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Archive For December 2006
Newspaper editor makes New Year’s predictions
December 30th, 2006
It’s time to rub the old crystal ball, or in my case scratch the top of my balding pate, and make a few prognostications about what’s ahead of us in 2007.
I don’t take this annual duty lightly...
Some resolutions worth keeping
December 30th, 2006
This is a personal tale about the only New Year’s resolution I’ve ever made that has stuck. The decision saved me from myself.
I write about it not for praise, but in case someone reading it wond...
Death of Hussein gives people reason for hope
December 30th, 2006
Each faction within Iraq will determine what Friday night’s hanging death of Saddam Hussein means largely by filtering the judgment, sentence and execution of this brutal despot through its own part...
Ram football pride returns in a big way
December 30th, 2006
Editor’s note: This is the final installment in a three-part series looking at the top local sports stories in 2006.
The Elida Lady Tigers volleyball team had a season to remember, the Portales sc...
Rams beat Taos 53-41
December 30th, 2006
LAS VEGAS, N.M. — Several hours after the Lady Rams won the consolation championship in the Clovis tournament, the boys followed suit winning the consolation bracket in the annual Stu Clark tourname...
Teen pregnancy rates raise alarms
December 30th, 2006
Alarming statistics show that more than 30 percent of Roosevelt County in ninth through 12th grade students are engaging in sexual activity. Recent reports also indicate that younger children are also...
Wilson visits Iraq on fact-finding trip
December 30th, 2006
Congresswomen Heather Wilson, wrapping up a fact-finding trip to Iraq, said Saturday the United States needs to change its strategy to protect its interests in the region.
She also passed along encou...
Floyd Jamboree sets auditions
December 30th, 2006
The Floyd Lions Club Jamboree for 2007 will hold auditions at 1 p.m. Jan. 28 in the Old Gym of the Floyd School.
Persons wishing to audition should have two traditional country/western or gospel song...
Guv reappoints Stinnett regent
December 30th, 2006
SANTA FE — A Portales man was reappointed to the Eastern New Mexico University board of regents, making him one of several state appointments announced Friday by Gov. Bill Richardson.
Marshall Stin...
Paper delivery delayed
December 30th, 2006
Friday's storm has prevented delivery of some newspapers and delayed others.
Newspaper officials said delivery was continuing late this morning, but some carriers' vehicles have been disabled because...
Saddam executed
December 29th, 2006
BAGHDAD, Iraq — Saddam Hussein, the shotgun-waving dictator who ruled Iraq with a remorseless brutality for a quarter-century and was driven from power by a U.S.-led war that left his country in sha...
Rams bounce back with domination win over Lordsburg
December 29th, 2006
The Portales Rams rebounded from a first-round loss in Las Vegas’ Stu Clark basketball tournament to dominate the Lordsburg Mavericks Friday afternoon 62-37.
The Rams spread the ball around, as cen...
Portales wins battle of defending champs
December 29th, 2006
Portales coach Brenda Gomez said in five of the Lady Rams’ six losses this season, they let a lead slip away.
Portales refused to let it happen again Friday, surviving sloppy ballhandling and poor...
Jaguars maul Portales boys at Stu Clark
December 28th, 2006
LAS VEGAS, N.M. — Portales Ram basketball coach Mark Gallegos has always said the experience his team receives at the Stu Clark Tournament in Las Vegas is important. But sometimes the lessons are ha...
Lady Rams capture spring basketball title
December 28th, 2006
Editor’s Note: This is the second in a three-part series looking at the important local sports stories in 2006.
As winter sports began to wind down in early 2006, the Portales Lady Ram basketball t...
ENMU teams prepare for LCU
December 28th, 2006
ENMU BASKETBALL
Men
Lubbock Christian (6-3) at ENMU (5-5), 4 p.m. today at Greyhound Arena.
Radio: KSEL-FM 95.3.
On the Net: www.enmusports.com.
Notes: ENMU’s last game was a 90-63 win at New Mexic...
Charter school appeal denied
December 28th, 2006
Secretary of Education Veronica Garcia upheld a Portales Municipal Schools board decision Tuesday, denying a charter to the proposed Horace Mann School.
Garcia outlined the reasons for denying the ap...
Escapee caught in Texas
December 28th, 2006
An escaped inmate from the Curry County Adult Detention Center was arrested Thursday without incident in Dimmitt, Texas, according to Dimmitt police.
Guadalupe Rodriguez, 29, was arrested by local po...
New Year's closings
December 28th, 2006
Closed at noon Friday, reopening Tuesday
• 9th Judicial District Court
Closed Monday, reopening Tuesday
• City offices
• County offices
• Post office
• All banks
• Municipal...
Soldiers’ humbleness lesson to be learned
December 28th, 2006
This year-end marks a political changing of the guard. It was a year of mixed blessings.
The economy is booming, unemployment is down, the results of “No Child Left Behind” accountable educatio...
Resolutions should focus on inside, not out
December 28th, 2006
Don’t set yourself up for failure in 2007 by making unachievable New Year’s resolutions, like trying to block SPAMs from your computer, evading taxes or attempting to get off someone’s Christmas...
