Madison Huddelston was the recipient of the Artesia Alfalfa Growers’ Association Scholarship.
Artesia Softball Boosters
Christy Aguilar and Melissa Warren presented the Artesia Softball Boosters Scholarship to Perseis Aguilar, Mikenzi Carlo, Ariana Chavez, Necel Jimenez, Madison Martinez, McKenna Morrison, Paola Sedeno-Gonzalez and Haley Tucker.
Downtown Lions
Rhea Lynn Bean and Lacy Archuleta presented the Artesia Downtown Lions Scholarship to Braden Fuentes, Matthew Hafliger, Teagan Miller, McKenna Morrison and Mia Sanchez.
Adoptive Child
Names: Samuel, Liam Ages: 12, 11 Their Story: Samuel is a talented student who likes arts and crafts. Origami and LEGOs are his thing! He also enjoys making you laugh. Liam is compassionate, ontask and able to make positive self-statements. He is thoughtful and likes to be silly around those he is comfortable with. Liam’s also in a school LEGO club. Samuel and Liam have taken jiu-jitsu and seem to enjoy this activity.
For more information about foster programs through the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department, please call 1-800-432-207
Spaghetti or Cupcakes?
Summertime is one of my favorite seasons.
We have such an abundance of it here in the vast desert that a person better learn to enjoy it, honestly. But I like it. Always have.
I liked having little kids in the summer, when a plastic kiddie pool tossed in the yard and a stack of magazines next to my lounge chair was enough to keep us busy all day. I liked having big kids and letting them run wild on their bikes with the neighborhood kids until 9 p.m. every night, followed by a dash through the sprinkler before finally going inside.
I liked being a kid in the summertime. I had a horse trough for a pool and a bike of my own, and there were usually push-up pops from the Schwann’s man in the freezer. Life was simple. Today’s world feels increasingly more complicated a lot of the time, but if you look around, the simple pleasures of summer still exist.
There are still teenage girls lined up like so many sparrows, sitting on a concrete fence and gossiping about boys. There are little boys crowding the public pool with their foam footballs and neon-colored goggles. There are mommies pushing babies in fancy strollers with their Stanley cups and crossbody bags in pastel colors.
The smell of a neighborhood BBQ drifts over the yard some days, the scent of burnt hot dogs and juicy burgers beckoning. In the restaurants, the old-timers still meet for coffee in the afternoons, before their afternoon snooze in their recliners at home. In the sky, the puffy white clouds drift by, looking like so much marshmallow cream.
The children laze away the long days, running in and out of the house, slamming the screen door and eating every snack in sight. School is a distant memory, dinners are often ham sandwiches and Doritos, and time stands still for just a little while.
It’s true that the world just keeps on getting more and more complicated. But summertime remains, in many ways, a symbol of innocence for us all. I hope you’re enjoying your summer. I hope you’re taking the time to slow down and remember the echo of simpler times.
We can still enjoy the simple things. You’re doing a great job.
“Summertime, and the livin’s easy” — Sublime (EDITOR’S NOTE: Franki Ingram is a hometown Artesia girl who likes unicorns, classic rock and coffee. She has four kids ranging in age from 22-9 and dabbles in meal planning and budgeting.)
Senior MealSite Menu
13th Street and Gilchrist Avenue 575-746-6712 July 1-5 Monday
Fidelos con carne, garden salad, mixed vegetables, flour tortilla, fruit salad Tuesday
Green chile chicken enchiladas, pinto beans, crackers, orange jello with apricots Wednesday
Green chile cheeseburger, lettuce, tomato and onion, green beans with tomatoes, tater tots, watermelon Thursday
Closed for the Fourth of July holiday
Friday
Bean and cheese chalupa, lettuce and tomato, Spanish rice, calabacitas, strawberry shortcake
