A signee runs the 20-yard dash during the Seek 1st registration and evaluation on Tuesday, June 30.
Scenes from Seek First registration and evaluations
A 16-year-old was shot Sunday night on S. Second St. in Artesia. Here’s what we know
Police were looking for a teenage boy who allegedly shot another teenager Sunday, June 28 and then fled the scene.
The shooting was reported at about 11 p.m. in the 1000 block of South 2nd Street.
Police said two 16-year-old boys got into “a confrontation” and one of the teens shot the other in the back.
The suspect left in a vehicle before officers arrived at the scene, according to a Monday news release from the Artesia Police Department.
The teenager who was shot was taken to Artesia General Hospital. Police declined to release his condition as of Monday afternoon. Police also did not identify either teenager involved in the shooting, a description of the suspect or vehicle, or details of the events leading up to the shooting.
The case is being investigated by the Artesia Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division. Anyone with information related to the incident was asked to call the police at 575-746-5000.
Managing Editor Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, or @AdrianHedden on the social media platform X.
Anthony Barrera: The best fishing baits to use in the summer at lakes and streams in New Mexico
Summer is one of the most exciting times of the year for anglers. Warm water, active fish, and long days create perfect conditions for catching bass, catfish, and panfish. But summer also changes fish behavior, and choosing the right bait can make all the difference. Understanding how fish feed in hot weather helps you select baits that trigger more strikes and keep you catching all season long.
As water temperatures rise, fish become more active during the early morning and late evening. This is when topwater baits shine. Lures like poppers, walking baits, and hollow body frogs create surface commotion that hungry bass can’t resist. The warm water speeds up their metabolism, making them more willing to chase fast moving baits. A well worked topwater lure at sunrise can produce explosive strikes that define summer fishing.
When the sun gets high and fish move deeper to stay cool, Untamed Sportsman and Dead On Baits soft plastics become essential. Worms – Dead On Baits Money stick and creature baits like the Untamed Sportsman Tramp and Dead On Baits Grass Grenade rigged Texas style allow you to target fish in deeper water. In summer, bass often suspend around shaded areas such as brush piles, docks, and ledges. Slow, subtle presentations with natural colors—green pumpkin and watermelon red tend to work well for me. What colors would you throw?
Live bait also plays a key role in summer success. Nightcrawlers and minnows are classic, while cheddar hotdog remains my top choices for catfish. In warm water, scent travels quickly, helping fish locate your bait even in murky conditions.
Finally, don’t overlook reaction baits. crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and Dead on Baits Buzzard cover water quickly and help you locate active fish. In summer, shad and bluegill are primary forage, so matching the hatch can dramatically increase your catch rate.
Whether you’re fishing from a kayak, boat, or shore, choosing the right summer bait is the key to staying productive. By adjusting your approach to the heat—topwater at dawn, soft plastics midday, and live bait or reaction lures when fish are feeding—you’ll stay on the bite all summer long.
Anthony Barrera is an Eddy County native and writes a monthly fishing column for El Rito Media. If have questions for him, email msmith@elritomedia.com.
Artesia man guilty in federal murder, kidnapping case
An Artesia man pleaded guilty in federal court to kidnapping and killing a woman in 2021 at a local motel.
Jerrold Albert Chavarria, 37, pleaded guilty via a plea agreement to conspiracy to kidnap and faces a sentence of up to life in prison, according to a June 30 news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico.
Police said Chavarria and 47-year-old Jerry Romero were captured on video taken from the Budget Inn motel at 922 South 1st St. taking a sobbing woman from the motel and into the back seat of a Red SUV.
Romero was seen forcing the woman into the vehicle, while Chavarria was driving, the release read.
Federal authorities did not identify the woman the men were accused of kidnapping and killing.
She was found dead at about 10:21 a.m. the same day in a remote location on and oilfield property about 11 miles from the motel. The woman was shot 21 times, police said, at close range with at least two different guns.
Romero remained in custody and was awaiting a trial on a federal charge of kidnapping resulting in death.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Roswell Resident Agency was assisted by the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office in investigating the case.
