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Opinion: Christmas, then and now

Michael Smith
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Opinion: Christmas, then and now

Cal Thomas

Perhaps some of the worst people to explain the real meaning of Christmas are those who claim to believe in its central message, but have trouble communicating it. Like the secularists, they try to define it on their own terms rather than let God speak for Himself.

The reason for Christmas is easy to explain, but difficult for many to understand.

Why would a Holy God offer up His only Son to sinful people who would reject and ultimately crucify Him? Part of the reason I think is that too many of us define love as what we feel for another person, a pet, a favorite restaurant or a sports team. Feelings come and go (consider divorce, a bad meal, a dead pet and several losing seasons). Human love is conditional and often based on emotion, physical appearance and sexual gratification.

God’s love is different. It is He who defines the word by His nature and actions. If His love was conditional on how we feel toward Him, or our behavior, He would have stopped loving us and wiped out the human race as He nearly did in the age of Noah (look it up if you think that was only about saving animals and plants).

1 John 4:8-10 says it best: “God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

That last part is what’s difficult to grasp for many of us sinners. That’s because the very word “sin” offends and seems from another age. Today, if we consider we have faults it is because we are “dysfunctional,” or we blame others, such as our parents. But the Scriptures tell us we are born with a sinful inclination, which it also says is why we must be born a second time through a spiritual rebirth. Think of sin as a birth defect, though a medical condition can often be repaired. Sin can’t be repaired by human effort. A Holy God must judge sin in Jesus’ sacrificial death, or He must judge it in those who refuse to repent. Otherwise, He would not be holy.

See what I mean by easy to explain, but difficult to understand?

When Donald Trump first ran for president, I asked him because of his strong support from evangelical Christians if he had ever felt the need to repent? He said no, but perhaps someday he would. Repentance is a necessary act for salvation, say the Scriptures. It’s difficult for many to do that because of pride which “goes before the fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)

So go ahead as the song from the musical “Mame” says, and “Haul out the holly. … For we need a little Christmas right this very minute. Candles at the window, carols at the spinet…” But let’s not reduce the real meaning of Christmas to decorations and manger scenes on the lawn. It is far more than that. It is God becoming a Man, living a perfect life, dying in our place and rising from the dead, which was witnessed by hundreds, so that God’s justice would be satisfied and we could spend eternity with him in a sinless and forgiven place called Heaven.

Focus on that and your Christmas Day – and every day – will be merry and bright.

Readers may email Cal Thomas at tcaeditors@tribpub.com. Look for Cal Thomas’ latest book “A Watchman in the Night: What I’ve Seen Over 50 Years Reporting on America” (HumanixBooks).

Artesians celebrating New Year’s with a bang

Michael Smith
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Artesians celebrating New Year’s with a bang

Photos by Mike Smith, Artesia Daily Press

Artesia residents wanting to buy fireworks to celebrate 2026 made a last-minute stop at Amy’s Fireworks on First Street on Wednesday.

Manon Arnett-Wilson of Amy’s said fireworks sales started Dec. 28 and would conclude New Year’s Eve at 8 p.m.

“There is a one-week window to shoot fireworks for New Year’s (in New Mexico),” she said.

Arnett-Wilson said Amy’s Artesia location had been around for 26 years and Wednesday was the busiest day for the sales period.

“(Business) always comes at the end,” she said.

Lack of snow has not stopped other offerings at ski resorts

Michael Smith
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Lack of snow has not stopped other offerings at ski resorts

Mike Smith

Artesia Daily Press

msmith@currentargus.com

A mild winter hasn’t dampened the enthusiasm of one trade organization dedicated to promoting winter sports in New Mexico as ski resorts continue to adapt to the challenging conditions.

Christy Germscheid, executive director of Ski New Mexico, said Christmas and New Year’s brought holiday celebrations even with the lack of snowfall forcing resort operators to rely on other options to draw crowds.

