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Irvin qualifies for state tournament

Michael Smith
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Irvin qualifies for state tournament

JT Keith
Artesia Daily Press
jtkeith@elritomedia.com

Freshman Leila Irvin started at the bottom and is now working her way to the top in her first season of wrestling for the Artesia Bulldogs.

Irvin went 3-1 this past weekend at the NMAA Girls Region 2 tournament in Roswell. She defeated ranked opponents to advance to the state tournament on Feb. 20.

Bulldogs coach Andy Olive said Irvin was nervous and excited before her first match. After an early loss, Olive said she regrouped quickly. The turning point came when she beat a higher-ranked wrestler.

“When that happened, it was like a light came on for her,” Olive said. “She realized she is good enough to beat anybody if she goes out and wrestles her match.”

Olive, now in his fourth year of coaching for Artesia, has had one girl wrestler qualify for the state tournament every year.

All four have been members of the Irvin family, including Leila’s older sister, Isabel, who competed in the championship match the last two years and is now wrestling at Hastings College in Hastings, Neb.

“One thing about Leila, she is like her sisters in that she is extremely competitive in everything she does,” Olive said.

Olive said it doesn’t surprise him that Irvin made it to the state meet. He said she is one of the first and last in the gym. Olive said he learned that early on when she kept asking him for pointers on improving and to try out new holds.

“She is better in her takedowns,” Olive said. “Leila is working on a hip toss and drop where she lands on top of her opponent to catch them off guard and pin them quickly.”

Olive said he hopes Irvin’s ranking places her in the top six at the state meet, which will give her a better seeding.

“I’m going to tell her she has a purpose,” Olive said. “Leila is just as capable as anyone she will encounter. If she wrestles her match, she can win it all.”

On Feb. 13-14, the Artesia boys will wrestle in Santa Teresa and hope to have five to six wrestlers qualify for state.

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

Trout continue to bite during warming trend

Michael Smith
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Trout continue to bite during warming trend

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

Frigid conditions across parts of New Mexico ended earlier this week, drawing anglers to their favorite fishing spots in northern and southern New Mexico.

Along the Albuquerque Area Drains, fishing for trout was fair to good using inline spinners and PowerBait.

Near Jemez, fishing for trout was good using mealworms.

At the Liam Knight Pond in Corrale, trout fishing was good using red earthworms.

At Navajo Lake fishing for crappie was good using jigs.

In southern New Mexico at Escondida Lake near Socorro fishing for rainbow trout was good using worms. Fishing for largemouth bass was fair to good using spinners.

At Eagle Rock Lake near Questa, where wintry conditions persisted, ice fishing for trout was very good when using Tungsten Simcoe Bugs.

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.

Holloman Hero Wallace leads in logistics and on the court

Michael Smith
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Holloman Hero Wallace leads in logistics and on the court

Bobby Teichmann
For the Artesia Daily Press

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE — A team player who focuses on fine details in and out of the office, U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Dale Wallace II has been named the Holloman Healthcare Operations Squadron 2025 Airman of the Year.

As a warehouse section lead in the logistics side of the Holloman Medical Group, Wallace works with a dedicated team of Airmen who receive, sort and distribute a wide range of medical supplies to departments on base and in the local region.

“We have a great team here that works well together to procure, sort and deliver medical items that different supply-chain managers need,” said Wallace. “Accuracy is very important with these supplies.”

Wallace believes his attention to detail is the strongest part of his work ethic. In medical logistics, fast problem solvers are considered valuable assets. His ability to do just that caught the attention of his colleagues, which helped him earn the HCOS Airman of the Year award.

“He’s a fixer who’s very passionate about what he does,” said U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Crisstina Manago, HCOS medical logistics element chief. “Whenever a logistical problem arises, he jumps right in.”

According to Manago, the HCOS team often praises Wallace’s extra efforts both in and out of the workplace. She believes his devotion to his job and the people around him benefit the squadron, the 49th Wing and the Air Force as a whole.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Miles Walker, 49th Security Forces Squadron personnel programs noncommissioned officer in charge, sees that same devotion while working as head coach of the Holloman Heat intramural basketball team where Wallace is a player and an assistant conditioning coach.

“His attitude and work ethic are among the best I’ve ever seen,” said Walker. “He pushes his teammates to give their all every time they step on the court.”

As an assistant coach, Wallace leads by example. When he instructs the team on particular plays or conditioning techniques, he does them as well.

“He has no problem getting vocal when needed,” said Walker.

Wallace, now in his third year with the team, likes encouraging other service members to participate in basewide sports. He believes the camaraderie built there improves an individual’s personal growth, as well as their confidence in contributing to any mission they could be tasked with.

