G a l lup Sun Gallup Sun
WATER PIPELINE DELAYS
By Sunni Battin Sun Correspondent
Groundwater depletion, an old water system, and a limited water supply are among the history of water problems in Gallup. But the solution could lie in a massive infrastructure project that started over a decade ago and has been extended until late 2029.
OBSTACLES IN THE WAY
The city’s aging infrastructure is a major concern. The oldest as-built map that the city has is in its possession is from 1929 and is a hand drawn overall water and sewer map. The oldest water system in Gallup is located downtown near the railroad. While the infrastructure is old, Jan Boone, the city’s acting water and wastewater director, says the water is drinkable.
“Currently, there is no issue with our water quality as we take bacteriological samples every two weeks and have not had any issues,” Boone said.
Still, there are other water issues that have plagued the city. Groundwater depletion has been a concern, but Boone says it’s not Gallup, it’s happening elsewhere as well. The ever-growing demands of potable water and the slowing rate of recharge of aquifers from rain and snow from climate change is to blame.
Another matter is the city’s 16 wells, which are supplied from two key underground aquifers, the DakotaWestwater and the Gallup Sandstone. While the city will continue to depend on the wells for water, the major obstacle per Boone is the “depletion of aquifers” that is supplying the city’s wells.
Then there are the water outages. Boone says the frequency of the outages boils down to what kind of outage is occurring as well as a variety of other
factors. The unscheduled outages are water main breaks which Boone says the city has no control over regarding when and where. On the other hand, he says scheduled outages are due to regular maintenance. This can be for a subdivision and customer supply lines as just a few examples. In addition, the time that goes into to fi xing and repairing water outages can be a major factor. Boone says taking into account the role of other entities such as on call services and utilities and their time can delay getting water outages fi xed.
Lastly, the work force for the water department has been somewhat of an obstacle and remains a central focus. Boone says there have been challenges in recruiting certified operators. As a result, trainee positions were created which has proven to be advantageous.
“These hires were required to get certification through the New Mexico environment departments operator certification program within 18 months. The department’s effort is successful in getting training and the number of certified operators has grown,” Boone said.
WATER AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL
With more than one water issue complicating the future water supply and accessibility for Gallup, a project called the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project began more than 10 years ago, and for some has instilled hope and worry for others. Reclamation Four Corners Construction Office Manager and Construction Engineer Bart Deming says NGWSP is a critical project that will impact three communities.
Once completed, [NGWSP] will convey
City Manager Frank Chiapetti Jr.
Weekly DWI Report
Staff Reports
Arthur Autyunian
Feb. 11, 8:49 pm
Aggravated DWI
A truck driver from Glendale, CA was arrested after crashing on I-40 near mile marker 68.5 and faces charges of DWI and careless driving.
McKinley County Sheriff’s Deputy Harland Soseeah responded to the scene where he found a 2017 white
Freightliner blocking the eastbound lanes. The driver, identified as Arthur Autyunian, 63, reportedly showed signs of intoxication, including smelling strongly of alcohol.
Soseeah began to speak to Autyunian, who did not explain what had happened but told Soseeah “he was sorry.” Autyunian admitted to drinking one can of beer and refused to perform the Standard Field Sobriety Tests.
Inside the truck, other deputies found several open containers, including Corona, Foster’s beer, and Jameson whiskey.
Autyunian was placed under arrest and initially agreed to take a breath test. However, while being transported, he complained of chest pains and was taken to Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital. After receiving medical clearance, he was taken to the sheriff’s office where he then declined to give a breath sample.
He was then transported and booked into the McKinley County Adult Detention Center for aggravated DWI and careless driving. His pretrial hearing is set for March 6.
Shania Toadlena
Feb. 8, 4:45 pm
Aggravated DWI
A woman from St. Michaels, AZ was arrested for DWI after crashing her vehicle on State Highway 400. McKinley County Sheriff’s Deputy Frank Villa responded to the crash site near mile marker 7.5 after a caller reported that both occupants of a dark blue Chevrolet Malibu appeared intoxicated. Upon arriving at the site, Villa
Not his first rodeo LOCAL MAN GETS CAUGHT WITH FENTANYL
Staff Reports
AGallup man who is already facing charges for an unrelated crime was arrested by local police when they caught him with fentanyl.
On Feb. 12, around 1:15 pm, narcotics agents with the Gallup Police Department and the McKinley County Sheriff’s Department
Task Force were conducting surveillance at the Safeway parking lot, located at 980 W. Hwy. 491 when they noticed a man who was later identified as Ryan Purdy smoking some sort of narcotic.
Purdy, 36, was allegedly using a straw while burning some aluminum foil. The officers approached him and told his acquaintance to leave
since he was not seen smoking narcotics. The other man left.
According to a police report, the officers noticed a burnt blue pill inside some aluminum foil near where Purdy was sitting. The officers identified the pill as fentanyl.
The officers arrested Purdy, and when they patted him down they found one and a half
Crime package headed to the House
Staff Reports
SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a statement Feb. 15 following House Bill 8, a public safety omnibus package, successfully passing the House floor in a 48-20 vote.
“This crime package is a first step towards ensuring accountability for criminals and updating our criminal competency and civil commitment procedures,” she said. “While it is an important step forward, our work isn’t fi nished. I urge the legislature to advance the remaining public safety bills. Each day that passes without action means more people get hurt and neighborhoods suffer. Get these public safety bills to my desk now—our communities deserve real protection, not more excuses. I will not stop until New Mexicans feel safe.”
HB 8 includes extensive rewrites to sections of the Criminal Code relating to criminal competency and updates the process for courts to determine the need for civil commitment and treatment. It provides for stronger penalties for trafficking fentanyl, as well as for repeat automobile theft. The bill also establishes the crime of unlawful possession of a weapon conversion device commonly known as Glock switches. These devices—which can be manufactured using a 3D printer—essentially convert a semi-automatic weapon into a
fully-automatic machine gun. The bill also amends the Motor Vehicle Code to include offenses for driving a motor vehicle under the influence of cannabis, as well as alcohol and controlled substances, and clarifies when refusal to submit to a blood test can lead to an aggravated DUI charge.
This bill brings together key pieces of the following legislation:
HB 4 extensively rewrites sections of the Criminal Code relating to criminal competency and maps out the process for the court to determine the need for commitment and treatment.
It states that a report of a competency evaluation shall include a qualified professional’s opinion as to whether a defendant is competent to stand trial, and if the professional believes the defendant is not competent, they must provide an opinion stating whether or not the defendant satisfies the criteria for involuntary commitment or assisted outpatient treatment.
It gives prosecutors more options to involuntarily commit people into a locked psychiatric facility if they are found to be dangerous and unable to stand trial.
HB 16 increases penalties for trafficking fentanyl.
If a person is in possession of between 100 and 500 pills or capsules of fentanyl, or an amount between 10 and 50 grams of the drug, they would now face three years in jail. They could serve up to five years if they’re
caught with more than 500 pills, or more than 50 grams.
A person caught trafficking fentanyl could face up to five years in jail.
HB 38 establishes the crime of unlawful possession of a weapon conversion device, punishable by a third-degree felony, with a penalty of up to three years imprisonment and a fi ne of up to $5,000.
A weapon conversion device turns a semi-automatic weapon into an automatic one.
