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Artesia Police blotter

Michael Smith
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Artesia Police blotter

Dec 27

Arrest

Ignacio Duran Torres arrested for criminal trespass.

John David Gutierrez arrested for municipal failure to pay, failure to appear, expired registration, revoked license.

WANTED

9:23 am – Officer dispatched to 2100 block of W. Mann Ave. in reference to a wanted subject.

9:45 am – Officer dispatched to 300 block of W. Gage Ave. in reference to a wanted subject.

DOMESTIC

10:52 am – Officer dispatched to 3800 block of W. Missouri Ave. in reference to physical domestic.

ACCIDENT

1:33 pm – Officer dispatched to 1800 block of W. Sears Ave. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

DISTURBANCE

7:31 pm – Officer dispatched to 800 block of S. Roselawn Ave. in reference to disturbance.

LOUD

7:57 pm – Officer dispatched to 2500 block of W. Mann Ave. in reference to a loud noise.

DISTURBANCE

10:43 pm – Officer dispatched to 500 block of S. Roselawn Ave. in reference to disturbance.

UNWANTED

10:46 pm – Officer dispatched to 800 block of N. 5th St. in reference to an unwanted subject.

Dec. 28

WELFARE

12:52 am – Officer dispatched to 500 block of S. 20th St. in reference to the welfare of a child.

2:06 am -Officer dispatched to 200 block of N. 1st St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

6:04 am – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

DOMESTIC

8:46 am – Officer dispatched to 500 block of W. Clayton Ave. in reference to verbal domestic.

11:15 am – Officer dispatched to 500 block of W. Clayton Ave. in reference to verbal domestic.

2:44 pm – Officer dispatched to 1400 bock of Briscoe Ave. in reference to physical domestic.

SUSPICIOUS

4:19 pm – Officer dispatched to N. 1st St. and Mahone Dr. in reference to a suspicious person.

DISTURBANCE

5:02 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 13th St. in reference to disturbance.

ACCIDENT

5:30 pm – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of W. Runyan Ave. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

HARASSAMENT

6:42 pm – Officer dispatched to 500 block of W. Centre Ave. in reference to harassment.

WELFARE

8:45 pm – Officer dispatched to 200 block of W. Cleveland Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

10:42 pm -Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

Dec. 29

SUSPICIOUS

8:05 am- officer dispatched to 800 block of S. 1st St. in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

UNATTENED DEATH

11:08 am – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of S. Roselawn Ave. in reference to a unattended death.

WELFARE

12:00 pm – Officer dispatched to 2100 block of W. Dallas Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

GRAFFITI

3:18 pm – Officer dispatched to N. 26th St. and W. Main St. in reference to graffiti.

SUICIDAL

3:39 pm – Officer dispatched to 300 block of N. 14th St. in reference to a suicidal subject.

WELFARE

4:35 pm – Officer dispatched to 1300 block of S. 14th St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

SHOTS FIRED

9:22 pm – Officer dispatched to 800 block of W. Hank Ave. in reference to shots fired in the area.

Dec. 30

SHOTS FIRED

2:29 am – Officer dispatched to 1300 block of W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to shots fired in the area.

DOMESTIC

5:48 am – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of N. 7th St. in reference to verbal domestic.

VANDAL

9:34 am – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of S. 4th St. in reference to vandal.

BURGLARY

2:51 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to structure burglary.

ACCIDENT

4:21 pm – Officer dispatched to N. 1st St. and W. Richey Ave. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

DOMESTIC

7:14 pm – Officer dispatched to 100 block of N. Osborn Ave. in reference to physical domestic.

9:04 pm – Officer dispatched to 1600 block of S. 17th St. in reference to verbal domestic.

SUICIDAL

9:47 pm – Officer dispatched to 2700 block of w. Grand Ave. in reference to suicidal subject.

Dec. 31

SUSPICIOUS

1:11 am – Officer dispatched to 1500 block of W. Bush Ave. in reference to suspicious activity.

UNWANTED

4:39 am – Officer dispatched to 100 block of N. 26th St. in reference to an unwanted subject.

SHOTS FIRED

4:41 am – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to shots fired in the area.

ALARM

2:30 pm – Officer dispatched to 500 block of S. 13th St. in reference to a burglary alarm.

WELFARE

3:28 pm – Officer dispatched to 1300 block of Champ Clark Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

ACCIDENT

3:29 pm – Officer dispatched to 200 block of W. Bullock Ave. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

ARMED SUBJECT

8:01 pm – Officer dispatched to W. Bullock Ave. and S. 1st St. in reference to an armed subject.

