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An Unlikely Missionary

Michael Smith
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An Unlikely Missionary

By: Pastor Rick Smith

In Mark chapter five we have the remarkable story of the Gadarene demoniac. We are not told how this poor man became possessed by the legion of demons, but he was in a sad and miserable state. He lived among the tombs being constantly tormented by the demons that possessed him. As he wandered among the dead, the demons would torment him and cause him to cut himself. Family and friends tried to help him by binding him with manacles and chains, but the demons that tormented him gave him supernatural strength and he would break these restraints. Then Jesus came.

The arrival of Jesus and His disciples caught the attention of this man, or the demons, and he met them as they touched shore. “And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.” (Mark 5:7). Jesus promptly cast these demons out of the man. The man was instantly changed and he was found in the company of Jesus “…sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid (Mark 5:15).” Fearfully these pagans asked Jesus to leave their area.

As Jesus was leaving, the once possessed man asked to go along with Him. But Jesus said, “Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee (Mark 5:19).” With that commission, you will agree with me, that we have one of the most unlikely missionaries of the gospel of Jesus.

Consider the field of service that was given to this new missionary. “Go home to thy friends…” In the parallel passage in Luke Jesus says, “Return to thine own house…” (Luke 8:39). These are two difficult, but blessed areas of missionary service. Who is it that will know better than family and friends of the change that has taken place in our lives when Jesus has set us free. Although he wanted to be with Jesus, it was better in the long run to be among those that knew him if God was to receive the glory.

Paul told the Philippians that he was caught between his desire to leave this life and be with the Lord and his needful service to them (Philippians 1:21-26). “Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you,” he tells them. Perhaps there are some of your family and friends that will never receive Christ except by your own witness. This was the case for this new missionary.

And it was a simple message that he was to deliver to his family and friends. “Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee (Mark 5:19).” He had a story to tell. He had been an enslaved by the Devil, now he was free. How did it happen? Who set him free? What a joy it must have been to tell them the story.

Others have had similar experiences and have gone on to be great voices of praise to the God that saved them. John Newton, slave trader turned minister of the gospel, said, “Although my memory’s fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.” The apostle Paul said, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief (1 Timothy 1:15).” Every one of the redeemed have a story to tell his family and friends. That was the commission given. “Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.” (Psalms 66:16).

Now, what was the response of this new and unlikely missionary? “And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel (Mark 5:20).” Jesus gave these instructions and he obeyed. What more can we do, but obey the Lord’s command. It is not a complicated task. We simply tell what God has done for us through Jesus Christ our Lord. He couldn’t go with Jesus then, but Jesus would never leave him. As with the apostles, so with this man. “And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. (Mark 16:20).”

We are not responsible for how people receive our message, but only that we obey the Lord and go and tell what God has done for us. He had been a great sinner. He was freed by a great Savior. He was now a servant of the Lord. He obeyed the Lord’s command and told both his story and Christ’s story. “…and all men did marvel.”

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.

Jesus the Leader

Michael Smith
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Jesus the Leader

By: Pastor Ty Houghtaling

I googled leadership, here is a quick summary of a source on the subject that turned up. In 2023 a joint project between U.S. News and The Harris Poll, surveyed 2,100 American adults asking them to assess the state of leadership in the country – from the government to the corporate world. The results showed that Americans are down on business leaders in society and even more frustrated with political leadership.

The overwhelming, more than 80% of those surveyed basically said that they didn’t see any leaders in their immediate environment that I aspired to be. Why isn’t there more reliable admirable leaders? Leadership is hard. There is certainly plenty of critics and not nearly enough grace and that could be part of the problem. Unfortunately, there is also a lack of interest in understanding Jesus as a leader. I am thinking through His leadership attributes.

I am trying to be like Jesus as a leader and I have found it is not easy. He knew intimate details of people’s lives. He knew the “why did they do that”; and “what needs to be said right now to address the issue?”, answers, and answers to all the other questions and concerns facing leaders. He knew because He knew. John 2:24-25 says, “But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.” I am not Jesus and though I try and be like Him, sometimes I try harder than other times, leading like Jesus is difficult. The world would have leaders lead out in certain ways while Jesus gave us a different model.

I am trying to learn it, apply it, and even teach it. Maybe if we all considered His model and implemented it in our families, churches, communities, and the world, we would see different survey data, data that might indicate that we have no shortage of leaders and that would confirm that there are leaders at every business and in every church that are admirable and worth following.

Until then, I and the men I admire, will keep trying to lead like Jesus and God willing our efforts will make a difference. I’d like to know who do you admire as a leader and why? Email me at ty@fbcartesia.org, I am always looking for examples of people living like Jesus.

Ty Houghtaling is the Pastor at the First Baptist Church in Artesia.

