Gallup Sun

Gallupian views on health order changes

Changes to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s most recent emergency public health order will loosen the reins on eateries and houses of worship.

Food and drink establishments will be allowed to provide indoor dining service at 25 percent of maximum occupancy in accordance with COVID-Safe Practices.

When Railway Café owner Katie Conn learned that inside dining would once again be permitted, she was excited. Until she found out eateries could only use 25 percent of maximum occupancy.

“Twenty-five percent — What’s the point? … At 50 percent we have nine tables, so hello,” she continued. “We were expecting 50 … Well, I...

11,000 computers; 9,600 hotspots for students

The Gallup-McKinley County Schools Board of Education opened their meeting on Aug. 24 by recognizing the district’s technology department for their role in the transition to remote learning.

“We’ve been through quite a transition in our district in regard to technology,” Superintendent Mike Hyatt said. “We had to reimagine and redesign the way we deliver instruction, and a big part of that is procuring the items needed to accomplish that task.”

Hyatt said the department worked days, nights, and weekends to ensure the district’s students had working computers ready for the school year.

“There have been huge hurdles for us...

The Gallup City Council discussed three awards relating to the city’s senior program during their Aug. 24 meeting.

Kimberly Ross-Toledo, coordinator for the Gallup Senior Program, detailed the three contracts to the council.

The first was a COVID-19 CARES Federal Subaward for about $68,488 to provide services until Sept. 30. This award is based on the assessed need of the community and individuals receiving services in accordance with the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act, and is meant to support older adults in maintaining independent and healthy lifestyles, and address food insecurity and nutrition.

The second and third contracts are from the Non-Metro Area Agency...

Featured DWI

Marland Lee

Aug. 17, 3:45 pm

DWI (Fourth)

While McKinley County Sheriff’s Deputy Frank Villa Jr. was on saturation patrol, heading south on U.S. Highway 491 toward Chino Loop, he saw a gray Ford truck fail to stop at a stop sign and turn north onto the highway.

Villa turned his vehicle around and began a pursuit. The suspect vehicle pulled over near the 6 mile marker, where Villa conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Marland Lee, 32, of Yatahey.

Lee said another truck had been following behind him closely, which is why he did not stop at the sign. Villa noted there was no other vehicle in the vicinity during the incident, and that Lee showed...