Quilts of Valor, a national foundation, mission is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. Here in Gallup, there are several groups who strive to satisfy that mission.

With long hours of designing, cutting and sewing, these dedicated women create magnificent quilts that are nothing short of art. But the outer beauty of the project is only the tip of its importance.

The Gallup McKinley County Quilters have been making quilts together since 1985.

They first met in a house in Allison and have moved several times until finally acquiring a room at the Larry Brian Mitchell Recreation Center, compliments of the City of Gallup...

Jane Ashley retired as a Major in the US Army after about 30 years of service. Ashley was introduced to the group at the recreation center by an art teacher.

She visited with the quilters and noticed that one of them jotted down her name. About a month later, she was home alone when the ladies came to present her with a quilt of her own. She said the experience was “very emotional.”

“Every stitch, every thought is genuine love,” she said.

Ashley explained that when “you’re in uniform people thank you” and when she served her country, like many veterans, she viewed it as her job, her career. But how others see her career, such as with the gift of a quilt, tugged at her...

Memorial Day observances begin at 10 am  on May 25 at the veterans plots at Hillcrest Cemetery. The Memorial Day Parade will begin at 11 am from the cemetery down Aztec Avenue, continuing to Courthouse Square and the Veterans Memorial. There will be ceremonies at Courthouse Square beginning at 11:30 am. The public is invited to participate in all events.

Juan Casuse Jr, 52, Crownpoint, NM

Casuse was arrested May 16 on his fifth driving while intoxicated after McKinley County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) were called to the area of Highway 491 and Chino Loop in regards to a vehicle crash. He was also charged with lack of proof of insurance, vehicles approaching or entering intersection and was booked on an outstanding warrant for his fourth DWI offense.

Gary Lee, 39, Gallup, NM

MCSO Deputy Arnold Noriega stopped a vehicle for speeding and ended up taking Lee to jail May 17 for Aggravated DWI, speed regulation, fail to yield to emergency vehicle (due to him not pulling over right away for the deputy.) On the breathalyzer, Lee blew...