The Difference Between a Dangerous Dog and a Vicious Dog: Understanding the Implications of Misreporting

Michael Smith
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The Difference Between a Dangerous Dog and a Vicious Dog: Understanding the Implications of Misreporting

By: Harry Bailey

Dogs are beloved companions for many, but sometimes, circumstances arise where concerns about their behavior need to be addressed. In some cases, a dog might be deemed either dangerous or vicious, two terms that are often used interchangeably. However, these terms have distinct meanings, especially in legal and animal control contexts. Misreporting one type of behavior as the other can have serious consequences, both for the dog and for its owner. Understanding the difference between a dangerous dog and a vicious dog—and the implications of such misreporting—can help ensure that dogs are treated fairly and that communities remain safe.

A dangerous dog is typically defined as a dog that has shown aggressive behavior, but not necessarily in a malicious or unprovoked way. Dangerous dogs may include those that:

• Bite or attack a person or animal in a situation where the dog was provoked.

• Pose a risk of harm due to their size, breed, or past behavior.

• Have displayed aggressive tendencies but without a pattern of unprovoked attacks.

For example, a dog may bite in self-defense when it feels threatened, even though it may not have a history of aggressive behavior. A dangerous dog classification usually stems from a single event or a few isolated incidents, and the dog might still be considered a candidate for rehabilitation or training to address its behavior.

A vicious dog, on the other hand, has consistently exhibited unprovoked, violent behavior and poses a serious risk to others. Vicious dogs are often characterized by:

• Repeatedly attacking or injuring people or animals without provocation.

• A history of aggressive acts that indicate the dog poses a threat to public safety.

• Exhibiting behaviors that suggest a lack of control, such as targeting people, animals, or even objects aggressively.

Vicious dogs are generally considered to be a severe threat to safety due to their unpredictable, unprovoked aggression. Such dogs are often subject to stricter legal measures, such as euthanasia or mandatory confinement.

Misreporting a dangerous dog as a vicious one can have significant consequences for both the dog and its owner. A dangerous dog might be misidentified as vicious, resulting in an unfair legal classification. The consequences can include euthanasia If a dog is misclassified as vicious, it may face the extreme consequence of being euthanized, even if it was not a habitual aggressor. This is especially tragic when the dog may have been provoked in the past and could potentially be rehabilitated with proper training.

Mislabeling a dangerous dog as vicious can also impact public safety. While it is important to identify truly dangerous animals, misreporting can divert attention from genuinely dangerous dogs that need intervention, while putting pressure on local authorities to enforce laws based on inaccurate information.

When a dog is inaccurately labeled as vicious, it can lead to a disproportionate response by animal control, which might focus too much on rehabilitating or regulating a less dangerous animal while ignoring others that pose a greater risk. This misdirection can undermine trust in the animal control system, and the resources spent on handling misreported cases could have been better used to address actual threats.

The importance of accurate reporting cannot be overstated. Dog behavior is complex, and it’s essential to understand the full context of an incident before labeling a dog as dangerous or vicious. Here are a few key considerations for accurate reporting:

• Whether the dog was provoked or acted without provocation is crucial. Aggression in self-defense or during stressful situations may not qualify as “vicious.”

• One isolated incident may not be enough to classify a dog as vicious. Repeated aggressive behavior, particularly without provocation, is the hallmark of a vicious dog.

• Dangerous dogs can often be rehabilitated with proper training and socialization, reducing their risk of future aggression. Vicious dogs, however, pose a much greater challenge to reconditioning, and in some cases, they may remain a danger to society despite rehabilitation efforts.

The distinction between a dangerous dog and a vicious dog is not merely a matter of semantics—it has serious consequences for the dog, the owner, and the community. Misreporting one as the other can lead to unwarranted punishment, increased liability, and misallocation of resources. Dog owners, animal control officers, and the community must understand the nuances between these classifications and ensure that each case is carefully evaluated before making judgments that could have long-lasting repercussions.

By promoting a clear understanding of these terms and ensuring that dogs are accurately classified, we can work toward safer communities while safeguarding the well-being of our canine companions.

Harry Bailey is the Supervisor for the Artesia Animal Shelter. He can be reached at: 575-746-5043 or at hbailey@atesianm.gov

Designing New Mexico’s Future: A Path Toward Resilience and Growth

Michael Smith
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Designing New Mexico’s Future: A Path Toward Resilience and Growth

By: George Munoz

As we welcome the dawn of a new year, it is natural to reflect on the journey that has brought us here. In doing so, I, as a state senator and Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, often find myself reflecting not only on my own personal experiences but also on the transformative changes that have shaped New Mexico over the years. We stand at a critical moment, one that presents us with both the lessons of our past and the opportunity to build a brighter, more resilient future. The steps we take now will determine the legacy we leave for future generations of New Mexicans.

In reflecting on the challenges we have faced, I remember the times when we had to make difficult decisions, especially during moments of economic turmoil. In 2009, 2017 and again in 2020, the volatility of oil prices caused major disruptions to the state’s budget.