Red River Ski and Summer Area offered a torchlight parade and fireworks show on New Year’s Eve. Torchlight parades and fireworks were slated for Jan. 3 and Jan. 10 at the northern New Mexico resort, according to the Red River website.

Angel Fire Resort offered a New Year’s Eve toast along with a torchlight parade and fireworks show.

Angel Fire offered free hot chocolate and s’mores along with live music on New Year’s weekend.

Germscheid, an Angel Fire resident, said the far northern New Mexico resort was coping with the warmer than average weather.

“We get the crowds. They are committed, they are here. They may just be skiing two or three days,” she said.

She said other ski resorts in New Mexico offered horseback riding and hayrides during Christmas and New Year’s.

“Places will do live music and throw a party,” Germscheid said.

The National Weather Service in Albuquerque forecasted continued dry and mild weather for New Mexico ski resorts for New Year’s weekend with temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above normal.

Germscheid was optimistic more snow would fall in New Mexico as winter wears on.

“It is forecasted for this weather pattern to turn around,” she said.

Here are reported New Mexico skiing conditions as of Tuesday, Dec. 30.

(Information provided by Ski New Mexico)

Angel Fire Resort had a 6-inch base with 9 of 55 trails open.

Red River Ski and Summer Area had a 20-inch base with 14 of 64 trails open.

Sipapu Ski and Summer Area had a 12-inch base with 8 of 44 trails open.

Ski Apache had a 4-inch base with 2 of 55 trails open.

Ski Santa Fe had an 18-inch base with 27 of 90 trails open.

Taos Ski Valley had a 19-inch base with 19 of 120 trails open.

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

Artesia Police blotter

Michael Smith
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Artesia Police blotter

Dec 10

THREATS

10:14 am – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of W. Richardson Ave. in reference to threats.

LOUD

12:41 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to loud music.

DOMESTIC

12:59 pm – Officer dispatched to N. Pine St. and E. Richey Ave. in reference to domestic.

WELFARE

1:14 pm – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of S. Yates St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

ACCIDENT

1:51 pm – Officer dispatched to N. 1st St. and E. Main St. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

WELFARE

2:14 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of W. James Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

2:26 pm – Officer dispatched to 2000 block of W. Main St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

ACCIDENT

2:49 pm – Officer dispatched to 800 block of S. 1st St. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

LARCENY

3:07 pm – Officer dispatched to 400 block of W. Quay Ave. in reference to larceny.

ACCIDENT

5:05 pm – Officer dispatched to S. 11th St. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

FIGHT

6:43 pm – Officer dispatched to 400 block of S. 20th St. in reference to a fight in progress.

9:36 pm – Officer dispatched to 400 block of S. 20th St. in reference to a fight in progress.

Dec. 11

DISTURBANCE

12:54 am – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to disturbance.

WELFARE

10:24 am – Officer dispatched to 900 block of W. Texas Ave. in reference to the welfare of an child.

10:51 am – Officer dispatched to 800 block of S. Roselawn Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

DISTURBANCE

1:53 pm – Officer dispatched to 2700 block of W. Menefee Ave. in reference to neighborly disturbance.

THREATS

4:15 pm – Officer dispatched to 1500 block of W. Cannon Ave. in reference to Threats.

4:53 pm – Officer dispatched to 800 block of W. Richardson Ave. in reference to threats.

HARASSMENT

4:43 pm – Officer dispatched to N. 13th St. and W. Richey Ave. in reference to harassment.

SUSPICIOUS

6:18 pm – Officer dispatched to W. Cleveland Ave. in reference to a suspicious person.

6:54 pm – Officer dispatched to 1400 block of Champ Clark Dr. in reference to a suspicious person.

7:5 pm – Officer dispatched to 1500 block of W. Bush Ave. in reference to a suspicious person.

WELFARE

7:09 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 13th St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

Arrest

Dec. 12

Luz Elena T. Aguirre arrested for burglary attempt to commit a felony fraud, forgery of will, deed, mortgage, real estate property.

