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Doing Presidents Day differently: Artesia High’s Charles Moreau stands out

Michael Smith
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Doing Presidents Day differently: Artesia High’s Charles Moreau stands out

Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press
msmith@currentargus.com

Presidents Day was a school holiday and the time off gave 17-year-old Artesia High School student Charles Moreau a perfect opportunity to show his patriotism.

Instead of staying home or just hanging out with friends on the Feb. 16 federal holiday honoring U.S. presidents, Moreau and some fellow members of Boy Scout Troop 228 were busy completing a patriotic community service project on the sidewalks near the Derrick Floor in downtown Artesia.

“We had originally set Saturday (Feb. 14), but we had a scheduling conflict and felt it was kind of perfect that it landed on Presidents Day,” he said.

Moreau said the completed project would help him become an Eagle Scout, the highest achievement for the Boy Scouts of America.

Charles along with his father, Artesia City Councilor Jarrod Moreau, and others from the scout troop were drilling holes in the concrete and placing plastic pipe to serve as flag holders for display on federal holidays in Artesia. Charles said there would be 25 flags flying around the Derrick Floor on certain holidays.

Scoutmaster Jeremy Kern said the Derrick Floor is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Artesia.

“Charles envisioned a dignified and permanent downtown flag display that could be showcased on patriotic holidays and special events,” Kern said. “Charles’ idea to place permanent flag holders at the Derrick Floor came about in large part because of his deep patriotism and his love for Artesia.”

Kern said Eagle Scout projects require approval and consideration, including a review committee from Troop 228.

“Over the years, Troop 228 has partnered with the city of Artesia on several Eagle Scout projects,” the scoutmaster said, adding that Moreau “looked for a way to enhance a place that means so much to our community. From there, he approached Artesia MainStreet and then made a formal presentation to the Artesia City Council to secure permission for installation.”

Luke Burns, spokesperson for the city of Artesia, said the City Council approved Moreau’s project during a special meeting on Dec. 15 of last year.

Kern said Moreau also met with the Artesia Downtown Lions Club, the service organization that traditionally places flags along Main Street for patriotic holidays.

“An agreement was reached between the Lions Club and Troop 228 to work together in setting the flags on appropriate occasions,” Kern said.

Moreau also organized fundraising efforts to procure building materials and using local businesses for the work, Kern said.

As a sixth-generation Artesian, Moreau said, the project was special for him.

“I wanted this project to display that pride we have in both ourselves as a city and as being true Americans and following the American Dream and building that idea,” he said.

Charles’ mother, Artesia real estate broker Tabatha Moreau, was on hand offering support.

“I am so proud of him, not only seeing this project through and the patriotism that it expresses but to see him accomplish the goal of earning his Eagle (merit badge),” she said. “He has been on this path ever since he was a Cub Scout.”

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 extension-2361.

Artesia’s Beau Byers earns Top 10 finish

Michael Smith
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Artesia’s Beau Byers earns Top 10 finish

JT Keith
Artesia Daily Press
jtkeith@elritomedia.com

Artesia High School sophomore Beau Byers’ golf game is taking him to places he has only dreamed about: facing the best competition in his age bracket (15-18) at a national tournament.

Byers finished 10th out of 75 players at the Winter Nationals in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Feb. 13-16. He played well enough on Sunday to make the cut as one of the top 16 players to reach Monday’s final round.

Byers said he had nerves for the first tee shot, but after that, he settled down and started playing better.

“I am learning a lot right now,” Byers said. “I am traveling and playing new courses and harder courses, so I am learning a lot.”

He said the course was not the hardest he has played, just different, especially the grass. He played on Bermuda grass and had to adjust his swing because it was much softer than the New Mexico fairways.

Byers said the competition was tough and he could tell immediately that those players meant business.

“You don’t fool around when you attend those tournaments,” Byers said. “I am not going out there to have fun; I went out there to win, because those players are not messing around.”