The oil price crash of 2017 forced us to confront the reality that New Mexico’s economy was too dependent on one source of revenue. We had to make tough cuts to balance the budget and swept every penny we could find from under the cushions, affecting education and public services. But as always, New Mexicans have proven to be resilient. We didn’t just weather these storms—we adapted.

I also recall the urgency of 2020, when the pandemic hit and forced us to come together in unprecedented ways. We quickly convened a special session to pass solvency measures that would allow us to continue to operate as a state while providing the resources necessary to combat the effects of COVID-19. These experiences have taught me invaluable lessons about the importance of preparation, adaptability, and, above all, diversification.

One of the hallmarks of my tenure has been my commitment to diversification. While we, as a state, are deeply grateful for the vast natural resources like oil and gas that have strengthened our permanent fund to unprecedented levels and account for over 40% of our annual budget, we can no longer rely on oil and gas alone to fuel our state’s economy. As we saw in the aftermath of the price crash, economic volatility puts us at risk. That’s why, in 2017, I was proud to work on the creation of the New Mexico Bioscience Authority. By investing in the bioscience sector, we’ve laid the foundation for a new economic pillar in our state—one that promises not only growth but also high-quality jobs and technological advancement.

This focus on diversification has also extended to education. I remember a time when we could barely afford to fund the lottery scholarship, and students struggled to afford higher education. Today, we now offer tuition-free education to all New Mexico students, ensuring that a lack of financial resources will not limit a person’s potential. This is not just an investment in individuals, but an investment in the future workforce of New Mexico.

Over the last decade, we’ve also made significant strides in early childhood education. I recall when our early childhood programs were limited to whatever the federal government could fund. Today, New Mexico boasts the largest sovereign early childhood education fund in the nation, a testament to the importance of investing in our youngest learners.

I’ve also had the distinct privilege of serving as Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, and through this role, I’ve worked to address the volatility of our state’s revenue streams. One of the most significant steps we’ve taken has been to invest today’s money in ways that will pay dividends far into the future. For example, an estimated $3.04 billion in school tax and $4.74 billion in federal royalty distributions is estimated to reach the severance tax permanent fund between now and 2030 as a result of these efforts. To give you context, the severance tax permanent fund had an ending balance of $9.5 billion in 2024; essentially, in the next 5 years we will have saved almost the same amount of money we have been saving for the last 47 years within this permanent fund. This approach, though not always immediately gratifying, is the key to ensuring long-term sustainability and stability for New Mexico; it is safe to say that we have made New Mexico recession proof and are now able to withstand a future economic downturn.

Looking ahead, the work is far from over. We must continue to diversify our economy, invest in economic development initiatives, and prioritize job creation, while also addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Mental health care is a priority. For too long, mental health has been an underserved and underfunded area. Remember too that prior administrations effectively destroyed our state’s behavioral services and we have yet to recover. The pandemic has only highlighted the critical need for accessible mental health services, and it is time we build a system that truly supports the mental well-being of all New Mexicans.

Furthermore, we must continue to focus on improving the quality of life for all of our residents. This means tackling issues such as healthcare, housing and homelessness, infrastructure, and public safety and crime prevention in ways that are meaningful, equitable, and sustainable. The work we do today will determine how future generations experience life in New Mexico, and it is incumbent upon us to make thoughtful, deliberate investments in their well-being.

Lastly, we must prepare our state for an economic boom by electrifying and modernizing our electric grid. Ensuring we have sites ready for economic development and growth. And investing in our local small businesses and entrepreneurs.

As we embark on this new year, I am committed to continuing the work of diversifying our economy, addressing mental health needs, and improving the overall quality of life for all New Mexicans. We’ve come a long way, but we still have much to accomplish. Together, we can design a New Mexico that is not just resilient in the face of adversity but a model of opportunity and prosperity for future generations.

George Munoz is a New Mexico State Senator, representing District 4. He is also the Chair of the State Finance Committee.

Eggplant Lasagna

Michael Smith
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Eggplant Lasagna

By: Wheeler Cowperthwaite

Once in a while a recipe comes along where I am truly blown over by something totally unexpected.

For me, that came this past Thanksgiving, as a vegetarian friend brought an eggplant lasagna to supplement the normal meat mains.

Lasagna is one of those dishes that usually, for me, exists in the background. It’s nice to have a couple of times a year, it makes great leftovers, but that’s where the infatuation ends.

When I tried my friend’s eggplant lasagna, I was absolutely blown away by the flavors, which were better than all but one or two meat-based lasagnas I’ve ever had ¬— if not better than all of them. It was a hands-down winner over ground beef and probably even better than those made with sausage.

At the same time, I was so excited for the dish because lasagna is one of those things that is incredibly versatile. It freezes well, it’s great as leftovers and it’s perfect for groups.

If your friend just had a baby, a co-worker’s parent just died or someone is going through a medical situation, lasagna is the perfect way to be a good friend. Make them a lasagna and take that meal prep and planning weight off their shoulders. They may not be able to thank you now, or even appreciate it, but thanks and appreciation aren’t why you should do good.