202 W. Chisum Ave.
575-748-1207 July 1-6 Monday
8:15 a.m. – Exercise video 9 a.m. – Creative Crafters
1 p.m. – Green Thumbs 1 p.m. – Dominos: Train and 42 1:30 p.m. – Sewing Tuesday
8:15 a.m. – Exercise video 9 a.m. – Hand and Foot 9:30 a.m. – Woodworking; line dancing 10 a.m. – Fusing Fun 1 p.m. – Ceramics; sewing 2 p.m. – Poker 6:30 p.m. – Stained glass
Wednesday
8:15 a.m. – Exercise video 9 a.m. – Advisory Council 9-11 a.m. – Hear on Earth hearing service 9 a.m. – TOPS 1 p.m. – Woodburning; dominos: Train and 42 1:30 p.m. – Sewing Thursday
Closed for the Fourth of July holiday
Friday 9 a.m. – Hand, Knee
and Foot
9 a.m. – Creative Crafters 1 p.m. – Bingo 1:30 p.m. – Sewing
Saturday 11 a.m. – Lunch at the Moose Lodge (hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad and watermelon) 7-9:30 p.m. – Dance (County Line)
Senior Center
Recipe of the Month
Air-Fried Oreos
Ingredients:
• 6 Oreos
• 3 canned biscuits
• 1/2 cup milk (optional) • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional) Directions:
Cut each biscuit in half and roll in hands before flattening into a circle. Dip an Oreo in milk (optional but will soften cookie). Put the cookie on the biscuit dough and bring sides up to cover. Form into dough ball. Preheat air fryer to 370 for two minutes; put cookies in fryer basket, leaving space between for expansion. Fry for 5-7 minutes until golden brown on top. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Hunting
B ennie’s WESTERNWEAR&GUNSHOP
205 W. Main St, Artesia, NM 575-746-2542
HOURS:
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday
9
a.m.
-5
p.m.
Up for
• Guns • Shotguns • Rifles • Ammo
State school board bans smoking
Looking back 40, 30 and 20 years ago, the following are excerpts from the Artesia Daily Press.
40 years ago June 23-29, 1984
The Supreme Court today reinstated a key Reagan administration policy that eases air pollution rules. The ruling upheld the Environmental Protection Agency’s use of the so-called “bubble concept” to determine whether companies are doing enough to reduce pollution. The concept permits state officials to view an existing factory as a whole in deciding whether a company is meeting federal pollution control standards. That means, for example, that a company may build a new smokestack that increases air pollution if the added pollution is offset by improvements elsewhere in the plant.
———-A leak in the unleaded gas system at Navajo Refinery caused a blaze early this morning but did little damage, city fire records show. City firefighters assisted the refinery fire department at 12:01 a.m. in containing flames at the north plant. Vice president of refining Dewie Stevenson said a flange leaked on an exchanger, releasing hydrocarbon vapor which ignited.
———— First National Bank racked up a 16-2 record in winning the major division title in Artesia Little League Baseball this season. Making up the squad are, sitting from left, Gino Wilcox, Bratcher Runyan, Estevan Chavarria, Ernie Thurman, Gabriel Hall; kneeling from left, Paul Runyan, Josh Vermillion, Ray Callaway, Luigi Bratcher, Jared Alam and Armand Marquez. Standing are coaches Ron Runyan and Tony Hall.
———-The Supreme Court, in a decision that could change the television viewing habits of millions of Americans, today broke the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s exclusive grip on televised college football games. By a 7-2 vote, the court freed individual colleges to make their own television deals. It ruled that the NCAA’s contracts with ABC, CBS and Turner Broadcasting, worth hundreds of millions of dollars, violate federal antitrust law.
———-Student religious meetings in public high schools have won overwhelming Senate approval, prompting a leading supporter to forecast a change of heart in the House, where the concept failed once amid concern about church-state separation. The Senate voted 88-11 Wednesday in favor of the measure, which is designed to permit voluntary religious student groups to meet in school facilities on the same basis as other extracurricular student groups. Sen. Jeremiah Denton, R-Ala., told reporters he expects the Senate version of the religious meeting proposal “to be much more acceptable to the House” than the one defeated there last May when it fell 11 votes short of the two-thirds needed under a special procedure.
