Cannon Connections: Tony Bullocks Seven-week-old Jerrica was made available for public viewing for the first time Tuesday at Hillcrest Park Zoo. Jerrica, who was born at the zoo, was placed in an exhibit next to her mother, Jael. Assistant Zoo Director Mark Yannotti said, “I’ve never seen it this busy in all of my 26 […]
Hounds’ Nelson makes All-LSC first team
CNJ staff ALLEN, Texas — Eastern New Mexico University senior guard Reggie Nelson was chosen to the All-Lone Star Conference men’s first team on Tuesday night at the LSC pre-tournament awards banquet. Nelson, who did not play last year, was an honorable mention All-LSC South choice in 2009-10. He ranks second in the league in […]
‘America the Beautiful’ makes better anthem
Freedom New Mexico A nother major sporting event, another national anthem conflict. This time it wasn’t some disrespectful leftist butchering “The Star Spangled Banner,” then grabbing her crotch and spitting on the ground as Roseanne Barr did before a baseball game. Instead, it was American rock legend and “American Idol” judge Steven Tyler — a […]
Willie makes great running mate

I’m running for president on the Green Tea Party ticket. Since we also support Willie Nelson’s Tea Pot Party, I’ve asked him to be my running mate. With Gary Johnson as our campaign manager, our “Tea for Three” platform advocates legalizing partying between consenting liberals, moderates and conservatives — and outlawing stoning old hippies for […]
Letter to the editor: ‘Angel’ makes Christmas brighter
We all get consumed by everyday life. Sometimes we lose sight of what’s really important. We try to make up for it here and there, never thinking to look at those around us in need. I for one am guilty of this. This year my husband and I were plagued by bad luck. We are […]
Magician enjoys connecting with audience

CNJ staff photo: Kevin Wilson Robert Smith of Albuquerque performs his “Robert Magic Presents Street Magic Live” Thursday night at the Curry County Fair. Smith has six more shows for the remainder of the fair — at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Sharna Johnson Sure, there are tricks and flair […]
In search of ponies: Yankee makes home in Southwest
Sharna Johnson “Oh man, the flies are awful here!” my visiting family member exclaimed by way of a greeting when I arrived home from work. “Actually they haven’t been bad this year at all,” I replied, a little confused as he guided me to my kitchen counter, turned-killing fields and proudly showed me the carnage. […]
Crockett makes adjustment

Courtesy photo: Texas Tech athletics Clovis native Jaye Crockett throws down a dunk in a win over Louisiana-Monroe last season. Crockett hopes to see a jump in minutes and production in his sophomore year with the Red Raiders. Kevin Wilson It’s safe to say new Texas Tech basketball coach Billy Gillispie is still feeling things […]
DOD makes progress in civilian hiring reform
By Donna Miles: American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON — Until recently, applying for a civilian job at the Defense Department was an exercise in navigating through a byzantine federal hiring process and amassing thick application packets, with applicants sometimes waiting up to a year for any word on their applications. Pasquale M. Tamburrino Jr., the […]
Military mama: Facebook opens doors for friendships
I love hearing from readers, it makes me happy to know that I’m not just spilling my guts with no one taking any note. Your friend requests on Facebook and stopping me in the store just to say “hi” make my day. I did meet my first “fan.” I say that, only because that’s how […]
AAFES makes changes
Army & Air Force Exchange Service Public Affairs DALLAS — The Army & Air Force Exchange Service unveiled its new brand at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., on Sept. 17, ushering in a new era for exchange shoppers far beyond the plains of Oklahoma. The upgrade is happening everywhere the exchange has a presence, including […]
Food at the speed of life: Cooking mishap makes good column
August weather hotter than average
Kevin Wilson A few degrees, and a little bit of humidity, makes a big difference. It’s not a surprise that it’s hot. In August. In New Mexico. However, Clovis and Portales are experiencing a heat wave in which the average high for the first 15 day so August has been more than 3 degrees warmer […]
ENMU graduate makes artistic mark on lottery

Courtesy photo: New Mexico Lottery Eastern New Mexico University graduate Jessica Quintana designed the popular new KISS scratchers for the New Mexico Lottery. She said her time at ENMU still affects her work today. Argen Duncan An Eastern New Mexico University graduate has displayed her art in 1,100 locations, worked with rock band KISS and […]
Press release: Cannon funding makes progress in Congress
Washington, DC – Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act by a vote of 411 to 6. The legislation provides a 7.4 percent funding increase for veterans’ health care and benefits, including funding for more than 4,000 additional permanent claims processors. The legislation strengthens the […]
Press release: Cannon funding makes progress in Congress
Washington, DC – Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act by a vote of 411 to 6. The legislation provides a 7.4 percent funding increase for veterans’ health care and benefits, including funding for more than 4,000 additional permanent claims processors. The legislation strengthens the […]
Commentary: Mentoring makes difference
By Lt. Col. Paul Valenzuela: Force Development Policy and Integration WASHINGTON — I have always enjoyed reading about the comments and experiences of our airmen in the field. Recently, a Hurlburt Field “Tip of the Spear” spotlight caught my attention. It highlighted Staff Sgt. Erin McLoughlin, a 4th Special Operations Squadron AC-130U loadmaster instructor. As […]