“The Navajo people were given a big victory today,” LoRenzo Bates said July 30. “I applaud this federal judge who affirms our sovereignty, recognizes our need to continue in our own governance, and our inherent right to be,” Bates said.

Bates is a former Navajo Nation lawmaker who rose to serve four terms as its presiding speaker of the 23rd Navajo Nation Council is from Upper Fruitland, and whose chapter is directly affected by the loss of jobs and revenues from energy.

“The federal appeals court made the right decision today, [July 30] saying ‘no’ to environmental bullyism,” Sharon Clahchischilliage said.  Clahchischilliage left office in January as state...

CIGARETTE ROBBERY

July 31, Gallup

Officers from the Gallup Police Department were dispatched to Speedway Central, 1223 E. Hwy. 66, in reference to a robbery.

Officers made contact with the reporting employee, who informed officers that a male walked in to the business with a handgun and fired off one round, asking for cigarettes.

The employee behind the counter informed officers, the male pointed the gun at him and said, “Menthol cigarettes.”

The employee began to open the register and the male suspect fired off another round from the gun into the air, again asking for cigarettes. The employee gave the cigarettes to the male suspect. The male suspect then placed $4 on the...

Monroe McCray

July 19, 11:14 am

Aggravated DWI (first offense)

Gallup Patrolman Julio Yazzie was dispatched to Love’s Truck Stop, 3380 W. Hwy. 66, in reference to a reckless driver.

When Yazzie arrived, he was advised the vehicle in question, a white Jeep Cherokee with temporary license plates, was seen leaving the business heading east on Highway 66.

Yazzie eventually caught up with the vehicle east of Virgie’s Restaurant and pulled the vehicle over at Badlands Grill, 2201 W. Hwy. 66, where he conducted the traffic stop.

The rear passenger in the vehicle said they were being transported to the hospital by the driver, Monroe McCray, 39, of Mentmore. Yazzie noted McCray had...

Main focus on student performance, staff retention, funding

A new school year is about to begin for Gallup-McKinley County Schools. Students report for the first day of class Aug. 5, and many teachers reported for orientation July 31.

The orientation was held at John F. Kennedy Middle School, where new teachers could meet and talk about the upcoming year and get information about the services and locations around Gallup that could help them transition into a year of teaching.

GMCS Superintendent Mike Hyatt spoke about the event July 31, as well as what the district hopes to achieve in the coming months.

 

STAFF GOALS

“The teachers feel really good,” Hyatt said. “They...