‘BUY, BUILD, BELIEVE GALLUP’

He’s traveled the globe and lived in a myriad of locations throughout his life, but as the saying goes, “all roads lead back home,” Bill Lee found his home and heart in Gallup, despite living in other amazing locales such as the picturesque northwest, old El Paso and Southern California.

Presently, Lee serves as one of Gallup’s movers and shakers, and sticks his neck out to promote local businesses while doing what he can to pump up Gallup to prospective business owners.

He’s the CEO of Gallup-McKinley Chamber of Commerce. And the voice on the radio, telling readers to “Buy, build, believe Gallup.”

“This is home. Four generations of...

Also on the agenda, Thoreau Fire Station project

Jason Carlisle, McKinley County fire chief, spoke at the April 16 Board of Commissioners regular meeting about a number of items pertaining to the upcoming fire season.

The first was a report and public comment session about the current drought status for McKinley County, and the current fire danger.

According to Carlisle, McKinley County received enough moisture last year to ensure there is undergrowth, and the county expects a moderate monsoon season this year.

Any steps to combat the danger of wildfires will come with future reports, Carlisle said.

“We missed the point where we could ban fireworks,” he said. “But we have to...

City leaders PLACE confidence in Boyd’s abilities

The City of Gallup has chosen its next police chief, 21-year Gallup Police Department veteran Franklin Boyd, who in December received a “no confidence” vote from the Gallup Police Officers Association for the way he was reportedly running the department on an interim basis.

The vote breakdown from the association was sent to City Manager Maryann Ustick, but she said in a letter, responding  to GPOA President Victor Rodriguez on Dec. 17, that the votes of no confidence against Boyd contain no “facts or allegations” about his conduct or actions.

In a release issued April 9, city officials said they felt that Boyd was the most...

Gallup City Council announces grant awards

The Gallup City Council discussed a number of recommendations for the Lodgers Tax grant for the previous and current fiscal year during their recent regular meeting.

Lodgers Tax funds are taxes drawn from hotel visitors. A committee awards the funds to groups so they have money to advertise and promote their events in order to attract tourists.

The Lodgers Tax Committee met on March 19 to review the applications for the FY19 awards. The committee was told about $81,000 in funding remained, so they offered funding recommendations for the following events:

Manuelito Children’s Home Memorial Day 5K on May 27 - $5,000

Adventure Guide...