Brecklyn Miller serves against Carlsbad at The Bulldog Pit Tuesday night.
Artesia’s Demrie Howard goes for a kill shot against Carlsbad on Tuesday night at The Bulldog Pit.
A look at Artesia volleyball senior night
Eddy County prepares for general election
Staff reports
Preparations are underway for the regular local election planned for Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Several local government positions, including city council, school board, and college board members will be chosen by voters in Carlsbad, Artesia, Loving and Hope.
To ensure a smooth and transparent election process, Eddy County entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the New Mexico Secretary of State (SOS).
Through this agreement, the SOS provides funding to the County to help conduct the election. The funds cover essential costs, including election worker pay, legal publications and necessary election supplies.
“The upcoming Regular Local Election is a very important election,” said Eddy County Clerk Cara Cooke. “This election will determine local government positions that directly affect our community. We look forward to a great voter turnout. If anyone has questions, please call our office at 575-885-3383.”
As part of its outreach efforts, the Clerk’s Office will host an Election Information Town Hall on Thursday, Oct. 2, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Carlsbad Library, 101 S. Halagueno Street. Residents are invited to attend to learn more about the election process, ask questions and ensure they are ready to vote.
Culinary Confidential with Bruce
Bruce Lesman
Southwest New Mexico elk is lean, bold, and tied to the land. Here it’s paired with wild mushrooms and toasted piñon nuts for a rustic yet refined dish. Serve with roasted root vegetables and creamy blue corn polenta for a complete table.
Elk Medallions with Wild Mushrooms and Piñon Nuts
Ingredients
2 lbs elk tenderloin, cut into medallions
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
10 oz wild mushrooms, sliced
½ cup dry red wine (New Mexico red preferred)
1 cup beef or game stock
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper
2 tbsp parsley, chopped
¼ cup toasted piñon nuts
Method
Season elk with salt, pepper, coriander, and paprika. Sear in olive oil, 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and tent with foil.
Sauté onion in butter until soft. Add garlic and mushrooms, cook until golden. Deglaze with wine, reduce by half, then add stock and thyme. Simmer to thicken.
Return elk and juices to pan briefly. Spoon sauce over, garnish with parsley and piñon nuts.
Roasted Root Vegetables
Ingredients
3 carrots, cut into batons
2 parsnips, cut into batons
2 sweet potatoes, cubed
2 beets, wedged
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper
Method
Toss vegetables with oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 30–35 minutes, turning once.
Blue Corn Polenta
Ingredients
1 cup blue cornmeal
4 cups water or stock
1 tbsp butter
½ cup Mexican melting cheese (optional)
Salt and pepper
Method
Bring water or stock to a boil. Slowly whisk in cornmeal. Reduce heat, cook 20 minutes until thick. Stir in butter, cheese (if using), salt, and pepper.
Chef’s Note
Elk is naturally lean, so avoid overcooking to keep the medallions tender. The toasted piñon nuts add both flavor and a true taste of New Mexico’s landscape.
Bruce Lesman, Bachelors of Science, Hotel, Food and Travel, Associates Degree, Culinary Arts, Past positions, Corporate Food and Beverage Director, Cunard and Seabourn Cruise Lines, Vice President, Canyon Ranch Health and Fitness Resorts.
Police blotter
Sept 13
DOMESTIC
12:14 am – Officer dispatched to S. 38th St. and W. Lowell Ave. in reference to domestic.
SUSPICIOUS
4:52 am – Officer dispatched to 900 block of S. 6th St. in reference to a suspicious person.
WELFARE
8:57 am – Officer dispatched to 700 block of E. Mill Rd. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
DISTURBANCE
9:57 am – Officer dispatched to 4200 block of W. Main St. in reference to disturbance.
10:58 am – Officer dispatched to 600 block of N. 26th St. in reference to disturbance.
UNWANTED
2:16 pm – Officer dispatched to 1500 block of N. St. in reference to an unwanted subject.
WELFARE
3:02 pm – Officer dispatched to W. Runyan Ave. and S. 4th St. in reference to the welfare of a child.
4:33 pm – Officer dispatched to N. 1st St. and W. Yucca Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
DISTURBANCE
4:16 pm – Officer dispatched to 2600 block of W. Main St. in reference to disturbance.
ACCIDENT
4:52 pm – Officer dispatched to 1300 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.
SUSPICIOUS
8:22 pm – Officer dispatched to N. 5th St. and Champ Clark in reference to a suspicious person.
