Gallup boasts it is the most patriotic small town in America on its welcoming sign on the outskirts of the city.  Patriotic parades, picnics and summer outings highlight celebrations like the Fourth of July. Humans can’t seem to get enough of the flash bang, aerial pyrotechnics, but dogs and cats see fireworks differently. They are more sensitive to loud noises, flashing lights and strong smells.

Household pets are frightened by sounds and illuminations that they don’t understand. Terrified, they hide and often run away. Some large dogs are even known to break through doors and windows. Frightened cats cower under beds and behind furniture, often joined by dogs.

Cosy Balok...

Ways to have a happy Fourth

As the season of fireworks approaches, the City of Gallup has announced that residents who have a city permit may shoot off approved pyrotechnics between 10 am and 11 pm on July 4.

Approved fireworks may be purchased within the city limits from approved vendors.

In order to discharge consumer fireworks, a household is required to obtain a “2020 City of Gallup Fireworks Permit” at a cost of $15 from the City Clerk’s Office in City Hall (110 W. Aztec Ave.)

Specific guidelines for fireworks use are provided with the permit.

Be certain any fireworks purchased outside the city are legal.

A responsible adult must be present to supervise all fireworks...

The Gallup Police Department is investigating a break-in at a local parochial school.

The Sacred Heart Catholic School was targeted between the evening of June 25 and morning of June 26.

The person or people involved broke a front window and then entered the school.

A statue of Jesus, the front window, at least two smart boards were vandalized, and an unknown number of computers were damaged at the elementary school. An estimate on the damage has not yet been released.

Suzanne Hammons, Communications Director for the Diocese of Gallup, said the incident is not being investigated as a hate crime. Hammons also requests for people to not speculate or blame any group for the...

We are Sacred Together

While the COVID-19 pandemic prevented a large gathering from taking place, Diné Pride, which has dubbed itself the official LGBTQ+ celebration for the largest Sovereign Nation in the United States, found a way to bring Indigenous LGBTQ people together in a virtual setting.

June is designated Pride Month, a month where people under the LGBTQ banner remember the Stonewall riots of 1969, which were a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States, as well as people who have been lost to HIV and AIDS.

A series of panels was streamed on Diné Pride’s Facebook page from June 24 - 26 that are free for anyone to tune into. The schedule included...