Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
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PORTALES — A jury was seated at the close of the day Tuesday in the first-degree murder case of two Clovis men accused in the shooting death of a 10-year-old boy in 2005. “It’s been a long two days, ladies and gentlemen, but we finally got there,” 9th Judicial District Judge David Bonem said as he prepared to seat the jurors. “We hope to begin testimony tomorrow.” Opening statements are set for this morning, followed by the start of the prosecution’s witnesses. 9th Judicial District Attorney Matt Chandler would not say precis...
A team from Fort Sumner High School was one of 22 teams selected to participate in the Microsoft Innovative Teaching Forum Sept. 27-28 in Redmond, Wash., according to a Fort Sumner news release. Fort Sumner’s El Zorro Ink desktop publishing project was selected as one of the top collaborative teaching projects in the United States by a professional panel selected by the National Staff Development Council and National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future, the release reads. For the El Zorro Ink project, secondary stu... Full story
Editor’s note: Amos is a church mouse, unable to use the keyboard shift keys and unschooled in the art of punctuation. boss after two days of sweltering heat red-hot sidewalks and blistered little mousy feet i have decided that winter must be over and i have put away my mittens galoshes and fuzzy russian hat to top it off boss the church s air conditioner doesn t work the whole church pew underworld is facing a minor crisis bugs are falling over like flies and flies are falling over and dying like bugs only the goldfish a...
Staff and wire reports ALBUQUERQUE — Jury selection continued Tuesday in the death-penalty trial of Stanley Bedford, who is accused in the killing of Odis and Doris Newman of Portales. Bedford, 43, of Portales is charged with two counts each of first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping and evidence tampering, and one count of possession of stolen property. Seventy-five potential jurors are being individually questioned regarding their opinions on the death penalty. “Right now, we’re really focusing on jurors who can guarante... Full story
Staff and Wire Reports ALBUQUERQUE — Jury selection continued Tuesday in the trial of Stanley Bedford, who is accused in the killing of Odis and Doris Newman of Portales. Bedford, 43, of Portales is charged with two counts each of first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping and evidence tampering and one count of possession of stolen property. Currently, 75 potential jurors are being individually questioned regarding their opinions on the death penalty. “Right now, we’re really focusing on jurors who can guarantee they’ll be i... Full story
PORTALES — The constitutionality of the death penalty statutes in New Mexico was argued in a pre-trial hearing Monday in the Roosevelt County District courtroom in the case of a man accused of killing a retired Portales couple in 2005. Defense attorney Gary Mitchell of Ruidoso has filed four motions on behalf of his client, Stanley Bedford, with each seeking to have the death penalty removed. He presented oral arguments pertaining to thre e of those motions before 9th Judicial District Judge Steven Quinn. Mitchell said b...
The constitutionality of the death penalty statutes in New Mexico were argued in a pre-trial hearing Monday in the Roosevelt County District courtroom in the case of a man accused of killing a retired Portales couple in 2005. Defense attorney Gary Mitchell of Ruidoso has filed four motions on behalf of his client, Stanley Bedford, with each seeking to have the death penalty removed. He presented oral arguments pertaining to three of those motions before 9th Judicial District Judge Steven Quinn. Mitchell said because the New...