DOMESTIC
8:36 pm – Officer dispatched to 2700 block of W. Grand Ave. in reference to domestic.
DISTURBANCE
11:15 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to disturbance.
Sept 14
Arrest
James Matthew Grayford arrested for telephone harassment.
Pable Hernandez Jr. arrested for failure to pay fines.
Michael Lawerance Perez arrested for assault against household member, resisting evading, obstructing an officer. Criminal trespass, disorderly conduct.
SHOTS FIRED
12:04 am – Officer dispatched to 900 block of N. 13th St. in reference to shots fired in the area.
DISTURBANCE
1:17 am- Officer dispatched to 900 block of Bullock Ct. in reference to disturbance.
3:36 am – Officer dispatched to 900 block of Bullock Ct. in reference to disturbance.
SUSPICIOUS
2:33 am- Officer dispatched to 2300 block of W. Bullock Ave. in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
DOMESTIC
3:33 am – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to domestic.
Sept 15
WELFARE
11:02 am – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to the welfare of a child.
DISTURBANCE
11:43 am – Officer dispatched 500 block of Paddy Wagon Way in reference to disturbance.
11:47 am – Officer dispatched to 2100 block of W. Mann Ave. in reference to family disturbance.
ACCIDENT
1:05 pm – Officer dispatched to N. 10th St. and W. JJ Clarke Dr. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.
WELFARE
3:05 pm – Officer dispatched to 800 block of S. Roselawn Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
ALARM
3:16 pm – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of W. Bullock Ave. in reference to a burglary alarm.
ACCIEDENT
5:04 pm – Officer dispatched to S. 26th St. and W. Main St. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.
SUSPICIOUS
5:52 pm – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Washington Ave. in reference to a suspicious person.
9:06 pm- Officer dispatched to 1100 block of W. Missouri Ave. in reference to a suspicious person.
WELFARE
6:07 pm – Officer dispatched to N. 10th St. and W. Hank Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
BURGLARY
6:21 pm – Officer dispatched to 200 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to burglary.
Sept 17
Arrest
Carrie L Patitsas arrested for fraudulent used of credit card 250 to 500.
Michael James Calderon arrested for criminal trespass.
SUSPICIOUS
1:01 am – Officer dispatched to 900 block of W. Sears Ave in reference to a suspicious person.
WELFARE
1:36 am – Officer dispatched to 800 block of S. 1st St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
UNWANTED
3:51 am – Officer dispatched to 900 block of N. 4th St. in reference to an unwanted subject.
WELFARE
7:35 am – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of W. Clayton Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
FRAUD
8:30 am – Officer dispatched to 1300 block of W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to fraud.
DOMESTIC
10:57 am – Officer dispatched to 100 block of Osborn Ave. in reference to verbal domestic.
STOLEN
12:22 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to a stolen vehicle.
WELFARE
12:59 pm – Officer dispatched to 1400 block of S. 1st St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
5:02 pm – Officer dispatched to 1300 block of W. Cannon Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
SUSPICIOUS
5:56 pm – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of W. Grand Ave. in reference to suspicious activity.
RECKLESS
6:31 pm – Officer dispatched to 500 block of W. Bullock Ave. in reference to reckless vehicle.
8:49 pm – Officer dispatched to S. 10th St. and W. Washington Ave. in reference to a reckless vehicle.
DISTURBANCE
10:33 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to disturbance.
WANTED
10:49 pm – Officer dispatched to 3300 block of W. Main St. in reference to a wanted subject.
Sept 18
Arrest
Monique Rammocca Orquiz arrested for driving while under the influence of intoxication
Lenora A Chavez arrested for embezzlement $2,500-$20,000
SUSPICIOUS
12:48 am – Officer dispatched to 1700 block of S. 17th St. in reference to a suspicious person.
5:20 am – Officer dispatched to 300 block of N. 10th St. in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
WANTED
8:05 am – Officer dispatched to 3300 block of W. Main St. in reference to a wanted subject.
WELFARE
10:29 am – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of W. Grand Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
11:13 am – Officer dispatched to 900 block of W. Grand Ave. in reference to the welfare of a child.
12:56 pm – Officer dispatched to N. 1st St. and W. Fairview Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
FRAUD
1:45 pm – Officer dispatched to 800 block of W. Missouri Ave. in reference to fraud.
HARASSMENT
4:39 pm – Officer dispatched to N 7th St. and W. James Ave. in reference to harassment.
ARMED SUBJECT
4:54 pm – Officer dispatched to 300 block of W. Mahone Dr. in reference to an armed subject.
