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FOOTBALL RESERVED SEATS sales will begin on Monday, August 5, 2024, and will continue through Friday, August 16, 2024. Tickets may be purchased at the Bulldog Pit from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please enter through the West doors. Only reserve seat holders from the previous year will be allowed to purchase their same reserve seats the first two weeks of sales. Beginning on Monday, August 19th, all remaining reserve seat tickets will go on sale to the general public on a first-come-first-served basis. There will be four home games this year.

Lower section-season reserve seat ticket- $36.00 Upper deck chair back- season reserve seat ticket- $40.00 Single reserve seat ticket sales, if available, will be conducted on Friday of each home game, beginning On Friday, August 23rd. Lower section- single reserve seat tickets- $9.00 Upper deck chair back-single reserve seat tickets-$10.00 Tickets for home games will be sold on Fridays at the Pit from 8:00 am- 4:00 pm. All tickets $5.00. We will offer the option to purchase game tickets on-line through go fan as well. All information for online ticket sales can be found on the artesiagofan website.

Reminder:Top portion of reserve seat ticket sheet will admit season ticket owner to JV football games free of charge.

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.

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, well-groomed 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 575-748-3192.

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. 16th and 19th. 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-be-opened 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 915-249-8934.

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 575-622-0729.

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.

TOPS

The Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) Club meets at 9 a.m. Wednesdays at the Senior Center. For more information, call the Center at 575-746-4113.

ARTESIA POLICE DEPARTMENT

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August 5

ACCIDENT

8:10 a.m. – Officer dispatched to the 100 block of N. First Street in reference to motor vehicle accident.

ALARM

8:15 a.m. – Officer dispatched to the 1911 W. Main St in reference to an audible alarm.

WELFARE

10:26 a.m. – Officer dispatched to the N 15th St. in reference to check the welfare of an adult.

U N W A N T E D SUBJECT 10:36 a.m. – Officer dispatched to the 800 block of South Roselawn Avenue in reference to unwanted subject.

OPEN LINE

10:48 a.m. – Officer dispatched to 1300 block of West Richey in reference to a 911 open line.

HARASSMENT

10:48 a.m. – Officer dispatched to 900 block of N. 13th St. in reference to harassment.

ASSIST

11:27 a.m. – Officer dispatched to S. First St and West Hermosa Dr. to assist the Artesia Fire Department.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON 11:51 a.m. – Officer dispatched to s. 20th and West Grand in reference to a suspicious person.

WELFARE

7:33 p.m. – Officer dispatched to the 800 block of South Roselawn in reference to check the welfare of an adult.

FRAUD

7:48 p.m. – Officer dispatched to 3300 block of West Main St. if reference to fraud.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON 8:00 p.m. – Officer dispatched to 300 block of West Gage Avenue in reference to a suspicious person.

DISTURBANCE

8:05 p.m. – Officer dispatched to the 1400 block of West Champ Clark Avenue in reference to a family disturbance.

ALARM

10:02 9.m. – Officer dispatched to the 1100 block of North First Street in reference to a burglar alarm.

OPEN LINE

10:43 p.m. – Officer dispatched to 190 block of West Main in reference to a 911 open line

SUSPICIOUS PERSON 11:57 p.m. – Officer dispatched to 2100 block West Grand in reference to a suspicious person.

August 6 U N W A N T E D SUBJECT 4:24 a.m. – Officer dispatched to the 1900 block of West Main St. in reference to an unwanted subject.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON 4:52 a.m. – Officer dispatched to 200 block West Quay Avenue in reference to a suspicious person.

RECKLESS DRIVING 5:54 a.m. – Officer dispatched to West Richey Avenue and North First St, in reference to reckless driving.

INDECENT EXPOSURE 7:32 a.m. – Officer dispatched to 600 block of North First, in reference to indecent exposure.

INCORRIGIBLE CHILD 7:59 a.m. – Officer dispatched to the 1200 block of West Clayton Street in reference to an incorrigible child.

