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Local Scout Troop Hosts Third  Annual Ham & Bean Dinner Fundraiser

Michael Smith
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Local Scout Troop Hosts Third  Annual Ham & Bean Dinner Fundraiser

 

Artesia Scout Troop 228 is thrilled to announce its Third Annual Ham and Bean Dinner fundraiser, set to take place on Monday, November 11, 2024, at the Green Chile Café at Artesia General Hospital. Running from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the event is open to the public, with veterans eating for free as a tribute to their service.

 

The hearty meal, lovingly prepared by the troop’s Scoutmaster, Schiel, and perfected by local Chef Manny, will include a bowl of ham and beans, cornbread, coleslaw, a slice of cake, and a medium drink—all for just $10.00. “We’ve crafted a meal that’s both satisfying and comforting. It’s all about bringing people together over good food, all while supporting a great cause,” said Scoutmaster Schiel.

 

This annual dinner serves not only as a community gathering but as a vital fundraiser supporting Scout Troop 228’s mission to help shape young lives through scouting. “Scouting instills essential life skills in our youth,” shared Scoutmaster Schiel. “It teaches them leadership, responsibility, and a commitment to service. Events like this allow us to continue offering enriching activities and experiences that make a lasting impact.”

 

The fundraiser is generously sponsored by Artesia General Hospital and Gregg’s Foods. Proceeds will go directly toward supporting Scout Troop 228’s charter partner, the American Legion, which provides a vital meeting space and a home base for the troop.

“We’re grateful for our community sponsors and especially Artesia General Hospital for their partnership,” Schiel added. “It’s heartwarming to see everyone come together to make this happen.”

 

All are invited to join, enjoy a delicious meal, and support local scouting efforts that empower youth, foster community spirit, and build character in the next generation.

 

Scout Troop 228, based in Artesia, NM, has a rich history of community involvement and dedication to youth development through scouting. The troop has organized several events, including their annual Ham and Bean Dinner, to fundraise and bring the community together. Troop 228 is part of the Conquistador Council and has made a name for itself through unique projects, such as “Mission 101,” which challenges scouts to hike 101 miles in honor of WWII veteran Charles “Chuck” Joy, a longtime Artesia resident who lived to 101. This project not only commemorates his legacy but also teaches scouts the importance of perseverance and going the extra mile​.

Time for some good old-fashioned church humor 

Michael Smith
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Time for some good old-fashioned church humor 

By: Rev. David Grousnick

 

It has been a long political season. I don’t know about you, but it has been stressful and exhausting. So, how about some good, old-fashioned church humor?

A businessman who needed millions of dollars to clinch an important deal went to the temple to pray for the money. By chance he sat next to a man who was praying for $100 to pay an urgent debt.

The businessman took out his wallet and pressed $100 into the other man’s hand. Overjoyed, the man got up and left the temple. The businessman then closed his eyes and prayed: “And now, Lord, that I have your undivided attention . . .”

There was a man who called at the church and asked if he could speak to the Head Hog at the trough. The secretary said, “Who?”

Then she gathered herself and said “Sir, if you mean our pastor you will have to treat him with a little more respect than that and ask for the ‘Reverend’ or ‘The Pastor.’ But certainly, you cannot refer to him as the Head Hog at the Trough.”

The man said, “I understand. I was calling because I have $10,000 I was thinking about donating to the building fund.” She said, “Hold on for just a moment – I think the big pig just walked in the door.”

Now I am sure the secretary wouldn’t treat me like that, some of the laity perhaps but not the secretary! But we all are subject to changing our tune when money is suddenly involved. That is why Mark 12:38-44, the story of the Widows Mite, has painted an enduring Biblical image throughout the ages.

We tend to play favorites. We treat those who give more as if they are the pillars on which the church is erected.

But consider with me another image. Jesus, sitting opposite the place where the offerings were put, is observing the people make their donations as they come into the temple. He is not alone. Seated with him are the leaders-the Sadducees. It is startling to think of Jesus sitting with those whom he had scorned for their hypocrisy.

Remember that as they watch there is no paper money so, all the offerings make noise as they roll down this long horn shaped object and fall into the pool of coins. And here comes this little old lady and she has two small coins worth nothing and drops them in. They barely make a noise.

