The University of New Mexico-Gallup recently announced that Cobin Willie, a level 2 nursing student, has been awarded the prestigious Udall Scholarship. Willie is the first UNM-Gallup student to have received this designation and is currently the only recipient from New Mexico for this academic year.

Willie, a member of the Navajo Nation from To’hajiilee, was selected from among 437 applicants representing 209 higher education institutions.

The scholarship program, sponsored by the Udall Foundation, pays tribute to Morris Udall and Stewart Udall who spent their careers working on initiatives that impacted Native American self-governance, healthcare and environmental issues.

The...

TravelCenters of America holds a fun and music-filled day for truckers and customers

Like all of us who have traveled the highways and byways, pit stops are a much-welcomed relief, especially at places where the reception is warm. One pit stop that really shows its appreciation for its drivers and customers is TravelCenters of America at the west end of Gallup.

Sept. 22 was the Drivers/Customers Appreciation Day at the Gallup TA, located at 3404 West Highway 66 and Interstate 40. The event, held at the truck stop, was filled with fun and games, free fruit and water, and a live country band playing for the crowd. Special food-menu items were served outside, including Navajo...

Sammy ‘C’ a candidate for Sports Hall of Fame

Local and much beloved radio personality Sammy “C” Chioda has been nominated as a potential inductee into the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame for his tireless coverage of local, high school sporting events during the course of his career.

Chioda also heads the youth Tony Dorsett Football League, and has spent about 30 years broadcasting cross country track meets, which he feels persuaded the anonymous individual(s) to nominate him for the prestigious award.

While the nomination is flattering, nominees require a vote of confidence from the public at large. The Hall of Fame allows each voter to vote one time for their favorite...

Stagecoach Elementary Teacher Benina Maldonado is Teacher of the Month

With the 2018 school year in full swing, it’s time once again to recognize another outstanding individual for excellence in teaching.

Each month during the school year, Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe in Gallup recognizes a local teacher as Teacher of the Month. Teachers are nominated by students or those who feel they deserve the recognition for their seemingly effortless, hard work.

Camille’s presents the teacher with an award for excellence in their field.

Kicking off this brand-new school year, Camille’s congratulates Benina Maldonado, their September Teacher of the Month.

Maldonado is a pre-school teacher...