HB 50 allows multiple violations of vehicle theft or transporting a stolen vehicle to apply toward sentencing. This bill also sets effectively enhanced penalties for these crimes.
The bill labels a person’s first offense as a fourth degree felony and a second defense a third degree felony.
HB 103 amends the Motor Vehicle Code to include offenses for driving a motor vehicle under the influence of cannabis, as well as alcohol and controlled substances. It clarifies when refusal to submit to a blood test can lead to an aggravated DUI charge and specifies which medical professionals may withdraw blood for a chemical blood test to determine driving under the influence. This bill also makes comporting amendments to the Boating While Intoxicated Act.
McKinley County James Maiorano III said CRIME PACKAGE | SEE PAGE A5
blue fentanyl pills inside his pocket. Purdy was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 26. This is not Purdy’s first run in with the cops. In October, he was caught trying to pawn a stolen belt buckle off at a local pawn shop. His arraignment for that incident was scheduled for Feb. 17.
found two women outside a heavily damaged vehicle matching the description. The women were identified as sisters Shania and Charmayne Toadlena. Villa spoke to the women about the incident. Shania admitted to driving and reportedly showed signs of intoxication, including bloodshot eyes and smelling of alcohol. She initially claimed she had only one drink prior to driving, but she later admitted to consuming six drinks, the last one about an hour prior to the collision.
Shania agreed to perform the Standard Field Sobriety Tests, but she performed poorly on them. She was placed under arrest and transported to the sheriff’s offi ce for the breath test, where she posted samples of .19 and .18. During this time, the vehicle was towed and Charmayne was transported to a nearby detox facility. After the breath test, Shania was transported to Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital for medical clearance before being taken to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked for aggravated DWI. Her pretrial hearing is set for March 4.
Weather
Temperatures remain warm this week, with plenty of sunshine. The coldest day will be Friday, with a high of 49 degrees. Sunday through Tuesday will get up to the mid 60s. Lows will hover around the freezing point.
National Roundup
Staff Reports
As of Feb. 19, 18 of the 22 members of Trump’s potential Cabinet have been confi rmed by Congress.
The confi rmed members include:
• Marco Rubio (Secretary of State)
• Scott Bessent (Secretary of the Treasury)
• Pete Hegseth (Secretary of Defense)
• Pam Bondi (Attorney general)
• Doug Burgum (Secretary of the Interior)
• Brooke Rollins (Secretary of Agriculture)
• Howard Lutnick (Secretary of Commerce)
• Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (Secretary of Health and Human Services)
• Scott Turner (Secretary of Housing and Urban Development)
• Sean Duffy (Secretary of Transportation)
• Chris Wright (Secretary of Energy)
• Doug Collins (Secretary of Veterans Affairs)
• Kristi Noem (Secretary of Homeland Security)
• Lee Zeldin (EPA administrator)
• Russell Vought (Office of Management and Budget Director)
• John Ratcliffe (CIA Director)
• Tulsi Gabbard (Director of National Intelligence)
• Kelly Loeffler (SBA administrator)
• Kennedy and Gabbard were the most recently confi rmed. They were confi rmed Feb. 12.
Trump expands access to IVF treatment
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Feb. 18 to protect in vitro fertilization access and aggressively reduce out-of-pocket and health plan costs for such treatments.
The recommendations will focus on how to ensure reliable access to IVF. Priority wil also be placed on addressing any current policies, including those that require legislation, that exacerbates the cost of IVF.
According to the executive order, a cycle of IVF treatment can range anywherre from $12,000 to $25,000 dollars, and multiple cycles may be needed to get pregnant. The Department of Health and Human Services reports that more than 85,000 infants were born as a result of IVF in 2021.
Two more major airplane crashes occur, leaving two people dead
Two more airplane crashes have occurred in 2025. One in Arizona has left two people dead.
In Arizona, a Lancair 360 MK II and a Cessna 725, both small single-engine planes carrying two passengers, collided midair Feb. 19 around 8:30 am MST at Marna Regional Airport
Two days prior, a Delta airplane reportedly crashed and flipped while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport Feb. 17. No one was killed in the accident.
The plane, which had departed from Minneapolis-St.Paul International Airport in Minnesota, was carrying 76 passengers and four crew members. Eighteen people were taken to the hospital with injuries.
According to data from the National Transportation Safety Board, there have been 87 aviation accidents in 2025 so far. There were 62 incidents in January and 25 so far in February.
Trump executive order halts benefits for undocumented immigrants
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Feb. 19 that is aimed at ending federal benefi ts for people who live in the country illegally.
The White House said the order seeks to end “all taxpayer-funded benefi ts for illegal aliens” but it was not clear which benefi ts will be targeted. People in the country illegally generally do not qualify for benefi ts expect
for emergency medical care. Children are entitled to a free K-12 public education regardless of immigration status under a 1982 Supreme Court ruling.
Defense secretary orders military to prepare for major budget cuts
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the military to prepare plans to make drastic budget cuts over the next five years, with an exception for border security.
The orders came in a memo dated Feb. 18, and calls for military leaders to provide a proposal for 8% in budget cuts each year for the next five years. The proposals for the massive cuts to the Pentagon’s budget of approximately $850 billion are due by Feb. 24, less than one week after Hegseth issued the memo.
“I ask that the Military Departments and DoD Components resource the capabilities and readiness necessary for a wartime tempo and offset those requirements with low-impact items, such as wasteful DEI and climate change programs,” Hegseth wrote in the memo.
The memo, which was labeled controlled unclassified information, was sent to senior Pentagon leaders, the commanders of combatant commands, and defense agencies.
Tracking Trump’s picks for his cabinet
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard
A Delta airplane reportedly crashed and flipped while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport Feb. 17. No one was killed in the accident.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
Reformed version of House Bill 11 moves forward
FAMILY, MEDICAL LEAVE ACT GIVES WORKERS EXTENSIVE TIME OFF
Staff Reports
After public statements both for and against the bill and a multitude of clarification questions from the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee members, a significantly reworked Paid Family and Medical Leave Act, with lower premiums and less paid time off, is on its way to the House floor.
The bill died at the HCEDC two years ago, but they ultimately decided to pass it after a four-hour debate Feb. 19. If it passes the floor, House Bill 11 will most likely land on the governor’s desk.
The committee voted 6-5 to move the bill along, with Rep. Marian Matthews, D-Albuquerque, joining committee Republicans in voting against the bill.
WHAT THE BILL
Additionally, Deming notes that “these areas currently rely on a rapidly depleting groundwater supply that is of poor quality and inadequate to meet the current and future demands.” Also, he says Gallup’s ground water levels for the last 15 years have dipped 200 feet and calls NGWSP “a game-changer.” Boone says while NGWSP is still in construction mode, the city will be diligently searching for new wells to develop to accommodate rising demand.
The total financial price tag of NGWSP is estimated to be $2.138 billion in fi scal year 2023 dollars per the Bureau of Reclamation.
EXTRA TIME & COSTS
For Gallup City Manager Frank Chiapetti Jr., the major concern surrounding NGWSP is the “enormous cost that the federal government is imposing on us” which
CRIME PACKAGE | FROM A3
he sees HB 16 as something that would greatly help his deputies.
