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Around Town

Michael Smith
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Around Town

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St. Patrick’s Day Storytime

March 17 @ 10:00am at Artesia Public Library. For preschoolers ages 3-5 and their families. We’re reading How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace followed by a Leprechaun Hunt and craft.

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Mother Goose:

March 18, & 25 @ 10:00am at Artesia Public Library. For caregivers and infants through age 2. This is a fast-paced program designed to promote learning and playful interaction between you and your baby. This is achieved through rhymes, songs, short books, puppets, baby games, and more. Age 0-2

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Toddler Time:

March 12, & 26 @ 10:30am at Artesia Public Library. For toddlers ages 1-3 and their families. Music, creative movement, group activities, play with age-appropriate toys, and social  time.

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STEM/STEAM:

After School March 12, & 26 @ 4:00pm at Artesia Public Library.

For students in grades K-6th and their families. Each week we offer a different fun activity to put STEAM techniques and ideas to work, from LEGO building to paper circuits, slime lab, and more.

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BINGO for Books:

March 20 @ 2:00 at Artesia Public Library.

BINGO! Bring the family to come play bingo and win books for prizes. Enjoy popcorn and pickles while you play. All ages.

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Teen Tuesdays:

March 17, 24 & 31 @ 3:30pm at Artesia Public Library. Looking for a place to read, study, or just do homework and hang out? Join us Tuesdays from 3:30-5:00pm. Ages 12-17

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Teen Crafternoon:

March 12 @ 4:00 at Artesia Public Library.

Join other teens for our monthly Teen Crafternoon program. This month we are having a Sip ‘n’ Paint program. Ages 12-17

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NERF WARS:

Wednesday, March 16 @ 6:00 at Artesia Public Library.

It’s Teens vs. Artesia Police Department in an all out NERF War. This is an after hours event and the main doors will be

locked, so if you leave, you will not be able to get back in. The library will supply the NERF guns and darts (no exceptions).

This teen event is for Grades 6-12 only.

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Artesia Stitchers Sit & Stitch

March 16, 23 & 30 @ 1:00pm at Artesia Public Library. Artesia Stitchers is a group of people excited about creating through stitchwork such as needlepoint, cross-stitch, embroidery  and more. Bring your project and come join this group weekly at the library. Ages 18+

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Yarn United

March 25 @ Noon at Artesia Public Library.

Whether you are crocheting, knitting, or just untangling the yarn, come and create and learn with other individuals. No matter

your skill level, we encourage everyone to join us in creating with other yarnsters. (all forms of sewing and crafting welcome)

Ages 18+

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Family History:

March 14 @ 3:00pm at Artesia Public Library. Whether you have connected multiple generations of your family tree, or are just getting started, join the Family History,  Genealogy at the Library. Take time to research or seek assistance in your journey.

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Crafting For Adults

March 26 @ 3:30 at Artesia Public Library.

Come practice unique techniques in floral arrangements with a pallet flower pot. Paining involved. Ages 18+

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Lunch Bunch Book Club

March 16 @ noon at Artesia Public Library.

The Lunch Bunch has a diverse selection of reads for the year. The selections for this group draw from multiple genres and

reading formats. This month’s Lunch Bunch selection is Hidden Treasure by Jessie Burton. Books are available at the library and

on Libby. Age 18+

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Literary Lounge

March 26 @ noon at Artesia Public Library.

The Literary Lounge book discussion group reads books on all topics pertaining to books, literature, libraries, bookshops,

librarians, authors, and more. This month’s selection is The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu by Joshua Hammer. Books are

available at the library and on Libby. Age 18+

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Local Author

Lauri Chase March 31 @ 5:30 at Artesia Public Library.

Local Author Lauri Chase returns with her new book Lola’s Summer Break. She will have all of her books and merchandise for

sale that night. If you haven’t been introduced to Lola, her first book, Lola the Little Green Ladybug, introduces Lola and the

important lessons about being different. Lauri will read her books and answer questions about her books and her experiences as

a writer. This is an all ages event.

