gas operations continued to grow.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said in 2022 it was investigating levels of ground-level ozone, or smog, in the area linked to oil and gas operations, and could list the entire region – Texas and New Mexico – out of compliance with the Clean Air Act. That could slow federal permits needed for oil and gas operations.

“We are not trying to shut down the oil and gas industry,” Sarinana said. “We are trying to hold them accountable.”

Rep. Elaine Sena Cortez (R-62) of Hobbs voted against the bill, calling it an “attack” on the oil and gas industry and a threat to the $13 billion the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association reported the industry contributed to state and local governments last year.

“A bill that will result in fewer dollars to educate our students and fewer jobs for hard working New Mexicans is not a serious proposal,” Sena Cortez said after the vote. “We must stop HB35 from continuing onward for the sake of our state’s future.”

Trained singer teaches life-saving skills on slopes

Michael Smith
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Trained singer teaches life-saving skills on slopes

Mike Smith
El Rito Media
msmith@currentargus.com

Taos resident Nicole Ponte was at a crossroads when she moved to New Mexico after graduating from the University of Southern Maine in 2020.

Trained in classical voice work, Ponte was already enrolled in a classical studies program at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. But she always had an interest in working as an emergency medical technician so instead of continuing her voice studies, she enrolled in an EMT course at UNM.

Now, with her EMT training complete, she is a full-time ski patroller at Taos Ski Valley and on Saturday, Feb. 8, she is coordinating a junior ski patrol day at the northern New Mexico resort.

This is the second year for the program, Ponte said during a telephone interview while preparing for the daylong event designed to teach the basics of ski patrolling to youngsters 8 to 14 years of age.

On Saturday morning, Ponte said, participants will learn basic medical techniques for treating injured skiers – “What to look out for and how to apply splints.”

During the afternoon sessions, the youngsters will gain firsthand knowledge of avalanche dog rescues and other aspects of snow safety.

Ponte, who serves as a brand ambassador for the New Mexico branch of She Jumps – a Salt Lake City-based organization dedicated to providing outdoor activities for women and girls – said she wants kids to come away from Saturday’s activities with some insights into the work that displaced music as her chosen profession.

“It’s a very dynamic career,” she said. “I love it.”

Snowfall offsets springlike conditions this week

Northern New Mexico ski resorts benefited from 12 to 18 inches of snow last week with above-normal temperatures expected this week.

The National Weather Service in Albuquerque were predicting temperatures 11 to 22 degrees above normal in the wake of last week’s three-day winter storm, said Christy Germscheid, executive director of Ski New Mexico.

“Basically, Ski Santa Fe, Sipapu, Taos and Angel Fire were the big winners, but any snow total right now makes every resort a winner,” she said.

Fourteen inches of new snow had fallen at Sipapu and Ski Santa Fe as of Monday, Feb. 3, while Taos Ski Valley had 10 inches of new snow.

Germscheid said ski operators were not frowning about the sudden warmup that was expected to push temperatures into the low-to-mid 50s.

“The warm weather makes skiing on this fresh powder the perfect combination of winter snow conditions with spring temps,” she said. “If it continues on this warm trajectory it will cause some issues but at the moment, give us the storm and then the sunshine and we will enjoy some incredible skiing the next two months.”

Here’s a rundown of skiing conditions as of Monday, Feb. 3:
(Information provided by Ski New Mexico)

Angel Fire had a base depth of 29 inches with 67 of 86 trails open and 7 of 7 lifts open.

Pajarito Mountain had a base depth of 14 inches with 40 of 53 trails open.

Red River Ski Area had a base depth of 24 inches with 48 of 64 trails open and 7 of 7 lifts open.

Sandia Peak Ski Area had a base depth of 6 inches with 2 to 4 trails open.

Sipapu had a 24-inch base depth with 21 of 44 trails open and 4 of 6 lifts open.

Ski Apache had a 36-inch base depth with 9 of 55 trails open.

Ski Santa Fe had a base depth of 34 inches with 82 of 90 trails open and 6 of 7 lifts open.

Taos Ski Valley had a 30-inch base depth with 74 of 120 trails open and 12 of 13 lifts open.

Ski Cloudcroft had a base depth of 10 inches with the Tubing Hill and Bunny Slope both open on Saturday and Sunday.

Note: Snow conditions can change after this report is compiled.

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

Bulldogs off to perfect start in league play

Michael Smith
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Bulldogs off to perfect start in league play

Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press
msmith@currentargus.com

Artesia Bulldogs head basketball coach Michael Mondragon says district competition brings a sense of urgency as teams in New Mexico vie for postseason play in March.

