Scores more fall one, two grades

School grades released by New Mexico Public Education Department Aug. 22, revealed that many of Gallup McKinley County Schools need improvements made – but the overall picture for the district looks rosy.

A handful of schools shined by jumping up a grade or two, while others fell one to two grades.

PED Secretary-designate Christopher Ruszkowski, answered questions for reporters during a school grades pre-release press conference by phone Aug 22, giving an overview of New Mexico. When asked about GMCS’ results, he said it’s a “complicated picture.”

“Gallup, overall is on the rise,” Ruszkowski said, but he cautioned that from “a deep...

The Gallup City Council Aug. 22 meeting full agenda included a request to close Coal Avenue for two days during next month’s Gallup Film Festival; a request for approval of matching funds for the “Our Town”grant; and the acceptance of a public recreation easement from Gallup Land Partners.

The Gallup Film Festival was again front and center during the City Council meeting, taking up more time than any other matter on the 13-item agenda.

Knifewing Segura, director of the Gallup Film Festival, requested the closure of Coal Avenue between Second and Third streets.

After objecting to any potential street closures during the City Council meeting on Aug. 8, and being informed that...

Sunday afternoon turned violent when Jason Frank was stabbed in the chest at the downtown walkway, in the area where the Gallup Farmers Market is held on Saturday mornings.

Lionald Miller, 40, of Yatahey, N.M., was arrested for the stabbing, charged with aggravated battery.

According to Gallup Police Department spokesperson Capt. Marinda Spencer, Frank is a Native American man in his mid-thirties. Spencer said the call to police came in at 1:28 pm, and police were already on the scene when the Gallup Sun arrived around 1:30 pm.

Police were taping off the downtown walkway, and part of Coal Avenue, almost up to Third Street. Blood splatter could be seen on the walkway, close to...

Warrant serving seemed to be the order of the week, especially for the Gallup Police Department, while the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office lightened up with only three warrants.

GPD Warrants

Raymond Becenti (parole/probation), Drew Jay Brown (District Court), John Cabrera (District Court), Adrian Dann (Bernalillo County and FBI Phoenix), Wilfred Davis (District Court and Bernalillo County), Jose A. Estrada (Magistrate Court), Jason Farnham (Magistrate Court), Amanda Frank (out of county), Lance Gilchrist (Magistrate Court), Chad E. Gonzales (Arrest Order Magistrate Court and Trespassing), Amanda Gruber (Magistrate Court), Charlene P. Hannaweeka (District Court), Christopher C. Jack...