You can almost see the Temple leaders as they roll their eyes and hope for better results with the next person who walks in the door. Jesus then calls his Disciples over and says, “This poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.”

To the Sadducees this woman is a waste of time but to Jesus she is the stuff by which Kingdoms are erected. Thus, at its heart, the story of the widow’s mite is a strong reminder to the kingdoms of this world. And to each of us!

A priest once asked one of his parishioners to serve as financial chairman of his parish. The man, manager of a grain elevator, agreed on two conditions: no report would be due for a year, and no one would ask any questions during the year. At the end of the year, he made his report.

He had paid off the church debt of $200,000. He had redecorated the church. He had sent money to missions. He had $5,000 in the bank. Needless to say, everyone wanted to know how.

The man quietly explained, “You people bring your grain to my elevator. As you did business with me, I simply withheld 10 percent and gave it to the church. You never missed it.”

A Junior Sunday School teacher asked her children if they would give $1,000,000 to the missionaries. “YES!” they all screamed!!

“Would you give $1,000?” Again, they shouted, “YES!”

“How about $100?” “Oh, YES we would!” they all agreed!!

“Would you give just a dollar to the missionaries?” she asked. The boys exclaimed “YES!” just as before except for Johnny. “Johnny,” the teacher said as she noticed the boy clutching his pocket, “why didn’t you say ‘YES’ this time?” “Well,” he stammered, “I HAVE a dollar.”

Abraham Lincoln, was once hired by a man to sue someone else because they owed him $2.50. Not a large amount today, but in the l860’s it was. Lincoln didn’t want to take the case, but his client insisted. So, Abe asked for a $l0.00 retainer fee up front. His client handed him the $l0.

Lincoln then gave the man who owed $2.50 half of the ten. The man promptly paid his debt, and everyone went home happy.

It’s not what you give, it is HOW you give. God wants us to give of ourselves joyfully without expecting anything in return.

Whatever this election week brings, my prayer is that we put a smile of our faces and let the Lord fill our hearts with joy because come what may, we know Him as our Lord and Savior!

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

Artesia basketball tickets on sale soon

Michael Smith
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Artesia basketball tickets on sale soon

El Rito Media Staff Report

Reserved seat ticket sales for Artesia High School’s basketball teams go on sale Nov. 11.

Ticket sales continue through Nov. 22 and may be purchased at the Bulldog Pit from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

People are asked to enter through the west doors and reserve seat holders from the previous season will be allowed to purchase tickets during the 11 day sale period.

Reserve sears are $120 and admit ticket holders to all Artesia High School basketball games, including the December City of Champions Classic.

All remaining reserve seat tickets go on sale to the public on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Dec. 2, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Tickets can also be purchased through GoFan.com.

Biting fish await weekend anglers

Michael Smith
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Biting fish await weekend anglers

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Fishing for bass and trout remains good at lakes and streams in southwest and southeast New Mexico, according to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.

Around Truth or Consequences, fishing for white bass was good at Elephant Butte Lake using Flicker Shad lures. Fishing for walleye was slow to fair when using white crankbaits and jigs tipped with worms.

Plastic worms are good to fair when fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass. Cut bait was good for catching catfish.

Around Carlsbad and Artesia, fishing for white bass was good using shad-pattern swimbaits at Brantley Lake.

At Grindstone Lake in Lincoln County, fishing for trout was good using Rooster Tail spinners, Salmon Peach PowerBait, chartreuse Pautzke Balls O’ Fire and marshmallows.

At Bonito Lake, fishing for trout was good using olive-green Pistol Pete spinner flies.

This fishing report, provided by the Department of Game and Fish in cooperation with Dustin Berg of www.gounlimited.org, has been generated from the best information available from area officers and anglers. Conditions encountered after the report was compiled may differ, as stream, lake and weather conditions alter fish and angler activities.

Matt Hutchinson wins race for sheriff

Michael Smith
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Matt Hutchinson wins race for sheriff

By Mike Smith

El Rito Media

msmith@currentargus.com

Eddy County undersheriff Matt Hutchinson soundly defeated Libertarian Andrew Kennedy in Tuesday’s race for Eddy County sheriff.