Checkpoints lack intended effectiveness
December 28th, 2006
“Opponents of sobriety checkpoints tend to be those who drink and drive frequently and are concerned about being caught.”
That’s what Mothers Against Drunk Drivers says. And that’s correct, o...
Report: Teen drinking at high levels
December 28th, 2006
Editor’s note: This is the first in a two-part series on risky behavior in teens. The second installment is planned for Sunday.
A recent study conducted by three New Mexico entities, show that Roos...
Year in review: Sheriff picked, base saved
December 28th, 2006
Editor’s Note — The following is the second in a three-part series taking a look at major stories that shaped news in Roosevelt County in 2006. This installment looks at May, June, July and August...
County launches investigation into jail events
December 28th, 2006
CLOVIS — The escape of a prisoner and the stabbing of an inmate in recent days have prompted investigations aimed at Curry County Adult Detention Center officials, according to state and county offi...
Records: Jail inmate stabbled
December 28th, 2006
CLOVIS — A Clovis man awaiting trial for homicide was arrested Wednesday in connection with the stabbing of a fellow inmate at the county jail, according to court documents.
Demetrio Salas, 21, is...
Program aims to curb DWIs for Cannon
December 28th, 2006
With the holidays in full swing, an organization at Cannon Air Force Base is gearing up to curb drinking and driving. By offering free rides without consequences to airmen who have been drinking, memb...
PHS starts tourney play
December 27th, 2006
CLOVIS — Portales High girls basketball coach Brenda Gomez isn’t happy to be 3-5, but the Lady Rams have had some extenuating circumstances.
First, they graduated several key players from last ye...
Coaching news tops Portales’ spring sports
December 27th, 2006
Editor’s Note: This is the first in a three-part series about the year in sports locally.
The birth of a new sports year in Roosevelt County began with the death of a local coaching legend, follow...
President Gerald Ford dies at 93
December 26th, 2006
LOS ANGELES — Gerald R. Ford, who picked up the pieces of Richard Nixon’s scandal-shattered White House as the 38th and only unelected president in America’s history, has died, his wife, Betty,...
Housing allowances increase for new year
December 26th, 2006
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) will increase an average of 3.5 percent next year for the nearly 950,000 service members who live off base stateside.
Some BAH recipients will see their housing allo...
Brain could be next Bluetooth frontier
December 26th, 2006
Christmas is great for many reasons:
Congress isn’t in session, so I have no reason to get upset about what elected officials are doing.
All kinds of once-a-year food items and television shows a...
Chance for peace depends on parties’ willingness to agree
December 26th, 2006
After years of dormancy, moves toward a peace settlement between Israel and Palestine are appearing on several fronts. The Iraq Study Group report contends that an Israeli-Palestinian settlement is es...
Baskett headed for playoffs
December 25th, 2006
IRVING, Texas — Hank Baskett had 32 text messages waiting for him when he reached the locker room.
Earlier in the night, it was Baskett and the Philadelphia Eagles who sent a message, dominating th...
Empty Stocking Fund
December 23rd, 2006
Today’s focus: “Ms. L”
Household members: 4
Children: 2
Special circumstances: “Ms. L’s” family is living on Social Security income and food stamps. There...
Christmas Eve gift leaves long legacy
December 23rd, 2006
Christmas Eve gift!
It’s a simple phrase that’s been uttered on Dec. 24 by my family as long as I can remember. In fact I’m not sure anyone knows when it all started. That makes it a family Ch...
Public Record
December 23rd, 2006
The following marriage licenses were recently filed in the Roosevelt County Courthouse:
—Jason R. Dunsworth, 23, and Sophia Y Salas, 25, both of Portales.
—Bradly Edward McConnel, 26, and S...
Taming talking tough task for New Year
December 23rd, 2006
I am a big talker. I love to speak my mind. When I get in a discussion with someone, I can go on for a while, especially if I feel strongly about an issue.
My easygoing husband, knowing me as well as...
Greatest gift of all delivered on Christmas
December 23rd, 2006
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
— John 3:16
‘Tis the season for gift-giving, an anci...
Local Roundup: Holiday blood drive scheduled
December 23rd, 2006
Exhausted shoppers can take a load off while donating blood at the first Guns N Hoses Blood Drive on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Portales Fire Department, 301 Ave. C, in the donor bus.
...
Holiday closings
December 23rd, 2006
Closed Monday, reopening Tuesday
City offices
County offices
Post office
All banks
Municipal court
All federal offices
Closed until Jan. 3
Eastern New Mexico University
All area schools...
Empty Stocking Fund
December 22nd, 2006
Today’s focus: “Ms. R”
Household members: 4
Children: 3
Special circumstances: “Ms. R” is a single mother and has a limited income. She won’t have any ext...
Fuller sentencing hearing continued
December 22nd, 2006
The sentencing hearing in the Jerry Fuller case scheduled for Friday in Roosevelt County District Court has been continued until Jan. 17.
According to 9th Judicial District Attorney Matt Chandler, th...
Commissioners tour jail facility
December 21st, 2006
After a brief regular meeting Thursday, Roosevelt County Commissioners got a tour of the addition to the Roosevelt County Detention Center and had lunch at the facility.