Nick Gallegos was named legionnaire of the week by American Legion Post No. 25. … Clovis News-Journal Sports Editor Gary Mitchell was writing a column called The Armchair Athlete. … Steve Johnston, Grayson Wicker and Brad Phillips were among winners at the Pinewood Derby competition at Sandia Elementary. … The Wonderful World of Toys, 1503 N. Prince, held its grand opening, promising “one of the largest selections of children and adult toys in the area.... Full story
A district court judge ruled Monday the state could pursue the death penalty — at least for now — in the case of a man accused of kidnapping and killing an elderly Portales couple almost two years ago. Prior to Monday’s probable cause hearing, attorneys worked out an agreement that allowed them to avoid testimony in the hearing. The defense conceded the state could meet the burden of proof required for a death penalty against Stanley Bedford if it proves allegations against him. Bedford, 43, is charged with two counts of firs... Full story
Editor’s note: Since the holidays, Amos has been feeling the drudgeries of life under the church pew. He enumerates his complaints and decides to do something about it. Amos is a church mouse, who types by hopping on the computer keyboard, but he can’t operate the capital shift, and he shuns punctuation marks — except hyphens and dashes. i ve said it before boss but life ain t easy under a cushionless church pew either the church custodian gets sloppy with the mop water and floods my little hole-in-the-wall home or marce... Full story
• A deadlocked jury in the case of a Clovis man accused of a string of armed robberies in 2003 resulted in a mistrial earlier this month. A jury was unable to reach a verdict on 23 counts against Sammy Guerrrero for a string of robberies he is accused of committing between June and July 2003, according to 9th District Attorney Matt Chandler. Guerrero, 23, was acquitted of four counts of armed robbery and four counts of assault with intent to commit armed robbery during a week-long trial that ended June 2, according to c...
I’d rather shovel muck at the Farmington race track. I’d rather be the guy who logs Gov. Bill’s flight miles, even though it has to be a backbreaking job. I’d rather be the doctor who says to the teenager, “Sorry, young lady, the test’s positive.” Just don’t make me be Gary Mitchell. In some circles, this guy is about as popular as an Amish preacher at a nudist colony. You just know he has to look around sometimes and feel as lonely as Jessica Simpson at a think tank reunion. Gary Mitchell is an attorney. He lives in southe...
Bill Hardage wore many hats during his nearly 40 years at Wayland Baptist University. He was an administrator and a track coach, and even served a stint as the school’s pilot. But more than anything, Hardage was an ambassador for the Plainview, Texas-based school. Hardage, 63, a native of Oklahoma Lane, died March 25 in a plane accident. He was on a personal trip to pick up a small plane he had purchased. The school’s executive vice president, Hardage was considering retirement in a couple of years. In the meantime, it was...
Steven Duran, left, was convicted of killing his friend, Ricardo Gallegos, two years ago. (Staff photo: Eric Kluth) Steven Duran maintained his innocence as he was sentenced to at least 48 1/2 years in prison for killing his friend almost two years ago. Ninth Judicial District Judge Joe Parker sentenced Duran on Tuesday to the maximum time possible under New Mexico law. Parker did not elaborate on his decision during or after the trial. Duran, 36, accused the prosecution of manipulating testimony during the trial. “I’ve mad... Full story
LOS ANGELES — Don Knotts, who kept generations of TV audiences laughing as bumbling Deputy Barney Fife on “The Andy Griffith Show” and would-be swinger landlord Ralph Furley on “Three’s Company,” has died. He was 81. Knotts died Friday night of pulmonary and respiratory complications at a Los Angeles hospital, said Paul Ward, a spokesman for the cable network TV Land, which airs his two signature shows. Griffith, who remained close friends with Knotts, said he had a brilliant comedic mind and wrote some of the show’s best...
A defense attorney says he will ask to delay sentencing for a convicted killer because DNA that hasn’t been processed could prove his client’s innocence. Ninth Judicial District Attorney Matt Chandler said the DNA in question would not exonerate Steven Duran of Clovis, who was convicted of a Jan. 13, 2004, slaying on Sept. 30. Duran’s sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 28. His attorney, Gary Mitchell, said he will ask for a delay until the DNA can be processed. A jury found Duran, 36, shot and killed Ricardo Gallegos. Polic...
Curry and Roosevelt counties recorded three homicides each in 2005 — only half the number seen in the 9th Judicial District in 2004, but several touched large segments of area communities because the victims were well known and included three senior citizens and a 10-year-old boy. Officials said the formation of a major crimes unit, an increased number of police officers, heightened community awareness and police programs targeted at curbing gang and drug activity may account for the reduction in violent slayings. The m...
