The holidays are near. If you want to have a unique experience, consider visiting the Lincoln Nation Forest to harvest your perfect Christmas tree. The Christmas tree season runs from Thursday, Nov. 13th to Wednesday, Dec. 31st. Permits cost $10 with a $2.50 service fee and allow you to harvest one tree.
Where to cut your tree
* Do not cut on private land, in wilderness areas, within 300 feet of a designated campground or trail, within 100 feet of a paved road or in areas that have been planted with new trees.
* Do not cut in active timber sale areas.
Selecting your tree
* Your tree must not exceed 10 feet in height.
* Take the whole tree. Do not remove the top of the tree; cut down the entire tree.
* If snow is on the ground, remove it from around the stump so you can accurately measure the stump and tree height.
* Please print and display your permit on the dashboard of your vehicle.
Helpful tips
* Before you leave home, be sure to measure the space where you plan to place the tree in your home (height and width), and measure the space in your vehicle where you will be transporting the tree.
* Cell service may be spotty or unavailable. Be sure someone knows where you are and when to expect you back.
* Check the latest weather conditions, forest warnings and road closures before you leave on your trip.
* Dress warmly and take extra dry clothes. Expect winter weather, including cold temperatures, snow and winds.
* Bring plenty of food and water with you as well as an overnight survival kit in case you become stranded.
* Park in areas so that traffic can get by safely, and do not block gates.
* Start your day early. Be sure to find your tree and leave the woods before dark.
* Pets must be on a leash.
The Lincoln National Forest spans 1.1 million acres of southeastern New Mexico, encompassing three majestic mountain ranges: Sacramento, Guadalupe, and Capitan. With elevations ranging from 4,000 to 11,500 feet, the forest boasts diverse ecosystems, from Chihuahuan desert to sub-alpine forest.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, picnicking, mountain biking, camping, and dirt bike riding. The forest is also home to Smokey Bear, the iconic symbol of forest fire prevention.
Permits can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/lincoln/permits/lincoln-national-forest-christmas-tree-permits
Christmas decorations were up Monday in downtown Artesia as Artesia MainStreet prepares for Light Up Artesia Thursday.
The fun starts at 4 p.m. at the Derrick Floor with the Jingle Bell Jog, followed by the Christmas Tree Lighting at the Derrick Floor and the Electric Light Parade at 6 p.m. Artrageous starts at 7 p.m. at The Ocotillo Performing Arts Center.
Information and photos provided by New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
With Thanksgiving behind us and the Christmas-New Year holidays in sight, ’tis the season for trout as anglers report ideal conditions in waters across New Mexico.
In northern New Mexico at Eagle Nest Lake, fishing for rainbow trout was particularly good using Salmon Peach PowerBait.
At Lake Maloya, trout fishing was good using Rainbow PowerBait.
Along the Pecos River, fishing for trout was good using worms.
Fishing for trout was fair to good using lures at Santa Cruz Reservoir.
At the Belen Riverside Drain, fishing for trout was good using salmon eggs.
Fishing for trout was fair to good using Garlic PowerBait at Fenton Lake.
Fishing for trout was particularly good using salmon eggs at the Seven Springs Kids’ Pond.
In Albuquerque at Tingley Beach, fishing for trout was fair to good using Garlic PowerBait.
In southern New Mexico, fishing for catfish at Escondida Lake was good using PowerBait.
At Bonito Lake in Lincoln County, fishing for trout was fair to good using multicolored Kastmasters, worms, and size-12 nymph flies.
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.
The likelihood of a drier, warmer winter has not dampened Christy Germscheid’s hopes for a successful ski season in New Mexico.
“I never go into a season thinking it’s going to be a rough season. We’re going to have a great season,” she said during a telephone interview on Nov. 25.
Germscheid, is the executive director of Ski New Mexico, a nonprofit organization designed to promote skiing and outdoor recreation activities across the state.
Sipapu Ski Resort opened Nov. 21 and before Thanksgiving reported a base depth of 12 inches.
