A mill levy funding healthcare in Artesia rejected earlier this year by voters, won apparent approval Tuesday as 1,657 people voted for it and 591 voted against it, according to unofficial results from the Eddy County Clerk’s office.
Six months ago, voters turned down the mill levy, which was enacted in 1979 to fund healthcare services for Artesia General Hospital.
Only 12% of the more than 10,000 ballots mailed in June were returned to the Eddy County Clerk’s office.
Hospital officials hoped that situations from the mail-only election would be clarified during Tuesday’s vote, along with a misunderstanding throughout the community of what the tax revenue would pay for.
During the June election, 638 voted against the mill levy and 608 voted for it.
Artesia General Hospital’s website indicated the mill levy would set $2.70 per $1,000 of net taxable property.
“In a rural setting, this community investment helps ensure access to a full range of essential healthcare services for local residents,” according to the website.
The mill levy would be around until 2029.
“I’m proud that our community voted to continue the mill levy. The mill levy is used for operational costs, provider recruitment, equipment purchases and maintaining emergency services,” said District 5 Artesia Special Hospital District Board member Karen Waldrip in a text message to the Artesia Daily Press Tuesday night.
District 5 Artesia Special Hospital District Board of Directors
Waldrip, the incumbent, retained her seat in District 5 despite two challengers.
The 42-year-old was elected in 2021 and is a pharmacist at Lowell’s Pharmacy.
Unofficial results shown she had 368 votes. Challenger Perry Williams had 145 votes, and David Romine had 69 votes.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to have served my district that last four years. I’ve received an outpouring of support from our community during my campaign for re-election and am especially thankful for those who helped me,” she said.
District 1 Artesia Public Schools Board of Education
Incumbent Jeffery David Conklin won re-election defeating challenger Dennis P Garcia with 396-136.
All results are unofficial and will be canvassed by the Eddy County Board of County Commissioners.
Polls close in 24 minutes. Julie McGee, a deputy clerk with the Eddy County Clerk’s office, said 622 people had voted at the sub-office in Artesia today.
4:25 p.m.
Polls close at 7 p.m. At Faith Baptist Church, 337 people had voted as of 4:10 p.m. said Sandra Polk, presiding judge.
“Turnout was really steady. We’ve had no issues. (It’s) been a good day,” she said.
Artesia resident Jennifer Duff voted at Faith Baptist Church.
“Having a say in what’s best for Artesia,” she said of her reason for voting.
1:45 p.m.
Another reminder to get out and vote today as the polls close at 7 p.m.
In Artesia, a mill levy for the hospital is on the ballot along with races in the Artesia Special Hospital District Board of Directors and Artesia Public Schools Board of Education.
11:35 a.m.
Forty-nine people have voted as of late morning at Trinity Temple Assembly of God.
“Usually, it’s slower than this,” said Beth Nailon presiding judge.
9:55 a.m.
Voting numbers so far at the polling locations in Artesia:
Eddy County Sub-Office 132
Faith Baptist Church 115
Trinity Temple 32
Central Valley Electric 70
Eddy County Clerk Cara Cooke said 11,782 Artesia residents are eligible to vote in the Artesia Special Hospital District and Artesia Public Schools Board of Education.
She said 663 Artesia residents voted early.
7:15 a.m.
Ten people showed up at Central Valley Electric in Artesia minutes after the polls opened.
“We really need people to get out and vote, it really matters,” said Teresa Saxon, presiding judge at Central Valley Electric.
Poll worker Leah Boone said she enjoyed seeing people and helping them with the voting process.
“Having the right to vote is important,” she said.
Artesia voters are going to the polls today to choose candidates for school board, hospital board and a mill levy for Artesia General Hospital.
In place since 1979, the mill levy is not a new tax and sets $2.70 per $1,000 of net taxable property value within the Artesia Special Hospital District, according to information from the Artesia General Hospital website.
One of the Artesia Special Hospital District Board of Director’s seats is up for grabs today as District 5 incumbent Karen Waldrip faces opposition from Perry Williams and David Romine.
She was first elected in 2021 and during the campaign she said she was running to continue progress made during the past four years.
Williams, an Artesia native and project lead for Conoco Phillips, said he was running due to an important need for timely and quality healthcare in Eddy County.
Romine, a retired rancher, construction worker and business consultant, said he was running due to lack of perceived transparency with the current board.