Commissioners approved constr...
Holiday prompts special services
December 21st, 2006
On that first Christmas night, as Joseph and Mary reportedly searched for lodging before the birth of Jesus, they were foreigners in another land, dependent on the help of strangers.
It is the same k...
People helping people
December 21st, 2006
Today’s focus: “Ms. A”
Household members: 2
Children: 1
Special circumstances: “Ms. A” is in remission from cancer. She has undergone three surgeries this year. She is employed but hav...
Christmas provides us with many memories
December 21st, 2006
We have lived in the same house for 43 years. Every rock and every tree in the yard has a story.
If I sit in my swing long enough and listen hard enough, I can hear basketballs dribbling and skatebo...
Christmas form letter simplifies annual tradition
December 21st, 2006
I’m running behind schedule this Christmas season. I’m just getting around to writing, or should I say, filling in my annual multiple-choice Christmas letter. It’s the ultimate form letter. Just...
Bulls can’t be cajoled into behaving
December 21st, 2006
I withdrew my plastic-sleeved arm from the cow and looked back down the alley. It was empty but I could see into the big crowding pen where a large bull stood placidly. My teenage son and my neighbor...
Immigration laws do little to deter illegal immigrants
December 21st, 2006
We still don’t know enough to assess certain aspects of last week’s dramatic raids on six meatpacking plants owned by Swift & Co. The raids, conducted in six different states including one near Am...
Winter weather woes
December 20th, 2006
Stormy conditions caused some problems for Portales and Roosevelt County as a winter storm that produced ice, rain, lightning, two inches of snow and winds that ranged up to 35 mph moved out of the ar...
City plans to buy downtown property
December 20th, 2006
Portales city councilors gave approval Tuesday to a proposal allowing Portales MainStreet to purchase several properties downtown to aid in redevelopment of the historic Yam Theater.
Council gave the...
City OKs wildland fire agreement
December 20th, 2006
Portales City Council gave their OK on a new joint powers agreement with the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department pertaining to reimbursement of wildland firefighting costs at...
People helping people
December 20th, 2006
Today’s focus: “Ms. A”
Household members: 5
Children: 3
Special circumstances: “Ms. As” family has just moved to Clovis. Her husband has yet to find employment. They have filed for assis...
Holiday entertainment industry booming
December 20th, 2006
You may have heard about The Jingle Bell Rock, but what about a holiday rock opera?
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s Christmas Trilogy, a CD and DVD collection, is not your typical Christmas music. F...
Residents brace for more ice
December 19th, 2006
Roosevelt County residents were caught up in winter’s icy grip Tuesday with icy roads and sidewalks and temperatures that didn’t climb much above freezing. Residents were bracing for another day o...
Informational TB meeting scheduled
December 19th, 2006
Representatives from the New Mexico Livestock Board and U.S. departments of Agriculture and Veterinary Services will host an informational meeting on cattle tuberculosis testing in Roosevelt and Curry...
Floyd News
December 19th, 2006
Transitions
Anniversaries:
Friday — Ferrell and Louis Odom (57 years)
Sunday — Noel and Linda Rippee (39 years)
Upcoming events
Seniors will meet Thursday at the Floyd Senior Citizens Center...
Elida News
December 19th, 2006
Santa to stop in Elida
Santa Claus is coming to Elida from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday at town park.
Last chance for Cantata
The Baptist Church held its Cantata Sunday and will have one more performan...
United Way extends annual campaign
December 19th, 2006
United Way of Eastern New Mexico is razor close to making its annual campaign goal. In hopes of achieving that goal, the campaign has been extended, according to a United Way of Eastern New Mexico pre...
People helping people
December 19th, 2006
Today’s focus: “Ms. B”
Household members: 7
Children: 3
Special circumstances: “Ms. B” is on a fixed income and is raising her grandchildren, but she doesn’t have much money.
Holiday...
One contested race in county school board elections
December 19th, 2006
Only one Roosevelt County school board race will be contested come the Feb. 6 elections.
Floyd Municipal Schools’ board of education member, Lisa Schmidt, faces opposition from challenger, Jack W....
All I want for Christmas is an explanation
December 19th, 2006
It’s that time of year that has become an annual source of frustration for most of my relatives. Since I have the ability to buy things I need and want, and my family’s too far away to know first-...
Plan for unified medical care rejected
December 19th, 2006
Air Force opposition has scuttled Army and Navy plans to merge the three services’ large medical bureaucracies, led now by three surgeons general, into a single Unified Medical Command.
Deputy Defe...
U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan won't be missed
December 19th, 2006
We hardly expected Kofi Annan’s last public speech as Secretary-General of the United Nations to be an introspective summing-up of the manifold failures and weakness of the organization he headed fo...
Zias beat Highlands Cowgirls for fifth win in six games
December 18th, 2006
Senior guard Heather Brown hit five 3-pointers and finished with 21 points Monday to lead the Eastern New Mexico University Zias a 75-56 win over New Mexico Highlands.
It was Zias fifth win in six ga...
