Looking back 40, 30 and 20 years ago, the following are excerpts from the Artesia Daily Press.

40 years ago July 7-13, 1984

An Amtrack passenger train with 278 people aboard derailed while crossing a washed out culvert Saturday, tumbling cars into a streambed, killing at least one person and trapping seven in a crushed car. Scores of people were injured when nine cars of the 13-car Montrealer jumped the weakened track around 7 a.m., officials said. Three cars were mangled as they piled into each other after plummeting down a 30-foot gulley in northwestern Vermont. An estimated 300 rescue workers removed the passengers, many on stretchers, after passing them through train windows.

———-Vietnam veterans who think they may have been exposed to the defoliant Agent Orange are being urged to attend one of a series of informational forums this month around New Mexico. The subject of the meetings will be to tell veterans about the recent $180 million settlement in two lawsuits brought against the manufacturers of the dioxin-based herbicide. Officials at the meetings also will solicit veterans’ opinions about the settlement to be presented to the judge presiding over the cases, said Eugene Gilbert, director of the New Mexico Vietnam Veteran Leadership Program. Agent Orange, used to kill foliage and crops and expose enemy troops in Vietnam from 1961-72, has been linked to a number of heath problems.

———-Marie Strahan, believed to be one of the nation’s longest surviving recipients of a transplanted kidney, marks the 20th anniversary of her operation Saturday. When Mrs. Strahan was diagnosed in March 1964 as having renal disease, she had never heard of anyone surviving for a long time after a transplant. But she has suffered no complications since surgery and says that her life today is completely normal.

———-Ron Head, right, chairman of the advisory board of the Artesia Good Samaritan Center, presents a plaque to Artesia Fire Chief Ray Castleberry, center, and Capt. Jimmy Boyce for the efforts and assistance of the fire department during the May 11 fire at the center. The advisory board and staff at the retirement community honored members of the fire, police and sheriff’s departments for the “fine work” done during the emergency.

———-The Artesia Police Department welcomed a new chief this morning when James MacKenzie began his first day on the job. Capt. Ernest Chavez, who had served as acting chief, familiarizes MacKenzie with the day-to-day operations of the department. MacKenzie said he plans to review all facets of the department before making any changes.

———-The government today ordered air bags or automatic seatbelts in new cars beginning with some 1987 models, but said it would let automakers off the hook if enough states pass mandatory seatbelt laws. Transportation Secretary Elizabeth Dole announced the order at a news conference, saying she hoped it would end a 15-year controversy over mandatory restraints designed to better protect occupants in crashes. Mrs. Dole said the new rules will help to reduce the more than 43,000 traffic deaths a year, which she called “a national tragedy.”

30 years ago July 7-13, 1994

Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers, Susie McCaw, left, and Dorothy Crouch, center, accompanied CASA executive director Linda Ahrens, right, to the National CASA Conference in Tampa, Fla., in May. There the participants received four days of training. During the banquet, U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno was one of the main speakers. Also, Charlotte Lopez, Miss Teen USA, spoke about her experience of being in the court system since she was 16 months old.

———-Metal trolley tracks dating back to 1919 were uncovered by a construction worker helping to pave an Albuquerque street. Fred Marquez, an employee with Chava Trucking Co., was working on the street this week when he found the piece of track that had 1919 stamped on it. Trolley cars in Albuquerque date back to the 1880s, when the railroad came to town, said Mary Davis of the city Planning Department. Horse-drawn trolleys connected the city – then spelled Alburquerque – to the railroad station. It wasn’t until 1903 that the Albuquerque Traction Co. set up electric cables over the trolleys, and cars ran over metal tracks.

———-With quiet tears and blazing music, North Korea on Saturday marked the death of dictator Kim Il Sung, while his mysterious son apparently cemented his new hold on power in the reclusive, Stalinist state. Word of Kim’s death from a heart attack was withheld by the North’s official media for an entire day, suggesting that his son Kim Jong Il had needed time to consolidate his succession bid. The North stopped short of an actual succession announcement, but made statements suggesting the younger Kim was in control.

