Gallup Sun ● May 31, 2024

NYGREN DENIES MONTOYA’S CLAIMS OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT INDIAN COUNTRY, A5

Gallup Sun VOL 10 | ISSUE 479

www.gallupsun.com

May 31, 2024

The battle for the District 3 County Commissioner seat GALANIS-DIMAS, BACA BOTH HAVE BIG PLANS

By Molly Ann Howell Managing Editor

T

he 2024 elect ion is approaching swiftly, and primaries will take place on June 4. On the local side of things, incumbent McKinley County District 3 Commissioner Robert Baca and former communications director at McKinley County’s Metropolita n Dispatch Authority Georgene GalanisDimas are preparing to face off.

WHY GALANIS-DIMAS WANTED TO RUN For almost 10 years, Galanis-Dimas was the communications director at McKinley County’s Metropolitan Dispatch Authority before leaving the position to take care of her mother and 92-year-old grandmother full-time in February. But now, after almost six months away, she’s ready to tackle a new role.

As the director at Metro Dispatch, Galanis-Dimas worked closely with the commissioners and county government, including her brother-in-law, County Manager Anthony Dimas. She said they were able to keep their professional and personal lives separate during her time at Metro Dispatch, and she doesn’t see that changing if she’s elected to the county commission.

Galanis-Dimas said she saw a lot of opportunity for change during her time at Metro Dispatch.

“I saw a lot of things I could change or have better ideas for,” she said. “I spoke to people who said ‘Hey, why doesn’t the county do this?’ Our 911 center was a city and county entity, so I attended city council meetings. People were always like, ‘Why are you here?’ It’s just my love for community; what are we doing, what can we do better….”

She told the Sun that it was actually her family who convinced her to run.

She said her kids were always asking her why she hadn’t run for office yet, and her husband saw her true strength come out

Incumbent McKinley County District 3 Commissioner Robert Baca

Georgene Galanis-Dimas

when she was taking care of her mother and grandmother, and encouraged her to take the plunge and run for office.

But her passion for McKinley County and the City of Gallup isn’t the only thing that pushed her to run. Galanis-Dimas’ dad was the late George Galanis. He served his community in multiple ways — starting with two terms as the McKinley County Treasurer from 1980 to 1984, then moving on to the New Mexico House of Representatives from 1985 to 1988. He then served as the Mayor of Gallup from 1991 to 1994 before working as a Magistrate Judge from 2001 to 2007. He died in 2021.

Galanis-Dimas said she learned a lot about helping the community from her dad.

“He always wanted me to run for office,” she said. “He said ‘If you ever run for office, it doesn’t matter if someone just got out of jail or if they own a multi-million-dollar business, you take that call and you talk to them.’ … My dad really taught me not to take ‘no’ or ‘can’t’ for an answer.

There’s always another way or a different way.”

W H AT S H E HO PE S T O ACCOMPLISH Galanis-Dimas said her top priority when entering the commissioner role is maintaining transparency. As she prepares for the role, she’s done some research, looking into public records and the history of the Commission. She explained why transparency is so important to her.

“I’m really running on transparency because I would’ve liked to look at ‘Well, what are we as a county doing? Why couldn’t we get this task done? Why did we purchase this property as a county?” she said.

As a former health care worker, she wants the hospital to remain open. Then there is dealing with the ongoing concerns regarding public safety and local water issues, specifically the success of the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project.

With all this in mind, she said she plans to have an open-door policy if she wins the commissioner seat.

“I don’t want my picture [on the county’s website],” she said. “I want my phone number and personal email there. I want people to address me directly. I want to listen to people’s thoughts, ideas, experiences, and education.”

B AC A WA N TS T O K E E P WORKING ON HIS PROJECTS Incumbent Distr ict 3 County Commissioner Robert Baca hopes to continue his work on the County Commission to improve facilities and resources across the county.

Before Baca was elected county commissioner during the 2020 elections, he already carried a long history of public service. He served as a lieutenant with the New Mexico Department of Public Safety’s Motor Transportation Police for 26 years before retiring in 2011. He then worked as a Magistrate Judge in McKinley County, serving one term from 2012 to 2014. He also served as an associate judge for the Pueblo of Zuni from July 2016 to September 2017.

He’s since served on multiple boards and committees, including the Local Emergency Planning Committee. He is currently the Chair of that committee.

When asked why he wanted to enter local government in the first place, he said he felt as if he needed to stand up.

“I believe that if you’re going to sit

District Attorney race candidates discuss staffi ng concerns

By Molly Ann Howell Managing Editor

I

ncumbent Distr ict A t t o r n e y fo r t h e Elevent h Jud ici a l Distr ict Ber nad i ne Martin is hoping to hold her seat and win reelection in November, but her opponent Grant Birtcher worries that not everything is getting prosecuted properly under her watch.

A district attorney represents the government in criminal cases, including felonies and misdemeanors. To do this, they need help. In

Incumbent District Attorney for the Eleventh Judicial District Bernadine Martin an interview with the Sun, Birtcher voiced his concerns about a lack of staff in Martin’s office.

Currently, Martin only

Grant Birtcher is currently an attorney for the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority. He is running for Eleventh Judicial District Attorney office. has her Chief Deputy and two contract attorneys working under her.

Bi r t cher s a id t he office actually needs about nine or ten prosecutors to properly prosecute criminals. He said he’s got five attorneys who have unofficially said they would come work with him if he won the District Attorney election.

“It says a lot when no one wants to work for the current DA,” he said. “It’s unfortunate, but it’s the reality of it.”

Ma r t i n a dd res sed B i r t c h e r ’s s t a f f i n g

See DISTRICT ATTORNEY, Page A7

around and complain about something, you should have a solution or you should be willing to step up and help,” he said. “As a citizen I want to know where my money is going and how it’s being spent and what’s being done for us. [Being a commissioner] kind of let me in and let me see some of the things that were happening.”

As a commissioner, Baca has helped the County pass bills and legislation to fix up Red Rock Park, including improving the park’s bathrooms. He’s also helped bring funding to Rehoboth McKinley County Hospital in an effort to keep its doors open.

Baca also worked with the Gallup City Council for their restoration efforts, giving each councilor $25,000 to improve neighborhood parks in their districts.

WORK TO BE DONE But Baca is not done yet. He said he does have some plans for future projects, including hiring the right groups to redesign and fix the entryway into Red Rock Park so it’s not so congested when people are trying to get in and out.

Then there are the other ongoing issues around Gallup. He wants to improve the roads around the city, and so he has met and discussed with Ricky Serva, Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Department of Transportation, on how to handle that project.

Baca also highlighted the lack of affordable housing as one of those challenges. He has partnered with Gallup Land Partners to develop affordable housing options for the community. However, this is still a project in progress.

He wants people to feel as though they can reach out to him and share their concerns about what is happening around Gallup or McKinley County.

“There are things [people] can bring to me that I can be the advocate for them with the city or [I can] try to find some funding for projects that maybe they want to do,” he said.

But at the end of the day, he wants people to know that serving on the County Commission is not a one-man job.

“With County Commission, this isn’t something one person does,” he said. “It takes the commission to do it. You can have the idea, but it takes everyone saying

See COUNTY COMMISSIONER, Page A7

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A2 Friday, May 31, 2024 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

Summer Meals Beginning June 13th, 2024, GMCS and SFE will be offering hot meals for breakfast and lunch as well as 5-Day Meal Kits. Students ages 1-18 are eligible to receive hot meals or 5-Day Meal Kits. Meal Kits and Lunch available on a first come first serve basis.

See the following for locations and dates for hot breakfast & lunches.

JUNE 13, 17,18, 20, 24, 25, 26 & 27 Crownpoint High Navajo Pine High Ramah High Thoreau High Tohatchi High Gallup High Miyamura High

JULY 8,9,10,11,15,16,17,18, 22, 23, 24, & 25 Catherine A. Miller Elementary Chee Dodge Elementary David Skeet Elementary Del Norte Elementary Indian Hills Elementary Jefferson Elementary Lincoln Elementary Navajo Elementary Ramah Elementary Red Rock Elementary Stagecoach Elementary Thoreau Elementary Tohatchi Elementary Turpen Elementary Twin Lakes Elementary Chief Manuelito Mid Crownpoint Mid Gallup Mid JFK Mid Navajo Mid Thoreau Mid Tohatchi Mid Crownpoint High Gallup High Miyamura High Navajo Pine High Ramah High Thoreau High Tohatchi High Tse Yi Gai High

5-Day Meal Kits will be issued at the following locations on June 17,24 & July 1.

Catherine A. Miller Elementary Chee Dodge Elementary David Skeet Elementary Del Norte Elementary Indian Hills Elementary Jefferson Elementary Lincoln Elementary Red Rock Elementary Stagecoach Elementary Twin Lakes Elementary 5 Day Meal Kits will issued at the following locations on the dates listed below: Cliffside Apartments June 20 & 27 Sun Valley Apartments June 20 & 27 Cedar Hills Apartments June 18 & 25 Hoogahn Hozho Apartments June 18 & 25 Pinon Hills Apartments June 17 & 24 Red Hills Trailer Park June 17 & 24

Look for the SFE Food Trucks on June 17, 18, 20, 24, 25, 26 & 27; July8,9,10,11,15,16,17,18, 22, 23, 24, & 25 for other hot meal options this summer. They will be set up at the following locations on the dates above.

Ford Canyon Park Bubany Park Golden Age Park John B. Romero Park Viro Circle Park

Menus are subject to change. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

NEWS

Gallup Sun • Friday, May 31, 2024

NEWS

A3

LOCAL NEWS

End in sight for Phase Record spring heat 3 of Nizhoni Boulevard sends over 50 New repair project Mexicans to ERs with CITY SPENDS OVER $6 MILLION ON heat-related illnesses UTILITIES, SIDEWALKS Staff Reports

S

Staff Reports

N

izhoni Boulevard has been in some for m of repa i r since March 2020, but now city staff are saying an end is in sight — at least for Phase 3.

THE HISTORY OF THE PROJECT To begin fi xing what is one of t he ma jor roads that goes through Gallup, the city fi rst had to have someone design the project. The city awarded a contract to DePauli Engineering and Surveying for the design of the Nizhoni Boulevard Reconstr uction project, for a total of over $350,000.

The main goal of the project wa s to make sure the sidewalks along t he roa d were A DAcompliant, make storm drainage improvements, and make a dedicated nor t hbou nd tu r n of f Nizhoni Boulevard onto Second Street.

After the design phase was completed in May 2022, the city had the go ahead to start construction. Phase 2 officially started in October 2022.

Phase 2 saw Murphy Builders, Inc. begin work on the intersection of Nizhoni Boulevard and College Drive. That part of the project was finished in June and cost the city over $900,000.

THE CURRENT SITUATION The most expensive part of the project so far has been Phase 3, which started in May 2023. Staff said that portion of the project has cost over $6 million so far.

The high price tag comes from the fact that Phase 3 concentrates on improving all of Nizhoni Boulevard’s underground

The intersection of Nizhoni Boulevard and Second Street will see some major changes in Phase 4 of the Nizhoni Boulevard Reconstruction project.

Photo Credit: Kim Helfenbein utilities. It’s also when the sidewalks and curbs were looked at and made A DA- compl i a nt . T he entire road – expect for the intersection of Nizhoni Boulevard and Second Street — was resurfaced as well.

In an interview with the Sun Interim City Manager J.M. DeYoung said that the project as a whole has taken longer than city staff anticipated due to unforeseen circumstances.

W hen t hey bega n work on t he u nderground utilities, they ran into New Mexico gas and Comcast phone and internet lines.

“Their lines were right in the middle of the trenches, and it took a long time to get them to move the lines out of the way,” DeYoung explained.

T he con s t r uc t ion crews also ran into a ton of rock when they excavated for the new water and sewer lines. One of the sewer lines was 25 feet underground, which added a different challenge.

Drainage was an additional issue, along with weather delays.

“I’m not goi ng to complain about this, but we had a little bit more

moisture this winter than in winters past, so that caused some delays,” DeYoung said.

With all that being said, DeYoung said the city hopes to complete Phase 3 by August.

FINISHING UP THE PROJECT R i g h t n o w, t h e nor thside of Nizhoni Boulevard is open to traffic, with the southside closed for construction while crews install wastewater lines and drainage. They will fi nish by milling over the service.

Then it will be on to Phase 4, the final part of the project, which will concentrate on the intersection of Nizhoni Boulevard and Second Street DeYou ng sa id t he city will go out to bid for Phase 4 once Phase 3 is complete.

