Uncovering the mystery at the Ranch House Motel

Like an undercover operation, three reportedly homeless people awaiting COVID-19 test results moved into the Ranch House Motel March 26.

The Ranch House Motel sits east of the historic El Rancho Hotel, at 1000 E. Highway 66.

There were no media releases issued at the time to indicate that the motel was going to house the homeless awaiting test results – until Ina Burmeister, RMCHCS public information officer and executive director of the Western Health Foundation – sent a letter to board members of WHF March 30, briefly stating that a task force was set up between multiple agencies.

The email letter mentions that the task force...

41 votes made the difference

Louis Bonaguidi’s supporters took the Gallup mayoral runoff seriously.

In a turnaround from the March 3 Regular Municipal Election where Chioda claimed 1,347 votes while Bonaguidi finished second with 987 votes, Bonaguidi’s supporters took their second chance to elect their man March 31 and defeated his opponent Sammy Chioda, who had 1,034 votes.  It was a narrow margin, but Bonaguidi slipped by with 1,075 votes.

Early and absentee voting played a substantial role in Bonaguidi’s victory, bringing him 550 votes to Chioda’s 495.

Bonaguidi spoke with the Sun early April 1 to give his reaction to the results.

“I was surprised [by the...

While the new mayor of Gallup waits to be sworn in prior to May 1, other winners of the Regular Municipal Election have been sworn into office and readly to work.

Michael Schaaf and Janell Griego were present at the Gallup City Council Chambers March 30 to accept their new titles of District 2 Councilor and Municipal Judge respectively.

Schaaf spoke with the Sun April 1 about how he felt about being elected and sworn in.

“I’m happy I won and was sworn in. It’s a humbling experience, knowing I had that many people who supported me and voted for me,” he said. “I hope I don’t let them down and do a good job.”

While the city is dealing with the impact of the COVID-19...

Two officers were promoted on the last day of March. Chief Franklin Boyd of the Gallup Police Department promoted the-now Lt.  Anthony Seciwa and Capt.  Billy Padavich.

Anthony Seciwa was promoted from the rank of sergeant to lietenant Lt. Seciwa has served with the Gallup Police Department since May 2006. He has previously served in the United States Army and the Zuni Police Department. His most recent assignment was Sergeant of Detectives.

Billy Padavich was promoted from the rank of lieutenant to captain. Capt. Padavich has served with the Gallup Police Department ever since he started his law enforcement career in June 2000. He has since served in various capacities, including...