HDTVs go mainstream
December 18th, 2006
High-definition, flat-panel televisions are in demand in Clovis and Portales, even though the availability of high-definition programming is limited to satellite providers.
HDTV offers higher resolut...
Severe weather predicted for area
December 18th, 2006
Snow shovels and bags of salt used to melt snow and ice were flying off the shelves at Triangle Ace Home Center in Clovis Monday morning.
According to store manager Ron Scorzafava, an entire pallet of...
Charter school appeal heard
December 18th, 2006
Sponsors of the proposed Horace Mann Charter School will have to wait until after Christmas to know whether it will be organized under the umbrella of the Portales Municipal Schools Board of Education...
People helping people
December 18th, 2006
Today’s focus: “Ms. C”
Household members: 8
Children: 6
Special circumstances: “Ms. C” is attending classes to earn her GED. She is not working because she wants to concentrate on her s...
Rams rebound, beat Aztec Tigers
December 16th, 2006
Portales boys basketball coach Mark Gallegos hoped his team would give a better effort Saturday against Aztec than they did Friday night against Carlsbad, and they did.
The Rams hit 10 of 16 free thr...
PHS grad opts to stay at home
December 16th, 2006
Megan Kabrick was all set to move away from home and play college volleyball at Angelo State when she suddenly had a change of heart.
A four-year standout in volleyball and basketball at Portales Hig...
Hobbs Lady Eagles outlast Portales Lady Rams
December 16th, 2006
Hobbs senior shooting guard Samantha Acosta sank three of her five 3-pointers in the fourth period and led all scorers with 19-points, as the visiting Class 5A Lady Eagles beat Portales 65-49 Saturday...
Convicted felon perishes in prison
December 16th, 2006
A man convicted of brutally raping and murdering a Clovis convenience store clerk more than 30 years ago died Tuesday in a state prison.
Stanley Deon Melton, who suffered a long battle with cancer an...
Railroad concerns cross state lines
December 16th, 2006
A train situation in two towns that straddle Texas and New Mexico is at a standstill, in more ways than one.
Texas has set aside funding for an overpass that would save border residents from daily tr...
Career on the rise
December 16th, 2006
Quiet and unassuming, Eastern New Mexico University head baker Julio Rodriguez spends his work days rolling out pastries and breads to feed hungry students, faculty and staff.
Starting in 1966, Rodri...
Graduates look toward future
December 16th, 2006
Amid cheering friends and family, 250 graduates walked across the stage to receive their diplomas during commencement ceremonies at Eastern New Mexico University on Saturday.
Sprinkling his commencem...
People helping people
December 16th, 2006
Today’s focus: “Ms. B”
Household members: 3
Children: 2
Special circumstances: “Ms. B” has a physical disability and is not able to work. She relies on Social Security and SSI. She is a...
Public figures deserve Christmas presents, too
December 16th, 2006
The mistletoe has been hung by the chimney with care and the halls and dang near everything else have been decked with holly and other shrubbery parts so that could mean only one thing. It’s time fo...
Holiday shopping stress wreaks havoc on emotions
December 16th, 2006
Before Christmas, I undergo a Jekyll/Hyde transformation, most noticeably when I buy presents. I call it my Christmas dichotomy. There is the happy Christmas self and my alter ego, the stressed out sh...
Letter to the Editor
December 16th, 2006
Returning veterans deserve care
Our soldiers need our help.
The December issue of National Geographic magazine has a lengthy article with pictures of those seriously injured. Of the wounded m...
Presidential candidate’s actions like reverse Reagan
December 16th, 2006
Illinois Sen. Barack Obama is running for president. He’s appeared in New Hampshire, where he will need to make a mark, drawing crowds at fund-raisers and autographing his obligatory, pre-campaign m...
House fire breaks out
December 16th, 2006
Units from the Portales Fire Department responded shortly after 9 p.m. Friday to a fire at a house east of Portales.
The home just north of the intersection of N.M. 88 and Roosevelt Road N. was fully...
Cats annilhate Aztec
December 16th, 2006
When your turnovers outnumber your points for the game, you know you’ve had a long night.
Overwhelmed from the start by Clovis High’s fullcourt pressure and man-to-man defense, Aztec had little i...
Lady Tigers down Clovis
December 16th, 2006
What started as a scorer’s duel in the first half came down to defense and free throws as the Aztec girls basketball team beat Clovis 55-52 Friday night at Rock Staubus Gymnasium.
Records: Aztec 6-...
Poached pheasants reported in area
December 15th, 2006
The New Mexico Game and Fish Department is on the lookout for pheasant dumpers.
The department released an Operation Game Thief call Friday in regard to a pile of dead pheasants reported near the int...
Ethanol plant permit decision expected by May
December 15th, 2006
Whether the proposed Clovis Ethanol plant gets the go-ahead for its air quality permit from the New Mexico Environment Department could be decided by mid-May, according to NMED officials.
A public he...
Initiatives established to improve retention
December 15th, 2006
The Eastern New Mexico University Board of Regents briefly discussed freshmen retention during a meeting Friday, an issue President Steven Gamble said is an ongoing problem.
Gamble passed out a list...
