Increasing presidential power and the risk for abuse
By TRIP JENNINGS Last week the Supreme Court gave American presidents broad immunity against criminal prosecution. It is the first recognition in our nation’s 240-year history of any form of presidential immunity from prosecution.
Many stories focused on the short-term effects of the ruling, mainly how it impacts ongoing criminal prosecutions of former President Donald Trump and this year’s presidential contest.
However, I’d like to set aside electoral politics and the many questions raised by last week’s ruling, such as: what actions, exactly, would presidential immunity protect? Can a president lock up political rivals with impunity?
Instead, let’s imagine a future in which a person who is already the most powerful single individual in the country is given more power without a concomitant strengthening of protections to guard against abuse of power.
The ruling doesn’t only render prosecuting Donald Trump more difficult but creates broad immunity for all past, current, and future presidents.
In other words, a Democrat or a Republican or a progressive or a conservative could be the beneficiary of this new vision of executive power depending on who the American people elect as president.
People cheering last week might start frowning when this occurs to them —that the expanded presidential powers can benefit partisan, ideological adversaries, too.
After all, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. That’s particularly true in American politics.
You learn these things when you report on politics for a long time.
Perhaps more surprising, to me at least, was the optimistic view the court’s conservative majority has of humans and their relationship to power. (Some might say the conservative majority’s view is naive, others might say cynical.)
Not to sound flippant, but it is as if the court’s conservative jurists just set up the United States to relearn Lord Acton’s by-now-almost-cliché observation — power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
It’s become a cliché because it communicates a truth about human affairs that’s been around for millennia — one the country’s founding generation knew all too well.
I wonder what they would make of last week’s ruling.
This, by the way, was a generation that fought a war to throw off the yoke of King George III’s imperial rule. A generation that commended George Washington for strengthening the fledgling democracy when he retired to his farm after winning the Revolutionary War in 1783, even though he could have assumed leadership of the nation. A generation that praised Washington again for emphasizing public service over personal ambition when he retired a second time after serving as the first president of the United States. It was an act that won Washington comparisons to Cincinnatus, a fifth century BCE Roman general. Cincinnatus came out of retirement to serve as Rome’s dictator to defend the city against invaders only to eschew power and retire to his farm after the war was won.
The founding generation had a healthy skepticism of power. Partly, because many of them subscribed to a view of human nature that believed even the best of us can succumb to the temptation to abuse power if we are allowed to use it unchecked. Because of that view, plus their lived experiences and understanding of history, they bequeathed to us a system of checks and balances — in the form of institutions — to guard against abuses of power. Ideally, their hope was, the president, Congress and judiciary would check each other’s power.
That same skepticism of too much power accumulating in one position was evident a century and a half later when Congress passed and the states ratified the 22nd Amendment, a measure that bars a president from being elected more than twice. Ratified in 1951, it was a response to Democratic President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s decision to defy tradition and run for and win his third and fourth presidential terms. Up until then, every American president had followed Washington’s example, serving only two terms.
I’m not sure what the Supreme Court’s end game is by making this ruling. There is much speculation and theorizing.
All I know is that last week’s ruling feels monumental, and that it will take time for us to understand the full effects on the system of checks and balances the founding generation gave us.
(Trip Jennings career began in Georgia at his hometown newspaper, The Augusta Chronicle, before working at newspapers in California, Florida and Connecticut. Since 2005, Trip has covered politics and state government for the Albuquerque Journal, The New Mexico Independent and the Santa Fe New Mexican. He holds a Master’s of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Ga. In 2012, he co-founded New Mexico In Depth.)
Political Prisoners: We Need A New Crop of Politicians
Summer is here and we have just celebrated the Fourth of July. It’s going to get hot. The election season is here. The first debate is over and the polls are coming in, with President Biden slipping 3 to 5 points. It is going to get hotter.
Democracy is said to be in the balance. Both candidates warn us if the other one wins, it is over and only they can preserve democracy. We are in a lovehate war and prisoners of the popularized thoughts from elitest focus groups where political speak designates right from wrong and propagandized by a bias media. Face it, whether CNN, MSNBC, CBS, Fox or others, editorial opinion permeates what we hear as truth. Real news, void of commentary is a commodity in short supply. Media has patrons who attempt to tell us what we are to believe. The concept is called “truth to power,” but what is truth in politics?
If the elections are free and fair, then democracy has survived. In my opinion, it is the republic which is in peril, not democracy. Our democratic- republic is a system of laws, created and theoretically followed by those we elect and enforced by the judicial system.