Byers said he played his best golf on Monday. He focused on ball placement, hitting fewer drivers and more irons off the tee to put the ball exactly where he wanted it.

Byers said he took more full swings than half swings and putted really well his first two days of the tournament, but did not putt as well on Monday.

“I think to play golf like this, strategy has to be good,” Byers said. “Hit the driver and ball well, but you also have to hit the wedges and putt well. I feel like I have to be on every day to win these tournaments.”

Byers said he learned that there are many strategic placements in golf, with bunkers and water everywhere on the course. He learned to play a three-iron to the left and a five-iron to the right because there was water almost every three holes.

“What I learned today is that you don’t have to hit the ball far to be good,” Byers said. “I think I was the second-best round today. I learned, for the future, that you don’t have to hit the driver all the time to be in the top running. You can hit other things off the tee box and be just fine.”

JT Keith can be reached at 575-420-0061, or on X @JTKEITH1.

Additional snow forecasted for northern ski resorts

Michael Smith
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Additional snow forecasted for northern ski resorts

Mike Smith
El Rito Media
msmith@currentargus.com

Some northern New Mexico ski resorts received beneficial snow last week, and snow chances look good for the latter half of this week despite a season of unpredictable weather.

“All quadrants are expecting snow this week,” said Christy Germscheid, executive director of the Ski New Mexico trade organization.

Snowfall varied between Feb. 13 and Feb. 17 at Angel Fire Resort, Sipapu Ski and Summer Area and Ski Santa Fe, according to the Ski New Mexico website.

Germscheid said this season’s weather has been up and down as ski resorts have seen snow and cold temperatures at times but also sunshine and above-normal temperatures.

Resorts have been waiting for consistent snowfall.

“We did not expect it to take this long,” Germscheid said.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Albuquerque issued a Feb. 17 forecast calling for snow accumulation and blowing snow Friday in the northern mountains of New Mexico.

Forecasters tabbed the outlook for snow at ski resorts around Taos, Santa Fe and Los Alamos in the 30-60% range through Friday.

Germscheid said spring break is the last big event for ski resorts before the end of the season, which is late March to early April, depending on the amount of snow remaining at each location.

She said skiers have held off on booking spring break trips due to the lack of snow.

Germscheid, who’s based in Angel Fire, said additional snow in the coming weeks would add to the base depth in mountain areas, creating the possibility of more terrain opening in the closing months of the season.

“Storms will be huge,” she said.

Despite the lack of snow in many areas, Germscheid said, resorts are doing well.

“Everyone who is skiing is having a great time. Everyone is having fun,” she said.

She said entertainment events at ski resorts have boosted visitor traffic all season, with or without snow.

“They help if you have limited (open) terrain,” she said. “Entertainment provides more fun for families.”

Reported ski conditions as of Tuesday, Feb. 17

(Information provided by Ski New Mexico)

Angel Fire Resort had a 24-inch base depth with 51 of 95 trails open.

Pajarito Mountain had a base depth of 10 inches with 18 of 53 trails open.

Red River Ski and Summer had a 20-inch base with 37 of 64 trails open.

Sipapu Ski and Summer Area had a 16-inch base depth with 23 of 44 trails open.

Ski Apache had a base depth of 30 inches with 40 of 55 trails open.

Ski Santa Fe had a 32-inch base depth with 84 of 89 trails open.

Taos Ski Valley had a 34-inch base depth with 101 of 120 trails open.

Note – snow conditions can change after this report is compiled.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 extension-2361.

Three Artesia wrestlers advance to state

Michael Smith
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Three Artesia wrestlers advance to state

JT Keith
Artesia Daily Press
jtkeith@elritomedia.com

The Artesia boys wrestling team traveled to Santa Teresa for the regional qualifier ahead of the state meet on Feb. 20-21 at the Rio Rancho Events Center, with the first match starting at 10 a.m.

When the regional matches ended, the Bulldogs were set to send three wrestlers to state.

