Gallup Sun • April 3, 2020 by gallupsun

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VOL 6 | ISSUE 261 | APRIL 3, 2020

SELF-ISOLATION ON THE PEOPLE’S HIGHWAY Uncovering the mystery at the Ranch House Motel By Beth Blakeman Associate Editor

ike a n undercover operation, th ree r e p or t e d ly home less people awaiting COVID-19 test results moved into the Ranch House Motel March 26. The Ranch House Motel sits east of the historic El Rancho Hotel, at 1000 E. Highway 66. There were no media

releases issued at the time to indicate that the motel was going to house the homeless awaiting test results – until Ina Burmeister, RMCHCS public information officer and executive director of the Western Health Foundation – sent a letter to board members of WHF March 30, briefly stating that a task force was set up between multiple agencies. The email letter mentions that the task force includes

representatives of the state, county, city, Gallup Indian Medical Center, Community Outreach a nd Patient Empowerment Program and Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services. “I thought I’d give you an update on where we are with housing homeless respiratory patients who need a place to stay while waiting for COVID-19 test results,” Burmeister stated in the letter.

Sources close to WHF, including its president, Jay Mason, and the governor’s office, seemed surprised by the letter and the arrangement. When Burmeister was questioned about the internal letter on March 31, she responded with a press release on RMCHCS letterhead. In the press release she recapped information in the first letter with some additional details. She explained that people

M B O P J U B / T J M "QSJ T T F O F S B X " M P I "MDP .POUI

sent to the motel must have a medical referral from an RMCHCS or GIMC provider to qualify for the program. “The patient must be independent with their activities of daily living, not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs nor unlikely to withdraw from alcohol or other substance,” Burmeister stated.

EL RANCHO | SEE PAGE 15

SUPERINTENDENT MIKE HYATT; INTERVIEW Gallup McKinley County Schools Superintendent Mike Hyatt started our interview by expressing his appreciation for the community’s support during this “difficult time”, as the school district attempts to deal with the many challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. “We appreciate the community’s support. We know these are difficult times,” said Mr. Hyatt. Mr. Hyatt highlighted that the current crisis has brought to the forefront the fact that the school district is underfunded, and stated that, “We are faced with unique challenges in our area, and this situation clearly shows the disparity between prosperity rich and prosperity poor districts. Many school districts have an easier time in providing the technological advantages to its students, unlike GMCS, which due to the lack of State funding, does not have the technological resources to provide the same advantages to its students.” For those who have been tracking the district’s attempt to attain more resources through Impact Aid legislation, the Federal Impact Aid Challenge and the re-opening of the Zuni Capital Outlay Lawsuit know that the district has been trying to get the additional resources we need. The district will continue with on-going initiatives and actively working towards better educational resources for our students. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced on March 27, 2020 that ALL New Mexico Public Schools will be closed through the end of the current school year. “While the buildings may be closed, this does not mean that school is closed for learning. We are looking at ways to provide resources so that (GMCS) students can learn from home,” said Superintendent Hyatt. GMCS has also made strong efforts to make sure meals are available to ALL children age 1-18 during the crisis. On Tuesday, Superintendent Hyatt reported that the district is supplying 7,000 meals (Breakfast and Lunch) per day and would like to see that number increase. “We are ramping up efforts to get more meals for children to school sites,” said Mr. Hyatt. On March 30, GMCS started delivering breakfast and lunch packages to bus stops in an effort to get more meals to children. GMCS will feed any child age 18 and under, even if they are not a GMCS student. Children must be present or the parent/guardian must be able to provide the student’s name and the school they attend to receive these meals. Currently, meal delivery via bus routes applies to the following GMCS locations: Crownpoint, Navajo, Ramah, Thoreau, Tohatchi, Tse Yi Gai, David Skeet, Catherine A. Miller, Chee Dodge, Del Norte, Indian Hills, Tobe Turpen and Twin Lakes. Please note that the delivery schedule is four (4) hours later than the regular bus pickup time. For example: If a student catches the bus at 6:30 a.m., then the meals would be delivered at 10:30 a.m. In addition, children 18 and under can visit any of the following schools to pick up meals between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00.p.m.: Del Norte, Indian Hills, Jefferson, Lincoln, Red Rock, Rocky View, Stagecoach, Tobe Turpen and Miyamura High.

Friday April 3, 2020 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

In terms of Educational materials, Superintendent Hyatt stated that “high school students will be provided work that will go to help improve that student’s grade, and that the district is paying special attention to the needs of GMCS students who will graduate this year.” Mr. Hyatt also stated in a letter distributed on March 27, 2020, “We are deeply saddened that many of the dances, ceremonies, and celebratory events have been interrupted. We are aware that our seniors should be in a period of transition and celebration for hard work and accomplishments. As such, the district is working with each high school on these efforts.” Students in grades Kindergarten through Fifth grade will be receiving learning workbooks targeted for on-going at home learning. Students grades six through eighth grade will be receiving two workbooks English Language Arts and Math to continue their at-home learning, and additional resources can be found on the GMCS homepage @ www.gmcs.org. GMCS will be continually sending resources for educational needs. GMCS is also abiding by the social distancing policies instituted by the local, state and federal governments. “We’re trying to keep people at home as much as possible,” said Superintendent Hyatt. “We do have some essential things that have to be handled, but we are having staff work from home as much as possible.” Many essential GMCS workers include bus drivers, central office staff, security, and principals. They will continue to work on-site during this closure. “There are some things that need to be done, we’re trying to get them done with the least amount of staff possible.” Said Mr. Hyatt. As far as security for schools, Superintendent Hyatt stated, “We currently have security guards at schools every day, also, custodians will provide a ‘deep cleaning’ of schools and GMCS facilities on certain days during the week. We are working hard to keep school buildings sanitized,” Mr. Hyatt stated. GMCS is diligently getting information out to its students and parents by a variety of ways. “I feel we have done a pretty good job of getting the information out on social media and other forms of media,” said Mr. Hyatt. Hyatt also noted that the district is updating information constantly, and as soon as possible. “We are providing a variety of different types of information, and we are constantly getting that out. The District prioritizes student needs during this time, and most important, we do not want to penalize our students for circumstances that are beyond their control.” Up-to-date Information can be found www.gmcs.org, GMCS Facebook, and GMCS Community Engagement Instagram. -by Alan Arthur GMCS Community Engagement Journalist

NEWS

Gallup Sun • Friday April 3, 2020

NEWS

LOCAL NEWS

Introducing the McKinley County DWI Program WITH A SIDE HELPING OF PREVENTION, ALTERNATIVE SENTENCING, TREATMENT By Cody Begaye Sun Correspondent

he DWI reports listed each week in the Gallup Sun are a testament to the size of the problem in McKinley County. Despite the arrests and any ensuing fines or sentences, convictions continue. The McKinley County DWI Program is set up to spread awareness of the consequences and dangers of these intoxicated driving as well as other alcohol misuse issues. The county’s DWI program aims to reduce the number of DWI arrests and fatalities and keep them low in a manner that is respectful to the local diverse cultures. Maura Schanefelt, program manager for the McKinley County DWI Program, spoke with the Sun April 1 to highlight multiple aspects of the program. “We wanted to do a bit on the program that the community is not aware of,” she said. “We want to show the areas that are not as talked about as the DWI offenders, treatment, or prosecutors.” Schanefelt said one of the myths about the program is that it is only focused on DWIs and people who have one, which she said is not the case. The Local Driving While Intoxicated Bureau is not against drinking, but rather wants people to have an informed, educated opinion about alcohol and understand what it means to drink responsibly, she added. “We do our best to provide services to everyone, and if we cannot provide the necessary services we are more than happy to find an organization that can,” she said. “Our treatment is for all substances, not only alcohol, and an individual does not need to have had a DWI arrest or charge to participate.”

Funded by the Local Driving While Intoxicated Grant through the LDWI Bureau under the Department of Finance and Administration, the McKinley County DWI Program tackles the challenges of DWI in the community through eight methods. 1. P r e v e n t i o n : T wo Prevention Specialists travel all over McKinley County to Chapter Houses, schools, events, senior centers, Boys & Girls Clubs with presentations and/ or evidence-based curriculums to prevent and reduce instances of alcohol misuse. The ‘Prevention’ component also includes a Victim Impact Panel. The program hosts it every other month, or at least six times a year. “We are always looking for speakers, and we’re hoping to get more victims or family members of victims and survivors to tell their story,” Schanefelt said. “The audience at a Victim Impact Panel have been arrested for a DWI, so we are sensitive to who we have as a speaker to ensure they are emotionally equipped to speak to this unique audience.” Our program collaborates with many other providers in the County, as well as organizations outside of the County, such as MADD and other DWI programs. “We’ve just begun discussing a collaboration with Lou Go’s Taxi that will hopefully get picked back up once the travel bans and shelter in place orders are lifted,” Schanefelt said. “We know alcohol misuse and DWIs don’t stop during a crisis. Oftentimes, this is when they pick up.” Every quarter of the year, the program creates a theme to educate the community. The program invests in year-round advertising, PSAs for the radio, a movie theater ad, a billboard on the north side of Gallup, and numerous ads in newspapers

Maura Schanefelt, program manager of the McKinley County DWI Program. Photo Credit: DWI Program

Watson Billie, prevention specialist for the McKinley County DWI Program. Photo Credit: DWI Program

and social media. “Right now, we’ve created signage from Butler’s [Office Supplies] to be posted all over the county,” Schanefelt said. “This is our way of outreach without having to be in person.” 2. Treatment: The Intensive Outpatient Program is being evaluated by a Licensed Master in Social Work in order to receive state certification. The DWI program has two Licensed A lcohol a nd Dr ug Abuse Counselors facilitating the treatment program. Under this component, the program also provides free community trainings that are geared towards counselors, therapists, first responders such as Ethics, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care and work shops for Vica r iou s Trauma. 3. Screening: This involves an alcohol assessment either on paper or computer system with a Licensed Substance Abuse Associate, who will go over the assessment and spend about 30 minutes one-on-one to provide the best individualized treatment options. The LSAA often sees people who live in Arizona or outside the county and will help them find treatment close

to where they live. The program’s administrative assistant keeps an up-todate resource list for clients if they choose to seek other providers or need additional treatment for depression or trauma that the program cannot provide. 4. Compliance Monitoring: Individuals may be placed on GPS bracelet or an alcohol monitor anklet. All of the participants check in and have random urine analysis testing per court order. The Compliance office is still open but is restricting public access. Most check-ins are currently being done telephonically. For more info, call Chris Sice, compliance program manager at (505)726-8990. 5. Planning, Coordination and Evaluation: The program has two evaluators, one who oversees prevention and the other who oversees treatment. 6. Alternative Sentencing: Currently, the majority of DWI cases in McKinley County are not prosecuted, and the perpetrator often is just released on their own recognizance or on bail. The program has a contract with the District Attorney’s Office to provide a DWI Clerk whose role is to fill in the gaps that lead to these cases not

being prosecuted. 7. Law Enforcement: The program works closely with the McKinley County DWI Task Force to aid with decreasing DWIs. This includes finding multiple areas to give out information about the program and inform people about the consequences of DWI. As such, residents often see program members at DWI at sobriety checkpoints handing out info cards and other trinkets, such as fuzzy pens for kids. 8. A lcohol-related Domestic Violence: The program collaborates with Sexual Assault Services and Battered Families Inc. In addition to components for DWI offenders, victims, or families, the program aims to educate middle schoolers on numerous DWI issues, including coping with negative emotions, describing the myths and realities of smoking and drinking, and how messages from the media and other people can influence them. Students can learn key skills to keep themselves safe by recognizing troublesome signs of alcohol or other types of substance abuse. As of April 1, the program has had to close its doors temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but they are still checking emails and phone messages. The treatment program is strictly telephonic at this time. Schanefelt said they have also set up a Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ mckinleydwi/, where they plan to do live Q&A’s at least once a month to address comments and questions. For more information on the McKinley County DWI Program and its services, call (505)726-8249 or contact Maura Schanefelt at maura. schanefelt@co.mckinley. nm.us.

