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Articles from the June 9, 2024 edition


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  • Another local World War II vet's remains coming home

    Landry Sena, The Staff of The News|Updated Jun 10, 2024

    The remains of a Clovis man killed during World War II will soon be returned home, according to a family member. Sgt. Samuel Prince, born Aug. 29, 1914, died in the Philippines on Sept. 22, 1942, as a prisoner of war, records show. But while family members have long known he likely died from malaria or another illness in a Japanese POW camp in Cabanatuan, the whereabouts of his remains were not known. That changed April 25 when researchers identified Prince's remains through...

  • Fire claims iconic Clovis 'castle house'

    David Stevens and Grant McGee, The Staff of The News|Updated Jun 8, 2024

    One of Clovis' more iconic buildings caught fire – again – on Wednesday and it's been reduced to rubble. The "castle house" at 1220 Mitchell was reported on fire about 1:30 p.m. and was quickly destroyed by the blaze. Police on the scene said arson was the likely cause. "Someone" started the fire, Clovis Fire Chief Mike Nolen said, since the building has been empty for years and it had no working utilities. "We've had three or four previous fires in it," Nolen said. "Transient...

  • Pages past, June 9: KICA radio: We're No. 1

    David Stevens, The Staff of The News|Updated Jun 8, 2024

    On this date ... 1937: A man accused of shooting a federal agent near Gallup was arrested "because his stirrups were shorter than cowboys use," the Clovis Evening News-Journal reported. Guy Osborne was attempting to "disguise himself as a cowboy and ride past members of a posse searching for him," the paper reported. The Evening News-Journal reported Osborne was known to Clovis police because of a recent investigation related to a car theft. 1937: Officials with Hotel Clovis...

  • Jail log - June 9

    Updated Jun 8, 2024

    Booked The following were booked into local jails (Tuesday - Friday): Clovis • Michael Smith, 42, failure to appear on a felony charge • Marlene Aucoin, 54, driving under the influence of liquor • Jobe’Allen Toliver, 29, probation violation • Gavino Tena-Castro, 56, probation violation, theft of identity • Tanner Autrey, 30, failure to appear on misdemeanor charge • Gabriel Moya, 37, parole violation • Diamond Johnson, 33, failure to pay fines • Kalod Gardley, 36, failure to pay fines • Gary Eytcheson, 41, shoplifting • M...

  • CHS star hopes to blaze Division I trail

    Matt Weiner, The Staff of The News|Updated Jun 8, 2024

    Recently graduated Clovis High School girls' basketball star Zarai Lewis is sandwiched between two points in time: A few months removed from being the Wildcats' top scorer and shot blocker for the third straight year. A few months until she begins her next chapter at New Mexico Junior College. If Lewis can succeed at NMJC and collect a Division I offer, she can show young Clovis hoopers that it is possible to go from this rural town to the pinnacle of college athletics. "I...

  • Events calendar - June 9

    Updated Jun 8, 2024

    Today *Draggin’ Main Sunday Funday – 1-5 p.m., Carpet Tech, 101 Hall St., Clovis. Information: https://dragginmain.org/ Monday *Volunteer Foster Grandparent come and go orientation – 9:30-11:30 a.m., Curry County offices, 417 Gidding St., Suite 100, Clovis. Information session for potential foster grandparents. Must be 55 and older, complete an application, have a background check, and provide proof of income. Volunteers can serve 5-40 hours per week and may qualify for tax free stipend. Program sponsored by AmeriCorps.gov. I...

  • Ute pipeline project receives $20 million

    the Staff of The News|Updated Jun 8, 2024

    The New Mexico Water Trust Board has awarded $20 million to the Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority. According to a news release from ENMWUA Executive Director Orlando Ortega, the money is for use in the next phase of pipeline transmission phases. Ortega wrote the money will also be used for essential components that include the intake pump station, Caprock pump station, and Caprock storage tanks. “This funding comes in the form of a 90% grant in the amount of $18 million and a 10% loan in the amount of $2 m...

  • Ask the News - June 9

    the Staff of The News|Updated Jun 8, 2024

    The City Commission on Feb. 15 unanimously approved a trap, neuter and release program aimed at reducing the number of feral cats in the city. How much has this cost taxpayers so far? How many cats have been caught and released back into the neighborhood where they were picked up? Through May, 106 cats had been processed through the “trap, neuter, release program,” according to Clovis Deputy Police Chief Trevor Thron. Clovis’ Animal Control Department is overseen by the Clovis Police Department. Thron wrote in an email that...