SUSPICIOUS

8:01 am – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to suspicious activity.

WELFARE

11:36 am – Officer dispatched to 1400 block of W. Gilchrist Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

UNWANTED

12:18 pm- Officer dispatched to 1400 block of W. Gilchrist Ave. in reference to an unwanted subject.

SUSPICIOUS

2:05 pm – Officer dispatched to S. 20th St. W. Main St. in reference to a suspicious person.

VANDAL

2:19 pm – Officer dispatched to 900 block of W. Washington Ave. in reference to a vandal.

LARCENY

3:08 p – Officer dispatched to 110 W. Mahone Dr. in reference to larceny.

ACCIDENT

4:39 pm – Officer dispatched to 600 block of N. 26th St. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

THREATS

5:51 pm – Officer dispatched to 200 block of N. 13th Rural St. in reference to threats.

VANDAL

6:41 pm – Officer dispatched to S. 13th St. and W. Richardson Ave. in reference to vandal.

ACCIDENT

7:04 pm – Officer dispatched to S. 13th St. and W. Richardson Ave. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

WANTED

8:45 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to a wanted subject.

Dec. 13

Arrest

Thomas Petterson arrested for battery.

Tabytha Leann Carrasco Lopez arrested for criminal trespass.

WELFARE

11:10 am – Officer dispatched to S. 4th St. and W. Quay Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

WANTED

1:07 pm – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to a wanted subject.

SUSPICIOUS

1:14 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of W. Cleveland Ave. in reference to a suspicious trespass.

LARCENY

1:26 pm – Officer dispatched to 1400 block of W. Hank Ave. in reference to larceny.

DOMESTIC

4:05 pm – Officer dispatched to 3500 block of W. Grand Ave. in reference to physical domestic.

ACCIDENT

4:33 pm –  Officer dispatched to 1000 block of S. 20th St. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

UNWANTED

6:56 pm – Officer dispatched to 1300 block of S. 1st St. in reference to an unwanted subject.

SUSPICIOUS

7:04 pm – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to a suspicious person.

DOMESTIC

7:38 pm – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to domestic.

DISTURBANCE

7:40 pm – Officer dispatched to 800 block of S. 1st St. in reference to disturbance.

BATTERY

7:54 pm – Officer dispatched to 200 block of S. 1st St. in reference to battery.

ABUSE

9:12pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 13th St. in reference to abuse.

SUSPICIOUS

9:23 pm- Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. Cleveland Ave. in reference to a suspicious trespass.

FIGHT

10:09 pm – Officer dispatched to 600 block of N. 8th St. in reference to a fight in progress.

Dec. 14

Arrest

Adriana Valdez De Macias arrested for DWI.

Amanda Fuentez Ortega arrested for criminal trespass.

John Michael Wesson arrested for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs.

SUSPICIOUS

12:10 am – Officer dispatched to 800 block of S. Roselawn Ave. in reference to a suspicious person.

DOMESTIC

12:30 am – Officer dispatched to 900 block of S. 2nd St. in reference to domestic.

DWI

2:23 am – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of W. 20th St. in reference to a DWI arrest.

DOMESTIC

10:24 am – Officer dispatched to 2500 block of W. Bush Ave. in reference to domestic.

SUSPICIOUS

3:21 pm – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of N. Roselawn Ave. in reference to a suspicious person.

WELFARE

4:11 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 13th St. in reference to the welfare of a child.

BATTERY

4:27 pm – Officer dispatched to 1400 block of W. Gilchrist Ave. in reference to battery.

UNWANTED

5:49 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to an unwanted subject.

ACCIDENT

6:49 pm – Officer dispatched to 1700 block of S. 21st St. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

SUSPICIOUS

7:40 pm – Officer dispatched to 1400 block of W. Hank Ave. in reference to suspicious activity.

DISTURBANCE

8:21 pm – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to disturbance.

WELFARE

8:43 pm- Officer dispatched to 2500 block of S. Permian Pavilion in reference to the welfare of an adult.

