Gallup Sun

HONORED for his environmental efforts, support for THE NAVAJO Nation

Senator Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. has served alongside Senator Tom Udall, D-N.M. in the U.S. Senate since 2013 and in the New Mexico Congressional Delegation since 2009. When he thanked him for his service in prepared remarks made Dec. 8, the day Udall made his farewell speech, Heinrich painted a picture of a man who sat tall in the saddle:

“One of the first times I ever spent any serious time with Tom Udall was actually on horseback.

Tom was serving at that time as the Congressman for northern New Mexico’s 3rd District, while I was leading the Coalition for New Mexico Wilderness.

Together, we rode into the...

Dine model/photographer creates positive life out of adversity

When Shundeen Modell was a young Diné girl living in Arizona, she faced a lot of obstacles. In her home, she dealt with alcoholic parents, domestic violence, and abuse. At school she was bullied by children who made fun of her for being too thin.

“I remember kids would tease me because I was so skinny,” she said. “They would trip me and push me into the lockers and now it’s funny because when they see me now (laughing), they [guys] try to hit on me on Facebook.”

“I’ve forgiven them, but I just want to move on. But [I am] watching my boundaries.”

Raised in Teesto, Ariz., then relocated to Sanders...

Red-to-Green system to be used for New Mexico counties

SANTA FE — Counties in New Mexico may be able to reopen and increase capacity at non-essential businesses.

On Dec. 2, the state transitioned into a three-tier county-by-county system that will determine where restrictions can be eased.

“The county-by-county framework enables counties, and the businesses and nonprofits within their borders, to operate with fewer restrictions when they slow the spread of the virus and drive down test positivity rates,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham explained.

“It’s been a difficult year and an especially difficult past month. We must remain as vigilant as ever to contain and beat the...

SANTA FE — New Mexico state health officials announced 1,549 additional COVID-19 cases on Dec. 2.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued the following statement:

“Every single day I pray that New Mexicans infected with this virus will recover. Every single day I pray for the families whose loved ones are battling illness with all the strength they have. My thoughts are always with the doctors, nurses and health care providers who give everything they have to their patients, who selflessly risk their own health to protect their communities and our state. My thoughts are with their families, too, and the families of the first responders and essential workers who, through their...