CHANGES
Under the revised bill, businesses and employees would no longer be taxed to pay for parental leave; rather, the state’s Early Childhood Education and Care Department would front the cost. Employers with five or more workers and employees would still pay into a wellness fund for medical or sexual harassment safety leave, with employers paying a 0.15% premium — $1.50 for every $1,000 earned — and employees paying a 0.2% premium — $2 for every $1,000 earned.
The committee substitute bill also reduces the amount of paid leave for bereavement, foster, medical, exigency or safety purposes to six weeks rather than nine weeks. A substitute bill is a new bill that incorporates significant amendments or changes to the original text.
he calls “troublesome.”
Chiapetti notes that the city will pay a minimum of 25% of the project cost, and up to 35%. Due to the extension of NGWSP, inflation from the pandemic, and the redesign, Chiapetti said the city’s cost has risen.
The project was supposed to be finished in 2024 but has now been extended to 2029.
“Our cost is going from $60-$75 million to $170$180 million,” Chiapetti said. “And that’s just a huge cost. That’s the cost of the infrastructure, not the cost of adding any water. We were supposed to receive water last December as the original payment. Now it’s gonna be five years behind. It’s worrisome because now we’re drilling more wells with $9 million a well. So we’re having to spend that much more.”
With the revised bill, parents could still get up to 12 weeks of paid time off with a $3,000 monthly benefit per child from the separate ECECD fund.
Workers could take up to six weeks of paid time off when they have to care for a loved one in a time of need, deal with a serious health condition themselves, are called to military duty, welcome a foster child, are grieving the loss of a child under 18, or when they or a loved one is a survivor of domestic violence, stalking, or abuse.
Small businesses with less than five employees would be exempted from employer contributions, but workers at these companies would still be eligible for Family Wellness Leave, to ensure these small businesses can remain on equal footing in recruiting and retaining employees. Workers would be
eligible to take Family Wellness Leave after paying into the Fund for at least six months. Most workers who participate in the program would receive a percentage of their typical salary during the leave. Those who earn minimum-wage would receive their full wages. Self-employed individuals could also participate in the program.
The state would start assessing premiums on employees and employers in 2027, and workers could start taking paid leave in 2028.
Thirteen other states and Washington, D.C., offer paid family and medical leave.
OPPOSITION & SUPPORT FOR THE BILL
But many Republicans and business leaders were still not on board with the bill.
Minority Floor
Leader Gail Armstrong, R-Magdalena, still labeled the bill as burdensome and called it the “largest health tax increase” in New Mexico’s history.
«Today, six members of this committee dealt a major blow to small businesses,” Armstrong said in a press release published after the vote. “House Bill 11 represents the largest tax hike in our state’s history, placing a heavy burden on workers and businesses alike. House Republicans remain committed to fighting for real economic opportunities that benefit hardworking families. I urge my colleagues to consider House Bill 446, the Parental Leave Fund, which would provide six weeks of paid leave, without the crushing taxes in HB 11, for folks to bond with their new child, including through birth, adoption, or first-time foster care placement.»
Five Democrats sponsored the bill, including Speaker of the House Javier Martinez, Senate President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart, Rep. Christine Chandler, Rep. Linda Serrato, and Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero.
“Too many New Mexicans are faced with impossible choices when they fall ill, need to take care of a loved one, or welcome a child into their home,” Chandler said in a statement published by the New Mexico House Democrats. “This updated bill reflects the input we received from the community and establishes a program that will help folks growing their family or going through a difficult time.”
Now that the bill has passed the HCEDC, it will be up to Speaker of the House Martinez to schedule the bill to be heard on the House floor.
human right,” he said.
In addition, Chiapetti said it would have been helpful if there had been a cap on the total amount that the city will have to pay for NGWSP. However, he says that the proposed amendment has not yet been acted on by Congress. Moreover, there has been a federal funding freeze that’s impacted the NGWSP yet, but it is unclear if it will be impacted in the future.
“We all know we have a big problem in McKinley County with fentanyl both on the user side and with distribution,” he said. “So increased penalties for anyone distributing fentanyl obviously helps our drug task force hold those individuals more accountable.”
Gallup Police Chief
• On March 3, 1877, Rutherford B. Hayes was sworn in as the 19th president of the U.S. in the Red Room of the White House. Two days later, he was again inaugurated, but this time in a public ceremony.
• On March 4, 2004, Mianne Bagger, a golfer from Denmark, earned a place in sports history at the Women’s Australian Open as the fi rst transgender athlete to compete in a professional golf tournament, noting to reporters that it took a while to overcome the anxiety associated with the feat: “I don’t know where my swing was. ... I was pretty numb the fi rst seven holes. I couldn’t really feel much below my shoulders.”
• On March 5,
1839, Jane Eyre author Charlotte Bronte declined a marriage proposal from the Rev. Henry Nussey, informing him that he would fi nd her “romantic and eccentric” and not practical enough to be a clergyman’s wife.
• On March 6, 1475, Michelangelo Buonarroti, considered by many the greatest of the Italian Renaissance artists, was born in Caprese. The son of a government administrator, he became an artist’s apprentice at age 13. He would go on to master painting, sculpture and architecture, becoming best known for masterpieces like “David” and his ceiling frescoes in the Sistine Chapel.
• On March 7, 2002, the defense rested in the trial of Andrea Yates,
Erin Toadlean-Pablo also said she’s optimistic about HB 16, saying that she could see it helping the Gallup community
“We’ll see how things go and if things pass,” she said.
Overall,
Moments in Time
a 37-year-old Texas woman who murdered her five young children by drowning them in a bathtub. Less than a week later, she was convicted and sentenced to life in prison, but the conviction was later reversed on the grounds of insanity. In 2006, she was committed to a state mental hospital in Texas, where she remains today.
• On March 8, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew members, lost contact with air traffic control less than an hour after taking off from Kuala Lumpur, then veered off course and disappeared. Most of the plane and all on board were never recovered.
• © 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
Upon completion, Deming said reliable water will be a muchneeded improvement for the quality of life.
“Access to drinking water is a fundamental
“I think the climate in Washington, no matter what the administration, it’s a fi ght each year just to continue getting the funding for this project,” Chiapetti said.
Toadlena-Pablo said she wanted to see people receive a higher level of punishment. She encouraged people to look over the bills and call their local representatives to show their support for the crime bills.
Besides the benefit of water, Deming says the project will create opportunities for businesses, new housing developments, new hospitals, job growth, schools, and more.
While the city awaits the completion of NGWSP, Chiapetti says it is still making clean and safe water a constant priority.
“The Gallup administration, council, and mayor are doing everything in their power to ensure that we’re getting good water,” Chiapetti said.
The Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project began in 2012 and has face d numerous challenges that have pushed its estimated completion date to 2029. The finished pipeline will provide a reliable long-term municipal and industrial water supply to the region. Photo Credit: Bureau of Reclamation
1.GEOGRAPHY: What is the highest mountain in Canada?
2.TELEVISION: Who is the host of the long-running reality series "Survivor"?
3.LITERATURE: Which animals represent the Communist Party in "Animal Farm"?
4.U.S. STATES: Which state is the birthplace of the singer Elvis?
5.ASTRONOMY: How long does it take the moon to orbit the Earth?
6.MOVIES: What is the score Elle receives on her law school admission test in "Legally Blonde"?
7.AD SLOGANS: Which product's slogan is "Is It In You?"?