She was a mother, a waitress, a student reaching for a bachelor’s degree. Laura McNaughton approached those endeavors wholeheartedly — those who knew her said she was a hard worker, a dedicated mother, a person perennially cheerful. A Sunday phone call alerted Toni Russo of the slaying of her childhood friend. She and McNaughton grew up together in La Mesa, Calif., a small region in San Diego county where McNaughton was born. But they lost touch after McNaughton moved to Clovis in 2002. “When I think of her, I think of her d...
Wayland Baptist waiting on dean Wayland Baptist University will waiting to see if Cannon Air Force Base gets a new mission before it hires a new dean, according to the school’s director of communications. The Clovis campus itself is not in jeopardy of closing, Young said. However, there may be a reduction in staff, depending on the population changes Cannon may bring, according to Teresa Young of Wayland Baptist. Gary Mitchell was chosen to serve as interim dean in August after founding dean of Wayland Baptist U... Full story
Francesea Duran cries Thursday at the Curry County Courthouse after hearing the verdict, which found her uncle, Steven Duran, guilty of first-degree murder, as well as five other charges. (Staff photo: Eric Kluth) The man Cindy Gallegos holds accountable for her brother’s death was found guilty of first-degree murder on Thursday afternoon. Minutes after the verdict was announced, Gallegos, triumphant, said justice prevailed. “I feel somewhat relieved,” she said outside the courtroom, “but it doesn’t bring him back.” A...
A deputy district attorney told a Curry County jury Monday that Steven Robert Duran went to his friend’s trailer home asking for money. When the friend wouldn’t hand it over, the prosecutor said, Duran killed him. He said Duran, 36, a heroin addict, shot his friend six times, including a fatal shot between the eyes. “This case is about a desperate heroin addict (Duran) short on money, so he robbed and murdered his friend,” Drew Tatum said during his opening statement. Defense attorney Gary Mitchell agrees Duran and Ricardo...
Steven Duran, left, listens to testimony along with his lawyer Gary Mitchell on Tuesday during Duran’s trial in the killing of Ricardo Gallegos at the Curry County Courthouse in Clovis. (Staff photo: Eric Kluth) Police found blood in the vehicle of a man accused of killing Ricardo Gallegos early last year, according to court testimony heard Tuesday. Steven Robert Duran, 36, is accused of killing Gallegos on Jan. 13, 2004. He faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted of murder. Tuesday was the second day of his trial, w... Full story
Editor’s note: Amos is a church mouse, who types by hopping on the computer keyboard keys, but he can’t operate the capital shift, and he shuns punctuation marks – except dashes and hyphens. amos converses with a bone willifred the white rat talked me into taking another trip in his tiny time traveler the other day boss let s go visit ezekiel in the valley of the dry bones says willifred and he set the time traveler to about 580 b c after a few whooshes and whirring sounds the time traveler stopped willifred and i stepped out...
Editor’s note: Amos is a church mouse, who types by hopping on the computer keyboard, but he can’t operate the capital shift keys, and he shuns punctuation marks – except dashes and hyphens. a paradoxical twist boss i ran into a paradox the other day and it baffled me it was right there in my bible all the time and i didn t know it - give and it shall be given unto you - i had read that passage in luke six thirty-eight a dozen times or more but my little beady eyes wouldn t let me get past it this time boss how can that be i...
Editor’s note: Amos is a church mouse, who types by hopping on the computer keys, but he can’t work the capital shift keys, and he shuns punctuation marks – except hyphens and dashes. the fiery death-stick one grand and bright sunshiny day as i was whistling on my way boss - it was just before the fourth of july and i was so happy i could cry - when across my weary path i spied this odd hot dog with its tail just fried with - operation keep cannon - on its side what is it says i to no one in particular why it s a ufo from...