ENMU regents discuss construction
December 15th, 2006
For Eastern New Mexico University students, faculty and administration, the fall semester ended Friday. For construction contractors, the holiday break is time to get busy.
Construction was a focal t...
Dec. 16, 2006 Empty Stocking Fund: "Ms. F"
December 15th, 2006
Today’s focus: “Ms. F”
Household members: 8
Children: 5
Special circumstances: “Ms. F” is raising her grandchildren. After paying rent and utilities, she has...
Lady Rams edge Goddard
December 14th, 2006
ROSWELL — The Portales Lady Rams beat Goddard in Roswell Thursday night, 49-46.
Kaycee Quick led the Lady Rams with 13 points followed by senior Briana Hernandez with 12.
“We were better defens...
Fate of charter school to be decided Monday
December 14th, 2006
The fate of a proposed charter school in Portales rests with an appeals hearing Monday before the New Mexico Public Education Department.
After the Portales school board denied the proposed Horace Ma...
Fugitive reportedly sighted in area
December 14th, 2006
A fugitive wanted in connection with the shooting death of a 9-year-old Clovis boy more than a year ago has been spotted in New Mexico recently, area law enforcement officials said.
In response, Curr...
People helping people
December 14th, 2006
Today’s focus: “Ms. M”
Household members: 5
Children: 3
Special circumstances: “Ms. M” and her family recently moved to Clovis from Colorado. Although her husband has found work at a da...
Christmas is more than commercial holiday
December 14th, 2006
What is it about this time of the year that makes it so different from any other? Why are our spirits lifted to the strains of “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World?” Why do friend’s and fami...
‘Nativity’ reminder that Christmas requires work
December 14th, 2006
Seeing “The Nativity” movie this busy holiday season really helps put this whole Christmas thing into perspective. The greatest story every told didn’t happen in a Hallmark card setting. There w...
Life changing moments happen often
December 14th, 2006
The lecture on animal behavior at the North Carolina veterinary meeting was well attended.
Dr. Tom and I were standing in the hallway when he told me he witnessed one of the most astonishing spectac...
Russia demonstrates ambition for grandeur
December 14th, 2006
The Russian government has successfully pressured Shell, the Anglo-Dutch oil company, into reducing its stake in a promising but difficult oil and natural-gas field in Siberia from a majority share to...
Dec. 14, 2006 Empty Stocking Fund: "Ms. S"
December 13th, 2006
Household members: 5
Children: 3
Special circumstances: “Ms. S’s” husband has been ill since January, but he has been unable to receive Social Security. The family is cu...
Rejuvenated toys make gifts of joy
December 13th, 2006
Spending time to refurbish used toys throughout the year, Brenda Fenton says she hopes she’s helping to spread joy to area children and families who are in need, this holiday season.
A secretary fo...
Smith prison bound
December 12th, 2006
Editor’s note: Content in this report may be offensive to some readers.
Laura McNaughton's family had strong words for the Clovis woman's convicted killer during a sentencing hearing Tuesday at the...
Children get early visit from Santa
December 12th, 2006
Santa Claus arrived early for some children Tuesday night as jolly old Saint Nick and his helpers took gifts and surprised 180 local children whose names were placed on the Mayor’s Christmas Tree.
...
Couple completes degrees
December 12th, 2006
John and Betty Ellis ironically met in a marriage and family class at Eastern New Mexico University in 1986. They had differing views on marriage, yet they tied the knot and put their education on hol...
People helping people
December 12th, 2006
Today’s focus: “Ms. G”
Household members: 6
Children: 4
Special circumstances: “Ms. G’s” husband recently lost his job and the family has no income.
Her holiday hopes: For her child...
Floyd News
December 12th, 2006
Transitions
Anniversaries:
Friday — Tommy and Mary Goff (45 years)
Sunday — Jeff and Jennifer Essary (12 years)
Hinger celebrating 100th birthday
Former Floyd community resident, Willie Terrel...
Elida News
December 12th, 2006
Baptists to hold Cantata
The First Baptist Church of Elida will present its annual Christmas Cantata at 11 a.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Dec. 20 at the church. The public is welcome.
Candle Lighting Ceremo...
Five-day work week not unreasonable
December 12th, 2006
Not that anyone missed me or even knew, but I have been out of New Mexico for the past few days. I left the office Thursday night and flew back to see my family in Montana, then flew back on Monday mo...
Nature of war affects medal count
December 12th, 2006
The changed nature of war — not command indifference or bureaucratic inertia as some critics allege — is likely the reason why only two Medals of Honor have been awarded to U.S. forces in Iraq and...
Health savings accounts best thing to come from medical cost debates
December 12th, 2006
The lame-duck session of Congress that also marked the end of 12 years of Republican domination of the legislative branch ended Saturday morning with more of a whimper than a bang. Nine of the 11 “n...
Dentist enters plea
December 12th, 2006
A Clovis dentist facing the death penalty in connection with the 2005 slaying of a Clovis mother has reached a plea agreement that will send him to prison for at least 57 years.
In a barely audible v...
Rams celebrate Cinderella season
December 12th, 2006
Dinner may have been chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes, but the main course Monday night at the Portales High School cafeteria was Ram pride.
