New hire is third in GALLUP’S MainStreet history

A new executive director for MainStreet is onboard.

Jennifer Lazarz — theatre manager at the El Morro Theatre, interim city marketing tourism manager, and secretary of the board of directors at MainStreet — said Liz Hannum was recently hired for the job. Hannum, a Massachusetts native, begins the job Nov. 1.

“We are pleased with the hiring and look forward to introducing Liz to the community” Lazarz said. “The Gallup MainStreet is very excited for her to begin work.”

New Mexico MainStreet is a program of the New Mexico Economic Development Department. MainStreet combines historic preservation with asset-based economic...

TUBA CITY, Ariz. — The Navajo Nation lost a great treasure in the passing of Navajo Code Talker Dan Akee Sr. on Oct. 14 at 9:50 am.

“Dan Akee was not just a Navajo Nation treasure. He was an international treasure and icon whose service will stand as a testament to the freedom of all Americans,” Navajo Nation President Begaye said.

Sergeant Major Akee was 96 years old when he died. According to Akee’s son, Dan Akee Jr., his father was born just north of the Coalmine Chapter house on Nov. 11, 1919.

In 1944, Akee joined the Armed Forces when he heard they were recruiting Navajos. He became a member of the Code Talker team attached to the 4th Marine Division of the 25th...

After several years working as an administrative assistant in the city clerk’s office, Alicia Palacios is now Gallup’s deputy city clerk.

City Clerk Al Abeita made the announcement at a recent city council meeting. The promotion did not require city council approval.

“[Palacios] is the new deputy city clerk,” Abeita said at the end of the Sept. 27 regular city meeting. “We are very pleased with her in the new job.”

Gallup Human Resources Director Klo Abeita said Palacios officially began the job Sept. 2.

Palacios, still the first face one meets when doing business at the clerk’s office, performs a variety of duties, including the posting and maintenance of meeting...

Jobs expected to be plentiful as $4M project unfolds

Members of McKinley County’s business community, along with city and county officials, gathered Oct. 17 for a groundbreaking ceremony related to the $4-million Gallup Energy Logistics Park.

Gallup Land Partners, LLC, and the Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation announced that the first phase of the project is set to start within seven to 10 days.

“This is an exciting day,” Gallup Mayor Jackie McKinney said in opening remarks. “This is a wonderful opportunity for those of us in this community.”

Next up is the construction of the project’s first phase – which includes the laying of some...