April 21, 2024 Edition
Newport — It is with profound sadness that the family of T. J. Wimberly announce his passing on February 11,2024 after his long and courageous battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). T.J. was born and raised in Clovis, NM. After graduating high school, he joined and served proudly in the USAF for 26 years. After retiring from the military, he became a rancher and joined his local volunteer fire department in Bard, NM. In the Bard-Endee Fire and Rescue he worked his way up to Captain and volunteered for 15 years...
Michael Ulibarri, age 63, passed away on Friday, April 12, 2024. Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 21, 2024, 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm at 718 E Luna Drive, Hobbs, NM. Rosary will be Thursday, April 25, 2024, 6:00 pm at The Chapel, 1500 Thornton Street, Clovis, NM. Memorial Mass will be on Friday, April 26, 2024, 10:30 am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 108 Davis Street, Clovis, NM with Father Eli Valadez officiating with a burial to follow at Mission Garden of...
Click Here for Curry County Jail Logs Click Here for Roosevelt County Jail...
Monday *Roosevelt County Crimestoppers — Noon, Pecos Room, ENMU Campus Union Building, Portales. Information: Darla Reed at [email protected] or 575-226-5237 *Portales City Council - 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers, Memorial Building, 200 E. Seventh St., Portales. Information: 575-356-6662 Tuesday *Curry County Commission – 9 a.m., Commission Chambers, Curry County Administration Complex, 417 Gidding St., Clovis. Information: 575-763-6016 *Roosevelt County Commission - 9 a.m., Commission Room, Roosevelt County...
Booked The following were booked into local jails (Tuesday - Friday): Clovis • Darien Smolar, 29, failure to appear on a felony charge, probation violation • Billy Luttrull, 42, failure to appear on a felony charge • Eduardo Alanis, 19, aggravated battery • Heriberto Torres, 64, criminal trespass • Alex Garcia, 27, probation violation • Arianna Tapia, 24, failure to appear on misdemeanor charge • Robert Cordova, 50, probation violation • Rocio Navarro, 46, child abuse – negligently cause • Ricky...
Clovis City commissioners Thursday unanimously approved an agreement to borrow $3.6 million from the New Mexico Finance Authority for infrastructure improvements in the city. The action came at a regular session of the Commission. City Manager Justin Howalt said the city has participated in the borrowing program for 12 years, paying the loan back with monies from the state’s share of city gross receipts taxes. The purpose of the borrowing is for “Acquiring, constructing, reconstructing, repairing or improving municipal...
Eastern New Mexico University's Golden Library has digitized its collection of Silver Packs, the university's yearbooks – 73 years worth. That means they can all be read online, and access is free. "We first got quotes for scanning materials about three years ago. However, the original scope of the project was too large," said Regina Bouley Sweeten, Archives and Special Collections librarian. So the project was broken up into two projects: Silver Packs and The Chase...
Today *ENMU Department of Theatre and Digital Filmmaking presents the comedy “Dearly Departed” –2 p.m., Studio Theatre, University Theatre Center, ENMU, Portales. Off-Broadway comedy written by David Bottrell and Jessie Jones; directed by Leonard Madrid. General admission $10, senior citizens (60 and up) $7; active-duty military $7; free to ENMU students with valid ID. Purchase in advance at www.enmu.edu/theatrelive or at the door. Information: 575-562-2711 *At the Movies with the Clovis Community Band – 3 p.m.,...
On this date ... 1951: Two Clovis teenagers had suffered broken legs when they were hit by a taxi cab while crossing West Grand at Rencher Street. Joe Lujan and Robert Lucero told police they thought they could easily cross before the car — three-quarters of a block away — reached them. The taxi driver said he was traveling 25 mph. He was cited for out-of-date vehicle inspections. 1955: Roosevelt County Sheriff P. F. Turner reported three dogs killed 30 chickens in a hen...
Roosevelt County is accepting applications to serve on its Protest Valuation Board. “This individual must have demonstrated experience in property valuation. The Protest Valuation Board hears and decides protests of county assessor determinations,” according to a county news release. Officials are seeking applicants willing to serve a two-year term. The county will accept letters of interest until April 30 and the County Commission will appoint a new member in May. Letters of interest can be submitted to County...
