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Kirkwood’s prayer leads to a home in Artesia 

JT Keith
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Kirkwood’s prayer leads to a home in Artesia 

JT Keith 
Artesia Daily Press 
jtkeith@elritomedia.com 

Paul Kirkwood is grateful for a lot of things in his life. One of the biggest things is moving to Artesia 31 years ago.  

The movie “Facing the Giants” is about a football coach who has faith and is doing his best but cannot put a winning season together and is almost fired. 

That movie could have been modeled after Kirkwood’s career as the head basketball coach at Ruidoso in 1994.  

Kirkwood, who had graduated from Ruidoso, said he was excited to return home for the coaching job.  

When he took over the Warriors program, it had won only three games in three years. Kirkwood said the Ruidoso role was not a good fit — and that his family had not found a church. 

Lone season 

Kirkwood was 6-17 in his lone season as coach. After the season, Kirkwood told his wife, Brenda Kirkwood, that maybe Ruidoso was not for them. 

“We prayed for three days,” Kirkwood said. “My wife is such a praying lady, and after that third day, that is when Bubba (Jennings) called.” 

Jennings told Kirkwood he needed an assistant coach and asked him to visit Artesia.  

Kirkwood, 64, accepted the position as an assistant coach and helped lead the Bulldogs to two state championships in 1995 and 1997.  

“Coach Kirkwood was an outstanding assistant,” Jennings said. “I hired him for several reasons, the first being that he is a Christian. He knows the game well, and I wanted a coach who truly understood our philosophy and knew the commitment it would take to work in our program.” 

After Jennings left to become the head coach at Coronado High School in Texas, Kirkwood was promoted to head coach in 1999 and coached until 2004.  

Kirkwood coached the Bulldogs to a record of 82-68, with his best season being the 2001-2002 season, when the ’Dogs went 20-5.  

When Kirkwood resigned as basketball coach, he said he loved Artesia too much to leave and coach somewhere else. So he stayed and became an assistant basketball coach.  

Provided | Paul Kirkwood
Coach Paul Kirkwood is with Coach Jennings, Coach Steve Huttanus and coach Dennis Garcia.

Impacts Mondragon’s life 

He returned to the basketball bench to help his former point guard and current Bulldogs coach Michael Mondragon in 2017. 

“Coach Kirkwood has been instrumental in developing me not only as a player and coach, but as a man,” Mondragon said. “Coach K always put in character, hard work, discipline, and most importantly, faith as the foundation of success. He is a huge part of who I am today, and I thank him for everything he’s done for me and my family throughout my life and career.” 

Kirkwood was named the New Mexico High School Coaches Association Assistant Basketball Coach of the Year in 2023 before retiring in the same year. 

“God is good,” Kirkwood said. “God brought us here; we’ve got to raise our children here. Artesia is a godly town, and they raise their children godly. If anybody ever needs any help, Artesia will help.” 

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

Here’s your guide to Red Dirt Black Gold

Michael Smith
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Here’s your guide to Red Dirt Black Gold

Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press
msmith@currentargus.com

Three days of live music, food, craft vendors and homemade beer await partygoers from southeast New Mexico during the Red Dirt Black Gold Festival in downtown Artesia.

Now in its 10th year, the annual festival is sponsored by Artesia MainStreet as a celebration of the region’s oil and gas industry.

Ticket prices start at $10 for attendees 21 years of age and over. General admission is free for those 20 and under. VIP tickets for individuals and couples are also available.

Tickets can be purchased online at the festival website.

Gates are open from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. each night. Music performances start at 6 p.m.

Here’s a quick look at the Red Dirt Black Gold (RDBG) Festival.

Where is it?

Vendors will set up in the Heritage Plaza downtown. Bands will perform on stage on Texas Street, across from City Hall.

Who is performing?

Sept. 11 is New Mexico Heritage Night featuring El Origen Norteno and Los Consentidos Del Norte CD Juarez.

Sept. 12 is Indie Folk Night featuring Mammoth Cult, John Hibbard and the Haybirds, and Mirarge – Visions of Fleetwood Mac.

Sept. 13 is Red Dirt Black Gold Night, featuring Clayton Runer, Hooks and the Huckleberries, Kenny Feidler, and Cody Canada and the Departed.

Where to eat?

