Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

Articles written by Compiled By Cmi Staff Writer Benna Sayyed


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  • Our people - Community builder

    Compiled by CMI staff writer Benna Sayyed

    Phillip Gillespie is a World War II veteran who once flew Navy aircraft on torpedo bombing missions. Gillespie served in the Navy from 1943 to 1947. He said he was involved in the testing of the atomic bomb in 1945. Gillespie helped build a portion of Cannon Air Force Base, and schools and churches in and around Clovis. Gillespie's construction career took him to places such as Albuquerque, Corpus Christi, Texas and Oakridge, Tenn. He has also taught swimming, was a Boy Scout...

  • Our people: Landscape artist

    Compiled by CMI staff writer Benna Sayyed

    Portales' Jon Birdsong has been a painter for more than 40 years and has taught art to grade school students in Amarillo, Hereford, Canyon and Austin, Texas and Portales. Birdsong is a watercolorist who primarily paints wildlife and landscapes but also dabbles in acrylics. His focus is now the New Mexican southwest. Benna Sayyed: CMI staff photo Jon Birdsong stands next to a recently completed acrylic painting in his studio at South Avenue B and 14th Street in Portales. The pa... Full story

  • Our people: Goody two shoes

    Compiled by CMI staff writer Benna Sayyed

    Jamie Rose started collecting exotic shoes about two years ago. Benna Sayyed: CMI staff photo Jamie Rose, executive assistant to the Portales Police chief, works at her desk Friday at the Portales Police Department. Benna Sayyed: CMI staff photo A display of Jamie Rose's favorite high heels. Benna Sayyed: CMI staff photo Jamie Rose, executive assistant to the Portales Police chief, shows her Iron Fist zombie stompers, the pair of heels that started her exotic shoe collection.... Full story

  • Lifelong academic

    Compiled by CMI staff writer Benna Sayyed

    Michelle Hughes said she has been interested in science and life before kindergarten. Hughes wanted to be a veterinarian for years and then wanted to become a doctor. She said her love for helping, fixing and learning about life processes inspired her to become a scientist. When other kids were playing video games Hughes was outside digging up worms from the dirt and examining frogs and insects. Hughes said she was the weird science child and describes herself as a mad scienti...

  • Our people: Staying on board

    Compiled by CMI staff writer Benna Sayyed

    Iaasic Martinez started skateboarding six years ago when his father bought him a skateboard at age 10. Martinez said when he hopped on his board his dream of becoming a professional skateboarder began. BENNA SAYYED: CNJ staff photo Iaasic Martinez, third from left, hangs out with friends at the skate park at Greene Acres Lake park. Martinez said he skates at the park everyday. He said he plans to be a professional skateboarder. At age 13 he pulled tendons in his left ankle... Full story

  • Our people: Company man

    Compiled by CMI staff writer Benna Sayyedd

    Lawrence Riggins moved to Clovis in 1947 at the age of 20 from Haskell County, Texas where he was raised on a farm. After spending about a year and a half in the U.S. Army, Riggins started working in the carpet and furniture business and soon began selling Kirby vacuum cleaners. He has been selling Kirbys since 1956. He said he is one of Kirby's oldest employees. Riggins said he has stayed in the field so long because he enjoys communicating with people and loves working for... Full story

  • Our people: Company man

    Compiled by CMI staff writer Benna Sayyedd

    Lawrence Riggins moved to Clovis in 1947 at the age of 20 from Haskell County, Texas where he was raised on a farm. After spending about a year and a half in the U.S. Army, Riggins started working in the carpet and furniture business and soon began selling Kirby vacuum cleaners. He has been selling Kirbys since 1956. He said he is one of Kirby's oldest employees. Riggins said he has stayed in the field so long because he enjoys communicating with people and loves working for...