A Portales man on Wednesday was sentenced to 15 years in prison for trafficking controlled substances. Alton Pete Smith, 56, was arrested June 6, 2021, when deputies from the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 70, according to a news release from District Attorney Quentin Ray. A search of Smith’s vehicle led to “a trafficking amount of methamphetamine, a scale, and baggies,” the release stated. He was convicted by a jury on Feb. 15. District Judge Donna J. Mowrer handed down the...
Portales began enforcement of its automated speed camera program last week “to encourage safe driving in school zones,” according to the Portales Police Department’s Facebook page. The enforcement program began with a 30-day warning period, “giving motorists time to change their driving habits before payable notices of violation begin,” police said. The program uses fixed speed cameras to enforce the speed limits located at: • Portales Junior High School (South Abilene Avenue) - Southeast bound • Portales...
The Eastern New Mexico Board of Regents on Friday publicly approved the contract that had been awarded university Chancellor James Johnston early this year. Regents in January said they had approved an extension and pay increase for Johnston, but no public vote had taken place, a violation of the state’s Open Meetings Act. At Friday’s regents meeting, Regent Lance Pyle introduced a motion for a public vote on Johnston’s contract. “Although there was no vote in the (January) executive session … I move to publicly...
The Portales High School Chamber Choir won the Class 4A state competition on April 13 at Cleveland High School in Rio Rancho. Portales' score was 95.33. Moriarity High was second with a 90.333, followed by Lovington at 81.333. Clovis High finished second in the Class 5A competition. Clovis scored 95.000, trailing Piedra Vista High in Farmington, which scored 95.667. "The Portales Chamber choir has won six out of the last seven state choir competitions," said Portales Choir...
The Clovis Community Band is giving a free concert at 3 p.m. today at Clovis Community College’s Town Hall. So what is this group? What’s their story? The band’s present director, Steve Baldock, said the band was founded in 1978 by Norvil Howell. “(This was) after his extensive and impactful career as the Clovis High School band director and later as the (Clovis Municipal Schools) music coordinator,” Baldock wrote in an email. Baldock went on to note the community band “provided a means for CHS alumni to unite...
Editor’s note: This is one in a continuing series of interviews with local officials. Joe Alaniz is the acting Curry County Detention Center administrator. He’s filling in for Administrator Mark Gallegos who is in military service with the Naval Reserve. Q: What trends are you seeing with arrests? A: Recidivism is quite high, but the influx of new arrests also seems to be on the rise. Q: How is staffing? Recruiting and retaining? A: Like so many agencies and businesses we are still experiencing the residual effects of...
Did Clovis schools Superintendent Renee Russ hire her husband as the school’s security chief? No. Clovis Municipal Schools does not have a chief of security. Glenn Russ, the superintendent’s husband, was hired by the school board as the district’s Title IX coordinator. Russ, a former law enforcement officer, was hired last Aug. 23. Glenn Russ is supervised by Joe Strickland, deputy superintendent of employee services. Glenn Russ’ salary is $71,294 annually. School board members were made aware of the family...
A case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI or bird flu) was found at a poultry facility in Roosevelt County, agriculture officials confirmed last week. Initial testing of the unnamed facility was performed on April 10 for the presence of HPAI, according to a news release from the New Mexico Department of Agriculture. Further testing by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed HPAI was at the facility, the release stated. All of the birds at the facility will be destroyed. Shelton Dodson, director of...
The Hampton Farms peanut shelling facility in Portales, destroyed by fire on Monday, will be rebuilt, said Hampton Farms Vice President R.P. Watson. "We'd like to be prepared to handle and mill the 2025 peanut crop in October (2025)," Watson said. He said the fire caused an estimated $20 million in damages. Watson, from Hampton Farms corporate headquarters in Severn, N.C., was on the scene in Portales last week. He said one Hampton Farms worker was injured in the blaze. "He...