Ski Apache near Ruidoso, Ski Santa Fe, Taos Ski Valley, and Red River Ski Area opened Thanksgiving weekend.
Angel Fire, Pajarito Mountain and Sandia Peak Ski Area are scheduled to open Dec. 12.
The winter weather outlook for December through March, issued Oct. 16 by the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, predicted below normal rain and snow chances for the state along with above normal temperatures.
What Mother Nature does not deliver, Germscheid said, New Mexico’s ski resorts can provide with manufactured snow.
“Resort areas are focused on improvements,” she said, noting that infrastructure at ski areas in northern and southern New Mexico was updated in 2024 and earlier this year.
A snowmaking pipe and a water main were repaired last year at Pajarito Mountain near Los Alamos and work is underway to construct a pipeline from Los Alamos to Pajarito to deliver water via a 250,000-gallon tank, according to the Pajarito Ski website.
“This infrastructure will not only expand early and late season operations but will also increase terrain availability and snow quality throughout the winter,” read a press release posted on the website. “The tank will pump water into Pajarito’s existing reservoir at the top of the mountain.“
“There have been lots of capital improvements across the board,” Germscheid said. “Snowmaking is vital to our industry. It lays a great foundation for us. It augments the natural snow.”
The Ski New Mexico website noted a new ski lift at Angel Fire, 10 new water snow guns at Red River, a rebuilt chairlift and elevator for the beginner’s ski area at Sandia, and a replaced chairlift at Ski Santa Fe.
The website also reported that Taos Ski Valley has improved its ski lift and has arranged for expanded air service to and from the resort.
Germscheid said the goal for Ski New Mexico and personnel at ski resorts is to deliver a great experience for visitors.
“It’s our business,” she said. “The holidays are coming. Snow can be annoying if you don’t get out and play in it. It becomes something you crave,” she said.
Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 extension-2361.
LORDSBURG — Both the city of Lordsburg and Hidalgo County have been awarded New Mexico Fire Protection Grant funding for 2026 projects.
The city of Lordsburg was awarded $347,500 to purchase a new Wildland Brush Truck. This apparatus is a specialized firefighting vehicle designed for rural and wildland areas, characterized by its smaller size, four-wheel drive, and ability to maneuver in rough terrain. It is equipped with a pump, water tank, hoses, and often a foam system, and is ideal for responding to vegetation fires, navigating narrow trails, and providing mobile fire suppression through “pump and roll” capabilities
Hidalgo County was awarded $500,000 to make much needed improvements to the local fire station building, located on DeMoss Street, as well as a $25,000 stipend to help offset call out fees for volunteers.
All fire departments in New Mexico that are certified and funded by the NM State Fire Marshal’s Office are eligible to apply for Fire Protection Grants.
As leaders in Gallup-McKinley County Schools (GMCS), we are committed to ensuring that every student—regardless of geography—has access to a high-quality public education. For many families, that includes the option of online learning. When done right, virtual instruction connects students in rural and tribal communities to teachers and courses that would otherwise be out of reach.
Distance education must be part of New Mexico’s education future, but only if programs meet or exceed state standards, operate transparently, and accept responsibility for results. Unfortunately, our district’s experience with Stride, Inc. (formerly K12)—a national, publicly traded virtual learning company—shows what happens when those principles are ignored and corporate profits take priority over student outcomes.
Our district’s mission is to educate students and provide them with the services they need to succeed. Stride’s mission, as we saw it, was to generate revenue. After repeated internal reviews and data analysis, GMCS identified multiple contract breaches by Stride, including failure to meet special education obligations, poor academic performance, and a lack of timely reporting to the state. Graduation rates plummeted, students became disengaged, and concerns grew about compliance with laws requiring qualified teachers and proper student–teacher ratios.
When we sought remediation, Stride delayed, deflected, and attacked those who called out its failures. In spring 2025, the GMCS Board of Education unanimously voted to terminate the contract based on the evidence. Our obligation is to students—not corporate shareholders. Since then, Stride has retaliated with lawsuits and complaints, diverting public time and resources that should be spent on education.