Food vendors will be lined up on West Texas Street from the Artesia Post Office to Western Bancshares of New Mexico at the corner of West Texas Avenue and Roselawn Avenue. They include:

Changos Birria Tacos, Rebel Daughters BBQ, Red’s Concessions, The Sno Cone Place, My Daddy’s BBQ, Ensemble Treats, Weiner Wagon, Taco Loco, Small Town Grill, Wild West Soda, Patio Pizza, Get Smashed Burgers, Little Bits, Peachy Keen, ET Concessions, King Crab and House of Grub.

What else is there to do?

Craft vendors will open at 5 p.m. on all three nights.

A cornhole tournament is set for Friday and Saturday. A pickleball tournament is set for Sept. 12 and Sept. 13 at Jaycee Park at 1710 South 26th Street.

More information can be found at https://www.reddirtblackgold.com/

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

Ivans’ state title came down to final throw 

JT Keith
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Ivans’ state title came down to final throw 

JT Keith 
Artesia Daily Press 
jtkeith@elritomedia.com 

The 2025 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico Class 4A-5A State Track & Field Championships, on May 17, came down to two rivals and one throw. 

Artesia’s Brooklynne Ivans was trailing Pojoaque Valley’s Mikayla Calabaza, who had just thrown a 35’3” in the shot put to take the lead in the finals.  

Ivans said that she had faced Calabaza earlier in the track season and had lost to her in the meet at Los Alamos.  

“Yes, I was pretty nervous going into my last throw,” Ivans said. “She (Calabaza) beat me when we faced earlier in the year.” 

Ivans said she knew what she had to throw to beat Calabaza. But a couple of weeks before the state final, she had gotten into the habit of scratching (going over the toe board), which means her throw would not count. 

“When I was up for my last throw,” Ivans said, “I was thinking that I needed to work on my technique and make my throw better than it was before.” 

Artesia’s Brooklynne Ivans talks about winning in the last throw at the state meet. JT Keith | Artesia Daily Press

Ivans said that when she was getting ready to throw, she would watch videos of herself and critique her throws. She also remembered that her coach, Andy Lopez, had told her to breathe before throwing. Ivans said that the advice helped her.  

“As I was getting ready to throw,” Ivans said, “I concentrated on staying low and being quick.” 

Ivans said that when she let the throw go, she thought she could do better and did not feel like she had beaten Calabaza. 

Ivans, a junior, won the shot-put state title with a throw of 36’6.25”.  

“I was excited when I won,” Ivans said. “I felt like all the hard work I put in paid off. Winning just felt unreal.” 

One of Ivans goals going into her senior year is to throw 40 feet, and she would like to win state in her senior year. 

Ivans said that she would also like to come back to Artesia High School to teach and coach.  

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

Jack Byers is Bulldog of the Week

JT Keith
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Artesia wide receiver Jack Byers is Bulldog of the Week.

Artesia Daily Press | JT Keith
Artesia’s Jack Byers is Bulldog of the Week, and is with Seek 1st Director Ben Cox.

Byers has helped the Bulldogs stay undefeated by beating Hobbs 51-41 at the Bulldog on Friday. Byers said winning the award is special and that it is a team effort. His personal goals is a team win and he would like to score a touchdown each game.

Artesia’s Jacky Tovar is Lady ‘Dog of the Week

JT Keith
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Artesia senior volleyball player Jacky Tovar is the Lady ‘Dogs Athlete of the Week. She is pictured with Ty Houghtaling of Seek 1st. Tovar has helped Artesia to an undefeated season as the Lady Dogs defeated Roswell at the Coyote Den on August 2, Tuesday Night.

Tovar said she is proud of herself for continuing to play and being a team player. Tovar’s advice to others is to never give up or quit.

JT Keith| Artesia Daily Press
Artesia senior Jacky Tovar is with Seek 1st Ty Houghtaling and is the second female winner on the season.

NM health department issues COVID-19 health order

Michael Smith
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NM health department issues COVID-19 health order

El Rito Media News Services

On Saturday, the New Mexico Department of Health issued a new health order regarding access to COVID-19 vaccines.

According to a news release, the order follows “some pharmacies announcing they cannot administer the vaccine in New Mexico unless recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), an advisory group to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has yet to convene and act on the matter.”

The order directs the state health department to work with New Mexico’s Board of Pharmacy “to remove potential barriers and ensure access to COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies across the state.”

Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the updated COVID-19 vaccine formulations, but with new restrictions. As noted in the new health order, people over the age of 65 are eligible, under the new FDA rules, for the vaccine, with younger people requiring an underlying medical issue for eligibility. According to the news release, the state anticipates the updated COVID-19 vaccine to begin arriving in New Mexico in the next few weeks.