Unofficial results from the New Mexico Secretary of State on Wednesday showed Republican Hutchinson with 83% of the vote and Kennedy with 17%.

Hutchinson will replace current Eddy County Sheriff Mark Cage who could not seek a third term after serving eight years as the county’s top elected law enforcement officer.

The sheriff-elect has worked in law enforcement for 20 years. He was promoted through the ranks of the sheriff’s office and has held supervisory or administrative roles during his tenure with the office.

During the campaign, Hutchinson said fentanyl and other drugs posed the biggest issue facing Eddy County. He said enforcement and education were needed to fight the drug problem.

“I feel that the campaign went very well,” Hutchinson said in a text message Wednesday morning. “The communities were very engaged in debates and issues that affected them. All of the feedback I received was positive.”

“I am excited to be the next sheriff to bring my vision and view to the office,” he added. “I believe the citizens of Eddy County deserve a sheriff’s office that is self-sufficient and provides them with law enforcement resources they deserve. This is currently being done and will continue with me as sheriff.”

Kennedy, a 26-year-old cattle rancher and oilfield lease operator from Loco Hills, thanked those who voted for him and said 17 percent of the vote was a big step for Eddy County’s Libertarian Party.

The total was “practically unheard of for our party nationwide,” he said in a Wednesday morning email. “I’m very proud today to call myself both a Libertarian and the Chair of the Libertarian Party of Eddy County, New Mexico.”

Artesia mayor declared winner of state House race

Republican Jon Henry collected 88% percent of the vote in defeating Libertarian Christian Ehmling for the District 54 seat in the New Mexico House of Representatives.

Henry, who is mayor of Artesia and an outgoing Eddy County commissioner, will replace State Rep. Jim Townsend who ran unopposed for the District 34 seat in the state Senate.

Neither Henry nor Ehmling responded to emails seeking comment.

Eddy County voting numbers

A total of 65% of Eddy County’s 36,057 eligible voters participated in the Nov. 5 election, according to the New Mexico Secretary of State.

Eddy County Clerk Cara Cooke said 45% of Eddy County voters took part in early and absentee voting.

“Forty five percent is great. That is better than I have seen,” said Eddy County Commission chairman Bo Bowen.

Cooke presented the early voting figures during the Nov. 5 meeting of the Eddy County Board of County Commissioners.

Cooke said election results would be canvassed by commissioners on Nov. 14 at 12:15 p.m. at the Eddy County Administration office in Carlsbad.

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

The Enchanting Traditions of New Mexico

Michael Smith
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The Enchanting Traditions of New Mexico

By: Josiah Deason, Artesia High School

As the state approaches its 52nd year of cherishing the art of aeronautics, it’s as equally as important to acknowledge its origin as it is to contribute to its continuity, to embrace the enriching qualities and reasoning as to why it remains within the Land of Enchantment.

As most traditions begin, the International Balloon Fiesta began as a humble and compact event before its unknowing direction towards the status of being internationally recognized, with only about 13 balloons attending some parking lot in its 1st year, to where now in its 52nd year of development leads to the participation of over 1,000 aeronauts on a vast fairground, hosting thousands more in the surrounding Land of Enchantment to cherish the internationally renowned fiesta.

Just shortly after Albuquerque’s balloons sailed, so did Artesia’s, nearing its 41st Balloons & Tunes Festival at Eagle Draw on the first weekend of November. Starting last Friday at dusk, will be the premiere of the Balloons & Tunes Festival, known by many to be the Fire Concert, which holds itself as the catalyst of anticipation of this weekend-long celebration. Everyone is welcome to visit and cherish the enriching culture of our state starting this Friday, November 1st.

Josiah Deason is a Junior at Artesia High School.

Eddy County approves courthouse remodel

Michael Smith
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Eddy County approves courthouse remodel

By Mike Smith

El Rito Media

msmith@currentargus.com

After months of public discussion and studies, Eddy County’s Board of County Commissioners decided to renovate the iconic Eddy Courthouse in downtown Carlsbad.

Commissioners voted 4-1 at their Tuesday, Nov. 5, meeting to approve a $15 million renovation of the 85-year-old courthouse at 102 N. Canal St.