Tuesday night at the Bulldog Pit, Artesia (14-7,2-0) survived a tough first half against the Portales Rams (11-10, 1-1) in the second District 4-4A contest of the year for both schools, defeating the Rams 74-48 after fine tuning the second-half game plan.

“Portales did a good job coming in and fighting,” Mondragon said during a postgame interview. “It’s district. All teams are going to play hard. All teams are out here fighting for their lives trying to get a good seed in the state tournament.”

During the opening half, he said, the Bulldogs hurt themselves with turnovers and some fouls.

“We know we’ve got depth. We know we’ve got a great team that can handle a lot of things,” Mondragon said. The team “really responded” after halftime and “came out with a huge third quarter,” he said.

The Bulldogs led 25-22 at the half but outscored the Rams 29-11 in the third period with firepower provided by junior guards Braylon Vega and Charlie Campbell and 6-foot-4 junior power forward/center Trent Egeland.

Vega was Artesia’s leading scorer with 18 points. Campbell had 15, Egeland had 12 and Clay Kincaid added 9.

Mondragon said Egeland and Kincaid, a 6-8 center/power forward, complement the outside play of Vega and Campbell.

“We’re a great team, you can’t just stop one,” he said. “Clay got into some early foul trouble that kind of hurt him. Trent is just a trash guy for us. He (has) great offensive rebounds, putbacks, always in the right place at the right time and with our size and our length teams can’t guard us. Our guards did a great job of getting them the ball and scoring down low.”

At 7 p.m. Friday at the Bulldog Pit, Artesia wraps up the first half of district play against Goddard.

Mondragon said the Bulldogs are getting better and expects challenges from Goddard, Lovington and Portales as the regular season concludes Feb. 21.

Portales outduels Lady Bulldogs

Artesia could not overcome a slow start and punishing defense by the Lady Rams as Portales posted a 57-32 victory Tuesday night at the Bulldog Pit.

In the opening period, Artesia (9-12, 1-1) had trouble making baskets from the floor. Free throws were the saving grace for the Lady Bulldogs as Portales (12-9, 2-0) ran up a 13-7 lead.

Free throws continued to be Artesia’s friend in the second period as the Lady Bulldogs kept the game close. Portales led 24-17 at halftime.

“The first six to seven points were nothing but foul shots,” said Artesia head coach Candace Pollard. “Foul shots kept us in the game. These free throws matter when it comes down to crunch time.”

Kailee Padilla was Artesia’s leading scorer with 10 points.

Artesia wraps up the first half of district play against Goddard at 5:30 p.m. Friday at the Bulldog Pit.

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

Hyperbaric Medicine helps non-healing wounds

Michael Smith
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Hyperbaric Medicine helps non-healing wounds

Staff reports

Hyperbaric medicine is designed to help heal patients patients suffering from chronic, non-healing wounds. Therapy offered at Artesia General Hospital’s Wound Care Center, provides this treatment option for patients in Southeast New Mexico.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a non-invasive treatment that delivers 100% oxygen at increased atmospheric pressure, promoting tissue healing and fighting infection. It is particularly effective for patients with diabetic foot ulcers, radiation injuries, non-healing surgical wounds, and severe infections that have not responded to conventional treatments.

How hyperbaric oxygen therapy works

During HBOT sessions, patients relax in a specialized chamber where they breathe in pure oxygen under increased pressure. This process enhances oxygen delivery to damaged tissues, stimulating new blood vessel growth, reducing swelling and boosting the body’s natural ability to heal. Sessions typically last 90 to 120 minutes and are painless and comfortable for patients.

“Chronic wounds can have a devastating impact on a patient’s quality of life,” said Dr. Jennifer Chow, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist and wound care specialist at AGH.

“Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been a game-changer in treating complex wounds, especially for diabetic patients. It accelerates healing, reduces the risk of amputation, and provides hope for patients who have struggled to find solutions.”

Who Can Benefit from Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

• HBOT is FDA-approved for treating a variety of conditions, including:

• Diabetic foot ulcers that are at risk of infection or amputation

• Radiation tissue damage from cancer treatments

• Chronic non-healing surgical wounds

• Osteomyelitis (bone infections)

• Crush injuries and traumatic wounds

• Carbon monoxide poisoning and gas embolism injuries

For patients with long-term, non-healing wounds, HBOT offers a faster path to recovery by delivering oxygen directly to damaged tissues.

Dr. Michael Mann, MD, a board-certified general surgeon at AGH, also emphasized the importance of HBOT for post-surgical recovery and complex wound management.

