The McKinley County Board of Commissioners revisited a potential ban on the sale of certain fireworks ahead of the summer during a June 8 special meeting. The item had previously been tabled to gather public comment and to await updated drought conditions.

Deputy Fire Chief Richard Austin called into the meeting to speak about the item.

“The vast majority of McKinley County is under severe drought conditions,” Austin said, referencing the latest drought monitor maps that were released June 4.

Those maps show the county is abnormally dry. These conditions have been the same for about three weeks.

County Manager Anthony Dimas Jr. read one of the comments the board received from...

The Gallup-McKinley County Schools Board of Education recognized staff who received Student Achievement Awards from the New Mexico School Board Association during their June 1 meeting.

This award program seeks to promote student achievement in school districts and assist local school boards in recognizing school leaders, staff and other individuals who have played an important role in improving student achievement at the local level, according to their website.

Priscilla Manuelito serves on the Board of Directors and provides leadership and oversight for the Gallup-McKinley County district of NMSBA.

“We have advocated for continuing to recognize individuals in our school and...

Two men in a Dodge truck with a firearm died in a crash after being pursued by New Mexico State Police and Gallup police at 11:55 pm June 5.

Law enforcement was alerted by a call that the men were seen with a firearm at the Redwood Lodge Motel in Gallup.

When police got to the parking lot of the motel, the driver of the truck was circling the lot and nearly hit their car. Then the truck turned onto N.M. State Road 118 and a chase began.

As the police got closer to the truck, the driver turned the headlights on and off and steered the Dodge into traffic coming toward it. Then the Dodge entered Interstate 40, going eastbound at mile marker 16.

The passenger began throwing objects at...

Also under the microscope: choke hold, law enforcement policies

At a point in time when use of excessive force by police is in the spotlight nationwide, New Mexico’s Attorney General, Hector Balderas is calling on the legislature to institute a chokehold ban and a body-worn camera law.

Balderas office is currently investigating the June 28, 2019 death of Rodney Lynch 41, of Gallup.

Lynch, who was believed to be intoxicated, was approached by two Community Service Aides and reportedly became aggressive when they attempted to take him to Na Nizhoozhi Center.

The senior aide, Justin Olvera, put a hold around Lynch’s neck while he was on the ground.

Two Gallup Police officers...