“We had a lot of people here tonight cheering us on, so they willed us to that one. Overall, I really appreciate the whole (No. 12 team). I mean, our car was really fast all night and we got a little bit better through the night, and two tires was a good call there.”
– Ryan Blaney, who outlasted William Byron to grab the win at Iowa Speedway Sunday
RUIDOSO DOWNS — Entries have been taken and processed for trials next weekend for the $1-million Rainbow Futurity at Ruidoso Downs Race Track.
“We are proceeding with making plans as scheduled,” General Manager Rick Baugh said. “We will make a final decision about when these trial races are held primarily based on the lifting of evacuation orders for the community, but we are hopeful that is next weekend.”
A total of 327 2-year-old quarter horses entered for the Rainbow Futurity trials, which was a slight increase from last year, when 311 quarter horses were entered. The trials will be at 400 yards over two days with the top-five fastest advancing to the final, which is scheduled to be run on Saturday, July 14.
There will be 17 races next Friday and Saturday, with first post scheduled for 11 a.m.
“We appreciate our horse racing media partners like Track Magazine, Speedhorse and Stallionesearch helping us communicate with horsemen that the trials are still scheduled and that we were taking entries,” Baugh said.
Despite severe damage to the west side of the Village of Ruidoso, mainly in the Upper Canyon, Alpine Village and Cedar Creek areas, the race track and barn areas were not impacted by the South Fork and Salt Fires.
“The track is blessed to have not been impacted, but some of our employees lost their homes and we are working to help find them some temporary housing,” Baugh said. “We are very appreciative of the firefighters and first responders including everyone that has kept much of the community protected. Hopefully we will be able to race in the near future to keep our commitment to our horsemen and employees.”
Race track officials and horse trainers at Ruidoso Downs have been working since the emergency began on Monday to ensure the safety of the animals. The horse population on the grounds is about 1,000 — about half of the average. Many trainers have been at the race track non-stop.
“We made arrangements for a complete evacuation of horses Monday night with other race tracks and nearby ranches and were ready just in case that was necessary,” Baugh said. “Some trainers made the decision to evacuate on their own to move their horses and we did our best to accommodate them. We are currently feeding all horsemen and emergency personel in our restaurant cantina daily and doing what we can to assist them while they care for their horses everyday.”
The race track had over 12,000 gallons of water in trucks standing by in case fire was eminent but that was not ever used. Baugh said the only issues that the race track has had to overcome has been some misinformation that was posted on social media about damage to the track and the search for horse trailers that was not necessary.
“The rumors that can develop on social media can make getting truthful information out to people difficult at times,” Baugh said. “We’re working to keep everyone safe including the horses and we hope to continue our horse racing meet as quickly as possible.’
RUIDOSO — As residents of the Ruidoso and Alto area watched from afar Tuesday, the South Fork and Salt Fires continued to blaze with no immediate end in sight. The U.S. Forest Service reported Tuesday afternoon that the South Fork Fire, burning just along the northwestern outskirts of Ruidoso, had grown to 13,921 acres in size and was listed at 0% containment. The USFS estimated 500 structures have been impacted.
Witnesses in the area reported Tuesday via social media that the Alto Cafe was confirmed to have been among the structures consumed. The Salt Fire, meanwhile, burning south of Ruidoso, had grown to 4,876 acres as of Tuesday afternoon and was also listed at 0% containment.
Evacuation orders remained in effect for the entire Village of Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs, along with Chatto Bluff, Snow Springs, Fence Canyon, Whitetail, Chihuahua Well, Botella Road, Apache Summit, Fantasy Lane, homes along U.S. 70 from N.M. 244 to the eastern edge of the Mescalero Apache Reservation, Bear Canyon and Snow Canyon.
Roads into Ruidoso remain closed, and residents and travelers are asked to stay away from the area.
The South Fork Fire was discovered around 9 a.m. Monday and grew at an extremely rapid rate. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire behavior is described as “creeping” with concerns remaining that high winds in the area could push the fire further to the east.
The blaze is being managed by a Type 3 incident commander with resources from agencies including the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Mescalero Apache Reservation, the USFS, Lincoln County, Otery County, the Village of Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs.
