County to finalize ICIP rankings

CARLSBAD -- The Eddy County Commission will finalize the ranking of its Fiscal Year 2026-30 Infrastructure Capital Improvement Projects (ICIP) during its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday. Planning and Development Director Steve McCroskey reported that two previously ranked projects have been removed from the proposed list and four others added, including the creation of two regional fire stations, an Eddy County Events Center, and a covered arena for the Eddy County Fairgrounds.

Enforcement Watch releases May updates

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) has released Enforcement Watch updates for the month of May. The Enforcement Watch is a listing of all active and resolved enforcement cases.

Avian flu not uncommon in N.M.

ROSWELL — Carl Jacobsen, wildlife biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, said he is sure avian flu is present in wild birds at the refuge.

Public Record

4:11 a.m. - Krystynn Leeann Christy, 33, of Artesia, arrested and charged with battery, aggravated fleeing of a law enforcement officer, aggravated DWI, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, driving without a license, reckless driving and resisting, evading or obstructing an officer.

Today in History

Today is Sunday, June 16, the 168th day of 2024. There are 198 days left in the year.

Tyrades!

Some fathers are entirely too serious. They’re paranoid about their children finding out that they had their own youthful indiscretions and regrettable choices.

The Bookworm Sez

‘Stowaway: The Disreputable Exploits of the Rat’ by Joe Shute Eeeeeeek! You spotted a shadow that clung to the floorboards as it disappeared down the tiniest of holes near the cabinet – a hole you never noticed, a hole that’s practically like a garage. You’ve seen that shadow before and basically ignored it, but now you know what it is and that makes you shudder.

First Day

-- The 28th Annual Weed Bluegrass Festival will be held from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at the Weed Community Center. Admission is $15 per person, $30 per family. Chairs will be available or bring your own to enjoy six great bands. A catered lunch will be available for purchase, and cinnamon rolls and coffee will be provided free. On Sunday, July 21, a short devotional will be held at 9 a.m., followed by bluegrass gospel music. For more information, visit weednm.org or contact John Bell at 575-687-3316.

AROUND TOWN

YARD OF THE WEEK -- Artesia Clean & Beautiful is sponsoring its Yard of the Week contest now through September. Colorful, attractive, well-groomed lawns with curb appeal meet the qualifications. To nominate a yard worthy of the title, contact Linda at 575513-0143 or the AC&B office at 575-748-3192. ----------------- 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. ----------------- KIDS’ STORYTIME Children ages 12 and under are invited to a Summer Reading Program adventure-themed StoryTime and Craft at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 18, at the Artesia Public Library. For more information, call the library at 575746-4252. ----------------- TEEN CRAFT -- Teens ages 13-17 are invited to create a Summer Reading Program themed craft at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, at the Artesia Public Library. For more information, call the library at 575-7464252. ----------------- MACARON MAKING FOR ADULTS -- Adults ages 18 and up are invited to a Summer Reading Program macaron- making demonstration with Alison from Kith + Kin Roasting Co. at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, at the Artesia Public Library. For more information, call the library at 575-7464252. ----------------- KIDS’ STEM LAB -- Children ages 12 and under are invited to drop in for a Summer Reading Program STEM Lab from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Wednesdays, June 19 and 26, at the Artesia Public Library. For more information, call the library at 575-746-4252. ----------------- TEEN GAMES -- Teens ages 13-17 are invited to a Summer Reading Program games event at 1 p.m. Wednesdays, June 19 and 26, at the Artesia Public Library. Come play a variety of games, from life-sized Jenga to Bingo. For more informatio

Wildlife News

Two hunter education classes will be available this month in Roswell. These courses are open to students of any age seeking hunter education certification to meet hunting requirements in New Mexico.