LOUD
8:42 pm – Officer dispatched to 600 block of W. Missouri Ave. in reference to loud music.
11:01 pm – Officer dispatched to 200 block of W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to loud music.
FIGHT
8:59 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to a fight in progress.
Sept 19
Arrest
Alejandro R. Martinez arrested for driving on a revoked license.
David P Gurrola Jr. arrested for driving on a revoked license, contempt of court, failure to appear.
Luis Carlos Sotelo arrested for aggravated DWI of intoxicating liquor or drugs, careless driving, insurance required, motor vehicle required to be registered.
DOMESTIC
12:02 am – Officer dispatched to 300 block of S. 39th St. in reference to verbal domestic.
SUSPICIOUS
4:54 am – Officer dispatched to 200 block of W. Quay Ave. in reference to a suspicious person.
WELFARE
7:50 am – Officer dispatched to S. 20th St. and W. Washington Ave. in reference to the welfare of a child.
UNWANTED
2:52 pm – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of W. 13th St. in reference to an unwanted subject.
SUSPICIOUS
3:04 pm – Officer dispatched to 600 block of W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to a suspicious person.
4:12 pm – Officer dispatched to 800 block of Hank Ave. in reference to a suspicious person.
HARASSMENT
4:33 pm – Officer dispatched to 500 block of E. Main St. in reference to harassment.
WELFARE
5:13 pm – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of W. Yucca Ave. in reference to the welfare of a child.
LOUD
6:32 pm – Officer dispatched to 800 block of S. Roselawn Ave. in reference to loud music.
SUSPICIOUS
8:24 pm – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of S. 9th St. in reference to suspicious activity.
THREATS
10:53 pm – Officer dispatched to 2000 block of W. Main St. in reference to threats.
Sept 20
DOMESTIC
1:06 am – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of S. 6th St. in reference to domestic.
DISTURBANCE
2:51 am – Officer dispatched to 800 block of S. Roselawn Ave. in reference to disturbance.
SUSPICIOUS
5:54 am – Officer dispatched to 800 block of N. Roselawn Ave. in reference to a suspicious person.
11:52 am -Officer dispatched to 200 block N. 13th St. in reference to suspicious activity.
DOMESTIC
12:44 pm – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of S. 2nd St. in reference to physical domestic.
SUSPICIOUS
6:01 pm – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of N. 13th St. in reference to suspicious person.
WELFARE
6:20 pm – Officer dispatched to 400 block of W. Logan Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.
ACCIDENT
9:19 pm – Officer dispatched to W. Clevland Ave. and N. 7th St. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.
Sept 21
Arrest
Karla Barrera arrested on driving on roadways laned for traffic, insurance required, aggravated DWI of intoxicating liquor or drugs.
Ruben Mata arrested for failure to appear.
Kasey Nicole Rodriguez arrested for battery against a household member, interfering with communications, destroying, removing.
DOMESTIC
12:37 am – Officer dispatched to 900 block of S. 2nd St. in reference to domestic.
DISTURBANCE
12:50 am – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to disturbance.
WELFARE
8:42 am – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to the welfare of a child.
WANTED
12:59 pm – Officer dispatched to N. 9th St. and W. Texas Ave. in reference to a wanted subject.
WELFARE
1:33 pm – Officer dispatched to 300 block of S. 19th St. in reference to the welfare of a child.
DOMESTIC
2:55 pm – Officer dispatched to 1600 block of W. Sears Ave. in reference to verbal domestic.
5:34 pm – Officer dispatched to 2400 block of W. Bullock Ave. in reference to physical domestic.
10:16 pm – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of w. Missouri Ave. in reference to domestic.
Keithley’s Korner
Oso Grill takes another award for best green chile cheeseburger
By Tim Keithley
Brian and Pam Cleckler did it again.
Their famous Oso Grill Green Chile Cheeseburger made fresh daily at their restaurant in Capitan has been voted “Best Green Chile Cheeseburger” on KRQE-TV’s annual survey of the “Best of the Land of Enchantment.”
“That’s amazing because there were several outstanding restaurants being considered,” Brian said during a statewide television interview this week from Albuquerque. “Our burger is consistently fresh and we feel like it has all the correct ingredients.”
Brian and Pam are now in their 10th year as proprietors of Oso Grill. They started the restaurant in an old bank building right on the corner opposite of the Smokey Bear Museum at 100 Lincoln Avenue. The burger was retired as a five-time New Mexico State Fair champion two years ago.