DOMESTIC

8:49 pm- Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to domestic.

ACCIDENT

9:22 pm – Officer dispatched to 1800 block of W. Feather in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

DOMESTIC

10:16 pm – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of W. Missouri Ave. in reference to domestic.

SHOTS FIRED

10:21 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to shots fired in the area.

Dec. 15

Arrest

Mariah Denziel Ornelas arrested for contempt of court, failure to comply.

WANTED

9:17 am – Officer dispatched to 3300 block of W. Main St. in reference to a wanted subject.

SUSPICIOUS

1:08 pm – Officer dispatched to 1400 block of W. Main St. in reference to a suspicious person.

DISTURBANCE

6:05 pm – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to disturbance.

WELFARE

7:42 pm – Officer dispatched to 500 block of W. Cleveland Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

BATTERY

8:28 pm – Officer dispatched to 1100 bloc of N. 1st St. in reference to battery.

Dec. 16

Kyle Andrew Luna arrested for resisting, evading, obstructing an officer.

INCORRIGIBLE

12:48 am – Officer dispatched to 700 block of W. Lolita Ave. in reference to an incorrigible child.

ACCIDENT

8:04 am – Officer dispatched to S. 12th St. and W. Grand Ave. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

INDECENT EXPOSURE

9:38 am – Officer dispatched to 900 block of N. 13th St. in reference to indecent exposure.

ALARM

11:32 am – Officer dispatched to 900 block of W. Cleveland Ave. in reference to a burglary alarm.

FIGHT

12:00 pm – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of W. Bullock Ave. in reference to a fight in progress.

ACCIDENT

3:27 pm -Officer dispatched to 600 block of W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

WELFARE

3:29 pm – Officer dispatched to 1400 block of W. Main St. in reference to the welfare of and adult.

ARMED SUBJECT

6:07 pm -Officer dispatched to 800 block of W. Lolita Ave. in reference to an armed subject.

DISTURBANCE

8:47 pm – Officer dispatched to 1400 block of W. Gilchrist Ave. in reference to disturbance.

LARCENY

9:03 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 13th St. in reference to larceny.

WELFARE

9:10 pm – Officer dispatched to 1200 block of W. Centre Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

DOMESTIC

11:21 pm – Officer dispatched to 900 block of S. 2nd St. in reference to verbal domestic.

UNWANTED

1:34 pm – Officer dispatched to 1300 block of W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to an unwanted subject.

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.

Bulldog bowlers take title at Starlight Lanes

Michael Smith
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Bulldog bowlers take title at Starlight Lanes

Ken Clayton
Special to the Daily Press

The Artesia High School bowling team continued its strong run with a victory and runner-up finish in the Advanced division of the Starlight Lanes tournament in Bernalillo.

With team games of 1008 and 956, Artesia No. 1 took a 120-pin lead over their teammates of Artesia No. 2, going to the Baker game portion of the event. Ayden Gomez led Artesia No. 1 (232-211), followed by Brenden Depew (236-182), Payton DeMerritt (206-185) and Jace Miles (202-173). Artesia No. 2 saw Ayden Deans lead the way with his 233-191, Chase Collins with 208-202, Talyn Pacheco with 216 and Jurijah Gonzales with 181-180.

In high school bowling, the Baker format has five team members roll two frames per game to create a full-game score. “Baker bowling is a true team game and is difficult to produce consistent scoring,” said Bulldogs coach Ken Clayton. With seven Baker games making up the rest of the tournament, Artesia No. 2 jumped out fast with a first four-game total of 788, including a strong 233, cutting the Artesia No. 1 lead to 16 pins. With the tournament on the line, Artesia No. 1 rolled a game five 232 and final game seven 233 to complete its second win of the season.

“Each week the kids compete against the entire state, so no matter the school classification, consistently seeing our top two teams battle it out for the tournament title shows both their talent and their effort,” Clayton said.

