Author: Gallup Sun Publishing

Staff Reports John Zimmerman, current dean of instruction and longtime faculty member, has been appointed interim chancellor of The University of New Mexico-Gallup, effective July 1. “John will bring his strong understanding of the UNM system and demonstrated commitment to faculty and student success, community engagement, and institutional collaboration,” Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Barbara Rodríguez said. “I am confident that his leadership will provide continuity and support for the Gallup campus during this transition period.” Zimmerman was the chair of the Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Division between 2021 and 2023 and he became…

Staff Reports Every year, children are wrongfully removed from or retained outside the U.S. in violation of parental rights. International parental kidnappings of U.S. children have been reported in countries all over the world.The FBI pursues criminal action in these kidnappings on an individual basis. From 2024 to present, the FBI has worked on 145 IPK cases. In a May 22 press release, FBI officials interviewed FBI Special Agent Ingrid Arbuthnot-Stohl of FBI Seattle about the FBI’s roles in IPK cases. Learn more about IPK cases in the Q&A below. Q: What is international parental kidnapping?A: “International parental kidnapping falls…

Staff Reports ALBUQUERQUE — A Zuni man has been charged in federal court for allegedly sexually abusing a minor. According to court documents, between March 2013 and March 2015, Anthony Kaamasee, 40, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, engaged in sexual acts with a minor who had not then attained the age of 12 years. Kaamasee is charged with aggravated sexual abuse and will remain in custody pending trial which has not yet been scheduled as of press time. If convicted, Kaamasee faces no less than 30 years in prison. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field…

Staff Reports The Gallup Municipal Court announced in a May 28 press release that members of the public may now access eligible court records online through the Municipal Court’s Public Access Portal. This service allows users to conveniently search and review available court case information remotely at any time. To access the Public Access portal, please use the link below: https://mcourtsgallupnm.com. Certain records or information may be restricted from public view in accordance with applicable laws, court rules, and confidentiality requirements. If you experience any issues accessing the portal or have questions regarding court records, contact the Court Administrator, Erin…

Staff Reports Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services announced in a May 27 press release the appointment of Maridel Acosta-Cruz as the new CEO of the hospital, effective May 27. The RMCHCS Board of Trustees conducted an extensive CEO selection process, based on the key qualifications the Board determined were required to lead the hospital and meet the unique health care needs of the community. “Maridel Acosta-Cruz has the broad healthcare experience, leadership skills, and passion needed to make a profound and lasting difference in the healthcare and quality of life for all people in our community,” Maryann Ustick, Chair…

Staff Reports Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in May, is a solemn U.S. federal holiday dedicated to mourning and honoring all military personnel who died while serving in the United States armed forces. Originally known as Decoration Day, its history and evolution span over a century. Following the American Civil War, which claimed over 620,000 lives, communities began holding springtime tributes to decorate fallen soldiers’ graves with flowers and flags. One of the earliest recorded ceremonies occurred on May 1, 1865, in Charleston, S.C. Newly freed African Americans exhumed Union soldiers from mass, unmarked graves at a Confederate…

Staff Reports MONTEZUMA CREEK, Utah — The Law and Order Committee convened for a public hearing May 26 at the Utah Navajo Health Services facility in Montezuma Creek, Utah, to receive a detailed report from UNHS and the Navajo Nation Office of the Prosecutor on the intersection of behavioral health and criminal justice and how it affects Title 17, the Navajo Nation Criminal Code. “These public meetings ensure that the community knows about the changes being made to Title 17 and that their voices are heard as we work to strengthen the criminal code for the Navajo Nation,” LOC Chair…

Staff Reports SANTA FE — When it comes to wildfire awareness, it is key to be prepared at a moment’s notice with go-bag essentials and evacuation routes in mind. During Wildfire Awareness Month and throughout peak wildfire season, residents are encouraged to prepare emergency “go-bags” and review evacuation plans to ensure they can leave quickly and safely if wildfire threatens their community. Emergency preparedness starts well before the threat of wildfire. To help yourself and your family stay prepared, follow these guidelines from the New Mexico State Forestry Division of the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resourceses Department: In addition to…

Staff Reports Gallup Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 25‑year‑old Nathan Naswood, who fled from officers twice the morning of May 26 during a domestic‑violence‑related incident at Cliffside II Apartments (601 Dani Dr.). Naswood currently has active no‑bond warrants for a domestic violence charge and a “DWI charge (second offense). He is now wanted for additional charges after fleeing officers. If located, GPD is asking the public not to approach Naswood. Anyone who sees him or has information regarding his location is asked to call Metro Dispatch at (505) 722-2002 or r McKinley County Crime Stoppers at…

Staff Reports UPDATE: Jacob Mackenzie Haley has been located. Gallup Police are asking for the public’s help in finding a missing 17-year-old. Jacob Mackenzie Haley is a 5′ 8″ Native American who weighs about 120 pounds. He has brown eyes and brown hair. A family member reported Haley missing on May 27. He was last seen leaving his residence in a blue Camaro with an unknown license plate. Haley was last seen wearing a pink sweater with a flower design on it, black sweatpants, and square diamond earrings. Anyone with information on Haley’s whereabouts is asked to call Metro Dispatch…