Portales Ram football players, parents and supporte...
Officials urge everyone to get flu vaccine
December 11th, 2006
Following last year’s shortage, the supply of flu vaccine is plentiful during what health officials say is a mild flu season, so far.
Health officials are urging everyone, particularly high-risk pe...
Pursuit of death penalty OK'd
December 11th, 2006
Editor’s note: Content in this report may be offensive to some readers.
A district judge ruled Monday probable cause exists to pursue the death penalty in the first-degree murder trial of a former...
PHS health clinic delayed
December 11th, 2006
Delivery and setup of a new portable office for the Portales Municipal School District’s health clinic at Portales High School have been delayed over differences between the school district and the...
People helping people
December 11th, 2006
Today’s focus: “Ms. M”
Household members: 5
Children: 4
Special circumstances: “Ms. M” is a single mother who is struggling to provide for her children.
Her holiday hopes: For her chi...
Guv appoints local realtor to growth organization
December 11th, 2006
Coldwell Banker Colonial Real Estate broker Gayla Brumfield of Clovis was chosen by the governor last month to serve on a volunteer organization to consider growth issues that may arise with the new m...
New Mexico 467 overpass on track
December 11th, 2006
The state is on target to complete the N.M. 467 railroad overpass in Clovis on time, according to a state official.
The $3.6 million project, which began in June, involves the installation of a three...
Greyhounds lose at Commerce
December 9th, 2006
COMMERCE, Texas — Junior Kevin Widemond scored a career-high 27 points Saturday, lifting Texas A&M-Commerce past Eastern New Mexico University 77-68 in a Lone Star Conference men’s crossover game....
Zias lose LSC crossover game at Commerce
December 9th, 2006
COMMERCE, Texas — Senior guard Kanani Marshal and junior forward Katedria Mosley combined for 36 points and 17 rebounds off the bench and Texas A&M-Commerce went on a 24-6 run over eight minutes nea...
District 3-1A basketball roundup
December 9th, 2006
Dora 85, Cloudcroft 54
Consolation game Tularosa Tournament
Dora 21 18 21 25 85
Cloudcroft 14 8 15 17 54
Leading Scorers
Dora (6-3) — Kyler Smith 18, Sadler Hare 16, Hector Fierro 15, Ryan Craig...
Clovis homicide case marks anniversary
December 9th, 2006
It has been a year since Laura McNaughton’s lifeless body was discovered by hunters in a rural county ditch.
That discovery, followed by subsequent news a local dentist had been arrested, deeply af...
Local students track with state's rate of risky activity
December 9th, 2006
Students in Curry and Roosevelt counties are doing drugs, having sex and engaging in other risky activities at rates comparable to students across the state, according to data from a controversial stu...
Long gone are days of personal interaction
December 9th, 2006
It seems we’re rapidly trading all that is unique and interesting about our communities and our lives these days for better technology, more selection and better price.
Some might say the homogeniz...
Call to military life difficult in peace or war
December 9th, 2006
People seem to have an uncontrollable desire to share their opinions about the war in Iraq with me, a simple yet exuberant military wife.
A conversation usually starts with questions such as, “Whe...
Letters to the Editor
December 9th, 2006
Food bank needs help year round
Regarding Thursday’s article about the Eastern New Mexico Food Bank’s food shortage:
I spoke with the food bank on Friday morning, and they tell me they us...
People shouldn't depend on federal assistance
December 9th, 2006
It’s a good thing that, in defiance of most of the predictions and of all the alarmists who tried to link nasty hurricanes to global warming, we had a relatively mild hurricane season this year.
I...
Cats cruise into tourney finals
December 9th, 2006
Artesia — Senior guard Cody Thornsbury hit five 3-pointers for 15 points and the Clovis High boys basketball team cruised into the finals of the Artesia Invitational on Friday with a 63-44 victory o...
Lady Cats fall to Sandia in tourney semifinals
December 9th, 2006
RIO RANCHO — The Clovis girls basketball team was taught a physical lesson on Friday, but it’s one that Lady Wildcats coach Miles Watters hopes will benefit his squad in the future.
In the semif...
Empty stock — Dec. 9
December 9th, 2006
Today’s focus: “Ms. M”
Household members: 4
Children: 3
Special circumstances: “Ms. M” is a single mother whose only source of income is selling burritos. She...
Memorial fund established
December 8th, 2006
Memorial funds have been established in Clovis for the Evans and Gilbert families.
The family of Maj. Troy Gilbert:
Donations may be dropped off at Bank of Clovis, 300 Main St., or the Clovis...
Rams rule 4-3A picks
December 8th, 2006
The Portales Rams unexpected romp through Class 3A football has resulted in a Ram boon on the All-District 4-3A list, including landing seven Rams on the first team.
The Rams placed three players on...
Lady Rams lose low scoring game
December 8th, 2006
The Portales Lady Rams opened the 2006 Mel Otero Rio Rancho Invite with a 33-24 loss to Los Lunas Thursday afternoon.
Turnovers plagued Portales (1-2) against Los Lunas (3-3), although future Eastern...