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Art Show & Reception: 

“Faces and Spaces”, a collection of recent works by Scott Kiemle, will be on display in the Artesia Arts Council’s Ocotillo Performing Arts Center gallery (310 W. Main) March 3- April 30.  A reception will be held on March 12th, 5:30-7:00 pm—light refreshments will be served and everyone is invited!  Check out www.artesiaartscouncil.com or call 575.746.4212 for more information.

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 Eddy County Recycled Art Show

The Eddy County Recycled Art Show will run from March 5th-March 28th, 2026 at the Artesia Public Library.

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Final Phase 26th Reconstruction

26th St. will be closed to traffic in both directions from W. Mann/W. Remington ST. to just north of W. Hermosa Dr. for the final phase of the 26th St. reconstruction project. For more information contact Todd Carroll 575-626-6013 or Scott Hicks 575-626-5042.

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President Trump’s Prayer Initiative:

President Trump has asked that the American People come together and pray for our Nation weekly until July 4th, 2026.

Artesia will be holding its prayer gathering every Thursday at Lucky Duck Restaurant, 2209 W. Main St, Artesia NM at 10-11am.

Come and go during the hour. Everyone is welcome Come join and pray for our Nation.

We’ll begin again on January 8th, 2026.

Come & go during the hour.  Everyone is welcome.

Shared prayers or silent prayers- whatever you feel comfortable with

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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.

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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.

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P.A.L.S.

People about losing safely meets at 9 a.m. Wednesdays at the Senior Center. For more information, call the Center at 575-746-4113.

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ALZHEIMER’S/DEMENTIA SUPPORT GROUP

Every other Tuesday  from 6:30pm-7:30pm at Artesia Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center -1402 Gilchrist Ave. RSVP to Helen at 575-746-6006.

Artesia Bulldogs basketball rally falls short in championship game, 71-62

JT Keith
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Artesia Bulldogs basketball rally falls short in championship game, 71-62
Provided by Daniel Zuniga
Artesia Braylon Vega steals the ball against Highlands in the Class 4A championship game. Artesia would come up short, losing 71-62.

For 12 months, the Highland Hornets had to live with the sting of a championship loss to the upstart Artesia Bulldogs.

The Hornets (27-4) withstood a furious rally to defeat Artesia (25-9), 71-62, and capture the Class 4A state title at the Pit in Albuquerque on Saturday.

It was a physical, hard-fought game that tilted early. Highland raced to a 36-19 lead at halftime, using defensive pressure and timely perimeter shooting to put the Bulldogs in a deep hole.

Down by 17 at the half, the Bulldogs showed their championship heart and put together a furious rally and cut the lead to 50-46 in the third quarter.

Both teams set school records: the Hornets by winning their 20th consecutive game, and the Bulldogs by recording their 25th win of the season.

Artesia tried to establish the paint early, feeding 6-foot-8 Clay Kincaid on the opening possession. Kincaid, who would miss two free throws, setting the tone for the day.

The Bulldogs missed their first 13 free throws in a row. While allowing the Hornets to hit their 3-point shots, the Bulldogs were uncharacteristically out-rebounded on the defensive end, 21-15.

The Bulldogs gave up five 3-pointers to Highland. Artesia adjusted after the break and held Juan Limas, whom they would hold scoreless in the second half, but the damage had been done.

“We had to maintain our aggression,” stated Highland coach Justin Woody. “We wanted to be aggressive on both sides of the ball and not give them any room to breathe offensively or defensively. We had just to keep attacking.”

Foul trouble plagued Artesia as guard Charlie Campbell IV was called for his third personal foul with four minutes left to play in the second half. In the third quarter, Braylon Vega was called for his third and fourth fouls and headed to the bench until the fourth quarter. Vega would end up fouling out with five minutes to play in the game.

Artesia clawed its way back into the game and cut the deficit to 50-46 with 2:25 to play in the third quarter.

JT Keith | Arteisa Daily Press
Artesia guard Charlie Campbell IV drives toward the basket against Highland on Saturday at The Pit in Albuquerque.

Highland would answer when guards Fede Nunez, who finished with 17 points, and Treavon Carter hit three-pointers to increase the lead to 57-46 and never went below nine points the rest of the game.

“They did a good job when we made those runs, of just hitting shots,” Artesia coach Michael Mondragon said. “They were the guys we wanted to take those shots, so you have to give them credit.”