Eddy County originally proposed building a new courthouse and judicial center south of Carlsbad near the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office.

Under that plan, courthouse operations would have moved into a $347 million complex along with a new administration building and detention center.

Community outcry during townhall meetings in Carlsbad and Artesia earlier this year prompted commissioners to pause plans for a possible move as the county assessed the financial impact of renovating the current courthouse, said Eddy County spokesperson Savannah Cabezuela.

Jason Burns, the county’s public works director, presented study findings and options for a new complex or expanding the current structure during an Oct. 15 commission meeting.

A third option to remodel the building and add new infrastructure was suggested by commissioners and presented during an Oct. 23 public forum in Carlsbad.

“Public comments at the forum largely championed support for option 3,” wrote commission chairman Bo Bowen in a memorandum to other commissioners.

After Tuesday’s meeting, Burns said commissioners’ input for additional information when exploring the assorted options was key during the study process.

“Ultimately coming to the decision to keep it as it is – that was very much the intent of the public from the information we received,” he said. “Ultimately, at the end of the day, the commissioners represent the county and the constituents and they came to the decision that the constituents wanted them to.”

Burns said the outer portion of the courthouse would be renovated and upgrades would be made to security, plumbing, heating and air conditioning as part of the approved option.

He said work on the exterior could start in early 2025.

Ward 3 Carlsbad City Councilor Karla Niemeier expressed support for the commission’s decision.

Niemeier is a former director of Carlsbad MainStreet and believes the courthouse is an attraction for the downtown area.

“I feel that courthouse is a part of our history,” Niemeier said. “It keeps people coming to our downtown. There’s just a lot of things offered downtown.”

City Councilor Mary Garwood is executive secretary of the Carlsbad MainStreet board of directors and said commissioners did the right thing by listening to the wishes of Eddy County residents.

Garwood said the courthouse is a historic monument in the city and the downtown area.

“We need to remember that repairs are costly, but if preserving it is what the community desires, then it’s an understanding that we all agree on,” she said.

Bowen said that after the remodeling is completed, county officials will reassess the need for additional space during a three-to-five-year period.

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

Address NM’s Health Care Professional Shortage by Joining Interstate Health Care Compacts

Michael Smith
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Address NM’s Health Care Professional Shortage by Joining Interstate Health Care Compacts

By Alfredo Vigil, MD.

 

New Mexico has one of the worst doctor shortages in the U.S., and unfortunately it is only expected to get worse. Nearly 40% of New Mexico’s doctors are age 60 or older and will likely retire by 2030, just as the baby boom generation ages and needs much more medical care.

 

Fortunately, as Think New Mexico explained in our report policy report, How to Solve New Mexico’s Health Care Worker Shortage, there is one policy change that would allow New Mexico to immediately access a much greater supply of doctors: joining the interstate health care compacts.

 

These interstate compacts are agreements among states to recognize and accept professional licenses issued by other states participating in the compact. Similar to the way that a person can hold a driver’s license from one state and legally drive in another, states that participate in an interstate compacts agree to recognize licenses issued to health care professionals by other states.

 

Without these agreements, doctors from other states cannot legally provide services in New Mexico – even via telehealth. Every state issues its own medical licenses, and a doctor or other health care professional must be licensed in a state in order to treat patients there.

 

Forty states, the District of Columbia, and the territory of Guam are parties to the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, including all five states that border New Mexico. This compact makes it much easier for doctors licensed by any one of those 41 states to practice in the other states.

 

There are also interstate compacts for psychologists, counselors, physical therapists, audiologists and speech therapists, physician assistants, dentist, and emergency medical personnel.  

 

Unfortunately, New Mexico is not a party to any of those compacts.

 

Meanwhile, the one compact New Mexico has joined has made a big positive difference. Since 2003, New Mexico has been one of 40 states in the Nurse Licensure Compact, which grants nurses a multistate privilege to practice in other compact states. As many as 80% of the nurses at some New Mexico hospitals, especially in rural and border areas of the state, would not be practicing here but for this compact.

 

New Mexico is one of only five states that have adopted fewer than two of the 10 interstate health care compacts. By contrast, our closest neighbors have adopted five or more interstate compacts—Arizona: six; Colorado: ten; Oklahoma: eight; Utah: nine; and Texas: five—meaning health care workers can move easily among them.

