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Artesia MainStreet celebrates early Halloween

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Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press
msmith@currentargus.com

Halloween came early to downtown Artesia as costumed residents and business owners turned out Saturday (Oct. 26) for Trick or Treat MainStreet.

Dressed as “La Llorona” or the weeping woman in Spanish-speaking communities, Rene Molina held her grandson Malacki Molina while greeting trick or treaters near her business, Rene’s Bookkeeping at 324 W. Main St.

“My theme was ghosts,” she said with a slight laugh. “I thought it was a pretty cool part of that.”

Saturday’s event marked Rene’s fourth year participating in Trick or Treat on MainStreet.

“It means a lot, it is so beautiful that the community comes together like this and so many people participate. Artesia comes together all the time,” she said.

At the corner of Main and Fourth Street, Lucretia Lyles looked different than her regular role as a broker for Roja Real Estate. She and her children were handing out candy and greeting residents as characters from the “Transformers” science fiction movie franchise.

“Every year, we say ‘what are we going to be?’ and the 7-year-old, Matthew, decided that we were going to be Transformers,” she said.

“So he’s Optimus Prime and I’m Lucretia Prime. I’m not sure who I am,” she said jokingly. “I am just a Transformer and proud to be a part of Trick or Treat Artesia MainStreet.”

Lyles said it was important for all Artesia businesses to support downtown merchants.

Artesia MainStreet executive director Morgan Fox said Trick or Treat MainStreet is a way of connecting the community to create lasting memories.

“Every year, we can’t believe the number of people who come downtown, decked out in their Halloween finest, to hang out with thousands of their neighbors,” she said. “This event goes to show that people are willing to connect with one another, to take time out of their busy lives to participate in creating joy for others.”

Fox said the city of Artesia and the Artesia Police Department provided help and security for the downtown event.

“We are especially grateful to the businesses and individuals that donated money to help make this event a success. Artesia MainStreet hopes you all have a very Happy Halloween,” she said.

Costume Contest winners announced

Kid – Spooky Clown: Caidence Laman

Teen – Vector from Despicable Me: Renee Flores

Adult – Tammy from Tammy: Robin Williams

Dynamic Duo – Daft Punk: Hagan Crockett and Draven Fletcher

Group – Ode to Tim Burton: Kimmons Kids

Most Creative – Paleta Man: Ismael “Boogie” Chavarria

Upcoming Events

At 5:30 p.m. Oct. 31 at Catalyst Church, 13th and Hermosa, ninth annual Trunk or Treat.

At 6 p.m. Oct. 31 at First Methodist Church, 500 W. Grand Ave., Trunk or Treat.

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

Johnson Family Reunites in Honor of Century-Old Legacy

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By: Josiah Deason, Artesia High School

Spanning across the depths of the Pecos Valley lies the century-old legacy of the Johnson Farms, where its lush acreage thrives lastingly as each generation beholds it to the next.

The spark of this legacy began in Newton County, Mississippi when Isaac Peebles “Ike” Johnson and his family embarked a journey across the United States in 1924 in hopes for a drier climate and crisper opportunities, where it led the Johnson Family and three other Mississippi families to the Heart of the Pecos.

Just 7 miles north of the Heart of the Pecos is where in 1925, Ike Johnson founded the basis of the Johnson Farms, where the soil remains just as bountiful as it was then, now nearing a century of thorough care and development. As the endless march of time never fails to progress, so did the development of the Johnson Farms, and most importantly, the addition to the Family’s contribution and involvement within their surrounding community, resulting in all 14 children of Ike and Nora’s to pursue their primary education at Artesia High School.

Though these 14 children went on to fulfill separate paths in life, Bill Johnson, the youngest boy of the Ike and Nora’s, returned to lead the development of the Johnson Farms, where his coordination of the estate contributed a vast collection of neighboring acreage after decades of contribution to the conservation of the Johnson Legacy. This legacy not only thrives within the Pecos, but by family members who have moved out towards other regions of the nation.

What remains forever constant within the Family is the not only the efforts they exert towards the success of the farm, but also the values that they hold towards their contribution and fellowship in church, and most of all, their Faith in God.

Josiah Deason is a Junior at Artesia High School.