———-Forget Colonel Sanders and Burl Ives. Think Brad Pitt and Snoop Doggy Dogg. The goatee, not always the hippest of facial hair, is again the growth of choice on cutting-edge chins. “It seems like this is the trend these days,” said Boston Bruins baseman Ray Bourque, one of several dozen hockey players who sported good-luck goatees rather than the usual bears for this year’s playoffs. .

———-Suspects await booking after being arrested in early morning drug raids that netted 35 persons. The raids involved several law enforcement agencies and were a result of an 18-month investigation by the Artesia Police Department. More than 60 arrest warrants were issued with 176 drug-related violations for the raids.

20 years ago July 7-13, 2004 Capps Company employees work to complete Phase II of Artesia’s water plan at the corner of 26th and Main streets. Part of the road is closed, but according to supervisor Wayne Velasquez the inconvenience will not last long. “We are at the tail end of the project,” he said. The road will be closed until Friday. Capps has already completed the installation of a 12-inch water line from Richey Avenue, on 41st Street to south of Grand Avenue and an 8-inch water line at the airport. Velasquez said that this has already improved water pressure or many and the final phase will increase pressure “west of 26th Street and for some south.”

———-The Sept. 11 commission is standing by its finding that al-Qaida had only limited contact with Iraq before the terrorist attacks. The 10-member, bipartisan panel issued a one-sentence statement Tuesday saying it had access to the same information as Vice President Dick Cheney, who suggested strong ties between ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and al-Qaida. That assertion was one of the justifications the Bush administration gave for going to war with Iraq. In an interview with CNBC, Cheney had said there “probably” was information about Iraq’s links to terrorists that the commission members did not learn during their 14-month investigation. The commission statement Tuesday disputed that.

———-New Mexico is cracking down on uninsured vehicles. The state has suspended nearly 11,000 car registrations since May due to a lack of insurance. The state’s uninsured vehicle rate is down from 18 percent in May to 16.5 percent, according to Ken Ortiz, manager of the insurance compliance section of the Motor Vehicle Division. The national average is 14 percent.

———-The National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA) held a webcast yesterday in which a local Artesia teen was a panelist. Sherida Elkins, 17, participated in the national webcast at PVT that explored teen preferences in the telecommunications market. A recent survey by the NTCA and the Foundation for Rural Service showed that today’s teenagers have money and they aren’t afraid to spend it. Their research indicated that 86 percent of teens ages 17-20, have wireless phones in rural communities.

———-At approximately 8:45 a.m., Monday, a tractor- trailer and a motorcycle collided on southbound U.S. 285 in front of McDonalds. The collision occurred when a motorcycle, driven by Carter Lacy, 18, was set to turn into the restaurant. Apparently the semi was not able to slow down and ran into Lacy, who was thrown from his motorcycle. No injuries were reported, although Southwest Wrecking Company spent more than an hour trying to dislodge the motorcycle from the semi.

———- (EDITOR’S NOTE: Looking Back was compiled By Daily Press Staff)

Midland, Texas — Chevron U.S.A. Inc. on July 8 announced a donation of $100,000 to support relief and recovery efforts in response to the South Fork fire and the Salt fire near the village of Ruidoso and the Mescalero Apache Reservation in south-central New Mexico.

“Through our legacy companies, Chevron has been a proud community partner in New Mexico for more than 100 years,” said Darrell Carriger, manager for Chevron’s Delaware Basin operations in New Mexico. “Chevron is committed to supporting first responders, tribal and local governments, and non-profit organizations as they work to contain these fires and address impacts across Lincoln and Otero counties.”

The Greatest Need Impact Fund for Lincoln and Otero Counties, which is held within the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, will receive a $75,000 donation. The Mescalero Apache Tribe, a federally-recognized tribal government, will receive a $25,000 donation.

“On behalf of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Chevron for their generous donation. This contribution will directly support our tribe and its members during these challenging times of fires and flooding on the reservation,” said Thora Padilla, President, Mescalero Apache Tribe. “With evacuation shelters set up at the Inn of the Mountain Gods and our local community center and volunteers tirelessly organizing and distributing essential supplies, Chevron’s support is invaluable. Chevron’s assistance helps us maintain our resilience and care for our community despite economic impacts and disruptions. Thank you for standing with us and aiding in our relief efforts.”