WHAT’S INSIDE …

6 4

MAYORAL RUNOFF Here are the results

N.M. COVID CASES The latest updates on the pandemic

WATER FEES Senator requests a halt for water loading fees during uncertain times

SEWING MASKS How Veterans Helping Veterans is aiding in the battle against the virus

11 14 17 19

Friday April 3, 2020 • Gallup Sun

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ATTENTION – PUBLIC NOTICE The Gallup Housing Authority is CLOSED to the Public until further Notice • New Application Intake is suspended until further notice. • Current applicants on the Waiting list will be contacted only if a unit becomes available. • Tenants: To make payments complete money orders and place in the drop-box next to the main Office Door. Make sure to clearly identify your name and unit number. If you want a receipt provide a current mailing address so GHA can mail you a receipt. • For submission of other required Documents - Use the drop-box next to the main office door. All forms typically utilized by Tenants are in plastic information containers on the exterior wall next to the front door. [Examples: Interim Change forms, Late payment request forms, Change of address forms, etc.] • Currently GHA is only addressing URGENT OR EMERGENCY work orders. Call 505-722-4388 during normal work hours. After work hours call 505-722-5000. Non-emergency work orders can still be submitted but will be addressed later. • Loss of Income - Report this immediately by completing an “Interim Change Form” and placing in the drop-box. Be sure to include an updated mailing address, phone number, and email address. Housing staff will contact you regarding changes. • Scheduling of Appointments: Only when necessary, staff will contact you and set a time that works for all parties. All safety and social distancing protocol will be followed. • Housekeeping Inspections and Annual REAC Inspections are postponed until further notice. If you have questions: please call (505) 722-4388, or send an email to: gha.main@galluphousing.com NEWS

Gallup Sun • Friday April 3, 2020

Louis Bonaguidi pulls off an upset 41 VOTES MADE THE DIFFERENCE By Cody Begaye Sun Correspondent

o u i s B o n a g u i d i ’s supporters took the Gallup mayoral runoff seriously. In a turnaround from the March 3 Regular Municipal Election where Chioda claimed

Gallup Sun Publishing, LLC Publisher/Editor Babette Herrmann Office Manager Raenona Harvey Accounts Representative Sherry Kauzlarich Associate Editor Beth Blakeman Photography Ana Hudgeons Ryan Hudgeons Cable Hoover Knifewing Segura Mike Esquibel Correspondent/Editorial Asst. Cody Begaye On the Cover The Ranch House Motel sits apart from the El Rancho Hotel at the intersection of Historic Highway 66 and Ford Avenue. Photo by C. Hoover 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: 102 S. Second St., 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 Letter to the editor/guest column ACCEPTED BY EMAIL ONLY. State full name and city/town. No pen names. ID required. All submissions subjected to editor’s approval. Guest columnists, email Sun for submission requirements.

Gallup mayor-elect Louis Bonaguidi picks up a campaign sign that blew down outside the polling station at the Larry Brian Mitchell Recreation Center in Gallup March 31. Photo Credit: Cable Hoover 1,347 votes while Bonaguidi finished second with 987 votes, Bonaguidi’s supporters took

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Friday April 3, 2020 • Gallup Sun

their second chance to elect their man March 31 and defeated his opponent Sammy Chioda, who had 1,034 votes. It was a narrow margin, but Bonaguidi slipped by with 1,075 votes. Early and absentee voting played a substantial role in Bonaguidi’s victory, bringing him 550 votes to Chioda’s 495. Bonaguidi spoke with the Sun early April 1 to give his

Voters enter the polling station to vote in a runoﬀ mayoral election at the Larry Brian Mitchell Recreation Center in Gallup March 31. Photo Credit: Cable Hoover reaction to the results. “I was surprised [by the results], because I knew the person I was running against was very popular and well known,” Bonaguidi said. “In that sense, I was surprised I did win.” He credits the strong committee of people he worked with throughout the election cycle. As his first move after being

elected, Bonaguidi said he aims to visit each department head in the City of Gallup to get to know them. “There’s so many departments, so many personalities in them,” he said. “I’m acquainted with some of them, so [meeting them] will be my fi rst step.” After that will be budget

LOUIS BONAGUIDI | SEE PAGE 13

NEWS

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HERE!

Del Norte Elementary

Red Rock Elementary

Indian Hills Elementary

Rocky View Elementary

Jefferson Elementary

Stagecoach Elementary

Lincoln Elementary

Tobe Turpen Elementary

Miyamura High School

Breakfast & Lunch GMCS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability or age in its programs and activities. GMCS provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: 504 District Contact—Tim Bond, 505-721-1018 Title IX —Sandra Lee, Director of Personnel, 505-721-1063 NEWS

gmcs.org Gallup Sun • Friday April 3, 2020

Gallup city councilors, municipal judge sworn in By Cody Begaye Sun Correspondent

hile the new mayor of Gallup waits to be sworn in prior to May 1, other winners of the Regular Municipal Election have been sworn into office and readly to work. Michael Scha a f a nd Janell Griego were present at the Gallup City Council Chambers March 30 to accept their new titles of District 2 Councilor and Municipal Judge respectively. Scha a f spoke w it h t he Sun Apr il 1 about how he felt about being elected and sworn in. “I’m h a ppy I won a nd wa s swor n in. It’s a humbling experience, knowing I had that many people who supported me and voted for me,” he said. “I hope I don’t let them down and do a good job.” W h i le t he cit y is dea ling with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Schaaf ha s sh i f ted h i s at tent ion to dea l i ng w it h problems

Newly-elected Dist. 2 City Councilor Michael Schaaf, left, is sworn in by Municipal Judge Grant Foutz during a ceremony at Gallup City Hall March 30. Photo Credit: Cable Hoover

Janelle Griego, newly-elected Municipal Judge, is sworn in March 30 by outgoing Municipal Judge Grant Foutz at Gallup City Hall. Photo Credit: Cable Hoover

related to that issue. “Right now with the virus, that’s the ma in focus,” he said. “Now it’s working with the city on those issues.” The earliest Gallup City Council meeting Schaaf will be able to attend is slated for April 28. Schaaf added he is going to retain his position on the G a l lu p - McK i n ley C ou nt y Schools Board of Education. He sa id he wa s told pr ior to r u n n i ng for cit y cou ncilor that there wou ld be

Re-elected District 4 Gallup City Councilor Fran Palochak gets sworn in by Municipal Judge Grant Foutz at Gallup City Hall March 30. Photo Credit: Cable Hoover

no conf lict of interest if he holds both positions. A lso present wa s F ra n Palochak, who handily won r e ele c t ion for D i s t r ic t 4 councilor. Each person was sworn in by the current Municipal Judge, Grant Foutz, whose last day with the title was March 31. He was thanked for his services and dedication to the city. “Still one more day on the job, one more paycheck,” he said with a laugh.

Everyone living in your home counts. The census counts every person living in the United States regardless of their country of origin or immigration status. This includes children and newborn babies, grandparents, friends, nonrelatives, and everyone who is living or staying with you as of April 1, 2020. The 2020 Census is safe and confidential. Responses to the census are safe and confidential. Your information is protected by law and cannot be shared with other law enforcement agencies—not the FBI, ICE, or even local police. The 2020 Census is easy and convenient. The census is available in many languages, including Spanish. You can respond online, by phone, or by mail. The 2020 Census is important for our community. Your answers to the 2020 Census will impact funding decisions for the next 10 years for important local services in our communities, including:

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Schools

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Roads

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Health clinics

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School lunch programs

For more information, visit:

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After-school programs

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Playgrounds

2020CENSUS.GOV

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Public transportation

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Community centers for seniors

Friday April 3, 2020 • Gallup Sun

D-HP-LT-EN-133

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PUBLIC SAFETY

NEWS

Weekly Police Activity Reports Staff Reports ARMED SHOPPER Gallup, March 25 A Window R o ck , A r i z . man was charged with aggravated assault after he threatened a security guard with a weapon. Gallup Police Officer Luke Martin said he was dispatched to the Lowe’s Shop and Save, 1120 E. Hwy. 66, in connection with a threat. There he met Anthony Tovar, a security officer, who said he had a confrontation with a man later identified as Lenny Nez, 51. It turned out that Nez was still in the area and he was picked up. He had no weapon, but police found a tool with a sharpened end stuck to a tree where he was seen standing. Tovar told Martin that he had been watching Nez in the store because he was carrying a big case of beef. Nez put the beef down and purchased some noodles. Tovar said he followed Nez outside. When they got outside, Tovar turned to him and told him if he kept following him, he was going to kill him. Tovar said he saw Nez was carrying a knife-like weapon. It was identified as a scrapper type knife. Tovar said he backed off and called police. Based on the investigation,

Martin arrested Nez for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Nez was issued a written trespass notice from the business. Nez was later booked into McKinley County Adult Detention Center on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Nez is in custody. Bond is set at $1500.00 cash/surety. WEAPON IN A BACKPACK Gallup, March 20 Gallup Police Officer Jerald Watchman had transported a male to McKinley County Adult Detention Center earlier in the day for a bench warrant, but he was called back to the detention center after being informed the suspect had a weapon on him. Dustin Sherman, 32, of Gallup, was transported and booked earlier in the day. Then, Corrections Officer Donavan King found a firearm secured in Sherman’s backpack. It was not loaded. However, a shell was found. Sherman had concealed parts from two different models of Beretta handguns, but only one magazine. Watchman also learned Sherman was a prior convicted felon for battery against a peace officer. Dustin Sherman bonded out

of jail on $1500.00 cash/surety March 28. TROUBLE WITH THE SON Gallup, March 19 A domestic dispute between a son and his mother resulted in the son being arrested for battery on a household member. Ga llup P o l i c e Officer Jerald Wa t c h m a n said he was dispatched to the Sun Valley Apartments about 3 pm in connection of what turned out to be a domestic dispute. When he got there, he saw Marlena Tyson sitting on the stairs to her apartment. She was crying and shaking as if she was scared. Tyson told him that her son, Winn Goodman, 31, of Gallup, was still inside the apartment and he had threatened to trash it if she called police. Watchman said when he went inside the apartment and saw Goodman, he realized the man was intoxicated. His eyes were watery and bloodshot and his speech was slurred. He had white powder around his mouth. After searching him for weapons, Goodman was put in handcuffs and placed in the police unit. Tyson said her son had been staying with her for about three weeks. On this occasion, she said he was sitting on the couch

getting angry. She said she told him to calm down. He then told her to shut up and she went into her bedroom. She said her son came in and began choking her as she lay in her bed. She said she began having a hard time breathing so she faked passing out, so he would stop. She said he also punched her in the middle of her face. Watchman said she displayed obvious injuries to her face and neck and white powder on her

left ear. She said he had been eating a donut and Watchman found a piece of it by the front door. Goodman was transported to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and charged with battery against a household member and interference with communications. Watchman also learned Goodman had an active warrant out for his arrest. Goodman was released by a judge on his own recognizance March 23.

