11,000 computers; 9,600 hotspots for students

The Gallup-McKinley County Schools Board of Education opened their meeting on Aug. 24 by recognizing the district’s technology department for their role in the transition to remote learning.

“We’ve been through quite a transition in our district in regard to technology,” Superintendent Mike Hyatt said. “We had to reimagine and redesign the way we deliver instruction, and a big part of that is procuring the items needed to accomplish that task.”

Hyatt said the department worked days, nights, and weekends to ensure the district’s students had working computers ready for the school year.

“There have been huge hurdles for us...

The Gallup City Council discussed three awards relating to the city’s senior program during their Aug. 24 meeting.

Kimberly Ross-Toledo, coordinator for the Gallup Senior Program, detailed the three contracts to the council.

The first was a COVID-19 CARES Federal Subaward for about $68,488 to provide services until Sept. 30. This award is based on the assessed need of the community and individuals receiving services in accordance with the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act, and is meant to support older adults in maintaining independent and healthy lifestyles, and address food insecurity and nutrition.

The second and third contracts are from the Non-Metro Area Agency...

Senator Steve Neville, R- Farmington, has been appointed to the New Mexico Civil Rights Commission that was created  by legislation during the special session in July.

The Legislative Council which is made up of leadership from both the house and senate, and other members, appointed Neville to the commission.

Six members of the bipartisan commission are appointed by the Legislative Council, with the other three members of the nine-member commission appointed by the governor.

Lujan Grisham named Retired State Supreme Court Justice Richard Bosson, former Belen Police Chief Victor J. Rodriguez, and Chief Judge Stan Whitaker of the Second Judicial District.

According to the...

SANTA FE—Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Economic Recovery Council is urging small businesses that have been hard hit by the COVID-19 public health emergency to apply for an emergency loan program now available through the New Mexico Finance Authority.

The Small Business Recovery Act of 2020 set aside $400 million from New Mexico’s Severance Tax Permanent Fund to provide loans to New Mexico businesses and nonprofits that have experienced financial hardship during the pandemic.

“This is a great opportunity for businesses to get some critical help that could make the difference in being able to navigate through this very difficult period,” Economic Recovery Council Chairwoman...