“It gets you out of your comfort zone while building your self-awareness,” explained Wallace. “The intense environment builds you as a person.”

With his attention to detail and ability to foster camaraderie in the workplace, Wallace continues to be a valuable asset to Team Holloman and any location he would be stationed at in the future.

Opinion: A forward-looking Highlands for a stronger New Mexico

Michael Smith
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Opinion: A forward-looking Highlands for a stronger New Mexico

Dr. Neil Woolf

As New Mexico’s 30-day legislative session begins this week, our state has an opportunity to look beyond short-term fixes and toward long-term impact. The decisions made in the coming weeks will shape not only budgets, but the future of higher education, workforce development and opportunity across New Mexico.

For more than a century, New Mexico Highlands University has been a place of access and possibility. Today, Highlands is also a university on the rise—growing in enrollment, advancing in research, and expanding its role as a driver of economic and civic vitality for northern New Mexico and beyond.

New Mexico’s Opportunity Scholarship has become an important pillar in expanding access to higher education across the state, reflecting a sustained commitment to making college attainable for New Mexicans. Highlands stands ready to meet that commitment. Once students enroll, however, our responsibility does not end—we must ensure their success by providing innovative, workforce-aligned academic programs and enhanced student services that support both the physical and mental well-being of our students.

Too often, approaches to funding for projects at Highlands have been viewed from a “let’s just make do and patch what needs to be patched” perspective.

The better question is: What could New Mexico achieve with a stronger, future-focused Highlands?

Highlands has recently achieved R3 research status, reflecting increased scholarly activity, faculty excellence, and growing relevance to the state’s needs. Our academic programs are expanding, partnerships are deepening and student success is improving.

This progress has come despite extraordinary challenges. The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding disrupted operations, damaged infrastructure and tested every part of our institution. Highlands responded by serving evacuees, housing first responders and continuing to educate students under unprecedented conditions.

Resilience, however, is not our end goal. Growth is.

Like many public universities, Highlands faces deferred maintenance needs accumulated over decades. But focusing solely on patchwork repairs keeps attention fixed on the past. Our vision is different.

Highlands is choosing a forward-looking path—one centered on strategic investment, modern infrastructure and long-term sustainability, rather than short-term fixes that limit what our students and faculty can achieve.

That vision includes expanded and modernized student housing to improve retention, affordability and the student experience; upgraded athletics facilities that support recruitment, engagement and community pride; academic and research spaces that advance teaching, scholarship and workforce preparation; and campus systems designed for resilience, efficiency and growth.

These are not cosmetic projects. They are investments in outcomes—graduation rates, workforce readiness, institutional stability and regional vitality.

This same philosophy guides Highlands’ comprehensive capital campaign, Highlands Elevated. The campaign is intentionally broad and university-wide, supporting every discipline and function of the institution. To date, Highlands Elevated has exceeded its original goal and continues to build momentum.

Funds raised are advancing scholarships and access for students; student success and support services; academic programs across all colleges; and faculty, staff, athletics, facilities and operational needs. At the same time, Highlands is seeing continued growth in its endowment, strengthening long-term financial stability and ensuring today’s progress can be sustained.

Public investment does not replace private philanthropy—it amplifies it.

Highlands serves students from every corner of New Mexico, particularly rural and first-generation learners. Our graduates become teachers, nurses, social workers, public servants, business owners and community leaders who stay, serve and strengthen our state.

Across the country, universities that thrive do so because ambition and investment move together. Highlands is embracing that same mindset—one grounded in New Mexico’s values, workforce needs and communities.

As we navigate a challenging fiscal environment and uncertainty at the federal level, Highlands remains focused on what lies ahead. We are not retreating; we are advancing.

Highlands has a clear vision, a demonstrated record of momentum, and a deep commitment to students, faculty, staff and the communities we serve. We invite legislators, the Governor, alumni, faculty, staff and partners to continue supporting a university that is growing, resilient, and ready to lead.

A stronger Highlands means a stronger New Mexico. Together, we are moving forward.

Dr. Neil Woolf is president of New Mexico Highlands University.

People are the salt and light of the world

Michael Smith
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People are the salt and light of the world

David Grousnick
First Christian Church

Matthew 5:13-20 teaches us about two very interesting subjects: Salt and Light. Let’s consider both for a moment.

In his book Led by the Carpenter, D. James Kennedy writes:

“A man walked into a little mom-and-pop grocery store and asked, ‘Do you sell salt?’