Gallup Police Chief promotes two ofﬁcers Staff Reports

wo officers were promoted on the last day of March. Chief Franklin Boyd of the Gallup Police Department promoted the-now Lt. Anthony S eciwa a nd Capt . Bi l ly Padavich. Anthony Seciwa was promoted from the rank of sergeant to lietenant Lt. Seciwa has served with the Gallup Police Department since May 2006. He has previously served in the United States Army and the Zuni Police Department. His most recent assignment was Sergeant of Detectives. Billy Padavich was promot ed f rom t he r a n k of lieutenant to captain. Capt. Padavich has served with the

Lt. Billy Padavich was promoted to captain by Gallup Police Chief Franklin Boyd March 31. Photo Credit: GPD

Sgt. Anthony Seciwa was promoted to lieutenant March 31 by Gallup Police Chief Franklin Boyd. Photo Credit: GPD

Gallup Police Depar tment ever since he started his law enforcement career in June 2000. He has since served in various capacities, including as a sergeant in the school resource program and as lieutenant of detectives.

Construction Begins March 30, 2020 on Phase 2 of Roadway Improvements on I-40 East of Gallup PROJECT OVERVIEW:

Traffic Impacts

This $12.6 million project is a continuation of roadway improvements begun last year to address safety and traffic flow. This phase includes 2.57 miles of I-40 located east of Gallup between milepost 39.9 and milepost 42.5, including Exit 39 north of Jamestown. Construction is expected to last through fall 2020.

During the first phase of construction, crews will set wall barrier and restripe the roadway. Westbound I-40 will be restricted to one lane in the construction area. Access will be maintained to the westbound I-40 off-ramp at Exit 39.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES: • Reconstruct and widen I-40 westbound lanes • Build a new passing lane on I-40 eastbound • Rehabilitate a concrete box culvert • Build guard rail and median concrete wall barrier • New roadway striping and signing

This phase is expected to last about two months, through late May or early June 2020. Regular work hours will be Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m., although the contractor may work longer hours or on weekends as needed. Two additional construction phases will follow, and all work is subject to change without notice and weather permitting. Motorists traveling on I-40 westbound in this area should expect delays, follow lower posted speed limits, and allow extra time to reach their destination.

For more information about the project, contact: Delane Baros, Public Information Officer, NMDOT District 6, (505) 240-1392; Delane.Baros@state.nm.us Patti Watson, (505) 245-3134 or (505) 269-9691 cell, (800) 687-3419 toll-free • pattiw@cwastrategic.com Lucas Baca, (505) 245-3138 or (505) 417-9989 cell, (800) 687-3419 toll-free • lucasb@cwastrategic.com

Other I-40 Construction in McKinley County Bridge reconstruction and roadway construction is also taking place on I-40 at Manuelito Canyon, about 4 miles west of the New Mexico/Arizona state line.

Get updated traffic information at

NMRoads.com Travel Information CN 6101131

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3/26/20 3:18 PM 9 Gallup Sun • Friday April 3, 2020

WEEKLY DWI REPORT Staff Reports Josiah Yazzie March 19, 1:49 am DWI Ga l lup Pol ice O f f icer Dominic Molina said he was dispatched to the Allsup’s

Store on Arnold Street because of a man trying to fi ght employees. Before he got there, the man left the

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Friday April 3, 2020 • Gallup Sun

store and drove away. Molina and another officer found his vehicle on Highway 66 and conducted a traffic stop. Molina sa id a s he approached the driver’s side, he could see a number of open liquor containers in a child’s car seat in the back left of the vehicle. He added that when he talked to Josiah Yazzie, 29, of Gallup, he could smell the odor of alcohol coming from inside the vehicle. He told Ya zzie he wa s stopped because of the altercation inside Allsup’s. Yazzie, who is an employee at the store, said the fi ght was because one of the employees was having an affair with his friend’s wife. Because of the indications of liquor consumption, Molina asked Yazzie if he would be willing to take the standard field sobriety tests but Yazzie declined, saying it was too cold and windy. After making excuses to avoid the standard field sobriety tests, Molina offered him the opportunity to take a portable breath test. Yazzie agreed then to take the field sobriety tests. While explaining the test to him, Molina said Yazzie became very disorderly and argumentative so Molina said he took this as a refusal and placed him under arrest. Yazzie’s wife was called to pick up the car, Inside were two occupants, both intoxicated, five open bottles of bear and a bottle of liquor. Yazzie later agreed to take the breath alcohol test and posted samples of .16, .13 and .14 He was released on his own recognizance by a judge March 19. Alfredo Tomas Skeet March 16, 3:22 am Aggravated DWI Ga l lup Pol ice O f f icer Michael Eley said he was asked to do a drunk driver test for another officer who saw a vehicle on the road that wa s u n a ble to stay within the lanes. The officer was unable to conduct the interview because he was transporting a juvenile. Eley caught up to the driver in the parking lot of the Dollar General Store, 2408 E. Hwy. 66, and watched as he had difficulty maintaining his balance as he exited his vehicle. Alfredo Skeet, 30, of Pinedale,

had bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. When asked if he had been drinking, Skeet admitted to having had only one drink before driving. He agreed to take the standard field sobriety tests and failed. He was arrested for DWI. He then agreed to take a breath alcohol test, but when it came time to give it to him, Eley said Skeet would not stand up. Skeet was booked into the McKinley County Adult Detention Center after receiving a medical clearance. In addition to a charge of aggravated driving while under the inf luence, he was issued a notice of revocation from the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division. On March 17, Skeet was released on his own recognizance by a judge. Krystal Thompson March 1, 4:36 am Aggravated DWI Ga l lup Pol ice O f f icer D om i n ic Mol i na sa id he was investigating an earlier traffic s t o p whe r e the driver and passenger had fled the area. The passenger was found and arrested on felony warrants, but the driver could not be located. As he entered the parking lot at 1400 S. Second St., Molina saw a Nissan leaving and traveling northbound. The driver, with pink and black hair, matched the description of the driver who had fled the scene earlier, Molina said he followed the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. But the driver said she was not the person the officer was seeking. She said another female dressed just like her with red hair was driving her car with a male. She said she didn’t know who that woman was, but the male was Alonzo Johnson. He then talked to Krystal Thompson, 21, of Mentmore, who showed signs of being intoxicated. He asked her if she had been drinking and she admitted to having had two beers a couple of hours before driving. Molina said he noticed two opened miniature shots on her seat. He asked Thompson to take the standard field sobriety tests and she agreed. She failed the tests and was arrested. Thompson’s vehicle had a

suspended registration and no insurance. Thompson had a suspended driver’s license. She asked for permission to call a friend to pick up her vehicle, but after trying twice and getting no answer, her cell phone died and a tow truck was called. She later agreed to take a breath alcohol test and posted two samples of .17. Thompson was released on her own recognizance by a judge March 2. Steven Fierro Jr. March 1, 3:27 am DWI Ga l lup Pol ice O f f icer Brandon Salazar was dispatched to M c D o n a l d ’s East, 2300 E. Hwy. 66, after a worker there repor ted a driver asleep in his car in the drive-thru lane. When he got there, he found Steven Fierro, 38, of Gallup, asleep at the wheel with the engine running. Salazar said he turned the ignition off before waking Fierro. Fierro admitted to drinking earlier that evening and agreed to take the standard field sobriety tests, which he failed. He was arrested for DWI. He later agreed to take a breath alcohol test and posted two samples of .13. Fierro was released on his own recognizance by a judge March 2. Johnpaul Samora March 1, 2:58 am Aggravated DWI Gallup Police Officer Daniel Brown was on patrol when he arrived at the Best Western P lu s H o t e l , 910 E. Aztec Ave., to assist another officer who was performing a welfare check on a driver who had pulled into the parking lot. Metro Dispatch had advised a dark gray GMC truck had been dr iv ing da ngerously north on Boardman Drive. The vehicle in the hotel parking lot matched the description of the vehicle advised by Dispatch. Brown made contact with the driver, Johnpaul Samora, 34, of Gallup, who had two small scratches under his bloodshot eyes. The vehicle

DWI REPORT | SEE PAGE 14 NEWS

STATE & REGION

NEWS

New Mexico coronavirus positive case count continues upward climb TIMELINE REVEALS INCREASES, DEATHS OVER PAST WEEK

ANTA FE – Despite stay at home orders, the number of New M e x i c o C OV I D -19 cases continue to rise. State health officials announced 48 additional positive tests April 1, bringing the total to 343. Per the state Department of Health, the most recent cases are: • 19 new cases in Bernalillo County • 1 new case in Catron County • 2 new cases in Cibola County • 2 new cases in Curr y County • 3 new cases in Doña Ana County • 1 new ca se i n Gra nt County • 4 new cases in McKinley County • 1 new ca se i n Otero County • 3 new cases in Sandoval County • 5 new cases in San Juan County • 6 new cases in Santa Fe County • 1 new c a s e i n Ta o s County Here’s a list of reported new cases by county: • Bernalillo County: 148 • Catron County: 1 • Chaves County: 10 • Cibola County: 4 • Curry County: 5 • Doña Ana County: 21 • Eddy County: 4 • Grant County: 1 • Lea County: 2 • McKinley County: 20 • Otero County: 1 • Rio Arriba County: 4 • Roosevelt County: 1 • Sandoval County: 32 • San Juan County: 37 • San Miguel County: 1 • Santa Fe County: 48 • Socorro County: 3 • Taos County: 12 • Torrance County: 3 • Valencia County: 5 County totals are subject to change upon further investigation and determination of residency of individuals positive for COVID-19, NMDOH stated in a news release. As of April 1, there are 31 NEWS

individuals hospitalized in New Mexico for COVID-19. This number may include individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 out of state, but are currently hospitalized in New Mexico. This number does not include New Mexicans who tested positive for COVID-19 and may have been transferred to a hospital out of state. As of today, there are 26 COVID-19 cases designated as having recovered by the New Mexico Department of Health. NEW MEXICO COVID-19 TIMELINE March 27: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and state education and child care officials announced that New Mexico public education will shift to a learn-at-home model as schools remain closed for the rest of the academic year. Also, 101 COVID-19 positive cases reported. A Bernalillo man in his 80s died from coronavirus complications. The number of deaths in the state related to COVID-19 is now at two. G o v. M i c h e l l e L u j a n Grisham issued an executive order requiring air travelers to New Mexico to self-isolate for at least 14 days to help combat the spread of COVID-19. M a r c h 2 8 : COV I D -19 positive cases now at 208. McKinley County reports 5. March 29: New Mexico has now had a total of 237 positive tests for COVID-19. A Bernalillo County man in his 40s was found unresponsive at his home. Test results for COVID-19 came back positive. He had a n underlying medical condition. This brings the death toll to five. March 30: New Mexico has now reported a total of 281 positive tests for COVID19. Two deaths were reported. Two Bernalillo County women – one in her 90s and the other in her 70s. Both had reported underlying conditions. Medical providers must report on how they plan to comply with the ordered threemonth delay on all non-essential medical procedures

