CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. - When an officer approached a GMC pickup driven by a Scottsdale, Ariz. man on the morning of Sept. 12, she became the target of 28-year-old Robert Benjamin Nelson.

New Mexico State Police officer Sharron Duran was on patrol about 9:30 am on I-40 at milepost 130 near Laguna. She was parked in the median of I-40 when she saw a white GMC pickup following the vehicle in front of it too closely.

Duran initiated a traffic stop on the GMC pickup. The pickup was occupied by a male later identified as Nelson.

As Duran made her initial approach, she walked up to the passenger side of the vehicle. Without warning, Nelson fired multiple rounds at her through the passenger...

CARES Act funds move water, wifi access projects forward

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer received an update report from Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, indicating that NTUA has connected 223 homes to the electric grid, upgraded 30 water wells, and continues to install up to 150 water cisterns systems, and move forward using CARES Act funds.

NTUA utility crews are working 10-hour days, weekends, and holidays to complete projects. NTUA is planning to extend electricity to 510 families, which includes over 350 families that were identified during the 2020 LIGHT UP NAVAJO II application process.

In addition, NTUA continues to...

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer offered condolences and prayers for the family of retired Navajo Nation Judge Marilou B. Begaye, who passed on Sept. 24 at the age of 74.

“In her 23 years of service to the Judicial Branch, Judge Begaye helped many families and served with great honor. We offer our prayers for her family, friends, and many others who are grieving the loss of a great person,” Nez said.

Begaye was appointed children’s court Judge by Chairman Peterson Zah and was confirmed for probationary appointment in 1985. She was permanently confirmed in 1989 and retired in 2008.

Begaye was known for her commitment to families and educating...

Brings jobs to local youth

A nonprofit construction company in Farmington partnered with Shiprock Chapter House to employ young people during the pandemic.

The New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps awarded Capacity Builders, Inc. of Farmington $105,000 to provide jobs for young people in public projects that conserve the state’s natural resources and yield community benefits of lasting value.

The project gave on-the-job experience in construction to 16 young adults and three of those were hired in permanent positions with local companies.

As COVID-19 swept the nation this year, Nizhoni Park, Shiprock’s community park, was already selected as a workforce site by CBI to operate a...