If the classic 1940 movie “Grapes of Wrath” were remade for 2012, the Joad family would be trekking, instead, from California to Oklahoma. Based on the 1939 novel by Californian John Steinbeck, the movie showed the Joads suffering through the 1930s Great Depression and Dust Bowl in Oklahoma, then striking out for the Golden State […]
Education column: School construction making progress
If anyone has driven by some of our school sites under construction, you will have noticed a great deal of progress has taken place. For those who have not had an opportunity to view the progress firsthand, we’d like to provide an overview of our construction and remodeling status. To begin with, if you were […]
Data on higher education needs to be published
Freedom New Mexico One potential benefit of a tight budget is the opportunity to assess priorities and goals. That’s true for a family or a business. And it’s especially true for a government, which, by definition, depends on taxes taken from people. This month California’s nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office issued a report, “Improving Higher Education […]
Education column: District host to quality teachers
In visiting classrooms across our school district, I am continually surprised by the caliber of educators we have. One such remarkable teacher is Terry Pipkin, a science teacher at Marshall Middle School. Now in her 27th year of teaching, I had an opportunity to watch her preparing for a class and observe her interactions with […]
Education column: Mesa’s new principal shares plans
Mesa Elementary has a new principal, Julie Howell, and this past week we had an opportunity to talk about education. Although this is Howell’s first principal position, she has 18 years in education under her belt. As a classroom teacher, she’s taught in the Roswell and Dexter school districts before returning to teach in Clovis. […]
Military mama: Pageantry can also apply to military wives
Military mama: Every opportunity provides chance to learn
We’re full of molars and the alphabet at my house. I recently wrote of Kaleb’s adventures, and now he’s added another complication to my immediate parenting plan. This latest coming-of-age moment with my oldest child has negative repercussions on my television schedule. Petty, I know, but he is now aware when I’m bluffing about it […]
Education column: New principal likens job to coaching
Nearing the end of the school year, we took the opportunity to speak with some of our principals to hear their reflections. What we heard were things like: “We have great kids and a caring, dedicated staff; remarkable academic gains; and wonderful instructional collaboration that’s taken place among instruction teams.” Secondary principals also emphasized the […]
27 SOW Sports Day set
By Airman 1st Class Jette Carr: 27th SOW Public Affairs The 27th Special Operations Wing Sports Day on May 27 is an opportunity for Cannon airmen and their families to represent their squadrons in various sporting events such as softball, golf, bowling, volleyball, basketball and many others. “It is a base morale, welfare, and recreation […]
Ticket feature: Lipizzaner Stallions performing in Clovis

Courtesy photo The Lipizzaner Stallions will perform in Clovis tonight and Friday at the Curry County Events Center. Freedom New Mexico Referred to as an equine ballet, audiences will have the unique opportunity to see the Lipizzaner Stallions perform tonight and Friday at the Curry County Events Center. Made world famous for their beauty and […]
Land use study unifies community
The Joint Land Use Study (JLUS), commissioned by the Curry County commissioners and funded by the Department of Defense, is an opportunity for the surrounding communities and Cannon Air Force Base to work together to identify and begin to address areas of common interest. Getting Cannon off of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) turned what […]
Ask the chief
By 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs Airmen from Cannon Air Force Base recently received the opportunity to ask base’s newest Command Chief questions with the ability to remain anonymous if they wished. The questions were sent to each unit’s first sergeant, and then forwarded to Chief Master Sgt. Matthew Caruso, 27th Special Operations Wing […]
Press release: Holiday season increases opportunity for thefts
Every Holiday Season there are several reported vehicle and home burglaries in which the victim’s property was targeted as a crime of opportunity. Doors to vehicles and homes had been left unlocked by the victims and the burglars were looking for such unsecured property as an easy opportunity to steal. The other issue is that […]
Education column: Float making provides teaching opportunity
Cindy Kleyn-Kennedy What is it that’s so engaging about a parade? Maybe it’s that excitement and anticipation in the air. Last Friday morning that’s what was felt by those who attended the inaugural Homecoming Day Parade held by the Clovis High School Freshman Academy along Cameo Street between Purdue and 15th streets. CHSFA math teacher […]
CLGA appreciates Clovis muni course
Please allow me this opportunity to congratulate the Clovis Ladies Golf Association for providing another wonderful year of golfing for the ladies of Clovis. By providing lessons, the members of the association have introduced many women to the game and many others have been given the opportunity to improve their skills. The CLGA recently hosted […]
Superintendent candidates say they see Clovis as opportunity
By Liliana Castillo: CNJ staff writer They each have more than 30 years experience in education, and all four of the finalists for superintendent see Clovis as an opportunity. The candidates are Dalhart Independent School District Superintendent David Foote, Pampa Independent School District Superintendent Barry Haenisch, Mount Pleasant Independent School District Superintendent Terry Myers and […]
Letter to the editor: Seidenwurm dedicated to students
In my 25 years as an administrator at four community colleges, I have had the opportunity to work with about 40 superintendents of schools at 27 different school districts. While I found most of those superintendents easy to work with, I have never worked with a superintendent more supportive of the local community college than […]
Ticket feature: Joe’s Boot Shop owner hosting ranch rodeo

File photo Saturday’s Curry County Ranch Rodeo, scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Curry County Mounted Patrol Arena, will include children’s activities such as stick horse racing. Freedom New Mexico This weekend, crowds will have an opportunity to see a rodeo done ranch-style. Joe Rhodes said ranch rodeos are unique from other rodeos in that […]
Guard, Reserve give thanks
By Kevin Wilson: Cannon Connections For the fifth-straight year, Clovis is providing an opportunity that National Guard and Reserve members don’t get in their everyday service — the chance to say thanks. This weekend’s Guard/Reserve Awards and Recognition Banquet is expected to draw about 150 to Clovis today and Saturday. Attendance includes National Guard and […]