On May 1, 2024 the 69th Annual District Ten Conference opened in Albuquerque, NM. Altrusans were present from every club in the district, which covers New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. During the Conference, members were able to donate and collect materials to support the New Mexico Dream Center – an organization which provides a 360° strategic approach to address human trafficking in New Mexico through prevention activities, outreach to victims, services for survivors, and a support system for clients in their self-determination. Attendees were also able to participate in workshops about leadership, fundraising, and organization. None of this would have been possible without the generous support from local businesses in Artesia and Dexter. When costs in Albuquerque put strain on the District budget, members reached out to local businesses for help. Altrusa International of District Ten would like to give a special ‘Thank You’ to those who answered our call and went above and beyond to help – Valley Dairy Products, SWCCI, Hocker & Sons, Sondie Stockton State Farm, Artesia Soft Water, Burgess Chiropractic Center, and Bennie’s Western Store. It is thanks to these sponsors that Altrusans were able to attend Conference and, in turn, could help others in another New Mexico Community. We are truly blessed to live in such a wonderful and supportive community.

ALBUQUERQUE — From March to September of this year, the Albuquerque Museum, located in Old Town, is displaying “Nuclear Communities of the Southwest,” an exhibit that tells the story of the history of nuclear science and the people it continues to affect.

The exhibit features historical objects and artist reactions to New Mexico’s involvement in nuclear development, according to the City of Albuquerque website.

The 2023 release of the film “Oppenheimer” brought renewed interest to Los Alamos and the nuclear history of New Mexico.

However, the stories of the locals and the aftermath of the 1945 nuclear testing at the Trinity site in the White Sands Missile Range have gone largely unheard. Those who live near the Trinity site – disproportionately affected by disease and death – have not been recognized or compensated by the United States government, according to Source New Mexico.

“Nuclear Communities of the Southwest” features a quote from Los Alamos Health Group Director Louis Hempelmann who said the scientists who developed the atomic bomb “thought they got away with it” — referring to the potential radiation exposure to the Tularosa and White Sands locals.

The exhibit includes art, historically archived photos and other facts about the evolution of nuclear science in New Mexico since J. Robert Oppenheimer’s Manhattan Project developed the first atomic bomb and changed the course of global history. The Manhattan Project was a secret United States project during World War II to develop the atomic bomb before Nazi Germany, according to the National Park Service.

The exhibit features multiple art pieces by local artists depicting the effects of the Trinity test and nuclear science on New Mexicans. Artist Eric García created “Miss Atomic Bomb” in 2023 — an image of a skeleton beauty queen standing in front of an atomic bomb.

A native of Torreon, New Mexico, located about 90 miles north of the Trinity site, García said he has felt firsthand the effects the testing of the atomic bomb had on New Mexicans, particularly those who call the White Sands region home.

“My parents are downwinders — they lived directly north of White Sands. When the atomic bomb exploded, the fallout also spread north to Torrance County, where my parents are from, so it directly affected my family,” García said.

García’s familial ties to the nuclear testing inspired him to create his own unique piece to communicate the dark side of the Atomic Age, he said.

The Atomic Age began around the time of the atomic bomb detonation in July 1945, when “the fear of nuclear attack and the promise of people in power pervaded American culture,” according to the Digital Public Library of America.

“I’d heard about a pageant held in the 1950s in Nevada, where they were trying to re-brand the Atomic Age, and I decided to rethink the idea and tell the story of the harsh reality of the bomb,” García said. “(‘Miss Atomic Bomb’) depicts a figure of death with a beauty queen persona, wearing a crown made of an explosive mushroom cloud.”

The exhibit also mentions uranium mining near Grants, New Mexico. Uranium spills have affected nearby communities and water.

The Church Rock spill of 1979 – the largest spill of radioactive material in the United States – released 94 million gallons of radioactive waste into the Rio Puerco, according to a New Mexico In Depth article. This poisoned the water table for every community living along the river, according to the exhibit.

Around 500 uranium mines have been abandoned, according to the exhibit. These are located on Navajo land, and an unknown quantity of houses and water sources contain radioactive material, according to the N.M. In Depth article.

Additionally, the exhibit features eight photos of women who worked at Kirtland Air Force Base – then known as Kirtland Field – during the Manhattan Project in the 1950s. These women were known as the “Manhattan Eight,” and investigated for rumors of them being lesbians, according to the exhibit. Their identities remain unknown, according to KUOW.

“Nuclear Communities of the Southwest” will be shown until Sept. 15.

(Editor’s note: Eric García worked at the Daily Lobo during his time at the University of New Mexico, graduating in 2006.)

On June 25, the Permian Road Safety Coalition participated in EnergyPlex 2024 in Hobbs, New Mexico, a sold-out meeting of community members discussing the energy industry’s future in Lea County. PRSC Managing Director Mike Smith moderated the road-safety-focused panel entitled “Connecting the Permian.”

