SANTA FE   — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced an Executive Order to expedite New Mexico’s transition to a clean energy economy and address the critical need for infrastructure development across the state on Sept. 23.

The Executive Order reflects pressing needs of New Mexico communities such as Ruidoso and the Mescalero Apache Nation, which suffered extensive fire and flooding damage which the governor discussed with residents during town halls during the week of Sept. 16.

Lujan Grisham’s Executive Order will enable the state to leverage billions of federal and state dollars to ensure that New Mexico’s workforce is prepared for the work of modernizing transportation...

Ramah students gain confidence

Gallup-McKinley County Schools provides its students with ample opportunities to prepare themselves for their future careers.

From the “Schools Of” program to internships led by community members, GMCS students have a wide selection of experiences that can help further their education and careers.

One such program is the Business Professionals of America. BPA is a nationwide organization that helps students develop employable skills that will prepare them for jobs in both the general workforce and the business sector.

Ramah High School has a rather large BPA participation rate, as every student who takes the business classes participates in BPA in...

Each month, the Sun recognizes a local teacher for his or her determination to help students go above and beyond. Anyone can nominate a teacher by emailing the Sun at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and providing the teacher’s name, where they teach, and why they should be selected as that month’s winner.

This month’s award went to Monique Martinez, who teaches Pre-K at Catherine A. Miller Elementary.

 

PATH TO TEACHING

Martinez was born and raised in Gallup. She attended Indian Hills Elementary, JFK Middle School, and Gallup High. After she graduated high school, Martinez pursued a degree in Elementary Education at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales.

When she graduated...

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Navajo Nation Budget and Finance Committee recently convened to deliberate a critical legislation extending the existing current tobacco tax to cover non-tobacco nicotine products such as vaporizers and nicotine pouches.

The legislation, which was unanimously approved by the BFC, aims to reduce nicotine addiction among Diné youth.

“We must act decisively to protect our youth from the dangers of nicotine addiction,” Vice Chair Carl Slater, the bill’s sponsor, said. “This legislation takes a critical step toward safeguarding the health of future generations by making these harmful products less accessible.”

The legislation exempts FDA-approved...