“The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico is honored to receive the support of Chevron to care for our friends and neighbors throughout Lincoln and Otero counties,” said Terra V. Winter, President and CEO, Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico. “Funding will aid residents affected by the fires while focusing on emerging and long-term economic revitalization. We are humbled by the support from Chevron and grateful for their incredible generosity.”

Additionally, Chevron will match qualifying donations to wildfire relief efforts made by employees and retirees, as well as provide financial contributions to non-profit organizations where employees volunteer.

The City of Artesia is informing the public that West Richardson Avenue from Fifth to Sixth streets will be closed from 4:307:30 p.m. Friday, July 12, for the Artesia Public Library’s Family Field Day. For more information, call the library at 575-7464252.

—————– VOTING SYSTEM CHECK — Eddy County Bureau of Elections would like to inform the public that an “Accuracy Check of the Voting Tabulators” will be conducted for the Primary Election on July 10th at 10:00 am, as set forth in Section 1-14-13.2, NMSA 1978 and 1.10.23.9 NMAC. This Audit will be done at the Voting Machine Warehouse located at 326 S. Canyon Street. For questions please contact the Eddy County Clerk’s Office at (575) 885-3383 or 325 South Main Street, Carlsbad, New Mexico.

—————– ARTESIA YOUTH SOCCER — The Artesia Youth Soccer Association has opened fall registration, and registration will be open through Aug. 2. Divions are U6-U15. Players must be 4 years old before Sept. 1, 2024. Players can register at clubs.bluesombrero. com/ artesiayouthsoccer. Any question can be sent to artesiasoccer@ gmail.com. —————– ADULT LIBRARY EVENTS — The Artesia Public Library is hosting weekly adult programming, focusing on entertainment, crafting and learning. Age 18+. Programs: July 2 Patriotic Fabric Strip Flags; July 9 Program; July 16 Program; July 25 Family Search Seminar. Crafting: July 11 Canvas bag Painting; July 18 Paperbag Scrapbooks.

—————– LEGO Challenge Kids can test their LEGO skills with an adventure themed LEGO challenge at Artesia Public Libary. This is a drop in event. Ages 12 & under. July 5 & 19 from 11 a..m. to 2 p.m.

—————– STEM Lab — There will be a different STEM activity each week this summer at Artesia Public Library. This is a drop in event. Ages 12 & under. July 3, 10, 17, 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

—————– SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE — Written in Red Foundation is sponsoring the 5th annual school supply drive from July 1-26. Partnering sponsors are Eddy County United Way and Ocean Bags, LLC. Visit one of these participating businesses to donate: Artesia Police Department, Catalyst Church, Artesia Walmart , Faith Baptist Church, First American Bank, First Baptist Church, Kith & Kin Roasting Company, Western Bank, Artesia Daily Press, Tate Branch Auto Group —————– PAWS & CLAWS Paws & Claws will distribute spay and neuter certificates to Eddy County residents only at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 6, at the Artesia Animal Shelter, 501 Paddy Wagon Way. Saving spots in line is prohibited; one certificate per household. Donations are appreciated.

—————– INTRO TO DANCE CAMP — The Artesia Arts Council will host an Intro to Dance “Friendship Fusion” Camp June 26 – July 31. Cost is $60 per student; save 10% if you sign up with a friend by using code FRIENDSHIP at checkout. Ages 4-7 will attend from 10-10:45 a.m. and ages 8 and up from 11-11:45 a.m. Choose from tap, jazz, hip-hop and contemporary styles. To register, visit www.artesiaartscouncil. com/education.

—————– HEAD START ENROLLMENT — Head Start is currently enrolling 3- and 4-year-olds for its 2024-25 program year. Children must turn 3 by Sept. 1. To schedule an enrollment appointment, call 575-748-1141. Parents or guardians will be asked to bring the child’s birth certificate and immunization records, verification of income (2023 tax return or SNAP), and a Medicaid or private insurance card.

