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From Artesia to Hollywood: Chandler still believes
JT Keith
Artesia Daily Press
jtkeith@elrtomedia.com
If you watched Kevin Blake Chandler play basketball at Artesia High School, you knew the moment never intimidated him.
Whether navigating pressure defenses or stepping into a big shots, Chandler carried himself with a calm confidence — a trait that would later take him far beyond the hardwood to an acting career.
That presence was on full display Jan. 5, 2008, when the Bulldogs pulled off one of the biggest upsets in school history, defeating Hobbs 77-74 in overtime at The Pit.
“We hadn’t beaten them in 10 years or more,” Chandler said. “It felt good and gave us confidence for the rest of the season. It made us feel like if we could beat them, we could match up with anyone.”
As a junior, Chandler played strong defense and handled the ball against Hobbs’ vaunted press, a performance highlighted in the Artesia Daily Press coverage of the game.
“Kevin was just a great guy,” said former teammate and current Artesia High School athletic trainer Koby Caton. “He was real. There was no pretense with him. He was fun to be around and brought a lot of intensity. He has always been motivated to do more in life, and I can tell he is headed that way. I am excited and happy for him.”
Chandler played under former Bulldogs coach Ike Montoya, whose intensity he now understands helped prepare him for life beyond basketball.
“On the hardwood, Coach Ike was intense, but in a good way,” Chandler said. “He wanted discipline. He wanted us to be good. It was tough, but it was fun.”
The Bulldogs finished the 2008-09 season as state runner-up, falling to Roswell 59-50 in the championship game. Chandler returned as a senior starter and earned all-star honors.
Moving to Artesia
Chandler said moving from South Georgia to Artesia as a seventh-grader was a culture shock.
“I had never experienced a small-town community,” he said. “At first, I didn’t really understand it.”
As he grew older, his perspective changed.
“I grew to love the community aspect,” Chandler said. “People look out for each other here. To this day, I feel embraced and supported in Artesia.”
That support continues. Chandler said he often hears from people back home when he appears in a show or releases a project.
“It means everything to me,” he said.
Looking back, Chandler understands why his mother, Caren Chandler, moved him and his sister, Payton Chandler, to Artesia.
“Living here was beautiful,” he said.
Chandler graduated in 2010 and attended New Mexico Junior College, where he played basketball for two seasons. The jump proved humbling.
“I knew pretty quickly I would not be the next Michael Jordan,” Chandler said.
He later walked on at New Mexico State University, but a crowded roster and a torn ACL brought his basketball career to an abrupt end.
“Once the ACL happened, I mentally checked out,” Chandler said. “That was it for me.”
Finding a new passion
With basketball no longer an option, Chandler struggled with his identity. As a child, he loved performing and idolized Michael Jackson. He grew up watching films such as “Free Willy,” “Jurassic Park” and “The Lion King.”
While in college, Chandler began doing skits on campus and eventually auditioned for a student-led play at the ASNMSU Center for the Arts.
He landed the role and quickly realized acting was more than a hobby.
“I could just be myself,” he said. “That’s when I got hooked.”
After graduating from NMSU in December 2016, Chandler had a heart-to-heart conversation with his mother. He told her he wanted to return home, save money and eventually move to Los Angeles to pursue acting.
Her response was immediate.
“If you give it 100%, I support it,” she told him.
Chandler moved back to Artesia in May 2018. His mother did not charge him rent, instead encouraging him to save every dollar.
He ran a monthly basketball camp, worked as a substitute teacher at Artesia Middle School and High School, and waited tables at Adobe Rose Restaurant.
From May 2018 to July 2019, Chandler maintained that pace, saving $20,000 before moving to California.
Chandler said his athletic background prepared him for the realities of Hollywood.
“Sports teach you rejection,” he said. “Every ‘no’ just gets you closer to a ‘yes.’”
He works at a gym to help make ends meet, continues writing his own material and has earned multiple acting credits.
“The more shots I put up,” Chandler said, “the more chances I give myself to get hired.”
Staying grounded
Chandler said fame is not his goal.
“I just want my life to count,” he said. “I want to do good work and inspire people to believe they can do whatever they want in life.”
His faith continues to anchor him.
“It only takes one moment,” Chandler said. “That’s why I don’t quit.”
When life in California becomes overwhelming, his thoughts often return home.
“I miss the simplicity of Artesia,” Chandler said. “No one’s in a rush. It is a beautiful and a great place to raise a family.”
JT Keith can be reached at 575-420-0061, or on X @JTKEITH1.
