Jason Carlisle, McKinley County Fire Chief, presented an updated drought map to the McKinley County Board of Commissioners during their recent regular meeting.

As of May 7, McKinley County is experiencing  moderate drought conditions, he said. The severe drought danger has decreased recently, and will not affect Gallup, he added.

The reports have been heard by the Board of Commissioners to determine if they will implement a ban on certain types of fireworks for sale ahead of the summer season.

County Attorney Doug Decker said the raw data has to show major areas of McKinley County are in severe or worse drought conditions before they can prohibit the sale of certain types of...

Increases to help vulnerable New Mexicans

Santa Fe - Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced her plan May 15 to raise certain Medicaid provider rates by $60 million effective July 1.

These reimbursement rate increases will bolster those who deliver care and services to the most vulnerable New Mexicans and help rebuild and protect New Mexico’s health care delivery network, particularly in rural areas and for providers of behavioral health, primary care, dental services, specialty care and long-term services, and for independent community pharmacies.

“Raising our Medicaid payment rates strengthens our partnership with key health care providers,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “I want...

RMCHCS CEO David Conejo once worked for a dollar a month

Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services CEO David Conejo was recently recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as a member of the group 60 Rural Hospital and Health Systems CEOs to Know in 2019.

Conejo spoke with the Sun May 8 about what the award means to him, as well as what it means for RMCHCS and the rest of Gallup.

The award is given to the most viable hospitals that are making advancements in areas such as mobile centers, and care for difficult conditions including stroke, diabetes, and trauma, Conejo said.

While the award was given to Conejo specifically, he said that he is just one of the people who make the...

The Gallup McKinley County Schools Board of  Education recently held a special meeting to discuss and take action on possibly rebranding the school district.

A number of community members and city officials were present at the May 7 special meeting to voice their thoughts on the matter.

Mayor Jackie McKinney was the first to speak, and said the city and the school district have to work together for the benefit of the students.

He and Dist. 4 Councilor Fran Palochak spoke in favor of keeping the name the way it is.

He added that it is already difficult to work with the state when New Mexico is at the bottom of national rankings in nearly every category in education.

“If we...