GRAND CHAMPION AND GRAND RESERVE STEERS

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GRAND CHAMPION AND GRAND RESERVE STEERS

Golden Brothers sweep steer show at the 79th Annual Eddy County Fair. Anessa said “Caden’s last year in the county fair was hard to think about all week and accepting it was even harder.Winning the steer show is one thing but having brothers go grand and reserve is nothing less than amazing and a blessing. They have put in countless hours and given up so much to accomplish this goal.” Mason is a Freshman at AJHS. Left to right is Owen, Casey, Mason, Caden, Anessa.

Oil Patch Market

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Oil Patch Market

By Avery Taylor Artesia Daily Press On Tuesday evenings this summer, Artesia MainStreet has been hosting its Oil Patch Market events. The next two are on July 30 and August 6.

The Oil Patch Market is a Farmers’ and Makers’ Market held at the Derrick Floor on Main Street. It runs from 5:30 until dusk.

The market features vendors selling goods such as bread, pet treats and lemonade.

Morgan Fox, the Director of Artesia MainStreet, said the organization wanted to add a third weekly market in the southeast New Mexico area. Carlsbad has a market on Thursday, and Roswell on Saturday, she said.

Main Street’s goal in creating the market was to provide a place for “something to do” over the summer, Fox said.

“I believe that the Oil Patch Market lends itself to the ‘Hallmark movie’ feel of Artesia,” Fox said. “It provides something to do with your community. Families are out enjoying the musical playground and fountain at the Derrick, friends are shopping, and people are supporting one another.”

Turnout at the Oil Patch Market has increased week by week, Fox said. There are spaces for around 30 vendors, and Fox said and the past couple of weeks have seen the vendor sign up filled to capacity.

Additionally, there are spaces for kids and nonprofit organizations, Fox said.

“We’re excited to offer nonprofit organizations and kids’ spaces at no cost thanks to a grant from the Yates Legacy Foundation,” Fox said. “Even more exciting is that several nonprofits and about five different youth entrepreneurs show up weekly” To get the market started, Main-Street secured the Derrick Floor as a location, submitted an event application to the City Council and then contacted and advertised to vendors, Fox said. She said the events have shown improved organization as time has passed.

The market will continue, on dates to be determined, once a month in September through December, Fox said. She added that MainStreet wants to continue the markets each summer.

Feedback from vendors and the Artesia community has been positive, Fox said. “People are enjoying shopping and selling, although we’re still holding out for actual produce,” Fox said.

Champion Baker Rabbit

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Champion Baker Rabbit

Officials reviewing donation of movie theater

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By Rebecca Hauschild

Artesia Daily Press The City of Artesia is preparing for the overflow of planes and people from the Roswell Air Races starting in 2025. The commission approved the 2024-2025 budget during the July 23, 2024, Artesia City Council meeting, which included $4.2 million for local airport improvements.

The $4.2 million will be used to build tee-hangars, a type of aircraft hangar that efficiently houses multiple planes, terminal renovations, and the construction of a large commercial hangar, which is needed is for a company coming to Artesia that will house fixed wing aircraft as well as a maintenance facility, according to Mayor Proterm Jeff Youtsey.

With the council’s approval of Resolution 1871, which included the 2024-2025 budget, the 2023-2024 4th quarter report, and the end of year 2023-2024 budget adjustments, the City established two major place holders for capital and set aside $8.6 million for 26th Street project, $550,000 to build City offices and warehouse, $4.2 million for airport improvement and $1.8 million for future building upgrades.

“We have a deficit on paper of $1,069,000,” said Summer Valverde, City Clerk/Treasurer, “We have worked that down from $5 million a few years ago. We’re trying make sure numbers are more realistic in budgets. We feel confident about this final budget with reserves close to $20 million. That reserve will keep us in good standing if we experience some kind of natural disaster.” Mayor Jon Henry also shared the City has been in discussions and are hoping the movie theatre will be donated to the City of Artesia. “We’ve done quite a bit of studies to make sure the integrity of building is functional,” said Henry. “It’s coming in at just over $1 million to renovate. I think this is something very interesting for us. Though I don’t generally advocate for the City to own more buildings, I would strongly urge the council to continue to own the theatre building if we receive it. This would help us control what our downtown would look like. This isn’t a promise this is going to happen.” Infrastructure Director Byron Landfair reported on City projects:

• The new splashpad is complete and is waiting on a permit.

• The 26th street project will start at end of the year.

• A water line project will start the first week in January 2025.

• The new water well at the Bulldog tank will be beginning of early 2025.