SENMC health clinic opens in April in Carlsbad
The SENMC Health Clinic will be offering walk-In clinic hours to the community starting in April
The Health Clinic at Southeast New Mexico College is piloting walk-in clinic hours to the community next month.
Medical services are provided by Candace Byers, CNP. The Health Clinic is a teaching site for SENMC health programs, so patients may be cared for by students from phlebotomy, nursing assistant, medical assistant, nursing, or health administration programs during their visit.
The clinic can see adults for acute illnesses, flares of chronic illnesses, minor injuries, “bridge” prescriptions, and mental health concerns. The clinic does not treat minors, provide opiates, or manage serious emergencies.
The clinic also does not bill insurance; all care provided within the walls of the clinic is covered by a $25.00 charge, discounts are offered to send-out lab services. During SENMC’s academic year, hours are Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 2 to 5 p.m.
Call 575.234.9293 for an appointment.
Catfish, bass, tiger muskies join trout in New Mexico’s waters this week
Information and photos provided by New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Trout, a staple of New Mexico fishing, have some company this week in the state’s waterways.
In western New Mexico at Quemado Lake, fishing for trout and tiger muskie was exceptionally good using Trout Slayers.
At Lake Van in southeast New Mexico, fishing for catfish was fair to good using golden Kastmasters.
In Lincoln County at Bonito Lake, trout fishing was good using red worms and Rainbow Garlic Scented PowerBait.
At Grindstone Reservoir, trout fishing good was using PowerBait and salmon eggs.
In northern New Mexico at Conchas Lake, fishing for largemouth bass was slow to fair using plastic tubes.
Streamflow along the Pecos River near Pecos was 23.5 cubic feet per second (cfs) on Wednesday. Trout fishing was good using worms.
Along the Santa Cruz Reservoir, trout fishing was good using a variety of PowerBait.
In Albuquerque at Tingley Beach, trout fishing was incredibly good suing Green Garlic PowerBait and good using Pistol Petes.
This fishing report, provided by the Department of Game and Fish, 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.
Police Blotter
March 7
SUSPICIOUS
12:50 pm – Officer dispatched to S. 1st St. and E. Hermosa Dr. in reference to a suspicious person.
FIGHT
2:20 pm – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of N. 13th St. in reference to a fight in progress.
RECKLESS
4:28 pm – Officer dispatched to W. Main St. and S. 20th St. in reference to a reckless vehicle.
DISTURBANCE
6:38 pm -Officer dispatched to E. Main St. and N. 1st St. in reference to disorderly disturbance.
ACCIDENT
7:02 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of W. Richardson Ave. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.
THREATS
7:20 pm – Officer dispatched to 200 block of S. 13th St. in reference to threats.
March 8
Arrest
Richard Carrett Garner arrested for driving while under the influence of intoxication liquor, unlawful use of license driving when privilege to do so has been suspended or revoked.
Carlie Cheyenne Terry arrested for municipal failure to pay.
WELFARE
12:15 am – Officer dispatched to 400 block of W. Washington Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
DOMESTIC
12:50 am – Officer dispatched to 700 block of W. James Ave. in reference to verbal domestic.
WELFARE
8:28 am – Officer dispatched to 400 block of W. Main St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
9:01 am – Officer dispatched to 300 block of W. Quay Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
2:31 pm – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
HARASSMENT
2:17 pm – Officer dispatched to 3300 block of W. Main St. in reference to harassment.
FRAUD
5:45 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 16th St. in reference to fraud.
March 9
Arrest
Michael Varela arrested for battery against a household member, interference with communications, destroying, removing.
RECKLESS
8:03 am – Officer dispatched to 600 block of W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to a reckless vehicle.
WELFARE
10:17 am – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of N. 6th St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
11:25 am – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
GRAFFITI
11:01 am – Officer dispatched to 800 block of W. Lolita Ave. in reference to graffiti.
11:32 am- Officer dispatched to N. 12th St. and W. Main St. in reference to graffiti.
11:37 am – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of N. 8th St. in reference to graffiti.
BURGLARY
2:38 pm – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of S. Roselawn Ave. in reference to structure burglary.
BATTERY
3:43 pm – Officer dispatched to 600 block of W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to battery.
WELFARE
4:19 pm – Officer dispatched to S. 26th St. and W. Grand Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
RECKLESS
5:48 pm – Officer dispatched to 500 block of W. Bullock Ave. in reference to a reckless vehicle.
LARCENY
6:27 pm – Officer dispatched to 2600 block of W. Missouri Ave. in reference to larceny.