Here’s what’s going on this week in Artesia
Republican Headquarters
is now open. It is located at 812 W Main St. The hours are Monday through Friday, 12pm to 3pm. There is merchandise to purchase. Also, Republican Candidate literature and signs. You may register to vote or update your voter information.
Please come in & check it out!
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Missoula Children’s Theatre:
An Artesia tradition returns! The Artesia Arts Council will host the Missoula Children’s Theatre July 6th-11th. Young actors in grades K-12 will present “The Little Mermaid” on stage, working on acting, prop design, stage and sound basics as they go. Check out www.artesiaartscouncil.com for more information.
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Performing Arts Camp:
The Artesia Arts Council will host guest instructor Shannon-the-Fire-Dancer for a week of fun, June 30-July 4, 1-5 pm. Campers 10 & up will explore dance, costume design, acrobatics, and even stilts and unicycle skills, and will perform at Jaycee Park on July 4th! 310 W. Main St. Check out www.artesiaartscouncil.com for more information.
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Create With Me:
The Artesia Arts Council will host guest instructor Moriah Lovato for a come-and-go workshop on July 3rd, 10-2, to make Firework Salt Paintings. The craft is geared for preschoolers, but older artists are welcome too! 310 W. Main St. Call 575.746.4212 for more information.
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Cuddles & Comfort
Please support Eddy County First Responders by donating stuffed animals and blankets to Bennie’s Western Wear or to The Legislature Offices in the Petroleum Building both in Downtown Artesia throughout the year.
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President Trump’s Prayer Initiative:
President Trump has asked that the American People come together and pray for our Nation weekly until July 4th, 2026.
Although the Presidential Prayer Initiative series will end on July 2nd, we will continue to meet & pray for our Nation through Election Day.
Artesia will be holding its prayer gathering every Thursday, Lucky Duck Restaurant, 2209 W. Main St, Artesia NM at 10am-11am.
Come & go during the hour. Everyone is welcome. Shared prayers or silent prayers- whatever you feel comfortable with
Come join and pray for our Nation.
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PHLEBOTOMIST PROGRAM
Applications are now open for Artesia General Hospital’s certified phlebotomist program. To learn how to apply and for more information on this career opportunity, call 575-736-8178 or email foundation@artesiageneral.com.
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GRIEF SUPPORT
A Grief Group meets at 1:30 p.m. each Tuesday in the Saint Damien Center at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 1111 N. Roselawn Ave. Free support is offered in both English and Spanish. For more information, contact Nora at 575-308-3248.
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P.A.L.S.
People about losing safely meets at 9 a.m. Wednesdays at the Senior Center. For more information, call the Center at 575-746-4113.
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ALZHEIMER’S/DEMENTIA SUPPORT GROUP
Every other Tuesday from 6:30pm-7:30pm at Artesia Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center -1402 Gilchrist Ave. RSVP to Helen at 575-746-6006.
Artesia father guilty in death of infant daughter. Here’s how much time he’ll serve
An Artesia father pleaded guilty Friday to killing his 3-month-old daughter in 2024.
Jayden Mendibles, 23, faced a single count of child abuse resulting in death, a first-degree felony, when he was arrested on June 1, 2024.
Through a plea agreement with the Fifth Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Mendibles pleaded guilty to a lesser charge – abandonment of a child resulting in death, a second-degree felony.
District Judge David Finger sentenced Mendibles to 15 years in prison but suspended 13 years and six months, per the agreement, meaning Mendibles will serve 18 months incarceration and five years’ probation when released.
If he violates the terms of probation Mendibles will face the full sentence, Finger said.
“This court is going to follow the plea agreement,” said the judge.
Prosecutor Martin Wolfson said the agreement was devised after speaking with family members and medical staff who treated the girl before her death in 2023.
“We have reached this plea agreement after extensive interviews with medical staff, the child’s mother and members of their family,” Wolfson said. “We believe it reflects his culpability in this matter.”
Mendibles declined to offer a statement ahead of sentencing.
Mendibles’ arrest came about seven months after his daughter Monique was found dead Nov. 17, 2023, at his home in the 200 block of East Kincaid Road. Mendibles initially told police the girl fell out of the bed where the two of them were sleeping.