———-High yield-high value crops, an alfalfa digestion trial and plant pests were some of the topics covered during the Field Day featured Wednesday at the Agricultural Science Center south of Artesia. About 150 persons toured research plots, viewed commercial exhibits, heard speakers and attended an alfalfa demonstration during the day-long event at the test farm operated here by New Mexico State University.
30 years ago June 23-29, 1994
New Mexico is among the 10 costliest states for gasoline prices, tied with Illinois for ninth, the American Automobile Association reported Wednesday. The average price of self-service regular unleaded gasoline in New Mexico was $1.191 this month, down 4.4 cents from June 1993. The national average for self-service unleaded regular is $1.115, down 0.8 of a cent from a year ago but a penny more than last month.
———-Students can no longer light up a cigarette on public school campuses in New Mexico. The state Board of Education on Friday unanimously banned smoking on the campuses and at school-sponsored activities. About half of New Mexico’s 89 school districts already have no-smoking regulations, but advocates of tobacco- free schools say not all of them enforce it.
———-The Artesia FFA Chapter’s newly elected officers, Rachael Hendricks, Jeremy Sallee, Kevin Klein, Jole Bell and Rachel Craddock attended the 66th Annual New Mexico State FFA Convention. The convention was held in Las Cruces June 6 through 9. Awards were also given out at the convention. The Artesia Chapter received the following awards: BOAC (Building Our Agricultural Community), Safety and 10 Percent Growth.
———-In an effort to help Americans avoid skin cancer, the government today added a solar-hazard rating to the daily weather report. The National Weather Service will issue ultraviolet ratings on a 1-to-10 scale in most areas, rising to 1-to-15 in communities with more sun exposure. The higher the rating, the more dangerous.
———-Another federal judge has struck down part of the Brady law, saying it is unconstitutional for the government to require local police to check the background of potential handgun buyers. U.S. District Judge John Roll also issued a permanent injunction against that requirement Tuesday. A constitutional law professor at the University of Arizona said Roll’s ruling has a limited effect. “The ruling of a federal district judge is binding only in that judge’s territory,” said Robert J. Glennon Jr. “It does not bind other district judges, even within the same district.”
20 years ago June 23-29, 2004
Silver City officials are asking Gov. Bill Richardson to leave Billy the Kid alone. Lincoln County Sherrif Tom Sullivan launched an investigation last year with DeBaca County Sheriff Gary Graves into the Kid’s 1881 death. They want to exhume his remains from a Fort Sumner grave and compare the DNA with that of his mother, Catherine Antrim, who is buried in Silver City. Both Fort Sumner and Silver City have fought the exhumation efforts, and on Monday, Silver City officials asked Richardson to disassociate himself from the investigation.
———-Mike Mordecki of Farmington’s Ram Studios applies finishing touches to one of the trophies displayed on the Bulldog Water Tank west of Artesia Thursday. The repainting of the tank is expected to be completed today. ———-The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has rejected a request by some southern New Mexico residents to stop construction on a four-lane highway in the Hondo Valley. Residents, united as the Valley Community Preservation Commission, argued that the expansion would ruin the valley’s pastoral character. Work to widen U.S. 70 in the Hondo Valley from two lanes to four started in September 2002. ———-The walls went up, the trusses went on and the first Habitat for Humanity home in Artesia was given a major push from dream to reality on Saturday. “It’s rewarding,” said Byron Bartley, President of the Artesia HFH affiliate. With a strong turn out of volunteers, the project was ahead of schedule all day. The Lions Club provided the much-appreciated noontime sustenance of burgers and watermelon. Today, the roof will be put on and the doors and windows installed.
