Home cooking served the Artesia girls volleyball team well. The Lady ‘Dogs did not start slow against the visiting Alamogordo Tigers. In fact, Artesia just flat out jumped on the Tigers at the first serve, defeating the Tigers in three sets (25-16, 27-25 and 25-13), at The Bulldog Pit on Thursday, August 28.
“Carlsbad was a good win for us,” Artesia assistant coach Mandi Lewallen said. “Tonight, Alamogordo came out ready to play. Traveling like that sometimes it takes a little bit, but they were scrappy at blocking our outside and we had to make some adjustments really quick. Them (Alamogordo) being scrappy definitely helps us.”
Lewallen said the tough match will help Artesia next week when they face Roswell at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Roswell “Den” and after that game, the Lady ‘Dogs will play in the Sweet 16 Tournament.
During the game, Artesia learned to overcome its errors and reducing them.
JT Keith | Artesia Daily Press Artesia’s Jenna Whitmire hits the ball back over the net against Alamogordo on Thursday night, in three sets.
Lewallen said it was important that the Lady ‘Dogs had stopped the runs the Tigers had, so when it plays opposing teams, Artesia will be able to stop teams from going on a run of scoring three and four points in a row.
In the second set, Alamogordo came back from a 24-19 deficit, to tie the game 24-24.
“We have a problem finishing,” Alamogordo volleyball coach Rachel Montoya said after tying the game up at 24-24 in the second set. “That is going to be something that we work on all season. I tell our girls (players) while we have it, ‘you keep pushing’. This is my second year in the program and we are rebuilding and learning the program. We are kind of building a big old family.”
Lewallen said that she wanted to give props to the Bulldog fans that showed up and was loud during its rally. She said the fans support gave the team energy.
The Bulldogs have nine seniors and all of them are leading in their own way. Lewallen said that is a good thing because once one or two players start leading, normally all of the other girls do not say anything.
“Our seniors have been playing together for a while,” Lewallen said. “And that communication and trust – they are leading in their own way. All these girls have their own strengths and weaknesses and lead in their own way. So, they all do a great job of coming in, in different ways when they have too.”
For 16 years, Jim and Kathy Wadkins have been the proud owners of the plush lawn at 306 La Cuesta. Once Jim retired from Standard Oilfield Supply, he claimed stewardship of the yard. Various types of trees surround the home along with tree-like crepe myrtles and Texas sage. Dusty miller, showy stonecrop and four o’clocks provide texture and color around the front porch. A very colorful and welcoming place to relax.
Congratulations and Thank You for all of your hard work.
The Hobbs football team will face a murder’s row of 5A football opponents in Lovington, Artesia, and Roswell before heading into its 6A schedule. According to Hobbs’ football coach, Ken Stevens, he wants his team to play in a big-time venue, such as the Bulldog Bowl, when his Eagles (1-0) come to the Bulldog Bowl at 7 p.m. Friday.
In last year’s game, neither team could stop the other, and Artesia’s four turnovers played a significant role in the outcome. The Bulldogs (1-0) had the ball and were trying to win the game when an interception ended their hopes in a 44-40 loss at Watson Memorial Stadium. Stevens said that neither team has lost at home to the other in the six years he has been coaching at Hobbs.
Lovington game
Stevens said that his team got off to a slow start in the Lovington game, leading 14-0 at halftime, and continued to improve throughout the game to secure a 41-13 win.
“Playing in the Bulldog Bowl this week will be a tough game,” Stevens said. “I think it is going to be a shootout again, and hopefully, we get a few more defensive stops in the game. Last year, we got the defensive stop we needed to win the game. It very well could be the same thing in this game.”
Stevens’ three keys to beating Artesia: Prevent big plays
“We cannot give up big plays,” Stevens said. “We must make them earn what they get.”
Artesia is really explosive on offense, Stevens said. If we can prevent big plays and make them earn what they get, that will be one of the keys to the game.
2. On offense, Stevens said that his Eagles need to minimize their mistakes offensively, keep their offense on the field, and produce points. “Artesia has a solid defense,” Stevens said. “They have two corners, Charlie Campbell IV and Tootie McNeal; those kids are 6-foot-2, and they are big, tall, lanky kids that can run. They are not afraid to go 1-on-1 on the outside with anyone, and that is a testament to their athletic ability. That kid No. 33 (Edel Villa) is a heck of a football player.”