With 15 bowlers competing in just their second tournament, it was great to see the Artesia No. 6 Rookie team win its second event of the season.

“Our new bowlers are improving every week and seeing the results of their work on the lanes,” Clayton said. Artesia No. 6 was led by Ethan Longoria with a 146, Phoebe Green with 132, Kenzlee Cabezuela with 122 and Exaviar Corza with 120.

Other Artesia bowlers scoring well at Starlight Lanes were Edwin Villarreal with 204-191, Justin Rodriguez with 203, Brent McIntire with 176, Garyn Usherwood with 175, Diego Molina with 167, Peyton Troost with 166, Adam Longoria with 162, Ashlyn McIntire with 153 and Katherine Lewis with 148.

Cannon sets air show for June 6

Michael Smith
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Cannon sets air show for June 6

El Rito Media News Services

CLOVIS — Cannon Air Force Base has scheduled a commemorative air show — “Normandy to Now” — for June 6.

According to a Cannon news release:

“This event honors the legacy of the D-Day landings while showcasing the evolution of America’s unconventional airpower from WWII to today.”

Admission will be free, but tickets will be required, the release states.

As part of the air show, the base plans to host a fly-in and car show.

“Attendees will experience a full lineup of aerial demonstrations, including performances by modern Department of War aircraft, WWII-era warbirds, and aerial performances from civilian pilots as well as Cannon’s own Air Commandos,” the release states.

“Historic displays, hands-on activities, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics exhibits will also be included in the day’s events.”

Information on tickets and how to register for the fly-in and the car show will be coming soon, the release states.

For more information visit www.cannon.af.mil/

Jones heads Hall of Fame class

Michael Smith
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Jones heads Hall of Fame class

JT Keith
Artesia Daily Press
jtkeith@elritomedia.com

The New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame will welcome five new members to its ranks on June 29, with Artesia’s Landry Jones highlighting the list.

The class includes Miles Watters, who has won more than a dozen state titles as a basketball and track-and-field coach at Clovis and former University of New Mexico Lobo Courtney Frerichs, who competed in the 3,000-meter steeplechase and won the NCAA title in 2015 and a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Also included are Anita Maxwell, New Mexico State basketball’s all-time scoring leader, and John Fields, a Las Cruces native and UNM All-American golfer, who has been a three-time national Coach of the Year at Texas.

Jones, who is an offensive analyst for the University of Tennessee, is helping the Volunteers prepare to face Illinois at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 30 in the Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl.

Jones led the Bulldogs to two straight Class 4A state championships and finished with 7,013 passing yards and 89 touchdowns. His senior season produced 3,433 yards and 45 touchdowns, without an interception. In the 2007 state title game against Goddard, Jones threw for 325 yards and seven touchdowns, a school record. 247Sports.com ranked him as a five-star recruit; Rivals.com and Scout.com each ranked him as a four-star recruit. Those recruiting services rated him as the highest-ranked prospect ever from the state, and Jones won the New Mexico Class 4A Player of the Year.

Jones signed with the University of Oklahoma and took over for Sam Bradford in 2009. He led the Sooners to a 31-27 Sun Bowl victory over Stanford as a freshman and later guided Oklahoma to a 48-20 Fiesta Bowl win over Connecticut in January 2011.

Jones held Oklahoma’s records for passing yards (16,646), touchdown passes (123), completions (1,388), attempts (2,184) and 300-yard games (27). He also earned Second Team All-Big 12 honors twice and delivered 12 career 400-yard passing performances.

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Jones in the fourth round with the 115th pick of the 2013 NFL Draft and he spent multiple seasons as a backup quarterback, appearing in games from 2015 to 2017. His NFL career included stints with the Steelers, Jaguars and Raiders before he joined the Dallas Renegades of the XFL in 2020. Across his NFL appearances, he threw for 1,310 yards with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing nearly 64% of his passes.