8.LANGUAGE: What is an eraser called in the United Kingdom?
9. SCIENCE: What are the four primary precious metals?
10.GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Valentine's Day arose from which Roman ritual?
Mount Logan
Gatorade
A rubber
Gold, silver, platinum and palladium 10. Lupercalia
OLIVE
By Emi Burdge
Keys to a happy relationship
Local seniors share their insight
By Molly Ann Howell and Kim Helfenbein
Valentine’s Day may be over, but that doesn’t mean love can’t still be celebrated. Couples who have been married for quite some time talked to the Sun about how they’ve made their marriage work.
Mayna and Charley Benally have been married for 60 years. They met in 1963.
They got married on Feb. 20, 1965 because they both had President’s Day off of work. They drove to Las Vegas, N.V., and were married by a justice of the peace. They both said accepting the Lord into their lives has helped keep their marriage strong.
“He’s really blessed us and our family,” Mayna said.
She said that praying to the Lord helped them get through hard times. They used to live close to the Navajo Bible Church in Fort Defi ance, Ariz., and they still have a membership there.
When asked about advice they would give to any young couples starting out, Mayna said they need to accept the Lord into their lives.
date 19 years ago and they haven’t looked back since.
Underwood said that communication is key in their relationship. It helps them keep the spark alive despite their differences. We talk,” she said. “We try not to discuss politics because he’s Mr. Conservative and I’m Ms. Liberal. But we really trust each other.”
DON’T ARGUE, DISCUSS
Irene and Tom Gonzales, Sr. have been married for 54 years. They said the key to a
“ It’s all about respect and hard work,” Irene said. “Don’t give up on each other, you have to work things out.”
Tom added that a person should know what they’re getting into before they commit to marrying someone.
HE CHASED HER DOWN Richard and Lenora LeMaster have been married for 45 years.
He said he had to chase her down in order to get her to start dating him while they were students at New Mexico State University.
Marna calls Charley her soulmate, and says they often fi nish each other’s sentences.
She said another important aspect of marriage is getting along with the in-laws.
“I’m real good with his side [of the family] and he’s real good with my side,” she said.
“When he goes by himself they say ‘Where’s Mayna?’ and when I go by myself to see my family they say ‘Where’s Charley?’”
OPPOSITES ATTRACT
Tom Bischoff and Gloria Underwood weren’t each others’ fi rst loves, but they found
“I would really advise them that if they really love each other and want to be together, they need the Lord in their life,” she said. “They need counseling.”
‘Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy’ is a sweet close for a beloved character
By Glenn Kay
For the Sun
Rating: out of
Running Time: 125 minutes
This feature film from Universal Pictures is currently available to stream on Peacock with a subscription.
While this reviewer would admit he isn’t a big rom-com enthusiast, he will admit to having been charmed by Bridget Jones’s Diary, a zippy modern take on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice with wit and warmth in equal measure. But its sequels have always felt unnecessary and left me cold. The stories in these follow-ups were excessively strained in their attempts to create new romantic confl ict between the protagonist and her true love, while also becoming increasingly over-the-top with the comic scenarios.
The fourth chapter in the series is Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy , which at least directly deals with dramatic issues plaguing previous installments by making the protagonist a widow. Four years after
the death of husband Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) has focused all of her attention on raising her kids. The lead endures and complains about the advice she receives on starting over, as well as enduring social interactions as a surviving spouse.
After choosing to restart her career as a T.V. show producer, she attempts to go out in public again, but finds the online dating world more complicated than anticipated. Still, Jones manages to make a connection with a young park ranger Roxster (Leo Woodall). Problems with her children at school also end up forcing the lead to interact with teacher Mr. Scott Wallaker (Chiwetel Ejiofor), who is blunt but well-intentioned.
One plus the fi lm has going for it is that the majority of characters from previous entries have returned, adding something of a nostalgic feel to the proceedings. Obviously, there is a bittersweet tone for a few returning cast members, who only appear in the mind of the protagonist. The opening scenes are
“He used to tease me a lot,” Lenora said. “My friends knew him and I didn’t know him, and then they introduced us.” Lenora said Richard liked to pick on people, but he says he only picked on her because she was pretty.
The couple said the success to their decades-long relationship is listening to each other and spending time with each other, but also knowing when to give each other space.
When it comes to confl ict resolution, Richard said that’s something he’s still working on.
“I try to get my side, but I’m usually the one that’s wrong,” he said. “But I’m learning how to control it a little better.”
effectively somber and manage to anchor the story, allowing for some confl ict as the entire family tries to deal with the loss of a loved one. This theme is carried throughout the story and keeps the fi lm from overindulging in slapstick silliness with its central character.
Still, there is still some lightness and chuckles amidst the tragedy. This includes a funny interaction between Jones and her doctor (Emma Thompson), who between insults attempts to provide some encouragement. The same is true in
regards to the update on ex-lover Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), who now acts as a babysitter for the lead and, to a degree, is beginning to regret his womanizing ways. As Jones reenters the dating scene as a widow with children, there are a few amusing observations
at how dramatically the process has changed over the past 20 plus years.
As you might have guessed, though, things still aren’t quite as sharp as in the original picture. This is a considerably longer fi lm than the original by nearly 30 minutes.
The pacing does lag in
the middle when Jones embarks on a new relationship and begins to enjoy herself. There isn’t any real drama either as to the romance, as viewers will immediately see similar personality traits in one individual and guess how things will ultimately resolve themselves.
Despite the movie’s fl aws, the reappearance of many familiar faces and a few funny bits does help elevate this effort. There is a nice sentiment about one of the characters never being forgotten and existing as a permanent fixture (at least genetically) in his children. If you’re entirely new to the series, then I would still suggest checking out the original and leaving it at that. But if you’ve been following this character over the years and can accept this film’s conceit, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is probably the best sequel in the franchise and serves as a sweet close to the lead character and her unique journey.
VISIT: WWW. CINEMASTANCE.COM
each other in time to enjoy their golden years together. They were set up on a blind
happy marriage is to never argue, only hold space for discussions.
In “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy” Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) focuses all of her attention on raising her kids after the death of her husband Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures
Mayna and Charley got married on Feb. 20, 1965. They chose that day because they both had the day off from work. Photo Credit: Kim Helfenbein
Tom Bischoff and Gloria Underwood may have their differences, but they say that's what keeps their relationship interesting. Photo Credit: Kim Helfenbein
Patriots defeat the Broncos at home
Sports Quiz
By Ryan A. Berenz
1. What team did Basketball Hall of Famer Al McGuire lead to an NCAA championship in his fi nal season as head coach in 1977?
2. Brazilian footballer Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, winner of the 2007 Ballon d’Or, was commonly known by what name?
Sports schedule for the week
3. Name the brothers who played together on the NHL’s Chicago Black Hawks for eight seasons from 1964-72. 4. What Washington placekicker led the NFL in scoring in 1991 with 149 points, more than the 143 points scored by the entire Indianapolis Colts team that season?
first U.S. women’s figure skater since Alissa Czisny in 2010 to win the ISU Grand Prix Final when she accomplished the feat in December 2024?
5. Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer Jennifer Azzi won an NCAA championship in 1990 as a member of what team?
6. Who became the
7. The Patrick Mannelly Award, founded in 2019, is presented annually to the best U.S. college football player at what position?
ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
School: Ramah High
Name: Preston Curley
Sport: Basketball
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Grade: Junior
Despite a bad sprain that left his ankle black and blue, Preston averaged 34 points for the week, including a 32-point half that cut the lead from more than 30, to 9 points. He also offered encouragement to his teammates.
School: Thoreau High
Name: Kayliegh Dodge
Sport: Basketball
Grade: Sophomore Kayliegh is a basketball player that gives back to her program and is humble and grateful for what basketball has done for her.
School: Gallup High
Name: Hanson
Atazhoon
Sport: Basketball
Grade: Sophomore Hanson is consistent on the court and in the classroom. He is respectful and comes in with a good attitude every day.
School: Crownpoint
High
Name: Holly Jiron
Sport: Basketball
Grade: Freshman
Holly’s desire to excel both on and off the court brings an extra burst of life to the Lady Eagles team. She always has a good attitude and a very strong work ethic. She is one of the team’s starters and one of the top shooters.
School: Tse’ Yi’ Gai
High Name: Trevyn “Cheese”
Coby
Sport: Basketball Grade: Junior In a nail-biting overtime against Shiprock Northwest on Feb. 4, Trevyn grabbed a rebound and hit the game winning shot, securing the win for Tse’ Yi’ Gai. Cheese always goes above and beyond to give it his all in every game. He is a mentor to younger players and helps coach them up to reach their potential on the court. He has had perfect attendance this year and strives for academic excellence. His positive, never-give-up attitude encourages everyone around him.
Kirtland Central Bronco Nicolas Dodge (32) and Miyamura Patriot Jaxon Jones (22) reach for the rebound. Photo Credit: Kim Helfenbein
Miyamura Patriot Jordan Cadman (4) shoots a lay-up while Kirtland Central Bronco Shawn Mullahon (24) races for the rebound. Photo Credit: Kim Helfenbein
Miyamura Patriot Juan Arellano (21) grabs the rebound during the Feb. 14 game against the Kirtland Central Broncos. Photo Credit: Kim Helfenbein
Kirtland Central Bronco Nicolas Dodge (32) guards Miyamura Patriot Brody Tah (25) as he looks for an open teammate during the Feb. 14 game in Gallup. The Patriots defeated the Broncos 53-35. Photo Credit: Kim Helfenbein
Celebrating love on Valentine’s Day
Salome’s Stars
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Try to say as little as possible about the work you’re doing through the end of the month. Then you can make your announcement and accept your well-deserved plaudits.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) A more difficult challenge than you expected emerges early in the week. But with your strong Taurean determination, you should be able to deal with it successfully by week’s end.
one of your well-organized get-togethers for friends and associates.
depth of your Sagittarian friendship and loyalty.
CANCER: (June 21 to July 22) A recent workplace success can open some doors that were previously closed to you. On a personal level, expect to receive some important news from a longtime friend and colleague.
LEO: (July 23 to August 22) Put your wounded pride aside and do what you must to heal a misunderstanding, before it can take a potentially irreversible turn and leave you regretting the loss of a good friend.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) One way to kick a less-than-active social life into high gear or rebuild an outdated Rolodex fi le is to throw
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Before you act on your “feelings” about an upcoming decision, it might be wise to do a little fact-checking fi rst. You could be very much surprised by what you don’t fi nd.
Pet of the Week
Meet Loki!
He came to the McKinley County Humane Society as an owner surrender. The owner abandoned him and moved to Albuquerque leaving him behind to fend for himself. The owner’s sister said she discovered him at her sister’s old house. She then took care of him with their father until he had a fall. At this point it has become too difficult for the woman to take care of her father and Loki.
Loki is up to date on all his vaccines and is
neutered. He is 3 years old and weighs about 66 pounds.
He is a very sweet dog and does get along with other dogs and cats. His owner originally adopted him from the McKinley County Humane Society. Now, he is very timid and scared and confused as to why he is back at the shelter. He is a huge ball of love who loves to go on walks and play fetch. He is very gentle and the shelter says he is a great dog to have around.
LIBRA : (September 23 to October 22) Getting out of an obligation you didn’t really want to take on can be tricky. An honest explanation of the circumstances can help. Next time, pay more attention to your usually keen instincts.
SCORPIO : (October 23 to November 21) Use your Scorpion logic to push for a no-nonsense approach to a perplexing situation. This could help keep present and potential problems from creating more confusion.
SAGITTARIUS: (November 22 to December 21) A friend’s problem might take more time than you wish to give. But staying with it once again proves the
CAPRICORN: (December 22 to January 19) The Sea Goat can benefit from an extra dose of self-confidence to unsettle your detractors, giving you the advantage of putting on a strong presentation of your position.
AQUARIUS: (January
20 to February 18) You might want to ask a friend or relative for advice on an ongoing personal matter. But be careful not to give away information that you might later wish you had kept secret.
PISCES: (February 19 to March 20) Use the weekend for a creativity break to help restore your spiritual energy. Once this is done, you’ll be back and more than ready to tackle whatever challenge you need to face.
BORN THIS WEEK: You get great joy out of creating beautiful things and sharing them with others who appreciate them.
Aaron A Jim and Arlene Smith celebrated Valentine’s Day by getting married at the McKinley County Courthouse with friends and family in attendance. Photo Credit: Kim Helfenbein
Alexis and Brayan exchanged vows at the McKinley County Courthouse on Valentine’s Day. Photo Credit: Kim Helfenbein
Angela Jazmine Alonzo and Tyson Nolcott shared vows on Valentine’s Day along with their son Logan at the McKinley County Courthouse in Gallup. Photo Credit: Kim Helfenbein
Heinrich demands answers from FEMA about Musk
By Sen. Martin Heinrich
WASHINGTON
D.C. — U.S.
Sens. Martin
Heinrich, D-N.M., Peter Welch, D-Vt., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., and nine Senate Democrats demanded answers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on the potential security breach created by Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency,” which has reportedly accessed the sensitive personal data of disaster victims.
In a Feb. 18 letter to the Senior Official Performing the Duties of FEMA Administrator, the senators requested more information on the procedures FEMA follows to protect data from misuse, and if DOGE’s unaccountable agents were in compliance with federal law.
“The United States has suffered from a growing number of natural disasters over the past several years — from severe flooding in Vermont and hurricanes in North Carolina, to catastrophic wildfires in Hawaii and California,” the senators wrote. “In order to register for federal disaster assistance
and receive help rebuilding their communities, our constituents have provided their personally identifiable information to FEMA. They did not do so with the expectation that their sensitive information would be turned over to unvetted, unaccountable DOGE agents.”
The senators acknowledged that FEMA may need some reform.
“Mr. Musk has stated his desire to eliminate waste at FEMA,” they stated. “We agree the country must examine and thoughtfully consider reforms to the operation of FEMA. Our constituents have experienced fi rst-hand the frustrating bureaucracies that hinder the federal disaster recovery process. Congress must take steps to equip FEMA and communities with the tools needed to better assist disaster victims after the storm has passed. We stand ready to work with anyone willing to fix it. But such reforms do not require, or come close to justifying, the invasive measures DOGE has reportedly undertaken.”
In their letter, the senators requested responses to the
following questions to understand the scope of that breach and the extent of FEMA’s compliance with federal law:
1. Please provide a complete list of individuals authorized by FEMA to access disaster victims’ data and records during the period between Jan. 20 and Feb.