AGH and Mako celebrate anniversary

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From Staff Reports:

Artesia General hospital (AGH) is celebrating a major milestone:  October marks 10 years of using the Mako robotic-arm assisted surgery system, which has revolutionized joint replacement procedures in the area and changed the lives of countless patients. Since being the first hospital in New Mexico to introduce it into its surgical suite a decade ago, the Mako system has become a vital tool for orthopedic surgeons performing total knee, partial knee, shoulder and hip replacement surgeries. The technology allows for an unprecedented level of precision in joint replacement, leading to faster recovery times, fewer complications, and improved patient outcomes. It also cuts down on travel for area patients.

Dr. Marshall Baca, an orthopedic surgeon at AGH’s Bone and Joint Destination Center, who is entering his 30th year practicing in the Artesia and Carlsbad Area, has been using the Mako robot since its implementation. “The Mako has completely transformed how we approach joint replacement surgery. Its precision allows me to tailor each procedure to the individual patient’s anatomy, resulting in faster recovery times, reduced pain, and improved outcomes. I’ve seen firsthand how this technology changes lives, and it’s an incredible tool in providing the highest level of care,” he said.

Baca said that the precision and reliability of the Mako led to the hiring of Dr Zhinian Wan, and the long-term success of the orthopedics department at AGH.  Wan was also involved in the actual development of the Mako unit and has coauthored many scientific publications during his work in joint replacement at UCLA.

Over the last 10 years, the use of the Mako robot has dramatically improved the quality of care for patients at AGH undergoing Total Knee Replacement, Total Hip Replacement and Uni Medial Partial Knee Replacement. Patients report less pain, and quicker returns to their normal activities.

Sandra Trujillo who works in the surgical services dept at AGH as a scheduler was the first patient in Southeast NM that the robot was used on. She underwent a Mako Uni Medial Partial Knee Replacement, a surgical procedure that uses a robotic arm to perform a partial knee replacement while preserving healthy bone and tissue.

“I had knee issues because of sports, tore my meniscus 3-4 times. It was definitely less painful; the precision of the surgery made all the difference. I was able to recover quickly, and within weeks.” said Trujillo. “I would highly recommend this surgical procedure to anyone that meets the criteria.” she added. 

 

Alongside Trujillo were Baca, Nurse Practitioner Darla Bannister, CRNA Nina Thai, RN Circulator Lorissa Campos, Scrub Tech Louis Calderon and Company Representative Stephen Hatch.

 Since adopting the Mako system, AGH has performed many Mako-assisted procedures, enhancing the lives of patients throughout the community. The facility has invested in training surgeons and staff in the use of the technology to ensure patients receive the most accurate and effective care possible. The Mako robot’s 3D modeling capabilities allow for highly personalized surgical plans, making the technology a game-changer for complex joint replacement surgeries. The technology’s precision minimizes trauma to surrounding tissues, reducing post-operative pain and swelling, and ultimately leading to quicker recovery times.

The Mako robotic-arm assisted surgery system is designed to provide surgeons with enhanced precision and control during joint replacement procedures. By creating a 3D virtual model of the patient’s anatomy, the Mako system allows surgeons to plan each operation in detail before even stepping into the operating room. During surgery, the robot assists the surgeon in executing the plan with pinpoint accuracy, ensuring the proper alignment and placement of implants. This advanced technology is particularly useful for patients undergoing knee and hip replacements, where even small improvements in accuracy can lead to better outcomes.

As AGH celebrates 10 years with the Mako system, the hospital remains committed to offering cutting-edge, patient-centered care. The success of the Mako robotic system has led to fewer complications, longer-lasting joint replacements, and, most importantly, happier, healthier patients. “This technology has really set a new standard for joint replacement surgeries,” said Wan. “It’s exciting to see how far we’ve come in the last 10 years, and I’m confident that we’ll continue to advance the level of care we provide with this tool.”

With a decade of experience using the Mako robot, AGH continues to lead the way in innovative orthopedic care. The technology has not only changed the way joint replacement surgeries are performed but also transformed the lives of patients who can now walk, run, and enjoy life without pain. As the hospital looks to the future, it remains dedicated to enhancing patient outcomes using cutting-edge technology and compassionate care.

For more information about Mako robotic-arm assisted surgeries or to schedule a consultation, visit AGH’s Bone and Joint Destination Center at https://artesiageneral.com/bone-joint-center or call (575) 736-8106 for more information.

