Press Releases

Police pursuit press release

State of New Mexico

New Mexico State Police

 

November 11, 2008, 4:50 p.m.

Captain Jimmy K. Glascock

Commander, District Nine

(575) 762-1305 ext. 101,

(575) 461-3300, Dispatch

(575) 403-5920, Mobile

 

Update - Pursuit and Shooting Involving Texas Authorities

 

(Curry County, NM) – Agents with the State Police Investigations Bureau and Crime Scene Team are still processing evidence, gathering information and continuing their investigation into Saturday’s pursuit.  Crime scene technicians processed scenes and vehicles involved through Sunday afternoon.  Thus far investigators have determined that near State Road 108, Parmer County Deputy Steve Bartley fired shots in an attempt to disable or stop the Explorer. 

 

On Curry Road 21, Helfferich was turning his Explorer and collided with Texas Trooper Joel Rejino’s patrol car, forcing it onto a ditch embankment.  Deputy Bartley attempted to end the pursuit by striking the Explorer.  Trooper Rejino had exited his disabled unit.  Helfferich had u-turned and was driving toward Trooper Rejino.  Trooper Rejino fired shots when he perceived eminent threats of the Explorer being driven closely to him and attempting to take Helfferich into custody after the vehicle stopped.  First aid was then rendered to Helfferich.

 

Helfferich remains hospitalized at University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas.  State Police investigators will continue analyzing and compiling information from their investigation.  The investigation findings will be submitted for review by the Ninth Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Clovis.

 

# # #

 

 

Captain Jimmy K. Glascock

New Mexico State Police

District Nine

Office:  (505) 762-1305

Fax::  (505) 763-8990

Dispatch:  (505) 461-3300

Press release: KFC shooting

On Wednesday, September 3, 2008 at approximately 3:50 PM Officers of the Clovis Police Department were dispatched to the 2100 Block of N. Prince Street in Clovis in reference to a “Shots Fired” call in the south parking lot of the local Kentucky Fried Chicken Restaurant. Upon the Officers arrival witnesses told Officers that a juvenile suspect had left the scene in a maroon Chevrolet Blazer after firing several rounds from a semi-auto pistol towards the south side of the Kentucky Fried Chicken Restaurant that was occupied at the time as well as other people present in the south parking lot area and adjacent Walgreens parking lot.
 
Detectives located two spent .22 caliber shell casings at the scene and two areas on the south side of the building of the Kentucky Fried Chicken Restaurant where bullets appeared to have impacted. The bullets hit no one and no injuries were reported to police. One 17-year-old witness stated that she was at the drive-up window with another witness and that the shooter was her ex-boyfriend that was shooting at her new boyfriend. The 17-year-old alleged suspect ex-boyfriend was identified to police and located later on in the evening by police and interviewed by Detectives and released to a parent. The investigation is still ongoing and charges are pending at this time for the shooting and names will not be released until charges are filed.

County Treasurer enters plea

Clovis, NM ~ Ninth Judicial District Attorney Matthew Chandler announced today that Curry County Treasurer Rhonda Bookout, age 55, plead “No Contest” today to Tampering with Public Records (a fourth degree felony). 

On February 22, 2008, a Grand Jury indicted Treasurer Bookout on the charge of Tampering with Public Records.  The Grand Jury was convened by the District Attorney’s Office to investigate the Treasurer’s conduct between August 2007 and January 2007 with regard to revenue from Curry County’s 2007 County Fair.  It was determined by the investigation that approximately $19,000 dollars in revenue from the Curry County Fair was unaccounted for and that the Treasurer’s Office was entrusted with that money.

According to District Attorney Matthew Chandler, “The State had adequate evidence that during the 2007 investigation into the missing Curry County Fair funds, Ms. Bookout intentionally altered and falsified public records that were being used to assist officers and county officials in the investigation.  Accordingly, Ms. Bookout entered into a plea today and acknowledged that the State had sufficient evidence to sustain a conviction if the case had gone to trial.”  

Ms. Bookout has been on leave of absence from the Treasurer’s Office since the Grand Jury indicted her on February 22^nd.  As part of the plea agreement with the State, Ms. Bookout will be placed on one (1) year of probation and must officially resign from her duties as Curry County Treasurer immediately.  Ms. Bookout must also forfeit her claim to any unpaid salary and retirement compensation to Curry County that she could legally claim from the date of her indictment until today’s plea agreement, which amounts to $26,097.61. 

