GALLUP – The 2015 New Mexico-Tribal Gaming Compact is the focus of a meeting between U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and the Navajo Nation, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, Mescalero Apache Nation, Pueblo of Acoma and Pueblo of Jemez in Washington, D.C., May 14.

That’s according to Navajo Nation Council Speaker LoRenzo Bates.

Bates said on Tuesday that the tribal gaming compact was submitted to Jewell for her 45-day review and approval on April 20.

He said that the May 14 meeting is to insure that Jewell approves the compact.

It took the Navajo Nation three years of negotiations and the unexpected but welcomed addition and support of two tribes and two Pueblos before the New...

Community voices concerns

The fourth in a series of community meetings regarding a new recycling initiative in Gallup was held at Jefferson Elementary April 29.  Thomas D. Parker, PE, BCEE with CDM Smith presented options for a single stream curb side collection system that would reduce the amount of waste taken to the landfill by 2000 tons every year.

Parker said the plan was “very well received tonight.”

When asked if there were any concerns about the proposal Parker said there is a small cost that will be passed on to all Gallup residents. That cost will be between $2.80 and $3.40 per month.  Though it may seem like a small amount for the benefit, there are those who are...

Land owners of private property just to the west of Gallup have become accustomed to finding artifacts on their land, especially after a nice rainfall. This recent find was a little more than they had bargained for when they discovered the skull of a child on a hill on their property.

The homeowner requested that we not release their identity or their address in hopes that the remains will be left undisturbed and respected.

“We’ve lived out here for quite some time and seen all kinds of artifacts,” the owner said. “Often times when we have a rain, we see new items.”

The owner said his wife discovered the skull.

“Hundreds of years had finally swept off the dirt that this...

Mayor Jackie McKinney is as polite as mayors come. He’s appears the dapper southwestern cowboy with long silver hair and determined eyes, often donning a southwest bolo tie, pressed shirt, denim jeans and boots. Although soft spoken, he doesn’t mince words when it comes down to speaking his mind, especially when the topic is his beloved city of Gallup.

Love him or hate him, he’s here to stay for the next four years. Still reeling from a heated campaign against the formidable George Galanis and being reminded of a 47 year old marijuana felony conviction that was pardoned by Gov. Bill Richardson – McKinney perseveres. His life experiences only add to his coolness factor. And...