“Our recipes remains consistent,” Brian said. “Now with all of the recognition over the past ten years we’re grilling more burgers than ever. We go through about twelve-hundred pounds of hamburger every week.”
Plus the restaurant keeps plenty of green chile around. There are two types on the burger: one is fried strips and the other is a spicy died green chile located at the bottom along with a special chipotle ranch sauce underneath melted cheese.
“This is a prestigious award because it was voted individually across the state on the KRQE website,” Brian said. “So many people had to know in advance about our burger in order to receive the number of votes it takes to win.”
The New Mexico Restaurant Association has also taken notice. Brian and Pam have been invited to their annual banquet in Albuquerque to receive an award for being a top restaurant in New Mexico later this month. Oso Grill has been featured on a video produced by the American Beef Council that will be released on a nationwide podcast soon.
“It’s a little overwhelming for us—we’re just a family oriented restaurant with a quality menu,” Brian said. “We feel honored that our burger continues to be recognized as the best.”
Oso Grill is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. They are open for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays each week.
Doing right by Americans in uniform
Sherman McCorkle
Background: Military Leaders and Healthcare Access
In February 2018, the Secretaries of the Navy, Army, and Air Force sent a joint letter to all U.S. governors, urging them to enhance state support for military families, especially in areas affecting their quality of life during relocations. Among their top concerns was access to medical care. Representing the interests of 2.4 million service members, these senior leaders called on states to prioritize robust healthcare accessibility for military personnel and their families.
New Mexico’s Ongoing Physician Shortage
New Mexico has struggled with a critical shortage of doctors for many years. By 2021, data showed that four out of five counties in the state fell short of the recommended 8.5 primary care practitioners for every 10,000 residents. The Cicero Institute further highlighted the severity of the problem, identifying 32 out of 33 counties as being in urgent need of primary care physicians—with only Los Alamos County meeting the necessary benchmark.
The Impact of 2021 Malpractice Legislation
The situation worsened in 2021 when the state legislature enacted some of the nation’s highest malpractice caps, increasing potential liabilities for hospitals and independent practices nearly tenfold. This legislative change caused malpractice insurance premiums for physicians to skyrocket—doubling, tripling, or even quadrupling in some cases. The dramatic rise in both the frequency and magnitude of malpractice settlements has made practicing medicine in New Mexico an increasingly risky proposition for many doctors.
Consequences for Healthcare Access and Physician Retention
By 2025, eight years after the service secretaries’ call to action, New Mexico’s physician shortage remains a major barrier to healthcare access for both residents and military families relocating to the state. The heightened financial and legal uncertainties have led many physicians to reconsider their commitment to practicing in New Mexico, with some choosing to leave or retire early. This trend has resulted in longer wait times for appointments and diminished access to specialized medical services, further straining the healthcare system.
The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact: A Practical Solution
The most effective and immediate step New Mexico can take to address its physician shortage is to join the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC). Similar in spirit to the Uniform Commercial Code, professional licensure compacts like the IMLC streamline the process for qualifying physicians to obtain licenses and practice across state lines. This not only facilitates cross-state telemedicine without legal obstacles but also enables rapid responses to medical crises by reducing bureaucratic delays. Importantly, the IMLC maintains high professional standards rather than lowering them.
The compact is a proven solution: more than 40 states—including all of New Mexico’s neighbors (Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah)—have already joined. Many physicians who have left New Mexico have relocated to these states, drawn by more favorable legal and professional environments.
Legislative Efforts and Opposition
For several years, the Kirtland Partnership Committee has championed legislation to enable New Mexico to join the IMLC. However, these efforts have faced resistance from supporters of the 2021 malpractice caps, which many see as unreasonably high. On the opposing side is the group New Mexico Safety Over Profits, whose primary donors are plaintiff attorneys and law firms that collect significant portions of jury awards. This ongoing debate has hindered progress on healthcare reform.
Broader Impacts on the State’s Economy and Security
New Mexico derives significant economic benefits from its military community. In the previous year alone, Kirtland Air Force Base contributed $7.5 billion to the state’s economy. Military leaders consider healthcare access a crucial factor when selecting locations for operations. Currently, it is estimated that one in four planned military transfers to New Mexico does not take place due to concerns about inadequate healthcare. All three New Mexico bases are in the Air Force’s top 15 highest rejection rate of “Dependent Travel not Advised” based on the medical specialty care available in the state. Addressing the 2018 request from military service secretaries is therefore essential for both the state’s economic future and national security interests.