The other contested race in Artesia is for Artesia Public Schools Board of Education District 1 where incumbent David Conklin is being challenged by Dennis Garcia.
Polls close at 7 p.m. and voters can cast ballots at Faith Baptist Church, the Eddy County Sub-Office, Central Valley Electric and Trinity Temple Assembly of God.
Information and photos provided by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Anglers seeking the best conditions for trout this week should travel to rivers or streams in either northern or southern New Mexico as the species are biting on various baits.
In northern New Mexico at Trout Lakes, fishing was incredibly good using Pistol Pete flies.
At Lake Maloya, trout fishing was exceptionally good using Pink Lemonade PowerBait.
Along the San Juan River, the streamflow near Archuleta was 367 cubic feet per second (cfs) as rainbow trout conditions were fair to good using salmon eggs.
Below the Taos Junction Bridge streamflow along the Rio Grande River was 327 cfs as fishing for brown trout was slow using flies, spinners, and worms.
Fishing for trout was good at Fenton Lake was good using Orange, Pink, and Garlic PowerBait.
Fishing for catfish at Cochiti Lake was slow using white flies.
In southern and southeastern New Mexico, fishing for trout was particularly good using orange-and-black Mepps spinners and worms at Grindstone Reservoir in Lincoln County.
Alto Lake, also in Lincoln County, had good conditions for trout using worms.
Between Artesia and Carlsbad, fishing for largemouth bass was fair to good using plastic crawdads at Brantley Lake.
Near Fort Sumner, at Sumner Lake fishing for catfish was good using ¼-ounce jigs with curly tail grubs.
Near Truth or Consequences, fishing for catfish at Elephant Butte Lake was slow to fair using carp and shad cut bait. Fishing for crappie was good using white grubs.
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.
Five times in the New Testament, the phrase “here is a trustworthy saying” appears. For example, 1 Timothy 1:15 states, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” This raises an important question: Is it the trustworthy saying that Paul considers himself the worst of sinners, or is it that Jesus came to save sinners? It seems to be both. Paul’s humility highlights the reality of our own sin nature and our need for a savior, encouraging us to reflect on our personal need for grace.
In 1 Timothy 3:1, we read, “Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.” This expression emphasizes the significance of the role of overseer (or pastor) in the local church. The health of a church and its community depends greatly on spiritual leadership, making the office both vital and noble. However, this responsibility is not to be taken lightly or entrusted to just anyone. While we may know pastors who have made mistakes, it’s helpful to remember the perspective from 1 Timothy 1:15 before being overly critical, recognizing that everyone is in need of grace.
1 Timothy 4:8-9 says, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.” While athletes and health coaches demonstrate dedication and discipline, the pursuit of godliness is of even greater worth. Its impact reaches beyond physical well-being, offering benefits for both this life and eternity.
2 Timothy 2:11-13 presents a longer passage that deserves careful reading. In summary, these verses affirm the faithfulness and sufficiency of Jesus, assuring us that He is everything we could hope for.
The final occurrence, Titus 3:8, is best understood in the context of the preceding seven verses, which offer straightforward teaching that demands our full attention. The five times the Apostle Paul uses the phrase “trustworthy saying” serve as reminders of essential truths throughout scripture. These truths help guide us through the challenges we encounter daily.
A 29-year-old Carlsbad man was found dead at the Eddy County Detention Center on the morning of Oct. 9, hours after he was incarcerated and after jail staff said the man had a “medical emergency.”
Joel Barrett was arrested and brought to the Carlsbad jail at about 11:50 p.m. Oct. 8, according to Warden Billy Massingill, who said Barrett was in a general area awaiting processing when the “incident” began about 3 a.m.
Massingill declined to speculate on what caused the incident.
Medical personnel at the jail responded according to protocol and attempted to render aid, Massingill said. Barrett was declared dead by the Office of the Medical Investigator at about 5:30 a.m.
“The jail staff clearly rendered aid and did what they were supposed to do. We won’t know what caused it until we get the final report,” Massingill said. “We don’t want anybody dying.”
Massingill said the medical investigator was conducting an autopsy but had yet to determine the cause of Barrett’s death.
The warden said Barrett was put on a 15-minute watch when he entered the jail, meaning staff checked his condition every 15 minutes because he was “acting erratically.”
