Southeast New Mexico College recognizes second-year nursing student Erin Chavez as its October 2026 Mountain Lion Student of the Month. Honored for compassion, leadership, integrity, and clinical judgment, Chavez advocated for a terminally ill patient’s comfort and dignity, exemplifying SENMC’s values and the patient-centered care of an exceptional future nurse.

Bulldogs rout Trojans 49-10.

The Forest Service has begun removing dead and dying trees around campsites, roads and trails in the South Fork and Blue 2 burn scars near Ruidoso. The work will reduce hazards and fuels, prepare sites for reforestation and improve recreation access, with temporary road closures possible. Hazard tree removal is expected through 2027, while broader restoration continues through 2029.

Artesia defeats Mayfield 49-10.

Artesia families enjoyed a safe Halloween at First Methodist Church’s annual Trunk or Treat, where decorated vehicles offered candy and prizes to trick-or-treaters of all ages. Local business Locker Room Cards and Collectibles also joined the festivities, welcoming visitors with candy and trading cards while owners dressed in creative costumes.

Bulldogs football take on the Trojans at 1 p.m.

Artesia cross-country runners show up at teh District Championships in Roswell.

New Mexico School for the Arts gives students statewide access to rigorous academics and pre-professional arts training, but distance remains a barrier. Its dormitory provides free housing, meals and programming for rural students who could not otherwise attend. As NMSA seeks permanent dorm funding in 2027, state leaders should ensure ZIP code never limits a student’s talent.

Artesia girls advance to quarterfinals and defeat Taos 2-0.

House Speaker Mike Johnson joined Republican congressional candidate Greg Cunningham in Carlsbad days before the election for New Mexico’s 2nd District. Johnson called the race nationally significant and criticized Democratic incumbent Gabe Vasquez over oil and gas and law enforcement. Vasquez’s campaign accused Cunningham of answering to Donald Trump’s MAGA movement rather than New Mexicans.

Former Alamogordo senior project manager and ADA coordinator Justen Boyle alleges he was fired in retaliation for raising concerns about ADA compliance and directives he believed violated city ordinances. After he described his grievance publicly, the city commission voted 7-0 to hire an independent reviewer to investigate his termination and delayed hearing.

Artesia Public Schools celebrated Red Ribbon Week with activities encouraging students to make healthy choices, remain drug-free and become heroes of their own stories. Zia Intermediate’s “Every Hero Has a Story… Every Bulldog has a Superpower” theme featured comic book superheroes, historical figures and Halloween activities while honoring DEA Special Agent Enrique “KiKi” Camarena and the fight against illegal drugs.