“As a surgeon, I see patients who struggle with non-healing wounds after procedures or injuries,” Dr. Mann said. “Hyperbaric oxygen therapy provides an essential tool for improving surgical outcomes and preventing serious complications. It allows us to enhance recovery, especially for patients at risk of infection or poor circulation.”

Improving Access to Advanced Wound Care

Many rural patients previously had to travel long distances to receive HBOT, but now they can receive the wound care locally without leaving their community.

“At Artesia General Hospital, we strive to bring the most effective, evidence-based treatments to our patients,” said AGH CEO Dr. Joe Salgado. “By offering hyperbaric oxygen therapy, we’re ensuring that our community has access to one of the most advanced wound healing technologies available today.”

How to Access Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at AGH

Patients interested in hyperbaric oxygen therapy at AGH can schedule an evaluation through the Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine Center. Most insurance plans cover HBOT for approved conditions, and AGH’s wound care specialists work closely with referring physicians to develop personalized treatment plans.

Appointments for a consultation can be made by calling Artesia General’s Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine Center at 575-736-8235.

For more information about Hyperbaric Medicine and Wound Care Services at Artesia General Hospital, visit artesiageneral.com.

Repent of Your Sins

Michael Smith
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Repent of Your Sins

By: Pastor Rick Smith

The old preacher said this about sin: “Sin will take you father than you want to go, and keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.” That is a very sound and concise sermon outline as it relates to sin. Each part has solid Biblical references to confirm the truth of it. I believe that if we would meditate on it we could all vouch that it is true. For instance, hate becomes murder, one taste of alcohol or drugs becomes addiction, and how many families have been destroyed because of the sin of adultery. The wages of sin is surely death. “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:21).

I think that we need to understand what sin is. First of all, sin is a transgression of the law. “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” (1 John 3:4). This means breaking the Ten Commandment, but it is much more than just that. It is disobeying God. Adam and Eve didn’t have the Ten, but they had one commandment to obey, broke it, and plunge all man into sin. Secondly, sin is doing anything that is doubtful. “And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23). And thirdly, sin is not doing what you know that you ought to do. “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17). Really, anything that God does not aprove is sin.

But for the moment, let’s look into the mirror of God’s law – the Ten Commandments. Many can give you all ten, but most of us know at least the majority of the commandments. For times sake, look with me at just three. First, consider the first commandment. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3). Have you placed anything ahead of God’s place in your life. Now this is tricky. What takes first place in your life: your job, your hobbies, your pleasures? If I were to asked your family and friends what was first in your life, what would they say? Also, here is an easy one, “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” (Exodus 20:7). Have you used God’s name as a filthy curse word? If you have you have broken the third commandment. Now, think about this one: Have you ever told a lie? That is the ninth commandment. “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” (Exodus 20:16). Now this is just three commandments. If we went through them all, not one of us would be guiltless. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23).

So what is the solution to this problem? What is the remedy for sin? The answer is simple – Jesus. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). God does not excuse those that sin. “The wages of sin is death…” But God does provide a solution. “…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23). You and I have sinned and deserve death in hell, but God in His love and grace gave His Own Son to take our place and pay the price of death for our sins. John the Baptist called Jesus the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the whole world (John 1:29).

Look into the mirror of God’s Law. What do you see? You ought to see a wretched sinner, because you know you have sinned. Now, look to the Savior. Jesus died in your place for your sins. “Because the sinless Savior died, My sinful soul is counted free, For God the just is satisfied To look on him and pardon me, To look on him and pardon me.” Why don’t you repent and turn from your sin placing all your sins on Jesus and receive Him by faith as the Lord and Master of your life?

If you have any questions, we invite you to visit with us this Sunday. Worship at 10:50 A.M. We are located at 711 West Washington Ave. Check our sermon videos on Youtube @ricksmith2541. Send comments and prayer requests to prayerlinecmbc@gmail.com.

Rick Smith is the Pastor at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Artesia.

New Mexico needs a 5-Year Strategic Plan

Michael Smith
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New Mexico needs a 5-Year Strategic Plan

By: Ken Miyagishima

As we welcome the new year, I would like to extend my warmest greetings to the 70 state representatives and 42 state senators joining New Mexico’s 57th Legislature. I am deeply grateful for the many dedicated individuals who generously dedicate their time and resources to enhancing the quality of life in our state.

It has been 14 months since my retirement as mayor of Las Cruces, but the city is well-prepared to move forward with several key initiatives, thanks to the comprehensive five-year Strategic Plan that my colleagues and I crafted. This plan showcases the significant strides our city has made over the past 16 years during my tenure as mayor.