Kincaid, who battled with Highland post player Jerry Moody throughout the game, who would finish with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Campbell had 17, and Vega added 13 for the Bulldogs. Artesia handily won the second-half board battle, 25-12, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome.

“The great thing about these kids is that they are not just great basketball players,” Mondragon said. “They are great people, and I am excited for them.”

David Grousnick: The good news of the gospel

Michael Smith
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David Grousnick: The good news of the gospel

David Grousnick

First Chrisian Church

We’re less than three months away from high school and college graduation season, a very exciting and stressful time for students, teachers and parents.

There’s an online company called BrandYourself that claims it has the perfect graduation gift for high school and college students. It’s called the “Student Makeover.” It’s an online service for cleaning up your social media profiles. For $99 or more, the company will scour all your social media profiles and remove what it calls, “risky online references to sex, alcohol, drugs, politics, religion and more.”

The company also does an in-depth search of the Internet to compile a “reputation score” for each client that shows you how “clean” or “questionable” your online reputation is, and what steps you can take to delete troubling posts or pictures.

College and job recruiters use a young person’s social media accounts to decide if they’ll offer you college admission or a job, so cleaning up your social media account is big business these days.

Most of us know what it’s like to do some foolish or crazy stuff in our younger years. Those of us who grew up before social media can leave our regrets in the past because there aren’t a lot of photos or posts about it.

But these days a person’s whole life, every random thought, emotion, insensitive joke and embarrassing picture, can wind up online. And it’s nearly impossible to take this stuff back, unless you hire a company like BrandYourself to delete most of it.

So be careful.

Kate Eichorn wrote a book about the dangers of the online world called The End of Forgetting. In her book she says our online information means we can’t ever forget the past or distance ourselves from it.

In an interview, she said, “My point is that there is something liberating about being able to forget the past and reinvent yourself in the present. Much of growing up, I would argue, is about reinventing yourself multiple times, and that requires being able to forget who you were six months ago, three years ago, or 10 years ago. So forgetting is ultimately about freedom.”

Forgetting is ultimately about freedom. There’s truth to her statement. In what ways does our past define us? In what ways does it inspire us or hold us back? And what does it mean to be set free from our past?

A Mercedes-Benz TV commercial showed one of their cars colliding with a concrete wall during a safety test. Someone then asks a Mercedes engineer why their company does not enforce their patent on their car’s energy-absorbing car body. The Mercedes’ design has been copied by almost every other car maker in the world in spite of the fact that they have an exclusive patent.

The engineer replies in a clipped German accent, “Because in life, some things are just too important not to share.”

Wow! What a great statement. Some things are just too important not to share.

As Christians we believe that the good news of Jesus Christ is one of those things that is too important not to share. No, that is an understatement. We believe that Jesus Christ MUST be shared with our friends, our neighbors, the world.

The work of sharing the news of Jesus Christ we call evangelism. The Christian faith has been advanced through the ages by people who were willing to take upon themselves the responsibility of being evangelists – those who spread the good news of Christ.

In John 4:5-42, we meet an unexpected evangelist. That nameless Samaritan woman, the first unexpected evangelist, is revered in many cultures.

In southern Mexico, La Samaritana is remembered on the fourth Friday in Lent, which is tomorrow, March 13, when specially-flavored water is given to commemorate her gift of water to Jesus. The Orthodox know her as St. Photini, or Svetlana in Russian.

Her name means “equal to the apostles,” and she is honored as apostle and martyr on the Feast of the Samaritan Woman.

Can you do what she did? Invite friends and neighbors? Of course, you can. And we are counting on it at First Christian Church. Bring a friend with you and check us out.

We gather for worship at 10:30 am on Sundays at 11th and Bullock. All are welcome!

Carlsbad-Denver flights begin at city’s airport

Michael Smith
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Carlsbad-Denver flights begin at city’s airport

Adrian Hedden
Artesia Daily Press
achedden@currentargus.com

Direct flights from Carlsbad to Denver began last week on 30-seat jets.

Starting Sunday, March 1, air travelers out of the Cavern City Air Terminal could fly to the Mile High City on larger jets operated by Contour Airlines, the new air service provider chosen by the city of Carlsbad last fall.

Contour was chosen from a field of airlines that all presented their plans to the Carlsbad City Council at public meetings throughout the last year. Councilors expressed a desire to reestablish flights to and from Dallas under the two-year contract, after they were canceled in 2023 by previous airline Advanced Air in favor of Phoenix flights.

Contour initially opted to shift Carlsbad’s Phoenix flights to Denver, with city and company officials contending the flights could soon be shifted again to Dallas. That would require renovating the Cavern City Air Terminal to accommodate equipment and staff for the Transportation Security Administration, which officials said could be complete by the end of 2026.

Until then, Contour will run five flights to and from Denver per week, along with seven to and from Albuquerque. The Albuquerque flights will continue when the Dallas flights begin.

At a ribbon cutting held Friday, March 6, at the airport on National Parks Highway, Contour Vice President of Customer Success Susan Skees said Carlsbad is the third city in New Mexico where the Denver-based airline operates, along with Albuquerque and Taos.

She said the airline also has inter-line agreements in place with United, American and Alaska airlines, meaning baggage will continue through to connections and riders will not need to pick up their luggage until their destination.

“This is an exciting partnership,” Skees said. “It will change the economic makeup of your community and the tourism industry. This makes a difference.”

Contour’s contract with the Cavern City Air Terminal is funded through the Essential Air Service, or ESA, program led by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The program pays for airlines to fly in and out of rural areas at no cost to the municipalities other than maintaining the airport.

That means Carlsbad will foot the bill to renovate the airport for TSA but does not pay Contour itself for the two-year contract. The city of Carlsbad recommended Contour last June, with the federal government issuing the final approval.

Contour’s predecessor Advanced Air eschewed the Dallas flights previously offered by its predecessor Boutique Air, but both used eight-seat prop planes. Contour’s 30-seat jets were a key selling point for Mayor Rick Lopez, along with the potential return of Dallas flights.

“I feel like we’ve been left behind for too long. Now is the time for us to show up and get to work,” Lopez said at the ribbon cutting. “Our residents deserve reliable jet service. Contour seeing that our market has a lot more to offer and setting up shop here is super important.”

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

Culture and love define a special Bulldogs class

JT Keith
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Culture and love define a special Bulldogs class

No matter what happens Saturday in the 2026 Nusenda Credit Union boys’ Class 4A championship game between the Artesia Bulldogs and the Highland Hornets, the Class of 2026 has already secured its place in school history.

They’ve stacked titles in multiple sports. And once more, they’re within reach of another championship.

But championships aren’t what separate this team.

What makes this group different is simpler — and stronger. They play for each other. They care about each other. They love each other.

Every player, from Charlie Campbell IV to Clay Kincaid, says the same thing.

They love each other.

JT Keith | Artesia Daily Press

The Artesia bulldogs celebrate after forcing Hope Christian to call a timeout during a game at the Pit on Thursday.

Of course, this team has lost games along the way. That happens in sports. But rarely have the stakes been this high, and rarely has the response been so consistent.

These kids have been playing together since they were little, working their way through youth sports in Artesia, growing up on the same fields and in the same gyms. They watched older Bulldogs win state titles and learned what was possible. Now a younger group is watching them, dreaming of doing the same one day.

Bulldogs coach Michael Mondragon says success breeds success, especially at Artesia High School, where athletes are encouraged to compete across multiple sports.

“When you are winning in other sports,” Mondragon said, “you gain experience that carries over. One thing that is unique about these guys is that Jack Byers is going to Arizona for baseball. It would have been really easy for him to say, ‘Coach, I don’t want to play basketball. I want to get ready for baseball and my scholarship.’

“Tootie McNeil could have said the same thing. He’s going to New Mexico Highlands on a football scholarship.”

But they didn’t.

Charlie Campbell IV didn’t.
Braylon Vega didn’t.
Clay Kincaid didn’t.

They stayed.
They played.
They committed.

“These guys love each other,” Mondragon said. “That’s the culture we have.”

Mondragon credits that culture to cooperation across the athletic department. Athletic director Jeremy Maupin, who also serves as head football coach, works closely with baseball coach Jackson Bickel and the rest of the staff. They text. They call. They support each other.

It shows.

Mondragon said what Artesia builds — and how it builds it — starts at the top and carries all the way down.

“These guys are a special group,” he said. “It’s something we start when they’re really young, and we encourage them to do all they can do.”

No one knows what the future holds for each of them. Life has a way of scattering even the closest teammates.

Artesia guard Chralie Campbell IV celebrates a basket during a game against Hope Christian on Thursday.

But this group will live on in Bulldog lore.

Their Class of 2026 football helmet will hang in Bulldog Stadium. The trophy case will hold their basketball and baseball hardware.

And when they return someday to be honored, they’ll share stories only they can truly understand.

They’ll remember the championships.

But more than anything, they’ll remember the love they shared growing up together in Artesia, New Mexico.

Senate committee supports Pearce for BLM director

Michael Smith
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Senate committee supports Pearce for BLM director

Adrian Hedden
Artesia Daily Press
achedden@currentargus

Former New Mexico Congressman Steve Pearce was approved by a U.S. Senate committee to become director of the federal Bureau of Land Management.

The Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted 11-9 on Wednesday, March 4, in favor of President Donald Trump’s nomination of Pearce to run the bureau. The nomination now goes to the full Senate for a confirmation vote.

The Bureau of Land Management, a sub-agency of the U.S. Department of Interior, oversees 245 million acres of federal public land along with 700 million acres of underground mineral rights. The acreage lies mostly in 12 states in the American West, including New Mexico, which means the bureau is tasked with overseeing oil and gas development on public land, a key driver of New Mexico’s economy accounting for about half of the state’s fossil fuel.

A Republican from Hobbs, Pearce served seven two-year terms as U.S. House representative for New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District – from 2003 to 2009 and from 2011 and 2019. The 2nd District includes most of southern New Mexico, including its deep-red southeast corner consisting of portions of Eddy, Lea and Chaves counties.

Pearce ran for governor of New Mexico instead of seeking reelection to Congress in 2018, losing to current Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. He chaired the New Mexico Republican Party from 2018 to 2024.

Pearce owned oilfield services company Lee Fishing Tools until 2003 when the business was sold to Key Energy Services.

The committee vote to advance Pearce’s nomination was held without debate, although members questioned the nominee during a Feb. 25 hearing. The vote fell along party lines with all the committee’s Republican members voting in favor while the panel’s eight Democrats and one independent voted against.

The nomination needs 51 votes to be confirmed by the Senate where Republicans hold a 53-47 majority. A confirmation vote has not been scheduled.

Pearce’s prior association with the oil and gas industry was a sticking point for U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) who serves as ranking member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and voted against Pearce’s nomination.

During his hearing before the committee last week, Pearce touted his experience in Congress while representing the 2nd District, which includes vast stretches of federal public land in the southern portion of the state.

He said the federal government should collaborate with local communities and the industries they depend on while balancing the needs for outdoor recreation.

“If confirmed, I fully intend to uphold these same principles as BLM director and ensure local input is a key factor in my decision-making,” Pearce said during his opening remarks. “I have also seen firsthand the importance of our public lands and support those missions completely.”

Ahead of Wednesday’s vote, Heinrich voiced concerns about Pearce’s past support of selling federal public land and opposing conservation designations such as national monuments.

“When Congressman Pearce testified,” Heinrich said, “he promised that he would not recommend rolling back national monument designations, something which is extremely important to me; and he acknowledged that (the bureau) cannot conduct large-scale selloffs of public lands under existing law, which is correct.

“I intend to hold him to these statements. But I also know that commitments to follow the law by previous Trump administration nominees have proven unreliable at times.”

The vote to advance Pearce’s nomination drew criticism from environmental groups, and support from industry leaders.

Camilla Feibelman, director of the Sierra Club’s Rio Grande Chapter, which covers New Mexico and portions of West Texas, said she was concerned about Pearce’s past support of reductions in national monument acreage and cutbacks to regulations intended to reduce air pollution linked to oil and gas.

“These lands belong to all of us and are an economic engine for our communities,” Feibelman said. “Americans deserve a trustworthy leader who would prioritize managing our cherished public lands for the good of all, rather than selling them off to polluting corporations.”