A Portales woman is charged with arson following a house fire Wednesday night. Court records show Patricia Villanueva, 43, is accused of willfully starting a fire or causing an explosion that destroyed a home at 725 N. Ave. M in Portales. Damage was estimated at more than $20,000. Witnesses told authorities they saw a vehicle identified as belonging to Villanueva leave the scene of the fire “at a high rate of speed” immediately after the trailer house caught fire. Records show Villanueva lived at the home, along with a...
Jonathan Fuentes, presently vice president of academic partnerships at Odessa College in Odessa, Texas, on Thursday was named president of Clovis Community College. The action came after a 20 minute executive session by the CCC Board of Trustees. Trustees also voted for board Chair Lora Harlan to enter into contract negotiations with Fuentes. Fuentes is expected to take the office July 1. He is the college's sixth president. Fuentes appeared before the board via internet...
Curry Residents Senior Meals Association 901 W. 13th St. Clovis Monday: Chicken Tenders w/Gravy, Corn, French Fries, Biscuit & Cake. Tuesday: Beef Stroganoff, Roasted Cauliflower, Crackers & Fruit Salad. Wednesday: Taco Salad, Chips, Beef, Cheese, Salad & Cake. Thursday: Red Chile Beef Enchiladas, Pinto Beans, Green Chile Corn, Chips & Salsa & Fruit. Friday: BBQ Chicken Drumstick, Coleslaw, Baked Beans, Roll w/Margarine & Mandarin Oranges. Friendship Senior Center 901 W. 13th St., Clovis 575-769-7908 Monday: 11am Game Day....
Clovis Monday: Breakfast: Muffin. Lunch: Bacon Cheeseburger on a Bun, Seasoned Spirals, Veggie Cup w/Dressing & Chilled Peaches or (grades 6-12) Pizza or Meatball Sub & Fries or Chef Salad. Tuesday: Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza. Lunch: Ravioli, Garden Salad, Celery Sticks w/Dressing, Fresh Apple, WW Roll & Cookie or (grades 6-12) Pizza or Spicy Chicken Sandwich or Chef Salad. Wednesday: Breakfast: Triple Berry French Toast. Lunch: 2 Tacos, Lettuce & Tomato, Spanish Rice, Seasoned Pinto Beans, Chilled Mixed Fruit & Jello or...
The books listed below are now available for checkout at the Clovis-Carver Public Library. The library is open to the public, but patrons can still visit the online catalog at cloviscarverpl.booksys.net/opac/ccpl or call 575-769-7840 to request a specific item for curbside pickup. “Love, Unscripted” by Denise Hunter. Frustrated with the sad state of her dating life, Chloe Culpepper penned a single romance. Upon the book’s publication, the hero resonated with thousands of women, catapulting the book to the top of the...
I apologize in advance. This column is going to be a bit of a rant. You see tax season just ended and this one stressed me a bit. I can’t say for sure, but I would guess it has been decades since I actually mailed my taxes off at the post office thanks to e-file. The IRS and all the tax preparing folks and tax software actually push the option as a convenience that will speed up your refund by weeks. Some of those years I was paying so it wasn’t that exciting, but in...
Jessica O'Hare strives to "live through my actions, put in the work, and show people my intentions through the way I conduct business and maintain relationships." The News caught up to her Thursday at Ashley Furniture where she is director of operations. Q: Where were you born? What do you remember about that place? A: I was born on Beale Air Force Base in California (about 40 miles north of Sacramento). I don't remember a lot about the base or local area, except that it...
Services Click Here to View Obituaries • Dwayne Kemp, 67, died April 18. Information: Wheeler Mortuary • Norman Nesser, 92, died April 16. Information: Wheeler Mortuary • Rita Peña, 78, died April 17. Information: Muffley Funeral...
