March 16, 2026
News

Leveling up student leadership
For the second year in a row, Artesia Junior High Student Council members had the opportunity to attend the NMASC Summer Leadership Workshop in Socorro, NM. This year 17 students and two advisors were able to attend the fourday camp. A huge thanks goes out to HF Sinclair and Written in Red Foundation. Their generosity allowed students to attend without concerns about registration costs. Because of their kindness, we were able to take four times as many students as we did our first year! This is an unforgettable experience that will have exponential impact on our schools and community.
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Eddy County students drive for safety
On June 25, the Permian Road Safety Coalition participated in EnergyPlex 2024 in Hobbs, New Mexico, a sold-out meeting of community members discussing the energy industry’s future in Lea County. PRSC Managing Director Mike Smith moderated the road-safety-focused panel entitled “Connecting the Permian.”
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‘Nuclear Communities of the Southwest’ exhibit challenges the narrative of nuclear history
ALBUQUERQUE — From March to September of this year, the Albuquerque Museum, located in Old Town, is displaying “Nuclear Communities of the Southwest,” an exhibit that tells the story of the history of nuclear science and the people it continues to affect.
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A BIG thanks for making a BIG difference
On May 1, 2024 the 69th Annual District Ten Conference opened in Albuquerque, NM. Altrusans were present from every club in the district, which covers New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. During the Conference, members were able to donate and collect materials to support the New Mexico Dream Center – an organization which provides a 360° strategic approach to address human trafficking in New Mexico through prevention activities, outreach to victims, services for survivors, and a support system for clients in their self-determination. Attendees were also able to participate in workshops about leadership, fundraising, and organization. None of this would have been possible without the generous support from local businesses in Artesia and Dexter. When costs in Albuquerque put strain on the District budget, members reached out to local businesses for help. Altrusa International of District Ten would like to give a special ‘Thank You’ to those who answered our call and went above and beyond to help – Valley Dairy Products, SWCCI, Hocker & Sons, Sondie Stockton State Farm, Artesia Soft Water, Burgess Chiropractic Center, and Bennie’s Western Store. It is thanks to these sponsors that Altrusans were able to attend Conference and, in turn, could help others in another New Mexico Community. We are truly blessed to live in such a wonderful and supportive community.
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Landspouts, storms wreak havoc in Hagerman
Fierce winds, thunderstorms, heavy downpours and funnel clouds hit the city of Hagerman on June 26, leaving behind a trail of damaged property and power outages. No injuries were reported, but local officials and residents said Thursday that their community was hit hard, with trees knocked down and structures, including a barn and a residence, destroyed.
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Dancing Downtown
The Artesia Arts & Cultural District recently finished the 11th mural in our Downtown Mural Program! “Dancing Downtown” is also the third mural in our Student Mural Program and was designed by recent Artesia High School graduate Savana Watts. Project leaders/art instructors/artists Brandi Cox and Juli Newton worked with art students Watts, Andrea Alvarado and Alison Greene to install the mural on the west wall of The Derrick Floor sculpture park’s pump house.
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Frank Yates Memorial
Dusty Bean presented the Frank Yates Memorial Scholarship to Bryce Bain, Mikenzi Carlo, Braden Fuentes, Matthew Hafliger and Ethan Quinones. .
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Louis Armstrong
Lisa Dillon presented the Artesia Band Boosters Louis Armstrong Jazz Scholarship to Kara Martinez. .
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AROUND TOWN
-- Artesia Clean & Beautiful is sponsoring its Yard of the Week contest now through September. Colorful, attractive, wellgroomed lawns with curb appeal meet the qualifications. To nominate a yard worthy of the title, contact Linda at 575-513-0143 or the AC&B office at 575748-3192. ----------------- HEAD START ENROLLMENT -- Head Start is currently enrolling 3- and 4-year-olds for its 2024-25 program year. Children must turn 3 by Sept. 1. To schedule an enrollment appointment, call 575-748-1141. Parents or guardians will be asked to bring the child’s birth certificate and immunization records, verification of income (2023 tax return or SNAP), and a Medicaid or private insurance card.
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