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Artesia General Hospital Awards new MRI Suite Contract to Permian Construction

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From Artesia Daily Press reports:

 

Permian Construction Owner Scott Taylor talks about the recent award of a contract to his company. Behind him is the MRI machine that Artesia General Hospital is upgrading. The new machine is faster, has better diagnostic capabilities and provides a more comfortable experience for patients.

 

Artesia General Hospital (AGH) is pleased to announce the awarding of a major construction contract to local business, Permian Construction, marking the beginning of an exciting project that will expand the hospital’s MRI diagnostic capabilities and strengthen its ability to serve the community. This renewed partnership highlights AGH’s commitment to supporting local businesses while enhancing healthcare services for Artesia and surrounding areas in Southeastern New Mexico.

 

The expansion is the hospital’s newest upgrade and is in addition to over $20 million that AGH and Special Hospital District Board have spent on improvements to services and facilities in just the last three years to ensure services are available to area residents right here at home.

 

Previous projects have included a new CT machine, expanded behavioral health access and multiple other renovations and service line additions including Urology and Cardiology.

 

“We are extremely pleased to work with them on this expansion,” said Jeremy Kern, project manager at AGH. “It’s incredibly important to us to invest in the local economy and build relationships with trusted businesses in our own backyard. Permian Construction has a reputation for excellence, and we’re excited to have them leading this project.”

 

The project involves the construction of a new state-of-the-art enclosure for the hospital’s new MRI machine that will provide additional capabilities for both inpatient and outpatient services and advanced diagnostics. Permian Construction Owner Scott Taylor expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to collaborate with AGH. “This is more than just a business opportunity for us. It’s a chance to contribute to something that will benefit our entire community. Artesia General Hospital has always been a cornerstone in this region, and we’re proud to play a part in helping them expand their reach. AGH’s decision to support local businesses like ours shows their deep-rooted commitment to community growth.”

 

With years of experience in large-scale construction projects across New Mexico, Permian Construction is no stranger to high expectations. Taylor emphasized the company’s dedication to this effort. “Our team is committed to ensuring this project is completed on time and with the highest standards of quality. Partnering with AGH has been a seamless experience—there’s a real sense of collaboration, and we feel the support from both the hospital and the community.”

 

As Artesia General Hospital continues to grow, this expansion is expected to enhance patient care and create new opportunities for healthcare services in the region.

Construction is currently underway, with completion anticipated by the end of the first quarter next year.

 

“Working on a healthcare facility comes with unique challenges, but it’s incredibly rewarding. We know this expansion will have a lasting impact on our community, and we’re putting our heart and soul into delivering something we can all be proud of.” concluded Taylor.

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Artesia General Hospital is the leading not-for-profit healthcare provider dedicated to serving our community with compassionate care. AGH is proud to be recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as a top recommended hospital in New Mexico based on feedback from patients in a 3rd party survey. With a mission to deliver high-quality care, the hospital is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the region through a wide range of services and programs.

 

 Additional information on the hospital is available at https://artesiageneral.com/

Oliver Soukup wins home coaching debut for NMMI Broncos football team

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By Mike Smith
Carlsbad Current-Argus

Offensive help from quarterback Elliot Paskett-Bell and defensive assistance from Rayden Aphayvong helped Oliver Soukup earn his first home win for the New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) Broncos Sept. 21 with a 21-16 victory over Blinn College in Roswell.

Paskett-Bell rushed for 124 yards and passed for 204 yards and Aphayvong broke up a potential touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter to secure the win for the former Carlsbad High School football coach.

It was Soukup’s first game coaching in southeast New Mexico since Oct. 28, 2022, when the Cavemen lost to the Hobbs Eagles in Carlsbad 42-7.

Soukup spent the 2022 season at Carlsbad High School before moving to the collegiate ranks at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales in 2023. After serving one season there as an assistant coach, he moved to Roswell earlier this year to take over the Broncos’ head coaching position.

“It was awesome. It was good to be back in the Wool Bowl. I was pretty jacked up,” Soukup said.

He served as assistant coach for the Broncos in 2011.