I bring up the Strategic Plan because I have noticed various cabinet members outlining their strategic objectives; however, I have yet to see a unified plan for the state as a whole. While I acknowledge the absence of such a plan, I believe it would be beneficial to convene the legislature for statewide town hall meetings where legislators and residents can collaborate to develop citizen-led initiatives. Moreover, I see great potential in collaborating with legislators on specific state goals and exploring ways to achieve them outside the legislative session.

A prime example of collaborative planning is the City of Las Cruces’ request for $4.5 million to enhance affordable housing initiatives, including the construction of a 50-unit apartment complex. I commend my former colleagues for their efforts to expand the city’s affordable housing inventory.

Imagine if the state could build housing units throughout New Mexico and sell them at cost with reasonable interest rates. This strategy would not only expedite the availability of essential housing and job opportunities statewide but also help residents realize the American dream of homeownership, decrease rental costs due to increased supply, and generate revenue for the state.

By organizing statewide “work sessions” throughout the year, local elected officials, city councilors, and county commissioners could share and learn from successful practices being implemented in various cities and counties across New Mexico.

One of the most innovative initiatives launched by the Las Cruces Fire Department is Project L.I.G.H.T., which stands for “Lessening the Incidence of Grief, Harm, and Trauma.” This program offers holistic support to residents facing mental health or substance use challenges, providing trauma-informed care through specially trained mental health providers and paramedics during critical situations. I believe Albuquerque has a similar initiative to Project L.I.G.H.T.

Finally, the city is seeking $1.5 million for crime reduction initiatives, including the installation of additional traffic cameras, drone pods on city buildings, and five regional police response vehicles to assist the NM State Police with tactical operations. Could similar crime reduction strategies be adopted by other cities in the state that are looking to proactively tackle crime?

I would also like to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for the men and women in law enforcement for their steadfast commitment to serving and protecting our communities. The next time you encounter a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or corrections officer, please take a moment to thank them for their invaluable service.

Ken Miyagishima is the former Mayor of Las Cruces. He served for 16 years, from 2007 to 2023.

Eddy County fears land grab in federal power transmission project

Michael Smith
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Eddy County fears land grab in federal power transmission project

Adrian Hedden
Carlsbad Current-Argus
achedden@currentargus.com

Eddy County Commissioners said landowner rights in the county would be violated if a federal project moves forward to set aside areas of the U.S., including southeast New Mexico, for developing electricity transmission.

The board voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a resolution demanding input on the project. With passage of the resolution, Eddy County opted to become a “cooperating agency” meaning the county would be kept abreast of further proceedings in the project and would be granted the opportunity to provide input.

The U.S. Department of Energy proposed last year to create National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETCs) – areas of the U.S. where the energy department determined electrical transmission to be lacking and in need of federal support.

Electrical transmission can include infrastructure to generate power or move it to markets where it is needed.

On Dec. 16, 2024, the department published proposals for three corridors, including New Mexico counties along its eastern border to Texas: Eddy, Lea, Otero, Roosevelt, Curry, Quay and Union. The other two were the Lake Erie-Canada corridor, including parts of Lake Erie and Pennsylvania, along with the Tribal Energy Access Corridor in North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska.

The Department of Energy would partner with developers chosen by the agency to design and build the projects in the specified areas. The intention, according to the agency, was to increase electrical reliability in rural areas.

“A lack of transmission infrastructure can directly contribute to higher electricity prices, more frequent power outages from extreme weather, and longer outages as the grid struggles to come back online,” read a statement from the Department of Energy.

District 4 Commissioner Bo Bowen said it was clear the proposal would violate the rights of landowners throughout the county.

“It is the most egregious thing I have ever seen put before us,” Bowen said. “It’s deceptive. It’s something that just can’t begin here.”

The department’s proposal got off the ground in December 2023, when it opened a public comment period to propose locations, settling on 10 by May 2024. The 10 were then whittled down further to the three proposed at the end of last year – the third of four phases in the project.

The federal agency was accepting comments until Feb. 14 for Phase 3.

This would be the first time the energy department has used its power to designate transmission corridors since being granted the authority to do so in 2005.

Key concerns the county expressed included “ambiguity” in the proposal’s definition and a range of 5 to 125 miles wide for projects in the potential corridor. Officials also worried that “eminent domain” could be used by the federal government to acquire private land for the project.

Eminent domain allows a federal agency to determine the value of private land and buy it from a landowner unwilling to sell. According to the energy department’s proposal such proceedings would only be allowed to occur if negotiations broke down between landowners and local governments, and with a court order.