Many Americans feel the Biden administration has weaponized the justice system and unjustly gone after former President Trump. If you are a Democrat, you probably believe Trump is guilty of crimes. If a Republican, you probably see this as an unfair persecution. State governments have tried to keep him off the ballot, using the 14th Amendment and the accusation of his instigating an insurrection on January 6, 2021.
This strategy also works for the Republicans who say democracy is threatened by attempting to block a candidate and sequester the vote, the very foundation of democracy.
After the recent decision of the Supreme Court on presidential immunity, President Biden has tried to incite the public in a speech, saying that “any president, including Donald Trump, will now be free to ignore the law.” He claimed the High Court issued ‘a fundamentally new principle, and it’s a dangerous president.” His claim is false.
The justices said specifically a president is not shielded from prosecution for private actions, not a part of his constitutional duties. The Court’s ruling will also protect Mr. Biden and he should be glad considering he has ignored immigration law, allowing, even encouraging millions of immigrants to illegally enter the country and ignored the Supreme Court’s ruling that only Congress has the right to eliminate student debt. President Biden has ignored that law and the Court’s decision and in a vote-soliciting appeal continues to issue orders to cancel student debt.
Progressives take issue with the High Court and tout the necessity of packing it with progressive judges. They still sting from the three originalist Justices seated during the Trump presidency. Progressive Congresswoman Cortez (AOC) has announced she will file impeachment articles against some of the “rogue” Justices for their centrist and constitutional rulings on this year’s docket.
Looking at actions during the Biden presidency, one must conclude Democrats had rather rule by executive orders than by duly passed laws as stipulated in our Constitution.
Beginning with the Obama administration, government dictates began making social changes which seem backward. Diversity, equity and inclusion have canceled the idea of equality, void of race, sex, merit or politics. When someone is chosen for a job, qualifications might be a criterion. I will consider potential as well, as people grow into jobs. Consider the selection of our vice president who was chosen by Biden who promised to select a “woman of color.” To me, that decision excluded all others with broader political experience and was unwise as she was and is completely unqualified to be president. Such are the DEI decrees of current politics and to the exclusion of those who think differently. Everyone is equal except those who aren’t. DEI may appeal to some, but it discredits the principle of truth to power.
Mr. Biden also mishandled classified material by retaining documents dating back to his time in the Senate, Neither candidate is a perfect person or perfect choice. Each have glaring faults. Mr. Trump is a braggart and often exaggerates beyond truth. He demands personal loyalty of his advisors, above objective perspective on issues. His childish name-calling is far from becoming to the presidency. He is accused of being totally selfish in his quest to be president again. He has offended many in government by declaring he will drain the swamp. Those in the intelligence community claim he is unfit to be president and not to be trusted with our nation’s secrets. He is currently under indictment for mishandling classified material, but the special counsel Robert Hur, refused to refer Biden for charges, stating he is to old and feeble, with a lapsing memory to be successfully prosecuted. Other accusations of his direct involvement with his son, Hunter also shadow him. Media figures are now reporting receiving pre-approved questions before Biden interviews. You can only ask him what he is prepared to answer. Truth to power?
I am concerned for our country for several reasons. Merit and truth matter. We are political prisoners of what we perceive as truth, entrenched in one camp or another. Each side wants control of government and no matter which candidate wins, the fight for control will continue. Our politicians have ceased being for the people, opting to preserve their power. President Ronald Reagan said that “The founding fathers understood that only by making government the servant, not the master, only by positing sovereignty in the people and not the state, can we hope to protect freedom.
President Biden’s lackluster debate performance may prove to benefit down-ballot challengers seeking to defeat incumbents. We need a new crop of politicians. Let us pray for our country that those who govern us will seek the will of the people and may the people field candidates who represent us.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Tom Wright is a columnist from Santa Fe and an investor in El Rito Media, LLC., owner of the Artesia Daily Press)
Six lodging businesses targeted for alleged price gouging
ROSWELL — New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez reported recently that some lodging businesses in Roswell and Artesia are being investigated for potential incidents of price gouging aimed toward people ordered to evacuate from the Ruidoso area because of impending danger from the South Fork and Salt fires that began in mid-June.
Six of these businesses received ceaseand- desist letters from the New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ). Five are located in Roswell and one is in Artesia. Holiday Inn, Baymont by Wyndham, Days Inn by Wyndham, Clarion Inn and Suites and Home2 Suites by Hilton in Roswell received this type of correspondence. The La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham in Artesia also received such letters, according to the NMDOJ.
