SANTA FE – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) New Mexico State Office recently held a competitive oil and gas lease sale, offering 19 parcels covering 3,128 acres in New Mexico and Kansas.

In total, 451 bids were received, with 14 parcels covering 2,768 acres leased, roughly 88.5% of the total acreage available. A total of $34,414,251 in high bids were received.

The environmental assessment, maps, parcel lists, Notice of Competitive Lease Sale, and proposed lease stipulations are available online at the BLM’s ePlanning website, eplanning.blm.gov/ eplanning-ui/project/2025795/570.

The terms of federal fluid mineral leases will be consistent with the Fluid Minerals Leasing and Leasing Process Rule, which reflects Congressional direction from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including a 16.67% royalty rate for production on any new leases. Revenues are split between the state where the drilling occurs and the U.S. Treasury.

Leasing is the first step in the process to develop federal oil and gas resources. Before development operations can begin, an operator must submit an application for permit to drill detailing development plans. The BLM reviews applications for permits to drill, posts them for public review, conducts an environmental analysis, and coordinates with state partners and stakeholders.

All parcels leased for oil and gas lease include appropriate stipulations to protect important natural resources. Information on current and upcoming BLM leases is available through the National Fluid Lease Sale System.

Young driver safety clinic set for June 26 in Carlsbad

CARLSBAD — The Permian Road Safety Coalition, in conjunction with the Permian Strategic Partnership, is offering a SKILLS For Life Driving Clinic this month for licensed drivers ages 16-20. The half-day clinic will take place on a driving course designed to give new and young drivers the knowledge and experience to navigate emergency situations. The clinic goes beyond the scope of traditional driver’s ed programs to teach new drivers accident-avoidance skills and behaviors. The training will take students through real-world scenarios in a safe, closed venue. Students will learn to become comfortable with both vehicle limits and their own. Professional instructors will teach situational awareness, the dangers of distracted driving, and utilization of the ABS braking system.

Graduates of the clinic will have the increased confidence, awareness and experience needed to travel the sometimes-dangerous roads of the Permian Basin.

A fee of $25 per student will be charged upon registration. A complimentary lunch and Certificate of Completion will be provided.

Space is limited. The clinic will run from 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, at the Eddy County Fire Service Complex, 1400 Commerce Drive, Carlsbad. To register, use the included QR code.

Child care assistance available

to wildfire evacuees

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department has announced that child care assistance is available to families displaced by the Ruidoso-area wildfires.

Child care is free to evacuees. Local child care professionals can provide a safe, healthy, high-quality learning environment and well-balanced meals. All that is needed to apply is a photo ID.

For more information, call 1-800-832-1321 or email ECECD- ECS-AtRisk@state.nm.us.

DEA El Paso extends invitation to families of individuals lost to fentanyl, other drugs

SHIPROCK — The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) El Paso, Texas, sector invites New Mexico and West Texas families that have lost loved ones to fentanyl or other illicit substances to attend a Family Summit this week in Shiprock.

The summit will run from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, and Wednesday, June 26, at the Phil Thomas Performing Arts Center in Shiprock.

The DEA invite families to share their loved ones’ stories. In turn, families will be able to obtain awareness information, educational resources, and introductions to prevention, treatment and counseling partners who will be on hand at the event.

The event is free, but registration is required by contacting Michelle Rincon at 915-479-2540 or michelle.rincon@dea.gov.

NMSP arrest two men for kidnapping, child abuse

DONAANA COUNTY — The New Mexico State Police (NMSP) made two arrests last month after finding a pair of female children amongst a group of undocumented immigrants being transported into the U.S.

On May 29, an NMSP officer patrolling north of Las Cruces on I-25 initiated a traffic stop on a Buick Enclave after noticing passengers in the backseat were not wearing seatbelts. The driver was identified as 40-year-old Saul Rojas Villa.

During the stop, the officer discovered 11 undocumented immigrants in the vehicle, along with two girls, age 11 and 5, in the cargo area. Villa’s passenger, 23-year-old Antonio Guerra Garcia, claimed to be the girls’ uncle, but that information turned out to be false.