• The NM DOT will be doing a speed study from Mill St. to 26th Street related to adding a signal light at the intersection of 26th Street and Hwy 285.

The council set two public hearings for August 13, 2024. The first is for an ordinance to approve Case No. 24-02: a variance to build a fence on 15ft of public right of way on the southeast corner of 7th Street and Dallas Avenue.

The second public hearing is for an ordinance controlling the service and consumption of alcoholic beverages on City property, as well as the penalties for violations. Currently alcoholic beverages can not be sold or consumed on City property, according to Mayor Henry. “That is why beer gardens, and the like are always held on private property like parking lots.

This ordinance would change that and actually give the City far more control. I’d really like public input on this ordinance.”

During the public hearing portion of the meeting, the council approved Ordinance 1128 for Case No. 23-105, a zone change from single family district “R1-B” to special use “SU-1” on approximately 171,713 sf. at 601 South Twenty- Third Street. Owners are Beverly Still and Brad Knowlton.

The council approved an ordinance to amend Ordinance 615 1-6-14 of the Employee Practices and Regulations, a position classification plan to arrange a pay plan which provides a logical progression of pay on an annual basis for each employee. After completion of six-month probation, which was previously 12 months, of employment with the City of Artesia employees will be eligible to receive an annual increase in pay which follows the adopted pay scale, according to Director of Human Resources Jerry Conde. This increase will take effect annually on July 1 and be paid starting on the first July pay day schedule.

In other business the council approved the following resolutions

• Resolution 1866, presented by Artesia Fire Chief Kevin Hope, adoption of the Eddy County Multi-Jurisdictional All Hazard Mitigation Plan for Eddy County, City of Carlsbad, and the City of Artesia.

• Resolution 1870, setting fees for the Artesia Recreation Center football program.

• Resolution 1872 adopting new per diem rates.

• Resolution 1873 authorizing the City of Artesia to pick up 75% of the Plan 2 PERA General Member Coverage, Plan 5 Municipal Fire Member Coverage, and Plan 5 Municipal Police Member Coverage contributions in effect July 1, 2024; Rescinding Resolution 1831. This is set by state statute, according to Valverde.

During the government committee report Mayor Proterm Jeff Youtsey said they had reviewed a report on the Senior Center from Carol Griffin, and discussed cost estimates for the airport upgrades, including the tee-hangers and the large hangar.

Following an executive session the commission approved the termination of an employee in the infrastructure department and uphold the suspension of another employee in the infrastructure department while agreeing to provide him services before he returns to work.

In the consent agenda the commission approved the following personnel changes and travel requests from the Police Department:

•Hire Erica Flott Varela, Police Officer, at $5071.73 p/m

•Promote James Contreras, Police Sergeant, at $6718.40 p/m

•One employee to attend the Filed Training Officer Course in Albuquerque, NM.

•One employee to attend the Conducting Pre-Employment Background Investigations.

Shabaz now leading Artesia Daily Press

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Shabaz now leading Artesia Daily Press
By:Adrian
Hedden

‘I bleed community journalism,’ he says

El Rito Media Dave Shabaz started his career in small-town Turlock, California, just outside Modesto near what became Silicon Valley.

When he first moved there from his native Chicago as a child, Shabaz said the town had a population of about 10,000. When he left years later to continue his career the city stood at about 80,000.

This week, Shabaz took the helm of the Carlsbad Current-Argus and Artesia Daily News, bringing what he learned in some of the largest media markets in the U.S. to New Mexico’s fastest-growing region in the southeast corner.

He knows the value of local journalism in an expanding community, first working at the Turlock Journal as a classifieds salesperson and then outside sales rep, before moving on to bigger markets in Los Angeles, San Diego and Phoenix.

He said he plans to refocus on local coverage, bringing back police blotters, birth and death announcements, and planning special sections for the start of sports seasons.

It isn’t his first time working in a small town. For the past five years Shabaz was publisher at several community newspapers in Texas, starting at Sulfur Springs in the northeast part of the state and working in Cuero, Texas where he managed five nearby papers.

He said community news offers something different than the national outlets: a place for parents to see their children celebrated for sports accomplishments or learn the inner workings of local government. What makes a town like Carlsbad or Artesia unique, Shabaz said, belongs in the headlines.

