Nation not backing down against EPA’s attempt to thwart mine spill lawsuits

WINDOW ROCK – Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye said Jan. 13 that he expected Environmental Protection Agency officials to take measures to block lawsuit attempts against the agency for the Gold King Mine spill disaster of 2015.

The Navajo Nation asserts in a federal lawsuit that the spill contaminated reservation water sources and hurt farmers’ bottom lines. They also criticized the agency for being slow to respond to the Nation’s needs at the time.

The EPA Denver office stated in news release Jan. 13 that an independent claims officer within the agency, said they are “not legally able to...

The Gallup-McKinley County Board of Education unanimously approved a contract Jan. 17 for interim superintendent Mike Hyatt. The action took place at the regular school board meeting and was met with a side suggestion from board member Joe Menini. In spite of an objection by Menini, the approval of the document went through.

Hyatt was thrust into the job after for Gallup-McKinley Schools Superintendent Frank Chiapetti was placed on paid administrative until the end of June 2017. Chiapetti earned $132,000 annually and Hyatt earned a little more than $88,000.

An addendum of the contract states that, “The administrator shall conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the entire district and...

WINDOW ROCK – Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye approved legislation for supplemental funding in the amount of $5,038,678 to be taken from the Minimum Fund balance of the Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance for general assistance and welfare programs Jan. 17.

In a memorandum to Honorable Speaker LoRenzo Bates dated Jan. 17, President Begaye said the funds will be appropriated toward adult institutional care services, child welfare assistance and institutional care services, and for public assistance for general assistance.

“I am signing this appropriation to compensate the individuals who were not able to receive assistance in these last two months,” Begaye said. “This...

Gallup High Coach Joshua Olsen (right) shakes Isiah Mike-DuBois hand before handing him the  team’s most valuable player award during Gallup High’s football banquet Jan. 12. Photo Credit: Ryan Hudgeons