First Day

-- The City of Artesia is informing the public that West Richardson Avenue from Fifth to Sixth streets will be closed from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, July 12, for the Artesia Public Library’s Family Field Day. For more information, call the library at 575-746-4252. ----------------- PAWS & CLAWS -- Paws & Claws will distribute spay and neuter certificates to Eddy County residents only at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 6, at the Artesia Animal Shelter, 501 Paddy Wagon Way. Saving spots in line is prohibited; one certificate per household. Donations are appreciated. ----------------- PRAYER WALK -- A True Unity Prayer Walk will be held around 7 p.m. Thursday, July 4, in the northeast area of Jaycee Park. The public is invited to join in two prayers and the singing of “Amazing Grace.” The event will take fewer than 30 minutes.

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.

Ruidoso-area residents to be allowed to return Monday

RUIDOSO -- Residents of Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs learned Saturday that they will be allowed to return to the communities beginning Monday. Local, full-time residents only will be allowed to begin entering Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs at 8 a.m.

Seeing clearly is the start

There is now a regular in the parking lot of my local grocery store who asks to clean my windshield. Unfortunately, I rarely carry cash, so I request that he ask me again another time.

Runnin’ ‘Dogs keeping gym legs fresh with team camps

The Bulldog basketball team has been staying in fighting shape so far this summer with a number of camps. The squad hosted a kids' camp early this month, followed by the Zia 8 Team Camp June 13-15 at Bulldog Pit. Pictured are shots from Artesia's game against Goddard. This weekend, the Runnin' 'Dogs hosted yet another team camp that saw 46 programs make their way to the City of Champions for a full slate of action Friday and Saturday.

Paws & Claws to hold adoption event Friday at new dog park

ARTESIA -- Paws & Claws, in coordination with the City of Artesia, will hold a Fetch with a Friend animal adoption event Friday at Jaycee Park. Come watch as Artesia Animal Shelter dogs become the first to test out the equipment at the new Big Dawg Park at Jaycee Park, located just east of the original dog park.

Artesia’s newest mural added to downtown district

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.

City council to meet Tuesday

ARTESIA -- The Artesia City Council will hold a regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday. No public hearings are on the agenda.

Public Record

ARTESIA POLICE DEPARTMENT June 21 DOMESTIC 2:58 a.m. - Officer dispatched to the 600 block of North 14th Street in reference to a verbal domestic dispute.

Regional News in Brief

SANTA FE – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) New Mexico State Office recently held a competitive oil and gas lease sale, offering 19 parcels covering 3,128 acres in New Mexico and Kansas. In total, 451 bids were received, with 14 parcels covering 2,768 acres leased, roughly 88.5% of the total acreage available.