District Attorney Chandler further stated, “I commend the Curry County officials and law enforcement officers that investigated and uncovered the falsified records in the Treasurer’s Office.  A fraudulent accounting problem was exposed and dealt with accordingly.  There is justice in the fact that due to Ms. Bookout’s actions she has now been removed from public office and forfeited over $26,000 in wages back to the Curry County tax payers.”

Clovis receives $1 million for industrial park improvements

DOMENICI: CLOVIS INDUSTRIAL PARK

RECEIVES $1.0 MILLION INVESTMENT 

            LAS CRUCES – U.S. Senator Pete Domenici announced today that the city of Clovis has received a $1.0 million investment from the Department of Commerce (DOC) for improvements to its industrial park. 

            The investment, administered through the DOC’s Economic Development Administration, is expected to contribute to a $3.0 million project that calls for general upgrades, including rail access and water infrastructure, which are needed for overall business growth and development.  

            “Clovis residents can be pleased the Economic Development Administration recognizes the community’s economic potential and has made this investment.  I look forward to seeing an improved eastern New Mexico business sector,” said Domenici.  

            The project is expected to create 267 jobs and leverage $118 million in private investments for an expanded industrial park that focuses on alternative energy and green industries. 

            The Economic Development Administration serves as a catalyst for economic growth by providing venture capital resources in underserved communities across the country. (http://www.eda.gov/)

            Domenici is a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee which has funding jurisdiction over federal programs, including those administered through the Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Administration.  

Udall to visit Clovis

WEEK TWO: UDALL CONTINUES STATE-WIDE ‘DOING RIGHT BY NEW MEXICO TOUR’

Albuquerque, N.M. – Today, United States Senate Candidate and Congressman Tom Udall, D-N.M., will begin the second week of his ‘Doing Right by New Mexico Tour’.

As a two-term Attorney General and five-term U.S. Representative, Udall has always been committed to doing what’s right by New Mexico. Now, with the economy suffering and the middle class being squeezed by failed Republican policies, we need a leader in the United States Senate who will put New Mexico’s interests first.

Udall’s schedule for week two is as follows. All listed events are open to the media and all times are local.  Tour Updates, event video and schedules can be found at http://www.TomUdall.com/Tour. 

Monday, August 18^th

WHAT:                      LIBRARY READING WITH PARENTS AND STUDENTS

TIME:                        10:30 A.M.

LOCATION:             Westgate Library 

                                    1300 Delgado SW 

                                    Albuquerque, NM 

WHAT:          OBAMA TOWN HALL

TIME:            11:30 A.M.

WHERE:      Rio Grande High School

                        2300 Arenal Road SW, Alb. N.M.

                        Main Gymnasium 

WHAT:          OPEN HANDS COMMUNITY SERVICES CENTER VISIT

TIME:            3:30 P.M.

LOCATION: 2976 Rodeo Park Drive, East.

                        Santa Fe, N.M.

WHAT:          POJOAQUE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB MEET AND GREET

TIME:            4:30 P.M.

LOCATION: Boys & Girls Club

101 Lightning Loop

                        Santa Fe, N.M.  (location is in Pojoaque, but address is Santa Fe) 

Tuesday, August 19^th

WHAT:          BACK TO SCHOOL COMMUNITY BARBEQUE

TIME:            11:30 A.M.

LOCATION: Edgewood Elementary School

                        285 Dinkle Rd.

                        Edgewood, NM

WHAT:          DOING RIGHT BY NM SANTA ROSA TOWN HALL

TIME:            2 – 3:30 P.M.

LOCATION: Joseph’s Restaurant

                        1775 Historic Route 66

                        Santa Rosa, NM

WHAT:                      DOING RIGHT BY CLOVIS TOWN HALL 

TIME:                        5 – 6:30 P.M.

LOCATION:             Clovis Community College 

                                    417 Schepps Blvd.

                                    Clovis, NM

Wednesday, August 20^th

WHAT:          PORTALES TOWN HALL

TIME:             10:30 A.M.

LOCATION: Campus Union Building

Eastern New Mexico State University

Eastern New Mexico State University

                        Portales, N.M.

HOBBS, N.M. – Details will be updated

Thursday, August 21^th

WHAT:          UDALL TO ATTEND DOMENICI CONVERENCE OPENING PLENARY SESSION

TIME:            9:30 A.M.

LOCATION: Pan American Center

                        Las Cruces, N.M.

WHAT:          UDALL FOR US ALL ARREY ROADSIDE RALLY

TIME:            NOON

LOCATION: Baquera’s Grocery Store

                        Arrey, N.M.    

