County still mulling fate of historic Otis Gym

A decision on the future of the Otis Gym was tabled at the June 4 Eddy County Commission meeting. The Otis Gym, located at 2513 Smedley Road, about three miles south of Carlsbad, was slated for demolition, but that decision was tabled at the April commission meeting after residents expressed concerns.

First Day

-- Artesia’s Fourth Annual Pride Event will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at Pizza Hut. The community is invited to attend to honor those who have made sacrifices to make the world a more accepting place. All ages and identities are welcome to come make new friends, spread love, and show allyship.

Blue 2 Fire listed at 77% containment

RUIDOSO -- The U.S. Forest Service has reported that the Blue 2 Fire burning north of Ruidoso was listed at 77% containment as of Wednesday.

YARD OF THE WEEK

-- Artesia Clean & Beautiful will sponsor its Yard of the Week contest beginning Monday, June 3, and continuing through September. Colorful, attractive, well-groomed lawns with curb appeal meet the qualifications. To nominate a yard worthy of the title, contact Linda at 575-5130143 or the AC&B office at 575-748-3192. -----------------

Superkids donate to Thirst Responders drive

Artesia Police Department officers work to load cases of water following the Cpl. D. Robert Harvey Thirst Responders Drive, held at Hermosa Elementary School. In total, the Superkids collected more than 600 cases of water for local first responders. 'We appreciate all the Superkids, local sponsors, APS staff and the Harvey Family for this event,' the APD said in a Facebook post. 'We also appreciate serving such a generous city and local community that supports their first responders!' Below, first responders speak to the students during the presentation assembly.

Gonzales qualifies top four in Mountain Top trials

RUIDOSO DOWNS -- Trainer JJ Gonzales III qualified the top four quarter horses for the New Mexico-bred Mountain Top Derby for 3-year-olds Saturday at Ruidoso Downs. The fastest time of the day belonged to Copy of Jess and jockey Eduardo Nicasio, winner of the third race in a time of 17.407 seconds for 350 yards.

Primary Election Day

Primary Election Day is Tuesday, June 4. Those voting absentee by mail who did not have their ballots postmarked by May 28 may drop ballots off at any polling site on Election Day.

Chase Scholars

Chase Scholars will be performing community service for senior citizens June 19-21. Students will be in groups with an adult supervisor and will be available for yard work, cleaning exterior windows, and various odd jobs. Students will not be painting. Sign-ups for those needing work done are available at the Senior MealSite, the Senior Center, the Artesia Chamber of Commerce, and KSVP. For more information, contact Ginny at the Chase Foundation, 575-746-4610.