Adoptable: This is just two of the wonderful pets waiting at the Gallup-McKinley County Humane Society on N. Hwy. 491. Adoption fee includes first vaccinations and spay or neuter. Please help stop animal overpopulation by spaying and neutering your pets. A low-income program is now available through the shelter. [Courtesy Photo]

Road Improvement: Apache County road workers grade County Road 450 last fall. The county, which is responsible for the maintenance of more than 900 miles of roads across 11,205 square miles. It faces unique challenges because of the county's growing population and rural lifestyle. [Courtesy Photo]

Thoreau winds district opener: From left; Thoreau Hawks Loy Begay, Michael Franusco and Alray Billy watch the final seconds of overtime against the Cuba Rams Friday night. The Hawks lost the game at Thoreau High by one point. [Photo by John A. Bowersmith/Independent]