3. “We have to handle adversity and the momentum swings that will happen to us,” Stevens said. “We need to respond the right way when adversity happens to us, especially playing over there. As explosive as Artesia is on offense, they have some explosive pieces over there on defense. We have to execute well on offense and minimize our mistakes on Friday night.”
The Eagles have junior running back Shamus Wright, who ran for three touchdowns and 238 yards on 18 carries, in the opening game against Lovington. Stevens said. For Wright to gain those yards, Stevens credits his offensive line but also said that Wright has excellent vision and sees the field well.
“I think he has a good combination of agility and the ability to make cuts,” Stevens said. “And to combine that with some power running, he is 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds. He can play college football at some level.”
Provided |Jake Cooper Artesia tailback Bryce Parra scores on a 41-yard touchdown run against Carlsbad on Friday night at Ralph Bowyer Caveman Stadium. Artesia won 48-24, in the Eddy County War.
O-Line
The Eagles will bring in an offensive line that controlled the line of scrimmage well against Lovington. The Hobbs offensive line does not have a player who weighs under 220 pounds starting on it. On the left side of the line is senior Diego Argott, who is 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, and senior Oliver Hernandez, who is 6 foot even and weighs 265 pounds. Stevens said that he switched up the center this year and will start junior Ricardo Alverez, who is 5-foot-11 and 220 pounds. Two seniors will begin on the right side: Isaiah Morales, who is 6-foot-1 and weighs 280 pounds, and Max Garcia, who is 6-foot-1 and weighs 260 pounds.
Wide receiver
Justice French had a touchdown catch and three receptions for 45 yards against Lovington, and the other receiver, Braddock Beaty, scored on a 55-yard reverse, according to Stevens against Lovington. Stevens said that his receivers have good height, as both are 6-foot-2 and possess good speed, making them matchup problems for other teams.
Quarterback
Junior Medrano will make his second start of the season against Artesia. He was 8-of-16 for 72 yards. Stevens said that he is a better passer than he showed on Friday night and can go with the ball in his hands.
“I think he is a little better passer than what he showed on Friday night,” Stevens said. “I would have to agree that he is a better runner than thrower, but he is more than capable of what he showed.”
Defensive line
For Hobbs, it starts with the defensive line. Mike Myrideth is the nose guard and stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 330 pounds. Stevens said that Myrideth is a two-gap guy, hard to move, and clogs the middle of the defense. Stevens said Myrideth has the size to play at the next level. Jeremiah Mackey, who had two-and-a-half sacks against Lovington, is a guy who is 5-foot-11 and 255 pounds. Stevens said that Mackey is one of the most explosive kids he has ever coached.
“Man, he (Mackey) is explosive, and he is strong,” Stevens said. “Those guys (Myrideth and Mackey) do an excellent job on the interior of our defense.”
Defensive back
Adrian Mora, who plays safety and stands at 6-foot-1 and weighs 165 pounds, is one of the fastest players on the team, according to Stevens. Mora is a big playmaker on special teams; he will return punts and kickoffs for the Eagles. He set a Hobbs school record last year in the playoffs against Eldorado with a 95-yard punt return for a touchdown. Stevens said that Mora will also use a spot play on offense.
Special teams
Beaty will handle most of the kicking duties and can kick a 40-yard field goal, but does not know if he can do it consistently, according to Stevens.
jtkeith can be reached at 575-420-0061, or @XJTKJEITH1.
Information and photos provided by New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
As the calendar changes from August to September, fishing remains robust on New Mexico waters.
In eastern and southeastern New Mexico, fishing at Grindstone Reservoir was good for trout using Rainbow PowerBait and Pistol Pete red tails.
At Bonito Lake, trout fishing was fair using worms and PowerBait.
At Oasis Lake State Park near Portales, fishing for catfish was slow to fair using stink bait.
At Greene Meadow Lake, fishing for bass was fair to good using lures. Fishing for catfish was fair to good using liver and nightcrawlers.
Around Truth or Consequences, fishing for brown trout was fair to good using worms at Percha Dam.
In Las Cruces, at Young Park Pond, fishing for bluegill was very good using hot dogs and shrimp.