‘Ha!’ said Pop the proprietor. ‘Do we sell salt? Just look!’ And Pop showed the customer one entire wall stocked with nothing but salt. Morton salt, iodized salt, kosher salt, sea salt, rock salt, garlic salt, seasoning salt, Epsom salts, every kind imaginable.

‘Wow!’ said the customer.

You think that’s something?’ said Pop with a wave of his hand. ‘That’s nothing! Come look.’ Pop led the customer to a back room filled with shelves and bins and cartons and barrels and boxes of salt. ‘Do we sell salt?’ he said.

‘Unbelievable!’ said the customer.

‘You think that’s something?’ said Pop. ‘Come! I’ll show you salt!’ Pop led the customer down some steps into a huge basement, five times as large as the previous room, filled floor to ceiling, with every imaginable form and size and shape of salt, even huge ten-pound salt licks for the cow pasture.

‘Incredible!’ said the customer. ‘You really do sell salt!’

‘No!’ said Pop. ‘That’s just the problem! We never sell salt! But that salt salesman? Hoo-boy! Does he sell salt!’”

Now, consider light!

There are all kinds of theories about how to motivate people.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Don Sutton hadn’t won a game in eight weeks. A critical member of the press was suggesting that he be dropped from the starting rotation. The future looked bleak, and Sutton felt terrible.

Then, before a game, Dodgers manager Walter Alston tapped him on the shoulder. “I’d like to speak with you, Don,” he said. Sutton prepared himself for the worst.

“Don,” said Alston, “I know how the past couple of months have been for you. Everyone’s wondering whether we can make it to the play-offs . . . You know there’s a lot of pressure . . . I’ve had to make a decision.”

Sutton had visions of being taken off the mound.

Then Alston continued. “If the Dodgers are going to win this year,” he said, looking Sutton in the eye, “they’re going to win with Don Sutton pitching. Come what may, you’re staying in the starting job. That’s all I wanted to say.”

Sutton’s losing streak lasted two more weeks, but because of his manager’s encouragement he felt different about it. Something in him was turning around. He found himself pitching the best ball of his career. In the 1982 National League pennant drive, he won 13 games out of 14.

There are all kinds of theories about how to motivate people. We can do it through guilt, through fear, through shame. But these were not Jesus’ methods. Jesus motivated through positive messages of hope and encouragement.

Consider our lesson from Matthew.

Jesus says to his followers, “You are the salt and light of the world. . . .” Can you imagine that?

Here was a motley crew of farmers and fishermen and tax collectors and housewives in a tiny and remote village in an obscure part of the world and Jesus was saying to them, “You are the salt and light of the world.”

Talk about a statement of faith!

Let’s go farther than that. Talk about a crazy idea! Salt of the earth? Light of the world? That bunch? It must have sounded absurd at the time, even to them. Only Jesus could have seen that through this motley crew God would indeed change the world forever. At the time, however, it probably sounded like so much idle chatter. “You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world,” he said and so they were.

Now do you want to hear something really absurd? So are we.

Jesus says to us this morning that WE are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Think about that for a moment. Sink your teeth into it savor it. You and I are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

I think it’s a great time for us to get out of the box and out from under the bushel basket!

Have a great weekend!

Change for Depew made big difference

Michael Smith
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Change for Depew made big difference

JT Keith
Artesia Daily Press
jtkeith@elritomedia.com

A change has made a big difference for Artesia senior bowler Brenden Depew: switching from one-handed bowling to two-handed.

Depew said he decided during the summer between his eighth and ninth grade years to try bowling with two hands. The right-hander said he wasn’t that good at the one-hand release.

He said after talking with his youth coach, David McKay, he ended up bowling two-handed. When he made the switch, he said it was the best bowling decision he had ever made.

“It was a big change,” Depew said. “It was a hard transition, but it felt a lot more comfortable, and I felt a lot more in control, and my scores and averages skyrocketed. It was instantly noticeable.”

Depew is an accomplished bowler who bowled a 300 game in his junior year. Depew said it was on picture day at practice, and it was the only individual game the team bowled that day.

“I was really excited to bowl the 300 game,” Depew said. “It really unlocked parts of my mind. It gave me a lot of confidence because for years, my highest game was 288, and I had a lot of self-doubt. It gave me a lot more confidence, and I stopped doubting myself as much.”

One of the reasons Depew likes bowling so much is that it is challenging and one of the hardest sports he has ever played. He said that bowlers must be mentally tough and consistent. Since he has started bowling, he has been able to make friends and gain opportunities, including the chance to attend college.

“It (bowling) has been a huge thing in my life,” Depew said. “It has helped with my mentality and given me a social life.”

Depew said bowling coach Ken Clayton has helped him make adjustments during matches and he can talk with him about anything.