ACCIDENT

9:12 pm – Officer dispatched to 2700 block of W. Grand Ave. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

SUSPICIOUS

10:25 pm – Officer dispatched to 2200 block of W. Main St. in reference to a suspicious person.

DOMESTIC

11:01 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to domestic.

BATTERY

11:32 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to battery.

Jan 1

Arrest

Crystal Lynn Bravo arrested for contempt of court, failure to comply.

SHOTS FIRED

12:27 am – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to shots fired in the area.

WELFARE

1:50 am – Officer dispatched to S. 2nd St. and W. Missouri Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

UNWANTED

8:15 am – Officer dispatched to 1500 block of W. Main St. in reference to an unwanted subject.

SUSPICIOUS

9:01 am – Officer dispatched to S.13th St. and W. Grand Ave. in reference to a suspicious person.

FRAUD

1:54 pm – Officer dispatched to 1800 block of W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to fraud.

LOUD

3:56 pm – Officer dispatched to 2800 block of W. Dallas Ave. in reference to loud noise.

LARCENY

4:08 pm – Officer dispatched to 1400 block of W. Bush Ave. in reference to larceny.

DISTURBANCE

4:18 pm – Officer dispatched to 800 block of S. Roselawn Ave. in reference to family disturbance.

ALARM

4:34 pm- Officer dispatched to 100 block of W. Richardson Ave. in reference to a burglary alarm.

SUSPICIOUS

6:35 pm – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of N. 1st St. in reference to a suspicious person.

2:32 pm – Officer dispatched to 1300 block of S. 26th St. in reference to a suspicious person.

Jan 2

Arrest

Jordan Bryant Coddington arrested for municipal failure to appear.

GRAFFITI

8:28 am – Officer dispatched to S. 3rd St. and W. Bullock Ave. in reference to graffiti.

WELFARE

3:23 pm – Officer dispatched to 2700 block of N. 1st St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

DISTURBANCE

3:34 pm – Officer dispatched to 1300 block of Briscoe Ave. in reference to disturbance.

RECKLESS

6:13 pm – Officer dispatched to 2900 block of W. Missouri Ave. in reference to a reckless vehicle.

ACCIDENT

6:19 pm – Officer dispatched to W. JJ Clarke Dr. and Centennial Ave. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

WELFARE

7:12 pm – Officer dispatched to S. 20th St. and W. Briscoe Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

DOMESTIC

9:48 pm – Officer dispatched to 200 block of N 13th Rural St. in reference to physical domestic.

Artesia’s Vega reaches 1,000-point milestone

Michael Smith
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Artesia’s Vega reaches 1,000-point milestone

JT Keith
Artesia Daily Press
jtkeith@elritomedia.com

For Braylon Vega, the silky-smooth-shooting guard on the Artesia boys basketball team, his life changed when he transferred from Hobbs to Artesia, not when he scored his 1,000th career point against Holy Cross Catholic Academy on Wednesday at the Hobbs Holiday Tournament.

“It was definitely the right move for me,” Vega said. “I feel appreciated in Artesia. There was a lot of me, me, me basketball in Hobbs. I wanted to come somewhere where it was us against everyone else and not me against everyone else.”

Vega said he had started the game slowly and felt scared because he hadn’t scored in the first quarter. All of his family and friends were there to see him score and join the 1,000-point club. Vega said he ran the floor hard and turned on the jets. He scored a layup, then hit a 3-point shot, and, to reach his 1,000th point, dunked the ball from the right wing.

“It was very exciting and special,” Vega said. “I have worked my whole high school career to get this record. Not many kids from New Mexico can say they scored 1,000 points. Breaking a record in my hometown with all my old buddies.”

Vega said he never thought about scoring 1,000 points, but his dad, Robert Vega, told him how many points he needed to score. The family had a banner made with “1,000 points,” and his Bulldog teammates celebrated his reaching that milestone.

Vega scored 485 points in his two years at Hobbs, known in New Mexico as a perennial basketball power, and he played in the historic Ralph Tasker Gymnasium under former Hobbs basketball coach Shelby Reeves. Even though Vega was having success in the sport, he believed there was more for him as a basketball player.