14.. Please indicate whether those individuals are employees of FEMA, the White House, DOGE, or another federal agency and specify the agency. If the individuals are not federal employees, please indicate that in your response.
2. What are the individuals specified above authorized to do with disaster victims’ data and records, and what types of data were obtained?
3. What procedures does FEMA follow to protect disaster victims’ data from misuse? Are DOGE-affi liated individuals required to follow those procedures?
4. How many Americans’ personally identifi able data has been accessed by DOGE-affi liated individuals? What vetting did these individuals undergo prior to their being granted access to FEMA systems?
Leg. turned their backs on women, girls
By Sarah Smith Coalition of Conservatives in Action
Women had to fi ght for decades in order to achieve equal access to sports. Prior to the passage of Title IX in the 1970s, girls and women were excluded from most competitive athletic opportunities in schools and there were relatively few female sports programs in comparison to boys and men. Not uncommonly, sports programs for girls and women were recreational and informal instead of competitive.
That changed when Federal Title IX regulations were issued, requiring that schools and colleges who received federal funds must provide equal opportunities regardless of sex. With Title IX, the rights of girls and women to play and compete in sports were protected by law. Yet, that is all at risk once again now.
Over the last few years, trans-identifying male athletes have been allowed to play on female teams across the country. This has led to an erosion of girls’ and women’s access to competitive sports. Males are physiologically stronger and more powerful than females, and that does not change much even with the use of cross-sex hormones. So, when males are allowed to compete against women, the women often end up on the losing end. This is resulting in girls and women being displaced in sports teams, scholarship opportunities, and athletic competitions. It is clearly unfair for girls and women to have
Sarah Smith
to compete against boys and men, but the problems do not stop there. It’s not safe for girls and women to play against boys and men in sports. Ignoring biological reality puts girls and women at risk of severe injury.
For instance, high schooler Payton McNabb in North Carolina suffered severe brain and neck injuries after a transgender athlete spiked a volleyball into her face. Payton has suffered long-term effects from her injuries, including partial paralysis, impaired vision, learning disabilities, constant headaches, and depression. Other female athletes have also been injured when forced to play against males. A poll of registered New Mexico voters found that 94% of New Mexicans oppose biological males being able to share locker rooms with girls and 84% of New Mexicans oppose boys playing in girls’ sports. To that end, Republican lawmakers recently introduced House Bill 185 to ensure that girls’ and women’s rights to single-sex sports are protected. The Bill was heard in the NM House Consumer and Public
Affairs Committee on Feb. 13. As a mother of two teens, I watched the hearing with hopes of seeing our legislators take action to protect girls’ and women’s sports. I am sick of party politics, and I hoped to see both Democrat and Republican lawmakers fi nd common ground in standing up for the rights of women and girls. Payton McNabb testified to share her experience of suffering a serious brain injury when forced to play volleyball against a biological male. Additionally, the poll results were shared with the committee, showing that New Mexicans are overwhelmingly in favor of single sex sports for girls and women.
Nonetheless, Rep. Andrea Romero stated that, “Trans women are women, and their rights to participate in sports should be protected.” Ultimately, the committee voted to table (kill) the Bill on party lines: Democrat Reps. Joanne Ferrary, Angelica Rubio, Romero, and Elizabeth «Liz» Thomson voted to table the bill, while Republican Reps. John Block and Stefani Lord voted against tabling the bill. It was frustrating to see that this issue is being treated as a Democrats-vsRepublicans issue, when it is really a women’s rights issue. Trans-identifying athletes need to compete against their own biological sex, both for fairness and safety. Yet our Democratled legislature has chosen to politicize this issue and has turned its back on the girls and women of New Mexico.
The rise of Musk Derangement Syndrome
By Rich Lowry King Syndicate
Democrats have finally found someone they hate more than Donald Trump. Elon Musk, who is currently running roughshod over the federal bureaucracy with a sleep-deprived team of brilliant young tech geeks, is the public enemy of the hour.
After a devastating election loss and three weeks into a whirlwind Trump administration, what most animates a leaderless Democratic Party is their collective shock and horror occasioned by Elon Musk and his handiwork.
If Trump Derangement Syndrome has abated somewhat, Musk Derangement Syndrome has arisen to fill the vacuum. Democrats are braying for Musk to get arrested at rallies in the street. They’re trying
to subpoena him. They want to know if his DOGE team is guilty of breaches of national security.
They are targeting him with a bill they’ve dubbed, embarrassingly, the Eliminate Looting of Our Nation by Mitigating Unethical State Kleptocracy (ELON MUSK) Act.
The greatest entrepreneur of our time is bringing a Silicon Valley ethos to the task of pruning and rationalizing federal agencies, a job that Democrats long assumed was so gargantuan and complex that no one would ever dare seriously attempt it, let alone accomplish it.
The German leftist Rudi Dutschke is associated with the idea of “the long march through the institutions,” or a slow takeover of society by co-opting political and cultural centers of power. In Washington, Musk is attempting a very short march
through the institutions — trying to reorient the federal bureaucracy and ax waste long targeted by Republicans in a matter of weeks.
In the first Trump administration, Trump adviser Peter Navarro boasted of doing things on “Trump time,” or faster than anyone would have thought possible absent the impatient proddings of his boss. “Musk time” is more rapid still.
A common charge against Musk is that he’s unelected. “Nobody Voted for Elon Musk,” the progressive publication Mother Jones huffed. Well, yes, but no
one voted for any other Trump adviser, either. The president is elected to run the executive branch and then relies on a myriad people in different positions with varying degrees of power and influence — none of whom are elected — to do it.
There is a long history of presidents tapping informal advisors to assist them. The originally derisive term, “kitchen cabinet,” dates back to Andrew Jackson in the 1830s.
It is also rich to complain about Elon Musk’s unelected status when no one in the vast federal apparatus
that he’s grappling with was elected, either. The difference is that Musk is operating with the approval of a newly elected president.
Of course, the legalities matter. Musk is a so-called special government employee, which makes him more than just a billionaire who’s walked in off the streets, but his powers are limited. As long as federal officers are acting on his advice rather than Musk issuing orders directly, his influence should pass legal muster.
In general, Musk’s DOGE would be well-advised to take account of potential legal obstacles and “move less quickly than it might like and break things,” rather than “move fast and break things” and get blocked by the courts.
One way or the other, though, the Trump administration’s vision of executive power is on a collision course with the congressional spending power that will inevitably create politically fraught, highly consequential litigation.
As for the Democrats’ campaign against Musk, they may well succeed in making him a hate fi gure. If the Democrats take the House, presumably their fi rst act will be to launch an investigation of Musk and issue a 1,000-page report with an hour-by-hour account of the moves of every 23-year-old working for him on DOGE. But, by then, Musk already may have made meaningful changes to how the federal government works and be on to his next project — say, mining meteorites or making cold fusion practical. In the meantime, becoming such an enormous lightning rod that he diverts some of the political heat from Trump himself is another one of Elon Musk’s seemingly impossible achievements. Rich Lowry is editor of the National Review. © 2025 by King Features Synd., Inc.
President Donald Trump with reporters and Elon Musk and his son “X.”
