Western New Mexico University Gallup honored 26 graduates at their spring 2015 commencement ceremony May 2. The event was held at 10 am in the Kenneth Holloway Auditorium at Gallup High School. Dr. Linda Hoy, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, presented 23 students with bachelor and master degrees in a variety of subjects, including Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Criminal Justice and Counseling. The remaining three students received alternative licensure certifications in Education.

Graduates Jolene Yazzie, David Palenschat, and Eli Johnson spoke at the ceremony on behalf of each program. Professor Curtis Hayes, Dr. Beth Walker, and Assistant Professors Jeanine...

The following 26 students at Western NM University-Gallup received diplomas or certification last Saturday, May 2, at the Kenneth Holloway Auditorium on the campus of Gallup High School.

Bachelor of Applied Science in Criminal Justice – Danielle Lynch and Ladera Storer.

Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education – Shauntae Jim.

Bachelor of Social Work – Shana Arviso, Amelda James, Janell Laughlin, Marilyn Reeves and Sheena Sandoval.

Master of Social Work – Eli Johnson and Surphina Oyebi.

Master of Arts in Counseling – Katrina Carpenter, Bernice Yazzie, Jolene Yazzie and Sharon Yazzie.

Master of Arts in Educational Leadership – Erin Easley and Renee...

Curbing potential tragedies on the roads and highways

Between McKinley County Sheriff’s Office and Gallup Police Officers, over a dozen dangerous people were taken off of the streets of McKinley County. The following arrests are a result of the hard work of patrol officers, saturation patrols and the McKinley County DWI Task Force.

Lieutenant James Maiorano, MCSO Spokesperson, said that DWI is a trend and it is a problem and they will continue to combat it.

“Whether it is [DWI] grant or just patrol, DWI is always going to be a priority for McKinley County until we address it on all sides, the legal side and the educational side,” Maiorano said.

Captain Rick...

Teen molested by Vanderwagon man

A young teenage boy is waiting for the school bus at his usual stop when a 66-year-old man pulls up and offers him a ride. No, this is not the beginning of a camp fire horror story, not even the story of elementary school staff teaching “Stranger Danger.” This is actually the beginning of a horrific incident that occurred to a local high school student April 21, here in Gallup.

The teenager, whose identity will not be released, later told police that he had accepted rides in the past from different individuals and did not think any harm would come to him. However, William Detwiler of Vanderwagon, NM had different plans for this young man.

Detwiler...