In northern New Mexico, fishing for catfish was slow at the Albuquerque Area Drains using chicken breast with Jell-O.
At Conchas Lake, fishing for largemouth bass was very good using poor house curly tails.
This fishing report, provided by the New Mexico 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.
We are so excited to welcome you to another season of Bulldog Football! Our first home football game is this Friday, August 29 and is a special time for our community to come together, support our team and show our Bulldog Pride. We also want to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and fans during the games.
This is a reminder that we do not allow students to walk around Bulldog Bowl during football games. We will again put this protocol into place this season. It provides our fans with the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful evening without having to dodge students as well as cutting down on the fights. We received positive feedback from staff, students and fans on how much nicer it was at our games.
Please remind your students that unless they have a reserved seat ticket, they must sit in the general admission section or the student section. Also, if a student continues to walk around or loiter after being asked to find a seat, parents will be called to pick their student up.
We kindly request your support in this matter. Please speak with your child before attending the football game, explaining the importance of staying seated and enjoying the game from their seats.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us create a safe and spirited environment for everyone. We look forward to seeing you in the stands, cheering loud and proud—It’s Great to be a Bulldog!
Under the plan imposed by Gov. Lujan Grisham and her handpicked Environmental Improvement Board, 43% of all vehicles sold in New Mexico were supposed to be electric by 2026. Fortunately for New Mexico car buyers, back in May the US Congress (including New Mexico Democrat Rep. Gabe Vasquez) voted to eliminate California’s exemption from federal clean air rules (and thus the ability of other states) to force unwilling buyers to purchase electric vehicles.
A new report from the pro-EV trade group Alliance for Automotive Innovation indicates that as of the first quarter of 2025, adoption of EV’s had begun to decline even before Congress acted. Perhaps the mere election of Donald Trump shifted consumer behavior back toward gas-powered vehicles, but the reason for this decline is unclear.
What we do know is that according to the Alliance’s data New Mexico’s EV market share plummeted by 10% from 5.53% in Q4 2024 to 4.98% in Q1 2025. The report found that declines occurred in states whether they mandated EV’s or didn’t.
Given those low and dropping numbers there is no chance of New Mexico complying with the 43% EV sales target. But, rather than thanking Trump and Congress for averting a self-inflicted crisis, the Gov. instead criticized them for “putting polluters over people and creating chaos for consumers and the market.” New Mexico also joined California’s lawsuit which amounts to a long-shot attempt to get the courts to overturn Congressional action and thus restore that State’s federal waiver.
The decline in EV sales is likely a result of market saturation among a relatively niche group of people who are interested in buying them. Even as Congress killed off EV mandates numerous federal and state subsidies for EV’s remain in effect. According to the New Mexico Environment Department:
Under current federal policy, tax credits of up to $7,500 for new EVs and up to $4,000 for used EVs are available through September 30th, 2025.
You can also get a tax credit of up to $1,000 to help cover the cost of purchasing and installing a residential or commercial EV charging station. This federal tax credit is available through June 30, 2026.
On top of those federal subsidies, the State of New Mexico offers a tax credit of up to $3,000 for the purchase or lease of a new or used qualifying vehicle and a tax credit of up to $25,000 for the purchase and installation of clean car charging units.
New Mexico’s subsidies and breaks will remain in effect and are augmented by recently-enacted building codes which require EV charging stations and/or charging infrastructure in all new houses and apartment construction.
All of these either take money out of the pockets of non-EV drivers or raise the price of housing which is already unaffordable in much of our state. While federal subsidies for EV’s are on track to expire, for the time being New Mexico will continue to pump taxpayer dollars into EV’s, charging stations, and other EV-related infrastructure that primarily benefit wealthy EV owners.
The future of EV’s and other “alternative” fuel vehicles is very much in question. Absent massive subsidies and mandates EV’s appear to be a niche product in the United States. Perhaps new technology (like massive improvements in battery technology) will change that. But with the Trump Administration’s “drill baby drill” philosophy keeping oil and gas prices low it is unlikely that auto buyers (as opposed to politicians) will flock to EV’s. Perhaps hydrogen or some other technology will prove superior to EV’s?
Regardless of what the future holds for the automotive market New Mexico’s political leadership should reinstate true freedom of vehicle choice by eliminating subsidies and mandates, regardless of the technology. And, as long as the gas tax plays a role in funding road maintenance EV owners should also pay a fee of some kind to maintain the roads. It’s only fair.