Eddy County Manager Mike Gallagher said it was unclear what local input the federal government had in determining the locations of the corridor. He also said the proposal did not consider local development plans put in place by county commissions and other governing bodies.

“It’s a bit ambiguous how the department came up with this. They did not consult with any of the local entities,” Gallagher said. “It did not take into any consideration the local development policies the local governments considered and passed.”

He said the wide range of potential dimensions made it unclear how large the projects in the corridor would be and raised the possibility they could impede oil and gas or ranching in the area.

“The width could negatively impact residents or industries,” Gallagher said. “Any type of activity in this corridor could be impacted.

District 1 Commissioner Ernie Carlson said providing feedback as the project proceeds is crucial to protecting property values and economic activity in Eddy County.

“If we don’t stand up and take a voice, this is going to happen,” Carlson said.

Revenue climbs from oil and gas

Eddy County Finance Director Roberta Gonzales said the county received about $5.8 million in gross receipts taxes, or sales tax paid by businesses and other entities, including oil and gas companies working in the county, in November 2024. Overall, the oil and gas industry sent about $7.2 million in taxes to Eddy County during that month.

Gross receipts totaling $5.6 million were received in December 2024, up about $2.5 million from the same time last year, while December 2024 saw about $23.5 million in total taxes brought in by the oil and gas industry.

November and December 2024 were the most recent months analyzed by the county’s finance department and presented at Tuesday’s County Commission meeting.

Gonzales said there were about 50 oil and gas drilling rigs running in the county during those months, a total she said the industry was expected to maintain through early 2025.

United Way of Eddy County announces ‘Dancing with the Stars’ fundraiser

Michael Smith
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United Way of Eddy County announces ‘Dancing with the Stars’ fundraiser

Staff reports

Eight Eddy County celebrities will participate in the United Way of Eddy County’s inaugural “Dancing with the Eddy County Stars” fundraiser at the Walter Gerrells Performing Arts Center in Carlsbad.

The fundraiser will be modeled after several popular competition television shows, with professional dancers from the Utah Ballroom Dance Company partnering with Eddy County’s VIP dancers.

“This will be a memorable evening starring some of Eddy County’s most recognizable faces,” said Catalina King, United Way of Eddy County board member and event chair. “We know this will be an event you don’t want to miss.”

Tickets and sponsorships are available at onecau.se/dwtes. Those purchasing tickets or a sponsorship will have the option of giving points to one of the eight competitors. Dancers will be scored based on this fundraising, a live audience vote, and judging.

During the April 18 event, all eight competitors will perform with their professional partners. Audience members will get a chance to vote for their favorite during the intermission, and they will also be treated to a special performance by the Utah Ballroom Dance Company. The 2025 winner will then be announced.

Cal’s Shade Western is also partnering with the United Way of Eddy County.

“The United Way of Eddy County is deeply committed to maintaining its role as a grant-provider to Eddy County nonprofits, while also providing utility relief services through its 211 program,” King said. “In order to meet these two wonderful goals, we are looking at this new, exciting fundraiser as a way to help us better serve the citizens of Eddy County.”

“We want to give a very special thanks to Perry Oilfield Service for being an early-entry ‘Salsa’ ($10,000) level sponsor, which really provided us with the confidence to move forward with this fundraiser,” said Kyle Marksteiner, executive director of the United Way of Eddy County. “This is going to be a show that people are going to talk about for a long time.”

Dancers competing:

Johnny Chandler – Owner of KCCC Radio and Broadcast Media Program Manager at Southeast New Mexico College

Caleb Cunningham – Carlsbad MainStreet board member and active community volunteer

Frankie Davis – Owner of Little Digger Man and member of the Lions Club and Knights of Columbus

Tiffany Frintz – Nurse Practitioner and Owner of Harmony Healing in Carlsbad, NM and Preventive Medicine Centers in Palm Springs, CA, Chair of Southeast New Mexico College Board of Trustees

Matt Hutchinson – Eddy County Sheriff and nonprofit volunteer

Allyson Joy – Registered Dietitian, Owner of Heirloom Acres in Artesia and associate publisher of Focus Magazines.

Angeline Maxwell – Owner of Paradise Salon and Spa and a Carlsbad Chamber Ambassador

Dr. Amanda Ryan – Owner of the Advanced Heart and Vascular Center of New Mexico

Judges:

Hayley Klein – County Commissioner and Artesia Chamber of Commerce Director

Chad Ingram – Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Director

Dr. Missi Currier – President and CEO of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association

For more information, please visit onecau.se/dwtes or call the United Way of Eddy County office at (575) 887-3504.

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