Center of Disease Control coronavirus test kits. Photo Credit: CDC without risk to their patients. March 31: New Mexico now has a total of 315 positive tests for COVID-19. A woman in her 90s from Sandoval County has died. She was hospitalized and had underlying medical conditions. The number of deaths in the state related to COVID-19 is now six. April 1: State health offi cials announced 48 additional positive tests April 1, bringing the total to 343. Lu jan Grisham said

Medical personnel check-in patients at tent located in the parking lot of Gallup Indian Medical Center in Gallup March 22. File Photo COVID-19 testing has opened up to asymptomatic people who were in close contact to someone who tested positive for coronavirus; nursing home residents; people in congregant settings such as homeless shelters, group homes, detention centers; and symptomatic people displaying

classic COVID-19 symptoms of cough, fever and/or shortness of breath. New Mex ica ns who exhibit symptoms of COVID19 i n fect ion, shou ld ca l l their health care provider o r t h e N M D O H C OV I D 19 hotline immediately at 1-855-600-3453.

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Gallup Sun • Friday April 3, 2020

Community Coalition launches campaign to unseat N.M. Senate corporate Democrats Staff Reports

AS CRUCES - The No Corporate Democrats community coalition launched a primary campaign March 30 to unseat a slate five of New Mexico’s Corporate Democrat Senators: George Muñoz , D - Cibola, McKinley, San Juan; Gabriel Ramos, D - Catron, Grant, Socorro; Clemente Sanchez, D - Cibola, Socorro, McKinley, Valencia; John Arthur Smith, Doña A na, Hidalgo, Luna, Sierra; and Mary Kay Papen, D - Doña Ana.

This community-led campaign highlights the ways in which these Senators have stood against working families for years: voting against early childhood programs, paid sick leave and tax credits that would help families t h r ou g hout New Mex ico during the COVID-19 global pandemic. “We are a coalition made up of community members and activists who have voted for Democrats for decades,” Gallup resident and member of the Navajo Nation Krystal Curley said. “This is not about

‘progressive’ vs. ‘moderate’ or ‘moderate’ vs. ‘conservative’. This is about fairness, accountability, and decency. Rural areas of New Mexico deserve better representation from Democratic candidates who should put people first instead of cutting corporate taxes in exchange for corporate donations.” “For years, these senators voted against high-quality early childhood services that we desperately need in souther n New Mexico,” Va ler ia Hollaway, a n ea rly ch ildhood provider in Las Cruces,

said. “Now that COVID-19 is a threat to everyone’s health and livelihood, families are desperate for childcare, proving that working people are the backbone of our society - not corporations”. One of the senators mentioned spoke with the Gallup Sun about this effort. Muñoz pointed out the difficulties of representing a broad, widely divergent group of constituents. He also pointed out that there is a patchwork of issues across his district, some of which are federal, leaving him without a say, such as in

addressing Native American health care. Muñoz also addressed how COVID-19 is impacting oil and gas and that the permanent fund will need to be tapped for early childhood needs. As for the New Mexico legislature, Muñoz says not everybody gets what they want out of the session. He asked for money for five water wells this year and did not receive it. As for the No Corporate Democrats Coa lition, the group says it will provide the accountability needed during the primary elections to make sure that working families are the focus of New Mexico’s political landscape. For more information, visit nocorporatedems.com.

Using tablets to improve communication during social isolation Staff Reports

EW MEXICO- In an effort to ensure people living in nursing facilities remain connected with their loved ones, New Mexico’s Aging and LongTerm Services Department has purchased and distributed 350 tablets across the state to

licensed facilities. On March 14, the New Mexico Department of Health took steps to protect nursing home residents by limiting visitation to the facilities and providing guidelines for visitors. In conjunction with this announcement, the ALTSD’s Ombudsman Program started accepting requests for the

tablets from facilities, residents and family members. The ALTSD worked with a wireless company to purchase the tablets and leveraged video conferencing and chat solutions to facilitate enhanced communications between residents and their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic. “ We a r e l i v i n g i n

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Friday April 3, 2020 • Gallup Sun

unprecedented times. Not only is it critical that we suppor t our neighbors through these challenging days and weeks, but also that we make sure we are fostering relationships and staying connected. Using v ir tual communication like video chats is a simple step we can take to boost our spirits, maintain safe interactions, and engage with those we love,” ALTSD Cabinet Secretary Katrina Tablets are being used to provide communication Hotrum-Lopez said. “We between families that are separated by COVID-19. are all in this together and Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons must support one another, which is particularly true for those who may feel discon- family. Recognizing how signected. I encourage everyone nificant those regular interacto check in with their elderly tions are for the wellbeing and friends and family members to quality of life of the elderly resensure they are receiving the idents, caretakers are grateful care they require as well as to offer this option in order helping them overcome lone- to allow families to maintain liness that can be the natural these critical communications. result of limited person-to-perIn addition to the 350 tabson interactions.” lets purchased by ALTSD, Many family members and the New Mexico Health Care residents have expressed their Association purchased 140 appreciation for the ability to more tablets for distribution stay connected during this to nursing home facilities. pandemic. In one facility, staff The tablets can also be used members were providing their for monitoring purposes, helpown personal phones to res- ing to ensure the safety and idents so they could contact wellbeing of residents.

If you are a senior or disabled adult and cannot access groceries, please call:

1-800-432-2080 Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and the city or town in which you live. This is a State of New Mexico program. NEWS

NEWS

INDIAN COUNTRY

The latest Navajo Nation case numbers Staff Reports

he number of positive COVID-19 cases continues to rise on the Navajo Nation despite a stay-at-home order and all nonessential businesses being told to close. The Navajo Department of Health and Navajo Area India n Hea lth Ser v ice, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center, said there are 214 cases on the Navajo Nation as of April 1, with another 40 cases being confi rmed that day. The 214 cases include the following counties: Navajo County, Ariz.: 97 Apache County, Ariz.: 22 Coconino County, Ariz.: 49 McKinley County, N.M.: 14 San Juan County, N.M.: 22 Cibola County, N.M.: 3 San Juan County, Utah: 7 There are seven confi rmed deaths from COVID-19 as of April 1 as well. President Jonathan Nez issued an executive order on March 31 to extend the closure of the Executive Branch through April 26, except for essential staff to perform essential services. The order also called for school districts on the Navajo Nation to remain closed for the remainder of the school year. The Navajo Nation implemented a daily cur few on

LOUIS BONAGUIDI | FROM PAGE 6

Ma rch 30, which rema ins in effect from 8 pm to 5 am. The curfew does not apply to essential employees reporting to or from work, with official identification and / or a letter of designation from their essential business employer on official letterhead which includes a contact for verification. In an April 1 press release, Vice President Myron Lizer urged Navajo Nation residents to do their part to help fi rst responders and health care workers on the frontline by staying home as much as possible and continuing to practice social distancing. “There’s no doubt that we will beat this virus, but it’s up to all of us [to determine] whether that’s sooner or later. Our prayers are with all of our Navajo people each day as we continue the fi ght together,” Lizer said.

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez issuing a curfew for the Navajo Nation during a streamed town hall update on Facebook March 29. The curfew is part of the “Stay at Home Order” to slow the spread of COVID-19. Photo Credit: OPVP

March 11: Navajo Nation declares Public Health State of Emergency. The Nez-Lizer Ad m i n i s t r a t ion r e s t r ic t s of f-reser vat ion t ravel for Executive Branch employees. March 17: The fi rst two members of the Navajo Nation test positive for COVID-19. Both cases are located in

the Chilchinbeto region near Kayenta, Ariz. March 18: The third positive case in confi rmed, also in Chilchinbeto. A Public Health Emergency Order was placed, forbidding large gatherings of people and ordering restaurants to close indoor seating. Billboards are set up across the Navajo Nation urging residents to stay at home for at least 15 days. March 21: The total number of cases reaches 26 as the Navajo Nation’s “Stay at Home Order” goes into effect. All businesses except those that provide essential services like food, gas, and medicine are ordered to close indefi nitely.

he said. Bonaguidi will not take of f ice u nt i l May 1. Cit y Ma nager Ma r ya n n Ust ick says t hat becau se of t he changes in Local Election

Act, which went into effect Ju ly 1, 2018, t he cu r rent mayor will remain in office through April 30. The new m ayor w i l l be s wor n i n shortly before May 1.

T I M EL I N E OF T H E VIRUS ON THE NAVAJO NATION

hearings, which Bonaguidi said are going to be difficult, due to the impact COVID-19 has had on local businesses and the fact that no one knows for sure how long closures will last. Still, Bonaguidi said he is grateful for the people who voted for him and thinks Gallup is a great community with great people. “I promise I’ll do the best I can not just for the people who voted for me, but for the Gallup mayoral candidate Sammy Chioda watches as the vote tally is posted in the city council chambers of whole community,” Gallup City Hall March 31. Photo Credit: Cable Hoover NEWS

Residents are urged to not leave their homes except for essential services. March 28: The fi rst two deaths from COVID-19 are conf ir med, a long with a n updated case number of 92. M a r c h 3 0 : T he c a s e count reaches 148 with fi ve deaths. Nez and Lizer meet with health care officials and emergency responders who are working to fully establish a federal medical station to help fight the COVID-19 spread in the community of Chinle, Ariz. March 31: The total positive case count reaches 174 with five deaths. The NezLizer Administration begins

the “Operation First of the Month” initiative, which aims to reduce the amount of traffic in reservation towns during the busy time at the start of April. Residents are urged to leave children and elders at home, and send only one person from each household for essential goods to reduce the risk to themselves and others. April 1: With another 40 confirmed cases, the tally reaches 214 for the Navajo Nation. Another two deaths brings the total up to seven. For more information on th e Nava jo Na t i on efforts in fi ghting COVID19, visit http://www.ndoh. navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19.

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Gallup Sun • Friday April 3, 2020

Senator asks governor to waive fees for water By Beth Blakeman Associate Editor

homes. It costs them $0.25 for 19 gallons of water. However, in addition to the inconvenience of having to haul and pump the water, there is the expense and sometimes the need to make additional trips to get change to purchase it, in cases where customers do not have a water account. Muñoz says handling cash and change at the coin-operated stated increases transmission risks. All of that moving around in the community adds to issues of contact and possible increased dangers of community spread.