Cease-and-desist notices demand businesses suspected of this type of illegal activity to stop it. These letters also provide specific information about the state’s Unfair Practices Act and explain how the recipient appears to have violated it, based on preliminary investigation.
NMDOJ has received several complaints that hotel bookings were canceled “with little to no explanation, to then be rebooked at a higher price.” Some anonymous complaints also described “blatant upcharging of hotel rooms due to the Ruidoso fires,” the agency noted in an announcement to area media.
Further inquiries will include looking at the practices of not only the local operators of lodging properties, but also the national and international corporations that own these chains to obtain “explanations that would justify these kinds of practices,” Torrez noted.
New Mexico Statutes Chapter 57, Article 12, refers to unconscionable trade practices “in which the lease, rental, or loan, of any goods or services results in a gross disparity between the value received by a person and the price paid.”
Not delivering quality or quantity of goods or services for which the purchaser contracted, as well as offering goods or services with the intent of not supplying them in “the quantity requested by the potential buyer to the extent of stock available,” are also detailed in this state statute, according to Torrez.
As of Wednesday, the NMDOJ has received nearly a dozen complaints about possible price gouging incidents related to the fires, which killed two people, damaged 1,400 structures and burned a total of more than 25,000 acres.
Those subjected to what they believe were price-gouging incidents continue to be urged to report what happened to the NMDOJ.
The state will work with these businesses to ensure the evacuees affected are paid back. The businesses would also be asked to sign “binding contracts” that promise adherence to the state’s Unfair Practices Act.
Businesses that don’t attempt to provide relief to those customers or pledge to conduct business lawfully will be civilly prosecuted by the NMDOJ in the local court system.
Torrez said each violation of the act can result in a civil penalty of up to $5,000.
Those selling fuel, food or providing other retail goods and services could be among those suspected of taking advantage of victims of the South Fork and Salt fires.
Along with the NMDOJ’s continuing interest in receiving information from potential victims of these unlawful business practices, it’s also seeking to hear from employees of businesses where such activities might have occurred because their knowledge could aid in the investigation process.
He also pointed out that the NMDOJ plans to focus on the thousands of Ruidoso- area fire victims as they rebuild their lives. The possibility of other types of businesses attempting to target those affected by this emergency, such as those who sell construction materials and contractors who don’t fulfill their promises, will exist, Torrez added.
He expects that more lodging businesses will be put on notice, too.
Report such possible incidents to the NMDOJ online at nmdoj.gov/get-help and complete the online complaint form, or call 505-490-4060, and select option “3.”
Amtrack derails; one dies, 7 trapped
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)
First Day
The Republican Party of Eddy County will have the Thursday night meting at 5:30 p.m. on July 18 at the Artesia HQ at 106 S. Roselawn. Finger foods provided. Ben Luna will be speaking on the #SaveourChildren initiative.
—————– TRINITY CHURCH — Crystal River Concert! Sunday, July 28th at 10 a.m. at Trinity Temple Assembly of God. 1507 W. Hermosa Dr., Artesia, New Mexico —————– ARTESIA QUARTERBACK CLUB — Artesia Quarterback Club will hold its first meeting of the year on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at the Field House. All men interested in the football program are welcome. We will be electing officers and discussing the upcoming hamburger fry.
Chevron commits $100,000 to New Mexico wildfire relief and recovery efforts
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.
AROUND TOWN
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.
FLASH FLOODING IN RUIDOSO
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.
National Fried Chicken Day
Makes 8 servings Ingredients:
2 cups buttermilk
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
5 cups vegetable oil for frying
3. On waxed paper or in a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, sesame seeds and Italian seasoning.
4. Coat chicken with mayonnaise mixture, then with bread crumb mixture. Place on prepared cookie sheet.
Bake in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown and the chicken is no longer pink inside, turning once. Serve hot with the honey dip and potato wedges, if desired.
Serves 4-6 Ingredients:
Directions: Whisk together buttermilk, mustard, salt, pepper, and cayenne in a bowl.
Pour buttermilk marinade into a resealable plastic bag. Add chicken pieces, coat with marinade, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for
2 to 8 hours.
Combine flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and onion powder in another resealable plastic bag; shake to mix thoroughly.
Working with one piece at a time, transfer marinated chicken to the dry ingredient bag, seal the bag, and shake well to coat. After all chicken pieces are coated, repeat the process by dipping them in buttermilk marinade and shaking in the dry coating again. Then heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Place chicken on the pan.
Fry chicken in batches in hot oil, turning chicken occasionally, until golden brown and juices run clear. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the meat should read at least 165 F.
Directions: