Republican gubernatorial candidate Gregg Hull pledged to prioritize child welfare and improve transparency at New Mexico’s Children, Youth and Families Department during an Artesia campaign stop. His proposals include rebuilding trust with foster parents, nonprofits and investigators, and ensuring stable placements for children. Democrat Deb Haaland has proposed replacing CYFD with an independent commission.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Gregg Hull met with community members and government leaders during a 90-minute gathering at the Artesia Chamber of Commerce.

This week, New Mexico anglers seeking trout should head north, where conditions range from good to particularly good at Hopewell Lake, Lake Maloya, the Pecos River, Rio Grande, Rio Chama and San Juan River. Catfish anglers should look west of Silver City or near Portales, where Bill Evans Lake and Oasis State Park are producing fair to good results.

United Way of Eddy County announced that Executive Director Kyle Marksteiner will step down to join the City of Carlsbad. Serina Lyons will serve as interim executive director, bringing nonprofit experience and organizational knowledge to the role. The organization thanked Marksteiner for strengthening community partnerships and assured donors, volunteers, and agencies of continued operations during the transition.

Hermosa Elementary School seeks to make goal.

Artesia boys soccer defeats Goddard at home on Tuesday night.

Republican gubernatorial nominee Gregg Hull says he would sign legislation limiting the duration of New Mexico governors’ emergency orders and requiring legislative oversight for extensions. The proposal follows pandemic-era restrictions and prior efforts by former Rep. Greg Nibert to impose 30- or 90-day limits. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s administration opposes the changes, citing potential emergency response delays.

Hermosa Elementary’s 30th annual Spirit Run is nearing its $40,000 fundraising goal, with nearly $32,000 collected by Oct. 16. Principal Kaci Whitmire has promised to dress as a princess and kiss a frog if students reach the target. Proceeds support school supplies, shirts, incentives, holiday activities, transportation and student rewards, with community groups helping celebrate.

An opinion essay argues that prominent American critics of Israel, including Hasan Piker, Ilhan Omar, and Zohran Mamdani, apply charges of genocide, apartheid, colonialism, and war crimes selectively. It contrasts their rhetoric with the histories of Turkey, Somalia, and Uganda, urging them to acknowledge abuses associated with their homelands before condemning Israel or America.

Yarn United brings Artesia-area crafters of all skill levels together at the Artesia Public Library on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Members crochet afghans, blankets and worry worms, share skills and materials, and welcome knitters. The group fosters creativity, friendship and stress relief, while many participants donate their handmade creations to local causes.

Check out the Artesia Daily Press' best photos from the Bulldogs' win over Goddard at Cielo Grande Sports Complex on Saturday night.

Young athletes took center stage on the second day of XTERRA World Championship racing in Ruidoso.