“Coaching Braylon has been a privilege,” Reeves said. “From day one, he brought a work ethic and hunger that you just can’t teach. The 1,000 points are special, but what makes Braylon truly special is his leadership, humility and commitment to getting better every single day. He’s the kind of player every coach hopes to have.”

Vega said that, with the way Bulldog coach Michael Mondragon has welcomed him to the team and the way his teammates treat him, it is like a family. He said his teammates welcomed him with open arms last season, and if he had stayed in Hobbs, he might not have won a state title when the Bulldogs defeated Highland in 2025.

“Braylon’s a young man who has put countless hours in the gym,” Mondragon said. “His ability to score the basketball is a tremendous asset to our team. His ability to reach 1,000 points shows consistency and the ability to compete at the highest level. Our staff and his teammates are happy for him and proud of him for reaching this milestone.”

Vega said that he worked on coming off the dribble because last year, no one knew what he could do.

“Winning the state title last year means a lot,” Vega said. “Not many people can say they have come through Artesia and won a state title. There have been only three titles in Artesia basketball history.”

Artesia (7-3) will welcome Carlsbad (8-3) to the Pit at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

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

Around Town

Michael Smith
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Around Town

RPEC

The Republican Party, Eddy County is holding the County Pre-Planning Convention on Saturday, January 10th at the Leo Sweet Community Center, 1302 Mission Ave in Carlsbad NM.  Registration begins at 9am.

All CCC members should attend.

This is for choosing delegates to participate in the upcoming Pre-Primary Convention.

March 2026 and any other proper business.

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Flourish: A Women’s Community

Coming in January we will gather twice a month for friendship, networking, personal development, more joy, and just plain fun! We gather at 5:30 pm the second and fourth Tuesday’s of each month starting Jan. 13 at Kith and Kin, in the back room. More info visit Facebook @flourishartesia.

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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.

Police blotter

Michael Smith
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Police blotter

Dec. 17

Arrest

Michael Anthony Molina arrested for battery.

BURGLARY

9:13 am – Officer dispatched to 200 block of S. 9th St. in reference to an auto burglary.

11:18 am – Officer dispatched to 700 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to burglary.

ACCIDENT

3:05 pm – Officer dispatched to N. 16th St. and JJ Clarke Dr. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

5:32 pm – Officer dispatched to 2500 block of W. Bullock Ave. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

ARMED SUBJECT

6:28 pm- Officer dispatched to 1100 block of N. Roselawn Ave. in reference to an armed subject.

DISTURBANCE

8:06 pm – Officer dispatched to 1200 block of W. Chisum Ave. in reference to family disturbance.

Dec. 18

Arrest

Alexis Alexandra Soto arrested for failure to pay fines, concealing identity, fugitive from justice.

Terry Wayne Burge arrested for criminal trespass.

SUSPICIOUS

9:19 am – Officer dispatched to 900 block of W. Champ Clark Ave. in reference to a suspicious person.

WELFARE

9:24 am – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Main St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

ACCIDENT

10:05 am – Officer dispatched to N. 13th St. and W. Main St. in reference to a  motor vehicle accident.

ALARM

10:51 am – Officer dispatched to 600 block of W. Mahone Dr. in reference to a burglary alarm.

SUSPICIOUS

12:51 pm – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to a suspicious person.

1:52 pm – Officer dispatched to 205 S. 1st St.  in reference to a suspicious person.

DISTURBANCE

2:12 pm – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of S. 2nd St. in reference to disturbance.

UNWANTED

5:18 pm – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to an unwanted subject.

6:01 pm – Officer dispatched to 2700 block of N. 1st St. in reference to an unwanted subject.

WELFARE

5:29 pm – Officer dispatched to N. 7th St. and W. Champ Clarke Dr. in reference to the welfare of a child.  

Dec. 19

VANDAL

2:42 am – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to a vandal.

SHOTS FIRED

3:05 am – Officer dispatched to N. York Ave. and W. Main St. in reference to shots fired in the area.

UNWANTED

3:41 am – Officer dispatched to 1500 block of W. Briscoe Ave. in reference to an unwanted subject.

DOMESTIC

8:20 am – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to physical domestic.

DISTURBANCE

8:21 am – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to disturbance.

10:55 am -Officer dispatched to 1500 block of W. Briscoe Ave. in reference to disturbance.

ACCIDENT

11:54 am – Officer dispatched to E. Main St. and N. 1st St. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

BURGLARY

3:12 pm – Officer dispatched to 600 block of N. 13th St. in reference to an auto burglary.