“He has helped me a lot with bowling,” Depew said. “Coach is one of my favorite people. If I have a problem, I can ask him, and he listens. He taught me that once the ball leaves my hand, there is nothing I can do; it is out of my control. If it goes bad, just leave it there.”

Depew said bowling has unlocked doors, as he originally wanted to join the Air Force and become a mechanic. Now he is considering attending Kansas Wesleyan University to major in business and to bowl.

With the state championship on the horizon, Depew and the bowling team are hoping to recapture the title. In 2025 the team was beaten by Valley, which rolled eight consecutive strikes, dethroning the Bulldogs.

“It was really devastating,” Depew said. “It felt worse, too, because some of them were actual strikes, but others were pure luck. It really hurts losing to eight strikes, and you already have no control, and no matter what, you are destined to lose. It hit hard.”

Depew said his favorite moment so far was after the team won the state title in his sophomore year. The team went to the Owl Cafe in Albuquerque, where the food was excellent, and everyone laughed, talked and had a good night.

Depew said that he would like to bowl on the Professional Bowlers Association tour one day.

One of the most significant mentors in his life has been his father, Carl Depew, because he has been there for him and taught him the importance of hard work and of not backing down when things get tough.

“My mom, Tonya Depew, has helped me a lot,” Depew said. “She has been there for everything and helped me with my mentality, and she has been there when I need someone to listen. I am really grateful for it. She has been one of the greatest influences on who I am as a person.”

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

Opinion: Tax hikes are unnecessary for road improvements

Michael Smith
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Opinion: Tax hikes are unnecessary for road improvements

Paul Gessing

The Rio Grande Foundation has been clear in expressing support for a multi-pronged approach to improving our State’s roads. To be clear, the deterioration of our roads is a real issue. Their poor condition costs New Mexicans thousands of dollars annually according to recent studies.

So, we applaud the focus on roads in Santa Fe. Sadly, SB 2 which would add $1.5 billion in road funding through bonding (debt) is the wrong approach for numerous reasons. Most notably,

1. New Mexico has been in a budget bonanza with rapidly increased spending (80 percent general fund growth since Lujan Grisham took office). There should never have been a shortage of road funds or deteriorating conditions on our roads in the first place. The Legislature and Gov. should use plentiful existing funds to improve and expand our roads.

2. There is $7 billion unspent capital outlay available that could be repurposed by the Legislature to essential transportation projects like roads.

3. Perhaps worst of all, the bill would increase taxes and fees to generate additional revenue for the State Road Fund, including a 35% increase to the weight-distance tax on heavy commercial vehicles and a 25% increase to vehicle registration fees.

New Mexicans should not be forced to pay for the unwillingness of the Legislature and Gov. to properly fund the most basic government services (basic infrastructure). This is especially true when the watchword nationwide is “affordability.” Raising taxes and taking on new debt when government has plenty of money and has had it for years would hurt hard-working New Mexicans by making vehicle registrations more expensive and raising costs for commercial vehicles that carry freight and other items throughout our State.

While there is one positive “revenue enhancement” contained in the bill (a fee on EV’s to fund the roads since they don’t pay the gas tax) that doesn’t save this proposal from being fatally flawed. SB 2 has been rated as a -6 out of a possible +8 to -8 in the Rio Grande Foundation’s Freedom Index.

The Legislature should remove the tax hikes from SB 2 and instead prioritize the use of existing revenues to provide needed infrastructure improvements. New Mexico consistently is ranked poorly on a variety of governance issues. One of the biggest reasons is that our elected officials prioritize new spending on things like “free” childcare while neglecting basic needs like roads.

The 30-day session is still in its early days. There is ample time to improve SB 2 and remove unnecessary tax and fee increases.

Paul Gessing is president of New Mexico’s Rio Grande Foundation. The Rio Grande Foundation is an independent, tax-exempt research and educational organization.

Winter activities planned for New Mexico ski resorts

Michael Smith
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Winter activities planned for New Mexico ski resorts

Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press
msmith@currentargus.com

A ranch rodeo, a Mardi Gras party and a weekend of family fun await skiers and other visitors at northern New Mexico ski resorts this month, according to the Ski New Mexico website.

At Red River Ski and Summer Area in Taos County, a ski ranch rodeo is set for 4 p.m. Saturday.

“It’s a lively event that brings Wild West heritage to life next to the slopes,” says Ski New Mexico.

Teams of three skiers or snowboarders can hit the slopes combining ranching traditions such as roping, branding and barrel racing, according to the Red River website. The team with the fastest time wins.

The fun in Red River continues with Mardi Gras in the Mountains Feb. 12-17.