Records show Mendibles told police he awoke that night after “hearing a smacking sound” and found Monique lying on her back on the floor.
An autopsy of the girl and other medical reports showed multiple skull fractures and indicated she died of blunt force trauma to the head.
Medical staff said she suffered six separate skull fractures, a brain bleed and hemorrhages in both eye sockets, according to the initial criminal complaint filed by the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office. The injuries were deemed “nonaccidental trauma” at the hospital. Monique underwent bone flap surgery, read the complaint, during which 60% of her skull was removed to reduce pressure on her brain caused by swelling.
The girl went into cardiac arrest during surgery but was resuscitated by medical staff. She died about three days later, on Nov. 21, 2023.
Mendibles initially pleaded not guilty, and was granted a relocation to Olcott, New York. He missed multiple court hearings in the case and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest on Oct. 31, 2025.
Three days earlier, on Oct. 28, 2025, Mendibles was arrested for three felonies related to illegally possessing a gun and for driving while intoxicated. He pleaded guilty on Jan. 13 of this year to one count of attempted possession of a weapon and was sentenced to prison in Niagara County, New York.
On March 13, Mendibles filed a notice to the Fifth Judicial District Court in Eddy County of his location and intention to change his plea. He pleaded guilty during a virtual hearing held via Teams.
Mendibles will be released from prison in New York on July 11, 2027, and sent to New Mexico to serve out his sentence for the death of his daughter.
NMGOP treasurer arrested in fatal hit and run. Here is what we know about Kimberly Skaggs
Investigators in Doña Ana County used traffic cameras, GPS and old fashioned detective work to track down the vehicle and driver witnesses photographed leaving the scene of a deadly midday hit-and-run earlier this week. The investigation led them to the door of Kimberly Skaggs, 54, a high-profile New Mexico Republican Party official who was already known to police for her involvement in dangerous street racing and speeding in luxury cars.
According to court records, at 2:46 p.m. on Monday June 22, deputies police responded to calls of a bicyclist who had been struck by a black Cadillac Escalade on Fairacres Road. The bicyclist later died on scene. Witnesses observed the driver of the Cadillac walking around then entering their vehicle and driving away, leaving the bicyclist on scene. A witness’s photograph of the fleeing vehicle captured a partial license plate which police were able to use to track the vehicle through traffic and security cameras. GPS data from the vehicle led investigators to find it parked at a residence owned by Skaggs. They found fresh damage and blood splatter on the vehicle. Skaggs was arrested Wednesday and held without bail on charges of leaving the scene of an accident involving death and tampering with evidence.
During the investigation, investigators say they discovered a citation for street racing issued in September to a similar vehicle with a matching license plate. The driver then was Kimberly Skaggs. Additional court records reviewed by New Mexico Political Report found show that a few months after the citation for street racing was issued, Skaggs was charged in December with driving 88 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone while driving a Lamborghini SUV.
Skaggs, who owns a chain of private DMV companies, previously served as the head of the Doña Ana County Republican Party and executive director of the state party. She is now the treasurer for the state party. She ran unsuccessfully for State House District 36 in 2024, against Democrat Nathan Small where she campaigned on a tough-on-crime agenda.
Skaggs had been removed from the state party’s website by Thursday morning, though internet archives show that she was still listed online as a party official earlier this month when another update removed former Party Chair Amy Barela from the site after a district court judge removed Barela from her position following a lawsuit from party members claiming she used her position to benefit her own campaign in the Republican primary for the Otero County Commission. Last week, the party’s state central committee failed to achieve a quorum to hold a vote for a new chair. An email and text message to the acting chair asking for comment were not immediately returned.
Artesia’s Landry Jones Appreciative of New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame Honor
JT Keith
A Full-Circle Moment
Landry Jones has broken every major passing record at Artesia High School and accomplished something no other Bulldog quarterback ever has — becoming the highest-rated quarterback recruit in New Mexico history, starring at the University of Oklahoma, and playing in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
On Saturday night, Jones’ football journey came full circle with his induction into the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame, securing his place in the state’s athletic history.