Muñoz said temporarily suspending fees at the water loading station will assist in proper hygiene, ease economic hardships and ensure people have access to clean water for drinking, cleaning and food preparation. As of April 1, the governor’s office is in discussions with the City of Gallup, water providers, and utilities across the state. However, there is no estimated time of accomplishment. In addition to the request of the governor’s office, Muñoz wrote to President Trump. Along with the request to waive fees for the water loading station, he asked for federal relief funding for people living in Gallup and on the Navajo Nation who are in need of the basic essentials for survival through this pandemic, in particular coal and wood for heating and propane for cooking. Muñoz says another issue concerns how people cash their checks, so they can make purchases. He says it is important to keep businesses such as pawn shops open in town, because they charge the lowest rates for cashing checks for customers.

A truck ﬁlls up at the Bataan Water Loading Station, 410 Bataan Veterans St. in Gallup. Photo Credit: George Muñoz

drank about eight shots and two pints of quarter whiskey earlier that evening. He said he did not need medical attention, and that he was only involved in a dispute he did not want to talk about. He was emotional.

When asked how much he had to drink, Samora said he had seven or eight shots within 12 hours and that six hours previous he had downed two quarter pints of whiskey. Samora agreed to take the

standard field sobriety tests, but failed. He refused to take a breath alcohol test. Samora was arrested for aggravated DWI. Brown ran his information through Metro Dispatch and learned that Samora’s

or all the necessities and front-line and essential worker issues being highlighted as the COVID-19 pandemic moves across the globe, the country, and the state, McKinley County has special challenges that call for unique adaptations. For people on the reservations, water is a prime consideration. For that reason, N. M. Sen. George Muñoz, D - McKinley, Cibola, San Juan wrote Gallup Mayor Jackie McKinney and the Gallup City Council March 25 requesting a halt to charging people who use the city’s water loading stations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to legal obstacles, he was advised to contact the governor’s office. Muñoz took his concern to Diego Arencon and Daniel Schlegel in Santa Fe. He told the Gallup Sun that when people on the reservation don’t have running water, they haul their water from a fi lling station with trucks and trailers and then pump it into their

DWI REPORT | FROM PAGE 10 also had the odor of alcohol coming from Samora’s breath. When asked if he had been drinking, Samora said he had

New Mexico State Senator George Muñoz

license was revoked. His girlfriend picked up the vehicle. A judge released Samora on h is ow n recog n iza nce March 2.

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Friday April 3, 2020 • Gallup Sun

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Letter to the editor: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 31, 2020 5:30 pm Contact: Ina Burmeister, Public Information Officer Public Information Phone Line: 505-863-7100 March 30, 2020, Gallup, New Mexico - A task force has put into place an initial solution to address the need to house homeless respiratory patients needing to self-isolate while waiting for COVID-19 test results. The task force includes representatives from the State, County, City, Gallup Indian Medical Center (GIMC), Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services (RMCHCS) and Community Outreach and Patient Empowerment (COPE). While the local task force f i r st bega n meet i ng, t he Governor’s office was also grappling with this issue at a statewide level. The local task force and the Governor’s office contacted the El Rancho to see if they might help. The hotel has a separate building located across the parking lot from the main hotel called the Ranch House Motel. The El Rancho offered this as a place that could house up to 20 homeless individuals who have either tested for the coronavirus and

waiting for results or who have symptoms that need daily monitoring but are not sick enough to be hospitalized. The Ranch House Motel housed the first patients last Thursday. To qualify, patients must have a medical referral from a RMCHCS or GIMC provider. The patient must be independent with their activities of daily living, not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs nor unlikely to withdraw from alcohol or other substance. The task force arranged for transportation from the hospitals to the Ranch House Motel. Nurses or providers will check in on the patient by phone on a daily basis to assess their symptoms as test results are pending. They will be released when they are no longer considered infectious. While the El Rancho is open for business, no one will be in contact with the patients. The rooms are completely separate from the main hotel and each room has its own outside entrance. When a provider refers a patient, the provider calls the hotel and registration takes place through the phone. El Rancho’s security is ready to open the door of the room when

the patient arrives. Patients are not given rooms keys and the El Rancho has hired extra security to watch the rooms at all times. The El Rancho provides the meals, leaving them outside the door. A phone call and a knock on the door lets the patient know the meal is there. When a patient leaves, the room remains vacant for 24 hours and then cleaned thoroughly. The El Rancho has a strict cleaning protocol for the entire hotel, using CDC guidelines. These same guidelines apply for cleaning patient rooms. . While no solution is perfect and without its bumps, it is a workable solution for now. The most important thing is to keep the patient safe and to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. The task force continues to meet to make plans should the number of patients exceed the number of rooms available. # # # I am a 67 year old Native A merican (Osage) woman who has lived in Gallup for 42 years. Last Thursday I was aggressively panhandled by 3 men as I was walking from my car into Albertsons.They surrounded me, not taking no as my answer and I had to push

my way through them to get into the store. To hear via an email that our community will be used to house “homeless respiratory patients” while they await the results of their tests is beyond belief! They’ll also be provided with meals. Why were the citizens of Gallup left out of this process? We live, work and spend our money in Gallup. If we get sick we pay to be seen by a doctor and if we become possible “respiratory patients,” we self isolate in our own homes, provide our own food and wait for the results. The majority of the homeless in our community have a home. They either don’t want to be there or they’ve burned all their bridges with their family. Why don’t we encourage them to return home, self isolate and wait for their results, like the rest of the people of Gallup and surrounding communities? Instead, once again, Gallup is being used to provide food and shelter to people who choose to come into our town instead of staying home. The Navajo Nation has been very proactive in setting up facilities where possible patients can receive good care in their communities. Instead of encouraging people to return home and stay there, we are providing them with a means to remain homeless in Gallup, where they will continue to panhandle and harass both citizens of Gallup and the many tourists who visit here.

EL RANCHO | FROM PAGE 1

31, staffers said they didn’t have immediate information, but referred the Gallup Sun to the governor’s Deputy Legislative Director Ane Romero. ROMERO’S VERSION OF EVENTS Eight days after the COVID19 emergency was declared by the governor March 11, the Department of Tourism was given the job of finding places around the state where people could isolate if they were sick, or showed symptoms of the virus. The department issued a survey and sent it to all the hotels, asking if they would be willing to serve as a shelter for people who needed to: self-isolate, regardless of status; whether they were fleeing domestic violence; first responders; were waiting for test results; or tested positive for COVID-19.

A nu mber of hotel s responded, but according to Romero, the majority of those who said yes at first, backed out. One hotel that came forward was the El Rancho Hotel. It was the only hotel in McKinley County that offered to help. Romero explained the county’s need based on the situation at the St. Joseph’s Shelter and Soup Kitchen, which only recently reopened on March 30, and Na Nihzhoozhi Center Inc., which is at full capacity. So, when El Rancho offered a whole wing, separate from the hotel itself, the state agreed. Known as the Ranch House Motel, the wing features 20 separate rooms, each with an individual door to the outside. Carney believes that it may have been easier for the El

Rancho to work with the state because it has an active business in the hotel and a working staff. “This hotel has been in this community for 80 years,” she said. “I think it’s our civic duty to give back, even if it’s a painful thing.” She said the hotel has been receiving an outpouring of positive responses from the community. Per the agreement, the El Rancho charges $47 per night plus lodging taxes, and $23 per day for meals. Funds would be paid to the hotel via the health department from the state emergency funds allocated by Lujan Grisham in Executive Order 2020-008. The agreement with the state does not have a termination date, but is restricted to a total number of nights, which the health

Are we opening Pandora’s Box? A CONVERSATION BY LETTER BETWEEN INA BURMEISTER , KITTY MASON

Additionally, she stated that the El Rancho Hotel would remain open for business, but no one would be in contact with the patients in the Ranch House Motel. Burmeister also stated that there were meetings between the “local task force” and governor’s office, and said both contacted the El Rancho to see if the hotel wanted to help. El Rancho Hotel Manager Teena Carney says she first heard from the governor’s office, then was asked to contact the New Mexico Health Department. Next, she heard from the hospitals. When Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office was contacted about the arrangement March OPINIONS

Pe ople who k now me know that I am a person who ha s a lways helped in ou r community to care for those in need. But this time I’m mad that I could have been infected, after weeks of being so cautious, by people wandering our streets. And I’m upset that so many people, including our State, County, City officials and those who run the health care options in Gallup seem to be prioritizing the less fortunate over the wellbeing of everyone in our community. We were not given a voice on this task force and that by itself is wrong. Those on the task force who came up with putting people, who are used to roaming the streets, in hotel rooms in the middle of town, close to liquor stores and other commercial outlets where there is significant panhandling weren’t thinking clearly. I’m sure that if the possible respiratory patients test negative they’ll be back on the streets where they can be infected by others and spread it on to the good citizens of Gallup. We all have great compassion for people who struggle in this world, but the leaders in our community, have a responsibility to all of us and, at the very least, should have the people of Gallup’s input when making these types of decisions. Kitty Mason Gallup, N.M.

department has forecasted at 300. That would cover all health department-sponsored guests being housed at the Ranch House Motel for an undetermined period. “This basically started as 20 beds for 20 days,” Carney said. “Whenever they don’t need the beds anymore, then our relationship is complete.” She estimates that the relationship began around March 20 and she thinks it will need to be extended beyond late April. “I don’t think there’s any timeline on keeping people safe,” she said. HOW IT WORKS W hen a homeless person shows symptoms that

EL RANCHO | SEE PAGE 16

Gallup Sun • Friday April 3, 2020

Addressing the need for health care providers amid COVID-19 Pandemic By Jeremy Myers Secretary, Libertarian Party of New Mexico

ANTA FE -Â As testing for COVID-19 becomes more available, it is expected that the numberÂ of New Mexicans identified as infected with COVID-19 will

EL RANCHO | FROM PAGE 15 could be from COVID-19, a physician from RMCHCS or GIMC can do a test and contact the motel to arrange for the patient to stay in one of the reserved rooms until their results come back. The local task force says

far exceed the 43 confirmed cases, as of March 20. As more infected seek treatment, New Mexico will not only need beds and supplies - additional health care providers will be required.Â Â In order to address this increased need for health ca re prov ider s a m id t he COV ID -19 Pa ndemic, it is cr itica l that New Mexico

follow the lead of several statesÂ (Arizona,Â California, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington)Â and waive state health care licensing requirements to allow health care providers licensed in other states to assist here inÂ New Mexico.Â https: // www.foley. com/en/insights/

publications/2020/03/covid19-states-waive-licensingrequirements. T h i s a c t ion w i l l help ensure that those who are infected with COVID-19 are properly cared for, while also lessening the burden on our health care providers that are working tirelessly to combat this virus.

transportation from the hospital to the motel will be provided and nurses or health care professionals will check on the patient by phone each day to assess their symptoms. Residents of these rooms get their meals served by the El Rancho outside their doors. A phone call and a knock on the

door lets the patient know the meal has arrived. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s around the clock security to discourage patients from leaving, and to keep anyone else from approaching the rooms. Carney says that the security team members do not approach the patients. They keep to social distancing rules.

