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CULINARY CONFIDENTIAL: Herb-Roasted Leg of Lamb

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Bruce Lesman

(Serves 4–6)

A beautifully roasted leg of lamb is one of those dishes that feels celebratory yet comforting — perfect for a weekend gathering or special family dinner. This version is seasoned simply with garlic, rosemary, and lemon, then roasted alongside golden potatoes and colorful vegetables. The finishing touch is a bright, bold sauce combining fresh mint with the gentle heat and earthiness of New Mexico Hatch green chile.

Herb-Roasted Leg of Lamb

Ingredients

• 1 (4½–5 lb) boneless or semi-boneless leg of lamb

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

• Zest of 1 lemon

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 1½ tsp kosher salt

• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

• ½ cup dry white wine or lamb stock

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F. Pat lamb dry and place on a rack in a roasting pan. Combine garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper and rub over lamb. Pour wine or stock into pan. Roast 20 minutes, reduce heat to 350°F and continue roasting until internal temperature reaches 130–135°F for medium-rare or 140–145°F for medium. Rest 15 minutes before slicing.

Roasted Potatoes & Vegetables

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs Yukon Gold or red potatoes, halved

• 2 carrots, sliced

• 1 red onion, wedges

• 1 bell pepper, sliced

• 1 zucchini, chunks

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp dried oregano

Instructions

Toss vegetables with oil and seasonings. Spread on sheet pan and roast at 425°F for 35–45 minutes, turning once, until tender and caramelized.

Mint & Hatch Green Chile Sauce

• ½ cup fresh mint, chopped

• ¼ cup roasted Hatch green chile, chopped

• 1 small shallot, minced

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

• ½ cup olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients, whisking in olive oil slowly. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

To Serve

Slice lamb against the grain and serve with roasted potatoes and vegetables. Spoon mint and Hatch chile sauce over lamb or serve on the side.

Bruce Lesman is the voice behind Culinary Confidential, a food column devoted to classic comfort dishes, refined techniques, and bold Southwestern influences. With a passion for approachable recipes and timeless flavors, Bruce writes for home cooks who appreciate food that brings people together around the table. Bruce’s prior positions include, Corporate Food & Beverage Director, Lead Culinary Consultant, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Vice President, Canyon Ranch Wellness Resorts.

New Mexico should consider the science of treated produced water

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Meegan Fierro Abella

It’s a familiar pattern: bold leadership and meaningful progress often attract criticism. Under Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s leadership, New Mexico is raising the bar on responsible energy production, early childhood education, higher education, and universal childcare – all of which are transforming lives across our state.

New Mexico’s commitment to early childhood education and free pre-kindergarten has delivered remarkable results. According to the National Institute for Early Education Research, 21% of 3-year-olds and 51% of 4-year-olds in our state were enrolled in preschool programs in 2024 – far exceeding the national averages of 8% and 37%. These gains reflect bold investments in early learning.

The Governor and the Legislature have also expanded access to higher education through tuition-free college for New Mexico residents, preparing our youth for careers in emerging industries like artificial intelligence and quantum computing. And with the enactment of universal free childcare – the first of its kind in the nation – New Mexico is leading the way in supporting working families.

These achievements reflect a broader, forward-looking approach to economic development – one that leverages the strength of New Mexico’s oil and natural gas industry to generate the revenues that make these investments possible. As we build on this progress, we must also confront one of our state’s most urgent challenges: securing a sustainable water future.

New Mexico now has a promising path for addressing its water resource challenges through the treatment and beneficial reuse of produced water, which is generated from oil and gas operations. Unfortunately, some of the same voices who question the value of energy production to the state’s bottom line – including the industry revenues that help fund education and childcare programs – successfully pressured the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) vacate their earlier decision to hold a hearing on the reuse petition. That hearing would have provided a forum to examine the scientific evidence supporting the safe and beneficial reuse of treated produced water for diverse economic development opportunities like data centers, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy projects, and non-food agriculture.

Most importantly, using treated produced water to meet our compact delivery obligations with Texas would help protect local water rights in Taos County – where Chevron recently worked to protect water rights for the Village of Questa, mutual domestic water associations, and local farmers – as well as in other rural communities across New Mexico. California has safely used treated produced water for nearly two decades. Texas is now advancing its own beneficial reuse initiatives, including the use of treated produced water transported across the state line from southeast New Mexico. But this water is a resource that should remain in New Mexico, where it can help secure our future and benefit the communities that make this state strong.

We thank the Governor and the Legislature for their past support in safeguarding critical water rights in places like Questa. We now urge the WQCC to vote again to set a new hearing for the WATR Alliance petition. The WQCC should continue its work and fully consider the scientific evidence supporting the safe and beneficial reuse of treated produced water. By listening to the science, New Mexico can unlock its full potential – ensuring that every resident and community can thrive in a diversified, resilient economy.

Meegan Fierro Abella, of Hobbs, is Chevron’s director for New Mexico oil and gas operations, a native New Mexican and a proud graduate of New Mexico State University.