“Right now, we’re all inundated with national news, our phones, our TVs,” Shabaz said. “Small community papers are the only place to see your softball player, little league player. We want to return to that kind of journalism. We’re going to be community minded.” ‘I’m not just going to sit in the office.’

Long before Shabaz got involved in the newspaper business, he attempted a career as a stand-up comic in Los Angeles in the mid ‘80s. He still likes to joke around, tell stories and meet people. Shabaz said he doesn’t like just sitting in his office and plans to be heavily involved in the Carlsbad and Artesia communities as a long-time Rotarian with a history of volunteer work.

That desire to stand out and provide a measurable community impact led Shabaz to look back at smalltown media and seek a job as sales manager and ultimately publisher in 2014 in Sanford, North Carolina.

Since that move, Shabaz said he’s used his skills to be a good neighbor and citizen in the communities where he works.

“I’m a joiner, I’m a volunteer,” Shabaz said. “I love to make myself accessible. I’m not going to just sit in the office. I’m here to be part of the community. I welcome any subscriber, anyone that would like to talk to me. I would love to hear what they want to see in the paper.”

Shabaz’s comedy career took the form of humor column for a few years, and he said his light-hearted attitude and value for the community was instrumental in his success as a salesperson and media executive.

“I was too social to be kept inside,” Shabaz said of his past sales roles. “I always wanted to be a writer but ended up a salesman. I liked being at the big papers, but I didn’t feel like I was affecting the community. I hated being a small fish in a big pond.”

As publisher and editor of the papers in Artesia and Carlsbad – Eddy County’s two main cities known for a bitter rivalry – Shabaz said he’ll work to unify the county but respect the cities’ differences.

He said he’s a “die-hard” Chicago sports fan, with a Cubs logo tattooed on his left shoulder and a distaste for the city’s other pro baseball team the White Sox.

“I want to make sure we show respect, and respect for the rivalry,” he said. “Being a sports guy, I really respect a rivalry.”

Liam Wallace Taylor

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Liam Wallace Taylor

Liam Wallace Taylor, 16, passed away July 23, 2024, at University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) after succumbing to injuries from a motor vehicle crash. Liam was born in Santa Fe on Aug. 13, 2007, and he lived in Hobbs, N.M., and Albuquerque each eight years.

Liam is survived by his parents Grant Taylor and Megan Cox Taylor; sister Mabel; paternal grandparents Mary Kay and Randy McCollum; maternal grandparents Sandy and Wallace Cox; aunts Janell Taylor and Lena Vahle; first cousins Miranda Chavez, Katie Chavez, Kennedy Knowlton, Presley Knowlton and Brendan Vahle; a large extended family of great-uncles, great-aunts and cousins; and friends who were “chosen family.” He is preceded in death by his paternal granddad Frank Taylor.

Liam attended Cibola High School in Albuquerque, where he treasured and made contributions to the marching band, jazz band, concert band, pep band, S-Troupe comedy club and the boys volleyball club. Liam was set to begin his senior year and would have graduated in 2025. He also attended Taylor Middle School, Los Ranchos Elementary School and Stone Elementary School (Hobbs). At different points, Liam participated in activities of the Albuquerque Youth Symphony Program, Stone Age Climbing Gym, National Dance Institute New Mexico, the Community Players of Hobbs, Hobbs youth sports and the gifted programs of the Hobbs and Albuquerque schools.

Liam was an extraordinary performer and skilled musician, playing the guitar, drum kit, bass, French horn and mellophone. He performed with the All-State Symphonic Band and played in the Southwest Honor Band festival in the concert and jazz disciplines. Liam’s music teachers described him as stellar, amazing, approachable and kind. In addition to teachers and instructors, benevolent adults took an interest in Liam and invested in developing his talents. Thank you for seeing and nurturing Liam’s potential. Aside from his own music performance, his enjoyment and knowledge of music artists spanned the spectrum of genres, from Chet Baker to Merle Haggard to MF Doom, and he cherished sharing his passion for music with others.