SUSPICIOUS
6:54 pm – Officer dispatched to 900 block of W. Missouri Ave. in reference to suspicious activity.
UNWANTED
10:00 pm – Officer dispatched to 300 block of W. Quay Ave. in reference to an unwanted subject.
DOMESTIC
1:49 pm – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to physical domestic.
March 10
Arrest
Lee Anthony Delgado arrested for Municipal Failure to appear, controlled substance possession.
HARASSMENT
5:19 am – Officer dispatched to 700 block of W. Lolita Ave. in reference to harassment.
ACCIDENT
8:12 am – Officer dispatched to S. 10th St. and W. Quay Ave. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.
WELFARE
8:29 am – Officer dispatched to 500 block of W. Bullock Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
March 11
Arrest
Justin Lanning arrested for contempt of court, failure to comply.
Steven Ray Engle arrested for criminal trespass.
Kristyn Dana Hernandez arrested for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs.
Kaycia Rymel Montoya arrested for driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor.
WANTED
8:38 am – Officer dispatched to 100 block of N. 15th St. in reference to a wanted subject.
UNATTEDED DEATH
9:04 am – Officer dispatched to 1600 block of Briscoe Ave. in reference to an unattended death.
SUSPICIOUS
9:33 am- Officer dispatched to 800 block of W. Quay Ave. in reference to a suspicious person.
LARCENY
10:43 am – Officer dispatched to 1600 block of W. Ray Ave. in reference to larceny.
10:51 am – Officer dispatched to 600 block of W. Richardson Ave. in reference to larceny.
11:21 am – Officer dispatched to 1200 block of W. Merchant Ave. in reference to larceny.
DISTURBANCE
10:50 am – Officer dispatched to 600 block of N. Roselawn Ave. in reference to disorderly disturbance.
HARASSMENT
12:23 pm – Officer dispatched to 400 block of N. 26th St. in reference to harassment.
SUSPICIOUS
1:06 pm – Officer dispatched to 1300 block of S. 1st St. in reference to suspicious trespass.
1:25 pm – Officer dispatched to 2500 block of W. Quay Ave. in reference to suspicious vehicle.
WELFARE
5:27 pm – Officer dispatched to 1700 block of W. Main St. in reference to the welfare of a child.
THREATS
7:03 pm – Officer dispatched to 800 block of Catalina Dr. in reference to threats.
DWI
7:33 pm – Officer dispatched to W. Bullock Ave. and S. 5th St. in reference to DWI.
March 12
Arrest
Jamie Leigh Croft arrested for aggravated DWI of intoxicating liquor or drugs, accident involving damage to vehicle,
Angela M. Romero arrested for municipal failure to pay.
SUSPICIOUS
3:10 am – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of W. Ruyan Ave. in reference to suspicious person.
WELFARE
12:17 pm – Officer dispatched to 500 block of W. Bullock Ave. in reference to the welfare of a child.
5:04 pm – Officer dispatched to S. 4th St. and W. Main St. in reference to the welfare of a an adult.
ACCIDENT
12:46 pm – Officer dispatched to S. 20th St. and W. Quay Ave. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.
6:08 pm – Officer dispatched to S. Heath St. and W. Centre Ave. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.
WELFARE
7:08 pm – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of S. 2nd St. in reference to an altered mental welfare.
DOMESTIC
11:02 pm – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to physical domestic.
March 13
WELFARE
1:13 am – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of S. Richey Ave. in reference to the welfare of a child.
2:29 am – Officer dispatched to 1800 block of S. 1st St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
DISTURBANCE
3:13 am – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of W. Mann Ave. in reference to a family disturbance.
BURGLARY
8:01 am -Officer dispatched to 2300 block of Cerro Rd. in reference to an auto burglary.
THREATS
8:10 am – Officer dispatched to 600 block of W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to threats.
LARCENY
9:35 am – Officer dispatched to 800 block of W. Bullock Ave. in reference to larceny.
ACCIDENT
9:50 am -Officer dispatched to S. 1st St. and Main St. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.
BURGLARY
10:48 am – Officer dispatched to 200 block of W. Chisum Ave. in reference to burglary.
11:03 am – Officer dispatched to 100 block of N. 26th St. in reference to burglary.
ACCIDENT
11:50 am – Officer dispatched to 1300 block of W. Gilchrist Ave. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.
1:08 pm – Officer dispatched to E. Main St. and N. 1st St. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.
SUSPICIOUS
1:26 pm – Officer dispatched to 1700 block of W. Main St. in reference to suspicious activity.