 

Halloween comes early to downtown Artesia

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Mike Smith photo Artesia Daily Press

Scores of people gathered in downtown Artesia Saturday for Trick or Treat MainStreet. Merchants dressed in their favorite costumes and handed out candy to local citizens.

For more pictures and details pick up a copy of Thursday’s Artesia Daily Press.

Artesia football flies past Goddard

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Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press
msmith@currentargus.com

Izac Cazares, Frankie Galindo and Ethan Conn could be considered triplets of Artesia High School’s offense. All three had a big night as the Bulldogs defeated the Goddard Rockets 55-20 in Roswell Friday night.

The victory came one week after the Bulldogs were defeated by Roswell’s other high school, the Roswell High Coyotes, 44-40 at Bulldog Bowl in Artesia.

Artesia head coach Jeremy Maupin said the Bulldogs (6-3, 5-1) played well against the Rockets (2-7, 1-5)

“(We) made plays in all facets (of the game),” he said after the victory.

Artesia scored on a 60-yard drive to open the game as Conn scored on a 1-yard run in the opening two minutes of the first quarter.

Backup quarterback Derrick Warren completed a pass to junior wide receiver Trent Egeland for the 2-point conversion as the Bulldogs led 8-0.

Artesia scored again with 8:04 left in the opening quarter as Cazares, the starting quarterback, threw a 62-yard strike to junior running back Bryce Parra.

Corbyn Dominguez booted the extra point kick as Artesia extended the lead 15-0.

Nearly four minutes later, Conn, a senior split back, scored another touchdown on a 67-yard pass from Cazares. The 2-point conversion was no good as Artesia upped the score to 21-0.

The Rockets started to put up a fight against the Bulldogs in the closing stages of the first period as quarterback Izaiah Montoya completed an 11-yard to junior wide receiver Josiah Castillo.

Goddard could not convert the extra point attempt as Artesia’s lead was trimmed to 21-6.

With 20 seconds remaining before the end of the opening period, the Rockets recovered an onside kick and scored the second touchdown of the game early in the second quarter as Jose Porras scored on a 26-yard reception.

Kicker Nathan Reed made the extra point attempt as the Rockets were within striking distance as Artesia led 21-13 with 11:11 left before halftime.

Artesia’s offense went to work on its opening drive of the second quarter as Galindo, a senior running back, capped a 45-yard drive, with a 27-yard touchdown run.

The 2-point conversion was no good as the Bulldogs found some breathing room leading 27-13 with 9:16 left in the second period.

Artesia’s defense fizzled Goddard’s opening drive of the second period. Galindo scored nearly five minutes later on a 46-yard run, capping an eight-play, 76-yard drive.

Dominguez kicked the extra point attempt as the Bulldogs led 34-13.

Artesia got some extra space with 3:11 left before halftime as Goddard could not handle the kick off.

Cazares scored on a 30-yard touchdown run and Dominguez made the extra point kick as the Bulldogs remained on top 41-13.

With 48 seconds showing on the scoreboard, Conn scored another touchdown, as Artesia coasted for the rest of the game. Dominguez made the extra point and the Bulldogs led 48-13 at halftime.

“(Maupin was) proud to turn around and play well after a tough game last week,” he said.

The Bulldogs final touchdown of the night occurred with 6:14 left in the third quarter as junior wide receiver Jack Byers scored on a 2-yard pass from Warren as Maupin gave the reserves some playing time.

Dominguez booted the extra point as Artesia led 55-13.

Goddard’s final touchdown of the night occurred with 8:22 left in the game as Reed scored on a 2-yard touchdown run. He also kicked the extra point for the Rockets.

At 1 p.m. Nov. 2 in Las Cruces at the Field of Dreams, the Bulldogs end the regular season against Mayfield.

Scoring Summary
1st Quarter

Artesia-Ethan Conn 1-yard run, Derrick Warren to Trent Egeland for 2-point conversion, 9:58, 8-0.

Artesia-Bryce Parra 62-yard pass from Izac Cazares, Corbyn Dominguez kick, 8:04, 15-0.

Artesia-Cazares 67-yard pass to Conn, 2-point conversion no good, 3:57, 21-0.