So, what makes this lasagna so good? First up is the eggplant.

The recipe this is based on, by Jeanine Donofrio, has been lightly edited through trial and error.

Some of the changes include skipping the addition of egg into the ricotta, adding sautéed zucchini and onions between the lasagna layers and finally, choosing a marinara sauce.

“I’ve made it with homemade marinara and store marinara,” my friend Maegan reported when I asked for the recipe. “But the last one used the 365 brand arabiata sauce and it made it better.”

365 is the house brand for Whole Foods and arabiata sauce is a little bit spicy and made with garlic, tomatoes, dried red chili peppers and olive oil.

She also notes that prepping the vegetables was made a lot easier with a mandolin, especially when it comes to getting the vegetables thin.

Perhaps the biggest change is the addition of noodles. In the original recipe, the eggplant replaces the noodles. Here, we still use the noodles.

Ingredients

The veggies

2-3 large eggplants (4 pounds)

Sea salt

Extra virgin olive oil

1½ cups arabiata sauce

3 cups grated mozzarella cheese

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 onions, thinly sliced

1-2 zucchinis

Red pepper flakes

Basil leaves (garnish)

Cheesy filling

2 cups (16 ounces) whole milk ricotta cheese

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 grated garlic cloves

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 package lasagna noodles, prepared

1 teaspoon lemon zest

½ teaspoon sea salt

Ground pepper

Directions

Boil the lasagna noodles and set aside when done.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Remove the stems from the eggplants and slice vertically into ¼ inch planks.

Line three baking sheets with parchment paper.

Put the eggplant planks on a clean towel and sprinkle with the salt. Let sit for 20 minutes to allow the salt to bring out the water.

Pat the eggplant planks dry and move to the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, toss to coat and arrange the planks in one layer on the baking sheets. Roast for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Halfway through baking, flip the planks.

While the planks are roasting, make the cheese filling in a large bowl. Stir together the ricotta, Parmesan cheese (¼ cup), garlic, oregano, lemon zest, salt and pepper.

In a medium to large pan, sauté the onions slices and zucchini slices, until golden brown. Remove earlier from heat if desired.

In a 9”x13” baking pan, rub or brush olive oil on the bottom followed by a thin layer of the arabiata sauce.

Cover with a layer of roasted eggplant followed by sautéed onions and zucchini and then the noodles. Top the noodles with some of the ricotta mixture followed by the arabiata sauce and a little mozzarella.

Repeat this layering process with the sautéed veggies followed by the eggplant, the noodles, the ricotta mixture, the arabiata sauce and some mozzarella.

Repeat the layering for a third and final time, using the remaining ricotta and arabiata sauce. Top with the remaining mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 35 minutes or until the cheese is brown and bubbling.

Allow it to rest for 30 minutes after being taken out of the oven. Garnish with sprinkles of red pepper flakes and a garnish of fresh basil. Serve.

Wheeler Cowperthwaite is a former cops/courts reporter for the Rio Grande SUN.

Missing hiker found at Guadalupe Mountains

Michael Smith
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Adrian Hedden
El Rito Media
achedden@currentargus.com

A missing hiker was rescued by helicopter Sunday at Guadalupe Mountains National Park after climbing to the Guadalupe Peak the day before, then leaving the trail and getting lost.

Park spokesperson Theresa Moore refused to disclose the hiker’s name, age or gender, saying the family asked that the individual not be identified.

Moore said the hiker was reported missing at about 5 p.m. Saturday, located by rescue workers on foot about 11 a.m. Sunday and airlifted off the mountain.

She said temperatures dropped as low as 20 degrees that night, with high winds and some snow visible on the trail. The hiker did not sustain any injuries in the incident, Moore said.

She said the hiker “cut switchbacks and got off the trail. That’s the safety message: stay on the trail.”

Moore said despite the cold weather, winter remains busy for hikers from all over the world traveling to Guadalupe Mountains to hike the peak. The peak is in far West Texas, in the same mountain range as Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

“It’s a bucket-list item,” she said. “Most visitors come to hike the peak, even in the extremes: winter and summer.”

She said it’s better to hike at the park in the fall, when temperatures are milder, and winds aren’t as harsh. Mid-to-late spring can also be a good time for similar reasons, Moore said.

“The lesson here is to be prepared. The weather can change in a second,” she said.

Through all the chaos, God is still at work

Michael Smith
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Through all the chaos, God is still at work

By: Pastor David Grousnick

I consider it divine good fortune that we have a scripture lesson, John 2:1-11 so early in the year which encourages us to ponder a miracle. We need to become more sensitive to the possibility of miracles. Such a sensitivity will help us recognize present miracles, which we either do not see or which we take for granted.

And it will prepare us to receive still more miracles.

Walt Whitman felt that “each part and tag” of his own person was a miracle, and that “a mouse is miracle enough to stagger sextillions of infidels.” He reminded us that we are surrounded by the glorious and the miraculous and do not know it.