Officers eventually learned the mother of the minor girls had paid the men to transport her children across the border, then have them turn themselves in to U.S. Border Patrol in El Paso, Texas. The two men had passed through El Paso, however, without allowing the children to turn themselves in.

Villa and Garcia were subsequently arrested on charges of kidnapping and child abuse. They were booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center. All other occupants of the vehicle were turned over to the Border Patrol and transported to El Paso. The children were reunited with their mother, who lives in Mississippi.

DEA announces results of Drug Take-Back Day

EL PASO, Texas — The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its partners in local law enforcement have announced the results of April’s Drug Take-Back Day events.

A total of 670,136 pounds of unused medications were collected nationwide during the 26th Annual Take-Back Day on April 27, with the El Paso Division collecting 2,086 pounds in West Texas and New Mexico law enforcement collecting 4,622 pounds.

“Once again, the communities we serve answered the call by bringing us their unneeded, unwanted, or expired medications,” said Towanda R. Thorne-James, special agent in charge of the DEA’s El Paso Division. “By doing so, our communities are now safer and healthier.”

In its 15th year of the program, the DEA partnered with more than 4,600 law enforcement partners at close to 5,000 sites nationwide. Since the program’s inception in 2010, Take-Back Day has removed more than 18.6 million pounds of unneeded medication from communities across the country.

Two Southwestern fish, Rio Grande chub, sucker deemed not in danger of extinction

ALBUQUERQUE – After a thorough review of the best available scientific and commercial information, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that the Rio Grande chub and the Rio Grande sucker do not warrant listing under the Endangered Species Act.

The Rio Grande chub and the Rio Grande sucker often co-occur within the Rio Grande Basin. These cool-water fishes are found in slow moving water at mid-to-high elevations. They are found in waterways with water levels that can fluctuate dramatically and are adapted to withstand these changes.

After completing status reviews for each species; and consulting with scientists, state agencies, species experts and others; the Service concluded that neither species is in danger of extinction or likely to become in danger of extinction and thus do not meet the definition of threatened or endangered species. The primary factors considered in the analysis as impacting the survival of these species include water diversions, groundwater withdrawals, dams, nonnative species, wildfire, and climate change.

Monitoring and conservation efforts for these fishes have been occurring for several decades. These ongoing efforts include a 10year Conservation Agreement for the Rio Grande chub and the Rio Grande sucker signed in 2018. This multi-partner agreement includes federal agencies, Tribes, states, municipalities, non-profits, and private organizations. Through this agreement, long-term management actions for the Rio Grande chub and the Rio Grande sucker includes monitoring populations and habitat, securing and enhancing populations, and improving watershed conditions into the future.

The Rio Grande chub is a small-bodied fish with a maximum length of eight inches. It is found in New Mexico, Texas, and Colorado. Across its range, there are currently 53 populations. The Rio Grande chub is an omnivore and eats fish, invertebrates, and vegetation. It prefers pools with cover such as woody debris, boulders, or vegetation.

The Rio Grande sucker is found in New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Mexico. Across its range, there are currently 32 populations. As a benthic feeder, it is found at the bottom of riverbeds, eating algae off cobble and gravel.

A notice of the not warranted findings for the petitions to list the Rio Grande chub and the Rio Grande sucker can be found in the Federal Register on June 20.

BCBS, NFC to bring outdoor Fitness Court to ENMU

PORTALES — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBS) and National Fitness Campaign (NFC) have announced a partnership with Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) to bring an outdoor Fitness Court and digital wellness programming to the campus.

The Fitness Court, located on the ENMU campus, will open at 10 a.m. June 5 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The campus community and residents in the greater Portales area are invited to attend and experience the Fitness Court.

This Fitness Court was developed by BCBS, ENMU and the NFC to expand free access to high-quality workouts and create equitable access to exercise for communities around the state. The Fitness Court lets people use their own body weight to get a complete workout using seven exercise stations.

“ENMU is proud to partner with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico and National Fitness Campaign to promote health and wellness,” said James Johnston, ENMU chancellor. “We understand that good health is integral to success in the classrooms and life. This fitness court also represents ENMU’s continued efforts to be a great community partner. We are committed to being innovative leaders in higher education and our community.”