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

Opinion: Slouching toward open season on Jews

Michael Smith
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Opinion: Slouching toward open season on Jews

Victor Davis Hanson

Jews celebrating Hanukkah were just slaughtered by Muslim gunmen on an Australian beach, in an imitation of the October 7 massacres.

An inert Europe is canceling Christmas celebrations out of fear of threats of violence from Muslim minorities. In the West, when an Islamist shoots a Jew, politicians often offer two bizarre remedies: gun control or a task force to tackle Islamophobia.

Yet, our political class rarely offers data on the overwhelming preponderance of targeting Jews rather than Muslims, much less the vast disparity in Jewish-on-Muslim versus Muslim-on-Jewish violence.

To catalog all the recent violence against Jews in the Western world would fill a book.

We know the causes. Anemic Western leaders — politicians, college presidents, media grandees, and celebrities — fear Muslim terrorism, growing Muslim voters, and their own growing antisemitic campus constituencies.

So, they never call out antisemitic violence other than with nauseating nothings like, “Such violence has no place here.” Or “We condemn such violence in the utmost terms.” Or “This is not who we are.”

The prime minister of Australia — a country that produced some of the most heroic soldiers of World War I and II and still is a bulwark of the West in the Pacific — goes through a series of linguistic contortions daily to avoid identifying the threat to Jews and how to stop it. He talks as if guns were animate and murdered Jews without the aid of radical Islamic killers.

So nothing much follows in the West, and Jews are becoming the hunted. The attacks will increase because there is no foreseeable force to combat them.

Just a few years ago, it used to be that antisemitism was mostly on the left and repugnantly identifiable and condemnable by most.

In 2009, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright grew angry against his former favorite parishioner, then newly elected President Barack Obama, and scoffed in anger, “Them Jews ain’t going to let him talk to me.”

Many leftist icons used to voice blatant antisemitism, such as Jesse Jackson (“Hymietown”), Al Sharpton (“If the Jews want to get it on, tell them to pin their yarmulkes back and come over to my house”), or Louis Farrakhan (“your gutter religion”).

Do we remember the utterances of once White House press corps liberal icon Helen Thomas (“Jews should get the hell out of Palestine. They should go home to Poland, Germany, America, and everywhere else.”)?

Their left-wing legacy is now amplified by Rep. Ilhan Omar (“It’s all about the Benjamins, baby”). The so-called Squad, New York Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani, the “The Democratic Socialists of America,” and the legions of campus protestors never disown the slogan, “Palestine will be free from the river to the sea” — a call to destroy the current state of Israel and everyone in it — because they either all believe in it or assume their clueless followers have no idea what it means.

Again, when the elite say, “River to the sea,” does that mean they will erase all the Jews in Israel but spare its two-million-Arab citizenry, about the only Arabs in the entire Middle East who vote in free and fair elections and enjoy constitutional rights?

Of course, no left-wing Westerner visiting the Middle East would wish to publicly express his free speech, atheism, or pro-gay/trans support either in the West Bank or in Gaza.

The combination of providing DEI exemptions to biased minority activists, the anti-Israel and antisemitic indoctrination in universities, and no-borders immigration has turned the Democratic Party into the natural home of those who dislike Israel in particular and feel free to demonize Jews in general.

Indeed, most polls show that 60 percent of Democrats favor the Palestinians over the Israelis. Translated, that means they prefer a terrorist autocracy over a Western liberal constitutional government.

The right used to be a unified corrective to left-wing antisemitism. It still polls nearly 70% in favor of Israel. For a while longer, it is far more likely to condemn antisemitic violence than the left.

But recently, its own base, in varying degrees, has come full circle and joined the left in its distaste for Israel and Jews in general.

The new anti-Israel right despises Israel and the U.S. support of it, either in terms that are commercial (there are more Arabs, with more money and oil), cowardly (trashing Jews does not earn terrorist reprisals; rebuking Muslims can), political (Jews more often vote Democratic), or simply antisemitic (cabals of Jews control Wall Street, Hollywood, the media, etc.).