Correction May 24’s not ice of upcom i ng pr ima r y elect ion on page B5 misspelled State Representative District 9 candidate Christopher Hudson’s name.

ince April 1 there have been at least 51 heat-related visits to emergency rooms a cros s New Mex ico.

A s temperatu res a re expected to climb to the mid to upper 90s in Roswell and Carlsbad and remain in the low 90s in Las Cruces during NMHealth provides some tips on how to stay safe and cool this the week of May 27, the summer. File Photo New Mexico Department of Health is urging residents to take Certain groups are more vulnerable precautions to stay cool. The eastern to these conditions, including: part of the state will also experience • People who work outside. high temperatures, reaching the • Athletes and others who spend upper 80s to 90°F. time outside.

“While anyone can get sick from • Young children and infants, espeexposure to heat, everyone can lower cially when they are left unattended the risk of getting sick by taking pre- in cars. cautions”, Dr. Miranda Durham, Chief • Older adults as people cannot Medical Officer for NMHealth, said. regulate our internal temperatures “This Memorial Day weekend and all as well as they age. summer, be mindful of the tempera• People with chronic medical ture when you and your family are conditions may have a serious health outdoors.” problem during a heat wave.

Symptoms of heat-related ill• Pregnant people are at higher nesses can range from rash and sunburn to cramps and exhaustion.

See SPRING HEAT, Page A7

In my three and a half years as your County Commissioner for the City of Gallup, I have been instrumental in pushing for the following: 1.

I promised to keep RMCH open, and I fought to do that.

2.

Worked with State legislators to obtain funding for RMCH payroll and debt relief.

3.

Worked to get funding from state and federal legislators for Red Rock Park improvements.

4.

I am working with city councilors individually on district projects such as homelessness, roads, trash.

5.

Working to create an industrial park on Carbon Coal road and providing the infrastructure to the area such as water, sewer and power.

6.

Working with GLP (Gallup Land Partners) in a public private partnership to create affordable housing.

7.

Working with GLP (Gallup Land Partners) to create an inland port on County Road 1 to bring jobs to the area.

8.

Gave 25k to each city councilor for neighborhood park repairs/ improvements.

9.

I have worked to have more joint meetings with the city to work on projects for the community.

10. I am working to bring water to the Williams Acres and Allison communities.

Future plans are to: 1.

Build an additional road into Red Rock Park.

2.

Help the city to acquire funding to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant.

3.

'SRXMRYI [SVOMRK XS EHZSGEXI JSV 21(38 XS ǖ \ GMX] VSEHW

4.

Work towards having one regional hospital for McKinley County.

Paid for by citizens to Elect Robert Baca. Ruth Gonzales Treasurer

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A4 Friday, May 31, 2024 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

PUBLIC SAFETY

PUBLIC SAFETY

Weekly DWI Report Gallup Sun Publishing, LLC

Staff Reports

Publisher Babette Herrmann

Featured DWI

Managing Editor Molly Ann Howell Executive Director Mandy Marks Design Iryna Borysova Contributing Editor Cody Begaye Correspondents Dee Velasco Photography Kimberley Helfenbein Merrisha Livingston Jenny Pond The Gallup Sun, published Fridays, is not responsible or liable for any claims or offerings, nor responsible for availability of products advertised.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Gallup Sun distributes newspapers in McKinley, Cibola and Apache counties.

Office: 1983 State Rd. 602 Gallup, NM 87301 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Gallup Sun, PO Box 1212, Gallup, NM. Mailing Address: PO Box 1212 Gallup, NM 87305 www.gallupsun.com Phone: (505) 722-8994 Fax: (505) 212-0391 gallupsun@gmail.com

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THANK YOU ADVERTISERS Amazing Grace Insurance - B1 Amigo Automotive Group - A1 505 Burgers and Wings - A6 Bubany Insurance Agency - B3 Butler’s Office Equipment & Supply - B3 City of Gallup Tourism & Marketing Department - B8 El Morro Theater A7& B4 Gallup Housing Authority - B5 Gallup McKinley County Schools A2 & B7 Keller Williams Realty Gallup Living - A1 Kiewit New Mexico Co. - A6 Patty Lundstrom A5 Pinnacle Bank - B2 Robert Baca - A3 Rollie Mortuary B4 Route 66 Diner - A7 Thunderbird Supply Company - A3 & B1 Western New Mexico University - A4

Colby Ty Livingston May 23, 2:33 pm DWI with minor in vehicle Gallup Police arrested a Church Rock ma n, Colby Livingston, 22, and charged with him aggravated DWI along with two counts of DWI with a minor in the vehicle.

Patrolman Anthony Morales responded to a report of a possible DWI with children at risk in the drive-thru of the McDonald’s at 2300 E. Hwy. 66. He arrived at the scene and found a vehicle matching the ca ller descr iption, a white Chevrolet Equinox.

Morales activated his unit’s emergency lights before he approached the vehicle. He reported ly saw the d r iver, L iv i ng st on, slu mped over at the wheel drifting in and out of consciousness. The report stated there was an infant in Livingston’s lap and a second infant in the backseat that was not secure in their seat.

L i v i n g s t on b eg a n to stir when Morales announced his presence.

He reportedly showed signs of intoxication including bloodshot eyes and, as described by the witness at the scene, slurred speech and smelling of alcohol. Livingston would not respond to Morales’ directions and tried to flee the scene upon exiting the vehicle, but he was restrained.

The w itness, a n employee at McDonald’s, told Morales that she had seen Livingston come through the drive-thru

multiple times and he repor ted ly appea red drunk. After being transported to Gallup Police Depa r tment, Mora les ref u sed t o t a ke t he Standard Field Sobriety Tests, but he did agree to the breath test. He posted two samples of .24.

Livingston was then taken to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked for aggravated DWI, open c o nt a i ne r, r e s i s t i n g arrest, and two counts of DWI with a minor in the vehicle. His pretrial hearing is set for June 27.

Arrested: May 23 Charge: Aggravated DWI Status: Pretrial hearing on June 25

Staff Reports

Kari Johnson Name: Makayla L. Denezpi Age: 19 Arrested: May 24 Charge: Aggravated DWI Status: Pretrial hearing on June 11

Na me: Sha nnon Tamlyn Saganey Age: 32 Arrested: May 27 Charge: Aggravated DWI Status: Pretrial hearing on June 18

Na me: Nita M. Nastacio Age: 37 Arrested: May 21 Charge: Aggravated DWI (Second) Status: Pretrial hearing on June 27 Name: Bryant Begay Age: 34 Arrested: May 27 Charge: Aggravated DWI Status: Pretrial hearing on June 25

Name: Tyler M. Sam Age: 27

Weekly Police Activity

Name: Mathus Burt Age: 20 Arrested: May 20 Charge: DWI Status: Pretrial hearing on June 18

STEALING HER SISTER’S IDENTITY Gallup, May 2 A Phoenix woman is facing charges after she allegedly tried to use her sister’s name when she was arrested.

On May 2, around 2:30 pm, Metro Dispatch told McKinley County Sheriff’s Deputy Ernesto Giron that a woman wanted to talk to someone in law enforcement

about her sister stealing her identity.

Giron called the victim, and she explained that her sister Kari Johnson, had given an officer her information when she was arrested.

The victim said she was in Window Rock, Arizona, when she got word of the situation.

According to his report, Giron drove to the McKinley County Adult Detention Center to meet with Johnson, 37. When Johnson met Giron she gave him her sister’s name, claiming it was her own. After thorough questing though, Johnson finally told Giron her real name. She also admitted that she’d been using her sister’s name.

Johnson was charged with concealing her identity. Her second pretrial hearing is scheduled for June 4.

Gamerco woman faces drug charges after her friend dies Staff Reports

A

Gamerco woman is facing charges a fter a ma n under her care died.

On April 25 around 1:3 0 pm, McK i n ley County Sheriff’s Deputy Jarad Albert responded to a call at 207 Ray Ave. in Gamerco after a man reportedly died. When he arrived at the scene, he met with the man’s father and a woman named Dianna Franco, who said she was a friend of the man.

Albert entered the bedroom in which the man’s body was located and found him lying on the floor near the bed in an upright position, his head rested on a pillow.

He was unresponsive.

Dianna Franco According to Albert’s report, he witnessed Franco, 55, try to give the man CPR. He took over f rom F r a nco, and asked her and the deceased’s father to wait outside the room while medical personnel were en route.

Albert reportedly did five chest compressions on the man before medical personnel arrived. In his report he notes that the man’s extremities were already cold to the touch. There was also what appeared to be a dark liquid on the pillow the man was lying on, as well as spots of it on the carpet.

When Albert spoke to Franco she said she was with the man on a daily basis as his official caregiver. She said she’d spent the night prior with him, and that he seemed more agitated and short-tempered than usual.

She explained that the man had spinal surgery in 2021, and it caused him a lot of back pain. Franco initially denied that she and the man took any sort of narcotic, although she did admit he’d had some Ten High whisky the night before.

The man also allegedly had his usual med ications, wh ich included lactose solution, oxycodone, gabapentin, and baclofen.

Franco said he took his prescribed amount the day before.

The morning of the incident, Franco said she was making the man his breakfast around 12:30 pm. She allegedly called for him to come eat around 1:15 pm, but

See MAN FOUND DEAD, Page A7

INDIAN COUNTRY

NEWS

Gallup Sun • Friday, May 31, 2024

A5

INDIAN COUNTRY

President Nygren disputes ‘false accusations’ by Vice President MONTOYA ALLEGED INCIDENT OCCURRED LAST AUGUST Staff Reports

W

INDOW ROCK, Ariz.

— During a May 28 press con ference, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren asserted nothing inappropriate, untoward or in violation of any policy occurred between him and Navajo Nation Vice President Richelle Montoya at a meeting last August, as she has alleged.

“I am deeply offended that I have been shamelessly slandered about this meeting,” Nygren said.

“This has led to unnecessary confusion. The Vice President’s statement last August did not support these accusations in any way. Her stories have been inconsistent and have changed over time.”

He said he asked the Vice President to meet with him only because he learned that her marriage was ending and he sought to console her. He said he wanted to offer his support and to emphasize, given their positions, that it is important for each of them to know of important events in their lives.

He said he assured her that he would be equally transparent with her, and that he wanted to extend support.

“I put one arm around her shoulder and gave her a partial side hug to show my support for her, as I have many times before,” he said. “We have always embraced and addressed each other in the spirit of k’é as ‘nalí’.”

She is my nalí (paternal granddaughter) by clan. She has never suggested to me that this gesture is in any way unwelcome or offensive to her.”

Nonet heless, t he Vice President made allegations before the Navajo Nation Council following the President’s April 16 State

of the Navajo Nation Address. The next day in a lengthy Facebook Live post on her personal page, she expressed her feelings of being uncomfortable. That resulted in both Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley and the President calling for an investigation into the allegations.

“As President of the Navajo Nation, I support and welcome an independent, fair, and transparent investigation, and one that the Navajo people can have full confidence in,” Nygren said in an April 19 press release. “This is a unique and unprecedented situation brought forth by my Vice President, who publicly made social media statements on her personal platform that has led to Speaker Curley’s statement.”

On April 19, Navajo Nation Attorney General Ethel Branch announced that because of allegations of sexual harassment, bullying and mistreatment at OPVP, she had engaged the law firm of Rothstein Donatelli “to immediately commence a thorough and comprehensive preliminary investigation regarding complaints of impropriety,” which is underway.

On her Facebook Live post, the Vice President assured listeners she was not hurt or injured.

At the May 28 press conference, Nygren asserted that nothing close to harm occurred at the meeting with her last August.

“There was no assault, and there was no sexual content or advances of any nature,” he said.

“I am deeply disappointed and offended that this interaction has been taken out of context. It was only out of concern for her wellbeing. She claims I told her she could not leave. This did not happen.”

Taking a moment to compose

himself, Nygren said the comments made by the Vice President and the resulting public condemnation well before an investigation he sought was concluded was disrespectful to his family.

“It is extremely disrespectful to my grandmother, my sister and nieces, my late mother, my wife and my daughters to falsely claim that I would abuse women,” he said. “I did not disrespect the Vice President, nor any other woman in my Administration.”

Contrary to accusations, he said his Administration is well aware that women especially have said they feel unheard, unacknowledged and their feelings are unvalidated by those they seek help from.

“Many people, especially our women, have stated that they have been harassed in the workplace,” he said. “They feel that no one is listening. Men and women all over the Navajo Nation deserve better protections. They deserve a workplace that is free of harassment.”

To address this, he said he would take four immediate steps. One would be to enact a Workplace Safety Policy for the Office of the President and Vice President.