When COVID-19 tests results come back negative, the patient will be released.Â If they come back positive, medical professionals will determine the proper course of action based on the severity of the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s symptoms. Cit y Cou nc i lor L i nd a Garcia,Â who represents District

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Jeremy Myers

1, says in that case, every effort will be made to locate patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family members. But beyond that it is not possible to monitor the people who test negative. In Burmeisterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s press release, she says when a room is vacated, it stays empty for 24 hours and is then thoroughly cleaned based on Centers for Disease Control guidelines for cleaning patient rooms. While this set-up comes across as an orderly, tidy process on paper, some members of the community have expressed concerns about the location, which is across the street from a liquor store.Â Carney admits this is a concern for her and the staff, but they have a plan of action in place. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If one of the guests leaves, they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get to come back,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have keys to the rooms, so they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t physically come back in.â&#x20AC;? So, far the system has worked, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only as good as a patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s compliance with the program. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some have left and tried to come back. We just called the hospital or they call the police,â&#x20AC;? she said. Carney also said in those cases, the patients were picked up. But if someone takes off, and hotel staff knows which way they went, that information will be passed on to authorities. For her part, Garcia also expressed concern about the nearby access to liquor. She told the Gallup Sun, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m concerned and I will be on top of it.â&#x20AC;?Â Â In Burmeisterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s press release, she stated that the task force will continue to meet to make plans in case the number of patients exceeds the number of rooms available. It makes no mention of the Western Health Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement in the matter. Ina Burmeisterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s press release is featured on page 15. OPINIONS

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Sewing buddies become essential workers in McKinley County COMBATING COVID-19 WITH MASKS OF LOVE By Dee Velasco For the Sun

cK i n ley Cou nt y fights COVID-19 in its own unique way: sewing masks, one layer at a time. More than 15 women and a couple of men from Veterans Helping Veterans have been making surgical masks one at a time. So fa r, t he g roup ha s made masks for residents of Little Sisters of the Poor, the Community Pantry, nurses, loca l vetera ns, a nd ma ny more for those who need them in their line of duty. To date, over 500 masks have been turned out by the group and currently, they are preparing 200 more masks for the Navajo Nation Police. Under the direction of Cecelia Held, of Gallup, the group got started by making masks for their families and friends. One day, Held happened to look on Facebook and learned how to improve the masks using patterns. She then reached out to her sewing buddies and the group was formed. “We wanted to help make masks for people in need,” Held said. Held coordinated different groups to pitch in to help the community “because we care, and we would hope that someone cares about us.” “Everybody is working hard to get as many done as they can,” she said. “It’s actually time consuming, every little detail, and adding the extra layers. What works and what doesn’t, all these are trial and error, some of our fi rst tries were a little on the thin side.” Group member Jeannie Leza, who designs most of the masks, says the group is cheerful despite the world situation. “We’re a fun group. The more people that show up, we can teach them. Who needs help, where. We have lots of fun. We demand to have fun laughing),” Leza said. COMMUNITY

Jeannie Leza and Cecilia Held, part of the Veterans Helping Veterans organization, March 31 in Held’s yard in southeast Gallup, discussing various patterns to use for more masks as the group gets ready to make them. Photo Credit: Dee Velasco

Cecilia Held explains how the masks are made and how thick they are. Held says creating masks with extra layers of thickness is time-consuming and took several trials to accomplish. She is seen here in her front yard in southeast Gallup March 31. Photo Credit: Dee Velasco

Most of the women in the group are wives and family members of veterans. Held calls it a great way to give back to the veterans. “Our veterans have gone to battle and here we are now, and they are needing our help,” she said. Besides sewing the masks to help others, these workers say the mask making gives them clear minds amidst all the chaos in the world. “It keeps our minds occupied and keeps us busy, even though we can’t be together on Wednesday night at the veterans group, or on Thursday at the Little Sister’s, or out in Ramah once a month. We’re together in spirit,” Held said. T hat toget her nes s is important since everyone is now isolated from one another. The group catches up by phone or, as Held says, “do[es] the

Ready-to-use masks that the group ﬁnished are displayed in small piles on the table in Cynthia Held’s front yard in southeast Gallup March 31. Photo Credit: Dee Velasco

d r ive -by t h i ng.” Members come to her porch and leave items or pick up fabric, keeping the social distance in place always. “We need to keep our distance from those that we love, so that they can be here next week, next month, and next year,” she added. As this interview was being conducted (keeping the social distance), a dentist came by to get his mask adjusted and offered thanks to the women. The group offers special thanks to Brothers In Arms for their donations. The group accepts donations of fabric, good quality sheets, elastic, supplies needed to make the masks. They can be reached through Veterans Helping Veterans (505) 879-3333 or Little Sisters of the Poor (505) 863-6894.

Gallup Sun • Friday April 3, 2020

‘Resistance’ features a fascinating true story, but needs some ﬁ ne-tuning By Glenn Kay For the Sun

RATING:  OUT OF  RUNNING TIME: 120 MINUTES This feature from IFC Films debuts on demand on cable and digital platforms March 27th. Aud ie nc e s h a ve b e e n spoiled over the past couple of years when it has come to st a ndout wa r mov ies. Recent productions like 1917, Dunkirk, A Hidden Life and Jojo Rabbit have raised the bar, offering new, unique (and sometimes ver y personal) perspectives on these battles, as well as pushing technical boundaries to their limit. The new fi lm Resistance offers yet another spin on the formula, focusing on the real tale of a figure who the world would eventually know under a different name (Marcel Marceau). While the true story is remarkable and sections of this fi lm are engaging, the story is delivered in a routine manner and comes across in spots as melodramatic. Set at the beginning of WWII, the story follows Marcel (Jesse Eisenberg), a Jewish immigrant living in France who is focused on his performance art. This comes much to the chagrin of his parents, who fi nd his ambitions selfi sh and would prefer that he take up the

Known to the world as Marcel Marceau (Jesse Eisenberg), Marcel Mangel joins the French Resistance to save thousands of children from the Nazis. Here he performs for orphaned Jewish children in France in “Resistance,” a story about his life during WWII. Photo Credit: IFC Films family business. Marcel’s eyes are opened to the war effort after being asked by local Boy and Girl Scouts to help care for orphaned Jewish children. Entertaining and calming the kids with his performances, Marcel develops a fondness for the children and also befriends the troop leaders, including

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Friday April 3, 2020 • Gallup Sun

Emma (Clémence Poésy) and her sister, Mila (Vica Kerekes). When the Nazis occupy France, the group must determine what to do with the kids and decide if they will join the French Resistance. One can understand how the filmmakers may have wanted to go into great detail in establishing Marcel and telling his story as accurately as possible. But there’s a lot of material to fi lter. Early on, we witness the protagonist confronting and coming to terms with his family over his artistic proclivities, and also see romance slowly bloom between Marcel and Emma. Viewers also spend time with Gestapo leader Klaus Barbie (Matthias Schweighöfer), with whom Marcel and the others keep coming into contact. The leads also take time getting to know the French Resistance and deciding if they can actually fight on the front lines with them. While a few of these elements are important, several could have been trimmed. In the end, the numerous threads

and subplots bog down the running time. The movie also makes the strange decision to use General George S. Patton (Ed Harris) at the open and close. He walks out before U.S. troops to give a speech at the beginning and end of the fi lm about the heroism of Marcel and the others. It’s an entirely unnecessary and extraneous bit. Still, one positive is that at least the picture looks good and the locations are impressive even when the plot itself drags. In fact, it’s only in the fi nal third that these characters fi nd their true calling and the tension builds. Essentially, Marcel and the others resolve how they can best fi ght back and introduce a desperate, dangerous plan. It’s here where things come into focus and the fi lm hits its stride. In fact, the journey leads to a taut and stressful climax as the characters struggle to sneak past Nazi checkpoints and trudge through the French Alps with soldiers hot on their trail. One wishes that the movie had focused primarily on this

facet of the lead’s experiences. The cast members are all fine and do their absolute best. There are some chilling exchanges between Barbie and Marcel. But at times the screenplay resorts to using tropes. There’s even a moment where, after suffering a great loss, one of the young stowaway children gives the depressed resistance members an uplifting monologue about moving forward and fighting on. The youngster does quite well with the eye-rolling lines, but regardless, it is laid on a little thick. Resistance isn’t a bad movie and there are some individual sequences here and there that make a strong impression. Still, it’s unfortunate that such an incredible true story hasn’t been properly distilled and doesn’t quite come together to make a bigger emotional impact. The artist featured in this biopic may be one of the greatest in his field, but this adaptation of his story is only moderately successful. V i s i t : w w w . CinemaStance.com COMMUNITY

Blu-ray/DVD Roundup for April 3, 2020 By Glenn Kay For the Sun

ello and welcome to another look at highlights arriving on Blu-ray and DVD. Once again, it’s a busy week containing a huge blockbuster, as well as some intriguing independent fare. So, since you more than likely can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure to give one of these titles a try! Big New Releases! The Captain - The disaster film gen re ha s been around a lmost a s long as cinem a it s el f and this foreign-language effort from China continues the trend. It is based on an actual incident that occurred in May 2018 on a Sichuan Airlines fl ight over Tibet. According to reports, the windshield of the plane cracked while in midair, sucking the captain halfway out of the cockpit while many onboard passed out due to low cabin pressure. The movie was an enormous hit overseas and received reasonable notices over here as well. A small group of reviewers suggested that the film took too long to get where it was going and felt like a corny update of ‘70s disaster fl icks like the Airport series. However, most found the fi lm to be an appealing throwback and thought the story itself was quite remarkable. It stars Hanyu Zhang , Hao Ou, Jiang Du and Quan Yuan. It Started as a Joke - The Eu gene M i r m a n Comedy Festival is the subject of this documentary, which traces the beginning and fi nal show of this popular Brooklyn event. Apparently, the celebration was described as a sincereand-ironic series of perfor-

m a n c e s t h a t m a de f u n of t he trappings of mainstream festival prog r a m m i ng. The documentary deta ils the work of the founder and his goals in creating the event. It also details the various celebrities who took part in and performed at the shows. The press enjoyed the feature. They called the movie a great tribute and Mirman himself a sweet and likable guy who used humor in inventive ways to entertain. The fi lm features interview footage with Michael Ian Black, Kristen Scha a l, Wyat t Cenac, Ira Glass, John Hodgman, Kumail Nanjiani, Reggie Watts, Bobcat Goldthwait and many others. Mystify: Michael Hutchence - Musician Michael Hu t c he nc e was the lead singer of the Au s t r a l i a n band INXS, who had a string of hit si ng les i n the ‘80s and ‘90s, including songs l ike “W hat You Need”, “Need You Tonight”, “Never Tear Us Apart”, and “Suicide Blonde”. Sadly, Hutchence died suddenly under tragic circumstances at the age of 37. This documentary uses archival home movies to detail his life and reveals several pieces of information about the fi gure that the public didn’t know. One example is a car accident in 1992 that involved a serious blow to the head which reportedly plagued him over his remaining days. Critics unanimously recommended the film. They suggested that much of the footage on display was enlightening and wisely focused on

the figure’s sadness rather t ha n t he more sa la ciou s aspects of his life. Star Wars: Episode IX The Rise of Skywalker - The latest and supposedly final (for the time being) film in the Star Wars series picks up with the evil Sith mastermind behind the sinister First Order revealing himself and unveiling his master plan. Nat u r a l ly, t he rem a i n i ng members of the Resistance must fight a final battle that will determine the fate of the universe. Notices were muted and split down the middle for the finale (actually, it was the worst reviewed of all titles in the franchise). Those who enjoyed the movie stated that while the story was flawed, it was v isually impressive and an appropriately grand finale. A lmost a s ma ny did n’t think it had much of importa nce to say, had ser ious issues with logic and generally felt underwhelming. It stars Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Domhnall Gleeson, Richard E. Grant and Lupita Nyong’o.