Dan Naatz, chief of policy for the Independent Petroleum Association of America, a national oil and gas trade group, said Pearce’s experience in the federal government, and a “multi-use” philosophy for public lands – including mineral development and conservation – make the former congressman the right choice to lead the Bureau of Land Management.

“It’s important that the head of the BLM understand the multiple use mandate for federal lands management as enshrined in law,” Naatz said. “Pearce’s background in Congress and serving the state of New Mexico qualify him to lead the agency.”

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

Artesia, Highland set for winner-take-all showdown

JT Keith
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Artesia, Highland set for winner-take-all showdown

There has been plenty of debate about who wears the crown in Class 4A basketball. The answer may come down to a familiar showdown.

Defending champion Artesia and Highland — last year’s state finalist — are on a collision course once again. The Bulldogs edged the Hornets 55-48 for the title a year ago, and to keep their crown, they’ll likely have to go through Highland one more time.

Artesia enters with something to prove.

The Bulldogs opened the season ranked No. 1 and held that spot until a 64-63 loss to Portales on a last-second buzzer-beater Feb. 3. That remains Artesia’s only loss to a Class 4A opponent this season, but it was enough to shift the narrative — and the top seed.

JT Keith | Artesia Daily Press

Artesia guard Braylon Vega has been shooting the lights out of the basketball. He lit up Gallup with 40 points on Wednesday.

Fight over No. 1

Since that night, Highland has taken over the No. 1 ranking and enters the tournament as the top seed.

Artesia coach Michael Mondragon said the matchup feels like déjà vu.

“Playing Highland is like looking in a mirror,” Mondragon said.

The Hornets are veteran-heavy, led by five seniors and a group back from last season’s championship run.

“It’s going to take our best game of the season,” Highland coach Justin Woody said. “We’ve played all the best teams in the state. Sometimes you’re successful, sometimes you’re not, but we’re as prepared as we can be.”

Same team, different jersey

When the Bulldogs and Hornets line up, there won’t be many surprises.

Highland’s offense runs through four guards, led by senior Nico Sanchez, who averages 19.9 points per game. Sanchez can score at all three levels — attacking the rim, drawing fouls or pulling up from deep. He’s shooting 34% from 3-point range, second on the team behind Fede Nunez, who connects at 38%.

“They’re tough,” Mondragon said. “They’ve got shooters, good guards, and No. 2 is their best player. It’s a tough challenge, but I like where we’re at.”

Mondragon said Highland wants to play fast and push the tempo — much like his Bulldogs. Highland thrives off mistakes, turning live-ball turnovers into quick points before defenses can get set.

Big man in the middle

Highland’s defensive identity starts inside.

The Hornets gamble for steals, confident they have a safety net in junior Jerry Moody, the team’s primary rim protector. Moody has 50 blocks this season and was a difference-maker in last year’s meeting, even though he scored just one point in 21 minutes.

His impact showed up everywhere else — altering shots, deterring drives, and erasing easy looks at the rim.

“He’s their last line of defense,” Mondragon said. “That changes everything.”

Mondragon sees plenty of similarities between the two teams.

“They’re very similar to us,” he said. “We have a big presence inside, but they’re good — and they’re ranked No. 1 for a reason.”

For Artesia, the formula is simple and familiar: take care of the ball, defend, and rebound.

Do that, and the Bulldogs give themselves a chance.

The winner won’t just claim a trophy — they’ll have captured four of the past five Class 4A state championships, further cementing a rivalry that has defined the division.

Artesia’s Clay Kincaid stays the course and delivers when Artesia needs him most

JT Keith
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Artesia’s Clay Kincaid stays the course and delivers when Artesia needs him most

All season long, Artesia center Clay Kincaid has shown up. He didn’t score the most points. He wasn’t the first option on offense. He dealt with an injury. And through it all, he never stopped working.

When the Bulldogs needed him most, he delivered.

Kincaid poured in 24 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and blocked two shots Thursday afternoon as Artesia rolled past Hope Christian 71-52 in the semifinals of the Nusenda Credit Union Class 4A boys basketball state championship.

It was the kind of game that reminded everyone why he matters.

JT Keith | Artesia Daily Record

Artesia center Clay Kincaid shows up big against Hope Christian by scoring 24 points in a 71-52 win on Thursday afternoon.