Representing Artesia will be DJ Madrid, who finished in sixth place at the qualifier and wrestles in the 165-pound weight class; Edel Villa, who placed third at the qualifier and wrestles in the 175-pound weight class; and Colt Moziejko, who finished in fourth in the 132-pound weight class.

The team brought 13 wrestlers to the regional event, and head coach Andy Olive was pleased with their performance.

“My expectations were for these three wrestlers to make it in,” Olive said. “They are our veteran wrestlers, and the other wrestlers are in their first year of competing at the varsity level.”

Olive said the team had two other wrestlers who competed in the final qualifying round, meaning wrestlers fought for seventh and eighth place. Whoever won qualified for state.

Olive said that Jayden Smith, wrestling in the 150-pound class, was down by one point against his Goddard opponent but could not turn him to a 45-degree angle to pin him as time ran out.

“It was a good weekend,” Olive said. “All our kids were scoring points and won some matches. Unfortunately, it did not go their way, but I am really proud of them. Wrestling is a challenging sport.”

Olive said that with wrestling, it is about effort and commitment to the team and the sport, which define wrestlers more than their record.

Olive said he had achieved his goals of building the program in its fourth year and improving at every position his team has wrestled in throughout the year.

“When you have a young program, your ultimate goal is to bring your kids back every year, and we have done that,” Olive said.

Girls wrestler Leila Irvin is going to the state tournament, along with the other three wrestlers.

The goal for each wrestler is to place at state, meaning they must finish in the top six in their weight division.

Each wrestler must win their first two matches to place; this qualifies them for the semifinals and guarantees them a place.

In the last week of the season, Olive said it will be about fine-tuning and making sure the wrestlers are ready when they hit the mat on Friday.

“We are going to tighten things up for the tournament,” Olive said. “We will solidify our position and hone our conditioning, ensuring we avoid overtraining and that our athletes are eager to compete and mentally sharp, and everything else is about execution.”

Olive said he will tell his wrestlers that they have proved themselves by making it to state.

“Anyone can win the tournament or place in it,” Olive said. “We are ready, and it is a clean slate. Everyone there deserves to be there. Everyone at the state tournament is 0-0.”

JT Keith can be reached at 575-420-0061, or on X @JTKEITH1.

Oil and gas supporters shoot down air pollution bill

Michael Smith
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Oil and gas supporters shoot down air pollution bill

Adrian Hedden
Artesia Daily Press
achedden@currentargus.com

Restrictions on air emissions from oil and gas drilling will not become law in New Mexico this year.

The New Mexico Senate on Wednesday, Feb. 11, voted down Senate Bill 18, known as the Clear Horizons Act, which would have made law a series of greenhouse gas reduction goals set via a 2019 executive order signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

Despite being approved by the Senate Conservation and Senate Tax Business and Transportation committees in the early days of the ongoing 30-day legislative session, SB 18 was defeated on the Senate floor, 23-19.

Seven Democrats sided with all Republicans in the chamber to vote down the bill after hours of debate.

If passed, the bill would have required by law that industries throughout the state reduce emissions by 45% by 2030, 75% by 2040 and completely by 2050, based on 2005 levels.

The state’s Environmental Improvement board would have been tasked with creating a statewide emissions reduction plan, establishing more stringent monitoring rules and creating requirements to reduce emissions at all facilities that produce 10,000 or more metric tons per year.

All told, the bill would have cost the state an estimated $17 million a year to enact in Fiscal Years 2027 and 2028, and $34 million over the next three years, according to an analysis published by the Legislative Finance Committee.

Fiscal years run from July 1 to June 30 of each year, named for the year they end in.

The financial cost of carrying out the bill would have been small compared to the economic harm opponents of SB 18 said it would have on New Mexico, namely its oil and gas industry.

