The Gallup City Council discussed a proposal to dedicate two baseball fields at Ford Canyon Park, 908 Buena Vista Ave, at the Jan. 22 regular meeting.

Mayor Jackie McKinney spoke for the item, which was proposed to the council in the aftermath of the passing of David “Amos” Schmaltz, a local youth baseball coach who died in November.

If passed, the Pee Wee Reese and Mickey Mantle Ball Fields would be rebranded the Field of Dreams in memory of Schmaltz.

In a memorandum to the council, McKinney spoke about how Schmaltz’s passion for baseball created an environment for teaching life skills to local youth on and off the field.

Schmaltz’s accomplishments also include two...

The McKinley County Board of Commissioners held the second reading of the county’s Right to Work ordinance at the Jan. 22 regular meeting. It was previously discussed at the Jan. 3 special meeting.

The ordinance relates to the promotion of economic development and commerce by regulation of certain involuntary payments required of McKinley County employees. Commissioner Bill Lee spoke for the item.

The State of New Mexico has not decided on a type of bargaining chip that unions have during bargaining, Doug Decker said in a Jan. 24 phone call. In some areas, they have a closed shop or a mandatory dues deduction.

“The ordinance says we’re not going to force anybody to have a...

Officer Douglas Hoffman and Gallup citizen Casey Franchot received a written commendation from the Gallup Police Department on Jan. 23 for their role in helping save the life of a baby who was shot.

Hoffman’s commendation was described as “a long time coming” at the ceremony, by GPD acting Chief Franklin Boyd.

Boyd announced at the ceremony that the child is currently on the road to recovery, thanks to the efforts of the people involved.

Sgt. Erin Pablo read the citation about Hoffman’s efforts to the room.

“Without hesitation, Officer Hoffman calmly and bravely placed his own life in jeopardy,” Pablo said, reciting the event. “His actions show great bravery...

DONA ANA COUNTY  – The New Mexico State Police assisted the United States Border Patrol with a vehicle pursuit Jan. 30.




At approximately 7:40 am, a grey Nissan passenger vehicle with a stolen license plate eluded the Border Patrol check point. Border Patrol agents initiated a pursuit and requested the assistance of the New Mexico State Police.

During the pursuit, the vehicle began to travel southbound in the northbound lanes of Interstate 25. Tire deflation devices were deployed several times which the driver avoided and continued to travel south bound in the north bound lanes. At one point during the pursuit, a New Mexico State Police Tactical Team officer discharged his...