Dec 20

Arrest

Lucio Levi Aguilar arrested for criminal trespass, resisting evading, obstructing an officer.

Gregory Ford arrested for battery against a household member.

Christopher Nathan Martinez arrested for disorderly conduct.

Aloisia Archuleta arrested for driving while under the influence of drugs.

SUSPICIOUS

12:47 am – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to a suspicious person.

8:40 am – Officer dispatched to 500 block of W. Bullock Ave. in reference to a suspicious person.

FIGHT

12:54 am – Officer dispatched to 600 block of N. 8th St. in reference to a fight.

DOMESTIC

11:19 am – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of S. 20th St. in reference to physical domestic.

ACCIDENT

2:23 pm – Officer dispatched to N. 1st St. and W. Main St. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

DOMESTIC

3:39 pm – Officer dispatched to 400 block of W. Shelton Ave. in reference to domestic.

UNWANTED

5:58 pm – Officer dispatched to 1200 block of W. Chisum Ave. in reference to an unwanted subject.

THREATS

7:18 pm – Officer dispatched to 1200 block of W. Chisum Ave. in reference to threats.

SUSPICIOUS

9:06 pm – Officer dispatched to 1600 block of W. Grand Ave. in reference to suspicious trespass.

WELFARE

9:41 pm – Officer dispatched to N. 8th St. and W. James Ave. in reference to the welfare of a child.

OVERDOSE

11:21 pm – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to an overdose.

Dec. 21

Arrest

Thomas Lazaro Salazar arrested for assault against household member, criminal damage to property of household member.

Vinh Hoang Nguyen arrested for aggravated assault against household member edged weapon.

Lucio Levi Aguilar arrested for battery on a peace officer, hands, fists, feet etc.

Santana Inocente Alvarado arrested for deprivation of property of a household member, resisting, evading, obstructing an officer.

SHOTS FIRED

1:25 am – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 13th St. in reference to shots fired.

1:34 am – Officer dispatched to 400 block of w. Cleveland Ave. in reference to shots fired.

DOMESTIC

2:51 am – Officer dispatched to 2500 block of W. Bullock Ave. in reference to domestic.

3:17 am – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to domestic.

WELFARE

7:04 am – Officer dispatched to 500 block of S. 20th St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

LARCENY

7:43 am – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to larceny.

SUSPICIOUS

7:48 am – Officer dispatched to 1500 block of Briscoe Ave. in reference to suspicious activity.

RECKLESS

10:03 am – Officer dispatched to W. Hermosa DR. and S Heath St. in reference to a reckless vehicle.

12:12 pm – Officer dispatched to 1800 block of W. Booker Ave. in reference to a reckless vehicle.

WELFARE

1:48 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 13th St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

SUSPICIOUS

2:26 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of n. 13th St. in reference to a suspicious person.

DISTURBANCE

4:12 pm – Officer dispatched to 500 block of W. Bullock Ave. in reference to disturbance.

SUSPICIOUS

4:12 pm – Officer dispatched to 300 block of W. Gage Ave. in reference to a suspicious trespass.

DOMESTIC

7:46 pm – Officer dispatched to 200 block of W. Chisum Ave. in reference to physical domestic.

SUSPICIOUS

7:55 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to suspicious activity.

9:17 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 13th St. in reference to  a suspicious person.  

SHOTS FIRED

9:26 pm – Officer dispatched to N 13th Rural St. in reference to shots fired in the area.

WELFARE

11:58 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 13th St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

Dec. 22

DOMESTIC

1:06 am – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to domestic.

UNWANTED

7:11 am-  Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Main St. in reference to an unwanted subject.

SUSPICIOUS

7:42 am -Officer dispatched to 300 block of W. Main St. in reference to suspicious trespass.

WANTED

9:07 am – Officer dispatched to 3300 block of W. Main St. in reference to a wanted subject.

ACCIDENT

11:04 am – Officer dispatched to S. 20th St. and W. Bullock Ave. in reference to a  motor vehicle accident.

12:23 pm – Officer dispatched to 200 block of W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

FRAUD

12:28 pm – Officer dispatched to 400 block of S. 15th St. in reference to fraud.

INCORRIGIBLE CHILD

2:02 pm – Officer dispatched to 800 block of S. Roselawn Ave. in reference to an incorrigible child.

WANTED

6:32 pm – Officer dispatched to S. 7th St. and W. Park Ave. in reference to a wanted subject.

