Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
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TUCUMCARI - A Tucumcari man will spend 10 years in prison after being sentenced Wednesday in the 10th Judicial District Court for charges of criminal sexual penetration involving two minors. Anthony Groomas, 29, appeared before District Judge Albert J. Mitchell, who sentenced Groomas to 10 years behind bars based upon his convictions and results of his 60-day pre-sentencing evaluation in the Department of Corrections. An investigation headed by Attorney General Hector Balderas' office led to...
TUCUMCARI - A Tucumcari man is facing felony arson charges after allegedly admitting to setting a neighbor's residence on fire after a dispute. Andrew McKinney, 36, is currently held without bond at the Quay County Detention Center on a charge of second degree Arson (over $20,000). McKinney was arrested on July 22, after Tucumcari Police Department Officers responded to the 800 block of East Laughlin Avenue for a report of a deliberate structure fire. According to a criminal complaint filed by...
TUCUMCARI - A man was arrested, while another was airlifted to an Amarillo hospital after being stabbed during an argument at an apartment complex in Tucumcari, according to the Tucumcari Police Department. Joseph Montano, 54, was booked into the Quay County Detention Center on July 24, on the charges of: Aggravated battery (great bodily harm), tampering with evidence, negligent use of a deadly weapon and resisting, evading, or obstructing an officer. At 2 p.m. that day, officers responded to a...
TUCUMCARI - Tucumcari High School alumni of different eras will come together this weekend to reminisce about the past and make new memories at the annual Rattler Reunion. This year's host is the Class of 1988, who have decided on the theme 'Rattlers Around the World,' said Sally Maestas, host class member. Maestas said the theme will highlight the Rattler alumni's global travels throughout the years. She said there have been Rattler alumni who have lived and traveled to different places since...
TUCUMCARI - Longtime resident, former educator, Marine veteran and Tucumcari Mayor pro-tem Robert Lumpkin has passed away following an extended illness at his home in Tucumcari. Lumpkin, 71, passed away on July 17, at his residence, said Bobbi Sandoval, Lumpkin's daughter. Lumpkin was serving as the District 4 City Commissioner and mayor pro-tem (2018-2022). He had also served as Mayor (2014-2016). Robert Lumpkin had served as a city commissioner since Oct. 2007, said Angelica Gray, City Clerk....
TUCUMCARI - More than 20 residents shared their concerns and suggestions to city officials Thursday at the Del Norte Center regarding the city's nuisance ordinance. City Manager Britt Lusk and commissioner Ralph Moya officiated the town hall to give residents a forum to discuss the ordinance. "It seems as if the enforcement staff is nitpicking when it comes to the issuance of tickets for ordinance violations," said Larry Perkins, Tucumcari resident. Perkins said he had to remove mesquite from a...
TUCUMCARI — Members of a cross country road trip to promote the addition of U.S. Route 66 as a National Historic Trail stopped Thursday in Tucumcari. An Airstream camper promoting the efforts of the National Trust for Historic Preservation was parked at the Blue Swallow Motel with members handing out information and gifts to visitors and residents. “It’s all about getting out and speaking with the people who have their own special connection to Route 66,” said Grant Stevens, NTHP member. Stevens said while they are on the road trip they wi...
TUCUMCARI — The City of Tucumcari has been earmarked to receive more than $5 million dollars in a loan/grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to be used for wastewater systems improvements. The Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development today announced the USDA is investing $267 million in 103 infrastructure projects to upgrade water and wastewater systems in rural communities. “Robust, modern infrastructure is foundational for quality of life and economic opportunity – no matter what zip code you live in,” Anne Hazlett said. ...
The recent vandalism and theft at the Tucumcari Public Pool has prompted concern from officials about interruptions to access by the public. "If it wasn't for the dedication of the life guards and city staff the pool would not have been open on Sunday," said city pool manager Bryan Dunlap. Dunlap said unknown parties threw two bottles containing oil and other sediments over the fence into the pool sometime late Saturday night. He said the contaminants seeped out into the water and created a...
The 56th annual New Mexico State 4-H Horse Show will be held on Friday and Saturday at the Quay County Rodeo arena in Tucumcari. During this time the community has supported the event with donations toward prizes, many volunteer hours and great hospitality, said Quay County Extension Office Director Brenda Bishop. Bishop said there are 20 contestants who have signed up to take part in the event. The increase is a welcome change from last year's cancellation, Bishop said, since there was no...
TUCUMCARI - A four-month search for a new president has ended as Mesalands Community College selected John D. Groesbeck to lead the institution. He began work on Monday. Groesbeck has agreed to a two-year contract with a salary of $156,000 a year. "This is a great opportunity and it's an honor to be here," Groesbeck said in a news release. "I really enjoy this part of New Mexico. This region is one of the most spectacular, beautiful places within the state." The Board of Trustees offered...
The savory, down home barbecue savvy of Jimmy and Stella Watson has landed their local eatery a spot on the Travel + Leisure's top places for barbecue in the United States. "Watson's Bar-B-Que" in Tucumcari, was ranked 13th in 'The 25 Best Places For Barbecue in the U.S.' published in the June 19 edition of the national publication. "It is exciting to be counted among one of the best," said Stella. "We are a bit off the beaten path; to get such recognition is flattering." Jimmy said when it come...