Operation Santa Claus under way
December 7th, 2006
Santa Claus will come by mode of police car for many Roosevelt County children this year.
Holiday spirit is in full swing at the Portales Police Department as officers collect toys and cash donation...
Christmas festivities take place tonight
December 7th, 2006
Portales streets will once again light up as the annual lighted Christmas parade and downtown Christmas Jubilee celebration are set to take place, beginning at 6:30 p.m. today.
Sponsored by the Roose...
People helping people
December 7th, 2006
Today’s focus: “Ms. A”
Household members: 5
Children: 3
Special circumstances: “Ms. A’s” husband is working but the family is in debt. Her pregnant cousin is living with her while he...
Pheasant frenzy hits local area
December 7th, 2006
Bill Bradford of Placitas has hunted pheasant for almost 50 years.
Bradford said it should be a strong pheasant season in New Mexico, since cold weather has been sparse.
“I have bird dogs and I e...
Virgin de Guadalupe remains shrouded in mystery
December 7th, 2006
We’re not supposed to argue about religion, or so we’re told. But the Virgin Mary has become a very arguable figure in Biblical history, with many alleged apparitions and unexplained events surrou...
FFA participants have right to be proud
December 7th, 2006
They stood before me as I was signing books in my booth at the National FFA Convention this fall in Indianapolis. The man showed his age but was still holding up. “This is gonna be my last,” he sa...
United States can’t solve Iraq’s problems
December 7th, 2006
The most impressive aspect of the report by the Iraq Study Group, or the Baker-Hamilton commission, created by Congress in March, is the assessment contained in the first 40 pages. It is a grim but es...
Christmas brings joy to many
December 7th, 2006
Here we go again! Will it ever stop? Excuse me, but I’m getting weary of those who want to take Christmas away from me. A news commentator has called it the “War on Christmas.” So we don’t kn...
Water authority gears up for next congressional session
December 6th, 2006
PORTALES — With 2007 being touted as the year of water by Gov. Bill Richardson, the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water Authority is optimistic it will get maximum support for the Ute Water Project from...
Food bank suffers shortage
December 6th, 2006
The Food Bank of Eastern New Mexico is caught in a food crunch that is gripping food charities across the United States, according to New Mexico Food Bank officials.
The food shortage has halted food...
Growth committee solidifies procedures
December 6th, 2006
A fledgling eastern New Mexico committee that deals with growth issues related to the new mission at Cannon Air Force Base solidified its operational procedures Wednesday.
New Cannon tenants, the Air...
People helping people
December 6th, 2006
Today’s focus: “Ms. C”
Household members: 6
Children: 5
Special circumstances: “Ms. C” has three children of her own. She recently lost her mother and has taken in two more children wh...
Flying J Wranglers gallup into town
December 6th, 2006
The Flying J Wranglers will ride into Clovis once again on Dec. 16 to perform a benefit concert at the Lyceum Theatre.
For the second year in a row, the popular Western music group’s performance wi...
ENMU womens basketball at home
December 6th, 2006
ENMU (5-1) vs. Oklahoma Panhandle State (1-6), 7 p.m. today at Greyhound Arena.
Radio: none.
On the Net: www.enmusports.com.
Notes: The teams met in the Zias’ season opener on Nov. 18 at Goodwell, O...
Lady Rams look to improve at Otero Rio Rancho Invite
December 6th, 2006
Brenda Gomez runs from one side of the court to the other shouting instructions to her girls Wednesday night at practice in the Portales gymnasium, just hours before the team heads north for an annual...
Hounds grab road win
December 5th, 2006
GOODWELL, Okla. — It didn’t take long Tuesday night for the Eastern New Mexico University men’s team to turn a tight game into a blowout.
Justin Redman-Trotter, Dwight Collins and Tristan Large...
Cannon airman killed in Iraq
December 5th, 2006
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE — The commander of the Cannon Air Force Base bomb disposal unit was killed Sunday when a helicopter transporting soldiers went down in a lake in Iraq, according to military off...
City council meets with housing developers
December 5th, 2006
Portales City Councilors got their first face-to-face meeting with officials from UniDev LLC, the Bethesda, Md. company selected as the master developer for a proposed affordable housing project in Po...
The craft of caring
December 5th, 2006
Two groups of Portales High School students have banded together to help local cancer patients’ struggle with the disease a little bit easier.
According to Debbie Stenstrom, Family Career and Commu...
People helping people
December 5th, 2006
Today’s focus: “Ms. M”
Household members: 3
Children: 2
Special circumstances: “Ms. M” is a single mother who is trying to make her paycheck stretch. She receives little help from her...
Floyd News
December 5th, 2006
Birthdays
Dec. 8 — Leon Nall, Louise Odom
Dec. 10 — Sheri Chenault
Dec. 11 — Hunter Terry
Upcoming events
• Lion’s Club will meet tonight in the Community Building
• Seniors will meet T...
Elida News
December 5th, 2006
Tigers compete at Anton
The Elida Tigers played in a basketball tournament In Anton, Texas last week. Both boys and girls won in the first round of play. The boys won first in the tournament and the...