and ended his life. The movie arrives with a new 4K scan from the negative, contains an interview with director Ernest Dickerson (Juice, Surviving the Game). There are also interviews with the screenwriter, cinematographer, and make-up effects artists. The Blu-ray also includes an audio track with the star and director, featurettes on the production, deleted scenes with optional commentary, a music video, and plenty of trailers. Criterion is presenting the classic musical Show Boat (1936) in high def i n it ion . Perhaps most famous for the song, “Ol’ Ma n River,” this title follows the life of a performer on a floating playhouse and the trials and tribulations that span an entire lifetime. Directed by Ja mes W ha le (Frankenstein, The Invisible Man), this Blu-ray features a restored 4K digital transfer of the fi lm, a 1989 commentary from an American-musical historian, an interview with a biographer of the director, an Academy Award-winning s h o r t p a y i n g t r i bu t e t o co-star Paul Robeson, four

performances with the sound prologue of the 1929 version of the story, and two radio adaptations (one of which was produced by Orson Welles). You Know, For Kids! Here is a select ion of releases that may provide s ome e nt e r t a i n me nt for younger family members. Good Night, Gor il la… and More Great Sleepytime Stories (Scholastic) LEGO Jurassic World: Legend of Isla Nublar Munster, Go Home! (1966) SpongeBob SquarePants: Season 11 Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) (All Previous Star Wars fl icks also being made available on 4K Blu-ray) The Wonderful Adventures of Nils Holgersson (1980 - 1981 Austrian/Japanese Animated Series) On the Tube! A nd you’l l f i nd some TV-themed releases below as well! LEGO Jurassic World: Legend of Isla Nublar Midsomer Murders: Series 21 Mr. Robot: The Complete Series Mr. Robot: Season 4 The Wonderful Adventures of Nils Holgersson (1980 – 1981 Austrian/Japanese Animated Series)

Blasts from the Past! Shout! Factory i s del ivering some chills in the form of the Snoop Dogg horror picture, Bones (2001). The rapper plays an inner-city protector whose spirit is raised after a group of teens renovate his old home and turn it into a nightclub. He decides to take revenge on all those who wronged him

GALLUP SUN ARCHIVES Effective June 24, 2016, ALL Gallup Sun *archives (past issues) will be mailed. Must provide exact release date and mailing address. Send info. and check or money order for $2.00 to: Gallup Sun PO Box 1212 Gallup, NM 87305 *Based on availability.

COMMUNITY

Gallup Sun • Friday April 3, 2020

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. AUTOMOTIVE In search of vehicles and vehicle parts from 1920 to 1980 domestic and foreign (Nissan, Datsun, Toyota, Land Cruiser, Dodge, Chrysler, Plymouth, Pontiac, Buick, etc.) Text pictures to Phil @ 505409-1651. Will pay cash. Motorcycles, foreign and domestic 1920 -1980. HELP WANTED March 23, 2020 McKinley County is now accepting applications for the following positions:

POSITION Roads Superintendent DEPARTMENT FOR BEST McKinley County Roads Department CONSIDERATION DATE April 7, 2020 Applications and additional information regarding positions can be found on the County web site www.co.mckinley. nm.us Dezirie Gomez CPO Human Resource Director HOMES FOR RENT House for Rent 627 McKee Dr. 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Living/ Dining Area, Family Room, Garage, Backyard $1,200 a month Call 505-870-6852 for information

HOMES FOR SALE PLACE YOUR REAL ESTATE AD HERE! FIRST 25 WORDS FREE. LOGO and/or PHOTO $5 EACH. APPEARS ON GALLUPSUN.COM FOR FREE! EMAIL: gallupsunlegals@ gmail.com CALL: (505) 722-8994 PETS Did you lose a pet? Advertise your lost baby for FREE. Send pic and text. Deadline for submission Tuesday 5 pm. Email: gallupsun@gmail.com LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES STATE OF NEW MEXICO COUNTY OF MCKINLEY ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT NASHAT T. KHALAF Plaintiff, vs. MICHAEL P. MATAYA, MICHAEL P. MATAYA REVOCABLE TRUST DAT-

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ED JULY 24, 1992, INDIAN CAPITAL DISTRIBUTING, INC., CRAIG H. DILL CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE, BRAD HALL & ASSOCIATES, INC., DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICES, CHARLES B. POLICH, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, and LISA C. NUNEZ. Defendants. No. CV-2009-00646-7

D-1113-

NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given that on April 29, 2020 at the hour of 10:00 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock a.m., the undersigned Special Master, or his designee, will, at the front entrance of 104 E. Aztec Avenue, Gallup, New Mexico 87301, sell all of the rights, title and interest of the abovenamed Defendants, in and to the hereinafter described real estate to the highest bidder for cash. The property to be sold is located at 2900 W. Historic 66, Gallup, McKinley County, New Mexico, (if there is a conflict between the legal description and the street address, the legal description shall control) and is more particularly described as follows: Exhibit 1 Parcel One (1): That certain parcel of land situated within the southwest quarter (SW Âź ) of Section Twenty-Four (24), Township Fifteen (15) North, Range Nineteen (19) West, N.M.P.M., McKinley County, New Mexico and lying north U.S. Highway 66 bearings are referred to New Mexico State Highway Department Construction Plans for U.S. Highway 66. Beginning at the most southerly southwest corner of the parcel herein described said southwest corner being a point on the northerly right of the way line of U.S. Highway 66 whence: -(1) Highway right of way marker â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tâ&#x20AC;? rail in place (being Highway Station 930 00) bears South 77Â° 39â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 00â&#x20AC;? West 282.80 feet distance, and -(2) The quarter corner (2 Â˝ inch iron pipe in place) common the Sections Twenty-Five (25) and Twenty-Six (26),

Township Fifteen (15) North, Range Nineteen (19) West, N.M.P.M., McKinley County, New Mexico bears South 14Â° 04â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 03â&#x20AC;? West 3,826.30 feet distance; Thence North 12Â° 21â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 00â&#x20AC;? West 348.64 feet distance to a 1â&#x20AC;? iron pin at the northwest corner of the parcel herein described; Thence North 82Â° 00â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 00â&#x20AC;? East 200.75 feet distance to a 1â&#x20AC;? iron pin at the northeast corner of the parcel herein described; Thence South 12Â° 21â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 00â&#x20AC;? East 229.04 feet distance to a 1â&#x20AC;? iron pin at the most northerly southeast corner of the parcel herein described said southeast corner being also the northeast corner of a tract of land conveyed by Texaco, Inc., to M. & D. Enterprise, a partnership composed of Mike Mataya, Jr., and I. H. Danoff by the deed dated January 10, 1977; Thence South 77Â° 39â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 00â&#x20AC;? East 161.00 feet to a 1â&#x20AC;? iron pin said point being the northwest corner of the tract of land conveyed by Texaco, Inc., to M. & D. Enterprises; Thence South 12Â° 21â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 00â&#x20AC;? East along the west boundary line of the tract of land conveyed to M. & D. Enterprise 104.00 feet to an iron pin at its southwest corner on said northerly right of way of U.S. Highway 66 said point also being the most southerly southeast corner of the tract of land herein conveyed; Thence South 77Â° 39â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 00â&#x20AC;? West along said northerly right of way a distance of 39.00 feet to the Place of Beginning. Parcel Two (2): The certain parcel of land situated within the southwest quarter (SW Âź) of Section Twenty-Four (24), Township Fifteen (15) North, Range Nineteen (19) West, N.M.P.M, lying north of U.S. Highway 66. Bearings are referred to New Mexico State Highway Department Construction Plans for U.S. Highway 66. Beginning at the southwest corner of the parcel herein described said southwest corner

CLASSIFIEDS | SEE PAGE 21 COMMUNITY

CLASSIFIEDS | FROM PAGE 20 being a point on the northerly right of way line of U.S. Highway 66 whence: -(1) Highway right of way marker “T” rail in place (being Highway Station 930 00) bears South 77° 39’ 00” West 321.80 feet distance and -(2) Highway right of way marker “T” rail in place (being Highway Station 940 00) bears North 77° 39’ 00” East 678.79 feet distance and -(3) The quarter corner (2 ½ “ iron pipe in place) common to Sections Twenty-Five (25) and Twenty-Six (26), Township Fifteen (15) North, Range Nineteen (19) West, N.M.P.M., McKinley County, New Mexico bears South 77° 39’ 00” West 39 feet distance and Thence South 14° 04’ 03” West 3,826.30 feet distance; Thence North 12° 21’ 00” West 104 feet distance to the northwest corner of the parcel herein described; Thence North 77° 39’ 00” East 161 feet distance to the northeast corner of the parcel herein described; Thence South 12° 21’ 00” East 104 feet distance to the southeast corner of the parcel herein described said southeast corner being a point on said northerly right of way of U.S. Highway 66; Thence South 77° 39’ 00” West 161 feet distance along said northerly right of way to the

point and place of beginning. including any improvements, fixtures, and attachments, such as, but not limited to mobile homes. Subject to all taxes, utility liens and other restrictions and easements of record, and subject to a one (1) month redemption by the Defendants, the foregoing sale will be made to satisfy a foreclosure judgement lien on the above-entitled and numbered cause, being an action to foreclose a judgement lien on the above-described property. The Plaintiff’s judgement is Six Hundred Ninety-Eight Thousand Nine Hundred Seventy-Two and 04/100 ($698,972.04) Dollars, and the same bears interest at 10% per annum, which accrues at the rate of Fifty-Three and 05/100 ($53.05) Dollars per diem, commencing on March 3, 2020. The Plaintiff has the right to bid at such sale all of its judgement amount and submit its bid verbally or in writing. The Plaintiff may apply all or any part of its judgement to the purchase price in lieu of cash. The sale may be postponed and rescheduled at the discretion of the Special Master. The Court’s decree, having duly appointed Fran Pawlowski, as its Special Master to advertise and immediately offer for sale the subject real estate and to apply the proceeds of sale, first to the costs of sale and the Special Master’s Fees, then to pay the above-described judgement, interest, and costs of sale, and to pay unto the registry of the Court any balance remaining to sat-

isfy future adjudication of priority mortgage holders; NOW, THEREFORE, notice is hereby given that in the event that said property is not sooner redeemed, the undersigned will as set forth above, offer for sale and sell to the highest bidder cash or equivalent, the lands and improvements described above for the purpose of satisfying, in the adjudged order of priorities, the judgement described herein and decree of foreclosure together with any additional costs and attorney’s fees, costs of advertisement and publication, a reasonable receiver and Special Master’s fee to be fixed by the Court. The total amount of judgement plus interest due is Six Hundred Ninety-Eight Thousand Nine Hundred Seventy-Two and 04/100 ($698,972.04) Dollars, plus interest, attorney’s fees and costs to and including date of sale. Sale is subject to the entry of an order of the Court approving the terms and conditions of this sale. Witness my hand this 9th day of March, 2020. /s/ Fran Pawlowski Fran Pawlowski, Special Master 104 E. Aztec Ave. Gallup, New Mexico 87301 (505) 722-5871 Published: The Gallup Sun March 13, 2020