This wasn’t the season Kincaid expected. A young man of deep faith, he spent much of the year playing a supporting role as the offense ran through guards Charlie Campbell IV and Braylon Vega. He wasn’t the leading scorer. Often, he was the third option.

Then came the ankle injury- severe enough to cost him several games.

“When he was injured, he kept showing up ready and wanting to play,” Bulldogs coach Michael Mondragon said. “I told him we have to think long-term and get you healthy for the stretch run of district play and the state tournament.”

Even sidelined, Kincaid stayed engaged. The Bulldogs never missed a beat, but Mondragon said they (Artesia) are not the team they are without Kincaid’s presence.

“What can you say about him?” Mondragon said. “He beats me to the gym, shows up at 6 a.m. before school, then works out again after practice. He never talks badly about anyone. All he does is work and try to get better. He might not have the stats, but without him, we’re not where we are.”

On Thursday, the bulldogs made a point of going inside early. On their opening set, the ball went to Kincaid. He scored, drew a foul, and let out an emotional yell- a rare sight from a normally stoic player.

Hands were slapped. Energy followed.

“It was a little more emotional than usual,” Kincaid said. “I normally play with a straight face. I thought it might be contagious and get everyone fired up.”

It was.

For Artesia and the City of Champions, this is winning time. Kincaid set the tone, and the Bulldogs fed off it.

Last season, Kincaid did the same thing in the biggest moment, helping contain Highland center Jerry Moody in the championship game.

Moody, a 6-foot-9 center, was limited to one point on three shots while playing just 21 minutes due to foul trouble.

Moody could again pose a challenge, but Kincaid’s role won’t change.

In the final game of his high school career, expect the same thing he’s done all season- even when things didn’t go his way.

Show up. Play hard and work.

County cracking down on overgrown weeds

Michael Smith
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County cracking down on overgrown weeds

Adrian Hedden
Carlsbad Current-Argus
achedden@currentargus.com

Eddy County proposed tighter rules for overgrown properties officials said are causing fire hazards in rural areas.

The County Commission voted unanimously at its Tuesday, March 10, meeting to approve an amendment to Eddy County’s Vegetation Nuisance Ordinance, removing an exemption for property owners on lands 3 acres or larger.

With their unanimous vote to approve the proposed change, commissioners agreed to hold a public hearing on the matter on May 5, after which they will vote again to officially amend the ordinance.

As written and last approved in 2016, the ordinance requires the removal of any plants more than 12 inches tall that could pose a fire or public safety hazard, impede traffic or obstruct views for motorists. This does not include agricultural vegetation, the ordinance read, rangeland grasses or “ornamental grasses or plants” used in landscaping.

Landowners are required to trim such plants within 300 feet of an occupied structure and could be issued a written notice by the county, per the current ordinance. Ten days after the notice is issued to no response, the county may remove the vegetation and bill the landowner for the expense, read the ordinance.

Violations could also result in a $300 fine per day in violation and up to 90 days in jail

The proposed change would only remove the 3-acre exemption, requiring landowners to follow the ordinance regardless of the size of their properties.

“We’ve been carefully evaluating this,” said Eddy County Fire Chief Josh Mack. “This would give us the ability to identify these properties that are potential threats and work with landowners to get them cleaned up.”

Mack said he did not believe the change would affect farmers and ranchers in the county, because their properties are regulated under New Mexico’s Agriculture Act. The state law provides exemptions from local regulations, allowing farmers and ranchers to “maintain their properties,” Mack said.

He said the county would still honor such state exemptions, should its ordinance be rewritten.

“Agriculture is still protected,” Mack said. “Most farmers maintain their property because they don’t want anything contaminating their property or their crops.”

Woods Houghton, a resident of the Happy Valley area on the western edge of Carlsbad and former Eddy County agricultural extension agent at New Mexico State University, said the 3-acre exemption was added to the original ordinance to allow farmers to build up vegetation on their properties, which can be used to aid plowing.

“The reason we had the over three acres was so that farmers could build up a biomass so they could plow it under. It wasn’t there for people to leave it there for five years and cause a fire hazard for themselves and others,” Houghton said. “That’s something to consider.”