Retro pay reaches $31,000, averages $1,500
December 5th, 2006
Two months into a year-long review of pay records and disability compensation histories for 140,000 military retirees have produced a total of $45 million in back pay to 31,000 disabled retirees, say...
Earmarking funding sure to end in scandal
December 5th, 2006
If anyone still believes the changing of the guard in Congress will curtail the annual raids on ye ol’ pork barrel, or end the practice of earmarking special expenditures for the home district or st...
Short-handed Rams open season tonight at Roswell High Coyotes
December 4th, 2006
Portales Rams basketball coach Mark Gallegos will have to wait a bit for his full squad.
The reason — three Portales football players making the transition to basketball are injured, with two of th...
Rams sudden success surprising
December 4th, 2006
After a 2-9 season a year ago, not many could have imagined a state-championship appearance by the Portales Rams under first-year coach Andy Correll. But that’s what happened.
Correll knows the sud...
Head Start looks to consolidate
December 4th, 2006
The Eastern Plains Community Action Agency’s Early Headstart program in Portales is hoping to expand and centralize its operation.
Program’s officials are hoping to accomplish that by adding on t...
College, elementary students join efforts for food drive
December 4th, 2006
Students from Valencia Elementary School recently collected 2,342 cans for the food pantry at the Community Services Center.
Valencia student Amy Carter went above and beyond the call, donating more...
Dec. 5, 2006 Empty Stocking Fund profile
December 4th, 2006
Today’s focus: “Ms. B”
Household members: 4
Children: 3
Special circumstances: “Ms. B” is a single mother who can barely make ends meet financially. She and...
Air Force: F-16 pilot killed
December 3rd, 2006
The American pilot whose F-16 fighter jet crashed Nov. 27 in Iraq was listed as killed in action following DNA analysis of remains recovered at the crash site, the Air Force said.
Maj. Troy L. Gilber...
Hounds take second half control, beat Cameron
December 2nd, 2006
With their next three games on the road, Eastern New Mexico University’s men were hoping for a positive sendoff on Saturday night.
The Greyhounds matched Cameron shot for shot well into the second...
Zias beat buzzer
December 2nd, 2006
Eastern New Mexico University senior guard Heather Brown is the first to admit she got a little lucky.
Brown stole Cameron’s inbound pass, took a dribble and banked a 3-pointer home as the buzzer s...
Artesia Bulldogs win 25th state championship
December 2nd, 2006
ROSWELL, N.M. — Artesia halfback Jeremy Duran ran 6 yards for a touchdown to lift the Bulldogs to a 30-23 victory over Goddard in the Class 4A championship game Saturday.
The TD, with nine minutes...
Empty Stocking Fund: "Ms. D"
December 2nd, 2006
Today’s focus: “Ms. D”
Household members: 4
Children: 2
Special circumstances: “Ms. D” has lupus and the family travels to Lubbock frequently for her to re...
Fund established for pilot's family
December 2nd, 2006
A memorial fund has been set up for the family of Air Force pilot Troy Gilbert, whose F-16 jet crashed in Iraq last Monday.
Donations may be made to the Gilbert Family Memorial Fund, in honor of Maj....
Holiday Happenings ranges from whimsical to elegant
December 2nd, 2006
Phantom of the Opera, wedding cakes and John Deere are not common Christmas themes, but it was anything goes during the ninth annual Holiday Happening event on Saturday.
The sold-out affair was spons...
Police Blotter
December 2nd, 2006
The following is a sampling of calls made to the Portales police dispatchers during the past week:
Monday
— At 6:51 a.m., a caller reported a motor vehicle accident at Kilgore and 18th Stree...
Public Record
December 2nd, 2006
The following dispositions were recently filed in the Roosevelt County District Court:
— Francisco Cervantes, 19, pleaded no contest to burglary of a vehicle. The defendant was sentenced to 1...
Body image shouldn’t be focus of sports
December 2nd, 2006
Three of our five children play soccer. My husband and I believe any sport they practice will help them develop self-esteem, discipline and focus.
But according to my husband, no “sport” include...
Little car not destined to be big sleigh
December 2nd, 2006
Our little bit of snow last week was a cakewalk compared to over a decade of living in the mountains of Colorado where driving on snow and ice all winter long was the norm.
The winter roads in Colora...
Letter to the Editor: Ute golf course gets kudos from mayor
December 2nd, 2006
I would like to congratulate the leadership of Quay County including the Quay County Commission, the village of Logan, city of Tucumcari, village of San Jon and all of their citizens for the success t...
Bullying journalists endangers freedom
December 2nd, 2006
The U.S. Supreme Court declined last week to take a case involving a prosecutor seeking the telephone records of two reporters with The New York Times. The decision is regrettable — even though it i...
Small fires extinguised at home, school
December 2nd, 2006
Clovis Fire Department firefighters extinguished small fires Friday at a Clovis school and residence that caused no injuries, according to officials.
An electrical fire about 11 a.m. at Marshall Juni...
Tree lighting, parade set for tonight
December 2nd, 2006
Seventy small dancers clad in green and red elf costumes will perform on Main Street tonight in downtown Clovis.
The performance will kick off the city’s 2006 Christmas Lights Parade.
The theme for...
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