New Mexico is the second-highest producer of crude oil in the U.S., following only Texas which shares the Permian Basin – an 86,000-square mile oil and gas deposit that stretches from rural southeast New Mexico to West Texas cities such as Midland and Odessa.

And the industry is a key economic driver to the state, providing about $13.26 billion in revenue in FY 2025, according to the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association – about half of the state’s operating budget.

The Association, which functions as a lobbyist group for industry interests during the state’s annual legislative sessions and throughout the year, frequently publicized data it said showed the harmful effects of SB 18 as the bill moved through the Legislature.

By 2030, the association estimated, SB 18 would cost $740 million in state revenue, then $3 billion by 2040 and $5.1 billion by 2050, based on the higher cost of compliance the group said oil and gas companies would be forced to pay if the bill became law, according to a Feb. 6 report.

But SB 18 sponsor Sen. Mimi Stewart (D-17), who introduced similar legislation that was also defeated in last year’s session, said after the vote that air pollution led to higher insurance and emergency response costs associated with related disasters such as wildfires, leading to a greater economic impact than reductions in oil production.

“The Clear Horizons Act offered a responsible, transparent plan to reduce those risks and protect families over the long term,” she said. “While today’s vote is disappointing, the need for planning ahead has not gone away.”

Missi Currier, president of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association, did not comment on the economic impacts of pollution or extreme weather events, but said SB 18 would impede the state’s economy.

“Legislators rightly rejected a framework that numerous experts and industry leaders warned would threaten those essential revenues and drive up costs for households already facing economic pressure,” Currier said.

She said the oil and gas industry was already addressing its environmental impact through market-driven solutions, and working closely with state officials to devise regulations that balance New Mexico’s economic needs with environmental protections.

“Our industry remains committed to reducing emissions, embracing innovation, and advancing responsible energy development,” Currier said. “We will continue working collaboratively with policymakers, regulators, and stakeholders on practical, science‑based solutions — ones that protect both our environment and New Mexico’s economic future.”

Environmental groups chided lawmakers for failing to enact legislation supporters said was critical to mitigate impacts of air pollution in New Mexico, and the aridification of the state brought on by the resulting global warming.

“New Mexicans want leadership that plans ahead, protects families from rising costs, and holds major polluters accountable,” said Demis Foster, chief executive officer of Conservation Voters New Mexico. “We stand with the New Mexican families impacted by wildfires, floods, heat, and rising utility costs in pushing for a better future.”

Republicans maintained that their votes against the bill reflected widespread opposition, specifically from oil and gas communities such as Carlsbad and Hobbs in the state’s southeast corner.

“We are proud to stand united in our fierce opposition to radical and damaging policies like Senate Bill 18 that seek to destroy our state’s lifeline: our vital industries and businesses,” read a statement from the New Mexico Senate Republican Caucus.

“We must restore common sense to the Roundhouse; it is imperative that state lawmakers prioritize policies aimed towards addressing our state’s real issues.”

Managing Editor Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, or @AdrianHedden on the social media platform X.

Here’s who qualified for statewide races in New Mexico

Michael Smith
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Here’s who qualified for statewide races in New Mexico

Alex Ross
El Rito Media
aross@elritomedia.com

Two Democrats and four Republicans qualified for the ballot in New Mexico’s June 2 gubernatorial primary in which each party’s voters will choose a nominee to replace outgoing Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

Lujan Grisham is completing her second four-year term and is prohibited by term limits from seeking a third. Voters will choose her successor in the Nov. 3 general election.

The two Democrats who filed to run for governor and secured positions on the primary ballot were former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, both from Albuquerque.

Republicans who qualified to seek the GOP nomination for governor were Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull; former New Mexico Department of Human Services Secretary Duke Rodriguez of Albuquerque; state Sen. Steve Lanier of Aztec; former New Mexico Public Regulations Commissioner James Ellison of Cedar Crest; and businessman Doug Turner of Albuquerque.