WHAT:          DOÑA AÑA MEET AND GREET

TIME:            6:30 P.M.

LOCATION: East Picacho Elementary School

                        4450 N Hwy 85

                        Las Cruces, NM

WHAT:          UDALL FOR US ALL LAS CRUCES TOWN HALL

TIME:            7:30 – 8:30 P.M.

LOCATION: Onate High School Auditorium

                        5700 Mesa Grande Drive

                        Las Cruces, NM

Friday, August 22^th

WHAT:          EDUCATION AND HEALTH CARE FORUM

TIME:             6 P.M.

LOCATION: 713 Amherst SE

                        Albuquerque, N.M.

WHAT:          UDALL FOR US ALL WEST SIDE HOUSE PARTY

TIME:            7:15 P.M.

LOCATION: Home of Pedro & Dolores Moreno

                        7617 Lynwood Drive, NW

                        Albuquerque, N.M.

Saturday, August 23^rd

WHAT:          VALENCIA COUNTY PARADE

TIME:            10 A.M.

LOCATION: Belen Recreation Center

                        715 S. Main St.

                        Belen, NM

WHAT:          VALENCIA COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY OFFICE OPENING

TIME:            11 A.M.

LOCATION: Democratic Party of New Mexico Office

                        1052 Main St. NW

                        Los Lunas, NM

Sunday, August 24^th

WHAT:          DOING RIGHT BY NEW MEXICO TOUR GRANDE FINALE RALLY!!!!

TIME:            12 – 2 P.M.

LOCATION: El Rialto Restaurant

                        141 Bridge St.

                        Las Vegas, NM 

Lujan on NM tour

Congressional Candidate Will Visit Every County, Meet with Voters

Santa Fe -- Today, the Ben Ray Luján for Congress campaign announced the start of the Standing Up for New Mexico Town Hall Tour. The first town hall will take place in Clovis this Friday, August 15. 

"I'm excited to meet with the people of the 3rd Congressional District," Luján said. "The Standing Up for New Mexico town halls provide a great forum to hear New Mexicans' concerns and thoughts about getting our country back on track after eight years of Bush Administration policies that ignored the middle class and working families." 

As part of the Standing Up for New Mexico Tour, Ben will visit every county in the 3rd Congressional District. The Luján campaign has scheduled the first three town halls, which will take place in Clovis, Santa Fe and Farmington. Other town halls will be scheduled throughout September and October in communities throughout New Mexico. Every town hall is open to the public. 

What: Clovis: Standing Up For New Mexico Town Hall 

When: Friday, August 15 at 6:00 pm

Where: Golden Corral, 3501 N. Prince Street, Clovis, NM  

What: Santa Fe: Standing Up For New Mexico Town Hall 

When: Thursday, August 21 at 6:00 pm

Where: NEA Building, 2007 Botulph Road, Santa Fe, NM 

What: Farmington: Standing Up For New Mexico Town Hall 

When: Saturday, August 30 at 6:00 pm

Where: Chef Bernie's, 901 W. Main Street, Farmington, NM

During the primary, Ben's Standing up for New Mexico Town Hall Tour was a huge success. He visited every county in the 3rd Congressional District and met with thousands of voters. Many of the people who came to the town halls became active volunteers after learning more about Ben. 

"The Standing up for New Mexico Town Hall tour is a way for Ben to reach out to the people of New Mexico who need a representative who will put them first," said Mark Nicastre, Luján's Communications Director. "Ben will stand up for New Mexico to work for tax relief for families, health care for all and energy solutions that will create new jobs in the state. Ben knows families are struggling, and he'll give them a voice in Congress." 

When elected to Congress, Ben will hold regular town halls to keep an open dialogue with the people of New Mexico. 

As a New Mexico Public Regulation Commissioner and a former chairman of the Commission, Ben Ray Luján has a proven record of standing up for New Mexico.

Ben brought real change to the Public Regulation Commission. He drafted a code of conduct and helped create a consumer division that looks out for the interests of the people of New Mexico. Ben took on Qwest when they refused to honor their promise to invest in New Mexico. Ben has been a leading proponent of renewable-energy development. As chairman of the Public Regulation Commission, he fought to require utility companies to expand their use of renewable energy. When the Bush Administration refused to address global warming, Ben joined with elected officials in California, Oregon and Washington to create regional solutions to global warming. Ben also worked to close loopholes that insurance companies used to deny health care coverage to patients.

