National parks draw hundreds of millions of visitors and billions in economic activity, yet face a $24 billion maintenance backlog and severe staffing cuts. Sherry Robinson argues that diverting National Park Service recreation fees to presidential “beautification” projects, while reducing park operations funding, threatens safety, accessibility, conservation, and the rangers who protect America’s shared heritage.
This opinion column supports the Stop Insider Trading Act, which would require greater financial transparency from members of Congress, and questions Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez’s opposition to it. The writer also critiques her positions on student debt, college tuition and immigration, arguing that Republican candidate Martin Zamora would better represent New Mexico’s Third Congressional District.
Federal officials have lifted the New World screwworm quarantine around Eunice nearly three months after New Mexico’s only confirmed case was found in a dog. Surveillance found no additional cases, though officials urge residents near active cases in Juárez, Mexico, to remain vigilant, monitor animal wounds and report suspected infestations promptly.
Artesia will begin searching for a new police chief after Kirk Roberts’ July retirement. Interim Chief Pete Quinones, a 21-year department veteran, plans to apply. The city will post the position Sept. 1, with a salary range of $111,363 to $143,748 and new leadership-accreditation requirements. The City Council also denied a zoning change and scheduled a hearing on ROV and golf cart regulations.
Artesia sports fans selected soccer player and track athlete Alani Escareno as the Artesia Girls Athlete of the Year.
Escareno helped Lady Bulldogs make history
Escareno...
First National Bank celebrated 70 years of service with an Aug. 28 anniversary event in Artesia. Founded in 1956, the Alamogordo-based bank now serves Alamogordo, Artesia, Cloudcroft, Tularosa and Ruidoso. Regional market president Richie Hood highlighted the bank’s strong Artesia presence since 2005 and its commitment to community, family and local involvement.
Roswell man Sean Michael Caraska, 37, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the July shootings of homeless men Andrew Lujan-Huerta and Karl Affsprung. Police found a white pickup and firearm linked to both cases during a search. The investigation continues, including possible connections to other crimes; no motive has been established.
New Mexico anglers reported mixed fishing conditions this week. Largemouth bass were biting well at Carlsbad Municipal Lake, while trout action ranged from slow to good at Bonito Lake, the Pecos River and Red River. Abiquiu Lake produced excellent walleye, crappie and bluegill fishing, and Albuquerque Area Drains offered fair to good catfish opportunities.