“It’s important for New Mexicans to know the New Mexico Department of Health is committed to keeping residents safe as we enter the 2025 – 2026 respiratory virus season,” Health Secretary Gina DeBlassie said in a statement. “This order will remove obstacles to vaccination access.”

The news release noted that pharmacies won’t have any issues administering the influenza vaccine because the ACIP recommended that vaccine for persons aged six months and older.

SENMC students offered honors scholarships

Adrian Hedden
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SENMC students offered honors scholarships

Staff reports

Carmela Thea Bicol and Sammy Lopez, students at Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) are two of the 220 Phi Theta Kappa members named 2025 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars and will receive $1,000 scholarships.

The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program helps new Phi Theta Kappa members defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. Scholars are encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in Society programs and are selected based on scholastic achievement, community service, and leadership potential. More than 600 applications were received.

“As the advisor for the Alpha Rho Xi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, it is an honor to celebrate the achievements of students like Sammy and Carmela,” said PTK Advisor, Dr. Raven Anderson. “I am extremely proud of their accomplishment in receiving the prestigious Leaders of Promise Scholarship, which recognizes their dedication, leadership, and academic excellence.

Anderson said Sammy demonstrated his commitment by serving as an officer for the Alpha Rho Xi Chapter and supporting his peers as a tutor in the science department.

Carmela is excelling academically, recently entering the Nursing program, and consistently shows her willingness to assist others, Anderson said.

“Both students play vital roles in advancing our chapter’s College Project and Honors in Action Project, reflecting the spirit of collaboration and service that PTK represents,” Anderson said. “Their hard work and determination set them apart, and they are outstanding representatives of Southeast New Mexico College. I look forward to seeing the many ways they will continue to achieve and lead.”

A total of $220,000 will be awarded this year through the Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation provides $200,000 in funding for the scholarships, with $25,000 set aside for members who are veterans or active members of the United States military. The remaining amount is supported by donations to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, which provides multiple Global Leaders of Promise Scholarships earmarked for international students.

“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Paulsen, president of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa to make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals and support tomorrow’s leaders of the global community.”

The funds provided by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation both aid college completion and give students the opportunity to engage in Society programs and develop leadership skills to become future leaders in their communities.

“As a proud member of Alpha Rho Xi Chapter of PTK, I would like to show my appreciation for winning the Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship,” said Carmela Thea Bicol. “I am beyond grateful for being awarded with this scholarship. I will be taking this opportunity to help me through nursing school and become a great nurse. Thank you to PTK!”

“This competitive scholarship has really demonstrated that hard work and dedication really does pay off. Thank you, Coca-Cola and sponsors, for seeing beauty in my struggles as a non-traditional college student and overall making my transition from SENMC to a four-year university even easier,” said Sammy Lopez

Amanda Karpinski Gorman, interim executive director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation said students in Phi Theta Kappa were “four times more likely” to complete their degrees than other students.

“The Leaders of Promise Scholarships recognize students for what they have achieved already and assure that financial need isn’t an obstacle to achieving their academic goals,” Gorman said.

About Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.

Yucca CowBelles and Woolgrowers

Adrian Hedden
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Yucca CowBelles and Woolgrowers

Yucca CowBelles & Woolgrowers

As I was looking through my photos from The Eddy County Fair, this one stuck out.

I spent several hours at the Yucca CowBelles & Woolgrowers booth, visiting with folks, promoting beef, and selling quilt raffle tickets. Just across the aisle was Doc Darnell’s booth—and what I saw there all week was something special.

If he wasn’t talking to someone about a hide, Doc was surrounded by a group of kids, fully engaged in conversation. No one was scrolling their phones or impatiently waiting for the chat to end. These were real, meaningful conversations—sometimes lasting over an hour—with kids of all ages, from the littles to teenagers.

They could have been anywhere else, but they chose to be there, listening and learning from someone they respected.

It’s moments like this that remind me: 4-H, FFA, and agriculture in general doesn’t just teach skills—they grow good humans.

The winner of the 2025 Quilt was Abby Bogel and the winner of the cowhide donated by Doc Darnell was Nancy Buchanan.  Thank you to all those that supported the Yucca CowBelles this year at the fair.