Once-fringe antisemites like Nick Fuentes are now welcomed to air their views openly, but mostly the conspiracy venom is of the more insidious sort, like “I’m just throwing this out there…” or “Here is something to consider…”

In the last few weeks, we have been told — without any evidence — by right-wing influencers that the Jews may well have had a hand in killing Charlie Kirk, in bombing an Iranian nuclear facility, in pressuring the Maduro kleptocracy, and in the 9/11 slaughter.

One hallmark of the new right-wing furor against Jews and Israel is the strange symbiosis they employ. Formerly edgy podcasters become vicarious hosts of virulent antisemites. The partnerships are a way of not directly owning up to their toxicity but just “putting it out there.”

Candace Owens initially championed Kanye West (“I’m a bit sleepy tonight but when I wake up, I’m going death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE.”).

Then she graduated to expressing her own old antisemitic tropes: “There is just a very small ring of specific people who are using the fact that they are Jewish to shield themselves from any criticism. … All Americans should want answers because this appears to be something that is quite sinister.”

Tucker Carlson hosted critics of the U.S. effort against Hitler in World War II and Israel-behind-it conspiracists before escalating to inviting Nick Fuentes on in a mostly friendly manner — which might be attributed to his interview format, except he has attacked fellow conservatives far more than has odious Fuentes.

But now Carlson himself too throws out story-line hints about just maybe Jews’ involvement in Charlie Kirk’s death, or a sort of/kind of Jewish effort behind 9/11, or perhaps it was those Jews eating humus, not the Roman prefect of Judea who ordered Jesus killed for supposed sedition — a common fate of any provincial residents who even appeared to defy the absolute authority of the Roman imperial state.

Carlson strangely categorized Israel as an “insignificant” country. But is not Israel a democratic Western outpost in a sea of Middle East autocracy, the most technically advanced and scientifically sophisticated nation for its size in the world, and the ancient home of the Judeo-Christian tradition?

Somehow, many on the right forgot who funds the virulently anti-American mouthpiece Al-Jazeera, or where the 9/11 murderers came from, or who has killed Americans in Syria, Lebanon, and on the Red Sea, and or whom the Muslim Brotherhood, ISIS, and theocratic Iran have vowed to destroy.

And as for October 7 and what followed, Israel waited in vain for nearly three weeks for Hamas to give up the 3,000 terrorists who murdered 1,219 Jews, wounded 3,400, and took 254 hostages before mounting a full invasion of Gaza.

Where does it all end?

Either there will be an 11th-hour Western intolerance of antisemitism, a limit of student visas and immigration from the illiberal nations of the Middle East, a return to melting pot assimilation, an end to DEI tribalism, and a reform of the weaponized university curricula, or we will see more images of gunmen shooting Jews as if they were mere animals.

Victor Davis Hanson is a distinguished fellow of the Center for American Greatness. He is a classicist and historian at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University, and the author of “The Second World Wars: How the First Global Conflict Was Fought and Won,” from Basic Books.

4-H reaching out to urban members

Michael Smith
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4-H reaching out to urban members

NMSU News Center

Since joining 4-H in 2015, Savannah Tuss has tried her hand at many different activities, including photography, baking, raising animals and competing in shooting sports, all with much success.

4-H has also helped the Albuquerque teen become more comfortable at public speaking and taking on leadership roles. “It’s just become part of who I am,” said Tuss, now a New Mexico State University Global Campus student. “4-H introduced me to new people and new things that I never would have come across if I hadn’t joined.”

As the largest youth development organization in America, 4-H empowers nearly six-million kids and teens through hands-on projects that teach life skills. In New Mexico, more than 40,000 youth from all 33 counties engage in 4-H activities offered through NMSU’s Cooperative Extension Service.

Tuss began her 4-H journey at age 8. She grew up in a military family in Albuquerque and joined the program at her grandmother’s urging. Tuss said she initially had reservations but quickly warmed up to the camaraderie of her club. It didn’t take long for Tuss to find a place among her peers and climb up the county ranks.