Commissioners voted to approve the amendment with little comment but held a lengthy discussion on the vegetation ordinance at their Feb. 24 meeting.

At that meeting, District 3 Commissioner Phillip Troost said he’s fielded several complaints from constituents concerned about properties being acquired by companies from out of state who allow vegetation to become overgrown.

He said the 3-acre exemption was being abused by such landowners who Troost said find “every excuse in the book” not to address nuisance vegetation.

“They have no desire to maintain,” Troost said. “The only thing not allowing us to keep them in check is this section.”

Other business

Commissioners voted to certify the results of the March 2 municipal election held in Artesia. Voters chose longtime city councilor Jeff Youtsey as mayor over his opponent Terry Todd. County Clerk Cara Cook reported 1,583 voters cast ballots, about 20% of the 8,055 eligible voters in the election.

Finance Director Roberta Gonzales reported the county received $7.6 million in gross receipts tax revenue from oil and gas in January 2026 and $5.6 million in GRT revenue from other sources.

An annual audit of county finances included no findings, meaning there were no inconsistencies or policy violations found in how the county reports its financial information.

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

Opinion: Using religion to win votes

Michael Smith
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Opinion: Using religion to win votes

Cal Thomas

Democrats have had trouble in recent years attracting conservative evangelical voters, who mostly vote for Republicans. In 2000, former Vice President Al Gore gave it a try. He failed badly when he said the first instance of pollution in the Bible is when “Abel’s blood cried out from the ground” after his brother Cain murdered him. Gore said this meant Abel’s blood had “defiled” or “polluted” the ground, rendering it incapable of yielding crops. Not exactly.

Now comes Democrat James Talarico, the Democratic nominee for the Texas S enate seat currently held by Republican John Cornyn. Talarico is giving it another try.

This time his appeal to religious voters is more subtle. The media refers to Talarico as a “Christian” and “seminarian.” No one should question the legitimacy of another person’s faith, but as Jesus warned: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:15-20)

A visit to Talarico’s campaign website displays his “fruits” on several issues, all of which could be held by a secular progressive. Curiously (or maybe not) there is no mention of his views on social issues, other than a statement that might be regarded as ideological and theological pablum. Talarico opposes school choice and vouchers which allow the parents of public school children, especially poor children trapped in underperforming schools, to get a good education in private schools. The teachers’ unions oppose school choice and contribute heavily to Democrat candidates who share their view.

Talarico also believes in “climate change,” though that issue has sharply declined among voter priorities.

Now about the seminary he attended but from which he has not yet graduated. Not all seminaries are the same. Some deny central doctrines of the Christian faith, including the Virgin Birth, the bodily resurrection of Christ, the authority of Scripture and the miracles, among other things. Some attempt to marry the world’s secular agenda with the “kingdom not of this world.”

Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church USA, considered by many to be a theological and politically liberal denomination. On their website, in addition to a “Green Seminary” declaration, there is this: “Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary affirms the God-given dignity of all persons and recognizes persons of all faith traditions to be uniquely created in God’s image. The Seminary welcomes people of all races, cultures, abilities, sexual orientations, gender expressions, and socioeconomic status to learn and study at this school of the church.”

That sounds very inclusive and an example of how the world thinks, but Scripture teaches the Gospel is exclusive; meaning, in order to be saved from the fires of Hell one must repent of one’s sins and receive Jesus Christ as Savior. That has been Christian doctrine for 2,000 years. There is nothing on the seminary’s site and nothing I have discovered on Talarico’s site that reflects these central doctrines.

The most important question for voters to consider is what difference Talarico’s proclaimed faith makes on his policy positions? Many liberal Democrats link whatever faith they claim to have to government programs and spending. Talarico does that when he says we don’t live in a left-right country, but in a top-down one. It’s the old Robin Hood-Democrat playbook. Again, a secular progressive who never went to seminary (and some people who did) could affirm what Talarico believes.

Texas voters should not be fooled because “not everyone who calls me ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 7:21) Or perhaps the U.S. Senate.

Look for Cal Thomas’ latest book “A Watchman in the Night: What I’ve Seen Over 50 Years Reporting on America” (HumanixBooks).

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