For the first time since 1957, a Quay County All-Stars team will compete in the Little League regional tournament. The Quay intermediate All-Star team advanced to regional after they defeated the West Mesa All-Stars 24-10 Sunday during the state tournament in Albuquerque. "Everyone is excited about winning the state tournament and advancing to regional," said Billy Burns, QC head coach. Burns said the Quay All-Stars (18-0) performed well during the state tournament. The Quay All-Stars beat the...
The interest of three groups expressing interest of bringing a racino to the Clovis, Curry County area is not swaying or lessening the confidence of the Tucumcari, Quay County’s bid for the sixth and final license, said Warren Frost. “It doesn’t matter if there are 10 entities that want to apply, express interest in bringing a racino to Clovis,” Frost said. “We have the best location for the racino; Tucumcari is where the highest revenue stream can be generated.” Frost a spokesman for a group looking to bring a racino to Tucumcari, said with l...
A county-wide burn ban was tabled Friday by the Quay County Commission with residents being asked to be mindful of the conditions and follow notification protocol. “There are some rural fire chiefs that want the ban, there are also residents who need to burn CRP land to prepare for fall planting,” said Donald Adams, Quay County Fire Marshal. Adams discussed the possibility of a burn ban during Friday’s rescheduled meeting. “We have been very fortunate when it comes to wildfires so far this season,” Adams said. “However, there is still an is...
Two Quay County All-Star teams have qualified for state competition this month in Albuquerque. The intermediate all-star team coached by Billy Burns will compete at 5:30 p.m., Friday against the winner of the District 5 match-up earlier in the day. "It does not matter which team we will play, the guys will be focused on playing their best," Burns said. Burns said at this level, the ball is pitched from 50 feet with 70 feet between bases. He said the guys will be working on their fundamental...
The Fourth of July Fireworks display planned for Saturday at Ute Lake State Park will be held in honor of one of the Logan Bass Clubs own, Ellis 'Ray' Gorman. "Ray was a member of the Logan Bass Club and helped each year to set off the display," said Christina Liles, volunteer. Liles said the LBC holds a tournament at the beginning of May, the proceeds from that tournament along with donations pay for the fireworks display. "The club wanted to honor Ray for all of his hard work and service,"...
Local fire officials are asking residents to be cautious, exercise good judgment when setting off fireworks to prevent wild and structure fires. “We know everyone is excited about the Fourth of July, we just ask that people use some common sense,” said John Hinze, District 1 fire chief. Hinze said there has already been one fire in the county as a result of fireworks. He said on Friday firefighters responded to the report of a grass fire at a residence on State Highway 104 north of Tucumcari. “It was fortunate that police officers arrived on th...
A cancer survivor crossing the country with a unique homage will depart Tucumcari today en route to Boston to raise awareness and money for child cancer and oncology camps. "I'm walking from California to Boston with an IV (intravenous) stand symbolizing a burden that all cancer patients, survivors have bore," said Kevin Fern. Fern, a 30 year childhood cancer survivor, said he knows the burden, struggle that comes with the IV during cancer treatment. He said the technology has advanced over the...
The second finalist for Mesalands Community College's presidential search toured the campus on Thursday, ending his day answering questions from residents in a forum at the North American Wind Research and Training Center. "I want to return to the academic sector, I know Tucumcari and eastern New Mexico and when I looked, Mesalands' president position was open," said John D. Groesbeck from North Ogden, Utah. Groesbeck said he is familiar with Tucumcari, lived as close as Portales and knows the...
More than 20 local artists and residents came out to welcome back muralist Doug Quarles during a reception Monday at The Gallery Etc. in Tucumcari. "It's very sweet for everyone to come out and welcome me back," Quarles said. "I only wish my wife Sharon could have made the trip." Quarles said he is back in Tucumcari to begin work on a mural that will be placed on the Tucumcari Knights of Columbus, Tucumcari Columbus Club. He said the design for the mural has been selected and he will be working...
Despite a recent cooldown in temperatures from rain showers across the county, extreme heat will return and with it the dangers of heat exhaustion and stroke according to a local physician. “High temperatures are going to return, with children and the elderly being the most susceptible to the heat,” said LaDonna Chacon, Certified Nurse Practitioner Presbyterian Medical Services. According to the extended forecast of the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, the brief break in high temperatures in Quay County will end on Thursday, with tem...
Recent rainfall across the county brought temperatures down and provided a short relief but the danger of wildfires is still very high, said Donald Adams, Quay County Fire Marshall. “The moisture in the ground is going to dry up quickly as the temperatures rise,” Adams said. “The dry conditions along with the abundant fuel source creates a high danger for wildfires.” On Friday, a storm system moved into the region as a high pressure system shifted to the east, said David Craft of the National Weather Service in Albuquerque. Craft said sub tro...
One of two potential candidates for Mesalands Community College's president position visited the campus Monday for a public forum. "Being a president of an institution has been a goal of mine, on my journey as a vice president I am seeking a place to grow and expand my skill sets," said Robert Munoz from Fort Worth, Texas. Munoz said there are some very unique programs at Mesalands, including ferrier science and silver smithing. He said these two programs are appropriate for the region and...
There weren't many contested races during Tuesday's Quay County primaries. The ones that were, weren't all that close. Incumbents Franklin McCasland and Timothy O'Quinn scored easy victories in their Republican primary races, with results declared official after Friday's canvassing. Neither winner faces general election opposition. McCasland took the primary nod for Quay County Commission District 3 with 563 votes to Bryan Rinestine's 400. "It was a good clean race and the people made their...