WELFARE
3:50 pm – Officer dispatched to 1700 block of Harrison Ct. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
DISTURBANCE
5:02 pm – Officer dispatched to W. Grand and S. 20th St. in reference to disturbance.
THREATS
8:30 pm- Officer dispatched to 1500 block of N. 1st St. in reference to threats.
SENMC student named to Coca-Cola Academic Team
Staff reports
Sammy Lopez, Jr., a student at Southeast New Mexico College, was named a member of the 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team and will receive a $1,300 scholarship.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion.
Lopez is a “remarkable student whose dedication, leadership, and perseverance exemplify the values of Southeast New Mexico College,” school officials said.
He was awarded the Mountain Lion Student of the Month award for February 2026. Recently, Lopez changed his career path from pre-nursing to pursuing an Associate of Science degree so that he may continue his education and ultimately attend medical school with the goal of specializing in neurology. His said he hopes to attend Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.
Lopez is also highly involved in Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), where he serves as both a chapter officer and a New Mexico regional officer. Through his involvement in PTK, he has earned significant recognition for his achievements, including being named a 2025 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar and being selected this year for the prestigious New Mexico All-State Academic Team. Beyond campus, Lopez is a certified medication aide at CARC, where he assists clients with medication while gaining valuable hands-on healthcare experience, and he also helps care for a disabled family member at home.
“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Paulsen, president of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa to make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals and support tomorrow’s global community leaders.”
Students are nominated for the academic team by their college administrators. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service.
Coca-Cola Academic Team members will be recognized in both local and statewide ceremonies. They will also be recognized internationally during Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst, in Baltimore, Maryland, March 26-28.
“We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for recognizing these student leaders and for investing in their futures,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, president and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “Scholarships like these are integral to the success of these students in reaching their educational and career goals.”
Cal Thomas: Should America have a red line for terrorist attacks?
Cal Thomas
President Trump has acted as no other president has by unleashing a war on Iran whose objective is not only preventing the ayatollahs from ever building a nuclear weapon but ideally (though unmentioned) replacing the fanatics with leaders more friendly to Israel and the West and delivering freedom and prosperity to the Iranian people.
With two more terrorist attacks last week – one at Old Dominion University in Virginia and the other at a synagogue and Jewish school in Dearborn, Michigan, is it time to talk of terrorists crossing a red line in this country?
How many more terrorist attacks must we endure before more is done to lessen the threat?
The Florida legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis have taken a bold and useful step in banning Sharia Law in the state and giving DeSantis the ability to designate the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization.
The U.S. has seen numerous Muslim organizations established within its borders before and especially after 9/11. They advocate policies counter to U.S interests. Some defend attacks on Israel and support terrorists and Iran.
These include The Muslim Brotherhood. Designated by Texas and now Florida as a foreign terrorist organization. U.S. officials and reports have accused the group of acting as a “militant Islamist organization” that aims to undermine U.S. national security and support groups like Hamas.
Another active Muslim organization is CAIR, the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Designated as a “foreign terrorist organization” by Texas and Florida in late 2025 due to alleged links to the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas. CAIR was named an unindicted co-conspirator in the 2007 Holy Land Foundation trial. CAIR denies these links and has sued to contest these designations.
Others include:
– American Muslims for Palestine (AMP): Identified in reports as an Islamist organization promoting pro-Hamas advocacy, BDS (Boycott, Divestment Sanctions against Israel), and acting as part of a “network” of threat actors.
– Islamic Society of North America (ISNA): Described in studies as an Islamist organization that operates as a sister organization to CAIR and shares board members, with ties to the Muslim Brotherhood’s U.S. network.
– Muslim American Society (MAS): Described in reports as an Islamist organization with ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, focusing on “direct action” and anti-Israel advocacy.
– Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP): Identified in reports as an Islamist organization focused on campus activism, pro-Hamas advocacy, and BDS promotion.
– The Muslim Students Association (MSA National): Described in reports as focused on campus activism and affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood’s network.
– Revolution Muslim (RM): Described by the West Point Counterterrorism Center (CTC) as a radical group linked to terrorism cases, which appeared in 2010 to act as a recruiter for foreign militant groups.
The U.S. government has, in past cases like the Holy Land Foundation, shut down charities, including Benevolence International Foundation and Global Relief Foundation, accusing them of directing funds toward terrorism.
Federal investigations have also identified domestic Islamic extremist groups in prisons, such as Jam’iyyat Ul-Islam Is-Saheeh (JIS), which they say pose a threat.