Goddard-Izaiah Montoya 11-yard pass to Josiah Castillo, kick blocked, :23, 21-6.

2nd Quarter

Goddard-Jose Porras 26-yard touchdown reception, Nathan Reed kick, 11:11, 21-13.

Artesia-Frankie Galindo, 27-yard touchdown run, 2-point conversion no good, 9:16, 27-13.

Artesia-Galindo 46-yard touchdown run, Dominguez kick, 4:06, 34-13.

Artesia-Cazares 30-yard touchdown run, Dominguez kick, 3:11, 41-13.

Artesia-Conn 70-yard touchdown catch, Dominguez kick, :48, 48-13.

3rd Quarter

Artesia-Jack Byers 3-yard touchdown reception, Dominguez kick, 6:14, 55-13.

4th Quarter

Goddard-Reed 2-yard touchdown run, Reed kick, 8:23, 55-20.

Offensive Stars of the Game:

Passing: Cazares 10/13 327 yards, 4TDs

Receiving: Conn 5-catches, 174 yards 3TDs

Rushing: Galindo 6 carries 114 yards, 2TDs

Defensive Star of the Game:

Grant Johnson 4 ½ solo tackles

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

Eddy County nearing decision on Courthouse?

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Mike Smith
El Rito Media
msmith@currentargus.com

Upgrading the current Eddy County Courthouse looks to be the favored option as the county moves toward a new administration complex and jail.

Since April, Eddy County has grappled with what to do with courthouse operations after approving a new administration building and jail south of Carlsbad on Corrales Road across from the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office. County officials had considered several possibilities, including construction of a new courthouse for $279 million and expansion of the current facility for $310 million.

But a proposal to spend $15 million for a courthouse makeover featuring new exterior stucco and windows plus improvements for heating, air conditioning and plumbing emerged during an Oct. 15 meeting of the Eddy County Board of County Commissioners.

That plan and two others were presented to commissioners and residents by Jason Burns, the county’s public works director, during a townhall meeting Wednesday (Oct. 23) at the Eddy County Fire Services office in Carlsbad.

Fifth Judicial District Judge Lisa Riley, who had stated opposition to moving the courthouse during an April 24 townhall meeting, said she liked the makeover option.

“It will maintain our beautiful, historic, iconic courthouse and it will maintain the seat of the courts as part of our local government … I think that’s what the community has voiced it wants and that’s what the judges want as well,” Riley said.

Riley was opposed to moving courthouse functions away from downtown Carlsbad to the southern part of the community, which is seeing a growth of industrial development.

“It’s not an appropriate place to have a courthouse,” she said. “Courthouses have traditionally been in the heart of the town. They are local government. They are where the local judges administer justice to our local citizens using local juries and they should not be relegated to an industrial section of town.”

Savannah Cabezuela, Eddy County spokesperson, said remodeling the courthouse gives county leaders a five-year window to see what the future holds for the county and the current structure. She said commissioners could make a final decision Nov. 5.

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

Foreign policy and the next president.

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By: Tom Wright

Parts of the world are in turmoil – China and Taiwan, Israel and the Mideast, Ukraine and Russia. The axis of North Korea, Russia, China, Iran, ganging up against the US. Our next president will face these issues and experience will be needed. What are the stakes we face with a president weak on foreign policy?

Kamila Harris has little experience in the field and her mentor, Joe Biden has been all over the map on the subject. He has said unequivocally, we will back and defend Israel. In the next breath, Biden has said, he would withhold weapons if Israel mounts an offensive in Rapha. Harris agrees, promoting a peace settlement over victory for Israel. Hezbollah has refused to disarm and Israel will not settle on those terms.

We have just learned a top-secret memo was leaked from our intelligence community regarding Israel’s plan to attack Iran. That is an absolute Biden/Harris transgression, probably to short-circuit Israel’s plans and promote a “Biden Peace Accord,” all for his legacy and much sought, glory.

Donald Trump’s, “America First” theme gives the impression he is an isolationist. He has been against our deep involvement in Ukraine, but all in for helping Israel, applying extreme sanctions on Iran. Biden removed those sanctions.

Trump forced NATO to pony-up more defense funding against Russian aggression and cut our financial commitment to the treaty.  He personally engaged Russia, China and North Korea, ended our involvement in Iran’s nuclear deal, froze Iran’s foreign financial assets ordered the assassination of Qasem Soleimani, Iran’s top general. He also ordered a missile attack on Syrian forces, after they used chemical weapons on their own citizens.