Candidates qualify for the primary ballot by gathering signatures from registered voters representing a designated percentage of the party’s voters in the previous election. In the governor’s race, Democratic candidates needed 2,505 signatures to qualify for this year’s ballot; Republicans needed 2,351.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, who is seeking election to a second six-year term, qualified for the primary ballot as did Democratic challenger Matthew Dodson of Farmington. The only Republican who filed to run for Lujan’s Senate seat, Christopher Vanden Heuvel of Rio Rancho, fell far short of the 2,351 signatures he needed to secure a place on the ballot, leaving the GOP without a candidate for the party’s U.S. Senate nomination.

The Democrats’ nominee could still face opposition in November from an independent candidate or a challenger representing a minor party.

The New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office is responsible for determining which candidates qualify for the ballot and Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver secured a ballot position for herself as a candidate for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor. Democratic state Sen. Harold Pope also qualified as a candidate for lieutenant governor as did two Republicans, state Sen. David Gallegos and Albuquerque attorney Blair Dunn.

Following is a list of other candidates who qualified for the June 2 primary ballot.

New Mexico 1st Congressional District

Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D)

Steve Jones (R)

Ndidiamaka Ekwua Charlene Okpareke (R)

New Mexico 2nd Congressional District

Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D)

Greggory Cunningham (R)

Jose Orozco (R)

New Mexico 3rd Congressional District

Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D)

Martin Zamora (R)

Secretary of State

Amanda López Askin (D)

Katharine Clark (D)

Romana Goolsby (R)

Sonya Smith (D)

Attorney General

Attorney General Raúl Torrez (D)

Samuel Kane (R)

Commissioner of Public Lands

Jonas Moya (D)

Matthew McQueen (D)

Michael Perry (R)

Juan De Jesus Sanchez III (D)

State Treasurer

Laura Montoya (D)

State Auditor

Joseph Maestas (D)

State Appeals Court Judge

Kris Houghton (D)

Legislative reporter Alex Ross can be followed on X @alexrosstweets.

Artesia boys basketball get revenge against Portales

Michael Smith
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Artesia boys basketball get revenge against Portales

JT Keith
Artesia Daily Press
jtkeith@elritomedia.com

The Artesia boys basketball team knew it had to bring its A-game to face a Portales team that had beaten them earlier in the year 64-63.

On Friday night at the Bulldog Pit, the Bulldogs unleashed on the Rams, defeating them 67-50.

“I thought we came out with a lot of energy,” Bulldogs head coach Michael Mondragon said. “I thought we started the game really well, and if there is one negative, I thought it was turnovers, and we lacked offensive execution.”

The Bulldogs (19-5, 4-1 District 4-4A) started the game with a 7-0 run, and Portales spent the rest of the time trying to catch up. The Rams made a run, scoring eight unanswered points to make the score 48-40 in the third quarter.

The one-two punch of Charlie Campbell IV and Braylon Vega, with 17 points each, led the Bulldogs’ scoring efforts.

“It just shows that both those guys can go off,” Mondragon said. “They both can score at different times, and I am really proud of these guys, and they are really sharing the ball.”

Both players will be vying for individual awards, including District 4-4A Player of the Year, All-State honors and possibly Gatorade Player of the Year.

With a victory over the Goddard Rockets on Friday, the Bulldogs can repeat as the District 4-4A champs and secure the No. 1 seed in the district tournament.

Mondragon said the key to this game and the rest of the season is defense and strong guarding. Artesia out-rebounded Portales 35-20 on the offensive end of the floor and will continue to pound the boards the rest of the season.

“This is a great statement win for us,” Mondragon said. “Now we have to get ready for the second season.”

Mondragon said his message to his team will be to finish the regular season strong and lock up the No. 1 seed for the district tournament.

“We have to make sure we keep getting better,” Mondragon said. “We need to continue to improve and play our best basketball come the end of February, beginning of March, as we go along in the tournament.”

JT Keith can be reached at 575-420-0061, or on X @JTKEITH1.