SUSPICIOUS

7:24 pm – Officer dispatched to 900 block of N. 26th St. in reference to a suspicious person.

Dec. 23

SHOTS FIRED

3:29 am – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to shots fired in the area.

LARCENY

8:32 am – Officer dispatched to 500 block of N. 10th St. in reference to larceny.

ACCIDENT

12:04 pm – Officer dispatched to N. 1st St. and W. Main St. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

FIGHT

12:42 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to a fight in progress.

2:04 pm – Officer dispatched to 1200 block of W. Main St. in reference to a fight.

ACCIDENT

3:42 pm – Officer dispatched to W. Texas Ave. and N. Roselawn Ave. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

SUSPICIOUS

7:00 pm – Officer dispatched to 1200 block of W. Yucca Ave. in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

8:09 pm – Officer dispatched to 600 block of N. 1st St. in reference to a suspicious person.

10:39 pm – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to a suspicious person.

Dec. 24

SUSPICIOUS

12:30 am – Officer dispatched to 800 block of W. Texas Ave. in reference to a suspicious person.

THREATS

1:49 am – Officer dispatched to 300 block of n. 14th St. in reference to threats.

DISTURBANCE

10:04 am – Officer dispatched to 900 block of N. 13th St. in reference to disorderly disturbance.

BATTERY

10:50 am – Officer dispatched to 800 block of S. Roselawn Ave. in reference to battery.

WELFARE

11:05 am – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of Memorial Dr. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

LARCENY

11:26 am – Officer dispatched to 400 block of W. Quay Ave. in reference to larceny.

FIGHT

5:07 pm – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to a fight in progress.

WELFARE

5:20 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to the welfare of a child.

BATTERY

7:44 pm – Officer dispatched to 1400 block of N. 7th St. in reference to battery.

RECKLESS

8:42 pm- Officer dispatched to 1500 block of W. Bush Ave. in reference to a reckless vehicle.

11:04 pm – Officer dispatched to 2600 block of w. Main St. in reference to a reckless vehicle.

SUSPICIOUS

10:57 pm- Officer dispatched to 900 block of W. Texas Ave. in reference to a suspicious person.

Dec. 25

Arrest

Bryan Jesus Lopez arrested for DWI 1st Offense.

DISTURBANCE

12:13 am – Officer dispatched to 1800 block of W. Clayton Ave. in reference to disturbance.

DOMESTIC

2:32 am – Officer dispatched to 700 block of W. Runyan Ave. in reference to physical domestic.

UNATTENDED DEATH

2:46 am – Officer dispatched to 900 block of S. 2nd St. in reference to an unattended death.

WELFARE

5:11 am – Officer dispatched to 1200 block of W. Yucca Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

DOMESTIC

9:51 am – Officer dispatched to 900 block of Bullock Ct. in reference to physical domestic.

WELFARE

2:29 pm- Officer dispatched to 600 block of N. Roselawn Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

4:36 pm – Officer dispatched to 2100 block of W. Briscoe Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

UNWANTED

2:51 pm -Officer dispatched to 900 block of W. Cleveland Ave. in reference to an unwanted subject.

LOUD PARTY

9:46 pm – Officer dispatched to 2500 block of W. Centre Ave. in reference to a loud party.

Dec. 26

Arrest

Federico Pereda Diaz arrested for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer.

DISTURBANCE

12:54 am- Officer dispatched to 400 block of W. Kemp Ave. in reference to disturbance.

SUSPICIOUS

2:57 pm – Officer dispatched to 600 block of N. 26th St. in reference to a suspicious person.

DOMESTIC

7:12 pm – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to domestic.

INCORRIGIBLE

8:03 pm – Officer dispatched to 800 block of S. Roselawn Ave. in reference to an incorrigible child.

Trout remain popular in Lincoln County lakes

Michael Smith
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Trout remain popular in Lincoln County lakes

Information and photos provided by New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Trout-fishing conditions have not changed at the popular waters in and around Ruidoso this week.

Conditions were fair to good at Alto Lake using Rainbow Glitter PowerBait and worms.

Rainbow PowerBait, worms, and flies were the baits of choice at Bonito Lake where trout fishing was fair to good.

Trout conditions were fair to good at Grindstone Reservoir using Rainbow Glitter PowerBait.

In western New Mexico along the Gila River, trout fishing was slow to fair using flies in the west fork.

In northern New Mexico at Bluewater Lake, fishing for tiger muskie was fair to good using Rooster Tail lures.

