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...

ARMED SHOPPER

Gallup, March 25

A Window Rock, Ariz. man was charged with aggravated assault after he threatened a security guard with a weapon.

Gallup Police Officer Luke Martin said he was dispatched to the Lowe’s Shop and Save, 1120 E. Hwy. 66, in connection with a threat. There he met Anthony Tovar, a security officer, who said he had a confrontation with a man later identified as Lenny Nez, 51.

It turned out that Nez was still in the area and he was picked up. He had no weapon, but police found a tool with a sharpened end stuck to a tree where he was seen standing.

Tovar told Martin that he had been watching Nez in the store because he was carrying a big case of beef. Nez...

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...