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Copyright © 2009
Gallup Independent

Work session to hear concerns about Desert Rock
By Kathy Helms
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — A work session has been scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday at the Navajo Nation Council Chamber to allow members of Dooda Desert Rock the opportunity to provide Council information regarding some concerns related to the Desert Rock Energy Project.

Council Speaker Lawrence T. Morgan scheduled the session, saying, “It is my belief that Council must know the pros and cons of this legislation before casting their votes on this important matter.”

Members of the Resources Committee Monday voted to go ahead with their regular meeting Thursday rather than participate in the work session. Attendance at the work session is voluntary.

A special Council session will be held Friday to consider Diné Power Authority’s application to the Navajo Nation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs for the assignment of rights-of-way to DPA for the Desert Rock power plant.

Opponents contend the plant will cause increased air pollution and contaminate the San Juan Basin while destroying thousands of acres of prime Navajo grazing lands. Supporters of the power plant argue that it will bring in much-needed revenues to the Navajo Nation coffers and will allow the Nation to become more independent, all while creating new jobs and income for Navajo people.

Lamb referendum set by USDA
By Gaye Brown de Alvarez
Staff writer

GALLUP — A lamb referendum will be conducted at USDA’s Farm Service Agency county offices. To be eligible to vote, people must certify and provide documentation which shows they were engaged in the production, feeding or slaughtering of lambs between Jan. 1, 2008, and Dec. 31, 2008. Beginning Feb. 2 and continuing through Feb. 27, people eligible to vote should obtain form LS-86 from the McKinley County Office at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1658 South Second St., Gallup, NM 87301, or at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/lsmarketingprograms. People must vote in the referendum at the County FSA Office where they own, lease or rent land. Form LS-86 returned in person or by fax must be received in the McKinley County Office prior to the close of business on Feb. 27. If mailed, the form must be postmarked no later than midnight on Feb. 27 and received in the FSA Office by March 6, 2009. USDA monitors activities of the American Lamb Board.

Information: (505) 722-9060.

Pancake fundraiser set today
By Jim Tiffin
Cibola County Bureau

GRANTS — The Community Food Pantry in Grants is holding a Fat Tuesday pancake supper today.
The fundraiser is from 4-6:30 p.m. At the First Baptist Church, 224 Mountain Road.

The event raises money to help defray costs of electricity and utilities.

An increase is the number of people requesting food from the pantry and there has been a decline in recent donations at the same time.

The menu includes pancakes, sausage and fruit.
Tickets: $3.50 each or five for $15, payable at the church.