Streamflow along the San Juan River was 284 cubic feet per second (cfs) this week as fishing for rainbow trout and brown trout was slow to fair when using flies in the quality waters.

Streamflow below the Taos Junction Bridge along the Rio Grande was 630 cfs. Fishing for rainbow trout was slow using flies.

At Ute Lake, fishing for white bass, walleye and catfish was very good using 3- and 4-inch Gulp minnows and blade baits in 60 feet of water.

This fishing report, provided by the Department of Game and Fish, has been generated from the best information available from area officers and anglers. Conditions encountered after the report is compiled may differ as stream, lake and weather conditions alter fish and angler activities.

Opinion: The folly of ‘energy transition’

Michael Smith
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Opinion: The folly of ‘energy transition’

Sen. Larry Scott
District 42

In 2019, our newly elected Governor issued an executive order mandating the greenhouse gas emissions be reduced every few years to culminate in a 100% reduction by the year 2050. The private sector has been making plans and trying to adjust to this mandate for the last seven years and those efforts are now coming home to “roost.”

It is an absolute fact the emissions associated with the generation of reliable, affordable, and available electricity correlate directly with economic well being and prosperity. Basically, wealth generation translates into higher standards of living with associated increases in energy consumption. The United States, for example, emits 17.6 tons of CO2 per capita making our country one of the highest on the planet. We are also, arguably, one of the richest countries on the planet. By contrast the people living in the lowest emitters in sub-Saharan Africa exist on incomes that average less than $40 per month. It only takes a bit of common sense to see that our current public policy would take New Mexico not in the direction of increasing prosperity, but rather in the direction of Africa. This is NUTS.

The petroleum and utility industries in our State have been trying to adapt to the mandates but, as the target reductions become more severe, they become harder and harder to achieve without sacrificing either availability, reliability, or affordability. Just one of the consequences here is now a three year wait for new industrial service requests for electricity in southeast New Mexico. We simply do not have the power.

A work around that was passed in our last legislative session, completely under the progressives emissions control radar, was a bill that allowed micro-grids to utilize fossil fuels (natural gas) to generate electricity as long as these did not connect into the larger utility system. A large data center project is now underway in the Las Cruces area that is projected to require some 2,000 megawatts of generating capacity, all of which will come from natural gas fired engines. One can appreciate the irony. On one hand our ETA (Energy Transition Act) required the closure of the San Juan coal fired power plant resulting in the loss of over 1,000 mostly tribal jobs in the four corners area. On the other hand, we are building a facility that will generate almost four times the emissions of the closed power plant. The difference is that the public cannot now participate in any of the electricity generated. It can’t be connected to the grid. Another consequence of the misguided path we are traveling is that emissions are actually going to be larger than they otherwise would have been had we just allowed high efficiency utility scale combined cycle natural gas fired generation.

SB4, the ‘Clean Horizons’ act was introduced in the 2025 legislative session to codify in statute the Governor’s executive order thereby making it much harder to change the course of this policy. While it made it through only one Senate committee last session, we expect to see it resurrected again in the 2026 session. It is not possible to over emphasize the folly of taking New Mexico down the path that leads to ‘third world’ status. Our Governor bragged recently during a town hall at NMJC that our resources were being exported to provide power “around the world.” Our State has been blessed with abundant natural resources right here in our back yard. It is unconscionable that we cannot utilize these to create economic opportunity, jobs, and prosperity for our own citizens.

Larry Scott of Hobbs is the state senator, representing District 42 in Eddy, Lea and Chaves counties.

Culinary Confidential Heavenly Deep-Fried Stuffed French Toast with Sweet Cream

Michael Smith
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Culinary Confidential Heavenly Deep-Fried Stuffed French Toast with Sweet Cream

Bruce Lesman

This indulgent French toast is designed for relaxed winter mornings when brunch feels like a reward. Golden and crisp on the outside, warm and creamy inside, it’s a dish meant to be shared slowly.

Ingredients:

– 8–12 thick slices brioche or challah (2 slices per person)

– 8 oz sweet cream cheese filling

– 4 large eggs

– 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk

– 2 tbsp sugar

– 1 tsp vanilla extract

– 1 tsp ground cinnamon

– Neutral oil for frying (about 2–3 cups)

– Powdered sugar for dusting

Method:

Stuff the bread generously, soak briefly in custard, and fry until deeply golden. Drain and dust lightly with powdered sugar. Serve immediately.