“It is a really cool honor for me and my family,” Jones said. “To come back to New Mexico and be from here and get all of my family members back in town, it feels like a huge family reunion. To be honored and be back here, be inducted and be recognized is a really cool thing.”
Jones said the Hall of Fame was never something he imagined when he first started playing football in Artesia. He simply loved the game and was fortunate to be surrounded by good people and good situations throughout his career.
During his induction speech, Jones introduced several former high school teammates — Taylor Morgan, Kalin Hudson and Barrett Robinson — acknowledging the players who helped shape his early years.
‘Artesia Is a Unique Place’
“Artesia is a unique place,” Jones said. “I got lucky where I was from, who raised me. Getting to be from a place that lives, breathes, and dies football was a really, really cool opportunity for me.”
Jones said his favorite memory remains winning the state championship. He poured countless hours into the sport, and reaching the title game validated the work he put in.
Early Years and the Sophomore Season
Jones did not start at quarterback as a sophomore. Instead, he played wide receiver and backed up then‑quarterback Denny Burnett.
He recalled that season ending with a playoff loss to Silver City, a defeat that kept the Bulldogs from reaching the state championship game.
Former Artesia quarterback Landry Jones, with his son, Zeke Jones, 10 years old, at the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame.
The Bulldog Bowl Experience
Jones said he was “super fortunate” to grow up in a town that loves football as deeply as Artesia. Walking down the Winner’s Ramp and participating in the Dog Pile — two of the program’s signature traditions — remain among his favorite memories.
Cooper Henderson’s Influence
Jones credited former Bulldog head coach Cooper Henderson with teaching him one of the most important lessons of his career: enjoy the game.
“Having fun was a mandatory thing for us,” Jones said. “Sometimes practices were hard and hot, and whatever was going on — but it always brought me back to the fact that we are playing a game. And finding ways to enjoy it.”
Choosing Oklahoma
Jones said he chose Oklahoma because it was the best program to recruit him out of high school. He had family in the area and wanted to play somewhere he could win.
He also offered advice for today’s athletes navigating the modern college landscape.
“Things are different today with NIL,” Jones said. “Where they are paying these guys so much money, go make as much money as you can, but go find a place that you enjoy and like.”
Faith, Family, and Football
Jones closed his speech by thanking sports — and football specifically — for shaping his life. He said his decision to attend Oklahoma led him to meet his wife, Whitney Jones, and ultimately build the family he has today.
“Sports led me to put my faith in God,” Jones said. “It taught me a lot about who He is, a lot of experiences, and a lot about Christianity. It shaped my faith and taught me a ton about life lessons and how to persevere through difficult moments. How to work together as a team, how to enjoy success, how to endure failure, and how to handle success as well. I feel extremely blessed and honored to be here tonight.”
Trout conditions vigorous in all corners of New Mexico with good conditions reported
Information and photos provided by New Mexico Department of Wildlife
Trout is the favorite species this week in New Mexico waters as anglers report quality conditions in all corners of the stat
In western New Mexico at Whitewater Creek, Gila trout conditions were fair to good using flies.
At Quemado Lake, trout fishing was good to fair using worms, spinners and flies.
In Lincoln County at Alto Lake, trout fishing was good using Kastmasters and worms.
Trout conditions at Bonito Lake were particularly good using worms, corn, Powerbait and Taskmaster orange lures.
In northern New Mexico, trout fishing was exceptionally good at Eagle Rock Lake using Power Bait.
Hopewell Lake noted good trout conditions using a combination of dry and nymph flies.
Trout fishing was slow at Lake Maloya using slow power eggs.
At Monastery Lake, trout fishing was good using a Panther Martin as bait.
Trout fishing along the Pecos River was good to fair using salmon eggs, PowerBait and flies.
At Red River, trout fishing was good using salmon eggs.
Trout fishing was fair to good using PowerBait at Bluewater Lake.
At Fenton Lake, trout fishing was good to fair using garlic PowerBait.
This fishing report has been generated from the best information available at the time of publication.