Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
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There was plenty to see and hear Saturday at Hillcrest Park, the former and now current home of the annual Clovis Ethnic Fair. CNJ staff photo: Kevin Wilson Zambian singer Maureen Lupo Lilanda entertains the Clovis Ethnic Fair crowd Saturday morning with her rendition of Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry." But beyond the dances, the music, the booths and the talent show, it was clear that there was plenty that could be learned as well. Hundreds came and went throughout the day...
After tentative plans for a July groundbreaking throughout 2012, Tres Amigas is still not ready to flip the switch. The company, which plans to build a power substation connecting the country's three largest power grids, is still in the paperwork process —primarily lining up industrial revenue bonds with Curry County — as Monday marks the halfway point of July. "I don't believe it's going to be July at this point," said Adrienne Smith, public information officer for Tres Amigas. "We have not pinned down a date at this point....
In a meeting Tuesday morning that touched numerous aspects of the city's current state of water, plenty of time was also paid by the Water Policy Advisory Committee to the years ahead. In the first of what will be multiple discussions about the advisory committee's direction for the next five years, members agreed they need to look at continuing conservation efforts and ramping up education to those ends. The committee spoke with Jake Lenderking, a Phoenix-based water resources manager for EPCOR. The company is the water...
Throughout the hot days, and sometimes into the late nights, construction is ongoing for Clovis Municipal Schools. By the time July 2014 rolls around, current projects will have been finished with a projected $51.2 million expended on three new school sites and facility upgrades at three others. The school district provides 20 percent of the funding, while the Public Schools Finance Authority kicks in the remaining 80 percent. The district is adding W.D. Gattis Middle School,...
While the "Clovis sound" is a phrase often thrown out to remind Clovis Music Festival attendees of the sounds of Buddy Holly, the Fireballs and the Crickets, it could just as much be applied to the tunes that play on a warm summer night every year at Ned Houk Park. The Clovis Community Band is set for another performance, 8 p.m. today at the park. Admission is free, with spectators reminded to bring their own seating, whether it be blankets or lawn chairs. The band, which boasts about 42 members, from teenagers to...
In her three-plus weeks at theater training, Caitlin Betz has learned above all else, "Expression means everything." CNJ staff photo: Kevin Wilson Caitlin Betz reads her line to David Struthers during theater class Wednesday at Clovis Community College's Kids College. The theater class, held at the CCC Town Hall, is one of 24 classes. As her teacher has to constantly remind her, the audience means something as well. Betz and five other students continued their crash course Wed...
A city resident implored the Public Works Committee to take a more proactive stance on illegal dumping, pointing to a code that he felt needed to be promoted and improved. Ed Higgins brought copies of the city codes, along with suggested revisions, to the committee's Wednesday morning meeting. After a lengthy discussion on the matter, committee members tabled the discussion, citing the need to fully review the codes and his suggestions. Higgins said when he and his wife moved into Clovis seven years ago, they didn't have...
The Clovis Public Works Committee delayed implementing a policy requiring shoring for sewer tap inspections, but local contractors don't feel the problem has been shored up at all. Several plumbers made their displeasure known on the requirement during the Wednesday morning meeting of the committee, leading to a new fee schedule delay until July 1 and a requirement that future developers build in a stub that allows for sewer connections with minimal digging. Shoring involves using plywood and/or metal walls in a hole dug to...
When Clovis High School concluded its academic year, it was without an athletic director. That will also be the case when CHS begins its next academic year. Jalayne Curtis, assistant to the superintendent's office, said the position made vacant when Brian Stacy resigned in May could not be filled by the district at the time, and will be closed until about December. Superintendent Terry Myers said Jody Balch, deputy superintendent of operations for the district, will assume interim athletic director duties. He will be...
Officials polled across New Mexico doubt the Supreme Court upholding the most-discussed portion of Arizona's Senate Bill 1070 will have much local impact. But the reason why is, like Monday's decision, somewhat split. In a 5-3 opinion released Monday, the high court eliminated three portions of the law. Portions struck down by the Supreme Court included: - Making it a state crime for an immigrant to not carry papers. - Allow for warrantless arrest in some situations. - Make it a crime for an illegal immigrant to seek work in...
Officials polled across New Mexico doubt the Supreme Court upholding the most-discussed portion of Arizona's Senate Bill 1070 will have much local impact. But the reason why is, like Monday's decision, somewhat split. In a 5-3 opinion released Monday, the high court eliminated three portions of the law. Portions struck down by the Supreme Court included: - Making it a state crime for an immigrant to not carry papers. - Allow for warrantless arrest in some situations. - Make it a crime for an illegal immigrant to seek work in...
The Clovis Parks, Recreation and Beautification Committee, following a long discussion on the future of soccer and softball in Clovis, made moves to help Clovis' local soccer associations have slightly bigger homes. Space and money remain concerns for the board, which unanimously approved recommendations to: - Keep the current location for the Clovis Youth Soccer Association at Hillcrest Park, while expanding areas for regulation-sized fields to allow the organization to attract more tournaments. The plan also includes removi...
The storefront may say Pack and Mail, but it's obvious that a quick look in the Prince Street location makes little of its business with actual packing and/or mailing of items. CNJ staff photo: Kevin Wilson Pack and Mail employee Mark Call, right, helps Robert Miller with a package Monday afternoon. Miller was mailing books to a relative. The business will move to a to-be-determined location July 17, when work to tear down a warehouse adjacent to the business begins. A sports...
