Cops, Deputies Listen to Public’s Concerns

The Gallup Police Department held its second Coffee with a Cop community outreach event Jan. 9 at the Octavia Fellin Main Library.

Coffee with a Cop brings police officers and the citizens they serve together – over a cup of coffee and pastries – to informally discuss issues and learn more about each other, Lt. Roseanne Morrissette, public information officer with the GPD, said.

The most recent event brought out McKinley County Sheriff Ron Silversmith, McKinley County Undersheriff Paul Lucero, Gallup Mayor Jackie McKinney, City Councilwoman Linda Garcia, former University of New Mexico-Gallup instructor Martin Link – and a host of...

Best of the Best hurting taxpayers financially

The Gallup City Council unanimously approved a promotional contract with local rodeo guru Walt Eddy in connection to the annual Best of the Best Timed Rodeo. The action took place at the Jan. 10 regular city meeting and was introduced by City Attorney George Kozeliski.

“After the city lost the Junior High Rodeo Finals, (Walt) came up with a proposal (Best of the Best). He agreed to do it and promote it, do all the necessary stock contracts, for $50,000,” Kozeliski explained. “His idea was that in three to four years it would break even and in five to eight years we could have as many contestants as the park could handle. After the...

New McKinley County work hours come March: 7 am to 6 pm Mondays - Thursdays

The McKinley County Board of Commissioners approved a four-day work week venture at its Jan. 3 regular meeting.

The measure was met with some skepticism by newly-elected commissioner Bill Lee who argued that there are people who frequent Gallup specifically on Friday – some of whom do business with the county on that specific day.

The vote to convert to the new work plan was 2-1. Lee dissented and commissioners Genevieve Jackson and Carol Bowman-Muskett said yes.

“There are people who come here to do their business on Friday’s and they come from far away,” Lee said. “They do other shopping as...

New Mexico State Auditor Tim Keller officially announced his run for Albuquerque mayor Wednesday.

Keller issued a statement in the morning saying he would focus on the city’s economy and reforming the Albuquerque Police Department.

“Albuquerque is my home – I was born and raised here – and this is where my wife and I are raising our family,” Keller said in a press release. “I’m running for mayor because I believe, together, we can meet these challenges head on and build a safe, inclusive and innovative city that works for all of us.”

If elected mayor, Keller would leave an open spot in the auditor’s office, which would be filled by appointment from Gov. Susana...