  • Senior calendar - June 9

    Updated Jun 8, 2024

    Curry Residents Senior Meals Association 901 W. 13th St. Clovis Monday: Spaghetti, Green Beans, Bread Stick & Cookies. Tuesday: BBQ Riblets, Mac & Cheese, Peas & Carrots, Dinner Rol w/Margarine & Cottage Cheese w/Mandarin Orange & Pineapple. Wednesday: Cheeseburger, Baked Beans, Potato Wedges & Peaches. Thursday: Tacos, Spanish Rice, Pinto Beans & Vanilla Pudding. Friday: Parmesan Chicken, Pilaf Rice, Green Beans w/Corn, Breadstick w/Margarine & Peanut Butter Cookie. Hillcrest Senior Life Center 1704 E. 7th St., Clovis...

  • Most of us could spend more time reading - for business or pleasure

    Karl Terry, Local columnist|Updated Jun 8, 2024

    I’ve finally found something suggested by the governor of New Mexico that I agree with. Children in our state would benefit from what she called during the legislative session a summer literacy bootcamp for kids that would provide four hours of reading instruction per day. The idea was to give kids from kindergarten through eighth grade a free summer school focused specifically on literacy. With only 38% of our children proficient at reading it’s well past time to do som...

  • On the shelves - June 9

    Updated Jun 8, 2024

    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. “Of Love and Treason” by Jamie Ogle. In the wake of the emperor’s marriage ban, rumors swirl that there is one man brave enough to perform wedding ceremonies in secret. A public notarius and leader of an underground church, Valentine believes the e...

  • Our people: Ben Wight: Like Calvin, and a golden retriever

    Grant McGee, The Staff of The News|Updated Jun 8, 2024

    Who is Ben Wight? "I'm a father, a husband, a history teacher, an Army and Air Force National Guardsman," Wight said as he sat for an interview in the offices of The News. Wight shared more about his life. Q: What is your hometown? A: Acton, Mass. Q: Do you miss anything in particular from there? A: I would like to say good seafood. Red Lobster doesn't cut it. Q: What brought you to Clovis? A: My wife is the director of the Golden Library at Eastern New Mexico University....

  • Meetings calendar - June 9

    Updated Jun 8, 2024

    Monday *City of Portales Planning and Zoning Committee meeting – 5:30 p.m., Memorial Building, 200 E. 7th St., Portales. Information: 575-356-6662 *Portales Municipal Schools board - 6 p.m., Board Room, L.C. Cozzens Administrative Offices, 501 S. Abilene, Portales. Information: 575-356-7000 *Clovis Astronomy Club – 7 p.m., Room 221, Clovis Community College, 417 Schepps Blvd., Clovis. Use west parking lot entrance. Information: 757-846-7509 Tuesday *Curry County Commission – 9 a.m., Commission Chambers, Curry County Admin...

  • Disbursement of funds approved

    Grant McGee, The Staff of The News|Updated Jun 8, 2024

    Clovis city commissioners on Thursday approved disbursement of Lodgers Tax Funds to groups making requests for upcoming events. Awards were: • Double Dash Barrel Race requested $10,390 and will receive $7,000. • CSA Softball Tournaments requested $20,000 and will receive $18,000. • NRL Hunter/Hunters Coalition requested $10,000 and will receive $10,000. • Run to Hillcrest requested $22,000 and will receive $10,000. • Summer Bash requested $15,000 and will receive $1,900. ...

  • Committee votes to recommend opening talks with EPCOR

    Grant McGee, The Staff of The News|Updated Jun 8, 2024

    Portales’ Public Works Committee on Tuesday voted to send a recommendation to Portales City Council to open talks with EPCOR to possibly take over operation of the city’s water system. Chris Mendoza, utilities superintendent, described Tuesday’s action as “a motion to approve to allow EPCOR to come in and evaluate the Portales water system, wastewater system, wastewater reuse, and well field.” Mendoza said no one from EPCOR was present. “Last week City Council and the mayor met with a representative from EPCOR,” Men...

  • Senate seat goes to Roosevelt rancher

    Matt Weiner, The Staff of The News|Updated Jun 8, 2024

    Another Roosevelt County resident appears headed to the state Senate as the District 27 representative. Pat Boone, an Elida rancher, edged Roswell attorney Greg Nibert by 101 votes Tuesday night in the Republican primary. Roswell's Larry Marker was a distant third, more than 1,500 votes behind the others in a race that saw 5,653 votes cast. Results are not official until each of the district's five counties approve them and after the state's canvassing board meets June 25....