Inmates are normally checked every hour but checks can be made at 30-minute intervals or more frequently, Massingill said, depending on their behavior.
“We pulled him off the bench area and increased watch on him,” Massingill said. “Something happened between those checks.”
Barrett was originally pulled over by an officer with the Carlsbad Police Department while riding a bicycle because he did not have proper lighting and was subsequently arrested for an outstanding municipal court warrant, Massingill said.
Barrett allegedly resisted the officer, got into a physical altercation and was additionally charged with assaulting an officer.
Managing Editor Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, or @AdrianHedden on the social media platform X.
The Artesia Daily Press is letting you decide on the best local sports star each week. Go to ArtesiaDailyPress.com and cast your ballot. You can access the polling using the QR code.
This week’s nominees are for the girls: Aubrey Allison, cross country runner. She has continued to improve as the season has gone along according to her coach Nicholas Rivera. Girls’ soccer player, Aubrey Edwards, she has eight shoutouts on the season and has helped her team to a 15-3 record. Volleyball player Ashton Craft has helped her team to a 14-3 record and No.1 in District 4-4A.
Boys
Soccer player Cutter Summers helped led the Bulldogs to a 1-0 victory over Lovington on Thursday. The team is 15-2 on the season and in first place in District 4-4A with a 4-0 record.
Cross country runner Cameron Devenport ran in the Artesia Twilight race on Friday. “He continues to get better as the season goes along,” Artesia cross country coach Nicholas Rivera said.
Results will be released in the Oct. 23 print edition and online.
Jt Keith can be reached at 575-420-0061, or on X@JTKEITH1.
Photos and words by Adrian Hedden
Artesia Daily Press
Rhonda Jones moved to Carlsbad six years ago from Dallas to be closer to her family.
Her husband Allison Haskel Jones passed away in 2010 at the age of 54 of heart disease, and by 2019 Jones wanted to get out of the big city and into a town she remembered visiting as young as age 3.
What she said she found was a welcoming community, and several opportunities to give back.
Jones, 73, quickly joined local charities such as the Assistance League and Lions Club, and today works as a campaign and special events coordinator with United Way of Eddy County. She also serves as a Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Ambassador.
Jones was honored for her work in the community as the keynote speaker at the Make a Difference Day luncheon held by Altrusa International’s Artesia chapter on Saturday, Oct. 25 at the First Christian Church Fellowship Hall in Artesia .
She pointed to multiple collaborations between charities in both Carlsbad and Artesia, touting the United Way’s recent Day of Caring event that saw volunteers assist nonprofits with 19 projects throughout Carlsbad, Artesia and Loving.
“We partner with so many nonprofits,” Jones said. “That’s what I love about Eddy County, we all work together.”
This year was the 4th annual luncheon, where multiple nonprofit groups throughout Eddy County awarded “outstanding members.”
Altrusa President Alison Stearrett said the event was intended to give honor to those who work behind the scenes to support and uplift their community.
“Sometimes these groups and their members are unsung heroes in the community,” she said. “Part of our mission is to honor unsung heroes.”
Editor’s note: This story will be updated as more information is available.
An explosion at the oil refinery in Artesia led to three injuries as the incident was reported at about 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 31 and police ordered nearby residents to shelter indoors and avoid the area.
The Artesia Police Department was responding to the incident at the refinery owned by HF Sinclair-Navajo at 501. E. Main St., according to a department news release.
Artesia police Cmdr. Pete Quinones said injuries were reported, but no casualties as of about 2 p.m.
HF-Sinclair reported on the day of the incident that three were treated for injuries. The company did not divulge the names of the people or specify if they were workers at the plant or the extent their injuries
Police were called to the scene at 11:19 a.m., blocking roads going in and out of the refinery, part of which abuts U.S. Highway 285 heading north-south through town. An hour after police arrived, Quinones said the fires were out, and roads were reopened.
The company was continuing to monitor air quality impacts in the area from the blast and subsequent fire.
By 1 p.m., Artesia police said the explosion was extinguished by emergency responders and roads were reopened. All emergency staff cleared the area.
The Eddy County Office of Emergency Management said at about noon, Friday that an air ambulance was sent to the facility, asking people to avoid the area 1st and Main streets as well as U.S. Highway 82 and Bolton Road where a landing zone was prepared.
Police warned of “thick smoke” emanating from the refinery and drifting over the city, which could pose a danger to people nearby, the release read.
