Investigation yields few clues on how it started

GAMERCO– Shortly before 9 pm on a Saturday evening, a Gamerco home at 202 S. Chino Loop went up in flames. Then a second home. What expectedly ensued next was complete panic for the two families impacted by the blaze, according to McKinley County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Roxanne King’s report.

Gallup Fire Department arrived on scene, and began to douse the flames. In a video submitted to the Gallup Sun, a small child could be heard saying it sounded like “popcorn” popping as memories and beloved belongings popped, melted, and burned to a crisp during the three-alarm fire June 25.

Dina Barron, one of the homeowners, arrived...

At $100K annually, Hart in small company at City Hall

A law enforcement veteran with experience at the state and federal levels is now at the helm of the Gallup Police Department. Phillip Hart, 53, was sworn-in as police chief June 28 by Gallup Municipal Judge Grant Foutz in a specially called meeting prior to the regular city meeting.

Hart starts the $100,000-a-year job July 1. The salary amount makes Hart one of the highest paid city employees, with City Attorney George Kozeliski, City Manager Maryann Ustick, and City Electric Director Richard Matzke the only other city workers pulling in six figure salaries on a yearly basis. At $119,000 annually, Kozeliski is the top paid person...

During a public hearing on Jun. 27 regarding the transfer of ownership of a liquor license currently held by Tomahawk Inc., in Prewitt, Navajo Nation Vice President Jonathan Nez said the Nation does not support the transfer of Ownership to Reds Mart, LLC.

“We officially oppose this transfer,” Vice President Nez said. “It only changes the location but it does not affect the negative impact a liquor establishment has on our people. Beyond that, the liquor license will stay in close proximity to the Baca Dlo’Ayashi Community School.”

The transfer of the ownership has received preliminary approval from the director of the Alcohol and Gaming Division. The sole purpose of the...

Obama, Kerry speak at meeting

Patricia Lundstrom, the executive director of the Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation, attended the third annual SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, DC. The event was held June 19 - 21 as part of a major effort to recruit businesses to Gallup and McKinley County, and to market the state of New Mexico as a whole.

For the past two years, the GGEDC has been the recipient of a $15,000 grant from the New Mexico Economic Development Department. Those funds allowed for the trip, Lundstrom said.

SelectUSA is the highest profile event dedicated to promoting direct foreign investment in the United States. The affair saw some 2,500...