Recapping the Blinn game

Paskett-Bell completed a 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Karl Peterson in the opening minutes of the first quarter and Soukup’s Broncos led 7-6 at halftime.

Blinn’s Buccaneers overtook NMMI with 9:04 left in the third quarter as Jalen Washington scored on a 1-yard touchdown run. The extra point kick was good for a 13-7 Blinn lead.

The Broncos reclaimed the lead on Joel Jones’ 8-yard TD run with 5:43 left in the third period.

Paskett-Bell gave New Mexico Military some fourth quarter insurance after a three-minute offensive drive, finding Javion McKay wide open in the end zone on a 32-yard pass with 11:46 left in the game.

“The offense did some real good things,” Soukup said. “They got inside the red zone multiple times.”

Trailing 21-13, the Buccaneers closed the gap to 21-16 on Max Nowak’s 35-yard field goal with 8:41 remaining.

Blinn made a late bid for the winning touchdown but Aphayvong broke up a pass intended for Breck Chambers. Aphayvong, a 6-foot-1 defensive back from St. Thomas in Ontario, Canada, finished the game with 12 total tackles.

Through four games this season he has 34 total tackles and two interceptions.

“The defense held their own,” Soukup said. “Overall, I’m really impressed.”

NMMI’s overall record is 2-2 and 1-1 in the Southwest Junior College Football Conference (SWJCFC).

The game was Blinn’s conference opener, the Buccaneers are 1-1 overall and 0-1 in conference play.

Odds and ends

The Broncos are off this week and return to road action Oct. 5 at Tyler Junior College in Texas and Oct. 12 at Cisco College, also in Texas.

After the victory over Blinn College, Soukup gave the team some time off.

“They’ve been going hard for nine weeks. They deserve a couple of days off,” he said.

NMMI returns to Roswell Oct. 19 for homecoming against Northeast Oklahoma A&M College.

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

Water test reports on City Council’s agenda

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By: Rebecca Hauschild

In response to community concerns Community Development/Infrastructure Director Byron Landfair provided a detailed explanation of recent City water test reports at the September 24 Artesia City Council meeting.

“It was an annual test for Tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium Sulfate (THPs),” said Landfair. “It’s a chlorination by-product. We see it in systems that have been chlorinated over a long period of time. All of our tests have tested well below the non-detect level. So in other words they haven’t been able to pick it up. On that particular occasion that test was supposed to happen on the first of July and the testing bottles didn’t make it here until the second of July. So we went ahead and did the test just to make sure and then we fell into the next cycle. The water quality bureau changed the way their systems work and the testing schedules get a little fuzzy,” said Landfair.

“So we didn’t miss multiple tests,” clarified Mayor Jon Henry. “We didn’t miss this test by weeks or months. We missed the test by a day and all samples were correct.” Henry continued. “We want to make sure folks understand and have confidence in the water. I want to have confidence in the water as well,” said Henry.

“We didn’t start chlorinating here until 2017 so for the chlorination business we’re fairly new,” said Landfair.

Landfair also reported the indoor pool at the Artesia Aquatic Center is currently closed because the NinjaCrossTM retractable obstacle course is being installed. The NinjaCrossTM course will use two or three lanes of the pool, will hang from the ceiling above the pool, be lowered during certain hours, and raised back up when not in use.

Landfair also reported the Grand Street waterline, and the 2nd Avenue and Richardson rehab project bids have come in under budget, and the 26th Street project will likely start in January 2025.

Artesia citizens are invited to attend a town hall meeting on Thursday, September 26, at 5 pm at the Council chambers to discuss the operation of the local animal shelter. Summer Valverde, City Clerk/Treasurer, reported Paws and Claws Humane Society, inc., and possibly a consultant, will be in attendance to discuss what we want to do going forward. “If you’re an animal lover or if you have concerns with our animal shelter or if you’re just interested in the process there’s going to be a lot of discussion, so we invite you to come join us,” said Mayor Proterm Jeff Youtsey.

In the closing comments District One Council Raul Rodriguez offered the following comments in response to a visitor’s comments at the beginning of the meeting.

