Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

Articles written by Kurt Munz-raper


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  • Bomb threats uncommon in area

    Kurt Munz-Raper|Updated Mar 12, 2017

    It is not a common occurrence in eastern New Mexico, but when a bomb threat occurs it takes dedication and collaboration between law enforcement and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) officers. A bomb threat is a fourth-degree felony and is punishable with a $5,000 fine and 18 months in prison, District Attorney Andrea Reeb said. “We cover down on conventional, chemical and biological ordnance,” said Cannon Air Force Base EOD Flight Chief Jeremy Phillips. “We have agreements with the community when requested and appro...

  • New Mexico Singing Churchmen to hold concert

    Kurt Munz-Raper|Updated Mar 10, 2017

    PORTALES — Church members across the state are raising money through the power of song. The New Mexico Singing Churchmen (NMSC) are making their way to Portales for a benefit concert supporting the New Mexico Baptist Children's Home and Family Ministries (NMBCH&FM). The free concert is at 7 p.m. March 23 at First Baptist Church (FBC) in Portales. The men's choir consists of part-time and full-time volunteers, NMSC Director Lamar Morin said. Pastors and church members s...

  • Crash leaves man in critical condition

    Kurt Munz-Raper|Updated Mar 9, 2017

    CLOVIS — An automobile accident has left a man injured and in critical condition. Officers responded to a crash approximately 9:53 p.m. Tuesday on Wheaton Street and Highway 60/84, according to a press release sent by the Clovis Police Department. Officers identified Dylan Larson as hitting the side of an 18-wheeler as it was turning onto Wheaton. According to the release, Larson was taken to Plains Regional Medical Center before he was airlifted to University Medical Center (UMC) in Lubbock. UMC Marketing Director Eric F...

  • Judge postpones motion decision

    Kurt Munz-Raper|Updated Mar 9, 2017

    CLOVIS — A district judge postponed granting a motion against Roosevelt County Sheriff Malin Parker that said he had no right to interfere with Elida law enforcement. The motion hearing was held Wednesday morning at the Curry County courthouse in District Judge Fred Van Soelen’s courtroom. Portales attorney Eric Dixon filed the suit against Parker on behalf of the town of Elida. The suit alleges Parker interfered with Elida law enforcement on four instances, including a Sept. 28 incident with Elida police enforcing a tow...

  • Incest trial set to move forward

    Kurt Munz-Raper|Updated Mar 8, 2017

    CLOVIS — The trial for a son accused of having an incestuous relationship is moving forward. Caleb Peterson, 20, faces accusations of having a relationship with his mother Monica Mares, 37. According to court records, Peterson was adopted as a child, but was reacquainted with Mares after he turned 18 and the relationship soon became physical. Peterson was not in custody when he appeared for a docket call Tuesday morning at District Court. He is represented by Thomas Harden. Assistant District Attorney Arwen Gaddis r...

  • Residents divided on time change

    Kurt Munz-Raper|Updated Mar 6, 2017
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    A bill scrapping moving clocks forward and backward for daylight saving time in the state has prompted mixed reactions from local residents. Senate Bill 239 proposes making Mountain daylight saving time the permanent time zone for the state, as opposed to just eight months each year. The bill passed the Senate 26-15 and is currently in the House of Representatives. Daylight saving time is this coming Sunday. According to the bill, a state can “exempt itself from the change to daylight saving time as long as it does so u...

  • Parishioners observe Ash Wednesday on the go

    Kurt Munz-Raper|Updated Mar 3, 2017

    CLOVIS - Ash Wednesday, as it always has, marks the start of Lent, a time to reflect on service and being part of the body of Christ. But in this day and age, a busy schedule can make it tough for members to make it to Ash Wednesday services, according to local pastors. This is what inspired St. James Episcopal Church Pastor Alan Brockmeier to start Ashes to Go at the church at lunch time Wednesday. "It's so the imposition of ashes can be done during their (church members')...

  • United Way trying to keep fun in mind at banquet

    Kurt Munz-Raper|Updated Mar 3, 2017

    CLOVIS — United Way Eastern New Mexico is preparing to close out a year of accomplishments in a fun fashion. The organization is hosting their annual awards banquet from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. March 21 at the Clovis Civic Center. The theme is "Viva," Spanish for long live, as a play on the organization's motto "live united," according to UWENM Executive Director Erinn Burch. "We're just trying to remind ourselves to have fun, to keep it fun," Burch said. Burch said the banquet is h...