Senators raise alarm over Trump admin pushing illegal funding cuts to NIH
LEG. WORRY ACTIONS COULD DERAIL LIFE-SAVING RESEARCH
By Sen. Martin Heinrich
ASHINGTON
WD.C. — U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., and Ben Ray Luján, D-NM, alongside 45 Senate Democrats, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. expressing serious concern over the Trump administration’s recent decisions that threaten to create a serious funding shortfall for research institutions in New Mexico, undermine progress on lifesaving scientific advancements, jeopardize the U.S. economy, and endanger the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of workers.
“As the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, the National Institutes of Health plays a critical role in sustaining the research infrastructure necessary for scientific breakthroughs in cancer treatment, infectious disease prevention, and medical technology innovation, among many others,” the senators wrote. “President
Trump has wreaked havoc on the nation’s biomedical research system in recent weeks. In his fi rst several days in office, President Trump imposed a hiring freeze, communications freeze, ban on travel, and cancellation of grant review and advisory panels that are necessary to advance research. While some of these efforts have been reversed, they continue to cause confusion and miscommunication among researchers and recipients of NIH funds.”
This month, the NIH announced it would set the maximum reimbursement rate for indirect costs to 15% — creating a serious funding shortfall for research institutions of all types across the country. This move would dismantle the biomedical research system, stifle the development of new cures for diseases, and affect ongoing research important to New Mexicans such as clinical trial research at the University of New Mexico.
Importantly, this change is not a cost savings one. It
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
is a cost transfer to organizations that cannot afford to pay the difference. This action by the Trump administration is unlawful — Congress’ bipartisan Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Bill prohibits modifi cations to NIH’s indirect costs.
“This change to NIH’s indirect cost rate represents an indiscriminate funding cut that will be nothing short of catastrophic for the lifesaving research that patients and families are counting on,” the
senators wrote. “The administration’s new policy means that research will come to a halt, sick kids may not get the treatment they need, and clinical trials may shut down abruptly.”
The senators pointed out that, in addition to the stifl ing impact on discovering new cures and ripping away treatment from those who need it, changes to NIH policy and communications threaten jobs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. NIH research supported more than 1,400 jobs and spurred nearly $290 million in new economic activity in New Mexico during Fiscal Year 2023.
“The Trump Administration has left researchers, universities, and health systems with great uncertainty about whether they can continue to support entire research programs and patient clinical trials across the country.,” the senators wrote. “Institutions and grantees nationwide are dealing with an unprecedented external communications ‘pause’ enacted by new leadership at
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the lack of transparency regarding the Administration’s illegal funding freeze, and the uncertainty of how new Executive Orders would be applied to their critical work. These actions resulted in NIH freezing grant reviews and cancelling advisory meetings, delaying critical funding that scientists need to continue advancing new cures and treatments. These disruptions do not just slow research — they cost lives.”
“Our standing as a world leader in funding and producing new medical and scientifi c innovations has been put at risk by these recent actions from the Trump Administration. We urge you to stop playing political games with the lifesaving work of the NIH and to allow NIH research to continue uninterrupted,” the senators concluded.
A federal judge in Boston temporarily blocked the NIH rate cut during the week of Feb. 10 and set a hearing for Feb. 21.
Call this newspaper for more details or visit www.nmpress.org for more details.
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LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES
STATE OF NEW MEXICO COUNTY OF MCKINLEY
ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT NO.
IDAHO HOUSING AND FINANCE ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, v. AUTUMN HARDY, WELLS FARGO BANK NA, NEW MEXICO MORTGAGE FINANCE AUTHORITY, Defendants.
NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that the undersigned Special Master will on March 6, 2025 at 11:00 AM, outside the Outside the front entrance of the McKinley County Courthouse, 207 W. Hill, Gallup, NM, sell and convey to the highest bidder for cash all the right, title, and interest of the above-named defendants in and to the following described real estate located in said County and State: Lot Twenty (20) in JUNIPER HILLS SUBDIVISION PH -3 FINAL PLAT, as the same is shown and designated on the Plat of said Subdivision filed in the office of the County Clerk of McKinley County, New Mexico on January 14, 2003 in Plat Cabinet “E”, Folio No. 149. The address of the real property is 9 Mae Ln, Gamerco, NM 87317. Plaintiff does not represent or warrant that the stated street address is the street address of the described property; if the street address does not match the legal description, then the property being sold herein is the property more particularly described above, not the property
located at the street address; any prospective purchaser at the sale is given notice that it should verify the location and address of the property being sold. Said sale will be made pursuant to the judgment entered on January 8, 2025 in the above entitled and numbered cause, which was a suit to foreclose a mortgage held by the above Plaintiff and wherein Plaintiff was adjudged to have a lien against the above-described real estate in the sum of $188,477.30 plus interest from October 16, 2024 to the date of sale at the rate of 3.000% per annum, the costs of sale, including the Special Masters fee, publication costs, plus any additional attorney fees and costs actually expended from the date of this judgment until the date of the Special Master’s Sale, plus those additional amounts, if any, which Plaintiff expended for taxes, insurance, or any other cost of upkeep of the property of any sort. Plaintiff has the right to bid at such sale and submit its bid verbally or in writing. The Plaintiff may apply all or any part of its judgment to the purchase price in lieu of cash.
At the date and time stated above, the Special Master may postpone the sale to such later date and time as the Special Master may specify.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that this sale may be subject to a bankruptcy filing, a payoff, a reinstatement or any other condition that would cause the cancellation of this sale. Further, if any of these conditions exist, at the time of sale, this sale will be null and void, the successful bidder’;s funds shall be returned, and the Special Master and the mortgagee giving this notice shall not be liable to the successful bidder for any damages.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the real property and improvements concerned with herein will be sold subject to any and all patent reservations, easements, all recorded and unrecorded liens not foreclosed herein, and all recorded and unrecorded special assessments and taxes that may be due. Plaintiff and its attorneys disclaim all responsibility for, and the purchaser at the sale takes the property subject to, the valuation of the property by the County Assessor as real or personal property, affixture of any mobile or manufactured home to the land, deactivation of title to a mobile or man-
ufactured home on the property, if any, environmental contamination on the property, if any, and zoning violations concerning the property, if any.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the purchaser at such sale shall take title to the above-described real property subject to rights of redemption.
Dated: January 15, 2025. /s/ Margaret Lake Margaret Lake Special Master Pro Legal Services, LLC 201 Eubank Blvd. NE, Suite A1 Albuquerque, NM 87123 (505) 715-3711
Published: Gallup Sun January 31, 2025 February 7, 2025 February 14, 2025 February 21 2025 ***
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEW MEXICO
AMERICAN SAVINGS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, an Arizona Corporation, Plaintiff, vs. No. 1:24-cv-01250-WJ-KK JORDAN INVESTMENTS, LLC, a New Mexico limited liability company, ELAINE N. JORDAN, DAVID JORDAN, CITY OF GALLUP, MCKINLEY COUNTY TREASURER, NEW MEXICO TAXATION AND REVENUE DEPARTMENT, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, AND ALL UNKNOWN CLAIMANTS OF INTEREST IN THE PREMISES ADVERSE TO PLAINTIFF Defendants.