Science ought to have increased our sense of awe, as it has unfolded the marvels of the heavens above and mysteries of our bodies within. But we take the attitude that if we know how far it is to a given planet, we have, therefore, encompassed all its significance.

We need to know that God is at work in our world. The affairs of this world, and of our individual lives, often seem to be out of control. At such times we can be reassured by the knowledge that God has worked wonderfully in days past, and that he is still at work.

So, I direct our attention to a story from the Gospel of John, generally referred to as Jesus’ first miracle. I am impressed that this miracle came to pass, not in the confines of a place of worship, nor even in a uniquely religions occasion but where people were celebrating one of the happy social events of our common life – a wedding.

The Jews attached great importance to the high moments of life. Thus, a wedding was not just a brief ceremony, but an experience shared by the entire community.

The typical wedding feast could last up to seven days. That sounds strange to our modern way of thinking, but this offered a bright interlude in an otherwise dreary existence.

The ceremony would begin on Tuesday at midnight. After the wedding the father of the bride would take his daughter to every house so that everyone might congratulate her. It was a community experience. Weddings were a time of joy.

Years ago, when Johnny Carson was the host of The Tonight Show he interviewed an eight-year-old boy. The young man was asked to appear because he had rescued two friends in a coalmine outside his hometown in West Virginia.

As Johnny questioned the boy, it became apparent that the young man was a Christian. So, Johnny asked him if he attended Sunday school.

When the boy said he did Johnny asked, “What are you learning in Sunday school?”

“Last week,” came his reply, “our lesson was about when Jesus went to a wedding and turned water into wine.” The audience roared, but Johnny tried to keep a straight face.

Then he said, “And what did you learn from that story?” The boy squirmed in his chair. It was apparent he hadn’t thought about this. But then he lifted up his face and said, “If you’re going to have a wedding, make sure you invite Jesus!”

The little boy was on to something. Weddings are times of joy and symbols.

At the wedding, which Jesus attended in Cana of Galilee, there was great joy but a problem developed. There was a shortage of wine. Not only was that a social embarrassment, it was also a symbol. For a wedding to run out of wine was an omen that there was little chance of this particular marriage reaching its full potential, maybe joy was not meant for this couple.

Joy and symbols.

There was once an article in Reader’s Digest by a man named Patrick Cooney titled, “Why I Wear Two Wedding Bands.” Cooney had worn two wedding bands for more than a dozen years. When he’s asked about them, he responds, “I have two wives.” He’s kidding, of course.

One day a stranger would not let him off with this glib answer about why he wears two bands. So, Cooney spilled the whole story.

He explained his father died in 1999. As they were saying their final farewells at his funeral, his mother, who had been married to his father for 50-plus years, removed his father’s wedding band and handed it to Patrick. Surprised, he placed the gold band on his left middle finger, next to his wedding band. There it has remained.

He told the stranger that he wears his father’s wedding band to honor his father and his parents’ marriage. He also wears it to remind himself to be the son, brother, husband, and dad that his father wanted him to be. He is now 60 years old and has been married for 30 years.

The stranger walked away, then turned back and said, “Sir, you know, I have my father’s wedding band in my sock drawer at home, and beginning today, I am going to start wearing it.”

Powerful story. But isn’t it true of all our relationships? It’s important not only to be faithful and attentive to our spouse, but to our children or our parents and our friends.

I can tell you right now, without any hesitation at all, that it is God’s will for us to take care of our relationships.

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

Lady Bulldogs start ’25 on a winning streak

Michael Smith
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Lady Bulldogs start ’25 on a winning streak

Mike Smith

Artesia Daily Press

msmith@currentargus.com

Jenna Whitmire scored 15 points and Avery Frederick had 13 as the Artesia Lady Bulldogs downed Santa Teresa 68-31 during a Jan. 11 matinee at the Bulldog Pit in Artesia.

Artesia head coach Candice Pollard said the opening quarter was not the best aspect of the game as the team got off to a slow start while edging to a slim 11-8 lead.

The Lady Bulldogs came to life in the second quarter, outscoring the visitors 20-5. Santa Teresa’s offense didn’t find the basket until the midway point of the period as Artesia rolled to a 31-13 advantage.

“Overall, they had fun,” Pollard said of Artesia’s play as the game wore on.

Whitmire scored 11 points in the third quarter and Frederick had 10 as Artesia stretched its lead to 48-24 and Pollard gave the reserves some court time.

Whitmore and Frederick re-entered the game early in the final period, adding to their scoring totals before the reserves returned to finish out the contest.

Pollard had praise for both junior shooting guard Whitmire and sophomore post player Frederick.

“Jenna is a natural leader. She sets the tone (for the game),” Pollard said. Frederick, the coach said, was Artesia’s “leading encourager.”

“She’s a huge leader for us,” Pollard said.

Pollard said freshman post player Gracen Kuykendall also played a big role for Artesia, scoring eight points in the win.

“It was a good matchup for her. I’m proud of her … not bad for a pup,” Pollard said. “On the whole, the girls gave it 110 percent. The girls had fun today.”