  • Residents suffer tumbleweed takeover

    Kurt Munz-Raper|Updated Mar 2, 2017

    CLOVIS — Over Sheresa and Chip Lea's 15 years in Clovis, it wasn't a shock to find a few tumbleweeds caught on the property after a wind storm. Tuesday's wind storm was a slightly bigger problem. "We have horses and donkeys and chickens and all (their pens) were covered up," said Sheresa Lea. "We had to dig them up last night." It wasn't just the animal pens. Tumbleweeds built up around their fence lines, back porch and driveway. The weeds pretty much filled their six-car c...

  • Fulfilling an oath

    Kurt Munz-Raper|Updated Feb 26, 2017

    PORTALES — The oath of the Boy Scouts of America means to perform with purpose and morals. Or, as Conquistador Council member Greg Hearn said, “to keep oneself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.” There is also the Scout Law, Conquistador Council Commissioner Duane Foster said, which includes 12 things to be — trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. The oath and the law are front and center at Oasis State Park by the Conquis...

  • Bill would ease partnerships between auctioneers, real estate agents

    Kurt Munz-Raper|Updated Feb 25, 2017

    Auctioneers may not have to spend an extra couple thousand to get a brokers license, depending on passage of a bill currently on the state Senate agenda. Senate Bill 125 is waiting for a hearing on the Senate floor, according to District 7 Sen. Pat Woods. Woods said the bill he sponsored allows auctioneers, who only auction property occasionally, to continue partnering with real estate agents to complete paperwork and oversee sales. "I thought, why would they have to be a...

  • Court officials wary of financial changes

    Kurt Munz-Raper|Updated Feb 24, 2017

    The current legislative session brings with it caution as New Mexico magistrate and district court officials prepare for any financial changes in the current fiscal year. Administrative Office of the Courts Communications Officer Barry Massey said the September special session caused the most burden statewide, a 3 percent decrease overall. Massey said the judiciary budget for the current fiscal year is around $156 million. "We're hopeful no additional cuts will be necessary...

  • Lent time of personal sacrifice, spiritual gain

    Kurt Munz-Raper|Updated Feb 24, 2017

    For some churches, this coming Wednesday marks the start of 40 days of spiritual reflection and fostering a close relationship with God. This time of reflection, known as Lent, is symbolic of the 40 days Jesus spend in the wilderness to prepare for ministry, church officials said. This means giving up something one may consider enjoyable during this time period. "Each individual is encouraged to do some spiritual practices of some sort," said the Rev. Fernando Saenz of Our...

  • Organizers looking at new events for local Relays

    Kurt Munz-Raper|Updated Feb 23, 2017

    Eastern New Mexico is getting ready to fight for a good cause. Relay For Life is in the planning stages in both Clovis and Portales, according to organizers. The event is held to raise money for the American Cancer Society for cancer treatment research. The Relay For Life of Clovis/Curry County is at 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 10 at Ned Houk Park. The Roosevelt County event is from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. April 29 at Portales City Park. Sponsorship Chair Dawan Wells for Relay For...

  • Area officials hope for best from capital outlay

    Kurt Munz-Raper|Updated Feb 17, 2017

    When it comes to capital outlay projects, eastern New Mexico city and county officials are hoping for the best as they anticipate potential impacts on previously approved projects. Some officials are confident there will be no claw backs, as projects are moving along smoothly, while others are a bit more cautious. Clovis Assistant City Manager Claire Burroughes said two previously approved projects might be at risk. In both cases, money was allocated but contracts have not...

  • Man accused in 2014 stabbing death found competent

    Kurt Munz-Raper|Updated Feb 16, 2017

    CLOVIS — The man accused in the 2014 stabbing death of a Clovis mother in a city park has been found competent to stand trial. District Judge Drew Tatum on Wednesday issued the order the day after hearing testimony and reviewing exhibits of evidence in the case against Matthew Jennings. Jennings is accused of stabbing to death Ariel Ulibarri on Nov. 9, 2014, at Goodwin Trails Park in Clovis. “(T)he defendant sufficiently understands the roles of courtroom participants, the facts surrounding his charges, the maximum exp... Full story

  • Leadership program working for businesses

    Kurt Munz-Raper|Updated Feb 14, 2017

    PORTALES — Those involved with local businesses are getting further insight into the community while also supporting it. This year’s Leadership Portales program is making progress with their community service project since starting in August. The class gathers business professionals to promote leadership and learn about the community, according to participant and Portales MainStreet Executive Director Sandy Vigil. “They’re a little over halfway done,” Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Karl Terry add...