State releases climate plan aimed at zero emissions

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Levi Hill
Hobbs News-Sun

Zero emissions. It’s an ambitious and commendable goal, but is it practical?

The question looms in the face of the State of New Mexico recently releasing its Climate Action Plan that sets a target for zero greenhouse gas emissions for the state by 2050.

The plan outlines 45 areas in which to meet the net-zero goal. But, for a state that sees more than 50 percent of its annual revenue coming from oil and gas operations, is net-zero attainable, and if so, at what cost?

The New Mexico Environment Department and Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department developed the plan over the past year in collaboration with state agencies, local governments, Tribal nations, residents, community organizations, industry and subject matter experts.

The plan serves as a roadmap to meet New Mexico’s climate pollution reduction targets set by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s 2019 executive order directing the state to reduce climate pollution by 45 percent by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

“The New Mexico Climate Action Plan is more than a set of goals — it is an actionable roadmap to a resilient, energy-independent and prosperous future for every New Mexican,” said Environment Secretary James Kenney. “We are confronting climate change head-on while building a thriving clean energy workforce and creating long-term economic opportunities, especially for communities historically overburdened by pollution.”

According to the state, when implemented as a whole, the measures are projected to assure New Mexico fully achieves its targets. Combined with reductions expected under current policies, the plan’s recommendations put the state on track to achieve a 45.4 percent reduction in emissions by 2030 from 2005 levels and an 82 percent reduction by 2050.

The measures in the plan are projected to eventually prevent $294 billion in health care costs, property damage and other impacts caused by pollutants.

However, reaching zero emissions might just mean the state is aiming for zero economic stability, at least according to those who oppose it.

State Senator Larry Scott, R-Hobbs, said economic prosperity and emissions per capita go hand-in-hand, citing that in the U.S. the nation creates about 17.6 metric tons per person of carbon dioxide, while in sub-Saharan Africa, where people live on $40 a month, the per capita CO2 generation is only one ton per person annually.

“A zero emissions policy will set New Mexico on a path to third-world status,” Scott said.

Representative Elaine Sena Cortez, R-Hobbs, said the nation and state produces oil and gas more cleanly and efficiently than any other country and regulations that would curtail production domestically would only drive production up in nations with already weaker standards and higher emissions.

“Until practical alternatives exist for all these uses, responsible domestic production remains necessary, and Lea County has proven its steadfast commitment to securing America’s energy independence and dominance on the world stage,” she said.

Missi Currier, president and CEO of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association, said existing standards work and the action plan is unnecessary.

“New Mexico’s oil and gas industry has worked hand-in-hand with regulators to achieve remarkable emissions reductions,” Currier said. “Methane emissions from the oil and gas sector have fallen by more than 60 percent since 2019, and we are on track for a 70 percent reduction by 2025.”

She said that progress is driven by significant investments in advanced technology and infrastructure, such as cutting-edge leak detection, modernized equipment, and continuous monitoring.

“These results show the current regulatory framework works, and we will continue to meet and exceed targets without a need for additional rulemaking or legislation,” she said.

The plan’s action items include:

• Addressing industry emissions: Recognizing the oil and gas industry as the state’s largest source of emissions and a key economic driver, the plan supports new rules to boost industry productivity by mitigating methane leaks and exploring the potential of carbon capture technology.

• Decarbonizing the grid: The plan supports grid modernization, investments in energy storage, and promotes geothermal and other emerging technologies to assure a reliable and affordable transition to a 100 percent clean energy grid.

• Climate-smart agriculture: The plan recommends voluntary and incentive-based agricultural programs and practices that will lower emissions and increase agricultural resilience for rural communities of New Mexico.

The New Mexico Climate Action Plan was funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant, which delivered resources to NMED and EMNRD in July 2023, and the Innovation in State Government Fund established by Senate Bill 83 in 2025.

The full New Mexico Climate Action Plan is available at www.climateaction.nm.gov/CAP.

Levi Hill’s email is reporter1@hobbsnews.com.

Artesia girls baskeball team on winning streak

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JT Keith
Artesia Daily Press
jtkeith@elritomedia.com

The 2026 Artesia girls basketball team has absorbed some hard blows early in the season. But the losses may have been a blessing in disguise as the Lady ’Dogs defeated Santa Teresa 64-21 on Friday.

Artesia has been hit by injuries, playing without team leader Jenna Whitmire, who missed several games. Point guard Kailee Padilla is out for the season.

The injuries have made the team find the next player up: junior point guard Brooklyn Fuentes, who has controlled the ball and the tempo. She has not been afraid to go to the basket and draw a foul or pass out to an open teammate for a 3-point shot. Sophomore center Gracen Kuykendall has also improved.

Artesia (8-5) is on a five-game winning streak, having won five of its last six games. The Lady ’Dogs defeated Eddy County rival Carlsbad 33-26 on Tuesday at the Pit.

“It was a sloppy game at times,” Artesia coach Candace Pollard said. “We found a way to get the win. Defensively, the girls played extremely hard, and we’re confident that those little shots around the rim that aren’t falling right now will drop when it matters most in our season.”