Our concern, however, goes beyond Gallup-McKinley County. Several other New Mexico districts have recently partnered with Stride, despite a whistleblower complaint from a former company employee alleging violations of state law and misuse of public funds. Even after those claims became public, there has been no apparent investigation by the Public Education Department or the Attorney General’s Office.
That silence raises troubling questions. If Stride’s programs are truly successful, why the secrecy? Why do graduation rates differ so sharply between Stride’s programs and traditional schools? And why has the company resisted transparency at every turn, including in response to public records requests?
Public education depends on public trust. That trust erodes when private vendors can profit from taxpayer dollars without accountability for student outcomes. Transparency is not optional—it’s both a legal and ethical requirement.
This is not an argument against online education itself. Virtual and hybrid models can play a powerful role in expanding opportunity, especially for students in remote areas. But they must be held to the same rigorous standards as any public school.
Every vendor contract should include clear performance goals, lawful student–teacher ratios, and regular public reporting. State agencies must enforce consistent oversight across all districts to prevent companies from hiding behind incomplete data or inconsistent practices. And when a vendor fails to meet its commitments, school districts must act quickly and decisively to protect students.
The lesson from our experience is not that virtual learning should be avoided, but that any program without accountability invites abuse. Private partners can provide valuable technology and expertise, but only within a framework that puts students first and informs the public every step of the way.
Virtual education will continue to grow in New Mexico. Our collective responsibility is to ensure it grows responsibly—with transparency, equity, and a steadfast commitment to student success.
When it comes to the education of New Mexico’s children, distance learning must never mean distance from accountability.
Jvanna Hanks is deputy superintendent of Gallup-McKinley County Schools.
An Artesia tradition for 34 years, the Love Feast Thanksgiving meal was hosted Nov. 21 at the Artesia Recreation Center by Trinity Temple Assembly of God.
Members of Trinity Temple Assembly of God serve Artesia residents during the Love Feast.
Amara Rodriguez and Deanna Rodriguez hold homemade signs welcoming the public to the Love Feast.
Scores of residents gathered in line Friday evening for Trinity Temple Assembly of God’s annual Love Feast.
Sayuri Guerrero (left) and Sarah Hamilton paused during the Love Feast.
Stephen Smithwick, associate pastor at Trinity Temple Assembly of God, prepared mashed potatoes during the Love Feast.
Shyan Bethke is the daughter of David and Anna Bethke. Shyan has two siblings Daisy, and Rubin. Her school activities are color guard captain, band, varsity choir, NSHSS, BPA, West Main youth, Harvest Fellowship youth.
School honors are AP World history, DC English, and honors student. Shyan’s favorite subject is English. Her activities outside of school are attending church, working out, traveling, ambassador of big future schools. Hobbies include reading, learning new things, and any creative activity.
Shyan plans to attend the university of Alabama or Cornell University to major in Sociology, law, psychology, political science, criminal justice.
Kirklyn Miller is the daughter of William and Megan Miller. Kirklyn has two siblings Breckyn and Rowan. Her school activities are NHS President, Paw Prowler, BPA. Sports include volleyball and tennis. Kirklyn’s school honors are 2023 District Volleyball Champion, 2023 District Singles Tennis, 2025 District Doubles Tennis, 2024 State Volleyball Runner up, BPA District Excel Champion. Her favorite subjects are math and government. Hobbies are Volleyball, tennis, and pickleball. Kirklyn plans to attend University of Miami, or University of Oklahoma and major in Business.
Hayli Greenwood is the daughter of Gary and Su’Ann Greenwood. Hayli has a sister Kayti. Hayli’s school activities are National Honor Society, BPA, FFA, Golf. Hayli has highest honors. Her favorite subjects are math, science, business technology/office. Outside of school she works at Top Dog carwash. Hobbies are going to the lake and hunting. Hayli plans to attend Texas Tech University to major in chemical sciences, biological sciences.