“Citizens need to understand there is a process they can go through if they’re having difficulties and things like that,” said Rodriguez. “We don’t just shut people down. We’ve listened to many cases that come before us and we do due diligence in our decisions and recommendation that we make to Byron (Landfair). We recommend citizens come in and ask for the process to get leniency for their water, sewage and garbage bills. If they have any issues they can contact Jennifer. We do meet and listen to those cases and take that to heart.”

“Part of what you’re paying in the garbage fees is the transfer and landfill fees,” explained Landfair. “I think I had it figured out at one point that it was like $5 to go pick up and the rest of what you’re paying is the transportation and landfill costs.”

There are going to be changes coming to the fire code, reported Youtsey during Police and Fire Committee report. The fire department is ramping up their recruiting to fill six positions and they recently passed the fire marshal inspection.

FLETC is no longer allowing the Artesia Police Department to use their shooting range according to Police Chief Kirk Roberts. He shared police officers must meet qualification once a year on each weapon system both day and night, and they are required to attend one firearms training per year, which is not nearly enough. Roberts reported their current crack down on speeding is going well.

The council approved an amendment to the safety incentive program for City employees called Safety Pays with a goal to increase participation in safety training. The incentives for full time employees are amended as follows beginning in 2025:

$100.00 – no preventable job injuries in the last twelve months

$100.00 – no preventable incidents involving a vehicle/equipment in the last twelve months

$200.00 – fulfilled the required safety training hours for the position in the last twelve months.

The Council approved the 2024 Recommendations and Comprehensive Plan. A Comprehensive Plan is a long range, general policy guide that provides a written and graphic description of existing conditions, community aspirations, and a “road map” to ensure the community vision is achieved through sound decision making regarding future growth and development, and capital improvements.

There was a lot of community involvement in the creation of the comprehensive plan, according to Valverde. “We sent out a questionnaire and those suggestions had a lot of impact on what the consultants felt the community should have,” she said. “We have to have this plan to apply for state money,” said Youtsey.

The Council approved the consent agenda with the following items:

Contracts, leases and agreements:

·         Agreement with DFA/LGD and City of Artesia for Capital Appropriation Project 24-I2953 $125,000.00.

·         MOA between NM Energy, Mineral & Natural Resources Department and the City of Artesia, NM.

·         Service agreement between Tyler Technologies, Inc. and the City of Artesia, NM.

Resignation:

·         Darcee Carlile, Firefighter, AEMT/Fire, effective September 14, 2024.

Travel and training:

·         Police – one employee to attend the Fort Bliss-Military Community Hiring Event in El Paso, TX.

·         Police – one employee to attend the ICS For Expanding Incidents IC 400 in Artesia, NM.

·         Police – one employee to attend the FEMA Type 3 AHIMT in Artesia, NM.

·         F&A – two employees to attend the IPRA Connect Conference in Albuquerque, NM.

·         Police – one employee to attend the (ICS) for Expanding Incidents ICS 300 in Artesia, NM.

·         Fire – one employee to attend the ISO Grading Schedule in Red River, NM.

Field day to focus on pest management, crop research

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For The Artesia Daily Press

Identifying new and novel pests in southeastern New Mexico, as well as learning how to combat them, is one of the research goals of New Mexico State University’s Agricultural Science Center in Artesia. The center’s scientists will focus on that research, as well as cattle feeding and other topics, at this year’s field day.

The event will take place from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 26 at the science center, located at 67 East Four Dinkus Road in Artesia. The event is free and open to the public. Dinner will be provided, and a children’s activity will be offered.

Dave Lowry, interim research director of the center, said he hopes the field day will give attendees insight into how center faculty work to address issues currently plaguing farmers in eastern New Mexico and west Texas.

“Cotton and alfalfa are mainstays of production in the region; thus, much of our attention is directed toward those crops, but the implications from the research we are conducting have wider ranging impacts when it comes to integrated pest management, soil health and irrigation practices,” Lowry said.