Added to a 54-26 victory Nov. 26, the Jan. 11 win gave Artesia a sweep of the season series with Santa Teresa.

Artesia overcomes slow start

On Tuesday, the Lady Bulldogs hosted Chaparral at the Bulldog Pit and pulled away in the second half to claim a 57-33 victory.

Freshman post player Gracen Kuykendall was Artesia’s leading scorer with 15 points. Jenna Whitmire had 13 points and junior guard Kailee Padilla had 12, nine of them coming in the second quarter as the Lady Bulldogs outscored the Lobos 15-10 and grabbed a 29-17 lead.

Artesia (7-7) visits Albuquerque Thursday through Saturday for the Hope Christian Invitational, facing Bloomfield on the opening day.

Bulldogs sweep North-South Shootout

Artesia traveled to Lovington last weekend for the annual round robin basketball tournament featuring schools from northern New Mexico and southeastern New Mexico.

The Bulldogs defeated Belen 72-56 Friday with 6-foot-8 center/power forward Clay Kincaid scoring 19 points. Charlie Campbell had 17 points and Braylon Vega had 11 in the victory.

Artesia head coach Michael Mondragon said the Bulldogs jumped out to an early 21-6 lead and never looked back.

On Saturday, Artesia downed the Los Alamos Hilltoppers, 77-57, as four players scored in double figures, including Campbell with 19 points and Vega with 15.

“It was a good game for us. We’re starting to build momentum,” Mondragon said. “The guys are getting in basketball shape.”

Thursday through Saturday, the 9-5 Bulldogs participate in the Hope Christian Tournament in Albuquerque.

Artesia faces West Las Vegas at 1:30 p.m. in Thursday’s opening round.

Mondragon said the West Las Vegas Dons should give the Bulldogs a test as Artesia faces its third straight northern New Mexico school.

“They’re very athletic and not very big,” he said.

The Dons’ tallest player is 6-foot-2 power forward Jonathon Gonzales.

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

Artesia group sues to overturn state’s EV mandate

Michael Smith
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Artesia group sues to overturn state’s EV mandate

Adrian Hedden
El Rito Media
achedden@currentargus.com

An Artesia-based nonprofit is suing the state of New Mexico over electric vehicle requirements imposed last year on newly-built businesses and homes statewide – rules the group said were unfairly delaying construction and driving up the cost of a recreation center in the northern Eddy County city.

Artesia is situated in rural southeast New Mexico, known for its oil and gas fields and ranching. Motorists often drive long distances to access services such as medical care, meaning to local leaders that electric vehicles are incompatible with the area’s way of life.

That’s why locals argued that the new regulations’ requirement of 36 electric vehicle spots at the Artesia Recreation Center, which is under construction next to the city’s Aquatic Center, were unnecessary and unduly “burdensome” to the $35 million-plus project.

The land for the center is privately owned, and the center is being built by the nonprofit Artesia Recreation Center Foundation using private donations. When complete, the facility and land will be “gifted” to the city of Artesia, according to a Foundation news release.

The dispute over electric vehicle parking places has slowed construction of the center, originally set for completion in March of next year but now expected to be delayed until May 2026. The rules are also expected to add hundreds of thousands of dollars to the cost of the project, according to the Artesia Recreation Center Foundation

As a result, the Foundation filed suit on Tuesday, Jan. 14, in Fifth Judicial District Court against the Construction Industries Division (CID), the state agency responsible for adopting and enforcing the disputed requirements. The Foundation is being represented by Albuquerque-based attorney Peter V. Domenici, and a court hearing was not scheduled as of Wednesday.

The CID is a division of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (NMRLD), a cabinet agency within the state’s administration tasked with regulating building codes and permitting. The head of the department is Superintendent Clay Bailey, who was appointed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

The updated building code was approved in January 2024 by the Division and took effect July 30 of that year.

“This regulation has placed an unexpected financial burden on our project, potentially jeopardizing key amenities that our community overwhelmingly supports,” said Sandra Borges, president of the Artesia Recreation Center. “We’re committed to standing up for Artesia and ensuring that this project fulfills its promise to our residents.”

The 49,120 square-foot center is designed to include indoor and outdoor basketball courts, pickleball courts, a walking track, cardio and weight equipment, an indoor playground, fitness classrooms and a multi-purpose room. A budget of $35.5 million in total was assessed for the project, including construction, land costs and equipment.

The Foundation, which served as plaintiff in the lawsuit, is a registered 501(c)3 formed in 2023 to raise money to pay for the setup and design costs of the project.

Donors for the rec center project are: PY Foundation, Chase Foundation, TLC Foundation, Frank Yates Jr. Family Foundation, Western Bank, Royal Services, First American Bank and Devon Energy.

Spokesperson for the Regulation and Licensing Department Andrea Brown said the agency does not comment on pending litigation. She said on Wednesday the Department was not yet officially served with the lawsuit.

