Flash flooding damaged an estimated 25 homes in the Hondo and Lincoln areas, prompting widespread emergency response from local fire departments, the sheriff’s office and road crews. No deaths were reported, but a sinkhole trapped one resident in Salazar Canyon. An evacuation shelter remains open, while Historic Lincoln and roads between the communities sustained flood-related damage.

Artesia received 4.4 inches of rain over three days, bringing 2026 precipitation at the NMSU Agricultural Sciences Center to 11.6 inches. Eddy County remains under a flash flood watch through Saturday night as heavy rain continues across southeastern New Mexico. Despite the weather, the Red Dirt Black Gold Festival is still scheduled downtown Friday and Saturday, with VIP tickets available online.

The Artesia City Council delayed voting on proposed golf cart and recreational off-highway vehicle ordinances after residents questioned safety requirements and age limits, including an 18-year-old minimum for drivers and 12 for passengers. Councilors will continue discussions before a potential November vote. They also approved rezoning three lots near 13th Street and Hermosa Drive for apartments.

The Red Dirt Black Gold Festival returns to downtown Artesia with two days of live music, food trucks, vendors, craft beer and family activities. Friday features New Mexico Heritage Night, while Saturday brings country performers, a kids’ zone, oil field food cook-off and cornhole tournament. Tickets range from free youth admission to $50 VIP access.

As summer transitions to fall, anglers are finding productive conditions across New Mexico. Reports highlight excellent walleye and bass action at Conchas and Abiquiu lakes, strong trout fishing at Red River, Alto Lake and the Rio Grande, and good tiger muskie fishing at Bluewater Lake. Conditions vary elsewhere, with fair catfish, trout and bass activity reported statewide.

Southeast New Mexico College and the Southeast New Mexico Homeschool Hub are bringing Shannonogons Circus Camp to the Cavern City Renaissance Festival. Fourteen young performers will showcase clowning, movement, balance and circus skills at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Bandshell Stage. Visitors can also meet SENMC theater students in the Eddy Players Thespian Lounge.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland campaigned in Carlsbad, calling for limits on oil drilling on public lands while supporting a sustainable energy future. She also discussed nuclear waste shipments to WIPP and proposed a moratorium on artificial intelligence data centers. Republican opponent Gregg Hull criticized Haaland over campaign donations from Oracle and Project Jupiter executives.

Rain Thursday did not dampen Artesia residents’ spirits as students, staff, community leaders and Mayor Jeff Youtsey joined a 30-minute indoor walk at Zia Intermediate School.

Ownership of the race track and it’s property is divided between the Miller trust, the Ruidoso Jockey Club, the Village of Ruidoso and the Trotters.

During election season, discerning truth requires more than listening to candidates’ promises; their actions, character, consistency, and follow-through matter. Reflecting on Matthew 21:23-32, this devotional contrasts words with genuine belief, reminding readers that faith is demonstrated through action. Jesus’ parable also reveals God’s surprising grace and welcomes even those society considers sinners into the Kingdom.

Artesia girls volleyball defeats Carlsbad in straight sets.

3 Keys to a win over Alamogordo.