The Economic Development Corporation of Lea County hosts the event annually at the Lea County Events Center. Energy-Plex is a two-day event dedicated to Lea County’s energy industries.

Joining Mike on the panel were Corey Needham, Assistant County Manager for Lea County, and Jay Dee Aten, Atlas Energy Solution Land Manager. The trio discussed Atlas Energy’s “Dune Express” Project that will transport frac sand via conveyor belt and the collaboration such a project required with agencies, including Lea County Government.

Needham also shared an update on the exciting expansion of the Lea County Regional Airport. Upgrades include more parking, an expanded terminal, and longer, stronger runways to allow for larger commercial aircraft to service the airport. ——————————- The PSP-PRSC “Young Driver Safety Clinic” was a success! The sold-out clinic held at the Eddy County Fire Service Complex in Carlsbad, New Mexico, gave young drivers a half-day of training with worldclass instruction from SKILLS Driving professional drivers. Instructors teach correct responses to real-life driving scenarios, such as the dangers of distracted driving, situational awareness, and using the ABS braking system to the driver’s advantage.

State Rep. Cathrynn Brown, representing portions of Eddy County, attended the clinic and shared her insights on driving safely with the students. Brown is also the Ranking Member of the House Transportation Committee in the New Mexico Legislature.

We are grateful that we can play a role in helping today’s youth learn how to navigate roadways and make the Permian Basin safer.

For the second year in a row, Artesia Junior High Student Council members had the opportunity to attend the NMASC Summer Leadership Workshop in Socorro, NM. This year 17 students and two advisors were able to attend the fourday camp. A huge thanks goes out to HF Sinclair and Written in Red Foundation. Their generosity allowed students to attend without concerns about registration costs. Because of their kindness, we were able to take four times as many students as we did our first year! This is an unforgettable experience that will have exponential impact on our schools and community.

Coordinators managed to fit a semester’s worth of content into those fast-paced four days. Students were challenged to step out of their comfort zones and build the skills necessary to be leaders in their school and community. We are so proud of the students who attended. They truly represented what it means to be a leader, but more importantly, what it means to be a bulldog!

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

40 years ago June 30 – July 6, 1984

This B-25 bomber was one of seven planes which were flown into Artesia Saturday morning by members of the New Mexico Wing of the Confederate Air Force, and here it looms above interested spectators who give it a close inspection. This one and other vintage World War II aircraft appeared here as part of a barnstorming tour of Eddy County, flying on to Carlsbad Saturday afternoon. The purpose of the tour was to acquaint the general public with the activities of the New Mexico Wing of the CAF and to display the warbirds.

———-Dickey won the Artesia Adult League Basketball title this year by beating the Has Beens 62-56 in overtime Friday in the league tournament championship game at the high school boys gym. The team is composed of, from left, front, Dwayne Dickey, Brent Thompson, Adrian Cunningham, Tony Garcia; from left, back, Tony Tesillo, Lorenzo Brizeno, Ray Earl and Mike Aguirre. Not shown is Frank Dickey. The squad finished the season with an 11-0 record.

———-The nation’s largest teachers union issued a task force report Friday urging that public schools be “totally restructured” to meet the needs of tomorrow’s students. The report offers the union’s hopedfor vision of schools in a lengthy section, “Education in the Year 2001.” Education will start earlier, it said. New technology will enhance learning, but books, discussions, lab experiments, writing and lectures will still play major roles in learning. “Decisions about instruction will be made at the school level and not by bureaucracies in school system central offices or state capitols,” the report added.

———-New Mexico’s new laws intended to crack down on drunken drivers began at 12:01 a.m. Sunday. Any adult with a blood alcohol content of 0.10 percent who is driving a vehicle is drunk and will lose his driver’s license for at least 90 days. A second DWI conviction means loss of a driver’s license for a year, while a third conviction means loss of driving privileges for five years.

———-The Daily Press sports a new look today as the newspaper, with others across the nation, converts to standard six-column widths to accommodate national advertisers. The standard size is called SAU for “standard advertising unit.” Until now, there was a wide variety of newspaper page sizes and a corresponding number of advertising dimensions. National advertisers had to produce ads to fit all these sizes, which proved costly as well as confusing.

———-The fourth annual run of the World’s Greatest Lizard Race is set for Wednesday in Lovington’s Chaparral Park as part of the community’s Independence Day celebration. John Graham, who calls himself the “head lizard,” said contestants have been scouring vacant lots and fields for lizards to race, although one enterprising person has entered an iguana. The lizards will run, seven at a time, along 16-foot ramps fenced to prevent any leaping lizards from getting away. Ribbons go to the first five finishers.

30 years ago June 30 – July 6, 1994

Glenn Robinson thought he was under pressure. The first of a record-tying nine underclassmen picked in the first round of the NBA draft, Purdue’s Big Dog put on a Milwaukee Bucks cap and pondered his soon-to-be multimillion-dollar career. Like Robinson’s selection by Milwaukee, which was almost a foregone conclusion, there were few surprises through the two rounds of the draft Wednesday night. What was noteworthy was the number of underclassmen selected in the opening round. Six of the first seven and nine of the top 16 picks were non-seniors, matching the record nine underclassmen taken in 1982. Three more early-entry picks were taken on the second round.