The 2021 malpractice statute has also created challenges for recruitment at premier research institutions such as Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories, as well as in the private high-wage technology sector—all of which rely on accessible, high-quality healthcare to attract talent.
Learning from the National Nurse Licensure Compact
New Mexico’s experience with the National Nurse Licensure Compact, which the state joined in 2003, demonstrates the value of professional licensure compacts. In some communities, up to 80% of available nurses are present because of this compact. While joining the IMLC will not resolve every healthcare challenge the state faces, it represents the most practical, reasonable, and cost-effective approach to expanding New Mexico’s physician workforce and improving healthcare access for all residents.
Sherman McCorkle is a co-founder of the Kirtland Partnership Committee, a New Mexico-based organization that supports operations at Kirtland Air Force Base.
2025 Homecoming Court
Pictured left to right:
(Senior) Kailee Padilla, (Senior) Brooklynne Ivans, (Senior) Kirklyn Miller, (Senior) Lily Klingshirn, (Junior) Avery Fredrick, (Sophomore) Kadance Tran.
They were formally announced at the bonfire on Monday night at 7:30. The winner will be announced at the Homecoming pep assembly at AHS on Friday, 9/26.
Around Town
Rockin for Wellness
A day dedicated to women’s health Oct 15, 7am-4pm (closed 12-1) Artesia Family Health Center 1105 Memorial Dr. 575-746-9848
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Tennis Lessons
The City Recreation offers free tennis lessons for grade 3rd-8th. Classes meet between 3:45-5:30 pm at Jaycee Park. For more information call Tim Palmer at 772-480-1876 or email tpalmer@socket.net
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Children’s Story Time
September 30 @ 10:00am For preschoolers ages 3-5 and their families. Includes crafts, reading aloud, alphabet awareness and early literacy, fun science facts, music, and more, all organized around a different fun theme each week.
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Toddler Move & Play
September 25 @ 10:30 am For toddlers ages 1-3 and their families. Music, creative movement, group activities, play with age-appropriate toys, and social time.
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STEM/STEAM After School
September 25 @ 4:00pm For students in grades K-6th and their families. Each week we offer a different fun activity to put STEAM techniques and ideas to work, from LEGO building to paper circuits, slime lab, and more.
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Teen Tuesdays
September 30 @ 3:30pm Looking for a place to read, study, or just do homework and hang out? Join us every Tuesday from 3:30-5:00 p.m. Grades 7-12.
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Artesia High School Homecoming Parade
The Artesia High School Student Council would like to announce the 2025 Homecoming Parade.
DATE: Friday, September 26, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
THEME: “Bulldogs Take on the World!”
OPPONENTS: Lovington Wildcats (school colors: royal blue and white)
Registration forms are available at Artesia High School, 575-746-9816. Entries received after Thursday, September 18, 2025, will be assessed a $10 late fee.
For more information, contact Jennifer Humble (jhumble@bulldogs.org) or Ashley Mason (amason@bulldogs.org)
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Artesia Stitchers
September 29 @ 1:00pm The Artesia Stitchers is a group of people excited about creating through stitchwork such as needlepoint, cross-stitch, embroidery and more. Bring your project and come join this group weekly at the library. Ages 18+
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Take 20 – Guided Meditation
September 30 @ 11:30am Barbara Britain guides us through meditation exercises to help with energy levels, reduce stress, boost your mood, and improve focus. This is a weekly program. The session is from 11:35-11:55. Ages 18+
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Trinity Temple’s 100th year celebration!
A potluck will follow!
Sunday, October 5th, 2025, at 10am
1507 W. Hermosa Dr., Artesia, NM
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Artesia Quarterback Club
Will meet each Tuesday night at 6:30 pm at the Field House. All men are welcome to come support out football program.
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26th St. Construction
26th St. will be closed both directions from W. Grand Ave. to W. Washington Ave. for Phase II of the 26th St. Reconstruction project. Phase II will take approximately 3 months to complete. For more information call 575-626-6013 or 575-626-5042.
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GUIDED MEDITATIONS
Are held during the summer at First Christian Church at 11th and Bullock on Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. It is free and all are welcome.
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PHLEBOTOMIST PROGRAM
Applications are now open for Artesia General Hospital’s certified phlebotomist program. To learn how to apply and for more information on this career opportunity, call 575-736-8178 or email foundation@artesiageneral.com.