“Dive into the festive spirit with events taking place all over town, including our colorful Mardi Gras parade showcasing dazzling floats, eye-catching costumes with lively music,” reads the Red River Ski and Summer area website.

Sipapu Ski and Summer Area offers a weekend of family festivities with a snow castle, a mountain-wide scavenger hunt and prizes. The February Fun Fest weekend starts at 9 a.m. Feb. 21 as the snow castle opens and the plushie scavenger hunt gets underway, according to Sipapu’s website: “The mountain team hides plush animals on the mountain – find one and it’s yours to keep.”

At 9 a.m. on Feb. 22, the snow castle opens featuring costumes, races, and games.

Reported snow conditions as of Tuesday, Feb. 3

(Information provided by Ski New Mexico)

Angel Fire Resort had a base depth of 21 inches with 61 of 95 trails open.

Pajarito Mountain had a 10-inch base with 20 of 53 trails open.

Red River Ski and Summer Area had a 20-inch base with 36 of 64 trails open.

Sandia Peak Ski had a base depth of 12 inches with 2 of 4 trails open.

Sipapu Ski and Summer Area had a base depth of 33 inches with 40 of 55 trails open.

Ski Santa Fe had a base depth of 30 inches with 83 of 89 trails open.

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

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

Wagner seeks District 4 slot on Artesia City Council

Michael Smith
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Wagner seeks District 4 slot on Artesia City Council

Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press
msmith@currentargus.com

Editor’s note: The Artesia Daily Press has submitted questionnaires to each candidate for Artesia City Council and mayor running in this year’s municipal elections on March 3. The paper is publishing each of the responses in the order they are received.

Charles Morgan Wagner II is a 36-year-old Artesia native and resident who is running for the Artesia City Council seat currently occupied by Dickie Townley, who decided not to seek another term. Wagner is facing former councilor Terry Hill in the March election.

What made you decide to run for this office?

“I decided to run because Artesia is home for my family, and I care deeply about its future. I want to be a voice on City Council that listens to residents, asks good questions and helps make thoughtful decisions for our city.”

What is your day-one priority if elected?

“My priority would be to gain a clear understanding of current projects and challenges, and most importantly to hear directly from residents in District 4. Building relationships with city staff, first responders and fellow councilors will be critical so that I can be effective, informed and ready to contribute.”

What do you see as the biggest needs for City Council, and what can you do as a councilor to meet those needs?

“One of our biggest needs is staying focused on core city responsibilities which I believe are public safety, infrastructure and reliable services while also being mindful of the city’s budget.”

How would like you to see the City of Artesia spend tax revenue for city services?

“I believe tax revenues should be spent responsibly and prioritized toward essential services that benefit the entire community. I also think it’s important to budget carefully and ensure taxpayers understand how their money is being spent.”

What can the City Council do to improve municipal services such as road maintenance for Artesia residents, especially those living in rural areas of the city?

“I believe the City Council should take a proactive approach by prioritizing repairs based on need and ensuring that less populated or less traveled roads are not overlooked. This requires listening to residents and coordinating closely with city staff, which will help improve consistency and service delivery.”

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

Swim team wins invitational on Senior Day

Michael Smith
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Swim team wins invitational on Senior Day

JT Keith
Artesia Daily Press
jtkeith@elritomedia.com

The Artesia Bulldogs boys swim team won the Artesia Swim Invitational on Jan. 31. The girls team placed second at the event, which was held at the Artesia Aquatics Center.

“It was really exciting,” Artesia swim coach Andrea Ciro said. “We have five seniors graduating who have been a part of our team for the last five years. Two of them are my sons (Alec and Aidan).”

Ciro said it was a bittersweet day for her because it was one of the last meets for her sons. The team set some state-qualifying times during the meet.

Ciro said the team was close to breaking some school records and looks forward to breaking those in the following weeks.

Ciro said she is happy with her team, and even though they are young, they have improved as the season has gone along, getting faster and faster.

Ciro said that coaching her twin sons, Alec and Aidan, has been great and that she is saddened that this is her last year coaching them in high school.

“Coaching them has been great,” Ciro said. “Both of them have been motivated to lead their team. They know this is their last year, and they want to leave a strong culture and tradition for those coming up next.”

Ciro said one of her favorite memories of coaching her sons is from last year, when one of the relay teams qualified for state by hundreds of a second.

“Aidan had a great season last year,” Ciro said. “He broke a lot of team records last year. During their relays, they almost beat Albuquerque Academy (at state), which is a tremendous feat for Artesia. They (Alec and Aidan) were really pumped at that meet.”

The team will host the district tournament on Saturday, Feb. 7, at 11 a.m.

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

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