CORRECTION: Rehoboth McKinley County Hospital received a notice of a $68 million legal judgement in a malpractice lawsuit, not $268 million.

A multi-agency plan to help Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital get back on its feet faced a challenge briefly in December when RMCH got notice of a $268 million legal judgment in a malpractice lawsuit stemming from a 2018 surgery.

While the number is daunting, Interim CEO Bill Patten and County Manager Anthony Dimas are confident it will ultimately be reduced and the hospital’s $35 million in insurance should cover any payout in the case.

“It’s only half time,” Dimas said.

The news prompted the Gallup City Council to call a special...

N.M. legislators introduce act to invest in creative workforce

WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., and Alex Padilla, D-Calif., and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández, D-N.M., introduced the Creative Workforce Investment Act on Jan. 11. The Act would empower the creative workforce through the creation of workforce grants programs and expand access to the arts in communities nationwide.

“New Mexico is known for our vibrant arts culture, which has shaped and defined New Mexico for generations. New Mexican artists enrich our communities, preserve our traditions, and boost local economies,” Luján said. “I’m proud to introduce the Creative Workforce...

Check the date! National Popcorn Day falls on Jan. 19, a celebration of America’s favorite frugal and fabulous snack! Popcorn isn’t just a guilt-free treat; it’s a canvas for culinary creativity. Forget the store-bought microwave versions. I’ve got the scoop on making your popcorn gourmet.

Popcorn is so easy to make. A healthier alternative to packaged processed microwave popcorn is to use an air popper or make popcorn on the stove, with a clever twist from my mom’s playbook.





MOM’S PERFECT POPCORN

Rule of thumb: Each third of a cup of kernels yields approximately 8 cups of popped corn.

Yield: 16 cups

Time: 10 minutes

4 tablespoons of oil - vegetable oil, olive oil...

Management at Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital has met its Jan. 15 deadline to meet a list of demands that McKinley County made back in November, averting potential eviction.

Fed up with the lack of information from former management, the county put RMCH on notice that consequences could be dire if the hospital didn’t meet a short list of demands that included greater transparency, some overdue accounting for mill levy funds and producing $1.5 million in back rent.

The notice came on Interim RMCH CEO Bill Patten’s second day on the job and set off a scramble to meet the conditions.

McKinley County Manager Anthony Dimas said he and the county commission are satisfied with the...