NOTICE OF SALE
WHEREAS, a Default Judgment was rendered in the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico on January 30, 2025, for the Plaintiff in Cause No. 1:24-cv-01250-WJKK, wherein American Saving Life Insurance Company, an Arizona Corporation were the Plaintiffs and, Jordan Investments, LLC, a New Mexico limited liability company, Elaine N. Jordan, David Jordan, City of Gallup, McKinley County Treasurer, State Of New Mexico Taxation And Revenue Department, Internal Revenue Service, and All Unknown Claimants Of Interest In The Premises Adverse To Plaintiffs, were the Defendants, foreclosing a mortgage of record in McKinley County, New Mexico,
OBITUARIES
Phone: (505) 722-8994
Fax: (505) 212-0391
Email: gallupsun@gmail.com
upon the following described real estate situated in said county, to-wit:
Parcel 1:
The West Fifteen Feet (W15’) Lot Six (8) and all of Lots Seven (7), Eight (8), Nine (9) and Ten (10) in Block Nineteen (19) of A&P RAILWAY CO’S ADDITION, TO THE City of Gallup, New Mexico, as the same is shown and designated upon the Map of said Addition (survey and plat by H.C. Nutt, Trustee for Atlantic and Pacific Railroad Company) filed in the office of the then Probate Clerk and Ex-Officio Recorder of Bernalillo County, New Mexico on July 5, 1893, a copy of said Map being now on file in the office of the County Clerk of McKinley County, New Mexico.
And
Parcel 2:
Lots Nineteen (19), Twenty (20), Twenty One (21) and Twenty Two (22) in Block Fourteen (14) of A&P RAILWAY CO’S ADDITION, TO THE City of Gallup, New Mexico, as the same Is shown and designated upon the Map of said Addition (survey and plat by H.C. Nutt, Trustee for Atlantic and Pacific Railroad Company) filed in the office of the then Probate Clerk and Ex-Officio Recorder of Bernalillo County, New Mexico on July 8,1893, a copy of said Map being now on file in the office of the County Clerk of McKinley County, New Mexico.
Commonly known as 102, 104, 107 and 109 E HILL AVE., Gallup, NM 87301
WHEREAS, the undersigned, was appointed Special Master by the Court to make said sale.
NOW THEREFORE, by virtue of the power vested in me by law, decree and order of sale, I, the undersigned will on the 18th day of March, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the front door of the County Courthouse in Gallup, McKinley County, New Mexico, aforesaid, offer for sale and sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, all the above described real estate, in the manner prescribed in said decree. That the amount due Plaintiffs, American Saving Life Insurance Company, an Arizona Corporation, on their first lien position at the date of sale, including principal, interest, special master’s fee and costs is the amount of $517,483.19. That the cost of publication will be added at the date of sale. That the described property shall be sold subject to ad valorem taxes, if any, presently accrued on the subject property.
sor as real or personal property, affixture of any mobile or manufactured home to the land, deactivation of title to a mobile or manufactured home on the property, if any, environmental contamination on the property, if any, and zoning violations concerning the property, if any.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the purchaser at such sale shall take title to the above- described real property subject to a one (1) month right of redemption. PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS AT SALE ARE ADVISED TO MAKE THEIR OWN EXAMINATION OF THE TITLE AND THE CONDITION OF THE PROPERTY AND TO CONSULT THEIR OWN ATTORNEY BEFORE BIDDING
DATED this ______ day of __________________, 2025.
/s/ Paul Whetten Paul Whetten - Special Master Respectfully Submitted By: POOL LAW FIRM, P.C.
/s/ Wesley O. Pool WESLEY O. POOL 201 Innsdale Terrace Clovis, NM 88101 Tel. (575) 762-8300 wesley@poollawfirm. com Attorney for Plaintiff
Published: Gallup Sun February 21, 2025 February 28, 2025 March 7, 2025 March 14, 2025 ***
CITY OF GALLUP
Whole Block Reconstruction - Elva Drive Gallup NM (Re-Bid) CITY OF GALLUP, NEW MEXICO
Invitation to Bid No. 2026-ITB-005
Notice is hereby given that the City of Gallup, New Mexico will receive sealed bids for Whole Block Reconstruction - Elva Drive Gallup NM (Re-Bid) until the hour of 2:00 pm, local time, on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at the office of the Procurement Manager at City Hall, via the City’s eProcurement Portal. Bids will be opened, read and tabulated at that time. No bids will be received or considered if received after the time stated above.
may be examined at the office of the Purchasing Director located at 110 West Aztec, Gallup, NM 87301, phone number (505) 863-1334. Additional information regarding this bid may also be viewed at https:// procurement.opengov. com/portal/gallupnm/ projects/145427.
Plans, Specifications and Bidding Documents may be obtained from DePauli Engineering & Surveying, 307 S. 4th Street Gallup, NM 87301, upon deposit of Two Hundred Fifty dollars ($250.00), all of which will be refunded upon return of the documents within ten (10) days after bid opening.
Dated: 11th of February, 2025
By: /S/ By: Louis Bonaguidi, Mayor
Classified Legal Column: Gallup Sun Publishing Date: Sunday-February 21, 2025
INVITATION FOR BID
PARKING REPLACE PROJECT – 206 MARCE PROJECT #CFP22-012025
GALLUP HOUSING AUTHORITY
February 11, 2025
The Gallup Housing Authority is inviting qualified GB-2 or GB-98 licensed and insured Contractors to provide a written BID for PARKING REPLACEMENT PROJECT – 206 Marce, #CFP22-01-2025, as described in the BID package. You are invited to submit a delivered or emailed BID to be received by Mike Burnside, Project Coordinator, for the Gallup Housing Authority. The Housing Authority Main office is located at 203 Debra Drive, Gallup, NM 87301, phone number (505) 722-4388. Contact Mike Burnside to receive a Bid Package and to make an appointment if you wish to see the housing units and site. Site review is required.
BID must be submitted with all the required documents in a sealed envelope with the words “BID Documents – “Parking Replace Project – 206 Marce”, and your company name on the front.
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the real property and improvements concerned with herein will be sold subject to any and all patent reservations, easements, and all taxes and utility liens, special assessments and taxes that may be due. Plaintiff, American Savings Life Insurance Company, an Arizona Corporation, its attorneys, and the undersigned Special Master, disclaim all responsibility for, and the purchaser at the sale takes the property “as is,” in its present condition, subject to the valuation of the property by the County Asses-
The project location is Elva Drive, a residential street, dead end street south of an existing water storage tank. This project is for city street improvements along whole blocks. The project is to improve drainage, provide ADA compliant sidewalks, and provide residents with quality residential aesthetics. Work shall include the removal and replacement of existing curb, gutter, sidewalks and residential drivepads. The project includes the installation of ADA curb ramps, pedestrian crossings, and street lighting. The removal and relocation of existing items includes fences, traffic control signage, and landscaping. Existing water meter lids and valve cans shall be inspected and regraded to match new finished grade elevations.
Plans, Specifications, and Bidding Documents
A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 11:00 AM, in the GHA Conference Room. Your BID must arrive no later than 3:00 PM, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2025, at the Gallup Housing Authority, Main Office, or email Mike. Burnside@galluphousing.com. BIDs received after this date and time will not be accepted.
The Gallup Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all BIDs or any part thereof and to waive any informality in any BID not deemed in the best interest of the Housing Authority.
Please refer any questions regarding this Invitation for Bid in writing (via e-mail) to: Mike.Burnside@galluphousing.com
Published: Gallup Sun February 21, 2025