He said he would ask the Navajo Nation Council to strengthen workplace safety laws and revise the Navajo Nation personnel policies manual. Finally, he said he would create a Commission on Workplace Safety.

“Abused workers need to be heard,” he said. “This is especially true of our Navajo women.

Many women feel that they have been the victim of workplace abuse and that no one will listen to them. I will direct the

During a May 28 press conference, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren asserted that nothing inappropriate occurred between him and Navajo Nation Vice President Richelle Montoya. File Photo Commission to have town halls around the Navajo Nation, which I will personally attend. My role there will be to listen to the victims of workplace abuse tell their stories.”

To address the allegation that OPVP is a hostile or “toxic” environment, the President acknowledged instead that each position is highly rigorous, requiring a strong work ethic of each employee.

“The fact is, working in my office is a highly demanding job,” he said. “It requires people to make many personal sacrifices.

When you look across all tribal offices, my staff are some of the first to arrive on the job and some of the last to leave. They work weekends and holidays. When it comes to work ethic, I demand excellence every day. The Navajo people deserve no less.”

He said the office employs 20 women and 10 men ranging in age from their 20s to their 70s, and all are highly educated and highly experienced.

“Let me be clear, we do not act on jinii (gossip),” he said. “I am only aware of two actual complaints within my office.”

One was a sexual harassment complaint made by an employee against another employee who was terminated. That case was turned over to law enforcement.

The other complaint came from the Vice President, he said.

“I have had great respect for the Vice President,” Nygren said.

Navajo Nation Vice President Rochelle Montoya accused President Buu Nygren of sexual misconduct in a Facebook Live video on April 17. File Photo “I have entrusted to her projects that are very important to me.

They include chapter projects, Missing or Murdered Indigenous Relatives, a review of our customer service practices within the tribal government offices, the responsible pet initiative, and oversight over offices including Miss Navajo Nation, the Diné Action Plan, and the Diné Youth Council. I gave her these responsibilities because of my respect for her.”

In the hope to restore his professional relationship with Vice President Montoya, the President asked that she participate in the Navajo program of Peacemaking with him. Navajo Peacemaking is a traditional justice system that that blends traditional Navajo customs and values to reach a non-adversarial resolution between parties.

“In order to help the people, hozhó (harmony, balance) must be restored,” Nygren said. “I invite the Vice President to join me in a Peacemaking session. I would like to meet with her and a Peacemaker to address these issues. Hozhó must be restored for the good of the Navajo people. These false accusations have caused division, uncertainty and unrest within OPVP, at the Council and within our communities. I am proud to say that despite this uncertainty, our OPVP staff has remained focused on providing essential services to our people.”

VOTE

RE-ELECT PATTY LUNDSTROM STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 9

EXPERIENCE MATTERS IN THE NM LEGISLATURE JUST A FEW OF HER ACCOMPLISHMENTS LUNDSTROM4NM.COM HB6 (2021) REMOVED THE STATE’S CLAIM TO FEDERAL IMPACT AID EDUCATIONAL FUNDING, ENSURING SCHOOL DISTRICTS LIKE GALLUP MCKINLEY WITH A HIGH NATIVE POPLUATION CAN RETAIN ALL ALLOCATED MONEY FROM CONGRESS. NOW, THE SCHOOL DISTRICT RECEIVES ALL FEDERAL FUNDING FOR OPERATIONS AND CONSTRUCTION WITHOUT PENALTY. HB92 (2007) REGULATED PAYDAY LENDING, ELIMINATING THE MOST PREDATORY LENDERS, AND PUTTING AN END TO 14-DAY PAYROLL LOANS. HB 66 (2005), THE DETOX REFORM ACT, PROVIDED EMERGENCY CIVIL COMMITMENT OF INDIVIDUALS IMPAIRED BY DRUGS OR ALCOHOL, ALLOWING THEM TO BE HELD FOR UP TO 72 HOURS. PREVIOUSLY, MANY INDIVIDUALS SUCCUMBED TO THE WINTER ELEMENTS DUE TO ALCOHOLISM. HB 1043 (2005) REGULATED HORSE RESCUE AND RETIREMENT FACILITIES, ADDRESSING THE ISSUE OF ANIMAL HOARDING AND ENSURING PROPER CARE FOR RESCUED HORSES. HB 13 (2016) ESTABLISHED THE STATE MATCH FOR THE NAVAJO GALLUP WATER SUPPLY PROJECT. THIS BILLION-DOLLAR WATER PIPELINE PROJECT, TO BE BUILT BETWEEN THE SAN JUAN RIVER AND GALLUP, IS MATCHED BY FUNDS FROM GROSS RECEIPTS AND INDIAN WATER RIGHTS FUNDS, AS REQUIRED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT PATTY LUNDSTROM JANICE WELCH TREASURER

A6 Friday, May 31, 2024 • Gallup Sun

INDIAN COUNTRY

LDS officials continue to build a relationship with the Navajo Nation Staff Reports

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INDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren thought of language revitalization and the Code Talkers when asked how could the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints help.

LDS Church members traveled to the Office of the President and Vice President on May 29 to follow up on Nygren’s visit to Salt Lake City a few months ago and ask the President what they can do to help.

“You guys have always been good to me,” Nygren said.

One priority Nygren wanted to bring to attention was the possibility of getting started in a museum for Navajo Code Talkers to preserve their history.

Immediately, the church members shared that they could jump in and help the best they could.

“If we can break ground in a year or two, that’d be amazing,” Nygren said. “If we can all work together, that would be even more amazing.”

Along with Navajo Code Talkers, Nygren wanted to see how the church could incorporate the Navajo language, Diné Bizaad, into the church to include the Diné people and its culture.

“One of the things I think about as President is the 574 other tribes,” Nygren said. “They look up to the Navajo Nation, and when a huge percent of our young people don’t speak the language, we have to come up with a way they can, and that would also help the other tribes in revitalizing their language.”

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren met with officials from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on May 29. Photo Credit: Courtesy of OPVP

Construction continues on home for family of deceased veteran PROJECT PART OF INNOVATIVE READINESS TRAINING Staff Reports

A

fter multiple stalls due to criteria challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic putting a pause on many parts of life, the Malone family is a step closer to having a home fi nished for them free of charge.

The home comes courtesy of a collaboration between the Southwest Indian Foundation and the U.S. Department of Defense’s Innovative Readiness Training. The IRT is a military training opportunity that provides joint training opportunities to increase deployment readiness while also providing key services including healthcare, construction, transportation, and cybersecurity for American communities.

COLL A BOR ATION BACKGROUND

As part of the 1992 “Rebuild America” Initiative, the IRT was authorized under Title 10 U.S. Code 2012 for the Department of Defense to provide services and support for eligible organizations and activities.

The structure building section does not take jobs away from civilian contractors, but it does provide serving members the opportunity to learn how to do proper construction beyond contingency work out in the field. By building public facilities like a school or hospital, or homes for civilians, the members will gain vital experience in building to code.

The fi rst new homes of the Southwest Indian Foundation Housing Project were built at the Air Force Academy in 1998.

The project has expanded in the past 10 years to fulfi ll the original goal of providing

housing for Navajo Nation residents amid a prolonged housing shortage that former Navajo Nation President Kelsey Begay stated was about 20,000 units short of a sufficient number.

Since SWIF first began work with military, tribal, and government agencies on this initiative in 1997, they have since served as “gatekeepers” to help the appropriate engineers, carpenters, and technicians work on housing and other necessary projects for the region.

PROJECT DETAILS The original project was awa rded to World Wa r II Veteran Richard Malone, who died in 2018 at 100 years old a fter the groundbreaking started. In total, seven members of the Malone family have served in the military, with four being Navajo Code Talkers during WWII.

Man charged with shooting at people over barking dogs Staff Reports

A

Gallup man was charged in connection with a shooting incident that occurred during a confrontation over barking dogs.

Harley Davidson Joe, 38, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge on May 22 and was released pending trial.

According to the criminal complaint, on May 11, three individuals were walking their dogs in Gallup when Joe drove past them in a truck.

The dogs allegedly began barking at the truck but did not go towards the vehicle. Joe reportedly stopped and exited the vehicle and confronted the group about their dogs’ barking.

An argument ensued, during which Joe reportedly brandished a handgun.

One victim saw Joe fi ring shots toward him and returned fi re in self-defense, fi ring approximately 10 rounds until his fi rearm was empty. Joe then reportedly got back in his truck and drove away.

The three individuals then ran back to their residence.

Joe later called for an ambulance, claiming he had been shot by an unknown person. Medical personnel found Joe at a residence in Gallup and determined that he had suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen. He was transported to the Gallup Indian Medical Center where he was treated.

At Joe’s residence, investigators found his green Dodge pickup with blood inside and a Glock 17 handgun, which Joe initially denied possessing.

However, he later told agents that he retrieved the fi rearm from under the driver’s seat after he had been shot and fi red approximately five rounds toward two males who ran toward him.

If convicted of the current charges, Joe faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.

Kiewit Work Update NM 566, Mile Marker 6.0-7.0, North of Church Rock, NM

Bridge deck pour planned for June 3rd, 2024 at Mile Post 6 on NM Hwy 566.

Lieutenant Commander Steven Vargas, Civil Engineer Corps of the United States Navy, told the Sun about the work being done on the Malone home.

“In recent years, the military has been limited to building in the warehouse on Day Street due to COVID, which is not the environment Seabees are used to. The Navy Seabees [Construction Battalion] has the lead on this year’s project which is built on site, led by Navy Construction Battalion 25,” Vargas explained. “We are making great progress and will have a 1,136 square feet, 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom single family home built for the Malone family by the end of June.”

Vargas added that the Navy has 18 Seabee working the week of May 27 with support from five Air Force members

of the 567th Civil Engineer Squadron from North Carolina.

A memo from SW IF announced a new building by the Navajo Housing Authority in Gallup where they will be able to work on home construction for homeless people fulltime around the year. These homes will be built and transported to predetermined locations within a 50-mile radius of Gallup.

The estimated cost to build one of these homes is about $65,000, which includes materials, supplies, transportation, and labor associated with each house. Donors are a key part of allowing the project to continue to run.

More information can be found on the Southwest Indian Foundation Website at https://www.southwestindian.com/.

New Mexico State Police participate in C.A.R.E. operation Staff Reports

D

uring the Memor ia l Day holiday, the New Mexico State Police pa r t icipat ed i n t he Combi ned Accident Reduction Effort operation across all roadways within the state. The goal of the traffic initiative is to increase motorist safety and reduce the number of crashes

through a strong law enforcement presence.

Due to the increased volume of traffic during t he hol id ay, N M SP increa sed its patrol presence during this initiative on roadways throughout all State Police districts on the busiest travel days of the Memorial Day weekend.

The operation resulted in State Police officers issuing over

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NEWS

SPRING HEAT | FROM PAGE A3 r isk for heat illness because their bodies must work harder to cool down the babies’ body as well as their own.

NMHealth recom mend s t h a t New Mexicans prepare by: • Outdoor workers should let their bodies get used to the heat by gradually increasing work hours as it gets hot, slowing their work pace down when it gets hot, shifting work time to avoid the hottest times of the day, staying hydrated by drinking water regularly, and resting in the shade.

• Athletes and others who spend time outside should avoid being outside in the hottest parts

Gallup Sun • Friday, May 31, 2024 of the day, drink water regularly and rest in the shade.

• Never leave children or pets in the car.

When the temperature outside a car is 72°F, the temperature inside the car can reach 117°F within 60 minutes.

• G e t t i n g s w a mp coolers/air conditioners serviced.

• Apply ing for Low Income Energ y Assistance to help cover the host of using air conditioners.

• Keeping window shades drawn during the day to help keep the heat out.

• Planting trees in your yard.

• Using appliances early in the day or at night when there is less strain on the electrical

DISTRICT ATTORNEY | FROM COVER concerns, saying her office is currently working on retaining attorneys. They’ve put ads out on job websites, including LinkedIn. But she also has some concerns of her own, mainly surrounding Birtcher’s own ability to properly prosecute cases.

She said that the people he’s looking to hire may find themselves with conflicts of interest at the district court level. She explained that she’s worked with three of four attorneys he’s looking to hire, and they’re all former defense attorneys.

“I don’t know if the public understands that Grant Birtcher will not help the county,” she said. “He can’t with the confl icts of interest piled up with the four defense attorneys [he’s looking to hire]. What worries me is that the drunk drivers will get away, because one of those four attorneys was a defense attorney for drunk driving cases.”