In the far east, he has encouraged Japan and our Pacific allies to increase defense spending and they have. By strengthening our alliances, it has allowed us to become less engaged financially and militarily. That’s not isolationism.

The reality is, Trump oversaw the final defeat of ISIS, did not engage U.S. troops in further involvements and no countries started wars during his administration.

Trump’s foreign policy seems to be promising the olive branch for good behavior and the stick for bad behavior. With that threat, getting along is better than not.

Under a passive Biden/Harris Administration, we have seen China’s increased aggression against Taiwan, Russia invade Ukraine, a return to the nuclear deal with Iran and a release of sanctions and Hamas attack Israel.

In the past few days, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Hamas in Istanbul to discuss the situation and the possibility of a cease-fire, after the death of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar. Iran’s Araghchi, told reporters that, despite that loss, Hamas “is more alive than ever.”

President George W. Bush first used the expression “Axis of Evil” in his 2002 State of the Union Address as it referred to Iran, Ba’athist Iraq and North Korea. Since then, China and Russia have been added. Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela could be considered minor, but significant partners as they are in our hemisphere.

The economy and immigration may be real areas for voters to consider, but foreign policy will be the determining factor for our future. Which candidate will best serve us?

Tom Wright is a Santa Fe columnist and El Rito Media investor.

Being Godly Citizens in an Ungodly Society

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By: Pastor Rick Smith

Jesus in answer to a trick question from His detractors, said, “Render therefore unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s (Matthew22:21).”  As Christians we are citizens of two kingdoms: the kingdom of man and the kingdom of God.  Although our first responsibility is to God, we still have to live in this world as sojourners and pilgrims as we are on our way to heaven.   Paul understood this and gave instructions in many of his letters on dealing with those outside the faith and those authorities that existed at that time.  For example, Paul wrote to the Romans, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God (Romans 13:1).”  Any wise person will agree that even a bad government is better than anarchy where everyone does what they want without restrictions.  Then the ones with the most power run rough-shod over those that are weaker.  I think it is time that Christians review the instructions that God has given us in the Bible for living godly in an ungodly world.

 

Before I begin I think it is important to point out that we are not living under a monarchy, emperor, or a dictator.  We, by the grace of God, live in a republican democracy.  We elect those that represent us to lead and rule over us.  It is suppose to be a limited government, with limited authority, and subject to the supreme law of the land (the Constitution) and its citizens.  We are the ones who elect those that lead us.  Every government worker is ultimately employed by we the citizens of this country.  That does not mean that we have any right to disrespect or demean them.  But it does mean that we can change things if enough people want to see things change.   Those of the early church and during most of the history of Christianity did not have that right.  Even now, many, if not most, of our brethren around the world do not have the rights that we have in our country.  In the first century, under Romes dictatorial rule, Paul was not hesitant to use his rights as a Roman citizen when it was necessary.  We have at least three incidents in the book of Acts when Paul appealed to his rights of citizenship (Acts 16:37; 22:25; 25:11).  So we have rights as citizens that we can reasonably use.  We can vote, appeal to the courts, and protest “wickedness in high places”.

 

We must remember that God rules over governments.  Government in general was instituted by God after the flood (Genesis 9).  All governments are ultimately answerable to God Who will judge its leaders for how they governed those under them.  Nero, Napoleon, Hitler, and Stalin will be judged by God for what they did during the time of their rule.  So also, the presidents of the United States will also stand before God and give an account of their leadership of we the people.  The wisdom of our founders showed the struggle between submitting to a tyrannical government and declaring our independence:  “Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed (Declaration of Independence).”

 

God rules over people as well as governments.  We are always subject to God and His will over us.  This is especially true of the Christian.  It is our desire for God’s will to be “done on earth as it is in heaven.”  So we are obligated to submit ourselves to obey God even when it is contrary to public opinion and government rules.  The apostles knew this when they responded to the Sanhedrin’s demand that they cease to preach Jesus and the resurrection.  “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).”  If we obey God then there will be few times that we will come in conflict with government.  But when there is a conflict we must always obey God rather than men.