“It’s my favorite thing ever,” she said.

Now in her last year in county 4-H, Tuss is working to make it easier for youth in military families to participate in the program on their own terms. This effort is part of her role as the state 4-H military ambassador, an elected position she holds through the end of the 2025-2026 academic year.

Her message to young people in urban areas is simple: “You are one of us, even if you’re not from a traditional 4-H background.”

Jaime Castillo hopes to take a similar message across New Mexico as he works to reach more youth as the new department head for 4-H Youth Development at NMSU.

“I want to help the 4-H program serve all youth communities in New Mexico,” Castillo said. “I am committed to our traditional programs and want to expand our network so that we can offer more programs to more youth from corner to corner throughout New Mexico.”

Castillo points to the success of the 4-H Fridays program as an innovative way of engaging youth. The program brings 4-H into classrooms at an Albuquerque elementary school.

In 2016, Stephani Treadwell, the principal of Collet Park Elementary School, sought new ways to help students succeed. For help, she turned to Brittany Sonntag, the 4-H agent at the Bernalillo County Extension Office, who transformed the traditional 4-H curriculum to fit within the school day. The school now provides 4-H activities to its students.

As a result, student attendance, behaviors and academic performance have improved across the board.

“The 4-H Fridays program shows that when we meet youth in their classrooms, we remove barriers to participation and open the door for every student to belong,” Sonntag said.

RaeAnna Gallegos had similar success starting an after-school 4-H club at her old middle school in Albuquerque’s South Valley. Gallegos is possibly the first — and perhaps the only — 4-H member in Bernalillo County to help launch such a program.

The idea came to Gallegos as a sixth grader at Ernie Pyle Middle School.

“I had already seen how 4-H builds leadership, sparks community service and grows confidence,” she said. “I knew my friends deserved those same opportunities.”

The program became a reality by the time Gallegos entered eighth grade. It makes 4-H activities and projects available to students after the school day. Gallegos said students learn many skills that “help them learn how to thrive in their daily lives.”

Now in high school, Gallegos views the program as proof that 4-H has a place within cities.

“I raise my animals right here in Albuquerque, and that’s exactly what makes Bernalillo County 4-H unique,” she said. “In an urban setting, we make it happen — and we do it together.”

The top 10 Artesia sports moments of the Year

Michael Smith
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The top 10 Artesia sports moments of the Year

JT Keith
Artesia Daily Press
jtkeith@elritomedia.com

Before the year concludes, the Daily Press is looking back at the 10 best Artesia sports moments of 2025.

10. The Artesia girls softball team makes it to the semifinals at the state playoffs, losing against Lovington.

9. The Artesia volleyball team loses in the state semifinals to St. Pius X.

8. The Artesia boys soccer team goes on a 13-game winning streak and finishes with an 18-4 record and is undefeated in district play. The team defeated Los Alamos in the quarterfinals, advancing to its first semifinal game against St. Pius X.

7. The Artesia girls soccer team goes 18-4 and undefeated in district, advancing to the quarterfinals on an Aubrie Edwards save as a goalie. Edwards then made the game-winning penalty kick to give the Lady ’Dogs a 2-1 win over Goddard at Robert Chase Field.

6. The Artesia Bulldog golf team becomes the runner-up behind state champions Albuquerque Academy. Freshman Beau Byers earned the individual third-place medal at the Class 4A State Golf Tournament at Pinon Hills in Farmington.

5. The Bulldogs boys track team finishes as the runner-up to Albuquerque Academy, 74.5-71, at the state meet.

4. The Bulldogs bowling team finishes as runner-up in the state tournament.

3. The Bulldogs football team wins its 33rd state championship with a 25-24 victory against Roswell with 24 seconds left to play in the game.

2. The boys baseball team wins its first championship since 2000.

1. The boys basketball team wins its third title and first since 1997.

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

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