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GRIEF SUPPORT
A Grief Group meets at 1:30 p.m. each Tuesday in the Saint Damien Center at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 1111 N. Roselawn Ave. Free support is offered in both English and Spanish. For more information, contact Nora at 575-308-3248.
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P.A.L.S.
People about losing safely meets at 9 a.m. Wednesdays at the Senior Center. For more information, call the Center at 575-746-4113.
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ALZHEIMER’S/DEMENTIA SUPPORT GROUP
Every other Tuesday from 6:30pm-7:30pm at Artesia Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center -1402 Gilchrist Ave. RSVP to Helen at 575-746-6006.
NMSU, UNM sued over release of student athlete payments
Austin Fisher
Source New Mexico
The New Mexico Foundation for Open Government on Monday filed lawsuits against two of the state’s largest universities for allegedly refusing to release public records showing how the schools will pay millions of public dollars to student athletes resulting from an antitrust lawsuit.
A federal judge in June approved the terms of a nearly $2.8 billion settlement that paved the way for schools to directly pay athletes. Under the settlement, schools may choose to share revenues with student athletes up to an estimated cap of approximately $20.5 million per institution for the 2025-26 academic year.
The suits against the board of regents and record custodians at University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University allege they are violating the state Inspection of Public Records Act by refusing to release their contracts with student athletes and other documents that would show how they would implement new revenue-sharing rules resulting from the settlement.
Both schools denied NMFOG’s records requests on the grounds that the documents include “educational records” and “trade secrets,” according to the complaints. The other plaintiff in the NMSU lawsuit, high school and college sports reporter Nick Nuñez, alleges that the school initially claimed that it didn’t have any records responsive to his requests, but Assistant Athletic Director of Media Relations Michael Navarette told him they in fact did possess the records.
NMFOG noted in a news release on Tuesday that before the settlement, private third parties paid student athletes to use their “name, image and likeness,” — known as NIL — and compensation terms were largely unknown to the public. After the settlement, public universities like UNM and NMSU are making direct payments to student athletes, and “records of these expenditures by state institutions should be public, like any other state expense would be,” the group said.
“In addition to the universities’ total secrecy on how they will spend millions of dollars,” NMFOG said in a statement, the schools also are “hiding the contractual terms they require students to abide by, meaning there is no way to know whether students are being treated fairly” or whether the schools’ agreements with the student athletes abide by Title IX, a 1972 law requiring schools that receive federal funding to provide equitable opportunities and treatment to men and women athletes.
The lawsuits cite other schools’ revenue-sharing contracts that have reportedly raised concerns, such as one at Florida State University that allowed the school to extend its contract with a student athlete without renegotiating the terms, and one for the South Carolina women’s basketball team that included a nondisclosure agreement prohibiting them from sharing their compensation with anyone.
“It calls into question, what are the terms here?” NM FOG Legal Director Amanda Lavin said in an interview. “Students aren’t necessarily the ones with bargaining power — it’s the universities.”
Neither university would comment.
“We’re just learning about this filing and have no comment at this time,” UNM Interim Executive Director of Strategic Communications Ben Cloutier told Source NM via email on Tuesday.
NMSU Spokesperson Amanda Bradford also said in a written response that NMSU had not yet “received service of the lawsuit” and would be “reserving comment until after that’s been accomplished.”
Vibe
An inspirational message from Ty Houghtaling of First Baptist Church Artesia
“In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.” Ecclesiastes 7:14
Some years ago, I participated in a Bible study with a group of men where we delved into the book of Ecclesiastes. The study had a somewhat pessimistic vibe, to say the least. However, we also appreciated the wisdom the book had to offer. The group consisted of Artesia public school coaches, each with our own unique challenges and perspectives on winning and losing.
One member of the group, who shall remain unnamed, (I don’t name names!) really didn’t enjoy the study. They were constantly frustrated with the recurring theme of “meaningless, meaningless, meaningless” throughout the book. This coach preferred to focus on the positive aspects, and rightfully so, as positive vibes are crucial for successful coaching. Personally, I often find myself leaning towards negativity, though I like to think of it as being “realistic” when things aren’t going as well as I’d like.
The book of Ecclesiastes speaks of both good times and bad. The wisdom it offers reminds us that life will have its seasons of struggle, but God is sovereign and knows what we face. I appreciate that simple truth. When things are going well, we can celebrate, and when times are tough, we can trust that the Lord is in control.
My favorite verse from Ecclesiastes is from chapter 3, verse 11: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” What’s your favorite verse from Ecclesiastes? Share it with someone today and see if you can spark a meaningful spiritual conversation.