Opinion: one-sided Clear Horizons Act failed in Senate

Michael Smith
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Opinion: one-sided Clear Horizons Act failed in Senate

Sherry Robinson
All She Wrote

The Clear Horizons Act was another of those bills we’ve seen so often in New Mexico that balances the environment against the economy. In a floor vote, the Senate chose the economy.

Senate Bill 18 was one of those marquis bills that got a lot of attention before and during the session. Senate President Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, revamped the bill she carried last year. It would help reduce natural disasters driven by climate change if legislators could cement greenhouse gas reductions in state law, supporters believed.

I’m not a climate-change denier, but I do pay attention when chambers of commerce, agriculture, dairy, utilities, tribes, construction, restaurants, mining, and oil and gas line up shoulder to shoulder in staunch opposition.

This year’s version would have made the governor’s 2019 executive order a law that mandated reducing greenhouse gas emissions 45% by 2030, 75% by 2040 and 100% by 2050. (The executive order remains in place, but when the governor’s term ends this year, a new governor could rescind the order.) And it would have set new methane emission limits for the oil and gas industry. Stewart tried to sweeten the bill by targeting the largest emitters and by allowing carbon offset programs for smaller oil and gas companies or those operating on tribal lands. The business sector wasn’t mollified.

Proponents and opponents spent heavily on advertising, not that you could learn much. Most of the ads predicted the sky would fall but didn’t explain what, exactly, the bill would do. After some searching I could see an outline of the arguments.

It begins with very big numbers. Keep in mind that New Mexico ranks second in oil production, behind Texas, and that the oil and gas industry generates about 35% of the state’s general fund revenue. In broad brushstrokes, the governor, Stewart and environmentalists figured that costs of the Clear Horizon Act would peel off a fraction of revenues, like sipping from a firehose. Stewart argued that we don’t have to choose between economic development and clean air. Industry countered that even a small percentage would be a big dent.

A similar law enacted in Colorado reduced production by 2%. That doesn’t sound like much, but in New Mexico a 2% reduction would diminish the state’s general fund by $53 million in 2030, according to calculations provided to the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association by the New Mexico Tax Research Institute. Also in 2030, it would ding the permanent fund by $183 million, and local governments would lose $48 million. The hits for 2050 are nearly $2 billion to the general fund, $1 billion to the permanent fund and $270 million for local governments.

Such a law in California reduced production by 6%.

That’s just the state revenue side. Representatives from agriculture, oil and gas, construction, rural electric utilities and conservation districts all testified that SB 18 would raise costs of energy, goods and services for consumers and lead to business failures .

Mind you, opponents don’t oppose a transition to cleaner energy. “These investments are good and necessary, but the timeline and mandates in SB 18 are too aggressive for our customers,” said Matthew Stackpole, speaking for the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce.

Supporters of Project Jupiter, the data center going up in Santa Teresa, also complained about costs to consumers, along with the strong potential for litigation.

Ultimately, Republicans and seven Democrats shot it down 23 to 19 on fears that it would strangle the state’s economy. Environmentalists are mad at the seven, but bills like these separate the moderates from the progressives. It’s telling that one thumbs down came from Senate Finance Committee Chairman George Muñoz, of Gallup, a businessman who has a better understanding of the state’s revenues than most people in the Roundhouse. Others were: Bobby Gonzales of Taos; Shannon Pinto of Tohatchi, Benny Shendo of Jemez Pueblo, Joe Cervantes of Las Cruces, and Martin Hickey and Moe Maestes, both of Albuquerque.

Republican Gabriel Ramos, of Silver City, said: “I do believe we do need clean air (and) we need clean water. I mean, it’s something that we all want, but I think we’re not at a point to be so drastic.”

Sponsors, no doubt, will be back with the bill next year, but between now and then they should have some serious conversations with business and industry. Clearly, that didn’t happen this year.