In her three and a half years as DA

• On June 10, 1692, Bridget Bishop became the fi rst person executed for witchcraft during the notorious Salem witch trials, after a trial lasting eight days. She had already been accused and declared innocent a decade prior to the hysteria.

• On June 11, 1509, England’s King Henry VIII married the first of his illfated wives, Catherine of Aragon. When she failed to produce a male heir, he divorced her against the will of the Roman Catholic Church, trigger i ng t he cou nt r y’s Protestant Reformation.

Catherine spent her last years in isolation and continued to consider herself England’s rightful queen until her death.

• On June 12, 2016, Omar Mateen forced his way into Pulse, one of Orlando’s biggest nightclubs, and opened fire with an assault rifle on the predominantly gay crowd. Forty-nine people died and dozens more were injured in what was then the deadliest mass

grid.

Having a plan to get somewhere w ith a i r conditioning, such as a library or friend’s house especia l ly for older adults and people with medical needs.

Older a du lt s a nd people t a k i ng med ications should ta lk to their doctor about medications that make it harder for the body to cool itself in hot weather. These include many common medications such as diuretics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines and some heart and high blood pressure medicines.

Helping people who have l i m ited capacity to understand how to avoid heat-related illness.

Martin said she’s only had three cases she had to dismiss herself from due to a conflict of interest: one defendant was an employee’s relative, another case involved a local politician, and the final one was a suspect she’d defended about 10 years prior.

W H AT EACH CA N DIDATE HOPES TO ACCOMPLISH If she is reelected, Martin hopes to continue her approach to DWIs. She said she’s a big believer in second chances.

“A few will go to the Department of Corrections, because if it’s a murder then we have to argue for that,” she said. “But if it’s a first, second, third, or even a fifth or six DWI, we’ll give them a chance by putting them on supervised probation.

And obviously if there’s a violation we look for incarnation. We give them a chance [and hope] that supervised probation will help them not to drink and drive.

People are going to drink, they can do it at home all they want. But do not drive.”

Birtcher said he hopes to tackle drug-related crimes by helping those

shoot i ng i n moder n American history.

• On Ju ne 13, 1805, having hurried ahead of the main body of h is ex ped ition to the Pacific with fellow explorer William Clark, Meriwether Lewis and four other men arrived at the Great Falls of the Missou r i River, confirming that the party was headed in the right direction.

• On June 14, 1922, at the dedication of a memorial site for Francis Scott Key, composer of “The Star-Spangled B a n ner,” Wa r r e n G. Ha rd i ng beca me t he fi rst American president to have his voice transmitted by radio while

add ressi ng a crowd.

It was not until three years later, however, that a president (Calvin Coolidge) would deliver a radio-specific address.

• On June 15, 1300, poet Dante Alighieri was elected one of six Priors (magistrates) of Florence, Italy, his native city. His political activities, which included the banishment of several of his rivals, led to his exile from Florence and separation from his family for 15 years, during which time he wrote his most famous work, The Divine Comedy.

• On June 16, 2012, Ch i n a l au nched t he Shenzhou-9 space capsule on a mission that included the country’s first female astronaut, military pilot Liu Yang.

The crew spent a week at the Tiangong space lab to test systems and conduct experiments. © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

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MAN FOUND DEAD | FROM PAGE A4 when she went to check on him he was lying on the floor. She said that wasn’t unusual, due to his sciatic pain. But soon she realized he was unresponsive.

Franco repor tedly began CPR. She said the man did not respond, but he did spit up some dark fluid. She said the fluid was probably Dr. Pepper, as the man reportedly drank the soda daily. In his report Albert noted that there was a Dr. Pepper can on the night stand next to the bed.

Franco allegedly performed CPR for about 15 minutes before she called Metro Dispatch. She later said she even gave the man Narcan.

Medical personnel moved the man to the living room and continued to try and save his life. However, they pronounced him dead around 2 pm.

DETAILS OF THE SCENE Accord i ng to t he Off ice of Med ica l Investigator, no signs of foul play were found.

When Albert looked around the bedroom, he found signs of narcotic use, including burnt foils and lighters. Since this was a possible drug-related death, deputies secured the room and asked Franco and the

deceased’s father to exit the house.

Deputies told Franco that they were going to type up a search warrant for the room, and she responded by asking if she could grab her purse, which was on the bed. Albert and the other deputies explained that anything in the room would become part of the search warrant for the possible drug overdose death. They asked Franco for consent to search her purse to clear it as an evidence item. They said they would then be able to give it back to her.

I n i t i a l l y, F r a n c o refused, saying she didn’t want the deputies to look through her purse.

Deputies then explained that it would have to stay in the bedroom until they could look through it.

A few minutes later Franco approached Albert and said she wanted to give a voluntary statement.

She admitted that she’d initially lied about drug usage. She said that the man often smoked fentanyl and meth when he was out of his prescribed pain killers.

In A lber t’s repor t Franco said she just wanted to be honest about what happened.

A lber t spoke t o Franco again after the initial investigation was completed. She said she’d picked up about seven fentanyl pills from the

who struggle with addiction.

“If we can help somebody rather than punish them, and if they’re not hurting anybody but themselves, then I think some sort of drug rehabilitation program would be more beneficial,” he said. “[I want to] take each case on an individual basis and really try to see people get the help that they need.”

THE CA NDIDATES’ BACKGROUNDS Before she was elected as the DA, Martin served as the assistant DA and as an attorney for the Navajo Nation.

She received her law degree from the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona.

Unlike Martin, Birtcher didn’t plan on going to law school. He is a former Marine Scout Sniper, with two combat tours in Iraq on his resume. He was honorably discharged from service in 2007.

After his time with the Marines, Birtcher went on to get his bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Criminology.

He planned to use the degree in some

COUNTY COMMISSIONER | FROM COVER ‘You’re right, we need to work on that project, we need to make that a priority’ or ‘No, that’s not a priority….’”

FINAL THOUGHTS Ga la nis-Dima s is excited for this opportunity to lead, and she believes she can represent the county well.

A7

floor and placed them in a pill bottle before deputies arrived.

She also said she put a baggie that had meth in it inside her purse. At this point she finally agreed to let deputies search through her purse.

Upon sea rching Franco’s purse, Albert and Sgt. Timo Molina found drug paraphernalia, including two lighters, two glass pipes, one metal pipe, a metal spoon, foil, and wire. They also found a baggie with three small yellow pills inside it and 13 small blue pills, all believed to be fentanyl.

An envelope containing a clear crystal-like substance inside of it was also found, along with clear baggies that had a white powdery substance inside them.

Deputies did not fi nd the pill bottle Franco had spoken about.

In total, Franco had 1.1 grams of amphetamines in her purse. The white powdery substance was tested, but it did not test positive for any sort of narcotic.

Franco was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. A preliminary hearing was held in magistrate court on May 15 before the case was transferred to district court. No district court dates had been scheduled by press time.

form in the Marines, but his plans soon changed. While he was completing his bachelor’s degree, many of Birtcher’s professors started telling him he should look into law school. He decided to take the plunge and graduated from the Arizona Summit Law School in 2013.

Birtcher has worked as an attorney for multiple entities, including the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority and the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprises. He also worked for the previous DA, but ultimately decided to leave the office in 2019.

He said that all of his experiences, especially his time in the Marines, taught him how to be a leader.

“I know what it’s like to lead people, and that office really just needs a leader,” he said. “I know I’m up for the task.”

Birtcher is half-Navajo, and has lived in Gallup with his wife and two kids for 10 years now. He was born and raised in Fort Defiance, Arizona. He said his ultimate goal in running for the DA office is to make the community a safer place.

“I truly believe I can represent people who are Democrat, people who are Republican, people who do vote, people who don’t vote,” she said. “Should I be elected, people are going to see things get done. I want us to be prosperous. I want [McKinley County] to be a destination.”

Baca encouraged everyone to go out and make their voices heard.

“Let’s just go out and let the citizens decide on who they want,” he said when asked how he felt about the upcoming election. “I encourage anybody and everybody, please get out and vote.”

The New Mexico primary election will take place on June 4.

To register to vote or for more information, visit NMVote.org.

OLIVE

GALLUP FUN!

1. TELEVISION: What is the name of the community college in the sitcom “Community”?

2. GEOGRAPHY: Which two countries in South America are landlocked?

3. HISTORY: Where did the effective end of the Civil War take place?

4. U.S. STATES: Which state comes first alphabetically?

5. FOOD & DRINK: What is an affogato?

6. MOVIES: Which movie features the character Inigo Montoya?

7. ENTERTAINERS: What is singer/ songwriter Taylor Swift’s middle name?

8. ANATOMY: What is the smallest organ in the human body?

9. LITERATURE: Which fantasy novel (later made into an HBO series called “Game of Thrones”) features a place called Winterfell?

10. GEOLOGY: What is the most malleable metal? © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

Answers 1. Greendale Community College.

2. Bolivia and Paraguay.

3. Appomattox Court House, Virginia.

4. Alabama.

5. Dessert of ice cream and coffee.

6. “The Princess Bride.”

7. Alison.

8. Pineal gland.

9. “A Song of Ice and Fire.”

10. Gold.

A8 Friday, May 31, 2024 • Gallup Sun

Gallup Sun • Friday, May 31, 2024 B1

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY

Anton Grieg kneels before an ancesteral grave May 27 to pay tribute to his military family. He served and is wearing his son’s fatigues as a way of honoring his son. Photo Credit: Jenny Pond

Paying respect to fallen soldiers

Before playing taps at Hillcrest Cemetery’s Memorial Day ceremony, Leo Torrez poses for a photo with his granddaughter Lupe Candaleria Torrez May 27.

Photo Credit: Jenny Pond

Mayor Louie Bonaguidi gave a speech in front of the crowd at Courthouse Square as part of the Memorial Day celebrations May 27. Photo Credit: Jenny Pond

ROTC members led the 2024 Memorial Day parade from Aztec Avenue to Courthouse Square on May 27. Photo Credit: Jenny Pond

McKinley County launches new brand ‘WORKING TOGETHER TO BE A PLACE WHERE YOU FIND YOUR JOY’ Staff Reports

I

n today’s brand-driving world, it’s imperative that a community has a clearly defined and well-recognized brand just like Nike, Google, and Apple. People seek out what they know. When an individual is looking for a place to live, work, play or stay, the more he or she understands the benefits and experiences a community provides, the more likely they are to seek out that destination.

To ensure there is a clear understanding of what McKinley County offers, McKinley County administration has developed a bold, new community brand. Following extensive research and soliciting a wide range of input from residents, businesses and organizations, McKinley County announced the launch of the Find Your Joy brand on May 7. The essence of the brand is that McKinley County is a place that delivers rewarding experiences to lift the spirit.

This brand promise relates to all aspects of life in the

area for both residents and visitors with an initial emphasis on tourism and outdoor recreation.

“We a re excited to begin launching the McK inley County Find Your Joy bra nd a nd look fo r w a r d t o creating greater awareness throughout the community,” McKinley County Manager Anthony Dimas, Jr. said.

“We strongly believe that McKinley County is a place that delivers experiences that lift your spirit.”

As part of the branding initiative, a new McKinley County Find Your Joy brand logo was designed and draws inspiration from the community’s location and rich cultural history. The logo calls for people to Find Your Joy, with a northwest-pointing compass as the main design element. The interior compass motif is quite special as it boasts

t h e N e w Mexico border in the interior shape. Additionally, in Navajo culture, the number four holds great significa nce such a s the four directions. The directions are often represented by colors — the same represented in the logo: white shell (east), turquoise (south), yellow abalone (west) and jet black (north).

McKinley County has been working with the North New Mexico Council of Governments and the Once a Day Marketing to

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develop a positioning that incapsulates what the county stands for now and how the region would like to be perceived in the future. It relates to reg iona l tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities but also that McKinley County is a great place to own and operate a business.

“For those seeking opportunities to grow in a community where you can Find Your Joy no matter your area of interest, McKinley County is the ideal place to start or relocate your family and your business,” Evan Williams, Executive Director of the Northwest New Mexico Council of

Governments, said.

McK i n ley C ou nt y offers outstanding outdoor amenities paired with history, culture, art, Route 66, and gateway to the Zuni Mountains. The region prov ides remarkable, varied, accessible and uncrowded tourism and outdoor recreation offerings seamlessly blended with rich cultural heritages so individuals can enjoy memorable cultural experiences together with incomparable outdoor recreation adventures that will lift their spirits.