Pollard said they knew Carlsbad would finish more shots than they did the first time the two played on Dec. 19, when the Lady ’Dogs won 45-35 at Carlsbad.

In this game against the Cavegirls, Artesia came out flat and trailed 11-3 in the second quarter.

“We dug ourselves into a hole,” Pollard said. “We battled back and took the lead, which shows our fight and tenacity. Every girl contributed in some way. Our bench was loud, encouraging and locked in, and the Bulldog crowd brought the energy.”

Pollard said the Carlsbad game was a step in the right direction and the entire team has to keep it going by working hard.

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

Two named to girls All-State teams

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JT Keith
Artesia Daily Press
jtkeith@elritomedia.com

Recently, the New Mexico High School Coaches Association named Abigail Jowers and Marlyn Corza of Artesia to its All-State girls soccer team.

Corza earned second-team defender honors, and Jowers was named to the first team as a forward/striker.

Corza was second in minutes played with 1,740 and scored five goals and 11 points during the season, according to MaxPreps.com.

Jowers was third in minutes played while scoring 17 goals and 46 points during the season.

“I think these ladies are most deserving of this achievement,” Artesia girls soccer coach Tim Trentham said. “They have given the proverbial blood, sweat and tears this season.”

Jowers, a junior, said she kept working even when no one was watching.

Corza, a sophomore, said she has always worked hard, never given up and fought to the end; the game is not over until the final whistle blows.

During district play, the girls soccer team was undefeated, setting a new program high.

The team won its quarterfinal game against Goddard on a penalty kick, with keeper Aubrie Edwards’ penalty save and game-winning kick sending the team to the semifinal against Los Alamos.

Artesia won a record 18 games this season, finishing 18-4.

“We are proud of them,” Trentham said. “We look forward to their success and next season.”

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

Artesia native named new director for kayak fishing tournaments

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Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press
msmith@currentargus.com

A fishing tournament in Carlsbad and a nighttime fishing tournament at Conchas Lake highlight the 2026 New Mexico Bass Nation Kayak Anglers schedule, said tournament director Anthony Barrera.

The season starts March 21 at Conchas Lake in northeast New Mexico near Tucumcari.

Barrera spent last November coordinating tournaments for next year with the New Mexico State Parks Department, along with updating rules and the group’s website.

He said the schedule offers anglers chances to fish in various parts of New Mexico, along with Lake Brownwood in Texas.

“We have Navajo (Dam) for those up north, Elephant Butte (Lake) for the southern, Carlsbad for the southeast, Conchas and Ute are central and (Lake) Brownwood for those that want to fish a new lake outside of New Mexico,” Barrera said.

He said the season opener at Conchas offers good fishing conditions for early spring.

On April 11, kayakers will have a chance to fish in waters Barrera said he’s familiar with around Carlsbad. Barrera  grew up in Artesia and said Brantley Dam, Avalon Lake and the Carlsbad Beach along the Pecos River were popular fishing spots when he was a youngster.

“Carlsbad has some quality fish. After my trip last year and seeing some big fish, I knew we needed to make a stop for the 2026 season,” he said. “It also gives anglers in the area who might not be able to make the trek to other lakes an opportunity to fish in a kayak tournament.”

On April 25, the New Mexico kayakers will visit Lake Brownwood near Abilene.

“We will be fishing with Texas Bass Nation Kayak (Anglers) and the West Texas Kayak (Anglers). This is a great opportunity to fish in new waters,” Barrera said.

The New Mexico state championships are set for May 17 at Elephant Butte Lake State Park near Truth or Consequences.

Barrera said the tournament offers high stakes for those fishing the waters at the popular southern New Mexico Lake.

“The top 10% will qualify for the Bass Nation National Championship, which will be in October of 2026. We are hoping to send five to seven anglers to nationals,” he said.

On June 6, the kayakers head to Navajo Dam near the Colorado border. Barrera said summer fishing conditions are great at the far northern New Mexico Lake.

“Hopefully some of our neighbors from Colorado Bass Nation Kayak will make it,” he said.

July 18 brings the first ever nighttime fishing tournament for the New Mexico Bass Nation Kayak Anglers.

Barrera said the tournament at Conchas Lake starts at 6 p.m.

“It gets really hot. This lets us get out of the heat,” he said.

Barrera said he has never fished in a night tournament.

“I have seen other clubs like Arizona have them. We all talked about it and thought it might be fun and something new for us,” he said.

Barrera said Ute Lake would host a team tournament or a makeup tournament for those who may have missed the previous tournaments.

“This will be our second year doing this. It was a great success last season. Teams will be randomly drawn the day before the tournament,” he said.

Barrera said the final event for 2026 is set for Sept. 26-27 at Ute and Conchas Lakes.

“This will be our club Classic Championship,” he said. “To qualify anglers will need to attend two regular season events and (it) will count toward Angler of the Year,” he said.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5545 extension-2361.

Artesia Police blotter

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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

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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

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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

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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.