Looking back 40, 30 and 20 years ago, the following are excerpts from the Artesia Daily Press from Jan. 7-13.
40 years ago
Jan. 7-13, 1979
Three area ranchers received Excellence in Grazing Awards from the New Mexico Section of the Society of Range Management at a recent annual meeting in Roswell. The awards for outstanding range management went to the Cooper Brothers Ranch of Elk, Lloyd L. Treat of Hope and Madlyn Cauhape of Hope.
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As reported in the Pinon News: Rick Vanelstine, deputy sheriff stationed in Cloudcroft, was a visitor in this area recently encouraging the people to feel free to call him for any need. Also he was checking on a problem in the area.
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“Heaven Can Wait” was the featured movie of the week at Landsun Theatre and “Grease” was the featured film at Hermosa Drive-In.
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Bids for school-owned property in Atoka were opened during a meeting of the Artesia Board of Education, with the land, (including Atoka School which closed in 1970), was awarded to the highest bidder. Marvel Engineering Col, represented by G.B. Humphrey, received the approval of the board after submitting a bid of $41,000 for 5.347 acres of land appraised at $35,785.
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A new slate of officers for the Artesia Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for activities in 1979. Elected were Maynard Shearer, president; David Simons, vice president; and John Wilson, treasurer. They replace, respectively, Warren Nell, Marcielle Payne and David Simons. Virginia McPherson will remain as chamber secretary.
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Despite battling a tile floor which was so slick the players probably figured they were playing on an ice rink, both the Park Junior High eighth and ninth grade girls basketball teams chalked up their first Border Conference wins over Mid-High and Alta Vista in Carlsbad on Tuesday. Coach Pati Robinson’s eighth graders kept their unbeaten string alive with a close 23-21 win over their counterparts from Alta Vista while Susie Allen’s ninth graders won their second game of the year against three losses with a 54-53 triumph over Mid-High.
30 years ago
Jan. 7-13, 1989
Jillana Burgess of Burgess Chiropractic Center was awarded the honor of outstanding dedication and service to chiropractic, her patients and community for 1988 by Anderson Management Associates. Burgess is a graduate of Texas Chiropractic college. She currently is studying for a degree in chiropractic orthopedics.
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Four businesses and institutions have been recognized by Clarence Kepple Post 41 of the American Legion for flying the American flag 24 hours a day. The entities honored include the Artesia Fire Department and the Artesia Police Department, that share the responsibilities for flying the flag between the buildings; Penasco Valley Telephone Cooperative Inc., and the Phillips Petroleum Production Department at Loco Hills.
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As reported in the Pinon News: The Pinon people had the misfortune to have a break in the pipeline in Pinon Christmas Eve, so they were without water nearly all day. Don Merritt took his backhoe and spent most of the day digging up the line helping repair it, then covering it. John Gage was there and helped nearly all day. After it was repaired and the residents again had water, he went to Alamogordo to be with the bill Gage family for supper in the home of Mrs. Addie Withers.
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She thinks the best hamburgers in Lovington are available at a place called “Burger Builders,” which is run by her brother. She likes playing softball in Artesia because they let you slide into bases. And she says she’s getting closer to being a Bulldog. “She” is 27-year-old Connie Reeder, a Lovington product who is now in charge of the girls’ sports program at Zia Intermediate School here.
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Ray Tice will represent Artesia and the rest of New Mexico Senate District 33 in the upcoming session of the state Legislature, which opens next Tuesday. Tice predicted this week that education and economic development will be two major issues in the 60-day session. He won his Senate seat in the November general election, defeating two-term incumbent Budd Hebert.
20 years ago
Jan. 7-13, 1999
Despite the gloomy topic, Peyton Yates approached members of Artesia Desk & Derrick with a sense of humor. As he explained that he would discuss the state of the oil industry, he passes out Kleenex so listeners could wipe away their tears. His audience got a laugh. On a more serious note, Yates tried to lend a sense of hope to those who are feeling the hit of a hard-hitting shortfall in oil prices. Yates says the community must continually work toward making itself an economically and aesthetically attractive and appealing one. “Always work to make things better. It’s what carries you through. You must never give up on that,” he said.
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Artesia High School students got their first experience with the new instructional television network system installed by eastern New Mexico University-Roswell at Artesia High School. College credit courses will be broadcast via the system beginning Jan. 13.
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As reported in the Pinon News: Mrs. Oza Holcomb went to the home of Mrs. Mary Ann Anderson to a party. A delicious luncheon was served the crowd. No one seemed to have forgotten it was Mrs. Anderson’s birthday. After they had finished someone suggested they all sing and it was “Happy Birthday” to Mrs. Anderson. A few plans were to meet at the Weed Musical Center. Later is was at the Week Café office at a restaurant and a place for a musical program. Mrs. Anderson’s family and a number of friends were there and played a number of Mrs. Anderson’s favorites.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Looking Back was compiled by Daily Press Community Living Editor Teresa Lemon.)