Liam enjoyed playing video games, making music and spending time with close friends. His outgoing personality, humor and knowledge of current affairs made for lively and enriching conversations. Friends of Liam described him as loving, caring, genuine, supportive, inclusive and funny. “He was a kind kid who touched so many people in his life,” one said. “He was always a fun person to talk to to cheer you up,” said another. That Liam was such a good friend to so many is a tremendous source of joy. Families of Liam’s friends welcomed him into their homes and cared for him deeply. Thank you, families.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Cibola High School band boosters: https://secure.affinipay.com/pages/ chsbb/payments National Dance Institute New Mexico: https://ndi-nm.org/donate-tondi- new-mexico/ (Click “Yes” and complete the form to dedicate your donation in memory of Liam Taylor) Liam’s family is grateful to the many healthcare workers at UNMH, particularly the Trauma/Surgical Intensive Care Unit, who provided Liam with compassion and dignity from beginning to end, in addition to treatment that was second-to-none.

For Liam’s final act, he bestowed precious parts of himself through organ and tissue donation, benefiting potentially dozens of recipients across the United States. Thanks to the hundreds of friends and family members who said goodbye to Liam during his organ-donation “honor walk” from the ICU to surgery. Your being there was a testament to the impact he made in his life and celebrated his legacy that will live on.

Arrangements for a memorial service are pending and will be announced at a later date.

Quana Solt

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Quana Solt

The memorial services for Quana Solt are set for 10 am on Saturday, August 3rd at Trinity Temple Assembly of God in Artesia, New Mexico. Pastor Bobby Argo will Officiate at service.

Quana Jo was born on July 8th, 1973 in Safford, Arizona to parents Mike Solt and Andrea Compary Solt. Quana passed away in Albuquerque, NM on July 14, 2024. Quana was the eldest of five siblings, affectionately known to them as Sissy.

Quana was truly one of a kind. She was a proud truck driver and enjoyed her work immensely. Her passion for food and trying new recipes made her a true foodie. Always eager to explore new restaurants and culinary adventures. Quana also had a special joy in buying random gifts for her children. One memorable time, she ordered a necklace for Stormy that was way too big, not realizing how large it was going to be. We still get a laugh out of that one. Above all, she cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren, who were the light of her world. She loved being a granny so much that she even got a membership at a car wash because her granddaughter enjoyed going through it.

Quana will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She leaves behind wonderful memories that will be treasured forever.

Quana is proceeded in death by her son Christopher ‘Bobo’; her mother, Andrea; brother, Vince; her paternal grandparents, Troy and Lamora Boyce; and her maternal grandparents, Andy and Jane Compary.

She is Survived by her three children Mickah, Stormy, and Gabriel; six grandchildren Athena, Radien, Christopher, Lluvia, Victor, and Julez; her father Mike; her sisters Emily, Amanda, Susan, and Liz; four nephews, three nieces one great-nephew, one great-niece and her dog Sancho.

Deanna Laverne Holder

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Deanna Laverne Holder

A Celebration of Life will be held for Deanna Laverne Holder of Artesia at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at West Main Baptist Church. Officiating will be Lee Roy Howard.

Mrs. Holder, 84, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on July 27, 2024 in Artesia. Cremation will take place under the direction of Terpening & Son Mortuary.

Deanna was born to Jimmy Lewis May and Johnnie Lee May on August 27, 1939 in Artesia. She married the love of her life, Wayne in October 1968 and would have celebrated their 56th Anniversary this year.

Deanna worked as a bank teller for Western Bank for many years and retired in 2005 to care for her twin grandsons. She was a devoted wife and mother, loved to read and loved to laugh and make others laugh.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Skinny & Johnnie May, and sisters Peggy Bush, Patsy Bowen & Glenna Wall.

Survivors include her husband Wayne Holder of Artesia, son Michael Jorren and his wife Sally of Artesia, daughter Keely Holder of Roswell, daughter Carla Howard and her husband Michael of Artesia, daughter Alice Buck and husband Raymond of Artesia. Grandson Clayton Reed and his wife Candace of Hailey, Idaho, granddaughter Sara Founds and husband Rick of Artesia, grandson Ethan Jorren of Artesia, grandson Adam Jorren and wife Savannah of Artesia, grandsons Logan & Landon Buck of Artesia and 4 great-grandchildren. Survivors, also, include her sister Jenny Forlines and husband Eddie of Artesia and sister Debra Paden of Artesia.

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