Students expected to transfer into on-the-job training

At a time when the country is reaching out to other countries to fill a truck driver gap of 400,000 and a welder gap of 600,000, the Greater Gallup Industrial Workforce Program Leadership Team is working to make a dent in those numbers with its GGEDC Workforce Program.

“These are jobs that could be going to local people in local communities,” team member Kent Wilson said. “These are enormous opportunities for local people who are properly trained. A more qualified workforce means there are more business opportunities to expand and attract new business.”

At a Dec. 13 ceremony at El Morro Events Center, GGEDC...

Parents and families celebrate Board Scholars

The weather outside was frigid, but the auditorium at Kennedy Elementary School was warm and packed with parents and students for the Gallup-McKinley County Schools Board of Education meeting Dec. 16.

Students from Indian Hills Elementary School, Chief Manuelito Middle School, John F. Kennedy Middle School, and Miyamura High School received Board Scholar awards for their fall 2018 performance on the state assessment tests in English Language Arts, math, and science.

“We’re proud of each and every student here,” Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Jvanna Hanks said. “We’re also so grateful for the support from...

Roads Superintendent given send-off by commissioners

The McKinley County Board of Commissioners took time out of their Dec. 17 meeting to recognize two employees who have served the county for years.

Gerri Akeson, of McKinley County Adult Detention Center, and Jeff Irving, roads superintendent for McKinley County, were presented with plaques of appreciation for years of dedicated service.

Adult Detention Center Warden Tony Boyd said they would also recognize Akeson’s service during a department dinner Dec. 19. She has served with McKinley County for 25 years.

“Geri and Jeff served in probably two of the most challenging departments in McKinley County,” chairperson Bill Lee...

Fire truck equipment missing

In the early morning hours of Dec. 15, McKinley County Sheriff’s Deputy Terrance Willie was on routine patrol in the White Cliffs area, when he noticed an open garage door at the volunteer fire department.  After checking, he discovered there were no other vehicles around.  He dialed Metro Dispatch and asked about any calls out for the Gallup Fire Department.  There were none.

Willie searched the interior of the fire department building and found no one inside. He discovered that someone had gained entry into the building through the roof.

That’s when he learned that the fire truck had been stolen.  A notice was put out to surrounding agencies in...