Last-minute goal propels Artesia over Ruidoso

JT Keith
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Todd Fuqua

Artesia Daily Press

tfuqua@elritomedia.com

RUIDOSO – The Artesia and Ruidoso girls soccer teams got into a tight contest at Ruidoso Middle School on Aug. 2, with the Bulldogs pulling out a 2-1 victory after a goal by Kaidence Hnulik in the waning minutes.

Artesia’s Kaylee Berdoza started the play, running down the far sideline with the ball and passing off to Abigail Jowers in the middle for a strike. Hnulik was in the right place at the right time when Ruidoso goalkeeper Daniella Estrada couldn’t corral the ball after a save, and the Artesia sophomore found the back of the net.

“We just went right through the teeth of their defense,” Hnulik said. “I just touched into the net.”

That score was unfortunate for the Warriors (3-1) and Estrada, who had been stellar in the net all night with numerous saves while facing a methodical Artesia offensive attack.

“We work on being a possessive team,” said Artesia coach Tim Trentham. “We want to be on the ball and limit opportunities for the other team, and that helps us defensively. We got a lot of looks, we just didn’t finish a lot of them.”

Ruidoso had its chances, too, taking the lead in the 12th minute of the first half when Jackie Segovia raced forward on a long pass and was able to slam it home for a 1-0 advantage.

That remained the score until just before halftime, when Alani Escareno got free for Artesia (6-2) to tie the score at 1-all.

Todd Fuqua | Artesia Daily Press

Artesia’s #15 Kaylee Berdoza battles Ruidoso’s #11 Angie Chavez for the ball during Tuesday nights girls’ soccer action in Ruidoso. Artesia is 6-2 on the season and gave Ruidoso its first loss of the season with a 2-1 victory.

It looked as though Segovia would retake the lead for the Warriors in the 12th minute of the second half but her shot hit the post. She got another chance in the 22nd minute, only to see her shot go off the crossbar.

After Hnulik’s goal, Segovia nearly had a chance to tie the score in the final minute but was unable to reach the ball before the Artesia defense kicked it out.

“We had those two or three shots that hit the post, and we were very close to getting a win in the end,” said Ruidoso coach Sergio Castro. “But that’s a very good team. They’re probably going to win their district, and I’m proud of the girls.”

Threntham felt the same way about the Warriors.

“I think it was great competition for both of us,” Trentham said. “We’ve battled for years with them, and every game is great.”

Ruidoso is at Monte Del Sol in Santa Fe today at 3:30 p.m., while Artesia hosts Alamogordo at 5 p.m.

Todd Fuqua is Editor for the Ruidoso News and can be reached on Instagram at @toadfox1.

Artesia Lady ‘Dogs overwhelm Roswell in the Den

JT Keith
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0

The Artesia Lady ‘Dogs are off to a three game winning streak, after winning in three sets against Roswell 25-14, 25-8 and 26-24, in the Coyote Den Tuesday night.

Lady ‘Dogs coach Alan Williams said that his team had its serves working well against Roswell.

“When we served well, they were struggling to pass the ball,” Williams said. “They (Roswell) could never get into their offensive system. When we were missing our serves that third game, that is when they kept it close. For the most part, we were serving so well that they (Roswell) could not get into their offense, or get to free balls and that allowed us (Artesia) to run our offense.”

Williams said he expects the competition to get tougher this weekend when they play in the Las Cruces Tournament. Artesia will face Silver at 11: 15 a.m., and Organ Mountain at 12:45 p.m., in pool play on Friday, September 5, with Santa Teresa, to be determined.

Williams’ said he expects Organ Mountain to be the same team, Artesia played last year. Williams said they should be really good. Santa Teresa and Silver are both in Class 4A and District 4. Last year, Artesia faced Santa Teresa in the quarterfinals of the state playoffs and won in four sets: 20-25, 25-21, 25-17 and 25-17.

Silver and Santa Teresa have both been good recently,” Williams said. “Our pool is going to tell us a lot as foo how far we are as far when it comes to Southern 4A schools. There are things we can do better, but it is hard to be disappointed when we are 3-0. I am pleased with how we are playing and I think there is a lot of room to get better.”

Williams said that he would hate it if his team was hitting on all cylinders at this time of year, since it is so young in the season. He wants his team to focus on getting better and having consistency. The goal during the regular season is to see who can be consistent and continue to improve as the season goes along for the Lady ‘Dogs.

Artesia defeated Roswell 25-14, 25-8 and 26-24, on Tuesday in Roswell. Artesia’s #14 Brooklynne Ivans serves from an earlier match against Carlsbad.
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