—————– OUR LADY OF GRACE RAFFLE — Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church is holding a Christmas in July raffle. A total of 10 prizes are available, each valued at $1,000. Tickets are $10 each. Prizes will begin to be drawn July 1. To purchase tickets, call the church office at 575-748-1356.

—————– SUMMER EBT PROGRAM — The Student Success and Wellness Bureau has announced the release of Summer EBT applications. For more information and to apply, visit summerebtnm.org. For more information, call the Public Education Department’s hotline at 505695-8454. A link to apply may also be accessed through the Artesia Public Schools website, www. bulldogs.org.

—————– GARDEN CLUB WORKSHOPS — Those interested in entering the Eddy County Fair Flower Show are invited to obtain helpful information from 1-2:30 p.m. Friday, July 12, at CVE. For more information, contact Bunny Mason at 575-365-7391.

—————– FUSED GLASS JEWELRY WORKSHOP — The Artesia Arts Council will host a fused glass jewelry workshop on Saturday, July 27. For more information and to register, visit www.artesiaartscouncil. com/education.

—————– SUMMER EBT PROGRAM — The Student Success and Wellness Bureau has announced the release of Summer EBT applications. For more information and to apply, visit summerebtnm. org. For more information, call the Public Education Department’s hotline at 505-695-8454. A link to apply may also be accessed through the Artesia Public Schools website, www.bulldogs.org.

—————– YARD OF THE WEEK — Artesia Clean & Beautiful is sponsoring its Yard of the Week contest now through September. Colorful, attractive, wellgroomed lawns with curb appeal meet the qualifications. To nominate a yard worthy of the title, contact Linda at 575-513-0143 or the AC&B office at 575748-3192.

—————– HEAD START ENROLLMENT — Head Start is currently enrolling 3- and 4-year-olds for its 2024-25 program year. Children must turn 3 by Sept. 1. To schedule an enrollment appointment, call 575-748-1141. Parents or guardians will be asked to bring the child’s birth certificate and immunization records, verification of income (2023 tax return or SNAP), and a Medicaid or private insurance card.

—————– WEED BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL — The 28th Annual Weed Bluegrass Festival will be held from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at the Weed Community Center. Admission is $15 per person, $30 per family. Chairs will be available or bring your own to enjoy six great bands. A catered lunch will be available for purchase, and cinnamon rolls and coffee will be provided free. On Sunday, July 21, a short devotional will be held at 9 a.m., followed by bluegrass gospel music. For more information, visit weednm.org or contact John Bell at 575-687-3316.

—————– GAME-DAY APPAREL — The Artesia High School Student Council has launched its game-day apparel for the 2024-25 season. Fans can now purchase a variety of products at great prices; there’s something for everyone in the collection so you can show your support for the team in style. All orders must be placed online by July 24. Use promo code BULLDOG to remove the shipping cost. Pick-up will be available at the AHS office Aug. 16 and 19. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gear up for the games and give back to the Student Council, and don’t forget to share with your fellow Bulldog fans!

—————– LIBRARY BOARD The Artesia Public Library is seeking to fill soon-to-beopened seats on the Library Board of Trustees. Anyone interested should submit a letter of inquiry to Library Supervisor Omar Acosta at the library or by email to oacosta@artesianm.gov.

—————– PHLEBOTOMIST PROGRAM — Applications are now open for Artesia General Hospital’s certified phlebotomist program. To learn how to apply and for more information on this career opportunity, call 575-736-8178 or email foundation@artesiageneral. com.

—————– INTRO TO YOUTH SPORTS — The Artesia Center is offering a program for children ages 3-5 that introduces kids to sports in a fun, non-stressful environment. The program is held from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Center. For more information, contact Bernice at 915-2498934.

—————– COMMUNITY FITNESS CLASS — The public is invited to attend a fun, free community fitness class, led by certified group fitness instructor Dottie Ellis, from 5:306:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Artesia Center, 612 N. Eighth St.

