As autumn brings cooler temperatures to southeast New Mexico, outdoor enthusiasts can explore sinkhole lakes, wetlands, sand dunes, rugged OHV trails, and mountain landscapes. Highlights include camping, hiking, fishing, boating, birdwatching, off-roading, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing at Bottomless Lakes State Park, Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Mescalero Sands, Haystack Mountain, and Lincoln National Forest.

Scenes from the Spirit Run.

Artesia boys soccer team loses to Organ Mountain.

El Rito Media’s five New Mexico newspapers won 43 awards at the New Mexico Press Association’s annual banquet in Albuquerque. The Ruidoso News led with 18 honors, followed by the Carlsbad Current-Argus with 10, Rio Grande Sun with seven and Alamogordo News with four. Artesia Daily Press also earned top honors, underscoring the company’s strength in local and digital journalism.

The Bureau of Land Management’s proposed Carlsbad resource management plan would open 97% of federal land in Eddy and Lea counties to oil and gas production, reducing restrictions on surface development. Supporters cite energy security and industry certainty, while environmental groups warn of increased drilling, water use, greenhouse gas emissions and pollution across the Permian Basin.

SIMCO is bringing a Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation STEM lab to Hobbs Alternative Learning Center through a $40,000 grant. The lab will provide hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, helping students build skills and confidence for future education and careers while strengthening workforce development and economic opportunity in the Permian Basin.

Wade Dean Taylor’s family has renewed the search for the missing Alamogordo Marine Corps veteran with two billboards and a $5,000 reward. Taylor, 38, disappeared May 6, 2017, after leaving the Otero County Detention Center and walking into the Chihuahuan Desert. Police and family continue seeking information about his whereabouts and possible foul play.

Artesia had no answers in loss to Roswell High School.

Sen. Martin Heinrich is calling for an independent investigation after a hoist at New Mexico’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant fell 1,600 feet during a routine test. No one was injured, but the incident renewed concerns about WIPP’s aging hoist infrastructure. Heinrich urged federal officials to involve workers, address safety concerns and determine the root cause.

Artesia police are seeking Jamie Taylor, 23, on a nationwide warrant stemming from an Oct. 7 shooting outside an apartment complex. Taylor allegedly shot Jason Phillips after Phillips punched a woman during a domestic dispute. Phillips was treated and listed in stable condition. Taylor faces aggravated battery with a firearm and felon-in-possession charges.

Artesia girls soccer team defeated Goddard 6-0 on Thursday.

Republican nominee Gregg Hull says he would sign legislation limiting how long New Mexico governors can keep emergency orders in effect, while preserving rapid response powers for disasters. He supports legislative oversight and cites earlier proposals requiring lawmakers’ approval or special sessions for extensions. Democrat Deb Haaland’s campaign declined to comment.