Created for people age 14 and over and with all abilities in mind, the workouts are adaptable for all fitness levels, allowing participants to move at their own pace. Users are encouraged to download the free Fitness Court App, which acts as a coach-in-yourpocket and enhances the outdoor gym into a digitally supported wellness experience.

“Regular physical activity helps prevent heart disease and certain cancers, reduces blood pressure, improves brain function and prevents falls,” said Latha Raja Shankar, M.D., chief medical officer at BCBS. “This outdoor Fitness Court will give residents of Portales access to optimal health outcomes right in their own community.”

“National Fitness Campaign is proud to welcome Eastern New Mexico University to the campaign as a leader in New Mexico, championing health and wellness for their campus community,” said Mitch Menaged, founder of the NFC. “The addition of the Fitness Court, along with digital wellness programming, demonstrates a tremendous commitment to the health and wellbeing of students, faculty, staff and the greater Portales region.”

The Fitness Court was made possible by generous donations from BCBS, JP Stone Community Bank and Childers Construction.

For more information, visit www.enmu.edu/FitnessCourt.

ROSWELL — A Roswell man was arrested on charges of murder Friday following a shooting at an apartment complex in the southwest part of the city. Paul Ybarra-Romero, 40, stands charged with first-degree murder, aggravated burglary, aggravated assault upon a household member, and three counts of child abuse in connection with the shooting death of 26-year-old Christopher Bargas. Roswell Police Department (RPD) officers were dispatched around 11:30 p.m. Friday to the Valle Encantada Apartments in the 2000 block of South Sunset Avenue in response to the shooting. There, they found Bargas unresponsive inside an apartment with a gunshot wound to his chest. He was transported by EMS to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later.

Ybarra-Romero was found standing in the complex’s parking lot with a gun on the ground nearby. He was taken into custody while an investigation was conducted by the RPD’s Criminal Investigations Division.

Investigators believe Ybarra-Romero came to the apartment because he was upset that his ex-girlfriend was in a relationship with Bargas. Police believe he entered the apartment without permission and shot Bargas in front of the woman and her three children.

Ybarra-Romero was booked into the Chaves County Detention Center around 6 a.m. Saturday.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Devon Energy and the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation hosted more than 80 educators recently at a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Summit in Oklahoma City, Okla.

Educators from New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming gathered for the free professional development conference. All attendees were from schools or organizations that have received a Ripken Foundation STEM Center donated by Devon.

“We believe one of the best ways to prioritize education is through empowering and equipping educators,” said Devon President and CEO Rick Muncrief. “That is why we partnered with the Ripken Foundation to hold the STEM Summit. The goal of this conference is to provide continuing education, networking opportunities, and show our appreciation for all that instructors do.”

The STEM Summit featured breakout sessions where participants received hands-on training on STEM products featured in their Ripken Foundation centers and ways to incorporate STEM concepts through interactive learning.

“Our goal is to be a resource for educators long after they receive a Ripken Foundation STEM Center,” said Ripken Foundation President and CEO Steve Salem. “We hope everyone left the STEM Summit invigorated and inspired to integrate STEM concepts into their lessons next year.”

Prizes distributed during the summit included a $10,000 classroom makeover, signed Cal Ripken Jr. memorabilia, STEM materials and a classroom wall wrap.

‘Swimming Pretty: The Untold Story of Women in Water’ by Vicki Valosik

Come on in, the water’s perfect. It feels refreshing, just like you want it to be on a day like today. You’ve been waiting for weeks to sit on a deck chair, enjoy a cold adult beverage, and then ease yourself into the water to float awhile. Or climb up and take a dive, g’wan, let’s see it. The water’s perfect so, as in the new book “Swimming Pretty” by Vicki Valosik, show us what you’ve got.

Nineteen-year-old Benjamin Franklin was just showing off. Heading home on a boat after a “day’s amusements,” Franklin’s friends eagerly begged him for a show of his talents in the water. Franklin, whom Valosik says absolutely “loved… an audience,” stripped down naked, leaped overboard, and proceeded to do what few men of his age dared to do: he swam.

As for women in the early 1700s, swimming was flat-out unheard-of. It hadn’t been long, after all, since women who could swim were accused of witchcraft.