Sherry Robinson is a longtime New Mexico reporter and editor. She has worked in Grants, Gallup, the Albuquerque Journal, New Mexico Business Weekly and Albuquerque Tribune. She is the author of four books. Her columns won first place in 2024 from New Mexico Press Women.

Artesia Police blotter

Michael Smith
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Artesia Police blotter

Feb 1

Arrest

Tabytha Leann Carrasco Lopez arrested for criminal trespass.

Ricky Lynn Ellis arrested for larceny from all other $500-$2500.

Jacob Orona arrested for aggravated DUI, speeding.

WELFARE

2:01 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block W. Richardson Ave. in reference to welfare of a child.

DISTURBANCE

4:05 pm – Officer dispatched to 500 block of S. 20th St. in reference to disturbance.

WELFARE

7:20 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of W. James St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

UNWANTED

8:24 pm – Officer dispatched to 1500 block of N. 1st St. in reference to an unwanted subject.

DISTURBANCE

9:21 pm – Officer dispatched to 1600 block of W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to disturbance.

WELFARE

10:30 pm – Officer dispatched to 1600 block of W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to the welfare of a child.

Feb 2

WELFARE

3:45 am – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

INDECENT

8:57 am – Officer dispatched to 800 block of S. Roselawn Ave. in reference to indecent exposure.

WELFARE

9:19 am – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

10:51 am – Officer dispatched to 400 block of W. Centre Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

BATTERY

11:11 am – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of W. Bullock Ave. in reference to battery.

WELFARE

11:27 am – Officer dispatched to 400 block of W. Centre Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

ACCIDENT

11:36 am – Officer dispatched to S. 1st St. and W. Main St. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

THREATS

12:08 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of W. Lolita Ave. in reference to threats.

LARCENY

12:15 pm – Officer dispatched to 2000 block of W. Main St. in reference to larceny.

BATTERY

1:35 pm – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of W. Richardson Ave. in reference to battery.

ACCIDENT

3:06 pm – Officer dispatched to S. 13th St. and W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

ALARM

3:07 pm -Officer dispatched to 1400 block of W. Ray Ave. in reference to a burglary alarm.

RECKLESS

3:44 pm – Officer dispatched to N. 8th St. and W. Texas Ave. in reference to a reckless vehicle.

ACCIDENT

4:57 pm – Officer dispatched to W. Hermosa Dr. and S. 20th St. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

6:04 pm – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of W. Bullock Ave. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

UNWANTED

6:22 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to an unwanted subject.

DOMESTIC

8:14 pm – Officer dispatched to 900 block of S. 3rd St. in reference to verbal domestic.

INDECENT

8:33 pm – Officer dispatched to 1700 block of W. Main St. in reference to indecent exposure.

WELFARE

8:42 pm – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

SUSPICIOUS

11:00 pm – Officer dispatched to 2200 block of W. Main St. in reference to suspicious activity.

Feb. 3

Arrest

Jason Ray Hernandez arrested for battery against a household member, false imprisonment.

Traci Leigh Madrid arrested for battery against a household member.

SUSPICIOUS

12:00 am – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of N. Roselawn Ave. in reference to suspicious person.

DISTURBANCE

12:05 am – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to neighborly disturbance.

LOUD

5:01 am- Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to a loud noise.

STOLEN

5:19 am – Officer dispatched to 900 block of S. 2nd St. in reference to a stolen vehicle.

VANDAL

8:58 am – Officer dispatched to 3100 block of W. Main St. in reference to vandal.

DISTURBANCE

10:32 am – Officer dispatched to N. 12th St and W. Main St. in reference to disorderly disturbance.

WELFARE

10:39 am – Officer dispatched to 200 block of W. Quay Ave. in reference to welfare of an adult.

11:31 am – Officer dispatched to 800 block of S. 1st St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

ACCIDENT

12:19 pm – Officer dispatched to 400 block of W. Richardson Ave. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

THREATS

1:17 pm – Officer dispatched to 3200 block of W. Main St. in reference to threats.