 “This center makes an extra effort to provide time-sensitive information for stakeholders, but also provides many fun and informative activities for youth who attend. In the end, they are the next generation that will be movers and shakers in the ag industry, so I am always pleased when we can provide a way for them to connect with the science center that will hopefully have a lasting impression.”

New Mexico Youth Beef Feeder contestants Kendi Burnett and Koy Burnett will give presentations, and the following field tours will be offered:

• Phillip Lujan: Integrated pest management of soil-borne cotton disease.

•  Ivan Tellez, Jane Pierce and Tricia Monk: Cotton bollworm management in okra-leaf cotton.

•  Luis Cadena and Ricardo Ramirez: Integrated pest management in alfalfa: Protecting your crop and their natural defenders.

•   Evangelina Carabotta and Ricardo Ramirez: A quick guide to your local alfalfa predators.

•  Jane Pierce and Tricia Monk: Insect safari.

There will also be tabletop demonstrations on fruit DNA extractions, CarbN and its effects on cotton, constructing a mason bee house and more, as well as graduate student research posters.

Researchers at the center have been looking into maximizing biological control of insect pests, which can save New Mexico growers money from reduced insecticide applications, reduce environmental impacts and enhance worker safety. A research project by Pierce and Tellez found that good biological control of alfalfa weevil will save New Mexico growers $1.2 million a year in reduced insecticide applications and reduced yield losses. Biological control of pecan nut casebearer could save growers up to $1.6 million a year.

For more information about this year’s field day, contact Luiza Cardone at 575-646-3586. To register to attend, visit https://rsvp.nmsu.edu/rsvp/artesia

Yard of the Week

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This lush expanse of green grass and flowers at 1905 W Clayton has been pampered for 48 years by Jerry Dodd. 

The beautifully shaded yard is carpeted with lush Bermuda grass highlighted with Crepe Myrtle, Boxwood, purple Pansies and several other flowering bushes along the wall. Scattered among the flowers and potted plants are several rabbit sculptures to add a whimsical look and of course an inviting front porch from which to sit and admire your hard work.  Congratulations and thanks for sharing your beautiful yard with us.

Bulldogs hold off Gadsden for homecoming victory

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By Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press

The Artesia Bulldogs were not distracted by homecoming, a lengthy lightning delay or a second quarter deficit as they cruised to a 57-34 victory over Anthony Gadsden at Bulldog Bowl .

The Sept. 20 win upped Artesia’s overall record to 3-2. The Bulldogs are 2-0 in District 5-2A play.

Gadsden is now 4-1 overall and 2-2 in league play.

The first half saw plenty of scoring with the two teams combining for 56 of the game’s 91 points

Artesia gained an early 8-0 advantage as quarterback Izac Cazares scored on an 8-yard run. Diego Lopez made the two-point conversion as the Bulldogs capped off an eight play, 73-yard opening drive.

The Panthers answered four minutes later as running back Alfredo Andrade scored on a 19-yard pass from quarterback Adrian Munoz. Daan Cano converted the extra point kick to make the score 8-7.

Gadsden grabbed the lead with 9:39 left in the second quarter when Christopher Orozco caught an 11-yard pass from Munoz and Cano converted the extra point kick for a 20-16 advantage.

Gadsden’s lead lasted only 20 seconds as Cazares and junior wide receiver Trent Egeland took over for the Bulldogs.

Egeland scored on receptions of 55, 7 and 35-yards as Artesia rolled to a 36-20 lead at halftime.

A 45-minute lightning delay toward the end of the second half did not deter Artesia as Ethan Conn, Cazares and Edel Villa found the end zone.

“Very proud of our guys coming out and battling a good Gadsden team,” said Artesia head coach Jeremy Maupin.

The Bulldogs travel to Lovington at 7 p.m. Friday (Sept. 27). Both teams are tied for first place in district action.

Scoring Summary:
1st Quarter

9:05-Artesia-Izac Cazares 8-yard run, Diego Lopez 2-point conversion. 8-0.

5:39-Gadsden-Alfredo Andrade 19-yard touchdown catch from Adrian Munoz, Daan Cano kick good. 8-7.

4:31-Artesia-Diego Lopez 18-yard touchdown run, Derrick Warren 2-point conversion. 16-7.