The Salt Fire was discovered around 2 p.m. Monday and is creeping through difficult, mountainous terrain. Aircraft were identifying spots closest to Ruidoso Downs for slurry efforts Tuesday afternoon.
Bulldog Bowl has been undergoing a few upgrades in preparation for the 2024 season. At left, crews work to replace the stadium’s light fixtures with new-and-improved (and brighter!) lights that will also offer up a few surprises for fans when the ‘Dogs score that first TD of the new season. Below, the east parking lot is also coming up in preparation for a much-needed re-pave.
ARTESIA — Artesia is joining the rest of Southern New Mexico in offering support to residents of Ruidoso and Alto as evacuation orders continue due to the ongoing South Fork and Salt Fires.
On Monday, the Eddy County Fair Board announced that it was opening the Eddy County Fairgrounds on South 13th Street to anyone fleeing the fires. The fairgrounds are open to livestock and RVs, with horse stalls, RV spaces and more than 100 livestock pens available.
The fairgrounds gates have been opened, and contact numbers include: • Horses/Cattle: 575-308-2367
• Small Animals: 575-513-0479
• RVs: 575-513-9139 The Artesia Recreation Center, 612 N. Eighth St., is open to evacuees and can be reached at 575-746-9009. Pecos Inn, 2209 W. Main St., is currently offering a discounted rate for evacuees and can be contacted at 575-748-3324.
For those wishing to donate items, such as clothing, water, non-perishable food items, hygiene supplies, blankets, pillows, towels, pet supplies, sleeping bags, air mattresses, or …
… books, games, puzzles and activities for children, two local drop-off options are currently available:
• KSVP Radio Office: 317 W. Quay Ave.
• Faith Baptist Church: 401 S. 20th St.
• Feelsgood Tattoo, in coordination with West Main Baptist Church: 604 S. 13th St.
Artesia’s veterinary clinics — Artesia Animal Clinic at 110 W. Mahone Drive and Critter Care Center at 609 W. Richardson Ave. — are also open to those in need of emergency animal services. Artesia Animal Clinic is capable of servicing livestock and large animals.
The Ruidoso Animal Clinic was safely evacuated as of 10:30 a.m. Wednesday and referred pet and livestock owners to the Artesia facilities. Artesia Animal Clinic can be reached at 575-748-2042 and Critter Care at 575736-8888.
Artesia General Hospital announced via Facebook that it stands ready to help as needed. The hospital, 702 N. 13th St., can be reached at 575-748-3333.
The Lincoln National Forest announced Tuesday morning that, while it appreciates the public’s desire to donate food and other items to fire crews working the blazes, firefighters are well provided for. Residents are asked not to attempt to enter the fire area with donations for safety reasons.
ARTESIA — A charge of murder stemming from a shooting incident that occurred in May has been dropped against an Artesia teen.
Cmdr. Pete Quinones of the Artesia Police Department (APD) reported that the second-degree murder charge against the 14-yearold male minor had been dropped by the Fifth Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
“The juvenile that was originally arrested for murder had charges dropped/ dismissed after evidence was discovered that he was defending himself at the residence,” Quinones said.
The shooting took place around 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, in the 700 block of West Champ Clark Avenue. Law enforcement responded to find 32-yearold Isaac Granado shot. He was transported to Artesia General Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Eddy County Sheriff’s Office deputies subsequently followed a vehicle from the scene to Memorial Drive in front of AGH, where a traffic stop was initiated. Three occupants of the vehicle were detained for questioning, and the APD Criminal Investigation Division determined one of the occupants to be the teenager involved in the shooting.
A charge of unlawful possession of a handgun by a minor remains in place.
ARTESIA — Preparations are currently underway for the 79th Annual Eddy County Fair, set to run July 23-27.
Entry forms for participation in Open Class exhibits, Lead Class, 4-H indoor exhibits and the Cake Contest are due by Sunday, June 30. Entry forms for the Junior Livestock Show and Queen Contest are due by Friday, July 12. Forms can be found online at www.eddycountyfair.com.
Open Horse Show entries will be accepted the day of the show, which will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 13, at the covered arena.
