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Eddy County signs on to NM Counties wish list

Michael Smith
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Eddy County signs on to NM Counties wish list

Mike Smith
El Rito Media
msmith@currentargus.com

Eddy County’s Board of County Commissioners approved a resolution Nov. 5 endorsing the legislative priorities being advanced by New Mexico Counties (NMC), a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that advocates for the state’s 33 county governments.

Among the organization’s activities is lobbying the New Mexico Legislature on behalf of the counties. The 2025 legislative session begins Jan. 21.

In a memorandum to commissioners, Interim Eddy County Manager Steve McCutcheon Sr. wrote that the NMC’s board of directors issued its priority list as part of its effort to promote communication among the member counties.

Topping the list is a request for general appropriation funds to support multiple county functions, including money for county jail recruitment and retention and financing for building and renovating state district courthouses.

Eddy County Sheriff Mark Cage, immediate past president of the NMC board, said state assistance for recruitment and retention would help county jails maintain adequate staffing levels.

Also on the list: More money for the Detention and Corrections Workforce Capacity Building Fund established by the legislature in 2023.

During their 2024 session, lawmakers set aside $25 million for the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration to help boost public safety. The department received requests for more than 850 positions and funded 189 new officers across 22 counties and the New Mexico Corrections Department.

State Rep. Jim Townsend (R-54) said some of the items listed by the NMC need to be discussed individually, especially funding for courthouses as some amounts are undefined.

“Counties need to be responsible for their own actions, including how they hire,” he said. “We have 33 counties (asking for) huge amounts of money if you open it up to everyone at one time.”

The NMC’s priority outline says “courthouses are a state responsibility” and that a shared revenue stream is needed to deal with rising costs of construction, security and information technology.

“State district courts no longer reflect a single judge residing at a county facility the way the territorial statute first intended,” the NMC said. “Courthouse complexes can reach well over $50 million in construction costs, and the addition of a single judge can cost a county $2-3 million for renovation and increased operational support.”

“We love our (district) judges and district attorneys but the state needs to step up and pay their fair share,” Cage said.

State Sen. David Gallegos (R-41) said lawmakers have a different outlook on courthouse funding versus 2012 when former Gov. Susana Martinez vetoed almost $1.4 million in state bonds approved by the Legislature for furnishing the Judge Steve Herrera Judicial Complex in Santa Fe. The complex opened in 2013.

Gallegos said the state should share the cost as counties help maintain courthouses for state use.

Eddy County Public Works Director Jason Burns said the county plans to submit a request to the state for help in renovating the outside of the county courthouse in downtown Carlsbad.

Along with approving the NMC resolution at their Nov. 5 meeting, county commissioners approved a $15 million refurbishment of the courthouse. Burns said most of the funds for the courthouse renovation will be provided by Eddy County.

He said Eddy County does not plan to ask the state for money to help pay for construction of a new jail south of Carlsbad.

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

How Long?

Michael Smith
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How Long?

By: Pastor Ty Houghtaling
 

How long did Abraham wait for the promised son? How long did King David wait to be the recognized King of Israel and Judah? How long did Jesus wait before He was glorified and brought home to be at the right hand of the Father? How long do we have to wait for true justice? It is a good question; one that is not easily answered.

 

Psalm 13 raises the question of “how long”. The answer isn’t given in Psalm 13. In fact, God doesn’t seem to answer the question of the Psalmist anywhere in the Bible. What God does say is this, “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.” (2 Peter 3:10).

 

If you have ever felt like asking, “How long, Lord”, you are not alone. Maybe, you ask because you feel alone and want to know how long you will feel this way. Maybe, you ask because you are in a season of pain; physical, emotional, or psychological pain and you want to know how much longer. Maybe, you are disgusted with politics, with injustice, or with brokenness and you ask, “How long, Lord”. In any case, just know that it is not forever. 2 Peter 3 is a great chapter to consider who God is and why His timing on things matter. It is a good chapter to find out what we should be doing while we wait for Him to act. It is a good chapter to read and reflect on God’s grace.

 

We are not a patient people. We want what we want, and we want it now. However, it is wise to remember that if we want justice, we had better seek God while we still can.  His justice dictates eternity. If we want freedom, we better seek God now because He is the only true chain breaker. If we want peace, we better seek God now because He is the only one who offers lasting peace. Whatever it is we are waiting for, we should know this – the day is coming when will no longer be able to seek Him and there will be no need to ask “How long?” ever again.

 

So, if you are asking God “How long?” and feel like He is far from you, do as the Psalmist did in Psalm 13:5-6 and conclude your prayer with, “But, I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for He has been good to me.”

 

Trusting in His unfailing love is all He has ever asked us to do, and it will give us the strength to wait even in our moments of deepest despair. He has not told us exactly when, but He has told us He is coming back again and when He does, all things will be made new! (2 Peter 3:13).

 

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

Our American Soul is Being Tested

Michael Smith
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By: Javier Sanchez
 

When my buddies and I would go backpacking, they’d put me in charge of conversation-some deep philosophical thought.  One guy was in charge of GORP (good ‘ol raisins and peanuts), while another guy making sure we had enough potable water.  Backpacking for hours at a time gives you clarity and it frees your mind, but after several hours of silent trekking you want a little deep conversation to break the monotony.  So after a long morning of hearing the deep thud of our boots hit the moistened earth and glancing at the rays of sunlight through the leaves, we became one.  Our rhythm was paced and through some unknown force, we collectively joined in mind and spirit.  It was time.