2nd Quarter

11:56-Gadsden-Adrian Munoz 3-yard run, 2-point conversion no good. 16-13.

9:39-Gadsden- Christopher Orozco 11-yard reception, Cano kick good. 20-16.

9:19-Artesia-Trent Egeland 55-yard touchdown catch from Cazares. Dominguez kick good. 23-20.

3:17-Artesia-Egeland 7-yard touchdown catch from Cazares. Dominguez kick good. 30-20.

:45-Artesia-Egeland 35-yard touchdown reception from Cazares. Dominguez kick good. 36-20.

3rd Quarter

4:33-Artesia-Ethan Conn 5-yard touchdown catch from Cazares. Dominguez kick good. 43-20.

:16-Gadsden-Andrade 6-yard run, 2-point conversion good. 43-28.

4th Quarter

9:30-Artesia-Cazares 5-yard touchdown run. Dominguez kick good. 50-28.

4:46-Artesia-Edel Villa 90-yard interception. Dominguez kick good. 57-28.

1:26-Gadsden-Andrade 6-yard touchdown run; 2-point conversion no good. 57-34.

Offensive Stars of the Game:
Passing:

Izac Cazares: 19/27 for 297 yards, 2TD.

Rushing:

Frankie Galindo: 11 carries for 112 yards.

Receiving:

Ethan Conn: 6 catches for 115 yards, 1TD.

Trent Egeland: 5 catches for 108 yards, 3TD.

Defensive Stars of the Game:

Grant Johnson: 9 ½ tackles.

Kaden Grantham: 3 quarterback sacks.

Mike Smith can be reached via phone at 575-308-8734 and can be followed on X @MSmithartesianm.

Seniors Honored at Eddy County Fair

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The Artesia Senior Center was represented at the 2024 Eddy County Fair, with a total of 74 ribbons won by seniors.

 

 Mollie Simmons had a total of 14 entries and won 12 blue, and 2 red ribbons. Mollie’s entries included a ceramic bunny, a fussed glass Christmas ornament, and needle work etc.

 

Gayle Walls had a total of 7 entries and won 6 blue ribbons.  Gayle makes beautiful jewelry (silver work) and fussed glass Christmas wind chime, poppies on a plate, and lilies, also on a plate for display.

 

Mary West had a total of 33 entries and won 20 blue, 8 red, and 3 white ribbons. Mary crocheted a Maro blanked, painted a windmill, and a basket of flowers. Mary burned a beautiful cross on wood and also painted it. Her raggedy Ann doll is smiling at you on the table with many of her other entries.

 

Angela Rivas had one entry and won 1 blue and 1 purple show ribbon on her stained-glass fish. Next to her is Rosario Acevedo,  she had 3 entries and won 3 blue ribbons, which include her dress that she made, Swedish weaving.

 

Felipe Garcia had 1 entry and won 1 red ribbon on his stained-glass lantern, Connie Garcia had 1 entry and won 1 white ribbon on her stained-glass lantern , and Manuela Ramos had 15 entries and won 10 blue, 4 red, and 1 white ribbon. Manuela is one of the Center’s employees and is very crafty with a needle and thread of any kind. She crocheted a baby blanket, black and white blanket with paw prints on it, and orange and black earrings. She loves to make jewelry with beads.

Southeast New Mexico College to Host Railroad Training Event

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From: Artesia Daily Press Staff

 Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) is hosting a free Railroad 101 Training Event on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, Wednesday, October 9, 2024, and Thursday, October 10, 2024, in partnership with Transcaer, Union Pacific, BNSF, and Graymar Environmental.

The training is a one day training and participants can choose from the three training dates that will work best in their schedule. Free continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. The event is intended for anyone who might be in an emergency event in relation to the railroad, whether it is derailment, grade crossing collision or other events that railroad personnel, law enforcement, and first responders could face.

The three-day hands on and in classroom training will focus on a multitude of topics including toxic gases, corrosive liquids, flammable gases, hazmat, rail safety, tank car anatomy, leak mitigation & capping kits, emergency response, air monitoring, and locomotives.