“The Chamber is ready to embrace the Find Your Joy brand and work with the county and City of Gallup to ensure that our region is well understood in terms of tourism, outdoor recreation, and economic development,” Bill

Lee, Gallup McKinley Cou nt y Ch a mber of Commerce CEO, said.

Building on the excitement and momentum of the Find Your launch, McK inley Cou nt y, NW NMCOG, Gallup McKinley County Chamber of Commerce, and other regional partners will continue to work together to ensure residents, businesses, organizations, and visitors understand the mindset of the brand and encourage all to provide rewarding experiences that lift one’s spirit.

To learn more about the brand, contact Brian Money, McKinley County’s D eputy County Manager, at (505) 863-1400 or brian. money@co.mckinley. nm.us.

B2 Friday, May 31, 2024 • Gallup Sun

COMMUNITY

‘The Garfield Movie’ is hardly a gourmet dish

By Glenn Kay For the Sun Rating:  out of  R u n n i n g T i m e: 101 minutes T h i s mot ion pict u re from Sony Pictures is playing exclusively at movie theaters.

The hit comic strip Garfi eld certainly doesn’t seem like a property that is suited to live action features. For those unfamiliar with the property, it follows a, well, lazy house cat who spends most of his time lounging in his owner’s home scheming to eat lasagna. That hasn’t stopped Hollywood from trying to adapt it into a movie franchise before.

A critically reviled 2004 live-action adaptation and 2006 sequel using the voice of Bill Murray marked the feline’s first cinematic foray. The Garfi eld Movie is a fully animated effort that also adds a new backstory for the character. Truth be told, this version fares no better than the previous ones.

As mentioned, the movie contains a brief introduction and new history for the lead.

It initially appears that the kitten Garfield (Chris Pratt) is abandoned by his father Vic (Samuel L. Jackson) in an alley. After crossing paths at an Italian eatery, the feline is ultimately taken in by human Jon (Nicholas Hoult). Eventually, the pair move into a suburban home with pet pooch Odie (Harvey Guillén).

“The Garfield Movie” marks the third feature film starring the lazy orange house cat from the comics created by Jim Davis. In this take, Chris Pratt voices the main character as he goes on an adventure in which he reunites with his father (Samuel L. Jackson). Photo Credit: Sony Pictures After years of devouring all kinds of Italian dishes, the cat is kidnapped by a criminal cohort of Vic’s named Jinx (Hannah Waddingham). Jinx demands that the leads steal a truck full of milk from Lactose Farms to make amends for Vic’s desertion during an earlier crisis. To complete the mission, the heroes enlist the help of dairy mascot Otto (Ving Rhames). Alas, the heist plans quickly go awry and they fi nd themselves in mortal danger from both Jinx and Lactose Farms security head Marge Malone (Cecily Strong).

Visually, the film does attempt to mimic the look of the comic. It isn’t exactly a dynamic looking fi lm, but the

visuals are reminiscent of the source material. And early on, there’s a chuckle or two involving some of the sight gags detailing Garfield’s appetite. At more than one point in the story, the cat significantly extends the sides of his mouth to fit in and devour an entire pizza in mere seconds. Later in the feature, the hero briefly attempts to dress up and behave like a superhero. It is an amusing look for the normally lazy animal.

But even if a comedic element with some potential is introduced into the story, it’s often used as a quick and bluntly delivered gag. While the pacing is quick and the main character is placed in all sorts

of locales that he wouldn’t normally fi nd himself, the result is rarely funny. Instead, the movie seems content to make the odd pop culture reference alongside pratfall and physical gags.

Much of the story involves an irritated Garfield having to deal with his estranged father, whom he distrusts intensely.

Truth be told, this is by far the biggest element and emotional heart of the tale, with owner Jon quickly vanishing into the background. Despite their seemingly deep confl ict, there isn’t a great deal of tension between the characters and little interesting material results from it. And while the good-natured but simple pooch Odie is present throughout, he doesn’t

have a discernible character arc or make an impression as a significant contrast to Garfield.

Many of the jokes are geared very young, yet a significant portion of the movie involves the villain and her cohorts trying to murder Vic and Garfield in violent fashion. Additionally, one of the segments involves Garfield and Odie entering the wrong area of the dairy and nearly getting chopped to bits by sharp implements and a grater. This might all be fun if the fi lm had witty repartee between the characters, but nothing feels sharp and these bits don’t play well.

Another irritation is the product placement in the feature. The running joke involving a cat-centric version of Netfl ix and some instant delivery drones (which, later in the film, Garfield notes are now being adopted and effectively used to get excellent products from Walmart) may be attempting to poke fun, but come across as a blatant commercial in a kid’s fl ick.

One admires the attempt to take Garfield out of his comfort zone, but as written the movie doesn’t deliver a lot of hilarity as a fish-out-of-water tale. The humor is geared to the extremely young and may please them, but there isn’t anything here that is hilarious or will surprise older audiences.

The Garfi eld Movie is hardly a gourmet dish, ultimately tasting a bit flavorless.

V ISIT: W W W. CINEMASTANCE.COM

Celebrity Extra

By Dana Jackson Q: When is Yellowstone coming back for its final season? I don’t watch any of the spin-offs.

I’m just waiting for the original show to return. — A.W. A: The wait is almost over for the second half of the final season of Yellowstone, which last graced our screens in January 2023. The delay can mostly be attributed to the writers’ and actors’ strikes, but there was also a major dispute between the show’s creator Taylor Sheridan and star Kevin Costner that most certainly was a factor. Fortunately, the Paramount Network has announced that production on the remainder of the season has begun and that you should expect to see those some time in November of this year.

There is a spin-off in the works that will continue to tell the Dutton family saga with current cast members Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser and none other than Academy-Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club). The yet-to-benamed spinoff is expected to premiere on the Paramount channel in December and start streaming on Paramount+ soon after.

As for Costner, he knows who his audience is. He starred and directed the Oscar-winning fi lm Dances with Wolves and has done the same for the upcoming

two-part western film Horizon: An American Saga, which recently earned a 7-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival. *** Q: Since Steve Carell has said he won’t appear in the upcoming new version of The Office, is he going to keep acting in movies instead? — J.S. A: Like many versatile and talented actors in Hollywood today, Steve Carell seems to enjoy acting in a mix of series and fi lms.

Unfortunately, his last series with Greg Daniels, Space Force, just didn’t gel with audiences, and it was canceled after two seasons.

Now Daniels is creating a new version of his hit series The Offi ce with an all-new cast.

This leaves Carell available for more series work. First up, he’s reteaming with his Date Night co-star Tina Fey in the upcoming Netflix series The Four Seasons.

He also just inked a deal to star in an upcoming HBO comedy series created by Bill Lawrence (Scrubs), which is “set on a college campus, centering on an author’s [presumably Carell’s character] complicated relationship with his daughter.”

Amy Gravitt, executive vice president of HBO & Max comedy programming, excitedly released the following statement: “The combination of Steve Carell and Bill

Academy-Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey Lawrence promises to be full of great laughs, warmth and charm.

We’re thrilled to be the home for this long overdue collaboration.” *** Q: Who is the actress playing Amy Winehouse in the new movie about her? Also, did she do her own singing, or did she lip-sync over Amy’s vocals?

— K.S. A: Marisa Abela (Industry) stars in the new Amy Winehouse biopic Back to Black, directed

by Sam Taylor-Johnson (Fifty Shades of Grey), and yes, she did her own singing. The actress took singing lessons daily for four months in order to sound like the bluesy Brit.

Back to Black was released in theaters on May 17 and will be available for streaming at a later date.

S e n d m e y o ur questions at NewCelebrityExtra@ gmail.com, or write me at K F WS, 628 Virgini a D r ive, Orlando, FL 32803. © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

Graduation Tributes 2024 Congratulate your graduate for FREE in our June 7 edition!

• Select one nice jpeg pic of graduate • In the email, using two short sentences or less, congratulate your graduate • Email to: gallupsuncirculation@gmail.com • DEADLINE: Fri., May 31 at 5 pm

Questions? Call (505) 722-8994 The Rules: Tributes over 2 sentences long may be cut. No collages or multiple pics of the same graduate allowed.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) You’re buoyed by an exciting new venture that opens up more career possibilities. But you need to come down to earth occasionally to deal with home matters.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) The week opens up a new period of opportunities, both personal and professional. Spend the weekend with family and/or close friends.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Aspects favor reasonable risk-taking, as long as you feel prepared for the challenge of a new project. Your personal life also offers possibilities for change.

CANCER: (June 21 to July 22) Things ease up as tensions dissipate.

Continue to reach out to those who need to be reassured that the upsets of the past are over and that everything is back to normal.

L E O : (Ju ly 2 3 t o August 22) Somebody loves you, and you know who this person is. While romantic aspects are favorable, it’s up to you whether the relationship goes from static to ecstatic.

V I R G O (A u g u s t 23 to September 22) Educational aspects are strong this week for all Virgans — especially for

children, who will benefit from after-school classes in music, art or dance.

LIBRA: (September 23 to October 22) This is a favorable period for Librans to get started on making those long-overdue lifestyle changes involving health, fitness and relationship matters.

SCORPIO: (October 2 3 t o November 21) Things begin to settle down in the workplace.

But personal situations take on new importance as a loved one shares a matter of great concern with you.

SAGI T TA R I US: (November 22 to December 21) This is a good time to reach out to new acquaintances and reestablish contact with longtime friends who have earned your trust in past years.

CAPRICORN: (December 22 to January 19) You’re able to assume more control over situations that seemed to be getting out of hand recently. Take time to mend rifts with your mate.

A Q U A R I U S : (January 20 to February 18) Romantic aspects are strong for senior Aquarians, who prove that getting older just means getting better at playing Cupid’s game.

“Pl ay m a t e s” i nclude Librans and Leos.

PISCES: (February 19 to March 20) Let your instincts guide you to a decision about a friend who makes a claim on your generous nature.

Also, travel plans might need some adjusting.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a deep, spiritual side that you sometimes hide to let your more practical aspects show through. © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

Gallup Sun • Friday, May 31, 2024 B3

COMMUNITY

Blu-ray/DVD Roundup for May 31, 2024

By Glenn Kay For the Sun

W

elcome to a not her lo ok at some of the highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. In recent months, there have been some slow weeks a nd ver y busy weeks. This edition is jam-packed with major Hollywood features, international and independent efforts, as well a s tons of older films being given major image upgrades. You’re g ua ra nteed to f i nd something of interest here. So, if you ca n’t make it out to the movies this week or need to stay indoors for a few days, be sure to give one of these titles a try!

B I G N E W RELEASES! A L L T H AT B R E A T H E S : Photographed in India, this documentar y follows two brothers in New Delhi who decide to rescue birds of prey being harmed by urban pollution in their city.

The crew captures the i ns a nd outs of thei r personal lives, as well a s t he st r ug g les a nd

successes in attempting to for m relationships w it h va r ious av ia n species. In the process, viewers see the intercon ne c t ion bet we e n man and bird.

T h i s pic t u r e w a s n o m i n a t e d fo r B e s t Documentary Feature a nd received accla im from the press. In fact, it has yet to be given a negative review. They all wrote that the movie w a s t hou g ht f u l a nd beautifully shot, suggesting that it showed the problems of modern cities and emphasi z e d t h a t a l l for m s of life need to be kind and considerate of one another in order to survive. Criterion is releasing the film on Blu-ray and on DVD.

How to train an excited, reactive dog

By Sam Mazzota King Syndicate

D

E A R PAW ’ S CORNER: My 1-ye a r- o l d puppy, “Shellie,” gets very excited when she sees another dog approaching.

Because she’s already 26 pounds, I’m worried that she’ll soon break away from me while on walks.

What can I do? — Glen H., Plattsburgh, New York DEAR GLEN: Keeping control of your dog on the leash is such an important skill — and there is a way to achieve that with Shellie.

First, work on curbing overall reactivity. Does Shellie get really excited when the leash appears?

Does she practically drag you out the door for walks? Get control of that first: — Bring out the leash, but don’t put it on Shellie right away. Wait until she’s calm, then attach the leash.

— Next, walk away from the door. Lead Shellie around the house. She’ll be pretty confused, and that’s fine.

— Stand at the door and have her sit. Open the door slightly, then close it.

Repeat. Repeat again until Shellie is staring at you like, “Are you nuts?”

— Now, exit the house, but only if Shellie stays by your side or slightly

behind you. If she tries to rush out, repeat the door exercise.

Now, let’s address that reactivity on walks. Here are a few tips that can help: — A sturdy, short leash is essential to maintaining control.

— Train Shellie to walk at your side with a little slack in the leash.