———-Fans hoping Michael Jordan will return to basketball will be disappointed, the Chicago Bulls general manager says. “Michael Jordan is not going to be back,” Jerry Krause said Thursday. “Fans should get used to the idea that Michael Jordan will not be back with this team. We want to see Michael in a Chicago uniform, a White Sox uniform.”

———-Members of a 4-H team from Eddy County, from left, 4-H Agent/Director Lee Watts, Ross Townsend, Sam Gutierrez, Drew Hendricks and Kris Patterson, traveled to Oklahoma City recently where team members were awarded a fifth-place trophy at the National Pasture & Range Judging Contest. The team qualified in July 1993 at the state 4-H conference to represent New Mexico at the contest. As the first-place team for New Mexico, the team was carrying on a long tradition for Eddy County 4-H, which has maintained first-place status in the range contest since 1985, and has traveled to national competition each year since 1986.

———-For Wendall Malone, there is nothing more interesting than watching the weather. Last week, Malone had another peak in his weather- watching career when he recorded the all-time state high temperature of 119 degrees. The record occurred at 4:32 p.m. on June 27 at his home nestled on a ranch in Lakewood. He said when he got home at little after 4 p.m., the temperature was already at 118 degrees. The previous record was held by Artesia, set in 1918 when it reached 116 degrees. The new record was reached during an abnormal heat wave.

———-A high-speed chase along U.S. 285 south of Artesia ended with an arrest of a suspect wanted in Carlsbad for armed robbery. The chase, which began in Carlsbad and reached speeds of more than 90 miles per hour, ended at 8:37 a.m. just north of Atoka grocery store, after the suspect’s vehicle, headed northbound, crossed over the center median into the southbound lane, hit a sign post and blew a tire.

20 years ago June 30 – July 6, 2004

As reported by the Daily Press earlier this year, Wal-Mart corporation is planning to create a super center here in Artesia. “Yes, we do have plans for a super center at the northeast corner of 26th Street and Eagle Draw,” said Daphne Moore, Wal-Mart community affairs. Late last summer a petition signed by 4,700 Artesians was presented to Wal-Mart officials requesting the company open a store here. At the time, [Moore] said there was no set time limit in developing a Wal-Mart in Artesia. That changed yesterday with the announcement that Wal-Mart would be breaking ground on the new center later this year or early next year.

———-Hundreds of people line the sidewalk for the “Spiderman II” promotion at Land of the Sun Theatre. People started arriving as early as 11:30 a.m. for the 1 p.m. premiere. Spiderman, played by Anthony Crawford, begins his descent down the Land of the Sun building. The web-slinger arrived at 12:30 p.m. to the delight of many Artesia youths who waited in line for autographs before the premiere showing.

———-Teresa Holguin was disappointed and shocked when the man who supplied alcohol to her 14-year-old daughter was sentenced to 18 months probation. Holguin’s daughter, Felisha, died of acute alcohol poisoning in February 2002 after drinking at a slumber party. Holguin worked with Gov. Bill Richardson during the last legislative session to push for change in New Mexico’s liquor laws. The law making it a felony to provide alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 is one of the laws that take effect in New Mexico today. The new law applies to anyone who gives or sells alcohol to a minor. The maximum penalty is up to 18 months in prison and fines of up to $5,000.

———-The first-ever Junior Firefighters Olympics held during the Independence Day celebrations Saturday in Jaycee Park earned gold, silver and bronze for a dozen youngsters. Nine teams of three competed in four events, which included the Three-man Hose Relay, Bucket Brigade, Water Polo and a special Mystery Event. Several recreation aides from Artesia’s Summer Recreation Program were on hand to coach the competitors, who were divided into two divisions by age, 6-11 and 12-15.

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

Artesia ranks eighth on the “Best Places to Raise a Family in New Mexico” according to Niche. com.

The 2024 report gave the town an “A-” overall score, taking into account categories including schools, housing and weather. Artesia scored an A+ in jobs, and an A in public schools and in diversity. The lowest score for Artesia is a C+ for Crime and Safety.

Artesia High School has an A- grade, according to Niche. It ranks No. 23 out of 204 public high schools in New Mexico.

One current resident wrote, “The people are great and the culture is amazing, plus the football here is unmatched.

It’s so nice we get people from other neighboring town to come here for school and work all around day to day life.

Plus the parks in Artesia are so well kept, people love to hangout and play. Artesia, New Mexico is truly a place to be.”

The median household income in Artesia, according to Niche, is $75,389, slightly above the national average. The median home value is $212,900 and the median rent is $850, both below the national Los Alamos was the No. 1 overall ranking, and nearby White Rock was No. 2. Seven neighborhoods in and around Albuquerque were also in the top 10.