Monty Harris, Vice President of Workforce and Community Engagement said, “SENMC is honored to host the Railroad 101 Training event. This will offer crucial training to help prepare first responders and the public in the event of a railroad emergency. We highly appreciate our event partners Transcaer, Union Pacific, BNSF, and Graymare Environmental for helping us bring this training to our community.

“We are so glad that Union Pacific and BNSF is coming to our campus. This is the first time we are hosting this training in Southeast New Mexico and we hope to have this training on a yearly basis. This training is catered to all safety officials, government officials, first responders, and the general public.” said Fernando Santana, Workforce Trainer at SENMC.

Pre-registration is required for anyone that is interested in attending the event. Potential participants can register at the following link https://www.transcaer.com/training/training-events/nm/southeast-new-mexico-college/union-pacific-bnsf-railroad-101-training

For more information, please contact the SENMC Workforce Development department at (575) 234-9277.

Fishing remains good as seasons change this weekend

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By Mile Smith
Artesia Daily Press

Fall officially hits New Mexico Sunday morning why not celebrate with a trip to a favorite fishing spot.

According to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF), in the Carlsbad area fishing was fair to good for catfish using cut bait and worms at Bataan Lake.

Fishing for bass at Brantley Lake was fair using Whopper Popper lures.

Catfishing at Spring River Pond in Roswell was fair using shrimp bait.

Around Truth or Consequences, fishing for bass was good using crankbaits, drop-shot rigs and red-and-white Bomber lures at Elephant Butte Lake. Fishing for white bass was good using white slab spoons and chrome Kastmaster lures.

Fishing for walleye was good using Wally Diver lures, chartreuse grubs and silver spinners.

Fishing for striped bass was fair using white slab spoons and silver Kastmaster lures. Fishing for crappie was very good using live minnows near the Dam Site Marina. Fishing for catfish was good using live minnows and shrimp.

Along the Rio Grande below Elephant Butte Dam on Tuesday morning streamflow was 919 cubic feet per second (cfs). Fishing for catfish was good using shad near Hatch.

In eastern New Mexico, Fishing for walleye was fair using green Wally Diver lures at Santa Rosa Lake. The boat ramp remains closed until the lake returns to a safe level from monsoon rains and runoff from recent water releases.

Streamflow along the Pecos River near Fort Sumner was 95 cfs Monday morning. Fishing for catfish was good using chicken breasts and cut bait.

In Lincoln County, Alto Lake remained closed due to extensive damage from summer fires around Ruidoso.

Fish stocking operations resumed at Bonito Lake as it reopened Aug. 30. Trout fishing was fair to good using Panther Martin spinners.

Fishing for trout at Grindstone Lake was good using worms.

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.

Junior Lions of the Month chosen

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3 local students have been chosen as Junior Lions of the Month for September.

Brookelyn Thacker. (Place photo above)

Her parents are Brandon and Ammie Thacker and she has two siblings Luke and Jaxon Thacker.

Brookelyn is involved in National Honor Society, FFA, FCSI. She plays basketball, and softball. Brookelyn’s activities outside of school and hobbies include working in the church nursery, attending church, sports, family and shopping. Brookelyn plans to attend college at the University of Tennessee to major in Veterinarian Medicine.

Peyton Stone. (Place photo above)

Her parents are Johnny and Debbie Shuman, she has one sibling Presleigh Stone.

Peyton has been in the band for seven years, serving as; band captain, horn lieutenant, and all state band. Peyton plays varsity soccer, tennis, and is an outstanding newcomer on the wrestling team. Peyton attends Hermosa Church of Christ Youth group, and teaches teen Sunday school. Her hobbies are playing the ukulele, baking, gardening, and going to the gym. She plans to attend Texas Tech University and major in nursing.

Zane Baize.(Place photo above)

His mom is Whiteny Baize.

He is in the National Honor Society. Zane enjoys soccer, cross country and track. Zane is A-B honor roll, and National Honor Society. His favorite subjects are language and science.  Outside of school he attends church and enjoys running, gaming and working out. He is undecided on college.