Air quality continued to be monitored after the scene was cleared.
“We are urging all citizens to stay clear of the refinery area and avoid any locations affected by the smoke,” read the initial release. “Please shelter indoors if you are in the path of the smoke and keep windows and doors closed.”
Katherine Tesillo was working at the front desk as assistant manager of the Spark by Hilton hotel at the time of the incident, across the street from the refinery.
She said she didn’t hear the blast but immediately noticed heavy smoke spreading into the area. The hotel remained in operation throughout the incident, Tesillo said.
“(I) saw smoke but did not see the actual explosion,” she said. “I heard sirens going off and I knew something was going on.”
In the wake of the explosion the New Mexico Environment Department said it was monitoring air quality in the Artesia area, aiming to address any hazards to local residents who could breathe in the resulting fumes.
The agency advised locals to follow guidance from emegency personnel, stay indoors and keeping windows closed to avoid air pollutants from flowing into homes.
“We’re working closely with local and state partners to see how this fire might affect air quality,” said Cindy Hollenberg, Air Quality Bureau chief. “State teams are on the way to Artesia to take a closer look and help support the response. Keeping the community safe and informed is our top priority.”
The refinery processes crude oil produced in southeast New Mexico’s Permian Basin oilfields, with a capacity of about 100,000 barrels per day, according to HF-Sinclair’s website.
Sometimes in real life, things turn out like they did on Saturday the Class 4A state boys soccer playoffs at Robert Chase Field. The Artesia Bulldogs were on fumes- cramping, exhausted, and short a player on the field- and still managed to upset the No.5 -seeded Los Alamos Hilltoppers 2-1 in the state quarterfinals.
“Their goalkeeper Kenny Linn is top-notch and phenomenal,” Bulldogs coach Phillip Jowers said. “He is going to play at Colorado Mesa, but the whole Los Alamos team is good. They are a good group of boys whom I always enjoy playing with. I felt really confident in this game, knowing Los Alamos had to come here. It has been eight-to-10 years since Los Alamos has played here. The fans that showed up for us were phenomenal, and that gave our boys an extra bit.”
Red card leads to victory
The victory is the first time in school history that the Bulldogs soccer program has played in the state soccer semifinal game in its 28-year history. The best player on the field for either teams was German foreign-exchange student Anton Wodarz for Artesia, but the most valuable player on the team was sophomore Couper Foster. He had the presence of mind to tackle a Los Alamos player, who, if he had made it past him, would have been one-on-one with the goalie Ryker Hays.
The Los Alamos player could have made the shot to end the Bulldogs’ season with less than two minutes to play in the game. With the tackle, Foster sacrificed his season with a red card to extend the match a little further, including to overtimes.
With the red card, Foster was ejected from the match and must miss the semifinal match against St. Pius X at 2 p.m. Wednesday. Without Foster’s sacrifice, the Bulldogs might not be going anywhere but class on that day.
“I knew the second after he (Foster) made that foul it was going to be a red card,” Jowers said. “Nobody wants to get a red (card); they call that denial of a goal-scoring opportunity. It was the right call, and the referee had it right. I don’t want to condone red cards because I don’t think anybody wants your team to get one, but if he (Foster) hadn’t fouled him, we would have gone down 2-0. He (Foster) decided to roll the dice, it happened, and we responded well and came back and got that equalizing goal with 20 minutes in.”
Another key factor in the Bulldogs’ victory was the entire coaching staff of Zane Brooks, Billie Delgado, and John Baca. All of them could be seen encouraging the players through their physical fatigue, with the coaches picking players up off the field and talking to them. Encouraging them not to give up and to keep fighting, while remaining positive, especially when the game was tight.
As Artesia was short a man after Foster’s red card, Jowers said to his team, “We don’t lose at home; they (Los Alamos) are spent. Continue to press and pressure them, they (Hilltoppers) are not used to heat.”
As a result, the longer the game went, the stronger and more aggressive the Bulldogs became.
“I don’t know that I talked to a lot of people when we were a man down,” Jowers said. “My mind was trying to figure out how to make it work with the personnel because a lot of the boys were cramping. I have a great coaching staff, and I could not do it without them. I think that is why we have so much success, because we have a great staff.
Artesia’s Moises Corza scores the game tying goal at The Robert Chase Field on Saturday.