———-Former Bulldog football player Jimmy Hamilton notched the first touchdown of his professional career June 13 during the Wichita Stealth Arena Football League team’s game against Oklahoma City. Hamilton, a 1998 graduate of Artesia High School, a two-time All-District first team selection and a former South All-Star, plays both linebacker and fullback for the Stealth and was 2-3 rushing June 13 with a one-yard touchdown run. ———-The Artesia Daily Press was established on June 2, 1954 and celebrates its 50th anniversary this month as volume No. 51 begins. The first issue rolled off the old flatbed press on June 2, 1954, just 17 days after the decision to start a daily newspaper in Artesia was made. Since then the town has changed, yet remained the same. Perhaps the biggest change in Artesia has been the rebuilding and redesign of Main Street and the construction of the Yates Petroleum Building in the 400 block of West Main Street. Artesia’s schools have moved ahead of the technology curve, with computer Internet access in all schools. And the Bulldogs have won 23 state football titles.
———- (EDITOR’S NOTE: Looking Back was compiled By Daily Press Staff)
First Day
— The City of Artesia is informing the public that West Richardson Avenue from Fifth to Sixth streets will be closed from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, July 12, for the Artesia Public Library’s Family Field Day. For more information, call the library at 575-746-4252. —————– 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. —————– PRAYER WALK — A True Unity Prayer Walk will be held around 7 p.m. Thursday, July 4, in the northeast area of Jaycee Park. The public is invited to join in two prayers and the singing of “Amazing Grace.” The event will take fewer than 30 minutes.
AROUND TOWN
— 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.
—————– 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.
—————– TEEN ART — Teens ages 13-17 are invited to complete a Summer Reading Program themed art project at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 27, at the Artesia Public Library. For more information, call the library at 575-746-4252.
—————– NEW MEXICO WILDLIFE — Children ages 12 and under are invited to learn about New Mexico wildlife with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 27, at the Artesia Public Library. For more information, call the library at 575-7464252. —————– LITERARY LOUNGE — Adults ages 18 and up are invited to Literary Lounge at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 27, at the Artesia Public Library. The June selection is “The Library of Lost & Found” by Phaedra Patrick. Copies are available for check-out at the library or via Libby. For more information, call the library at 575-7464252. —————– ART IN SCIENCE The Artesia Arts Council will hold an Art in Science event at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 27, at the Ocotillo Performing Arts Center. Come make rainbow cyanotypes (sun prints). Cost is $10. To register, visit www.artesiaartscouncil. com/education. —————– PAINT PARTY — Ages 18 and up are invited to a paint party with instructor Kirsten Mauritsen on Thursday, June 27, at the Ocotillo Performing Arts Center. All skill levels are welcome. Cost is $35 per student. To register, visit www.artesiaartscouncil. com/education. —————– KIDS’ LEGO CHALLENGE — Children ages 12 and under are invited to drop in for a Summer Reading Program adventure- themed LEGO Challenge from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Friday, June 28, at the Artesia Public Library. For more information, call the library at 575-746-4252. —————– SUMMER READING FAMILY EVENT — A Summer Reading Program family event will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, June 28, at the Artesia Public Library. All ages are invited to participate in a Chalk Party. All sidewalks on the south side of the library will be decorated. Chalk will be provided. For more information, call the library at 575-746-4252. —————– ARTISTIC VOYAGES — The Artesia Arts Council will host Artistic Voyages classes at 11:30 a.m. July 2 and 30 at the Ocotillo Performing Arts Center. Cost is $35 per student; limit 12. Classes are open to ages 8 and up. To register, visit www.artesiaartscouncil. com/education. —————– 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 the Senior Center. For more information, contact Bunny Mason at 575365-7391. —————– 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 575687-3316. —————– 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! —————– 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.
—————– LIBRARY BOARD The Artesia Public Library is seeking to fill soon-tobe- 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 915-2498934. —————– 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. —————– 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 575746-4113.