If further attacks continue on U.S. soil, at a minimum these groups should be closed and disbanded. While some liberal judges might not allow it, voters in November could do something about it by electing people who put America ahead of its enemies, foreign and especially domestic.
Look for Cal Thomas’ latest book “A Watchman in the Night: What I’ve Seen Over 50 Years Reporting on America” (HumanixBooks).
No do-overs for Starnes in last shot at state cheer title
JT Keith
Artesia Daily Press
jtkeith@elritomedia.com
For Jase Starnes, this season comes with no do-overs.
The Artesia senior and head captain of the cheer team knows this is her final chance — and her team’s last opportunity — to bring home a state championship before she graduates.
That reality hit hard last year in Albuquerque.
Starnes watched Artesia finish second at the 2025 state competition, scoring 90.7 in Total Performance 1 and 80.3 in Total Performance 2 for a combined score of 171. It was close, but not close enough to catch eventual champion Taos, which finished with 179.35. The 8.35-point gap denied Artesia its first state title since 2009.
Now a senior, Starnes is determined not to let that moment define the end of her high school career.
“For me, this year is different,” Starnes said. “Last year I was a co-captain and a junior. Now the pressure is on, and everybody is looking at me. When things get tough, I have to push through it and make the team believe they can, too.”
There is reason for optimism.
For the first time in five years, Artesia enters the postseason with continuity at head coach. Sabrina Roybal returns for a second straight season after Starnes had three different coaches in four years. Starnes said she believes that stability alone could be the difference.
Starnes, a tumbler and main base, said the physical and mental demands of cheer can be taxing, but the payoff is worth it.
“Being on the team — being the powerhouse for the stunts — is 100% worth it,” she said.
Starnes and six other seniors know what is at stake. This is the last time they will compete together. The last time they will wear Artesia colors. The last chance to call themselves state champions.
“We want to be able to say, ‘We were the 2026 state champions,’” Starnes said. “We want to make a name for ourselves.”
Artesia will compete Friday and Saturday, March 20-21, at The Pit in Albuquerque.
Starnes said the team cannot afford to wait until the final moment to lock in. With three performances remaining and nine days of practice left, urgency has set in.
“All season there have been ups and downs,” she said. “Now it gets real.”
Starnes said she believes Artesia has something no other team in the state can match — a move known as the Double Baja Blast — and said execution will determine whether that advantage pays off.
Her favorite memory so far came from last season, even in defeat.
Walking away with a second-place trophy, she said, showed that the seniors were changing the culture and rebuilding the program.
Still, one feeling remains.
“I want to know what it feels like to win state,” Starnes said. “It feels like a dream, and I want to chase it. We can do things that no one else can.”
JT Keith can be reached at 575-420-0061, or on X @JTKEITH1.
Guns stolen from Carlsbad gun shop
Adrian Hedden
Carlsbad Current-Argus
achedden@currentargus.com
At least three people broke into a mail service business in Carlsbad that doubles as a gun store, making off with several firearms, police said.
Carlsbad police responded to a reported burglary in progress at Pac N Mail, 910 W. Pierce Street, at about 4 a.m. March 5 but found no suspects at the location upon arriving.
Officers did note damage to the front of the building where it appeared a car or truck was driven into the storefront, smashing the windows to allow the alleged burglars to enter the business, according to a news release from Crimestoppers of Eddy County.
Pac N Mail offers packaging and mail services at the Pierce Street location along with firearms for sale. The guns allegedly stolen in the robbery were for sale at the store, not included in any mail or packages being prepared for delivery.
When police arrived they found firearms strewn about the business, and store staff reported a number of guns missing, the release read.
Among the stolen weapons, the release read, were several AR-style rifles, an AR-style handgun, multiple shotguns and other pistols.
Police did not initially provide any suspect descriptions or report any injuries in the incident. Aggravated burglary charges were being sought against anyone involved in the alleged theft, according to the release.
Video footage provided by Pac N Mail showed a white or silver Jeep Wrangler backing into the front of the store, read the release, breaking the two glass entry doors.
Three people were seen climbing out of the Jeep and entering the store, then exiting carrying guns.
Pac N Mail shared video footage from inside the store via Facebook on March 9, asking anyone with information on the alleged burglary to contact police.
“We are asking for anyone who may have seen this or driven by at the time of the robbery and may have seen something to report to CPD (Carlsbad Police Department,” read the post. “We as a community need to come together to help CPD hold these individuals accountable and take our community back to stop them from damaging any more small businesses.”
Managing Editor Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, or @AdrianHedden on the social media platform X.