Tesla expected to get into the act

Hundreds of solar panels and a massive battery storage unit in northeast McKinley County received approval from the Board of Commissioners three years ago. Now the county is lessening the tax burden on Arroyo Solar and Energy, the company that’s behind the project, in order to stimulate economic growth.

On March 16, the board approved a resolution stating intent to adopt an ordinance issuing industrial revenue bonds in the amount of  $460 million — the price tag for the more than 700 solar panels and over 200 battery storage units to be installed by Arroyo Solar and Storage. The approval of that ordinance could come April 6.

“We are very...

McKinley County might see its first-ever ban on certain fireworks this Cinco De Mayo, depending on what the board of commissioners decides next month.

The panel of three members — Billy Moore, Genevieve Jackson and Robert Baca — heard from county fire chief Brian Archuleta, who recommended the board approve a resolution declaring the county is in a drought and ban the use of fireworks on Cinco De Mayo and Independence Day.

“I wanted to start this early and bring this to your attention and have a good discussion,” Archuleta said.

In a short presentation, he showed how New Mexico has experienced exceptional, extreme, and severe drought conditions over the last three weeks. Much...

DETENTION BATTERY

Gallup, March 1

McKinley County Deputy Ivan Tsethlikai Jr. was dispatched to the Gallup Adult Detention Center because an inmate hit another inmate.

When Tsethlikai got to the center about 1 pm, he met with the victim who explained he had been sleeping in his bunk when Andy Garcia came into his cell — the cell door was open.

According to the victim, Garcia started hitting his face and head with both fists. The victim said he does not know Garcia or why he attacked him. He did not fight back, but just held his arms up to protect himself.

The victim said he was okay, and Tsethlikai noted a small scratch on his right cheek. On-duty medical personnel looked him...

Marcus A. Miller

March 10, 2:38 am

DWI (2nd)

New Mexico Police Officer Alejandro Solis-Torres was patrolling State Road 602 northbound when he spotted a truck headed south traveling over 70 miles per hour in a 55 mile-per-hour zone.

Solis-Torres caught up with the driver, identified as Marcus A. Miller, 30, of Tohatchi, who reportedly had slurred speech and an open container in the cup holder of the front seat. Miller told the officer it was “Twisted Tea,” half of which he drank about an hour prior.

Miller was arrested after Solis-Torres suspected him of driving under the influence. Upon further inspection of Miller’s car, the officer found colored pipes with a “green...