CARES Act funds move water, wifi access projects forward

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer received an update report from Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, indicating that NTUA has connected 223 homes to the electric grid, upgraded 30 water wells, and continues to install up to 150 water cisterns systems, and move forward using CARES Act funds.

NTUA utility crews are working 10-hour days, weekends, and holidays to complete projects. NTUA is planning to extend electricity to 510 families, which includes over 350 families that were identified during the 2020 LIGHT UP NAVAJO II application process.

In addition, NTUA continues to...

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer offered condolences and prayers for the family of retired Navajo Nation Judge Marilou B. Begaye, who passed on Sept. 24 at the age of 74.

“In her 23 years of service to the Judicial Branch, Judge Begaye helped many families and served with great honor. We offer our prayers for her family, friends, and many others who are grieving the loss of a great person,” Nez said.

Begaye was appointed children’s court Judge by Chairman Peterson Zah and was confirmed for probationary appointment in 1985. She was permanently confirmed in 1989 and retired in 2008.

Begaye was known for her commitment to families and educating...

Brings jobs to local youth

A nonprofit construction company in Farmington partnered with Shiprock Chapter House to employ young people during the pandemic.

The New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps awarded Capacity Builders, Inc. of Farmington $105,000 to provide jobs for young people in public projects that conserve the state’s natural resources and yield community benefits of lasting value.

The project gave on-the-job experience in construction to 16 young adults and three of those were hired in permanent positions with local companies.

As COVID-19 swept the nation this year, Nizhoni Park, Shiprock’s community park, was already selected as a workforce site by CBI to operate a...

Seven staff members, three students tested positive

SANTA FE — The Public Education Department announced seven new positive cases of COVID-19 as of Oct. 1. Rapid response has been initiated, and all pertinent information has been verified with the schools and school districts. The following new cases were reported:

• Three cases in Bernalillo County. All three infected individuals are staff members who were last on school property Sept. 3 and Sept. 23 (two individuals). All staff members and the parents and guardians of all students in the affected school have been notified of the positive cases.

• One case in Chaves County. The infected individual is a staff member who was...