From criminal justice to bestselling author

Zollinger Library at UNM-Gallup campus hosted an evening with national bestselling author and former New Mexico criminal justice professional Michael McGarrity March 28.

McGarrity, who lives in Santa Fe, incorporates a touch of the rich culture and history of New Mexico into his ideas about police paperwork. McGarrity was in law enforcement in Santa Fe County for about 25 years. His criminal justice career included being an investigator, deputy sheriff, and working in state law enforcement and for the public defender. He began his writing career in the 1980s.

McGarrity jokes that after writing for a mere 14 years, he became an overnight...

In February, the Diocese of Gallup received the news that the Diocese of Camden, N.J. had released a list of clergy and church workers credibly accused of abuse. One of those named is Fr. Thomas Harkins, who served for a trial period of three months in the Diocese of Gallup at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Page, Ariz., from October, 1981 to January, 1982. Fr. Harkins returned to New Jersey to care for an ailing family member and never returned.

The Diocese of Gallup is not aware of any complaints or allegations regarding Fr. Harkins during his time here, and we do not have any information regarding allegations made against him from his time outside our Diocese.

In keeping with our...

ALBUQUERQUE – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is accepting applications for its Healthy Kids, Healthy Families grant initiative from April 15 through May 31. BCBSNM encourages nonprofit organizations with innovative programs that are working to improve the health and wellness of New Mexican children and their families to apply.

“The Healthy Kids, Healthy Families grant program supports BCBSNM’s commitment to the communities we serve,” said Janice Torrez, associate vice president of external affairs and chief of staff, BCBSNM. “We want to inspire a new generation of wellness in our state by helping to find, fund, and focus programs on the most effective ways to...

The grand opening ceremony of the new Lincoln Elementary School building brought a gymnasium full of students and parents out to celebrate.

The event, held March 25, featured a number of guest speakers, a ribbon cutting ceremony, and a scavenger hunt for families to enjoy along with food from Southwest Foodservice Excellence and music from the World Music Ensemble.

Lincoln Elementary Principal Edgardo Castro introduced the event, and Lincoln Assistant Principal Ron Triplehorn welcomed the crowd to the new $15 million building.

Triplehorn said many of the guests had likely been through the building since students began settling in near the start of February, but insisted that...