 

There was a great battleship, I explained.  It had seen many wars and in its lifetime was led by many brave captains.  The countless men who steered her into battle had come and gone, but the memory of her steadfastness, cunning and speed remained.  So renowned was her reputation that every sailor around the world wished only to one day be a member of her crew. One day, after countless voyages, she was honorably decommissioned and permanently docked.  As the years went by, her wooden planks were replaced and tossed into the sea as each new piece of wood was set in place.

 

Unbeknownst to anyone, there was a former captain of this vessel just downwind from the retired ship who secretly took in every single piece of the jettisoned flotsam.  Little by little, the former captain built the previous ship in its entirety.  Before long, there lay two identical ships side by side, which begs the question:  where does the soul of the once great seafaring vessel lie? 

 

If you took all of the great ideals, victories, land, social justices and injustices, the people, its sacrifices, its hates and its loves, all of the elements that comprise this great country -the United States- and built an entirely new country, somewhere down the line, what would come of our soul?  Would we be just a shadow of our former self?

 

By the time you read this article, Election Day will have come and gone, and we may not know who the President of the United States is.

 

Even when we learn who won the election there will remain from this rancorous election many among us will wonder, given all the warnings and criticisms, if the country is going to Hell in a hand basket? Do we have soul?

 

 I can assure you America still has a soul.

 

We cannot discard the shards of our past in an attempt to recreate ourselves.  But we can fortify the basic infrastructure of our backbone.  We can strengthen our spine and take a fresh coat of paint to the parts of ourselves that have seen better days.  No matter how great or how putrid our past, the experiences over the last almost 250 years have defined who we are as Americans.  We must learn from the mistakes and chart a new course with determination, self-destiny and courage. 

 

Regardless who won, they will face a tough job. Our ideals, our convictions, our history, our values will be tested. Our will to be the leader of the free world will be challenged. The job may be so difficult they might regret winning the presidency. The challenges to our soul will be great.

 

North Korea last week tested an ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile), a launch believed to be its longest and highest ever- a feat unachievable without Russian help and technology.  Is that why North Korea just sent 3,000-8,000 troops to help Russia fight the war in Ukraine? Perhaps.

 

Israel continues to fight for its existence.  Iran is single-handedly funding Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Palestine and other nations to fight Israel.  The Jewish state is literally fighting seven wars along its borders. A missile pileup lies minutes away in Iran.  All sides seem to be testing U.S ambivalence for an all-out war in the Middle East.

 

Last month, nearly 30 nations met at a conference in Russia.  Known as BRICS+, the nations of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and others such as Egypt, Iran and Saudi Arabia are conspiring to upend the US’s dominance economically and militarily.  Their goal:  usurp the US dollar and remove it as the dominant world currency, potentially devastating our economy.  These countries represent nearly 46% of the world population and 26% of the world’s GDP. 

 

In the midst of these threats our country and our politicians are blabbering about nonsense and acting directionless.

 

We are arguing over who called who garbage and which presidential candidate received more endorsements from Hollywood actors (as if they know how to run a country) and who really worked the fry station at McDonald’s? This all appears rather insignificant when compared to real world issues.  Our American soul is surely being tested. 

 

Which brings us back to hiking.  When you’re in lock step with your buddies, breathing the same air, creating the same cadence and rhythm, walking toward the same goal, you start to think more deeply and profoundly about what matters most.  If our soul does exist, where does it find itself most at home?  Is it in the memory of a long-lost plank, or is it in the hope and pride of the actions that bring about change? Is it in our resilience and our fortitude? Does it matter what battles we fought valiantly? Or is what matters most that we carry the torch of liberty to shine light on ourselves, our brethren and our world.  Take one step forward.  Breathe.  Exalt.

 

Javier Sanchez is the former Mayor of Espanola, an independent businessman, and El Rito Media investor and columnist.

Local Scout Troop Hosts Third  Annual Ham & Bean Dinner Fundraiser

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

Time for some good old-fashioned church humor 

Michael Smith
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Time for some good old-fashioned church humor 

By: Rev. David Grousnick

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Artesia basketball tickets on sale soon

Michael Smith
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Artesia basketball tickets on sale soon

El Rito Media Staff Report

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

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

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

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

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

Tickets can also be purchased through GoFan.com.

Biting fish await weekend anglers

Michael Smith
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Biting fish await weekend anglers

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Matt Hutchinson wins race for sheriff

Michael Smith
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Matt Hutchinson wins race for sheriff

By Mike Smith

El Rito Media

msmith@currentargus.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Artesia mayor declared winner of state House race

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

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

Neither Henry nor Ehmling responded to emails seeking comment.

Eddy County voting numbers

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Enchanting Traditions of New Mexico

Michael Smith
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The Enchanting Traditions of New Mexico

By: Josiah Deason, Artesia High School

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

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

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

Josiah Deason is a Junior at Artesia High School.

Eddy County approves courthouse remodel

Michael Smith
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Eddy County approves courthouse remodel

By Mike Smith

El Rito Media

msmith@currentargus.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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