Week ending Friday, June 18, 2021

On Thinning Ice

The sea ice surrounding the North Pole is probably thinning up to twice as fast as previously thought, according to research by University College London. Writing in the journal “The Cryosphere,” scientists say earlier estimates on the depth of the ice cap were based on data collected by the Soviets between 1954 and 1991, which are now outdated. They say their new modeling of temperature, snowfall and ice floe movements provides a better understanding of how fast the Arctic sea ice is actually disappearing. “Sea ice thickness is a sensitive indicator of the health of the Arctic. And when the Arctic warms, the world warms,” lead...

SANTA FE — July 1 is the first full day New Mexico will be fully open.

Since the state met Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s goal that 60 percent of eligible residents completed their COVID-19 vaccination series, the state can resume day-to-day and commercial activities restriction-free.

All businesses across the state may once again operate at 100 percent of maximum capacity. In addition, all limitations on mass gatherings are gone; businesses, large events and organizations may operate at 100 percent of maximum capacity, whether indoor or outdoor.

Sixty-two percent of eligible New Mexicans completed their vaccination series as of June 29, according to Department of Health data...

GMCS brings in new curriculum to promote Navajo fluency

Fluency in the native Navajo language is decreasing with every decade. Ophelia Sanchez, the head of Gallup McKinley County Schools Cultural Education Department told the Board at its June 14 meeting that proficiency in the language is declining.

Sanchez shared that in 1980, 93 percent of the Navajo population was fluent, but now only 170,000 Americans know how to speak the language.

GMCS is taking action to turn the tide.

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum/Instruction Gerald Horacek, and Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Pauletta White, presented an update about the new Navajo language curriculum the...

Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital to receive $750,000

The Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Center is going to receive upgrades thanks to a grant from McKinley County and the State of New Mexico. The combined funds total $750,000.

The McKinley County commissioners unanimously approved the agreement that the county’s special project manager Domnick Riffle presented to them for hospital upgrades during their June 15 meeting.

In an interview with the Sun before the meeting, Riffle and County Attorney Doug Decker said the funds will be used for repairs to the hospital building, specifically the women’s center on the second floor.

Riffle said the renovation project would include...