More screenings, limiting staff, sending people home

After both the United States and the State of New Mexico declared health emergencies over the growing pandemic of COVID-19, McKinley County has followed suit.

During their March 17 meeting, the McKinley County Board of Commissioners moved to declare a health emergency for the county. County Manager Anthony Dimas Jr. said the county will be eligible for funding that may come from the federal government or state government after the declaration.

The declaration also gives the county manager’s office authority to delegate work schedules and hours to get through the emergency, Dimas said.

County Attorney Doug Decker said part of the...

Facility closures, updated stats, preparedness drills

The Gallup City Council held a special meeting March 16 to discuss the fallout from the rise of COVID-19, specifically how numerous city facilities have been affected.

City Attorney Curtis Hayes reiterated an order from March 12 by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to restrict what had been classified as mass gatherings, or where groups of more than 50 people assemble. The order has since called on state restaurants and bars to either close completely or offer just takeout or delivery orders.

Hayes also mentioned the city facilities that would be closed until further notice: El Morro Theatre and Events Center, Red Rock Park...

PARKING LOT FIGHT

Gallup, March 9

Gallup Police Officer Jared Albert was dispatched to help another officer who was investigating a fight about 2:24 pm.

He raced to Dana Quintero, who said she was in the front of the car near 802 Hwy. 66 and her boyfriend, Labardo Ray Lucero, 23, of Gallup, was in the backseat being belligerent.

She said they got into an argument and Lucero opened the back seat door and looked like he was preparing to jump out even though the car was going 30 miles an hour. Lucero was screaming and yelling and Quintero said she couldn’t understand a word he was saying.

At this point, they noticed a police car in front of them and Quintero said she told...

Jeremy Jensen

Feb. 29, 10:32 pm

Aggravated DWI

Gallup Police Officer Brandon Salazar said he was on patrol on South Second Street when he noticed two males staggering as they went to their vehicle.

He decided to conduct a welfare stop as Jeremy Jensen, 40, of Gallup, started to drive away. When he talked to Jensen, he said he saw signs of intoxication. Jensen admitted he drank four beers during a two hour period.

Jensen agreed to take the standard field sobriety tests and failed. He was arrested for DWI.

He then agreed to take a breath alcohol test, but upon arrival at the police station, Jensen became verbally abusive and refused to take the test because there was not a...