With or without Title IX, Connie Perez knew she would graduate from Amistad and go on to college. But without the landmark law, she's not sure what quality of education or career she could have had, or just how many other girls would have been able to go with her. "You never thought of going to college and playing basketball," said Perez, then Connie Kuper. "I think it just opened up a new avenue for a lot of girls." Saturday was the 40th birthday of Title IX, a law mandating...
With or without Title IX, Connie Perez knew she would graduate from Amistad and go on to college. But without the landmark law, she's not sure what quality of education or career she could have had, or just how many other girls would have been able to go with her. "You never thought of going to college and playing basketball," said Perez, then Connie Kuper. "I think it just opened up a new avenue for a lot of girls." Saturday was the 40th birthday of Title IX, a law mandating...
The family of Army Sgt. 1st Class Dale Smith always knew he'd never be the same after his tour in Afghanistan quickly came to an end with a gunshot wound. Courtesy photo: Raymond Smith Sgt. Dale Smith holds his daughter, Cadence, 5, as they pose for a picture during a homecoming ceremony for the 4th infantry division at Fort Carson, Colorado Springs, Colo., where Smith was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor. Smith suffered a gunshot wound to the head while he was serving in...
The family of Army Sgt. 1st Class Dale Smith always knew he'd never be the same after his tour in Afghanistan quickly came to an end with a gunshot wound. Courtesy photo: Raymond Smith Sgt. Dale Smith holds his daughter, Cadence, 5, as they pose for a picture during a homecoming ceremony for the 4th infantry division at Fort Carson, Colorado Springs, Colo., where Smith was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor. Smith suffered a gunshot wound to the head while he was serving in...
The Clovis City Commission found consensus on upcoming community functions during its meeting Thursday night, but slight disagreement on whether or not it should waive park fees as part of those functions. City Commissioner Randy Crowder pulled a trio of items off of the consent agenda, a portion of the commission agenda reserved for items expected to pass unanimously with no discussion. If any consent agenda proposal does not meet with the approval of all commission members, or if a citizen so requests, the item is heard...
Aided by above-average temperatures, the Hillcrest Park splash pad has continued to be a draw for Clovis residents looking to cool down. CNJ staff photo: Kevin Wilson The splash pad at Hillcrest Park has continued to be popular since its Memorial Day opening, even beyond expectations of some city officials. "Overall," Parks and Recreation Director Bill Bizzell said, "it's been a really big hit." Kathleen Jeffs, who manages the splash pad under the umbrella of the Wellness...
Clovis Water Policy Advisory Committee members were pretty much in agreement that the committee's most pressing concerns when looking to the immediate future are conservation and education. Joining that list is facilitation, as the committee plans to bring in outside help over the next two months of meetings. Committee Chairman Randy Crowder said he felt discussion of a five-year plan was a necessity for the committee. "Do we need to focus our efforts on conservation? Do we need to focus our efforts on the Ute pipeline projec...
Monday's usually a pretty slow day at the Hillcrest Park Zoo, with the facility closed. But Monday nights see the parking lot full, with sounds of, "I got it," blending with the sounds of the animals. That's been the way on most Mondays, weather permitting, since May 21, when the Clovis Volleyball League took its game outdoors for a summer sand volleyball league at the zoo's "Little Africa" rental facility. CNJ staff photo: Kevin Wilson Carissa Grummer of the Sand Witches...
An Iowa company that took over a stalled biodiesel plant in Clovis is looking to make its move west. CNJ staff photo: Kevin Wilson The plant for REG Fuels at the Clovis Industrial Park, purchased from ARES Corporation in September 2010, should be an outlet for biodiesel in the first week of July. When completed, the plant is expected to produce 15 million gallons of biodiesel annually. REG Fuels, which is working on finishing the plant located a the Clovis Industrial Park, is...
For the 11th year, Clovis youths will be on a roll as the Clovis Soapbox Derby takes over Sycamore Street 10 a.m. Saturday. File photo Rockell Horton, back, and Chloe Cowman race down Sycamore Street during the semifinals of the 2011 Clovis Soapbox Derby. There are 13 riders signed up for the annual event, race organizer Larry Erwin said, with a double-elimination bracket set up for racers. The winner will move on to the National Soapbox Derby, scheduled for July 21 in Akron,...
For the 11th year, Clovis youths will be on a roll as the Clovis Soapbox Derby takes over Sycamore Street 10 a.m. Saturday. File photo Rockell Horton, back, and Chloe Cowman race down Sycamore Street during the semifinals of the 2011 Clovis Soapbox Derby. There are 13 riders signed up for the annual event, race organizer Larry Erwin said, with a double-elimination bracket set up for racers. The winner will move on to the National Soapbox Derby, scheduled for July 21 in Akron,...
Whoever serves as the next Curry County treasurer will be a familiar face in the office, as primary voters picked a pair of candidates with time in the office. After Tuesday's primaries had finished, former Chief Deputy Rachel Toney was elected for the Democratic nomination, while current Acting Treasurer Debbie Spriggs defeated Traci Harris for the Republican nomination. In the county clerk's race, business owner Rosalie Riley won the Republican nomination, and will face Sherri McDaniel in the general election. Spriggs and...
