These stories were chosen, not in a particular order, but in terms of their impact on the community. Since some, such as COVID-19, are already mentioned in the national stories list, they are not included here.
REHOBOTH MCKINLEY CHRISTIAN HEALTH CARE SERVICES
RMCHCS continued to experience turbulence throughout 2021 as doctors and nurses left the hospital and community members expressed concern about the administration and the hospital’s financial condition. The Wellspring Recovery Center suspended operations on May 14 and the Women’s Clinic was closed for most of October after its last ob-gyn doctor, Dr. Hannah Palm, announced her resignation. A group of doctors decided to organize and formed a union in partnership with the Union of American Physicians and Dentists, which is affiliated with AFSCME and the AFL-CIO. A group of concerned citizens who dubbed themselves the Community Health Action Group began meeting to discuss hospital issues. At least one McKinley County Commissioner stated that plans for a new hospital CEO were in the works.
CEREMONIAL
The New Mexico Tourism Department in Santa Fe got involved with one of Gallup’s signature events, produced in previous years by the Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial, which is located in Gallup. The FY22 legislature reportedly appropriated $159,000 for the base budget and direct event expenses for the event.
Even though the state’s Ceremonial office, which bore the confusing name of Intertribal Ceremonial Office, claimed to welcome former organizers of the Ceremonial, many didn’t feel warmly received.
The Intertribal Ceremonial Office produced a TV program about the Ceremonial and Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial held its event with art at the Red Rock Auditorium Aug. 10 and dance performances at Courthouse Square on the same date.
OCTAVIA FELLIN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Plans for a new Gallup Public Library drew much discussion from city councilors about where the library would be located and how much of a draw the library would be to the public in certain areas of the city.
The library is considered one of the city’s most significant cultural institutions and a crucial element of developing a vibrant arts and cultural district.
Library Director Tammi Moe suggested consideration be given to a multi-use building that could encompass a performing arts center, exhibition space, a railroad history room with an observation deck, and outdoor spaces for programming.
The location for the new library will be on Gallup-owned property just north of the railroad tracks, and south of Maxwell, between Second Street and Third Street.
The relocation of the libraries will not begin until there is a consensus on the design, and the money to move forward has been raised.
INFRASTRUCTURE
New Mexico’s infrastructure challenges are more than bridges and highways. Broadband, connectivity, cyber attacks, water delivery and protection against wildfires all rate as important considerations in helping the state to thrive.
Cyber connectivity and water accessibility are particularly significant for the Gallup and Navajo Nation area.
N.M. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced in November that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will deliver funding for broadband, water, climate resilience, and more.
The funding for New Mexico is expected to include:
At least $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state
785,000 New Mexicans (~38 percent of the state) will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access
$355 million over five years to improve water infrastructure across the state
$38 million over five years to protect against wildfires
and
$13 million to protect against cyber attacks
HOMELESS CAMPS
Gates were installed between Second and Third Streets in downtown Gallup after owners began meeting about issues concerning transients camping on the roofs of their businesses. City Councilor Linda Garcia, Dist. 1, met with the owners and suggested gates be installed to close the alley between the two streets, to reduce transient traffic and climbing there.
The gates were installed in October.
By Beth Blakeman
Managing Editor