UNWANTED

1:27 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to an unwanted subject.

SUSPICIOUS

1:43 pm – Officer dispatched to 800 block of N. 5th St. in reference to suspicious trespass.

DISTURBANCE

2:48 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of W. Centre Ave. in reference to a family disturbance.

SUSPICIOUS

7:18 pm – Officer dispatched to 1400 block of W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to a suspicious person.

DISTURBANCE

9:06 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to disturbance.

WELFARE

9:13 pm – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of W. Merchant Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

DOMESTIC

9:46 pm – Officer dispatched to 900 block of W. Chisum Ave. in reference to domestic.

Feb 4

Arrest

Jesse Ray Barraza arrested for resisting, evading, obstructing an officer.

Erlinda Evette Gutierrez arrested for controlled substance, possession prohibited.

SHOTS FIRED

2:34 am – Officer dispatched to 600 block of W. Chisum Ave. in reference to shots fired in the area.

WELFARE

8:57 am – Officer dispatched to N. 7th St. and W. James Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

DISTURBANCE

10:16 am – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to family disturbance.

DOMESTIC

11:25 am – Officer dispatched to S. St. and W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to physical domestic.

WELFARE

12:34 pm – Officer dispatched to 600 block of W. Washington Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult

ALARM

3:41 pm – Officer dispatched to 3700 block of W. Grand Ave. in reference to burglary alarm.

DISTURBANCE

4:12 pm – Officer dispatched to 900 block of N. 4th St. in reference to disorderly disturbance.

WELFARE

7:16 pm – Officer dispatched to 2600 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

SUSPICIOUS

11:39 pm – Officer dispatched to 800 block of S. Roselawn Ave. in reference to a suspicious trespass.

UNWANTED

11:44 pm- Officer dispatched to 900 block of N. 4th St. in reference to an unwanted subject.

Feb 5

RECKLESS

7:58 am -Officer dispatched to S. 20th St. and W. Washington Ave. in reference to a reckless vehicle.

Morgan Fisher excited for state meet

Michael Smith
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Morgan Fisher excited for state meet

JT Keith
Artesia Daily Press
jtkeith@elritomedia.com

Artesia sophomore Morgan Fisher might be the best-kept secret in state swimming.

If she does well at the state meet Feb. 20-21 in Albuquerque, Fisher won’t be unknown heading into her junior year.

At the District 3/4 meet on Saturday at the Artesia Aquatic Center, she earned five medals.

It was her second consecutive district title in the 100-meter breaststroke, winning with a time of 1:12.38. Fisher and her teammates then placed third in the 200-meter individual medley, second in the 200-medley relay and second in the free relay.

Fisher was trailing in the 100-meter breaststroke and chased a swimmer down to win.

“I think that is my competitive drive,” Fisher said about catching her competitor at the end. “In practice, I am really fun and carefree, but when I get to a competition, I know that it’s time to lock in.”

With the state up next, Fisher said she would like to get into the top three and finish in both of her individual events and help carry the team to the finals.

“My main goal for the 100-meter breaststroke is to finish in the top three in the state,” Fisher said.

Fisher said the major difference between this year and last is simply confidence in herself.

“This year I have gained a lot of confidence,” Fisher said. “I did not believe in myself last year, and I have grown as a person.”

With five seniors, the team is rebuilding and expects Fisher to be crucial to its future success.

Fisher helped the team finish second at the district meet, as she, Johanna A. Padilla, Sarah Plotner and Carly DeHoyos took second in the 200-yard medley relay.

Artesia swim coach Andrea Ciro said she is happy with the team and what it accomplished this year at the district meet.

“Of course, we would have liked to finish first,” Ciro said. “I think the kids have had a fantastic meet. We had a lot of great times, and we won many events. It was a fabulous meet; it was awesome.”

JT Keith can be reached at 575-420-0061, or on X @JTKEITH1.

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