In ancient Greece and Rome, swimming was a pastime that men and women both enjoyed. To be able to swim was a sign of intelligence then, and a way to honor the gods of the sea. When Christianity arrived, though, swimming was seen as indulgent, excessive, scandalous, even pagan – an attitude that barely changed for hundreds of years.

Shortly after Franklin’s little exhibit, the benefits of being in the water were confirmed.

Suddenly, natation was a “science” to be learned. Men swam often, often in the nude; women, on the other hand, were expected to remain modest, using bathing machines for a quick dip in the drink. After public pools and bathhouses became popular, women were welcomed to watch the aquatics, thus learning that swimming could help keep them fit – though the tight costumes that female swimmers wore weren’t perceived as “respectable.” By the turn of the century, however, the unabashed “’New Woman’ hiked her heavy skirts and entered squarely into… more ‘male’ spaces…”

Especially the aquatic ones. So the plan is to dig your toe in the sand this summer, or watch the world pass by at the side of a pool. Either way, you’ll want something to read, and “Swimming Pretty” is perfect.

If you’ve only got time for a quick dip, author Vicki Valosik lets you get your feet wet with many pictures to browse, which will make you long to go deeper into this fascinating pocket of hidden culture. Brush the sand off your bottom and dive in, knowing that this book isn’t just about taking to the water: within its pages, you’ll wade into world attitudes, women’s suffrage, the rise of American interests in exercise and fitness, and a look at the way we like our vacations and our leisure. Wave good-bye to your time.

If you enjoy reading about movies, theater, and other pop culture, this is the book to have; if you like history, you’ll be right in your depth. Pack “Swimming Pretty” and a waterproof bookmark in your beach tote and jump right in.

— 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 575513-0143 or the AC&B office at 575-748-3192. —————– 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 505-695-8454. A link to apply may also be accessed through the Artesia Public Schools website, www.bulldogs.org.

—————– HOSPITAL BOARD — The Artesia Special Hospital District Board of Trustees will meet at 5:15 p.m. Monday, June 24, in Green Chile Room A at Artesia General Hospital for the purpose of conducting regular business and discussing finances and other matters in an open setting. —————– KIDS’ STORY CREATIONS — Children ages 12 and under are invited to a Summer Reading Program Story Creations event at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 25, at the Artesia Public Library. Join Denise Gard and her amazing Border Collies, Joey and Kira, as they bring their Egyptian adventures to the library. For more information, call the library at 575746-4252. —————– TEEN IMPROV — Teens ages 13-17 are invited to a Summer Reading Program Teen Improv event at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, at the Artesia Public Library. Denise Gard will work with teens on their improv skills. For more information, call the library at 575746-4252. —————– LUNCH BUNCH BOOK CLUB — Ages 18 and up are invited to the Lunch Bunch Book Club at noon Tuesday, June 25, at the Artesia Public Library. Denise Gard will join in a discussion of her book “Raven Woods Smoke Signals.” Copies are available for check-out at the library or via Libby. For more information, call the library at 575-746-4252. —————– 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, hiphop and contemporary styles. To register, visit www.artesiaartscouncil. com/education. —————– KIDS’ STEM LAB — Children ages 12 and under are invited to drop in for a Summer Reading Program STEM Lab from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, at the Artesia Public Library. For more information, call the library at 575746-4252. —————– TEEN GAMES — Teens ages 13-17 are invited to a Summer Reading Program games event at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, at the Artesia Public Library. Come play a variety of games, from life-sized Jenga to Bingo. For more information, call the library at 575-746-4252. —————– YARN UNITED — Adults ages 18 and up are invited to Yarn United at noon Wednesday, June 26, at the Artesia Public Library. All skill levels are invited to crochet, knit or just untangle the yarn with other yarnsters. All forms of sewing and crafting welcome. For more information, call the library at 575-746-4252. —————– 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 575-746-4252. —————– 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 575746-4252. —————– 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 575-365-7391. —————– 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 575-687-3316.

—————– GAME-DAY APPAREL The Artesia High School Student Council has launched its game-day apparel for the 202425 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-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. —————– COMMUNITY FITNESS CLASS — The public is invited to attend a fun, free community fitness class, led by certified group fitness instructor Dottie Ellis, from 5:30-6:30 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 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 575-7469009. —————–

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.