ARTESIA -- Aspiring young actors are invited to audition next month for the upcoming Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) production of “Jack and the Beanstalk.” The audition will be held from 10 a.m. - noon Monday, June 17, at the Ocotillo Performing Arts Center and is open to students in grades 1-12.

Artesia Clean & Beautiful will be hosting its 17th Annual eWaste Collection event June 21-22 at the food court at the Eddy County Fairgrounds. We will be accepting all of your office-related equipment, fax machine, copiers, typewriters, CPUs, consumer electronics including DVD and VCR players and video game consoles, radios, telephones and cell phones, server and telecom equipment, cameras, and stereo equipment.

Updates on construction projects around Artesia were the highlight of the June 11 Artesia City Council meeting. Infrastructure Director Byron Landfair reported work on the previously reported second Mc Donald’s location in front of Wal Mart is getting started. Equipment for the Splash Pad at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex has arrived, and crews are hopefully targeting the Fourth of July for an opening. More likely, Landfair said, it will be later in July.

Friday, June 14 • Dinner at the Artesia Country Club with keynote speaker Alex Epstein and guest speaker Hanson Yates; contact the Chamber of Commerce at 575-746-2744 for ticket information Saturday, June 15 • 9 a.m.: Oilfield Equipment Parade - Parade will start at Bulldog Bowl and proceed east on Main Street to Second Street • 10 a.m. - noon: Derrick Floor Shenanigans - Come enjoy a variety of activities for all ages in Oil Patch Plaza at Sixth and Main streets • 10 a.m.

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. ----------------- ARTESIA HEALTHCARE AND REHAB OPEN HOUSE -- Artesia Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center invites the public to an open house from 10:30 a.m. - noon Friday, June 14, at the Center, 1402 W. Gilchrist Ave. Learn about the services provided, tour the facility, meet the staff, and enjoy snacks and beverages in the rose garden. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to Helen at 575-308-2076. For more information, call 575-746-6006. ----------------- NORTH EDDY REPUBLICANS -- The North Eddy County Republicans will meet at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20, in the clubhouse at the Artesia Country Club. All are welcome. Need not be a member of the club to attend. The speaker has yet to be determined. ----------------- SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING -- The Eddy County Commission will hold a special meeting at 8:30 a.m. Friday, June 14, in Commission Chambers at the Eddy County Administration Complex, 101 W. Greene St., Carlsbad, for the purpose of canvassing the results of the June 4 Primary Election. ----------------- HOSPITAL BOARD -- The Artesia Special Hospital District Board of Trustees will meet at 5:15 p.m. Monday, June 24, in Green Chile Room A at Artesia General Hospital for the purpose of conducting regular business and discussing finances and other matters in an open setting. ----------------- 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 575-746-4252. ----------------- KIDS’ LEGO CHALLENG