With Fourth of July only 26 days away and drought conditions not getting any better, the Gallup City Council had a decision to make at its meeting June 8: To ban or not to ban— fireworks.

Gallup Fire Chief Jesus Morales and Fire Marshal Jon Pairett informed the council that the county and city’s drought conditions hadn’t changed since McKinley County Fire Chief Brian Archuleta last presented the findings to the county commissioners May 4. McKinley County is still in the D3 and D4 intensity zones according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Morales and Pairett advised the council to proclaim extreme drought and ban certain types of fireworks.

“The purpose of this proclamation is...

On June 15, the City of Gallup reported the Gibson PRV station is functional. The 16 inch line is slowly filling with water as of 9 am, which should allow customers access within a few hours.

Some customers may experience discolored water. However, there is no impact to public health. The yellowish tint is due to naturally occurring minerals which were stirred in the iron pipe of the water main.

Customers who wish to, may "self-flush" the line by turning  on cold water full force from the bathtub faucet until the water runs clear. This process could take approximately 15 minutes. Do not run hot water, as stirred up sediment can cause damage to water heaters.

Residents can pick up...

Gallup residents are encouraged to conserve water by any reasonable means necessary as repairs are made to a major 16-inch water main to the Grandview water tank.

The City of Gallup is issuing an emergency declaration restricting certain water uses.

Outdoor irrigation at City facilities is prohibited.

Outdoor irrigation and outdoor water use by residents and commercial businesses is prohibited.

The washing of automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats, airplanes or other mobile equipment is prohibited, unless the washing of vehicles/mobile equipment is done at commercial car washes.

The restrictions will remain in effect through June 16, unless they are extended.

In an effort to reach the state vaccination goal of 60 percent of eligible New Mexicans vaccinated by June 17, the New Mexico Department of Health is offering a $100 incentive for those who have not yet received their second shot, or in the case of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, for those who have not yet received their single shot.

New Mexicans can schedule appointments online.

The NMDOH has set up a way to schedule the second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine by June 17 , or the Johnson and Johnson vaccine by that same date.

For people needing their first vaccine, either Pfizer of Moderna, they can make appointments as well. But will not be eligible for the incentive.

To be...