— Work on core commands when no other dogs are around: Come, Sit, Stay, Heel.

— Place yourself between Shellie and an approaching dog. Move her to your other side and keep her slightly behind you. You’re her protector right now.

— Avoid practicing “meet and greets” with other dogs until Shellie is no longer reactive on sight.

These training methods are just a start, but they’ll put you both on the right track. Most importantly, be consistent with training and daily walks.

Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com. © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

A MA NDA: A welloff, sheltered but isolated 25-year-old lives at home with her family. She has never had any friends but secretly yearns for them. When t ho s e i n t he hou s e hold tr y to force her to socialize with other s who a re her ow n age, the lead decides to sea rch for a childhood acquaintance. She becomes determined to make this person her best friend and tries to grow as a human being in the process.

T h is i nter nationa l Italian-language effort was very well received by critics. One or two did state that while they laughed, they didn’t feel any connection with or care for the characters.

Everyone else thought it w a s a h i l a r iou sly awk w a r d but ge nt le com i ng- of-age f i l m that was quite unlike anything they had seen before. Some also made note of t he elega nt cinematography.

It stars Benedetta Porca rol i, Ga latéa Bellugi and Giovanna Mezzogiorno.

A M E L I A ’ S CHILDREN: An adult man who was taken as a child and permanently

separated from his family receives a call from a t w i n br o t h e r w ho says he has spent years searching for him. The t h r i l le d pr o t a go n i s t is excited to meet his long-lost relatives, traveling to Portugal with his girlfriend. But after a r r iv ing, neighbors wa r n t he m a n about the fa mily’s pa st a nd the couple begin to fear for their lives.

T h i s Por t ug ue se chiller earned a mixed recept ion i n Nor t h America, with slightly more negative notices tha n positive ones.

Those who liked it said that it was tense and found it grimly amusi n g t o s e e t he h e r o being manipulated by those around him. Yet, the majority called the pictu re u n i nspi red, suggesting there were n o s u r pr i s e s i n t he story and no effective shocks.

For the time being, t h i s i s a DV D - o n l y release. The cast includes Carloto Cotta, Brigette Lundy-Paine, Anabela Moreira, Alba Baptista and Rita Blanco.

A NATOM Y OF A FA L L : A t a F r e nc h

chalet, police are called to investigate a mysterious death. A man has plunged from the top f loor and died on the d r iveway below. H i s w ife, a wr iter who is d iff icult to get a long w it h, i s i m med iately considered a suspect.

Their son is also questioned about what he might have seen. The spouse ultimately ends up being charged with t he mu rder, c au si n g conf lict with her son as the trial progresses.

T h i s F r e n c h fe a ture wa s pra ised a nd it ended up being nominated for a Best Inter nationa l F ilm Academy Award. A few ca lled it a f lat cour troom d ra ma that felt icy a nd d id n’t resu lt in a strong emotional r e s p o n s e . H ow e v e r, everyone else was fascinated by the stor ytel l i ng a nd t r y i ng to get a read on whether or not the main character was guilty. They noted t he fa nt a st ic performances and how it depicted a crumbling marriage.

S a nd r a Hü l ler, Swann Arlaud and Milo Machado Graner headline the feature.

A RTHUR THE KING: Based on a true story, this tale follows an adventure racer who emba r ra s ses h i m sel f du r i ng a big moment in a competition. After s ome t i me aw ay, he decides to put together a team of old enemies a nd new f r iend s to t a ke t he pr i ze. T hey meet g reat obst acles along the way and come

across a n u nusua l compa n ion who t a gs a long… a s t r ay dog.

The animal continues to follow them around t he leng t hy tra i l a nd inspires them to be better people.

Reviews were more positive than negative.

Almost one-third found the feature uninspired in its execution w ith regards to race scenes, as well as emotionally manipulative in the way it handled the animal moment s. St i l l, most liked the overall messa ge a nd st ated t hat this was one instance i n w h i c h fo l l o w i n g a fa m i l i a r for mu l a worked. They liked the cast and dog and rallied behind the team.

It stars Mark Wa h l b e r g , N a t h a l i e Emma nuel, Simu Liu, A li Sulima n a nd Paul Guilfoyle.

B O B M A R L E Y: ON E LOV E: Reg ga e singer/songwriter Bob Marley is the subject of this musical biopic. Set in 1976 with Jamaica in political turmoil, star Ma rley, his ba nd a nd family are targeted by assassins. He and the

See BLU-RAY/DVD, Page B4

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B4 Friday, May 31, 2024 • Gallup Sun

BLU-RAY/DVD | FROM PAGE B3 group leave the count r y a nd b e g i n w r i t ing a new album that brings them worldwide acclaim. Still wanting p e a c e for h i s cou n tr y men, he considers r e t u r n i n g home a nd performing while deali ng w it h u nex pected health issues.

This drama earned a mixed reception from the press. Nearly half thought the lead performance was strong and t hat t he f i l m’s music a n d m e s s a ge w a s a t r e a t t o h e a r. A l a s , slightly more thought t h at t he st or y t el l i ng wasn’t as dynamic as the songs and that the picture didn’t paint a det a i led enoug h portrait of the musician.

There will be various editions of the film available, including a 4K Ultra HD and Bluray Steelbook, a regular 4K Ultra HD and Bluray combo and a standalone Blu-ray. The cast includes Kingsley BenAdir, La sha na Ly nch, Ja mes Nor ton, Tosi n Cole and Umi Myers.

DA MAGED: W hen a ser ia l k iller terror izes Ed i nbu rgh, S cot l a nd a nd le ave s investigators baff led, UK aut hor ities a sk a Chicago detective who handled a similar case yea r s ea rl ier to help them out. He a r r ives and is teamed up with a loca l cop. T he t wo mu s t ge t ove r t he i r initial differences and work together to catch the murderer before he strikes again.

Wr ite -ups for t h i s thriller were not strong.

A l mo s t one - t h i r d of them believed that the cast was engaging and t he s t or y ef f icient ly ma naged, keeping t hem g ue s s i n g u nt i l the close. Sadly, most descr ibed the film as dull and overly dark to the point that it came a cro s s a s more si l ly than scary. They didn’t think it built up much tension and became a chore to get through.

The mov ie sta rs S a mu e l L . Ja c k s o n , Vincent Cassel, Gianni Capaldi, Laura

Haddock a nd Joh n Hannah.

IN THE LAND OF SA INTS A ND SINNERS: Set in I rela nd i n t he 1970 s, this tale follows a World War II veteran and widower living quietly in a small Irish village. Of cou r se, h i s l i fe i sn’t all that mellow, as he has spent years working as a hit man for a mob boss. One day, a woma n arr ives determined to find the lead.

She and others who are involved in the ongoing Northern Ireland conf lict soon make their presence a nd v iolent intent known.

Not ice s for t h i s d ra ma cr i me /t h r i l ler wer e ver y s t ron g. A ha nd ful ca lled the stor y predictable and called the tone too grim for their tastes. Yet the consensus was that this picture wa s its sta r’s be s t ef for t i n a few years. They noted that the interesting, understated lead character wa s sur rou nded by a great cast and that the mora l ly g ray pict u re wa s suspensef u l a nd compelling to watch.

Liam Neeson, Kerry Condon, Jack Gleeson, Colm Meaney, Desmond Eastwood and Ciarán Hinds head line the picture.

KNOX GOES AWAY: An elderly hitman learns that he is suffering from a rapid form of dementia. With little time left before his mind completely fades away, he is visited by h i s e s t r a n ge d a du lt son. Panicked, the son explains that he has just murdered another man for hurting his daughter (the lead’s gra nddaug hter) a nd need s assistance to cover the crime up. With police closing in, the assassin tries to keep it together long enough to complete the task.

Critics gave this picture more recommendations than pans. Slightly more than one-third of rev iewers disliked it, calling it gimmicky, the plot overly complicated, a nd the pacing slow.

Still, more thought that the worsening condition added suspense to the

COMMUNITY story. They noted that the central performance was amazing and the film worked very well as a twisty, hard-boiled thriller.

It features Michael Keaton, A l Pa ci no, James Marsden, Marcia Gay Harden and Suzy Nakamura.

KUNG FU PANDA 4: As this sequel begins, the titular bear is still yea r n i ng for more adventure. When he is told that he should now become a community leader and train a disciple to take his role, he balks at the idea. When a new threat to the land emerges, the protagonist decides to square off against the individual. But along the way, he meets a quick-witted thief and the pair team up to save the land.

Notices were not as strong for this chapter as previous entries, but it still earned a majority of recommendations. A fair number of reviewers thought the humor in this entry wasn’t as sharp and that the story was unmemorable. Yet more referred to it as effective family entertainment with enough funny jokes and rousing bits of action to entertain viewers young and old alike.

T here a re va r iou s ed it ion s of t he f i l m available, including a 4K Ultra HD and Bluray combo, a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo, a single Blu-ray, a Bluray and DVD Steelbook, and a four-movie collection Blu-ray pack. The voice cast includes Jack Black, Awkwafina, Viola Davis, Dustin Hoffman, Ja m e s Ho n g , B r y a n Cranston, Ian McShane and Ke Huy Quan.

OUT IN THE RING: The h istor y of queer identity in professional wrestling is the subject of this documenta r y.

Sta r ting in the 1940s and 50s, the filmmakers examine early appeara nce s of L GBT Q I A+ characters in the ring, following trends through the height of wrestling in the 80s all the way to the present day. Archival footage is

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used along with interv iews of per for mers, those who worked with them in the ring, fans, h i s t or i a n s a nd jou rnalists. All share their insight on this subject.

The picture ha sn’t been seen by many critics, but all of those who have watched it enjoyed what they saw. They all called it an entertaining, inspirational and important examination of queer per for mer s in the profession with excellent stories from all those involved.

The movie includes discussions with Ca s sa nd ro, Chy na , Pollo Del Mar, Kaitlin Diemond a nd ma ny more in the industry.

Q U A N T U M COWBOYS: This animated science -f iction /comedy is set in the 1870s and follows two dr if ters wa ndering through Southern Arizona trying to find a frontier musician. In the process, they meet and befriend a woman trying to recover her land.

While trying to help her, viewers are treated to 12 different universes (each featuring its own style of animation) and t hei r conver sat ion s about philosophy and time theory.

T h i s i nde p e nde nt production played the festival circuit in 2022 and is now arriving on disc. A small number of reviews for the film have appeared and are all encouraging. They state that it takes a bit of time to get used to, but that the mov ie is an original and inventively trippy effort with wonderful imagery and interesting themes, including the creation of memories.

The voice cast includes Kiowa Gordon, L i ly Gladstone, Joh n Way, Dav id A rquette, F r a n k Mo s ely, Ga r y Farmer, Neko Case and Alex Cox. RED RIGHT HA ND: A man tr ying to live a quiet life is informed that his sister has died. He ends up taking in his niece a nd helpi ng h is w idower brot her-i n -l aw.

Un for t u nately, t hugs soon arrive at the door.

It seems that the relations owe a huge monetary debt to a powerful u nder world f i g u r e.

This crime boss says that the protagonist can pay her back by providing muscle for her crew. He initially agrees, but eventually decides to fight back in order to protect his sister’s family.

Response was mixed towards this independe nt a c t ion / t h r i l ler.

Almost half called it a well-produced B-picture that was slick and fun to watch thanks to its great cast. Still, slightly more thought that the performances weren’t quite enough to overcome the predictability of the story and overly familiar characters.

It sta r s Orla ndo Bloom, Andie Ma cDowel l, Ga r ret Dilla hunt Wilder a nd James Lafferty.

SASQUATCH SU NS ET : T h i s n a rr a t i ve c a pt u r e s one yea r i n t he l i fe of a most unusua l fa mily.

S p e c i f i c a l l y, a u n i t of sa squatches l ivi n g i n t he Nor t her n Californian woods and h i d i n g f r o m hu m a n societ y. Viewer s see their social bonds, witness them foraging for sustenance, as well as note how they deal with others of their kind. It features no dialogue, just “big foot s” goi ng about their bizarre daily rituals.

This oddball feature ear ned more positive w r ite -ups tha n negat ive one s. A por t ion complained that there wa s too much grossout hu mor a nd t h a t the repetitiveness of t he st or y event u a l ly became tiring. However, the majority called the film so weird that they couldn’t help but praise it for its audacity. They stated that it did win them over, prov id ing memor able moment s and plenty of humorous insight on living in isolation and co-existing with the environment.

Under neath a ll the make-up, the pict u r e fe a t u r e s Je s s e Eisenberg, Riley Ke ou g h , C h r i s t o phe Zajac-Denek and Nathan Zellner.

