Commissioner Lovejoy said tech to benefit rural areas

SANTA FE – During a public meeting Sept. 27, Dist. 4 Public Regulation Commissioner Lynda Lovejoy motioned to approve Sacred Wind’s petition for a variance to use the New Mexico Universal Service Fund for solar powered units to provide voice and Internet service to homes without electricity on Navajo Lands.

“The new technology Sacred Wind proposes will provide enough solar energy to power up   a fixed wireless subscriber antenna, a voice/broadband modem, a computer and at least one desk lamp,” Lovejoy said.  No less than 150 homes of residents who live in the most rural Navajo areas in New Mexico will benefit...

By Tom Hartsock

Sun Correspondent

The Region One Narcotics Task Force, utilizing five police officers from the Gallup Police Department, and one agent from the McKinley County Sheriff's Office swept through a residence at 907 Cascade on Sept. 28, and arrested four people involved in the drug trade.

The operation is the end result of a month-long investigation.

The Sheriff's Office in particular is very concerned about the increase in drug use in the county.

As Undersheriff Paul Lucero said, "Tell everyone that if they are going to deal drugs in McKinley County, we'll be knocking on their door."

Arrested in the raid today was Vernon Lasiloo with a state warrant in his name, and three...

‘NorthFest’ celebrates an old neighborhood’s roots

Bringing the cultures of the north side community together, UNM-G’s North Campus in collaboration with gallupARTS, Art123 Gallery, ATD Fourth World, and New Mexico Aging & Long-Term Services Department, held “NorthFest” Sept. 15.

The celebration was held at the UNM-G North Campus, 425 North St., with art, language, food, music and storytelling. NorthFest invited students of the newly built Del Norte Elementary school to participate in the festivities.

Laura Jijon, director of the North Campus, says the north side often gets a bad rap, and people tend to think of it as the wayward side of town. Jijon wanted to show...

A community gathering that aims to create awareness to fight depression, suicide, and addiction – to support prevention and recovery and encourage expression through music, art and talent – took place at the Rio West Mall Sept. 14.

The 2nd Annual Rockin’ Life event, spearheaded by community liaison Watts Billie, showed the initiative by bringing the community together to showcase their hidden talents.

It was a song he heard on the radio that brought his ideas to life.

Not only music, but the available resources and programs that are out there to support individuals who are struggling with life.

“I thought about how music was my light in my darkest of days and how positive...