Lujan Grisham’s office did not respond to a request for comment as of press time.

“As always, the Construction Industries Division remains committed to serving the public and its licensees and is always available to promptly answer any questions we can about building codes, administrative rule requirements, or statutory requirements that might affect new construction projects,” Brown said in a statement.

Rules add thousands in cost

The suit called for the rules to be deemed “illegal and unenforceable” and for a court to award the foundation damages to be determined at trial.

Scott Taylor, owner of Permian Construction, who served in an advisory capacity between the Foundation and the project’s architect Huitt-Zollars of El Paso, estimated in September that the rules would add $800,000 to the cost of construction. He also said the rules were overly vague and difficult to interpret to ensure the project complied.

Taylor said an $800,000 “holding cost” was added to the project’s budget, as several aspects of the new rules were reviewed. The lawsuit filed Tuesday in Fifth Judicial District Court estimated a potential increase between $300,00 and $700,000 in the cost of the project.

Taylor serves on the Artesia Chamber of Commerce Board and led the city’s MainStreet Board. He and his company were also involved in additions to the Eddy County Fairgrounds last year.

The cost of a $2 million project built by Taylor last fall, Eyesite’s new location on 26th Street, increased by $30,000 because of the regulations, Taylor said. That project was completed, but Taylor said the impacts to the recreation center were too much for the Artesia community – and others across the state – to bear.

“This regulation lacks consideration for local needs and practical realities,” Taylor said. “The decision to challenge this mandate isn’t just about Artesia—it’s about protecting all New Mexico communities from costly and impractical requirements that hinder development.”

The rules stipulated that commercial buildings have EV chargers in 1-5% of available parking spaces, based on the kind of business. New homes must also be equipped with electrical outlets adequate to support EV charging.

Residential buildings were required to have a 50-amp circuit breaker installed and connected to an electrical outlet with a 6-gauge wire capable of charging an EV.

For the rec center it means that of the 234 planned parking spots, 12 would need to be electric vehicle ready, while another 24 would need to be capable of having chargers installed in the future, Borges said.

Of the 11 handicap parking spots included in the plans, Borges said, two would be for electric vehicles.

Rules violate civil rights, lawsuit reads

In its lawsuit, the Foundation said the rules initially led to a denial of its construction permit to build the recreation center.

The group first applied to the Construction Industries Division for an early work permit on Oct. 28, 2024, to break ground on the rec center and the permit was issued 10 days later, on Nov. 7, 2024.

Work began to break ground, and on Nov. 22 the foundation applied for a construction permit to build the center. The Division denied the construction permit Dec. 3, 2024, the suit read, citing violations of the EV requirements.

The Foundation admitted that its plans as of November did not include any electric vehicle infrastructure for the recreation center, such as EV chargers on parking spaces, supply equipment or spaces capable of having chargers installed.

The Foundation submitted a second set of plans to the Division on Dec. 12, 2024, read the suit, along with a second application for a construction permit. The lawsuit said the Foundation was unable to interpret from the new codes exactly what needed to be added, and instead relied on its engineer’s “own knowledge and expertise” with electric vehicles and related infrastructure. The engineer is QA Engineering of Albuquerque, a firm subcontracted by Huitt-Zollars.

Taylor said the Foundation’s construction permit was issued on Tuesday, the same day the group filed its lawsuit. He said he thought the timing was coincidental. The permit, Taylor said, used language from the codes to allow a single conduit installed on a parking lot median that could then be connected to the spots when needed, adding just $350,000 to the overall costs.

Another section in the codes requires a conduit for each of 24 EV-ready spots, and Taylor worried the Division in the future could require the center to follow this language, adding another $400,000 to the project, he said.

Either way, the added cost should be picked up by the Construction Industries Division, argued the lawsuit, as the agency that mandated the EV spots.

The rules also violated the New Mexico Civil Rights Act of 2021, the suit read, which protects the public from suffering at the hands of public bodies the “deprivation of rights, privileges or immunities secured under the bill of rights of the Constitution of New Mexico.”

The Foundation argued it was due damages paid by the state in an amount to be determined at trial for civil rights violations and a “taking” of private property brought on by the mandate without “just compensation.”

The lawsuit also alleged that the Division did not have the authority in state statute to impose the electric vehicle mandate.

That argument centered around the Construction Industries Licensing Act, last amended by the New Mexico Legislature in 2019 and renamed the Construction Inspection and Licensing Act.

According to the law, the Division was tasked “to promote the general welfare of the people of New Mexico by providing for the protection of life and property by adopting and enforcing codes and standards for construction excavation, alteration, installation, connection, demolition and repair work.”

Another clause stipulates the Division is responsible for adopting “all statewide building codes and minimum standards as recommended by the trade bureaus to the director and approved by the commission.”

But the new codes, read the suit, do not support public welfare, instead adding a “severe and expensive” delay to the rec center project which the Foundation argued would provide “health, wellness, community outreach and educational programs” for Artesia residents.