Paul Gessing is president of New Mexico’s Rio Grande Foundation. The Rio Grande Foundation is an independent, nonpartisan, tax-exempt research and educational organization dedicated to promoting prosperity for New Mexico based on principles of limited government, economic freedom and individual responsibility.
Jockey Ricky Ramirez says his mount King of the Tide has just what it takes to win the world’s richest quarter horse race, the $3 million All American Futurity, being held for the second straight year at the Downs of Albuquerque on Labor Day, Sept. 1.
“It’s that powerful feeling you have when they’re underneath you,” Ricky said. “I had the same feeling with Whistle Stop Café when we won the Futurity in 2020.”
Ramirez and King of the Tide clocked the fastest qualifying time the final, crossing the finish line in 21.001 seconds during trials earlier this month. The New Mexico-bred gelding will be number-five and is 7/2 on the morning line for the race scheduled to go to post as the No. 10 horse on Monday’s card.
Ramirez said his confidence grew significantly when King of the Tide finished second in the state-bred Mountain Top Futurity at Ruidoso Downs on June 15. Owners Gene Bradley, Tod Bradley and Ware Brown agreed with trainer Trey Wood that the gelding’s next appearance would be in the All American trials.
“This horse made up so much ground going 350 yards in that race,” Ramirez said. “We knew that the four-forty distance would be perfect for him.”
King of the Tide will be asked to defeat two other undefeated quarter horses in the final – Political Twist under jockey Luis Martinez and Envestor with Noe Garcia Jr. up.
Political Twist, No. 9, has been the horse of the summer at Ruidoso Downs for owners Javier Rodriguez and Ray Willis. The gelding has five straight wins including victories in the West Texas Futurity at Sunland Park and Ruidoso Futurity at Ruidoso Downs. Political Twist is 5/2 on the morning line with career earnings of more than $600,000.
“This horse is a complete professional,” Rodriguez said said. “The secret ingredient to Political Twist is no mistakes. The horse stands in the gate and waits for it to open. We like his chances and wish everyone else good luck in the race.”
Envestor, No. 4, is also undefeated for owners Richard Young, Joe Yates and Zack Stinebaugh.
Shortly after purchasing the horse at the Ruidoso Select Sale, the owners changed the horse’s name from “Scarface Jimmy” to Envestor. The horse has a noticeable scar on his lip from an earlier accident as a youngster.
“We purchased him for $28,000 and now we’re in a race for $3 million,” Stinebaugh said. “He’s been impressive with the way he comes from behind and shows so much late energy and speed. The 440-yard distance is where this horse succeeds.”
Envestor is 8-1 on the morning line.
The No. 1 horse, Dee Favorite Tacha, had to be scratched after suffering a career-ending leg fracture in his trial race. The leg has been surgically repaired and Dee Favorite Tacha has been sent to owner Eric Peneda’s farm for rest and recovery.
The All American Futurity will be televised live nationwide on the Cowboy Channel Monday afternoon. Post time is scheduled for 6:25 p.m.
Ruidoso Downs will have a watch party inside Billy’s Cantina located next to Billy the Kid Casino and on the patio and simulcast areas. Tickets to attend the race in Albuquerque are available from the Downs of Albuquerque.
A total of 481 yearling quarter horses are expected to be spotlighted and sold this weekend at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack in the annual Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale to be held on Aug. 29-30 at 3 p.m. on both days.
“This is an extremely large catalog of horses,” said sales manager Walt Wiggins. “Despite the flooding issues related to Ruidoso Downs, the market for quality quarter horses remains strong and we’re looking forward to a successful sale this weekend.”
If Monday’s running of the $3 million All American Futurity is any indication of bloodline quality, then the Ruidoso Select Sale remains on top of horse auctions held across the nation. Seven of the 10 starters in quarter horse racing’s biggest race were sold at the New Mexico-bred or Select Sale at Ruidoso Downs last year.
That includes the fastest qualifier King of the Tide, a New Mexico-bred, purchased for $130,000. The price tags of the All American finalists range from $28,000 (Envestor) to $200,000 (Lethal Lobo).