  • Love's in the air...

    Kurt Munz-Raper|Updated Feb 12, 2017

    Floral shop owners in eastern New Mexico agree Valentine’s Day, the holiday of the red rose, presents its busiest time for them. It also presents unique ways for customers to express their affection, they added. “Money wise it is our biggest holiday of the year,” said Aileen McAlister, owner of Butterfly Floral and Gifts in Portales. “Item wise it is Mother’s Day.” “It’s extremely busy. We’re already working on getting all straightened up,” Clovis Floral Designs Owner Kathy Cox said. “It’s one of the biggest, if not the big...

  • Churches raise funds for growth and spirit

    Kurt Munz-Raper|Updated Feb 10, 2017

    CLOVIS - The past week brought with it varying degrees of success for local church fundraisers. The goals were similar: to support local organizations, church missions and community engagement. St. James Episcopal Church hosted their 51st annual chili fundraiser on Monday. Priest Alan Brockmeier said the event had a lesser turnout this year, with around 170 fewer tickets sold. "Our pre-sale tickets were up a little bit from what they've always been," said Brockmeier. "Even...

  • Massive trees at Clovis church to be cut down

    Kurt Munz-Raper|Updated Feb 10, 2017

    CLOVIS — Two massive Arizona cypress trees seem to be the largest in town when seen on the Prince Street overpass. Their location is on the side of Immanuel Lutheran Church and they were planted two years after the church opened in 1941, according to Carl Tucker, chairman of trustees for the church. Tucker said being noticed on the overpass was a strong indicator for being the largest in town, though there is no way to measure if they are exactly. In any case, church o...

  • Zoning request sparks debate at meeting

    Kurt Munz-Raper|Updated Feb 9, 2017

    CLOVIS — Some requests were approved without a hitch at the City of Clovis Planning and Zoning Commission meeting Wednesday. Another was met with some controversy. The commission recommended three requests for approval, which will be presented for final approval to the City Commission on Feb. 16. The first was for a zone change from a residential multi-family district to a neighborhood conservation manufactured home district on the 100 block of Calhoun Street. Clovis resident Desiree Parraz requested the change, which was m...

  • Business focuses on nonverbal communication

    Kurt Munz-Raper|Updated Feb 7, 2017

    CLOVIS — In the business field, what is conveyed without actually being verbally spoken means a great deal. This is something entrepreneur Sherri Wilson hopes to instill in people with Genius Communication. Wilson started the business as a way to help those in business improve communication skills, specifically on non-verbal exchanges, which make up 93 percent of communication, Wilson said. “I felt like I had something mainly to help small businesses improve,” said Wilson, a self-professed introvert. “I met business owners...

  • Bridge of Hope aids women in community

    Kurt Munz-Raper|Updated Feb 3, 2017

    PORTALES — Ministry keeps going strong for the volunteers at Bridge of Hope. The ministry, located at First Baptist Church in Portales, is part of the Christian Women’s Job Corps program, which offers guidelines for women struggling with life changing events, according to coordinators. “We equip them with life skills to be able to better their life,” said Site Coordinator Teresa Howard. “I always say everyone has a dream, and they should have a chance to pursue that.” “It is simply a program where women meet with women an...

  • Committee approves movement on railroad park

    Kurt Munz-Raper|Updated Feb 1, 2017

    CLOVIS — Efforts to beautify and promote education of the historic downtown railroad district are making progress. The city of Clovis Parks, Recreation and Beautification Committee approved moving forward in finalizing designs for the Historic Railroad Park on Monday. The park will be located by the former Clovis Depot Model Train Museum, which was sold to new owners Jordan and Tate Nichols from Farwell in August. Clovis MainStreet Executive Director Lisa Pellegrino-Spear said she received a grant for the park through a N...

  • Dairy women host Milk Lover's Ball

    Kurt Munz-Raper|Updated Jan 29, 2017

    CLOVIS — The Clovis Civic Center was the place for many in the dairy industry to suit up and support a good cause, while reflecting on the community coming together in the time since the worst snow storm hit eastern New Mexico in over 80 years. The United Dairy Women hosted its 12th annual Milk Lover’s Ball at the Clovis Civic Center Saturday evening. The ball is hosted to raise money for the New Mexico Christian Children’s Home and the New Mexico Baptist Children’s Home. “We supply milk products for the whole year,” said eve...

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