Wildcat Relays Friday at Leon Williams Stadium Boys Team standings: 1. Rio Rancho 97; 2. Artesia 95; 3. Hobbs 80; 4. Clovis 50 ½; 5. Alamogordo 40 ½; 6. Lovington 40; 7. Roswell High 24; 8. Portales 23; 9. Carlsbad 21; 10. Texico 8; 11. Fort Sumner 4; 12. Clovis JV 1. Clovis, Portales, Texico results Field events High jump: 5. Marvin Cox, Clovis 6-0; 6. Roddy Cabeldue, Clovis 5-10. Pole vault: 2. Tommy Lopez, Portales 12-9; 5. Jaydin Fenstermaker, Clovis 11-0. Long jump: 5. (tie) Kyrese Phillips 19-11. Discus: 6. Brandon...
Clovis High's softball team got through an inning in each game of Thursday's District 4-5A doubleheader against Hobbs on Thursday night at Lady Wildcat Field. It was the next three frames where the sledding got rough. Leading 2-0 in the opener, the Lady Eagles put together three consecutive six-run stanzas en route to a 20-1 victory, ending in four innings on the 15-run rule. Game 2 was scoreless after the initial canto before Hobbs (15-3, 4-0 district) pulled away to a 15-0...
DEXTER – Host Dexter overcame two eight-run deficits, then dug out of a six-run hole late to edge Portales High 20-19 and salvage a split of Wednesday's non-district softball doubleheader. In the opener, the Lady Rams scored twice in the seventh to earn a 3-1 victory. Junior Myleigh Banda tripled twice in three at-bats, scoring twice and driving in a run for the PHS (10-7) in Game 1. Meantime, freshman Annaleah Lujan and eighth-grader Amaya Lujan combined on a four-hitter,...
LOVINGTON – Clovis High’s boys had four scores in the 80s on Thursday en route to a fifth-place finish in the Lovington Invite golf tournament. Lovington shot 321 and edged Artesia by two strokes for team honors. Carlsbad was third at 341, followed by New Mexico Military 344, CHS 348 and Hobbs 350. Senior Jett Stone led the Wildcats at 44-41 – 85, followed by senior Jacob Rowley 44-43 – 87 and sophomore Gavin Anderon at 45-42 – 87, freshman Jakob Stone 47-42 – 89 and eighth-grader Zak Spearman 49-45 – 94....
ESTANCIA – Ten players combined on a 17-hit Melrose attack and the Buffaloes pounded Magdalena 19-7 on Wednesday in a neutral-field baseball game. The Steers (3-6) opened a 7-2 lead with a seven-run first, but never scored again as senior Dathan Yeary tossed 3 1/3 hitless innings in relief, with one walk and six strikeouts. The game was called after five innings on the 10-run rule. Trailing 7-5, the Buffs (7-3) produced back-to-back seven-run frames in the fourth and fifth to take control. Junior Josiah Roybal led the...
ARTESIA – Portales High's baseball team doubled up Artesia in hits on Thursday night 10-5, but it didn't pay off on the scoreboard. PHS dropped the finale of its opening District 4-4A series with the Bulldogs 3-2 as Artesia completed a three-game sweep. Artesia (9-11 overall) scored single runs in the first, third and fifth innings and made it stand up after the Rams (9-8) rallied for two in the top of the sixth. Portales had runners at second and third with two out in the...
RIO RANCHO – Clovis and Portales High’s girls placed a combined 16 lifters en route to a third-place team finish last weekend in the large-school divisions of state powerlifting competition at Rio Rancho Events Center, sponsored by the New Mexico Activities Association. The Lady Rams finished with 34 points in 16-team Class 4A, trailing Lovington (59) and Silver (36). Meantime, the Lady Wildcats finished with 28 points in the 19-school Class 5A division, trailing Rio Rancho (39) and Rio Rancho Cleveland (32). Portales...
CARLSBAD – Clovis High’s baseball team had a chance to steal one in a place where it’s been tough for them to win over the years. But the Wildcats weren’t able to close the deal as Carlsbad rallied for five runs in the bottom of the fifth on Thursday to claim a 7-5 victory in the District 4-5A opener for both squads. “We had a great chance to come down here and win a ballgame,” CHS baseball coach Richard Cruse said. “But we gave up 12 free (baserunners) with walks, hit-by-pitches and errors.” After falling...
