A Rock Springs man known for his sand paintings is set to make a run for the District 3 State Senate seat.

Shawn Nelson, who has carried the moniker “Turquoise Man” since his youth, spoke with the Sun May 12 about his plans for the district as well as the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the region.

“I want to recognize the people who are on the frontlines, like nurses, hospital staff, doctors, the police and fire departments, and anyone else helping with the community efforts to protect people,” Nelson said.

Nelson also wanted to state his clans as part of his introduction, which are Dibéłzhíní, Kiyaa’áanii, Honágháahnii, and Táchii’nii.

WHO IS...

Gallup’s new mayor stepped into a maelstrom with the community spread issues of COVID-19.

Since his swearing in there have been two lockdowns in the city and now that the second lockdown has expired, Mayor Louis Bonaguidi is working on what’s next to stop the spread of COVID-19 and get the city back to work.

At a city council meeting May 12, the subject of masks was addressed. More about the meeting can be found in Cody Begaye’s story, City Council mask ordinance goes into effect May 18.

Bonaguidi says there was no reason to extend the lockdown for an additional three days since it didn’t appear that the situation was improving following the two lockdowns that were originally...

While many school basketball tournaments and other spring sporting events were either canceled or played behind closed doors without fans due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the Gallup-McKinley County Schools Board of Education recognized players from those sports during their May 11 meeting.

Ben Chavez, athletic director for GMCS, spoke for the players, none of whom were able to attend the meeting due to the shelter-in-place orders.

Chavez called the efforts of the district’s athletes one of many positive developments to come out of GMCS in uncertain times.

“We know how much time the coaches, the students, and even the parents and fans put into these events,” he said.

First to be...

The Gallup City Council took up the topic of face coverings at its May 12 meeting.

The ordinance has three mandates, which includes requiring anyone over two years old to wear a mask or face covering while in a public place. This first mandate exempts people who are in vehicles by themselves or with immediate family members, as well as people engaged in recreational activities that don’t place them in close proximity to non-family member.

City Attorney Curtis Hayes said an effective face covering covers both the nose and mouth and fits snugly against the person’s face to reduce the viral load that is secreted.

This mandate also does not apply to employees of businesses because...