SLEEPING DOGS: An ex-homicide detect i v e s u f fe r i n g f r o m memory loss is forced to revisit an old case. The man imprisoned for the crime who is facing a death sentence m a i nt a i n s h i s innocence and the lead begins to question t he e v id e nc e .

Obv iou sly, he h a s d i f f ic u lt y remember ing exactly what o cc u r r e d , but becomes determined to make things right a nd solve t he mystery.

T h i s c r i me picture was a co -product ion bet ween

the U.S. and Australia.

Reaction to the movie w a s n’ t p a r t i c u l a r l y st rong. More t h a n a third of those who saw it thought the film was a n ef fec t ive moder n noir, bolstered by the lead actor and a twisty script. Yet the ma jorit y com ment e d t h a t the project was overly morose, dimly lit and clumsily put together in an unsatisfying manner.

For the time being, t h i s i s a DV D - o n l y release. Russell Crowe, Ka ren Gilla n, Ma r tin C s ok a s a nd To m my Flanagan headline the picture.

THE TIGER’S A PPRENTICE: A young boy living in San Francisco is shocked to discover that his grandmother is a protector of a magical phoenix egg. A fter she passes away, t he you ng s t er is recruited by her old trainer (who is a tiger) to take over the role.

When a sinister force emer ge s a nd t h reat en s a l l of hu ma n it y, the boy must stand tall and team up with other fighters who have connections to the Chinese zodiac.

The press was split about t h i s a n i m ated feat u re. A l most ha l f compl a i ned t h at t he story was formulaic yet overly rushed, resulting in underdeveloped characters. The same number and a few more liked the voice cast, the use of humor and commented that it featured st r ik i ng v isua ls t hat would appeal to kids.

For the time being, this is a DVD-only release.

Henr y Golding, Brandon Soo Hoo, Lucy Liu, Sandra Oh, Michelle Ye o h , L e a h L e w i s , Sher r y Cola , Pat r ick Gallagher and Bowen Yang provide voices for the film. ]YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS! Below is a list of the latest kid-friendly discs.

Bluey Season 3 (BBC) DVD Kung Fu Panda 4 ( Un i v e r s a l S t u d i o s) 4K Ultra HD and Bluray, Blu-ray and DVD, Wa l m a r t E x c l u s i v e with Blu-ray, DVD and K id- Sized Tra ining Chopsticks, and Kung F u P a n d a : 4 - Mo v i e Collection Blu-ray Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go – It All Adds Up (NCircle) DVD The Tiger’s A p p r e n t i c e (Paramount) DVD ON THE TUBE! And all of the week’s TV-themed releases can be found here.

Bluey Season 3 (BBC) DVD Dant e: Infe r n o t o Paradise (PBS) DVD M a r y l a n d (Ma st e r piece) (PBS) DVD Monk Season 7 (Kino) Blu-ray Mr. Bates vs the Post Office (Maste r piece) (PBS) DVD Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go – It All Adds Up (NCircle) DVD V I S I T: W W W. CI N EM A STA NCE .

COM

Gallup Sun • Friday, May 31, 2024 B5

OPINIONS

OPINIONS

State welcomes Biden administration action to bolster America’s power grid

By Sen. Martin Heinrich

W

A SH I NGT ON D.C . — U. S .

Senator Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Com m it tee a nd t he co-founder and co-chair of the Electrification Caucus, is welcoming the White House’s May 28 announcement of a Federal-State Initiative to Bolster A mer ica’s Power Grid to accelerate improvements to the electr ic tra nsmission a nd distr ibution network, which are critical to meeting the country’s

needs for a ffordable, clean, reliable, and resilient power.

“A st rong elect r ic grid and reliable access to power are critical for every aspect of our lives.

But right now, our power grid is stuck in the last century — leaving New Mexicans vulnerable to higher energy bills and power outages during extreme weather events,” Heinrich explained.

He went on to praise the Biden administration for its work on improving the nation’s power sources.

“This action by the Biden Administration is an important step to

modernizing our aging grid infrastructure, helping to keep the lights, air conditioning, and internet on during heat waves and creating quality jobs,” Heinrich said.

“As investments from our Infl ation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Law are coming online, I’m focused on ensuri ng Cong res s pa s se s my legislation to build more transmission lines, ensure electric reliability and resilience, and meet our nation’s full potentia l a s a globa l le a der i n t he c le a n energy transition. That’s how we are maximizing this once-in-a-generation

opportunity to unlock A mer ica n in novation and ignite a manufacturing renaissance right here in New Mexico.”

Hei n r ich ha s long led efforts to improve and expand the capacity of the nation’s transmission infrastructure, which is urgently needed for reliability, affordability, and clean electricity.

He recently welcomed the announcement that t he Fe d e r a l E ne r g y Regulatory Commission heeded his calls to fi nalize a strong transmission planning and cost allocation rule.

I n t h i s Cong re s s, He i n r ic h i s le a d i n g

m a jor leg i sl a t ion t o strengthen electric reliabi l it y by i mprov i ng the way that we permit, plan, and pay for transm is sion i n f ra st r ucture — dubbing these bills as the “three Ps of transmission.”

In Apr il, Hei n r ich welcomed U.S. Secretary o f E n e r g y J e n n i fe r Gra n hol m to New Mexico to highlight how investments from recent landmark legislation like the Infl ation Reduction Act are creating a clean energy manufacturing renaissance in communities like Albuquerque and Belen, New Mexico.

The new federal-state

Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. initiative announced on May 28 brings together commitments from 21 leading states, including New Mexico, to meet the shared challenges a nd oppor tu nities of increased load growth, a rapid ly cha ng i ng energy landscape, aging infrastructure, and new grid-enhancing technologies – while delivering reliable, clean, and a f fordable energ y to consumers.

Harrison Butker is right about men, women To judge by the internet reaction, Ka nsa s City Chiefs place-kicker Harrison Butker is guilty of a dreaded double-doink — a missed field-goal attempt that embarrassingly hits both uprights — with his commencement address the other day.

The NF L ha s dista nced itself from But ker ’s u n a dor ne d socially conser vative speech at Benedictine College, a Catholic school in Kansas. He’s accused, meanwhile, of potentially driving women away from the NFL and, even worse, perhaps offending Taylor Swift by quoting one of her lyrics.

The fi rst thing to say about this is that Butker is a traditionalist Catholic who gave a speech to traditionalist Catholic students graduating from a traditionalist Catholic school. Should we be surprised he sounded like a traditionalist Catholic?

He wasn’t going to endor se abor t ion or pride month or transgenderism. And if you’re not a Catholic (I’m not), his views on priests and the power of the Latin Mass are going to leave you cold, for a simple reason — they aren’t for us.

Complaining about the intensely Catholic subject matter of his address is a little like listening to the keynote at a philately convention and being shocked that it’s all about stamp collecting.

Of course, the substance of Butker’s talk was much more serious, and he had important, i nd i sput ably cor rect things to say about men and women.

H i s l i ne t hat ha s drawn the most fi re was directed at the graduating women: “Some of you may

go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.”

Butker was surely making a sociologically true statement about the women of Benedictine.

If he had been talking at Vassar, he might have couched his remarks differently. Still, his observation has a more general applicability.

According to an analysis of public-opinion surveys by the Institute for Fa m i ly S t ud ie s , “Strong majorities of mothers under 55 agree that housework is as fulfilling as employment.

Depending on the year and the survey you prefer to cite, between 53% and 79% of mothers had this view.” Yes, some mothers fi nd employment outside the home more fulfi lling, but many stay-at-home mothers “see the work they are doing as valuable, i mpor t a nt a nd satisfying.”

It should be OK for someone to occasionally give voice to their perspective. No one walked out when Butker delivered these lines; in fact, he got applause. And he wasn’t being callous — he broke down when talking about his own w i fe embraci ng “her vocation as a wife and as a mother.”

He had adv ice for the men in his audience, too, telling them to be “unapologetic in your ma scu l i n it y,” a nd to “never settle for what is easy.” What’s the counter to Butker’s advice? That men should be defensive about their masculinity and always take the easy

way out? That they should spend more time smoking pot and playing video games?

“As men,” he continued, “we set the tone of the culture, and when that is absent, disorder, dysfunction and chaos set in. This absence of men in the home is what plays a large role in the violence we see all around the nation.” What Butker said is strongly supported by the research, as fatherlessness is associated with child poverty and reduced educat iona l attainment, increased idleness and more jail time among young men.

An offended columnist at The Kansas City Star hammered Butker, saying the kicker insisted on “belittling the human value of others.” But the kicker spoke of the importance of speaking and acting “in charity,” and the columnist admitted that when he has discussed these matters with Butker in the past, “he’s been remarkably respectful when I’ve expressed a contrasting view.”

T h a t s ou nd s l i ke someone who isn’t a hater, but who has deeply grounded views and who believes — for good reason — that if he doesn’t speak the truth, few others in his position will.

The verdict regarding Butker’s address should be — good from 55 yards.

Rich Lowry is editor of the National Review. © 2024 by K i ng Features Synd., Inc.

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GALLUP HOUSING AUTHORITY PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAM

PUBLIC NOTICE UPCOMING INTAKE DATES FOR NEW APPLICANTS June 7, 2024

8 to 11 am

June 14, 2024

8 to 11 am

June 21, 2024

NO INTAKES

June 28, 2024

8 to 11 am

PLEASE BRING a completed APPLICATION, BIRTH CERTIFICATES, SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS, PHOTO ID's, and PROOF OF INCOME. Please note: 1 bedroom waiting list is CLOSED until further notice. All other waiting lists remain OPEN until further notice.

If you have questions: please call (505) 722-4388 during office hours or send an email to: gha.main@galluphousing.com

B6 Friday, May 31, 2024 • Gallup Sun

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CLASSIFIEDS GALLUP SUN ARCHIVES Need a past issue? $2.00 per copy. Note issue date and send check or M.O. to: Gallup Sun, PO Box 1212, Gallup, NM 87305. Subject to availability.

AUTO SALES Amigo Chevrolet

*** Feature Writer Wanted The Gallup Sun seeks a feature writer to cover fun events around Gallup. Must be able to provide writing samples. Please send resume and writing samples to gallupsunreporters@gmail.com ***

2020 LEXUS GX 460 LUXURY 4WD TP2406 $ 48999.00 Amigo Chevrolet 1900 S 2nd St, Gallup, NM (505) 726-4329 https://www.amigoautomotive.com Amigo Chrysler/ Dodge/Jeep/Ram

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Please send resume and samples to: gallupsunreporters@ gmail.com LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES CITY OF GALLUP, NEW MEXICO Pump Units and WaterVision 2.0 Upgrade - Cellular Communication Gallup, NM Invitation to Bid No. 2024-ITB-005

2022 JEEP GLADIATOR RUBICON 4X4 WHITE T23477A $49995.00 Amigo Chrysler/ Dodge/Jeep/Ram 2010 S 2nd St, Gallup, NM (505) 979-7500 Amigo Toyota

2023 TOYOTA TUNDRA 4WD trd pro SOLAR OCTANE T24091A $74995.00 Amigo Toyota 2000 S. Second St. Gallup, NM (505) 722-3881 AmigoToyota.com HELP WANTED Bail Bonds “Gerald Madrid Bail Bonds is seeking to hire and train a person to be a bail bond solicitor/agent to service Gallup and surrounding areas” Call or email if interested 505-243-0249 email gerald@gmadridbb.com *** May 28, 2024 McKinley County is now accepting applications for the following positions: POSITION Fire Chief Administrative Assistant DEPARTMENT Fire-EMS Manager’s Office FOR BEST CONSIDERATION DATE June 8, 2024 June 8, 2024 Applications and additional information regarding positions can be found on the County web site www.co.mckinley. nm.us Human Resources 505-863-1400

Public notice is hereby given that the City of Gallup, New Mexico will receive sealed bids for Pump Units and WaterVision 2.0 Upgrade - Cellular Communication Until the hour of 2:00 pm., local time, on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 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.

Specifications and Bidding Documents 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/97493.

Dated this 27 th day of May, 2024 By: /S/ Louis Bonaguidi, Mayor Classified Legal Column: Gallup Sun Publishing Date: Friday-May 31, 2024 *** CITY OF GALLUP Construction-Sunshine Substation Control Building CITY OF GALLUP GALLUP, NEW MEXICO Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 2024RFP-007 Notice is hereby given that the City of Gallup, New Mexico will receive sealed proposals for Construction-Sunshine Substation Control Building until the hour of 2:00 pm, local time, on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at the office of the Procurement Manager at City Hall, via the City’s eProcurement Portal.