—————– DRIVERS NEEDED — SENM Veterans’ Transportation is in need of volunteer drivers to transport veterans to and from doctor’s appointments. Anyone interested in volunteering is urged to contact Alice or Donna at 575622-0729.

—————– WIDOW’S MIGHT Widow’s Might, a support group for widows at all stages of grief, will meet at 6:30 p.m. each Thursday in the classroom building on the east side of West Main Baptist Church, 1701 W. Main St. For more information, call 575-746-3528, email widowsmightnm@gmail.com, or visit widowsmightnm. com or facebook. com/widowsmightnm.

—————– GRIEF SUPPORT — A Grief Group meets at 1:30 p.m. each Tuesday in the Saint Damien Center at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 1111 N. Roselawn Ave. Free support is offered in both English and Spanish. For more information, contact Nora at 575-308-3248.

—————– MEN’S PICK-UP BASKETBALL — The City of Artesia is hosting men’s pick-up basketball from 5-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Artesia Center, 612 N. Eighth St. For more information, call 575-746-9009.

At approximately 3 p.m. Saturday, June 29, Ruidoso Emergency Management issued an evacuation notice for the Upper Canyon Area due to unstable soil and life-threatening floodwaters.

Heavy rains caused flash flooding through the South Fork Fire burn scar Saturday afternoon in Ruidoso. The Upper Canyon area of Ruidoso was evacuated, yet some people were stranded in their homes surrounded by the rapidly rising floodwaters.

Flash flooding in Upper Canyon produced large volumes of mud and debris, which blocked bridges along the Rio Ruidoso, causing flood waters to overflow the Brady Canyon Bridge at the intersection of Sudderth and Mechem drives. Overflow was also seen at the Eagle Creek, Two Rivers Park and Gavilan Canyon bridges.

At least two swift water rescue crews were deployed to rescue residents from their homes surrounded by rising, torrential flood waters. Emergency personnel quickly responded to block the bridges overcome by floodwaters while evacuating the area, which proved challenging due to the number of people that returned to the affected areas following the South Fork and Salt Fires.

Thursday, the Artesia Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its annual Fourth of July fireworks show at Jaycee Park.

The show will begin when the sky is totally dark, likely around 9 p.m., according to Jessica Bollema, the Assistant Director of the Chamber of Commerce. The show will include choreographed music, which viewers can hear by tuning into the radio stations AM 990 and FM 93.7, Bollema said. There will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence at 8:30 p.m.

The north gate to the park will not be available, so viewers can enter through the south, Bollema said. Extra parking will be available on the third road on the south side of the park, but the parking lots at nearby businesses will be closed to the public.

The chamber expects thousands to watch from all around the city, Bollema said.

For people wanting to light additional fireworks, there are some retail businesses selling fireworks in Artesia, some of which include Amy’s Fireworks on 1st Street, a TNT Fireworks tent in the parking lot of Walmart on 26th Street and a store on Main Street.

Artesia Fire Marshal Brenden Harvey said that the fire department has inspected all the retail establishments selling fireworks in Artesia to ensure that they are only selling permitted products. He warned that some businesses outside of the city limits may be selling fireworks that are prohibited in Artesia, so customers must be aware of the city’s ordinances.

People should not light fireworks late into the night, as this can cause a disturbance, Harvey said.

“Be mindful of neighbors and of the rest of the community,” Harvey said.

There are safety measures people should take when using fireworks, Harvey said, including reading the warning labels on the packaging.

To prevent fires, some steps people can take include keeping fireworks away from buildings, cars and other property, as well as watching for gusts of wind, Harvey said. Proper disposal, including waiting before putting used fireworks in a trash can or dumpster, can also prevent fires, he said.

“It still is very dry, obviously, so we want to keep people aware of that,” Harvey said.

Safety measures can also prevent injuries, like burns or hand wounds, Harvey said. He advised that there should only be one person lighting a firework, and that others watching should be at a safe distance away, including children. Children should not light or handle fireworks, Harvey said.

Firework users should watch for traffic and should not walk out into the road, and drivers should be on the lookout as well, Harvey said.