 

Use your rights as a citizen.  Exercise your rights of free speech to call people to Christ.  Protest the evils of men and government.  Point to the coming kingdom of God and His Christ, inviting people to repent and believe the gospel.  Pray for present leaders and vote for more godly leaders.  Go as far as you can to obey those that are over us.  Pay your taxes, obey the laws, and be an exemplary citizen.  But submit yourselves to God to obey Him in all things.

 

If you have any questions, we invite you to visit with us this Sunday.   Worship at 10:50 AM.  We are located at 711 West Washington Ave. Check us out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552917735843

 

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

Chaves County floods impact farmland and closes schools

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By Mike Smith
El Rito Media
msmith@currentargus.com

Elisa Begueria woke up Sunday (Oct. 20) morning to flooding in her neighborhood and concerns for Roswell and Lake Arthur.

“The amount of water was just spectacular,” she said. “I have never seen anything like that in my life.”

Begueria is a Roswell resident and superintendent of Lake Arthur Municipal Schools (LAMS), a small rural district in far southern Chaves County.

A torrential downpour on Saturday (Oct. 19) had dumped nearly 6 inches of rain on Roswell, breaking a record set in 1901, and Begueria said the water in her north Roswell neighborhood seemed like a river. The flooding caused multiple road closures and left people stranded on Sunday.

Begueria said her house was not damaged by the flooding, but she was worried about her fellow residents and LAMS employees and started checking on their safety and welfare.

“We have teachers in Roswell, Dexter, Hagerman and Artesia and some of our staff work and live in Lake Arthur,” she said. “My whole job Sunday morning was to call those in need.”

She said LAMS personnel residing in Dexter suffered the most damage from the floods. The school district canceled classes on Monday.

In a Facebook post, Dexter Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Chief Justin Powell said flood waters hit the west side of town and flowed east of the railroad tracks into the heart of the community.

He said houses were full of water, cars were swept away and water was nearly 5 feet deep on some streets.

While Lake Arthur did not see immediate impact from the flooding, Begueria said she was concerned about rising waters in the Pecos River.

A U.S. Geological Survey monitoring location cited river water at 20 feet Sunday night. Water started receding Monday morning.

Bill Pollard, a farmer in Lake Arthur, drove six miles Monday morning for breakfast at Toby’s Place in Hagerman. He has lived around Lake Arthur for 70 years and had never seen flood waters reach such high levels.

“It backed out of the river (and flooded) all over the farm,” he said.

Pollard farms 150 acres northeast of Lake Arthur.

Water flow from the Pecos River originates in northern New Mexico and flows through southeast New Mexico into Texas.

Flood waters wiped out the Rio Feliz Bridge along U.S. Highway 285 between Artesia and Roswell and filled the normally dry Felix River north of Hagerman, flooding nearby farmland.

The town of Hagerman did not suffer flood damage, said Fire Chief Chad Hamill.

Hagerman resident Benny Griffin has lived in the community since 1989 and said he did not venture anywhere on Sunday.

“I couldn’t get anywhere,” he said. “I live east of the river. If had to go anywhere I would have to go east and go around to Loco Hills, Maljamar or Tatum.”

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

Catfish and bass are biting at New Mexico lakes and streams

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Mike Smith
El Rito Media
msmith@currentargus.com

Southern and southeast New Mexico anglers looking for a weekend trip will find good conditions, according to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.

Around Carlsbad at Bataan Lake, fishing for catfish was fair to good using cut bait and worms.

At Brantley Lake, 19 miles north of Carlsbad, fishing for bass was fair using plastic worms.

In Lincoln County, fishing for trout was fair to good at Bonito Lake using Panther Martin spinners.

At Grindstone Lake, fishing for trout was good using Pautzke Balls O’ Fire and mini marshmallows.

Around Truth or Consequences, fishing for walleye was slow to fair using small jigs. Fishing for crappie was good using small jigs and grubs.

Fishing for white bass was good using white jigs and chrome Kastmaster lures. Fishing for walleye was good using white crankbaits jigs tipped with worms.

Fishing for largemouth bass was fair to good using topwater lures. Fishing for crappie was fair using live minnows near the Dam Site Marina. Fishing for catfish was good using white jigs and cut bait.

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 is compiled may differ, as stream, lake and weather conditions alter fish and angler activities.

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