Articles from the August 6, 2016 edition

Matthew Asher

STAFF WRITER [email protected] After last year’s near-perfect season ended with a heartbreaking 26-14 loss in the Class 4A semifinals to Robertson, the Portales Rams have a lot of work do to if they want to repeat as District 4-4A champions, as well as another chance at the state title. Now that the Rams have completed their first week of practice, coach Jaime Ramirez has a better understanding of what he has to work with this season. “We’re just getting better every day,...

Kevin Wilson

Managing editor [email protected] Longtime Clovis coach Eric Roanhaus gave his players a simple set of instructions during Saturday’s post-practice talk. Get rest, and don’t do anything stupid. link Staff photo: Kevin Wilson Clovis football coach Eric Roanhaus addresses the team at the conclusion of its Saturday morning practice at the school. The Wildcats will scrimmage Roswell at 5 p.m. on Aug. 16 at Leon Williams Stadium. The other stuff is proving somewhat more dif... Full story

Matthew Asher

STAFF WRITER [email protected] After 11 months and $14.6 million spent, the new Eastern New Mexico University multi-purpose stadium will be completely operational by Aug. 15. Officially called the Al Whitehead Field at Greyhound Stadium, named in honor of the biggest donor for the project, the stadium is set to house ENMU football, soccer and track and field, as well as Portales High School football. Staff photo: Matthew Asher Ted Fares, left, and Wendel Sloan inspect the...

STAFF WRITER [email protected] Employees and patients of La Casa Family Health Center all seem to agree that since founded 40 years ago, the facility has focused on the community and providing family-oriented service. Staff photo: Kurt Munz-Raper Staff members of La Casa Family Health Center and Molina Healthcare register fair participants Saturday morning. “We’ve been able to serve a population that otherwise wouldn’t afford treatment,” said Marketing Directo...

STAFF WRITER [email protected] Portales businesses and customers alike reaped from the savings available during tax-free weekend Saturday as school supplies and clothing were bought. Staff photo: Eamon Scarbrough Buz Goodson, owner of Bar G Western Wear, straightens straw hats Saturday during tax free weekend. Several businesses, including Family Dollar, Bar G Western Wear and Bealls observed the state-wide weekend that suspends gross receipts tax. Jennifer... Full story

Alisa Boswell

Doggie heaven gained a very precious spirit this week, but that gain comes as a heavy loss to several human hearts. Even now, I can feel my eyes filling with tears as I sit and write this column. Some of you might say, “it’s just a dog.” But I think many of you understand that our pets become more than “just an animal” to us. And Roxie was so much more than a pet. This beloved German Shepherd mix was a best friend to her mother — my best friend, Caitlin — and she was a ver...

On this date ... 1956: Melrose residents were preparing for a 50th anniversary celebration for their town. Officials planned to honor old-timers, including former Gov. T.J. Mabry, who homesteaded at St. Vrain, and Rev. Thurman Harris who “came as a lad in knee pants with his parents to a homestead in the Rocklake community northwest of here,” the Clovis News-Journal reported. Roping contests and fiddle playing contests were expected to highlight the festivities. 1946: Sta...

David Loveday was born in Silver Spring, Maryland. His family came to Clovis in 2006. He is the son of Becky and David Loveday. He has attended Bella Vista Arts Academy, Cameo Elementary and Yucca Middle School last year where he was in FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America), Spanish club and science club. His hobbies include cooking, playing video games and performing magic tricks. He makes a mean casserole dish and keeps up with his favorite wrestling... Full story

David Loveday was born in Silver Spring, Maryland. His family came to Clovis in 2006. He is the son of Becky and David Loveday. He has attended Bella Vista Arts Academy, Cameo Elementary and Yucca Middle School last year where he was in FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America), Spanish club and science club. His hobbies include cooking, playing video games and performing magic tricks. He makes a mean casserole dish and keeps up with his favorite wrestling...

We very nearly collected a specimen in the grill as my wife and I headed out to the naturalist talk on birding at Oasis State Park recently. “Bob White quail” I told my wife as I slowed to let the juvenile birds cross the highway. She missed them. Karl Terry My wife has long accused me of making up answers when it comes to identifying birds and critters in the countryside or our own backyard. But I think she completely believed every word the naturalist had to say. I just nee...