Serves 4–6 people

Classic Brunch Mimosas

A mimosa is the perfect companion to rich brunch fare—bright, celebratory, and effortless.

Ingredients:

– 1–2 bottles chilled champagne or prosecco (1 bottle serves ~3 people)

– 3–4 cups fresh orange juice (½–⅔ cup per person)

Serves 4–6 people.

Pour gently into flutes and serve at once.

Bruce Lesman is a professionally trained chef and longtime food columnist. He has cooked in fine dining restaurants, luxury resorts, and aboard Holland America Line, where he created his own interpretation of Cherry Garcia Baked Alaska for the Pinnacle Grill. His Culinary Confidential column focuses on approachable elegance, classic technique, and memorable food experiences.

God is good for the past, present and future

Michael Smith
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God is good for the past, present and future

Ty Houghtaling

I recently looked up the quote, “Past performance is an indicator of future success,” and the AI overview noted that this idea is widely debated. So, let’s debate it.

In the financial world, investors entrusted with your money tend to fall on one side of this question or the other. Some argue that market conditions are always changing, shaped by political leadership, economic shifts, and overall volatility, making yesterday’s successful strategies ineffective today. Others argue the opposite. They point to long track records of success and urge patience, insisting that proven strategies work overtime if you simply trust the process.

This same debate shows up in the professional leadership world. Leadership methods from the past are frequently challenged, with new approaches emerging in business, medicine, sports, education, and beyond. The thinking is that leaders must adapt to a society that constantly questions the status quo. Or, and this is a big or, some believe there is “nothing new under the sun.” What has been will be again. This perspective often surfaces when the news paints a picture of a broken world where problems seem to repeat themselves endlessly.

So which way do you lean? Is past performance an indicator of future success, or is it not indicative of future results at all?

As we begin a new year, this question becomes personal. Maybe there are things you want to do differently this year. You can. Just because you didn’t follow through in the past doesn’t mean you can’t do better now. Here’s a simple idea: try the “ten-second rule.” If something at home or at work needs to be done, and in the past you might have put it off until someone forced you to do it, pause and ask yourself, “Can I do this in ten seconds?” If the answer is yes, do it. Over time, practicing this rule intentionally can help you accomplish more, and end your days feeling a little more satisfied.

In the spiritual realm, there are a few important truths worth highlighting. God does not change. He is the same today as He was at the beginning of time, and He will be the same for all eternity. The Bible affirms this repeatedly; Malachi 3:6, Numbers 23:19, Hebrews 13:8, and James 1:17 are just a few examples. You and I, however, can change. Through faith in Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit, we can be transformed from the inside out. Scripture assures us that whether we are a little lost or completely lost, we can be saved. Those walking in darkness can find the Light. Those who have lost hope can discover a new direction. The Apostle Paul wrote this encouragement to his protégé, Pastor Timothy:

“Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.”

Jesus changes lives when we trust Him to lead us. Our past may reflect who we once were, but trusting Jesus changes who we are now. In fact, He is the only one who can truly change us in the spiritual realm, and for eternity.

God’s forgiveness and love change everything, and unlike so much else in this world, His forgiveness and love never change. Let this verse from Romans be your hope and motivation for the new year:

“But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Sloths arrive at Alamogordo zoo

Michael Smith
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Sloths arrive at Alamogordo zoo

Sarah Rubinstein
Artesia Daily Press

Two new animals will be hanging around the Alameda Park Zoo.

Two Linnaeus’s two-toed sloths were revealed to the public on Jan. 3, and since then they’ve had about 500 visitors, according to Palmer Shelton, the zoo’s education coordinator.

He said staff haven’t named the sloths yet because they want to get to know their personality more. He noted the five-year-old female sloth has a more social personality than the three-year-old male.

The sloths arrived from the Hemker Park Zoo in Minnesota, a zoo Alameda frequently works with, Shelton said, adding that the collaboration puts Alamogordo on the map, with sloths being very rare at zoos in New Mexico.

“It’s like the coolest thing ever,” Shelton said excitedly. “Almost nobody in the state has sloths.”

The Linnaeus’s two-toed sloths are found natively in the Northern half of South America like Colombia, Argentina and North Chile. These sloths are nocturnal and spend most of their lives upside down. They like to munch on leafy greens and vegetables but typically don’t make much noise, only sometimes hissing or giving a low growl.