No proposals will be received or considered if received after the time stated above.

The City of Gallup, NM is seeking to purchase a substation control building for the Sunshine Substation project. The purpose of this project is to replace the existing substation and enhance the reliability of the electrical distribution system in the area.

Plans, Specifications, and Bidding Documents 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/97627.

Plans, Specifications and Bidding Documents may be obtained from T & D Services 9550 San Mateo Blvd, NE Suite G, Albuquerque NM 87113, 505344-4234, upon deposit of $0.00, all of which will be refunded upon return of the documents within ten (10) days after bid opening.

Dated this 27th day of May 2024 By: /S/:Louis Bonaguidi, Mayor Gallup Sun Publishing Date: Friday-May 31, 2024 ***

LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that The Housing Authority of the City of Gallup will be having a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on-site review/ workshop from June 10 th, 2024 to June 12 th, 2024. It will be held at the Gallup Housing Authority, located at 203 Debra Dr. Gallup, New Mexico 87301. An entrance conference will be held on June 10 th, 2024, at 11am. An exit conference will be held on June 12 th , 2024, at 11am. This is a HUD non-public consultation involving Gallup Housing Authority staff, Board of Commissioners, and City of Gallup officials.

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25 WORD OR LESS: $20 26-50 WORDS: $40 51-75 WORDS: $60 76-100 WORDS: $80 $20 FOR EACH ADD’L 25 WORDS EXTRAS - $10 PER WEEK, PER ITEM: TEXT BOX, YELLOW HIGHLIGHT, PIC, AND/OR LOGO Newspaper published Fridays. Prepayment required. Classifi eds due Wednesday Noon.

Deadline subject to change Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.

Email: gallupsunlegals@gmail.com Offi ce (505) 722-8994

CLASSIFIEDS Read online at gallupsun.com THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO TO: ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS OF ANGIE SANDOVAL, DECEASED, AND ALL UNKNOWN PERSONS WHO HAVE OR CLAIM ANY INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF ANGOE SANDOVAL, DECEASED, OR IN THE MATTER BEING LITIGATED IN THE HEREINAFTER MENTIONED HEARING.

Submitted by: HENNIGHAUSEN, OLSEN & NCCREA, L.L.P. __________________ Robert J. McCrea Attorney for Tony Sandoval, Jr. P.O. Box 1415 Roswell, NM 882021415 (575) 624-2463 Published Date: May 31, 2024 June 7, 2024 June 14, 2024 ***

A hearing on the Petition to Determine Heirship and Application for Formal Appointment Of Personal Representative in Intestacy will be held at the McKinley County Courthouse, 207 West Hill Avenue, Ste. 200, Gallup, New Mexico on June 17, 2024 at 9:00 a.m., before the Honorable Douglas W. Decker.

Notice of the time and place of hearing on said Petition is hereby given to you by Publication, once a week for three consecutive weeks.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS NOTICE TO BIDDERS Public notice is hereby given that the Gallup-McKinley County Schools, Gallup New Mexico, desires to purchase the following: JOB ORDER CONTRACTING SERVICES District Wide Multiple Award Multi-Year Agreement No. ITB-2024-36RB COMMODITY CODES:

WITNESS our hands and seal of this Court.

Dated: 5/28/24 CLERK OF THE DISTRICT COURT By______________ Deputy

909 Building Construction Services, NEW (Incl. Maintenance & Repair Services) 910 Building Maintenance, Installation & Repair Services 912 Construction Ser-

vices, General (Incl.

Maintenance & Repair Services) 913 Construction Services, Heavy (Incl.

Maintenance & Repair Services) 914 Construction Services, Trade (New Construction) As more particularly set out in the bid documents, copies of which may be obtained by downloading from the Gallup-McKinley County Schools eBidding platform website https://gmcs.bonfirehub.com/portal Sealed bids for such will be received until 2:00 PM (LOCAL TIME) on June 25, 2024. FAX and HARDCOPY PROPOSALS will NOT be accepted.

Offerors will not be able to upload proposals or documents after the specified CLOSING date and time.

Dated the 31 st day of May 2024 By: /S/Chris Mortensen, President Board of Education Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 BID ISSUE DATE: May 31, 2024 PUBLICATION DATES: May 31, 2024 (Gallup Sun)

Gallup Housing Authority Gallup, McKinley County, New Mexico By:/S/ Alfred Abeita, Chairman of the Board Published: Gallup Sun May 31, 2024 ***

OBITUARIES

STATE OF NEW MEXICO COUNTY OF MCKINLEY ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

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IN THE MATTER

Phone: (505) 722-8994 Fax: (505) 212-0391 Email: gallupsun@gmail.com

OF D-1113-PB-2024-00017 ANGIE SANDOVAL Deceased.

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Gallup Sun • Friday, May 31, 2024 B7

CALENDAR

COMMUNITY CALENDAR MAY 31 - JUNE 6 FRIDAY, MAY 31

PARADE CELEBRATING SOFTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS LADY BENGALS

3 pm - 4 pm @ Downtown Gallup

NAVAJO RUG WEAVING

10 am @ OFPL’s Main Library (115 W. Hill Ave.).

Learn the fundamentals and techniques of rug weaving in traditional Diné style, including warping, carding and spinning. Please bring your own weaving materials and/or projects. Email bmartin@ gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

GET UP AND GAME

3 pm - 5 pm @ OFPL’s Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec Ave.). Every Friday, come to the children’s library to unwind from a busy week! Email pneilson@ gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

KIDZ CINEMA

2 pm every Saturday @ OFPL’s Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec.

Ave.) for weekly family oriented film screenings.

This week’s movie is The Addams Family 2 (2021). Email bmartin@ gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information

GALLUP 9TH ST. FLEA MARKET

9 am - 5 pm @ 340 9th Street. The Gallup 9th Street Flea Market is one of the largest Native American markets in the United States.

MONDAY, JUNE 3

FAMILY STORYTIME

11 am @ OFPL’s Children’s Branch (200 W.

Aztec Ave.). Join OFPL for Storytime activities, songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and read-aloud stories! Email bmartin@ gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

EUREKA!

4 pm @ OFPL’s Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec Ave.). Learn about how biologists study birds, and then participate in your own tech-powered bird scavenger hunt! Email pneilson@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

TUESDAY, JUNE 4

HACK CLUB

4 pm - 5 pm @ OFPL’s Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec Ave.). Hack Club is a nonprofit organization that provides community and support to teen coding groups across the country.

Participants learn how to use code to create real-world projects. This summer, the OFPL Hack Club will be learning to design simple video games with Javascript; participants who complete their own games will receive their own free “Sprig,” a handheld gaming console.

CHESS CLUB

4:30 pm @ OFPL’s Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec Ave.).

Join the chess club at OFPL! Email pneilson@ gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5

COMMUNITY CLEAN UP

8 am - 4 pm @ the corner of North Ninth Street and Jefferson Avenue.

FAMILY STORYTIME

11 am @ OFPL’s Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec Ave.). Join OFPL for Storytime activities, songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and read-aloud stories! Email bmartin@ gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more

CALENDAR

information.

SAVE THE DATE

OPEN MAKERSPACE TIME

FRIDAY, JUNE 7

4 pm - 6 pm @ OFPL’s Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec Ave.). OFPL’s MakerSpace is a collaborative work space for making, learning, and exploring. Participants ages 5 and up can come in to create their own design for the 3D printers or explore the many engineering activities and equipment!

NISN TRAINING

4 pm every Wednesday @ OFPL’s main library (115 W. Hill Ave.). This week’s film is Godzilla vs. Kong.

9 am - 2 pm @ 56 Dolk Rd., Tijeras, NM. NISN works with Diné language teachers to provide the necessary support (lesson plan examples, offer instructional coaching, professional development, presentations, etc.) to prepare them to take the Diné Language and Culture Assessment.

The June 7 training will focus on cultural foundations. For questions, call (505) 803-7360.

GOOGLE CAREER ACADEMY MEMBER NIGHT

CAMPFIRE TREATS FOR TEENS

MIDWEEK MATINEE AT OFPL

6 pm - 8 pm @ OFPL’s Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec Ave.). Gallup Career Academy invites members of the Spring 2024 Cohort to OFPL’’s Makerspace This is your time to create and collaborate! Get help with your Google coursework, or use the MakerSpace equipment.

The MakerSpace will be closed to the general public at this time.

2 pm @ OFPL’s Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec Ave.). Join OFPL and Chef Sheila Begay of the NTU Culinary Department to learn fun tricks to cooking outdoors and discover how to make fun and easy recipes for your next adventure. All supplies will be provided. Class is limited to 20 participants.

THURSDAY, JUNE 6

12 pm @ the UNM-Gallup Zollinger Library (705 Gurley Ave.). This summer, Zollinger Library will be hosting a weekly Chess Jam every Friday. All players are welcome. Even if you are just chess curious or wanting to learn how to play, come by and join the fun.

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR GMCS HELLOTECH- HELP WITH YOUR TECHNOLOGY

11 am - 1 pm @ the Northside Senior Center (607 N. Fourth St.). OFPL staff will be available to provide individual technology assistance. They can help you learn about your electronic devices so that you feel more confident using them!

CRAFTY KIDS

4 pm @ OFPL’s Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec Ave.).Create cute crossbody bags designed to be fun, featuring kids’ favorite pets or imaginary characters.

For more information email: besitty@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291.

SUMMER CHESS JAM

SATURDAY JUNE 8

ARTIST INC EXPRESS

10 am - 3 pm @ OFPL’s Main Library (115 W. Hill Ave.). Join gallupARTS for a FREE, two-day professional development and career advancement workshop from the Mid-America Arts Alliance. Registration is required.

ARTSCRAWL

7 pm - 9 pm @ Downtown Gallup. Come experience local and professional art, artist

demonstrations, gallery openings, live music, hands-on crafts, and games for the kids.

SHOW OPENING: CARBON CITY

5 pm - 9 pm @ ART123 Gallery (123 W. Coal Ave.). Guest Curators Delbert Anderson and Jude Candelaria have turned ART123 Gallery into a «pop up» record store to celebrate the release of a community album, featuring local bands and musicians.

Enjoy live music from 5 pm to 7 pm.

SUMMER READING KICKOFF PARTY @ ARTSCRAWL

7 pm - 9 pm. Bring the family and have some fun while learning about summer reading and awesome upcoming events at the library! All ages are invited to play giant games, investigate ¡Explora! STEM activities, sing Karaoke songs, and enjoy popsicles!

SUNDAY, JUNE 9

ARTIST INC EXPRESS

12 pm - 5 pm @ OFPL’s Main Library (115 W. Hill Ave.). Join gallupARTS for a FREE, two-day professional development and career advancement workshop from the Mid-America Arts Alliance.

Registration is required.

MONDAY, JUNE 10

FIRST WEEK OF KIDS SUMMER ART CLASSES

@ Studio123 at ART123 Gallery (123. W. Coal Ave.). Classes are Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 3 pm every day.

Space is limited, and registration is required.

NISN TRAINING: LESSON PLANS FOR K-12

8:30 am - 4 pm @ Six Directions Indigenous School (205 NM 602) and via Zoom.

TUESDAY, JUNE 11

MAKERSPACE @ ARTSCRAWL

7 pm - 9 pm @ El Morro Events Center (210 S. Second St.). Kick off OFPL’s summer reading program “Adventure Begins at Your Local Library” by creating adventure-themed buttons, papercraft Indiana Jones fedoras, and canvas heat-press treasure maps! For more information, call (505) 863-1291.

NISN TRAINING

8:30 am - 5 pm @ 193 Rocky Point Rd. NISN works with Diné language teachers to provide the necessary support (lesson plan examples, offer instructional coaching, professional development, presentations, etc.) to prepare them to take the Diné Language and Culture Assessment.

The June 7 training will focus on cultural foundations. For questions, call (505) 803-7360.

REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING

9 am @ 207 W. Hill Ave.

SEW HAPPY

4 pm @ OFPL’s Main Library (115 W. Hill Ave.). Follow along with CreativeBug to make a stitched rope basket.

Email ctatsukawa@ gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

NISN TRAINING

8:30 am - 4 pm @ Six Directions Indigenous School (205 NM 602) and via Zoom. Learn Diné history and Diné fundamental law in preparation for the Diné Language and Culture Assessment.

To post a nonprofit or civic event in the calendar section, please email: gallupsunevents@gmail. com or fax: (505) 2120391. Deadline: Monday at 5 pm.

B8 Friday, May 31, 2024 • Gallup Sun