“Be mindful of your surroundings and where you’re at,” Harvey said. In addition, the shipping process can damage fireworks, so users should check their products and throw them out if they are damaged, Harvey said. Otherwise, they can misfire and cause injuries or fires.

The length of firework starters can be a safety concern due to timing,

Harvey said. He advised against going to check a firework immediately if it does not go off, as the starter could be longer than normal, causing a delayed reaction. Harvey said that he and the fire department are available to answer questions about firework use, and that safety is a priority.

“Have a good time, but make sure you’re safe about it,” Harvey said.

In addition to fireworks, the chamber is holding other events this year for Independence Day. These include a Firecracker Golf Scramble, volleyball tournament, parade, cornhole and a pickleball tournament.

The parade will line up at West Main Baptist Church, and will go around Eagle Draw Park, Bollema said. There is room for more participants in all the scheduled events, Bollema said.

Fierce winds, thunderstorms, heavy downpours and funnel clouds hit the city of Hagerman on June 26, leaving behind a trail of damaged property and power outages.

No injuries were reported, but local officials and residents said Thursday that their community was hit hard, with trees knocked down and structures, including a barn and a residence, destroyed.

On Wednesday, June 26, at 6:25 p.m., the National Weather Service in Albuquerque posted on X that weather spotters had observed landspouts near Dexter and Hagerman that came in on the western edge of a cluster of storms.

Landspouts are caused by instability in lower portions of the atmosphere, according to Clay Anderson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Albuquerque. A landspout is a weaker and smaller type of tornado formed through instability in the lowest parts of the atmosphere and typically lasts no longer than 15 minutes.

The National Weather Service is unclear about when and how many landspouts touched down, but Hagerman Police Chief Rachelle Bateman said she began receiving a torrent of videos and photos of them at 5:42 p.m. from at least four locations in and around the city.

“We had numerous people saying there was a tornado that had touched down,” she said.

The landspouts coincided with a thunderstorm that brought with it winds of up to 91 mph and dropped an inch of rain in neighboring Lake Arthur, producing some flooding.

Hagerman saw considerable damage in the downtown and surrounding areas, Bateman said.

“We had downed power lines, we had numerous trees down, one tree fell on top of a house, another on top of an SUV,” she said. Some residents had roofs torn off of sheds and barns.

Some of the worst impacts were on and near Morgan Road. Joseph Knight, who lives near Morgan Road, said his house bore the brunt of the landspout.

“I worried about the wind taking my roof. It was leaking in the bedroom, there was a huge branch in the front yard, and I worried about another coming into the house,” Knight recalled.

A mobile home on Morgan Road was destroyed by the winds.

Power outages and downed poles were also reported near Dexter and Hagerman.

Central Valley Electric Cooperative said on its Facebook page that 40 to 50 electric poles sustained damage and eight transmissions were down in Daggar Draw, leading to power outages in the Dark Canyon area.

Wes Reeves, a senior media relations representative for Xcel Energy, said in an email to the Roswell Daily Record that 642 customers serviced by a substation in Dexter experienced what Reeves called “a momentary outage” at 5:49 p.m., followed by a sustained outrage at 10:41 p.m.

“Their service was restored at 1:54 a.m. after a thorough patrol of the line showed everything was safe to re- energize,” Reeves said.

Chaves County Undersheriff Charles Yslas said U.S. 285 South between mile markers 83 and 90 had to be temporarily closed to traffic due to accidents caused by motorists who had stopped abruptly amid low visibility and brownout conditions.

“When the deputies got down there, they reported to me several motor vehicle accidents at the intersection of Highway 82 and 285, as well as debris in the roadway,” Yslas said. The highway reopened at 7:30 p.m.

Silver Wilson of the New Mexico State Police media relations unit confirmed that they handled two accidents on the southbound lane of U.S. 285, one at mile marker 84 at 7:15 p.m. and the other at mile marker 85 at 7:30 p.m.

Wilson said there were no injuries in either accident.

Despite the scale of the damage, Bateman said that by Thursday morning, most of the downed trees within city limits were cleaned up and roads were all open.