Interested vendors are asked to email vendors@eddycountyfair.com. This year’s fair will see the return of a carnival, which will run from 5 p.m. – midnight July 23-25, 4 p.m. midnight July 26, and 10 a.m. – midnight July 27.
The fair has also announced its 2024 concert lineup:
• Sanctus Real: 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 24 • Easton Corbin: 6 p.m. Thursday, July 25 • Jon Wolfe: 9 p.m. Friday, July 26 Other special events will include:
• Eddy County Fair Parade: Tuesday, July 23 The parade will begin at 10 a.m. and will run east on Main Street from Bulldog Bowl to Second Street. To enter, request a form by emailing jessica@artesiachamber. com.
• Flower Show: Wednesday, July 24 This year’s theme is “Through the Decades.” Create and set-up for design entries will be held from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. or until supplies run out. Horticulture entries will be accepted from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday and 8-10 a.m. Thursday.
• Wool Lead Show: Friday, July 26 Forms must be submitted by June 30; to request a form or for more information, email leadclass@eddycountyfair.com.
• Pecan Contest Auction:
Friday, July 26
Open to all Eddy County residents. Pecan product must be made by the exhibitor and include a complete recipe. Entries will be accepted from …
… noon – 1:30 p.m. Friday, July 25, at the Community Building kitchen. Best overall entry receives a cash prize of $500. Remaining portions will be auctioned beginning at 6 p.m. in the Livestock Barn Show Ring, with all proceeds benefiting the FFA and 4-H programs.
• Bullriding: Friday, July 26 The event will begin at 7 p.m. in the Artesia Horse Council Arena, with gates opening at 5 p.m. Admission is $15 per person. Those interested in entering are asked to text or call Kay-Lee Jo Bryant at 218-349-1861.
• Fire and Ice Competition:
Saturday,
July 27
The competition includes a Traditional Chili Cook-Off and Anything Goes Chili Contest, plus a Homemade Ice Cream Contest for children and a new Salsa Competition. For more information, contact AJ at 575706-9580 or Misti at 575-706-4547.
• Cornhole Tournament:
Saturday,
July 27
Cost is $20 per person. Check in at 10 a.m. in the covered arena; tournament begins at 10:15 a.m. Switch format with six games guaranteed. For more information, text Bradley Davis at 575-703-0469.
• Jack Rauch Anvil Toss: Saturday, July 27 The event will run from 10 a.m. noon in the covered arena. Registration will be held prior to the start.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 19, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church for Daniel Cortez of Artesia.
Cortez, 96, passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Interment will follow the services at Woodbine Cemetery. Afterward, everyone is invited to join the family for a meal in the Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church Hall to celebrate Daniel’s life and legacy.
A rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church.
Daniel was born July 21, 1927, in Presidio, Texas, the beloved son of Mauro Pina and Maria Heredia (Ornelas) Cortez.
He was married to the love of his life, Maria Granado Cortez, for 50 years until her passing. The youngest of 13, he was preceded in death by his siblings Agapito Cortez, Estefania Cortez, Mercedes Garcia, Cruz Marquez, Paula Cortez, Andres Cortez, Eduardo Cortez, Francisca Saiz, Juan Cortez, Mauro Cortez, Refugio Cervantez and Crespin Lara.
Daniel proudly served his country as a U.S. Army World War II veteran, serving in Korea and Okinawa, Japan. He was awarded the WWII Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal. He was honored to be chosen as part of the South Plains Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.
He pursued his education late in life, earning a GED. Daniel worked tirelessly as an oilfield worker for Kersey & Company in Artesia, then served as a civil engineer for the Bureau of Land Management until his retirement.
Daniel’s hobbies included hunting, fishing, golfing, camping, and spending time with his family playing cards and board games.
Survivors include children RoseMary Cardenas and spouse Luis of Lubbock, Texas, Sylvia Cortez Lopez of Artesia, Danny Cortez of Lubbock, Bobby Cortez and spouse Olga of Artesia, and Freddy Cortez and spouse George of Phoenix, Ariz. His legacy continues through his nine grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, nine great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Daniel’s life was a testament to dedication, love and resilience. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Arrangements are under the direction of Terpening & Son Mortuary. Condolences may be expressed online at www.artesiafunerals. com.
Copyright © 2026 El Rito Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