 

Interstate compacts include many safeguards to protect patients. For example, with the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, state medical boards retain final control over the physician licensure process and retain the right to refuse recognition of a license issued by another state. They also have access to a centralized database of disciplinary action records and the authority to require doctors to submit to FBI fingerprint-based criminal background checks. 

 

Legislators of both parties, including Representatives Marian Matthews (D-Albuquerque), Liz Thomson (D-Albuquerque), and Gail Armstrong (R-Magdalena) have introduced legislation to join the compacts, and incoming Senator and former Regulation and Licensing Department Superintendent Linda Trujillo (D-Santa Fe) has said she wants to make it a priority for 2025.

 

Unfortunately, opponents have defeated these efforts in past years, arguing that allowing health care practitioners licensed by other states to practice in New Mexico would harm state sovereignty. The 48 state legislatures that have adopted at least one interstate health care compact seem to have concluded that the benefits of welcoming more health care providers to their state outweigh any theoretical infringement on state sovereignty.

 

Think New Mexico recommends that New Mexico sign onto all nine major interstate health care compacts that the state is not yet participating in. This would be an effective strategy to immediately begin to reduce the state’s health care worker shortage by increasing the number of qualified health care professionals who can practice in our state.  

 

We hope all New Mexicans will join us in contacting their legislators and the governor and urging them to make joining the interstate health care compacts a top priority of the 2025 legislative session. Visit our website at www.thinknewmexico.org to learn more and easily contact your elected officials.

Alfredo Vigil, MD. is the Healthcare Reform Director for Think New Mexico.

Artesia honors local veterans

Michael Smith
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Artesia Daily Press Staff Report

A fun run, a breakfast and an animal adoption event are some of the ways Artesians can honor local veterans ahead of Veterans Day (Nov. 11).

At 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at Baish Park, 511 W. Texas Ave., runners will start the first-ever Mission Artesia 5K fun run, walk and ride with proceeds benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project. Participants will complete two laps around Eagle Draw.

At 8:15 a.m., families with baby strollers, wagons and bicycles will make their way to Eagle Draw. Walkers will proceed at 8:25 a.m.

Participants can sign up at 7 a.m. on the day of the event.

Also at 8 a.m. Saturday, Artesia’s Elks Lodge hosts a free breakfast for veterans at 322 W. Quay Ave. Breakfast is available to the general public for $10.

Attendees are asked to use the side entrance.

At 10 a.m. Saturday the Artesia Animal Shelter, 502 Paddy Wagon Way, will host a pets and vets adoption event.

The public is invited to adopt a new pet, have a meal and meet local veterans.

All donations will go to veterans causes.

What’s happening Veterans Day?

On Monday, Nov. 11, veterans are invited to a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. at J&J Homecare, 1301 W. Grand Ave.

Also on Monday, at 11 a.m., Scout Troop 228 will host its third annual ham and bean dinner at Artesia General Hospital’s Green Chile Café, 702 N. 13th St. Veterans eat free and cost for the general public is $10.

Election Day nears

Michael Smith
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Election Day nears

El Rito Media Election Coverage

Eddy County voters go to the polls Tuesday to choose a new president, decide on who will represent the area in Congress and elect a new county sheriff.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Anyone registered to vote in Eddy County can do so at any of the county’s Voting Convenience Centers.

Here’s where to go to cast your ballot.

Carlsbad

St. Peter Lutheran Church

1302 W. Pierce St.

Lakeview Christian Home

1300 N. Canal St.

Veterans of Foreign Wars

1916 San Jose Blvd.

Hillcrest Baptist Church

605 N. 6th St.

Jefferson Montessori Academy

500 W. Church St.

County Clerk’s Office

325 S. Main St.

Eddy County Fire Service Center

1400 Commerce Drive

Otis Community Center

2513 Bannister Road

Loving

Loving School Administration

603 W Cottonwood

Artesia

Faith Baptist Church

401 S. 20th St.

Eddy County Sub-Office

602 S. 1st St.

Central Valley Electric

1403 N. 13th St.

Trinity Temple Church

16th & Hermosa

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