Gallup Sun

SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed executive orders authorizing the release of $5.25 million in additional emergency funds for the Department of Homeland Security Management to support relief efforts for the ongoing South Fork and Salt fires in Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation on June 20.

“In the face of such a disaster, it is imperative that we act swiftly,” she said. "Although there is still a long road to full recovery ahead, these emergency funds will help stabilize these communities and provide much-needed assistance to those in need."

Key provisions of the executive orders include:

The State’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency...

SANTA FE — U.S. President Joe Biden granted Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for New Mexico, an action that will release federal funds to support recovery efforts for the ongoing South Fork Fire and Salt Fire, on June 20.

“I’m grateful to President Biden for approving the Major Disaster Declaration quickly,” Lujan Grisham said in a press release published June 20. "This federal assistance will help affected residents receive the necessary aid to begin to recover and rebuild their lives.”

The declaration will provide assistance to individuals, households and businesses in the affected areas of Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache...

Man breaks windows, yells at people

A man has been charged with assault, breaking and entering, and criminal damage to property after he caused a distribution at a local motel.

On June 10, around 8:30 pm, Gallup Police Officer Charlie Watkins was dispatched to the Motel 6 at 3306 W. Hwy. 66 after a man reportedly broke some of the motel’s windows.

When he arrived at the scene he met with a group of people who were standing near the front entrance of the motel. They told Watkins that the man, who was later identified as Joshua Desiderio, had headed west toward the Navajo Travel Plaza.

GPD Officer Gilbert Gonzales found the man in front of the Navajo Travel Plaza. When Watkins...

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health is urging New Mexicans to consider air quality safety and wildfire preparation in response to wildfires in the state – particularly in the Lincoln and Otero County areas where the Village of Ruidoso and the lands of the Mescalero Apache Tribe.

“Breathing in smoke can aggravate conditions such as asthma and other chronic lung diseases, as well as cardiovascular disease,” Heidi Krapfl, Acting Director, Center for Health Protection for NMHealth, said. “Poor air quality can also create unsafe driving conditions in areas directly impacted by the fires.”
On June 18 the Village of Ruidoso reported that evacuation orders remain in...