‘Ramming it down our throats’

Newly elected State Sen. Jim Townsend (R-34) of Artesia said he and other lawmakers in the southeast region opposed the rules from the start. Townsend pointed to Senate Bill 77, which contained the same electric vehicle rules enacted last year but was rejected by lawmakers during the 2023 Legislative Session.

An analysis by the Legislative Finance Committee on SB 77 published during the 2023 session found the rules would cost on average an extra $5,000 per home.

City councils in both Carlsbad and Artesia passed resolutions last year opposing the rules.

Townsend said the lawsuit was an important effort to “stand up” to the administration’s “disingenuous process” of putting the rules in place and circumventing the Legislature.

“The impact of the rule to the economy in New Mexico is enormous,” Townsend said. “I believe the governor or somebody on her staff said to the (Division) ‘We didn’t get our rules so let’s ram it down everybody’s throat.’”

Aside from the Artesia Recreation Center, Townsend said the rules could impede development across the state, especially in small but rapidly growing towns in the southeast region, amid the booming Permian Basin oilfields.

“I’m grateful that someone developed a spine to stand up to the governor, but it’s not just one project. It’s not only going to affect Artesia, but everyone in the state.”

And electric vehicles, while convenient in bigger cities where commutes are shorter, Townsend said, are not widely used or practical in rural areas, meaning adding charging capacity to businesses and homes was unlikely to prove a local benefit.

“If you want one, you should be able to buy one. But I’m not going to stand by and let the governor tell me what to drive,” he said. “What about the older person in Jal who has to go to Lubbock (Texas) for the doctor and have to go there and back in the same day? You can’t do it in one of these (EVs).

“It’s not right.”

Higher taxes won’t solve alcohol’s harms

Michael Smith
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Higher taxes won’t solve alcohol’s harms

By Paul J. Gessing

According to the latest budget analyses from the Legislature, New Mexico policymakers have nearly $900 million in “new” money available as the session begins in Santa Fe. This comes on top of massive surpluses in recent years which the Legislature has largely spent or used to bolster the State’s already prodigious sovereign wealth funds which now total $58 billion.

In many states across the nation policymakers of both parties would be fighting to see who can come up with the best tax cut or rebate plan. Sadly, this November, New Mexico’s voters again chose to elect the most left-wing people on the ballot.

This means that instead of tax cuts, the New Mexico Legislature is (again) seriously considering raising taxes on hard-working New Mexicans.

The main tax hike on the Legislature’s agenda is a tax hike on alcohol. This has been contemplated in recent years only for varying groups of “progressives” in the Legislature have failed to agree. Gov. Lujan Grisham even vetoed a small alcohol tax hike that passed the Legislature in 2023.

Advocates of higher alcohol taxes have argued that New Mexico’s alcohol taxes are “low.” And that raising alcohol taxes will reduce problems associated with alcohol. But, currently half of the State’s alcohol excise tax revenues are allocated to the state’s general fund. If the problem is a lack of resource for treatment, the Legislature should start by increasing that allocating, not necessarily the tax.

Also, New Mexico’s taxes on alcohol are hardly “low.” According to the Tax Foundation, New Mexico’s $6.06/gallon tax on distilled spirits ranks 24th in the nation. Our 41 cent/gallon tax on beer is 14th-highest in the nation. And, our wine tax of $1.51/gallon places New Mexico at 5th-highest in the nation.

New Mexicans aren’t even particularly big consumers of alcohol relative to other states. According to data from World Population Review New Mexico’s alcohol consumption per-capita is ranked 31st in the nation. At 2.3 gallons annually New Mexicans consume less than half the alcohol consumed in New Hampshire where the average person consumes 4.8 gallons.

At the risk of being unfair we will simply note that New Hampshire performs far better on nearly every available social metric than does New Mexico (violence, poverty, child outcomes).

As is so often the case in public policy politicians are considering a tax hike on the broad population of New Mexicans to address problems created by a relatively tiny number of people. Putting the entire current alcohol tax into treatment is a reasonable way to address New Mexico’s problem drinkers. Raising taxes on everyone simply is not.

Alcohol taxes are seen as regressive because they tend to be charged at a single rate (thus impacting those with lower incomes most). On the other hand, high earners both tend to drink more and tend to binge drink more. So, while they may bear more of the tax burden, it is hard to see heavy drinkers with high incomes having their drinking decisions impacted by a higher tax on alcohol.

Taxes are a blunt tool in addressing consumption of a legal product. The policy goal of advocates seems to be some kind of neo-prohibition on the part of New Mexico’s “progressive” politicians. Considering the recent push on the part of many of these same politicians to legalize recreational marijuana one cannot help but be mystified at the inconsistent approaches applied.

Paul Gessing is president of New Mexico’s Rio Grande Foundation, an independent, nonpartisan, tax-exempt research and educational organization dedicated to promoting prosperity for New Mexico based on principles of limited government, economic freedom and individual responsibility.

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