  • CCC board hears president house renovation details

    Grant McGee, The Staff of The News|Updated Jun 8, 2024

    The East 21st Street house used by the president of Clovis Community College is having renovations done in time for the arrival of the college’s new top administrator. Details of the renovations were shared with CCC’s Board of Trustees at their regular June meeting on Wednesday. Bob Dart, CCC’s interim vice president of Internet Technology and Operations, outlined the work being done: • Interior repainting. • Exterior repainting. • Replacing hinges on cabinetry. “The roof was damaged in last year’s hail storm so insurance is...

  • Seth Martin keeps position on Curry commission

    Grant McGee, The Staff of The News|Updated Jun 8, 2024

    Seth Martin, a wheat and grain sorghum farmer from south-central Curry County, on Tuesday won another term representing District 4 on the County Commission. Martin defeated educator and former Melrose schools Superintendent Jamie Widner, 216 votes to 165. Martin won most of District 4’s precincts. Most of Widner’s support came from his home community in precinct 4, where he outpolled Martin, 95-39. Martin attributed his win to his name recognition. “I do think having been in as a commissioner for seven years helped. I think...

  • Former sheriff wins Roosevelt commission seat

    Landry Sena, The Staff of The News|Updated Jun 8, 2024

    Former Roosevelt County Sheriff Malin Parker won a four-way race to gain a seat on the Roosevelt County Commission on Tuesday. All four candidates were Republicans and no Democrats participated in the primary election, so Parker is expected to take office on Jan. 1. “I ran a solid campaign. I think my experience helped in the matter,” Parker said when asked why he thought voters selected him. Parker received 268 votes to 158 for runner-up August Cooper. James Hamilton was third with 100 votes, followed by Jarryd Burris wit...

  • Opinion: In politics, my side is right, yours is wrong

    Rube Render, Local columnist|Updated Jun 8, 2024

    Grant Shapps serves as the minister of defense for the United Kingdom. Shapps recently informed a conference in London that both U.S. and British defense intelligence agencies had evidence that, “lethal aid is now, or will be, flowing from China to Russia and into Ukraine, I think it is a significant development.” The report goes on to state that Shapps could not provide any evidence to support his stunning assertion. This type of report happens on a regular basis and alw...

  • Opinion: Let's make them all convicted felons

    Kent McManigal, Local columnist|Updated Jun 8, 2024

    The precedent is set. As of May 30, every presidential administration can expect to be convicted of felonies by the next administration from the other party. Congressional members of the opposition party could be convicted, as well. They all commit felonies, most far more real and serious than those for which Donald Trump was convicted. Democratic former presidents and members of Congress should be convicted of felonies as soon as there’s a Republican administration. Nor shoul...

  • ENMU's Golden Library hosting summer events

    Betty Williamson, Local columnist|Updated Jun 8, 2024

    The Eastern New Mexico University campus feels quiet this time of year with spring graduation in the rearview mirror and many students opting for online summer classes. Two community-minded librarians have decided that makes it the perfect time to lure local residents into Golden Library and the Golden Student Success Center and onto the beautifully manicured campus for some weekly free events. I met up with Hollie Bellinger and Alex Engels last week on the main floor of the G...

  • Opinion: Husband, wife not necessarily in lockstep

    Christine Flowers, Syndicated content|Updated Jun 8, 2024

    I have never been married, nor do I have any children. I grew up around married people. I descend from a whole line of married people. I have friends who are married people. I deeply admire married people, and I think they tend to be among the happiest folks in the universe. Marriage is a wonderful institution, but it does not mean the parties to that institution have actually been institutionalized and administered joint lobotomies where all semblance of individuality and...

  • Q&A: Director talks program, success rates

    Landry Sena, The Staff of The News|Updated Jun 8, 2024

    Editor’s note: This is one in a continuing series of interviews with local officials. Kris Paulus is the Medication Assisted Treatment program director at the Roosevelt County Detention Center. Q: Briefly explain what the MAT program is and what is its overall goal. A: There are three FDA approved medications for opioid use disorder, which are methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. RCDC offers buprenorphine and naltrexone to patients who are appropriate candidates. Buprenorphine is a partial agonist, meaning it does g...

  • By the numbers: Election night

    David Stevens, The Staff of The News|Updated Jun 8, 2024

    Tuesday’s primary election had few contested races across Curry and Roosevelt counties, and voters mostly stayed home. A few numbers of interest: • Statewide voter turnout was at 23%, according to numbers released by the Secretary of State’s Office. In the 2020 primary (COVID year), that number was 42%. About 34% of the state’s registered voters came out for the 2016 New Mexico primary. • In Curry County, fewer than 15% of the 18,731 registered voters cast primary ballots o...