“Their limbs are super strong, they can hold themselves up with just one finger,” Shelton said.

Shelton said the zoo hopes to train the sloths so they can eventually take them to events at schools or the library.

What else is happening at the zoo?

The Alameda Park Zoo has just updated its winter hours from January through February. The zoo will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays and be open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Plus, every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. staff will hold Zookeeper talks with a new animal. Animals will be revealed on the zoo’s Facebook page on Sundays or Mondays.

Opinion: Movies give us heroes. History gives us flawed giants

Michael Smith
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Sherry Robinson
All She Wrote

I’m starting 2026 by rethinking – and maybe even changing my mind about – an old issue.

After Taos Pueblo objected to the name of Kit Carson Park in Taos, the town council voted in November to change it to Red Willow Park; this pueblo calls itself the Red Willow People. To the town’s credit – and unlike the harebrained responses to similar issues in Española, Santa and Albuquerque – the Taoseños deliberated and discussed the question for months.

At least some did.

The name-change demand has stirred controversy three times since the 1970s, according to the Albuquerque Journal. Last year the town council organized a committee to rename the park, chaired by Councilor Genevieve Oswald. Because previous discussions didn’t include the pueblo, the council named a pueblo official, Jesse Winters, to the committee. The group met monthly last year and heard presentations, held forums and issued surveys. Winters gathered opinions from pueblo members.

From the beginning Oswald wanted to change the name, but she did enough reading to decide that she didn’t care for Kit Carson and believed the government made bad choices. She saw the renaming as an opportunity to “do better going forward.”

Kit Carson was a famous scout, soldier, Indian agent, rancher and trader. In 1862 and 1863 Gen. James Carleton ordered a reluctant Carson to undertake brutal, scorched-earth campaigns against the Mescalero Apaches and the Navajos. After their surrender, Carleton sent them to what became a concentration camp at Bosque Redondo. The Navajos’ terrible journey, called the Long Walk, and Bosque Redondo are traumas passed through generations of tribal members.

Kit Carson was then a hero in Taos, where Hispanic settlers had fought the Navajos for 200 years. But Carson’s stature in history hasn’t weathered well over time.

Carson’s biographer Hampton Sides has said, “He was on the ‘right’ side of history at many times and in many places in his lifetime.” Sides told the Journal that Taos Pueblo “just hated the Navajo, absolutely hated them and feared them” because of Navajo raids. I would add that Navajos, Apaches and Pueblos had a complex network of allies and adversaries. Navajos and Apaches might befriend one pueblo but raid another, and the pueblos fought amongst themselves.

History is what actually happened, not what you wish had happened. Taos Pueblo today may object to the park’s name, but historically the pueblo had good relations with Kit Carson.

However, in November Sides said: “(P)eople have a perfect right in subsequent generations to decide how they want to furnish their public parks and other public spaces – as long as the process is done with some thought.”

I’m a journalist and a historian. Wearing my historian hat, I have argued that figures like Kit Carson, Don Juan de Oñate, Geronimo and even Billy the Kid were products of their times. We can learn from their lives and their decisions, but we can’t view them through the lens of our own times.

Still, Sides’s comment made me think. Some communities have decided that they no longer want to honor Confederate generals, that those ubiquitous statues in the park are an affront to segments of the local population. New Mexico’s history is more complicated, but these are our debates too.

When I mentioned this change of heart to a historian friend, she responded: “If communities have the right to make changes – and I can see some of that logic, especially if they find new information or things were lopsided in the first place – but then 20 years down the road does a community again have the right to change and how much? … Change can be good or disruptive and cause people to renew their anger and hatred toward groups … And do we judge the times by our own era, or theirs, or a combo or what?”

It’s tricky, but I salute Taos for wading in.

Councilor Oswald said that “our work has always been about more than just a name, and we approached this task with care, recognizing the need to address historical harms and foster civic relationships. Our process was designed to be inclusive, transparent and rooted in community values.”

Mayor Pro-tem Marietta Fambro, who voted against the change, noted that only about 150 people among the town’s 5,000 residents and Taos County’s 33,000 took part in the renaming process. Most people likely don’t care.

And neither would Kit Carson himself. A shy and unassuming man, he was never comfortable with his national celebrity. “One of the ironies of this whole debate is that he probably just wouldn’t give a damn one way or the other,” Sides said.

I say that for communities, for the people who do give a damn, it’s a discussion worth having, and Taos has now given us a model.

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.

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