The game was hard-fought and scoreless in the first half, but with 6:29 in the second half, Los Alamos scored the game’s first goal. For the next 13 minutes, the Hilltoppers were playing aggressively on the Bulldogs’ side of the field. With Wodarz out, the team looked to Moises Corza, who at the 20:15 mark in the second half scored a cross-goal to tie the game. After the goal, Artesia’s momentum changed, and they started playing with the belief that they could win.
“Once we scored the goal, it gave us extra energy,” Jowers said. “It was a hard-fought game. This is one of those games where you blow a team out and win- kind of crush them. Those are great, but these are the wins. I feel like this game will be remembered forever, mainly because the boys got stuck in with a man down.”
Win in overtime
With 2:28 left in the second overtime, Wodarz was able to beat a Los Alamos defender and went to the right side of the goal, where he faced Los Alamos Kenny Linn. Before Linn could move, Wodarz got the shot off that went just past Linn’s outstretched arms to give the Bulldogs a 2-1 victory.
“I received a great assist from (Jayden) Soto,” Wodarz said. “I said, ‘I shoot now or I shoot never.’ The game was physical. It is part of a good game when it gets physical. It is better to get a red card than to give up a goal. I think when you really want something, you can get it, and you never give up. Our team never gives up. I am happy to play again, and we are so successful. I am really happy for the seniors, especially. I am happy to make the (Artesia) dream come true. When I shot the ball, I was thinking of my little brother, whose name I have written on my shoe, Johann Wodarz.”
Rematch
The Bulldogs now must travel to Albuquerque for a 2 p.m. start against St. Pius X on Nov.5. It is a rematch of the teams that met 17 days ago, when the Sartans defeated the Bulldogs 5-0.
Artesia’s Anton Wodarz makes a move on Los Alamos goalie in double overtime. Artesia would win the game 2-1 at Robert Chase Field on Saturday. JT Keith | Artesia Daily PressAnton Wodarz scores the winning goal with 2:28 left in double overtime to give the Bulldogs a 2-1 victory.Los Alamos’ goalie can only watch the ball go into the net for a victory on Saturday.Artesia’s Damian Lopez ponders his next move against a Los Alamos opponent on Saturday.The team gathers together after the first overtime.Artesia’s Damian Lopez prays before the start of the second overtime.Jackson Hollinger and Cutter Summers talk with teammates between overtimes.Artesia’s Alexis Montanez looks ahead during the rest period of the Los Alamos game at The Chase on Saturday.Artesia’s Damian Lopez takes a shot in the second period of the Los Alamos game.Artesia’s Anton Wodarz sets up his man to make a move during Saturdays game against Los Alamos.Anton Wodarz tries to escape a double team from Los Alamos on Saturday at The Chase.Artesia’s Adan Rojas takes a shot on goal during Saturday’s game against Los Alamos.Joshua Vazquez Adan Rojas takes a kick with seconds left in the game against Los Alamos at The Chase on Saturday.Artesia’s Jackson Hollinger makes a pass to a teammate against Los Alamos on Saturday.Moises Corza scores a goal against Los Alamos to tie the game 1-1 during tournament action on Saturday.Moises Corza is mobbed by teammates after his kick tied the game at 1-1 at 20:15 in the second quarter.Artesia’s Alexis Montanez makes a move against a Los Alamos defender during tournament action.Anton Wodarz makes a move against Los Alamos.Artesia’s Jayden Soto advances the ball up the field against Los Alamos on Saturday.Artesia assistant soccer coach Zane Brooks encourages Jorge Martinez after the first overtime.The team gathers together one more time to before the second overtime against Los Alamos.Artesia’s Cutter Summers shield a Los Alamos defender from the ball during game action on Saturday.Artesia’s Alexis Montanez shows kindness to a Hilltop player, who was cramping in overtime during tournament action.The Artesia coaches and players go ballistic after Anton Wodarz makes the game winning kick at 6:32 of the second overtime.The team celebrates its victory over Los Alamos on Saturday to advance to the semifinals against St. Pius X on Wednesday.The team celebrates its victory over Los Alamos on Saturday.Team picture on Saturday.Team picture on with the scoreboard indicating that Anton Wodarz made the winning goal at 6:32 seconds and the 6-0 is the undefeated season in District 4-4A.The seniors with coach Jowers on Saturday.