In Congress, Luján will continue to fight for energy solutions for New Mexico's working families, an economy that works for the middle class, an end to the war in Iraq and health care for all Americans.

Blood donors needed

BLOOD DRIVE PARTCIPATION

Clovis,NM; Have the dog days of summer gotten to you yet? If so, there’s something you can do that can give you a great feeling and save a life: donate blood. 

Teen Court is having a blood drive on Saturday, August 23^rd at The North Plains Mall, from 10:00 am to 1:45 pm in Space 1119, next to Dillards  

 Effective immediately, 16 year olds can donate blood, with a parent consent form, and be in good health.  You must  have a picture ID to donate  A $20.00 Walmart gas card will be the door prize   

Only when a significant number of people donate on a regular basis, can a community maintain adequate blood supplies.  Please be a HERO and donate on August 23^rd 

Habitat for humanity ReStore opening

Habitat for Humanity Sets Grand Opening

For ReStore in Portales

Habitat for Humanity of Roosevelt & Curry Counties will hold a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for its ReStore in Portales on Saturday, August 23rd at 10:00 a.m. at 308 North Main.  The public is invited to attend and view the selection of new and used building materials and hardware supplies available for sale to benefit the construction of homes for deserving families. The ReStore will be open until 1:00 p.m. on August 23^rd and will be open Fridays from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. 

Department of Health Investigates E. coli Cases Linked to National Outbreak

(Santa Fe) – The New Mexico Department of Health is investigating three cases of bacterial gastro-intestinal illness caused by E.coli bacteria in young children from Curry County. The cases are linked to a multi-state outbreak of E. coli related to ground beef. The children became sick between July 2 and July 21. They are recovering.

 The New Mexico Environment Department has not identified any retail outlets or other distribution points in New Mexico that have been associated with the outbreak. The Department of Health is working with federal investigators in the ongoing investigation and will provide more information to the public when available.

“It’s important for you to know E. coli can be prevented by handling beef properly and washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water frequently,” said Health Secretary Dr. Alfredo Vigil. “We believe two of our cases contracted the bacteria from another infected person, and that can happen if people don’t wash their hands thoroughly after they go to the bathroom.”

 E. coli symptoms usually start within three to four days, but the range is two to eight days after exposure. The most common symptoms are stomach cramps and bloody diarrhea. Sometimes people will also have fever, chills and vomiting, or they may not have any symptoms.

 E. coli bacteria may be spread by eating contaminated water or food (particularly ground beef or raw milk). Infected persons can spread the bacteria by not washing their hands after going to the bathroom and then handling food that other people will eat or transferring the bacteria to the mouth from the hands.

To protect your family from E. coli:

• Wash hands frequently with water and soap, and especially after using the toilet, changing a diaper, or before preparing and/or eating food. (Sanitizing gel may be substituted when hands are not visibly soiled.) Also wash cutting boards, dishes and utensils with hot soapy water. Clean up spills right away.

• Keep raw meat, poultry and seafood away from other food that won’t be cooked. Use one cutting board for raw meat, poultry, seafood and egg products, and a separate one for fresh produce and cooked food.

 • Cook raw meat and poultry thoroughly to safe minimum internal temperatures as measured with a food thermometer: 145 degrees for beef, veal and lamb, 160 degrees for ground beef and pork and 165 for poultry.

• Refrigerate foods promptly; minimize time kept at room temperature.

Clovis to host New Mexico Municipal League Annual Conference Aug. 12 to 15 2008

The City of Clovis is expecting approximately 700 Mayors, Commissioners, Municipal Judges, City Managers, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs and other municipal dignitaries and officials this week as Clovis hosts the 51st New Mexico Municipal League Annual Conference.

In 2004 Clovis won the bid to host the conference in 2008 and since that time has been preparing to welcome New Mexico officials to town.  “This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase the City of Clovis, the Clovis Community College and the Clovis Civic Center” advised Mr. Joe Thomas Monday.  “Municipal dignitaries from throughout the state will be staying in both Clovis and Portales next week and we want to make sure they receive a warm welcome to this part of Eastern New Mexico”. 

The Conference begins Tuesday August 12th and ends Friday August 15th.  During that time municipal dignitaries and officials will be attending group Sub-Section meetings, discussing issues relating to New Mexico municipalities and adopting resolutions for the upcoming session.  Events will be held at Clovis Community College, the Civic Center and Hillcrest Park.

For further information, please contact the City Manager’s Office at 769-7828.