Las Cruces Bulletin

The fair: Returning to a familiar tradition

For more than a year and a half now, we’ve all wanted things to get back to normal. This week, right here in Doña Ana County, you can experience one of the most normal, traditional, American, New Mexican events of all: the Southern New Mexico State Fair. more

By Richard Coltharp | 9/29/21

Excuses for keeping that cow around a little bit longer

I try not to make this column too educational but sometimes there is a need that can’t be ignored. When ranchers and cowmen work their cowherd, they are often under pressure to cull cows that they have developed a peculiar fondness for. more

By Baxter Black | 9/29/21

Eastwood and the Land of Enchantment

The actor-director-movie star Clint Eastwood is always good for a quote. Some of the famous ones are “You just gotta ask yourself one question: ‘Do I feel lucky?’ Well do ya, punk?!” from 1971’s “Dirty Harry,” or “Go ahead, make my day!” from 1983’s “Sudden Impact,” or “Get off my lawn!” from 2009’s “Gran Torino.” more

By Richard Coltharp | 9/23/21

Daydreamin’ about quitting the old job

Now and then I get to thinkin’ I should quit this feedlot job. Go and ride with Buster, what’s-his-name, his Texas wagon mob. more

By Baxter Black | 9/23/21

Remembering Neil McCarthy and the mark he left on NMSU

The Big Dog is gone. Neil McCarthy died in his sleep last Sunday after living for 81 years. more

By Jack Nixon | 9/23/21

Redistricting: What will the new congressional districts look like?

Following each decennial census, the seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are reapportioned so that rapidly growing states gain representation and states with slower growth lose. Then, the states draw new district boundaries (redistricting) to reflect shifts in population within the state. more

By Eileen VanWie and Kathy Brook | 9/16/21

Despite changes, ‘The’ game remains the same

“What?!” “Are you telling me the Cruces-Mayfield game is THIS Friday? And you’re talking about the Las Cruces High School-Mayfield High School FOOTBALL game?” more

By Richard Coltharp | 9/16/21

Sometimes, meetings can really go off the rails

When you take a seat in the waiting room of a veterinary clinic, a feedlot office or an animal health store, you occasionally notice a body sitting there who looks out of place. more

By Baxter Black | 9/16/21

Hints for the hired man on taking a new job

1. If the new boss’s hat isn’t sweat stained, you can pretty much figger whose will be. 2. Phrases like, “My dad never paid me a dime till I was 25,” or “I haven't had a day off since dad’s funeral in 2017,” should put you on guard. more

By Baxter Black | 9/9/21

Confusion, fear, anger and finally understanding 20 years later

As I think back to the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, my primary memory is one of confusion. I was the editor of an afternoon newspaper in Kansas and was almost finished with the front page. I’ll be forever grateful to the publisher who convinced me to tear it up and start over. more

By Walt Rubel | 9/9/21

20 years later, world changed but heartache stays

Twenty years ago, on a Tuesday, I was getting my boys ready for school, shaking them out of their sleep and gently encouraging their eyes to open when from the other room I heard, “Elva, get in here quick!” more

By Elva K. Österreich | 9/9/21

9/11 made America look at its foundations

It’s strange, sometimes, the details you remember. For me, whenever I think of it, the first image that funnels into my brain is my right shoe. A black, Stacy Adams Madison cap toe oxford. more

By Richard Coltharp | 9/9/21

Many Afghans starting their new lives in Southern NM

Thousands of Afghan refugees whisked to safety during the massive evacuation that concluded this week experienced their first taste of freedom here in Dona Ana County. more

By Walt Rubel | 9/2/21

New Mexicans take care to remember

Friday morning, Aug. 27, as I was leaving my house to go to work, a neighbor had his front-yard U.S. flag at half-staff. more

By Richard Coltharp | 9/2/21

Knowing that a dog will be just right for you

R.C. is an animal lover. Maybe not the kind of animal lover that the term has come to mean in this era, but the kind that requires a greater commitment. more

By Baxter Black | 9/2/21

Plastics ban needed; new fee is not

I don’t like plastic bags any more than members of the Las Cruces City Council, who recently passed a ban on them starting Jan. 1. more

By Walt Rubel | 8/26/21

Visiting dogs: Barking is just part of nature

When I hear a truck pull up in front of the house and the pandemonium of dogs barkin’ would wake a hibernating mastodon, I relax. more

By Baxter Black | 8/26/21

Forty years later, nobody beats Sisbarro dealerships

Pat and Lou Sisbarro sat at La Posta, sharing a meal, discussing decisions and thinking about the future. more

By Richard Coltharp | 8/26/21

Corn Country Landscape

Corn country landscape -- painted late summer -- high clouds, heavy with moisture waiting for afternoon to thicken and darken and start raising Cain. more

By Baxter Black | 8/20/21

You don’t have to be ‘this tall’ to ride this ride

Back in March 2020, we all involuntarily hopped on a rollercoaster. I don’t know which part of the rollercoaster you consider the good part or the bad part. more

By Richard Coltharp | 8/20/21