Steven Williams is the son of Ronnie and Angela Williams with four siblings Kaden, Bradley, Matthew, Elisabeth. Steven is in the National Honors Society, choir, football, golf, National Honors Society. His favorite subject is math. Steven activities outside of school Harvest Fellowship youth, and worship team. His hobbies are rubix cubes and disc golf. Steven plans to attend University of Central Oklahoma and major in BA business PGA Management program.
John the Baptist’s call to repentance is a key theme in the fourth week of our Advent series. He will be born mere months before his cousin, Jesus. John will be a child dedicated to the Lord and is an important person to the Christmas story. John will be the prophet that comes before the Messiah is announced for His earthly ministry. John was born before Jesus and will preach publicly before Jesus makes his public appearance. The Church will always recall his message to “prepare the way of the Lord” and forever challenges the faithful to examine their lives, confess their sins, and seek reconciliation with God and others. The example of John’s asceticism and dedication in his adult life serves as an inspiration for repentance. His words as a voice in the wilderness will be “repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand”. We will focus on repentance this week. What is repentance? The call to repentance is a major theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the need for individuals to turn away from sin and turn to God. Repentance is a process, a transformative process, that involves a change of mind, heart, and behavior, aligning oneself with God’s will and purposes and away from sin. When John calls the public to repent, he is speaking on behalf of God. He is challenging every person to admit their sins, turn from them, and turn to God’s ways. Proverbs 14:12 says “There is a way that appears to be right,
but in the end, it leads to death.” When we pursue our own way of living this life, no matter how committed or focused or well-intentioned our motives are, we can never meet the perfect standards of righteousness before God. That is why God sent Jesus. He came to do for us what we could never do for ourselves. John preached the message of repentance, and his message is still so very important for our generation. Have you repented and believed in Jesus? 2 Corinthians 6:2 says, “For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”
This Christmas you can make the decision to repent and follow Jesus. You can do it today. You can call on the name of the Lord right now as you read this. He is waiting for you to ask Him to forgive you and to save you from your sins. Week four of our advent series of articles focuses on repentance. There is forgiveness, and life, and joy on the other end of our humbly admitting our need for Jesus.
You know what else will bring joy to you and your family? First Baptist churches “One Night in Bethlehem”. Come enjoy a twenty-to-thirty-minute tour through a recreated city street of the birthplace of Jesus. Our event will be on the evenings, 6:00-8:30, December 12 & 13 at the Total Life Center. Come hear the story of Jesus’ birth and celebrate the reason for the season.
With four minutes left and their team down 24-11 in the Class 5A state football championship game on Saturday, the Artesia Bulldog fans started leaving the stadium in droves.
They should have stuck around to witness a remarkable comeback, as Artesia (12-1) won its 33rd state title with a last-second touchdown and a 25-24 victory over Roswell at the Bulldog Bowl.
With 24 seconds left, Bulldog quarterback Derrick Warren threw a 9-yard fade route to Jack Byers for the final winning score. The touchdown marked Artesia’s 14th point in the last 3:38 of the game.
JT Keith | Artesia Daily Press Artesia wide receiver Jack Byers catches the winning touchdown pass from quarterback Derrick Warren to win the Class 5A championship Saturday at the Bulldog Bowl.
“This group is special,” said Artesia coach Jeremy Maupin. “You saw the last two weeks; those guys came out after halftime and never gave up, and I am proud of them. Kudos to that team (Roswell), they are an excellent football team. We stole one at the end. Feels like we had the block punt, and there is already excitement, and Derrick (Warren) is like, ‘Let’s go.’ They (Artesia) never thought they were out of the game, and everyone else did. I am just so proud of these guys.”
Artesia struggles in playoffs
For much of the season, Artesia beat teams handily. But in their final two games this year, the Bulldogs struggled. That includes their state semifinal 35-30 win over Lovington last week.
When Artesia last faced Roswell (9-4), the Bulldogs took the Coyotes to the woodshed with a 42-28 thrashing on Oct. 17 at the Wool Bowl.
