Former First Lady Laura Bush speaks to those in attendance at the 2013 Chase Scholars’ Annual Scholarship Awards Banquet on Tuesday night at the Artesia Country Club. Sitting close by are, from the left, 2009 Chase Scholar Dusty Anderson, 2008 Chase Scholar Ashley Leonard, and 2009 Chase Scholar Margaret Knorr. Grace Miller – Daily Press

Mayor Phillip Burch awarding AFD Captain Eli Herrera with a certificate in recognition of becoming a Fire Officer IV during the Artesia City Council meeting on Tuesday night. In order to become a Fire Officer IV, Capt. Herrera had to complete an 80-hour certification course where he was required to develop his own 30-page strategic plan for the department and successfully pass a written exam. Rob Larson – Daily Press

ECSO Chief Deputy Mark Cage, Eddy County Sheriff Scott London and Artesia Police Chief Don Raley. Courtesy Photo

Alexis Fuentes, daughter of Hector and Andrea Fuentes of Artesia, took home the title of Miss Route 66 at an open regional preliminary to Miss America. Alexis is a student at Artesia High School but plans to attend the National Laser institute in the near future. She will be competing along with Miss Artesia Shelby Marquez at the upcoming Miss New Mexico pageant to be held at the Spencer Theatre in Ruidoso, N.M. on June 20-22. She will be promoting her platform “The Fight to be Fit” here in Artesia by implementing a summer workout program for all ages, beginners to advanced. Call Alexis at 575-703-9981 for more information. For tickets to Miss New Mexico pageant, to schedule an appearance for Alexis or any other inquiries regarding the scholarship pageant, please contact Miss Artesia’s Executive Director Tao Yates Chumbley at 575-513-1627. Courtesy Photo