Serving the High Plains

Articles written by Robin Fornoff


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  • Clovis may be in running for racino license

    Robin Fornoff CMI content managing editor|Apr 26, 2013

    Clovis may be in the running for New Mexico's sixth and only remaining racino gambling license, though it's likely the drama may drag out another month. Paul Stout, a rancher and wind energy entrepreneur, confirmed Wednesday that he represents a client interested in the racino license and has looked at property near the city. Additionally, City Manager Joe Thomas confirmed Wednesday that a national gaming concern had contacted his office within the last year to express an interest in locating a racino in or near Clovis. The New Mexico Racing... Full story

  • Officials say Torres attacked in jail

    Robin Fornoff CNJ Content Managing Editor|Nov 29, 2012

    Hours after he was transported to the Curry County jail Thursday, former international fugitive and accused killer Noe Torres was attacked by the uncle of the child he is charged with helping slay. Undersheriff Wesley Waller confirmed jail staff placed Torres in a holding cell near one occupied by Richard Silva, the uncle of 10-year-old Carlos Perez, who was gunned down in his sleep in 2005. Waller said Torres wasn't seriously injured in the fight and Silva is expected to be charged with...

  • Suit accuses ENMRSH of exploiting disabled

    Robin Fornoff CMI content managing editor|Nov 3, 2012

    A lawsuit filed against ENMRSH last month alleges developmentally disabled clients under the agency's care were forced to sleep outside as punishment and live in rodent or roach-infested homes in Clovis. Among other charges in the lawsuit: - One challenged client ballooned to more than 500 pounds for lack of adequate care and supervision, was diabetic and oozing fluids from open and untreated sores. The same client was forced to give herself insulin shots and measure her own daily blood sugar...

  • Flooding video surfaces at Curry jail

    Robin Fornoff CMI content managing editor|Sep 25, 2012

    Surveillance video of recent flooding inside the Curry County jail reflects images one commissioner calls distressing and a Clovis attorney says shows the county isn't in control of the facility. Inmates are shown frolicking in standing water, running and then sliding along the flooded floor in a crest of water while detention officers appear to be doing nothing to stop it, according to Clovis attorney Jennifer Burrill. At one point, an inmate completing a watery slide gives a high-five to a detention officer in the pod of cells. "That video...

  • Report: Jail short-handed, guard failed to notice broom-handle attack

    Robin Fornoff CNJ Content Managing Editor|Aug 23, 2012

    A Curry County detention officer watching jail inmates with surveillance cameras told investigators she didn't see Louis Guerra attack Jaime Perez. She didn't realize there was a fight until she saw another officer take Perez, covered in blood, out of his cell. The officer's statement is part of a 99-page administrative investigation into the June 27 assault released Thursday by County Attorney Stephen Doerr. Perez was treated for injuries at the Clovis hospital, but was not seriously injured. The focus of the investigation was the alleged broo...

  • Torres' plea to being held in Curry County denied

    Robin Fornoff CNJ Content Managing Editor|Jul 11, 2012

    An emotional plea from accused child killer Noe Torres to remain jailed in Clovis and be close to his family was rejected Wednesday by District Judge Donna Mowrer. Appearing via video at his arraignment on murder charges, Torres, his voice choking, asked Mowrer to reconsider an order signed earlier this week that places him in a state prison instead of the troubled Curry County jail. CNJ staff photo: Tony Bullocks Noe Torres, right, pleads Wednesday with Judge Donna Mowrer to let him stay in the Curry County Detention Center instead of federal...

  • Torres denied request to be jailed in county

    Robin Fornoff CMI content managing editor|Jul 11, 2012

    An emotional plea from accused child killer and longtime fugitive Noe Torres to remain jailed in Clovis and be close to his family was rejected Wednesday by District Judge Donna Mowrer. CNJ staff photo: Tony Bullocks District attorney Matt Chandler explains Wednesday to Judge Donna Mowrer why Noe Torres should not be released on bond at Torres' arraignment. Appearing via video at his arraignment on murder charges, Torres, his voice choking, asked Mowrer to reconsider an order signed earlier...

  • Official asked to hold off on water level concerns

    Robin Fornoff CMI content managing editor|Jun 21, 2012

    A Tucumcari city commissioner's concerns about a proposed drought management plan for the Ute Lake Reservoir were cut short Thursday by former Clovis Mayor Gayla Brumfield. Brumfield, who chairs the Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority, told Tucumcari Commissioner Robert Lumpkin his concerns about water levels at reservoir should be saved for a July steering committee hearing on the plan. The steering committee meets July 19 at Portales City Hall to hammer out details of the plan. Lumpkin has long advocated establishing a minimum level... Full story

  • Woods takes District 7 position

    Robin Fornoff CMI content managing editor|Jun 5, 2012

    A low-key Pat Woods declared victory over challenger Angie Spears late Tuesday in one of the most bitter and closely watched races in New Mexico. CNJ staff photo: Tony Bullocks District 5 county commission candidate Danny L. Powell, left, congratulates Pat Woods on his District 7 state senate win Tuesday night at a victory party at a private residence in Clovis. The final vote was 2,283 to 1,991. Woods, speaking at a victory party on Clovis' northeast side said it was time for conciliation in a...

  • Dead heat

    Robin Fornoff CMI content managing editor|May 29, 2012

    Nine days before primary elections, a Clovis Media Inc. poll shows one of the most hotly contested state races is in a dead heat. Angie Spears, left, and Pat Woods Although the final tally of the poll shows state Senate District 7 Republican candidate Angie Spears with a slight lead over Pat Woods — 38 percent to 31 percent — it has a 6.86 percent margin of error. Additionally, about a third of the voters polled during the past 10 days said they still haven't decided how they will vote June 5. T... Full story

  • Lawmakers pleased with budget, less so with other issues

    Robin Fornoff|Feb 22, 2012

    The good: Tax breaks for energy superstation Tres Amigas. The bad: No driver's license or education reform. The ugly: "The leadership (state Legislature) knows how to use procedure to get what they want and once again thwarted the will of the majority of New Mexicans." — Rep. Dennis Roch, R-Texico. Those are the conclusions of four eastern New Mexico lawmakers fresh from the 30-day budget session of the Legislature that ended Thursday. Roch, Rep. Anna Crook, R-Clovis, Sen. Clint Harden, R-Clovis, and Sen. Stuart Ingle, R-Portales, all said t...

  • Quay County Sun sold

    Robin Fornoff|Feb 1, 2012

    Freedom Communications has agreed to sell the Clovis News Journal, Portales News-Tribune, Quay County Sun and their affiliated publications to Clovis Media Inc., Publisher Ray Sullivan told newspaper employees Tuesday afternoon. All 60 full-time and two part-time associates will retain their jobs in ownership transition, expected to take place before the end of February, Sullivan said, and their base pay would remain the same. Freedom Communications' Chief Executive Officer Mitch Stern said, "This transaction furthers our goal of providing... Full story