Serving the High Plains

Local roundup - Feb. 21

New PRMC admin ready for role

CLOVIS — A new administrator for hospitals in Clovis and Tucumcari will be on the job by the end of the month, officials say.

Richard “Dick” Smith is expected to start his new role as administrator for both Plains Regional Medical Center and Dr. Dan C. Trigg Memorial Hospital on Monday, Interim Administrator Troy Clark said Wednesday.

“Dick brings a wealth of hospital operation leadership and finance experience to this role,” Clark wrote in an email. “We are thrilled to have him lead our team’s strategic vision for the future.”

Smith served also as PRMC administrator from 1999-2003, and “has held senior executive roles in hospital operations and finance in New Mexico, Washington and Texas,” Clark continued.

Smith has also served as Curry County manager and with the Board of Directors for the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce and the Clovis Community College Foundation.

Smith told The News it was “nice to be home” for the “opportunity to be of service to the community.”

“It’s just exciting and I’m very happy to be in the role,” he said. “I’m working with some wonderful people in all of these communities again.”

Clark will resume his role as vice president of regional operations for Presbyterian Delivery System as soon as Smith starts in the position.

VFW guests get Valentine’s treat

The Auxiliary and guests of the VFW Post 2528 were treated to a special Valentine’s Day meal prepared by Post member Mucio Lopez.

Lopez, a veteran, prepared a Korean dish, Oma Rice, that he said he learned to cook while serving in Korea.

“The dish is named after their mother, which in Korean, Omma means mom or mother,” Lopez said.

Lopez combined rice with shrimp and vegetables then topped the dish with a fried egg.

“I wanted to prepare something special for the Auxiliary to thank them for all that they do for the Post,” Lopez said. “I used to cook dishes like this all the time. I truly enjoyed preparing this meal.”

There was no charge for the meal.

Declaration filing deadline looms

Candidates for county races or magistrate judge must file declarations of candidacy 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 13 at the Quay County Clerk’s Office.

Four-year terms will be on the ballot for a county commission from District 3, the county assessor, the county sheriff, the probate judge and magistrate judge.

County candidates must pay a $50 filing fee, while magistrate judge candidates must provide signed petitions.

Draw for position on the ballot will be held 5 p.m. March 13 at the clerk’s office.

Information: 575-461-0510.

— Staff reports