In the rematch on Saturday, Roswell’s offense and defense seemed to have Artesia’s number. The Coyotes raced out to a 21-3 lead with six minutes left in the third quarter, and the only points the Bulldogs could score was on a 48-yard field goal by Corbyn Dominguez right before halftime.
“I think that said that we can get some points on the board,” Dominguez said about kicking the field goal before halftime.
With six minutes left in the third, Bulldog running back Bryce “White Lightning” Parra scored on a 9-yard run. Instead of kicking the point after, Coach Maupin went for a two-point conversion as Warren hit wide receiver Trent Egeland in the corner of the end zone to make it 21-11. Parra had to leave the game with a dislocated left shoulder, and Cristian Pando replaced him.
“I dislocated my shoulder in the first quarter, and I kept playing,” Parra said. “I dislocated it twice after that. I am a champion, and we came out with the win, and that is all I care about. My team had my back.”
Fourth quarter rally
Roswell kicker Benjamin Vera added a field goal with 11 minutes to play in the game to give the Coyotes a 24-11 lead, but it was the final score Roswell would get the rest of the day.
Following another Bulldog drive and punt, Roswell struggled on its next possession and stalled at the Bulldogs’ 30-yard line. After a timeout, Roswell sent in Vera to attempt a field goal, but Artesia cornerback Charlie Campbell IV rushed in from the left and blocked the kick, which changed the momentum of the game.
“That was not supposed to go honestly,” Campbell said, “the call was for us to go up the middle, and I just went.”
After that, Warren threw a pass to receiver Sawyer Whitehead, who made an incredible catch with a Roswell defender on him. On the next play, Warren threw a 50-50 ball to Trent Egeland, who made the catch at the Roswell 10-yard line.
The Bulldogs converted three fourth downs in a row before Pando scored on an eight-yard sprint option touchdown run to the right side as Dominguez added the PAT to make the score 24-18 with 3:08 to play in the game.
Artesia running back Cristian Pando scores a touchdown to make the score 24-18 with 2:29 left to play in the game. Artesia would defeat Roswell to win the Class 5A football championship.
Maupin uses timeouts
“We knew they (Roswell) were trying to run the clock out,” Maupin said of calling all his final three timeouts in the second half. “They were in field goal range, and we thought we could get a stop and get the ball back and go down and score. We kicked it onside and Edel Villa and Campbell just made a huge play to recover the kick. Then we had guys make catches downfield. Guys who have made catches all season for us, all five of our receivers, just played well. Pando came in for Parra and made some big plays on that last drive.”
The win came despite the Artesia offense turning the ball over many times on fourth down and being sacked four times. Despite being harassed and harangued and missing throws, Warren remained unfazed. The Bulldogs converted on six fourth downs in the last 3:38, and Warren ran for three first downs on fourth-and-1 in the game.
“It was just a couple of poor throws and a slow start,” Warren said. “I just believed in our guys, and after we scored, I felt like we could do this. I made a couple of good passes, and we just started rolling from there. When we scored to make it 24-18, I was so happy because I knew if we scored again, we were up. I felt the crowd and our sidelines come back into the game, and it was just a good environment to play in. I just put hope into my guys, and we won.”
“Our guys never gave up,” Maupin said. “We could never get into a rhythm until the end. We have a big group coming back. Every year, they feel like it’s their turn, so we will see what happens. I’m so proud of every senior. At one time, 21 of 22 seniors were starting, showing the group’s depth, and scoring 25 points is special. I will always remember this group.”
The victory give the Bulldogs second place all-time on the nation’s championship list, with 33rd championships behind Washington High in Sioux Falls, South Dakota has 42.
jtkeith can be reached at 575-420-0061, or at X@JTKEITH1.
JT Keith | Artesia Daily Press Artesia wide receiver Trent Egeland catches a touchdown pass over a Lovington defender on Nov. 22, to defeat the Wildcats 35-30 in the semifinals of the Class 5A championship.