“We invite the public to come to the sale and see what it’s all about,” Wiggins said. “It’s very possible that we will be selling next year’s All American winner this weekend.”
JT Keith | Artesia Daily Press Artesia senior Adrienne Harvey served against Carlsbad on Tuesday night, August 26.Artesia’s Kailee Padilla #4, and teammate Jenna Whitmire, block a shot at the net against Carlsbad on Tuesday night.Artesia’s Kaitlyn Addington and teammate Jenna Whitmire celebrate after defeating Carlsbad on Tuesday night.Artesia’s Ellie McGaughy serves against Carlsbad on Tuesday night.Kailee Padilla goes for a kill shot against Carlsbad on Tuesday night at Carlsbad gym.Kailee Padilla of Artesia is ready to serve the ball against Carlsbad on Tuesday night.Artesia’s Brooklynne Ivans gets ready to serve against Carlsbad on Tuesday night.Artesia’s Jenna Whitmire goes for a kill shot against Carlsbad’s #6 Daisha Nieto and #9 Jazmariyah Sandoval, Tuesday night at the Carlsbad gym.Artesia senior volleyball player Jacky Tovar goes for a ball against Carlsbad.Artesia’s #10 Avery Frederick stuffs a kill shot from #9 Jazmariyah Sandoval of Carlsbad on Tuesday night.Artesia’s Ashton Craft goes for a kill shot against Carlsbad on Tuesday night at Carlsbad Gym.Artesia’s #4 Kailee Padilla and teammate #10 Avery Frederick blocks a Carlsbad shot Tuesday night at Carlsbad Gym. Artesia’s Ashton Craft goes for a kill shot against Carlsbad as #15 Heily Cardenas tries to block.Artesia gathers around head coach Alan Williams during a timeout Tuesday night.Artesia’s #4 Kailee Padilla and teammate #8 Jenna Whitmire blocks a shot from a Carlsbad player as Artesia defeated Carlsbad in four sets 22-25, 28-26, 25-6 and 25-16. Artesia volleyball player Demrie Howard shakes hands with Lady ‘Dogs Alan Williams after being replaced against Carlsbad on Tuesday night.Artesia volleyball player Demrie Howard shakes hands with Lady ‘Dogs assistant coach Mandi Lewallen after coming out of the game on Tuesday night.
It was just by a nose, but KJ Born to Be Wild and jockey Noe Garcia got the best of FDD Dreams and rider Luis Martinez in the All American Derby trials Aug. 6 at Downs of Albuquerque. The two will meet again in the All American Derby final on Sept. 1 to run for their share of the $1 million purse.
Javier Rodriguez, who owned the eventual loser of that photo finish, went over to KJ’s owner John Lee and offered a friendly handshake and a hearty congratulations.
“I told Javier that I wasn’t supposed to outrun him,” Lee laughed, recalling the moment in the winner circle following the trial race. My horse got loose on the outside that day and caught Dreams just at the wire. That’s horse racing.”
Rodriguez agrees with his friend Lee that anything can happen in a horse race, but when the two meet again on Labor Day, the stakes will be much higher. This will be the fourth meeting on the racetrack between the two horses and right now it’s 2-1 Dreams.
“Dreams is doing fantastic,” Rodriguez said this week as his horse went to the track on Tuesday for a breeze. “It was just one of the things to get caught at the wire. We hope it doesn’t happen again, but if it does there’s no one I’d rather lose to than John.”
Following a third-place finish in the All American Futurity last Labor Day, plus a win in the Texas Classic Futurity at Lone Star Park and a victory in the Ruidoso Derby, FDD Dreams currently has earnings of $1.3 million. FDD Dreams is listed at 6-1 on the morning line and KJ Born to Be Wild is 4-1.
Neither are favored to win the final. The favorite is House of Lords and jockey Francisco Calderon at 5/2 which has won four straight races including the Heritage Place Derby at Remington Park in the spring. House of Lords ran the fastest qualifying time for all quarter horses that competed in the All American trial races of 20.789 seconds for 440-yards.
“That’s an extremely tough Derby,” Calderon said. “We might be favored but FDD Dreams is the horse to beat. I feel like my horse is capable along with a number of horses in the field. I would say this year’s Derby has quality through-and-through.”
The Derby is ninth on the 11-race card on Labor Day, scheduled for 5:45 p.m.