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EMAIL: GALLUPSUNLEGALS@GMAIL.COM DUE: TUESDAYS 5 PM March 20, 2020 March 27, 2020 April 3, 2020 *** Eleventh Judicial District Court County of McKinley State of New Mexico In the Matter of the Estate of John Steven Taylor, Deceased. No. D-1113-PB-2020-00011 NOTICE TO CREDITORS GEORGIA L. TAYLOR has been appointed Personal Representative of the Estate of JOHN STEVEN TAYLOR, deceased. All persons having claims against this estate are required to present their claims within

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

Address: _________________________________ City/State/Zip: ____________________________ Phone: ________________ (for billing purposes only) Mail Check to: Gallup Sun, PO Box 1212, Gallup, NM 87305 • Fax: (505) 212-0391 • Email: gallupsun@gmail.com Credit Card #: _________________ Exp: _______ 3-4 digit code: _________ Billing zip: _________

Dated: GEORGIA L. TAYLOR MASON & ISAACSON, P.A. James J. Mason Attorneys for Personal Representative 104 East Aztec Avenue Gallup, New Mexico 87301 (505) 722- 4463 Published in the Gallup Sun: March 27, 2020 April 3, 2020 April 10, 2020 *** The McKinley County Office of Emergency Management is finalizing its Hazard Mitigation Plan draft prior to submission to the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and FEMA for review and approval. The plan assesses natural hazards’ risks and vulnerabilities to the county, Gallup, and the Gallup-McKinley County School District. It provides recommendations to increase their hazard resiliency and reduce risk. In doing so, these actions aim to protect property and those who reside within the county. Due to current conditions, the

Pay By Phone: (505) 722-8994 The Gallup Sun is distributed weekly, on Fridays. Forms received after Wednesday, the subscription will start the following Friday.

CLASSIFIEDS

four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice of the claims will be forever barred. Claims must be presented either to the Personal Representative at the offices of Mason & Isaacsons, P.A., 104 East Aztec Avenue, Gallup, New Mexico, 87301, attorneys for the Personal Representative, or filed with the District Court of McKinley County, New Mexico.

CLASSIFIEDS | SEE PAGE 22

Gallup Sun • Friday April 3, 2020

CLASSIFIEDS | FROM PAGE 21

Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1

draft plan will not be available for viewing in person, but is instead available online in PDF format at: www.tworiversem. com/mckinleycountynm. We invite you to take the next two weeks to review the draft, provide any input you may have, or ask any related questions. Please direct all inquiries to: tony@tworiversem.com.

BID ISSUE DATE: 25, 2020

March

Published in the Gallup Sun April 3, 2020 *** ADVERTISEMENT BIDS

FOR

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Published in the Gallup Sun April 3, 2020 April 10, 2020 *** ADVERTISEMENT BIDS

FOR

Public notice is hereby given that the Gallup-McKinley County Schools, Gallup New Mexico, desires to purchase the following: ITB-413-20KC

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Public notice is hereby given that the Gallup-McKinley County Schools, Gallup New Mexico, desires to purchase the following: ITB-405-20KC GAS, OIL, & ELECTRIC CONTROLS Price Agreement Commodity Code(s): 03125, 28030, 74059, and 82040

Details and specifications are set forth in the bid documents, copies of which may be obtained from the Procurement Office 640 South Boardman, Gallup, New Mexico 87301 (bid opening site). Sealed bids for such will be received at the Procurement Office until 2:00 PM (LOCAL TIME) on May 7, 2020. Bid will be opened and read allowed in the Business Services Conference Room 123. Envelopes are to be sealed and plainly marked ITB-405-20KC. No FAXED BIDS or ELECTRONIC bid submissions nor bids submitted after the specified date and time will be considered and will be returned. The Board of Education reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids and to waive any formalities on minor inconsistencies.

PE / ATHLETIC SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT PRICE AGREEMENT Commodity Code(s): 805 Details and specifications are set forth in the bid documents, copies of which may be obtained from the Procurement Office 640 South Boardman, Gallup, New Mexico 87301 (bid opening site) or on the Procurement webpage located at www.gmcs.org. Sealed bids for such will be received at the Procurement Office until 2:00 PM (LOCAL TIME) on May 6, 2020. Bid will be opened and read allowed in the Business Services Conference Room 123. Envelopes are to be sealed and plainly marked ITB-413-20KC. No FAXED BIDS or ELECTRONIC bid submissions nor bids submitted after the specified date and time will be considered and will be returned. The Board of Education reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids and to waive any formalities on minor inconsistencies. Dated the 25th Day of March, 2020 By: /S/Charles Long, President Board of Education Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 BID ISSUE DATE: March 25, 2020

Dated the 25th Day of March, 2020 By: //S/Charles Long, President Board of Education

*** PUBLIC NOTICE

22 Friday April 3, 2020 • Gallup Sun

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the McKinley County Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. or immediately following the Regular Commission Meeting, whichever is later: For sitting as the Canvasing Board, to canvas the March 31, 2020 Municipal Officer Run-Off Election and make appropriate certifications as required by Election Law. Adhering to the Social Distancing Protocols, issued by the Governor’s Office; and the requirements of the Open Meetings Act allowing members of the public to attend and listen to meetings of the quorum of the governing body, this meeting will be physically closed to the public but open to the public via technology services. Members of the public may view the live stream feeds offered on the approved Facebook account of the McKinley County Office of Emergency Management. Members of the public are asked to please submit any comments on the agenda items to Janessa McMahon at (505) 722-3868 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting. The members of the County Commission at their option can participate by phone or other technological participation methods. A copy of the agenda will be available 72 hours prior to the meeting in the Manager’s Office and the County Clerk’s Office and can be sent electronically upon request.

on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. Among other items, the County Commission will have the first reading, in consideration of adopting Ordinance No. 2020-APR-001 Consolidating Fire Districts. Adhering to the Social Distancing Protocols, issued by the Governor’s Office; and the requirements of the Open Meetings Act allowing members of the public to attend and listen to meetings of the quorum of the governing body, this meeting will be physically closed to the public but open to the public via technology services. Members of the public may view the live stream feeds offered on the approved Facebook account of the McKinley County Office of Emergency Management. Members of the public are asked to please submit any comments on the agenda items to Janessa McMahon at (505) 722-3868 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting. The members of the County Commission at their option can participate by phone or other technological participation methods. A copy of the agenda will be available 72 hours prior to the meeting in the Manager’s Office and the County Clerk’s Office and can be sent electronically upon request. All interested parties are invited to attend via the live stream mentioned herein. Done this 31st day of March 2020

All interested parties are invited to attend via the live stream mentioned herein.

McKINLEY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS /S/ Billy Moore, Chairperson

Done this 31st day of March 2020

Publication date: Gallup Sun April 3, 2020

McKINLEY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS /S/ Billy Moore, Chairperson Publication date: Sun April 3, 2020

Gallup

*** PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the McKinley County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting

*** PUBLIC NOTICE Due to the COVID-19 virus and the Governor’s orders on public gatherings, the Regular Meeting of the Gallup-McKinley County Animal Control Authority Board for Tuesday, April 14th, 2020 has been cancelled. Please contact C.B. Strain at (505) 863-1244 for any questions or concerns.

City of Gallup, McKinley County, New Mexico By: /S/ Alfred Abeita, City Clerk PUBLISH: 3 April 2020 *** Legal Public Notice for TriState Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. Gallup Monopole Project Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. (Tri-State) is proposing to install a new 40-foot single monopole telecommunication structure in Gallup, NM. This structure will be installed at an existing site on the property of Continental Divide Electric Cooperative located at 2500 NM-602 Gallup, NM 87301. There is no anticipated marking or lighting for this proposed structure. Interested persons may review the application by going to www.fcc.gov/asr/applications and entering the Form 854 File Number. The Form 854 File Number for this proposed structure is A1151468. Interested persons may raise environmental concerns about the proposed structure by filling out a Request for Environmental Review with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC strongly encourages interested parties to file Requests for Environmental Review online. Instructions for making such filings can be found at www.fcc.gov/asr/ environmentalrequest;. If you would prefer to file a Request for Environmental Review by paper please direct them to the following: FCC Requests for Environmental Review, Attn: Ramon Williams, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554. Publication date: Sun April 3, 2020 April 10, 2020

Gallup

*** NOTICE MEETING

PUBLIC

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Jail Authority Board has scheduled their meeting for Tuesday,

CLASSIFIEDS | SEE PAGE 23 CLASSIFIEDS

COMMUNITY CALENDAR APRIL 3 - APRIL 9, 2020 Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the effort to “flatten the curve” to help stem its spread, most events on the Gallup Sun Community Calendar have been canceled. Octavia Fellin Public Library (115 W. Hill Ave.) and the Children’s Library (200 W. Aztec Ave.), have shut down and all of their events have been canceled. The library is providing a form with a QR code to request items for check-out. The check out limit has been increased to 30 days for library materials and the return date has been extended to May 1. Live videos are available daily on Facebook for technology classes, online workshops, Story time and other programs. Research services are available online and over the phone. Check ofpl.online/collections for promotion of digital resources. You can also visit social media, @galluplibrary or ofpl. online for up-to-date information. The Grey Area: Mandatory Student Training has an undergraduate general session currently scheduled for 2 pm May 1 at SSTC 200 at UNM-Gallup (705 Gurley Ave.). The SBDC office at UNM Gallup is closed through April 5. It has announced plans to reopen on April 6 at 8 am. For more information: contact cjarvison@unm.edu or jlee04@unm.edu Low cost Spay and Neuter Days at the Gallup-McKinley County Humane Society (1315 Hamilton Rd., Gallup) have been postponed. Procedures are still being conducted, however they are scheduled out through May 1. For the time being no new spay and neuter surgeries are being scheduled. The phones are still active and emergency calls will receive a response, and the crew continues feed-

CLASSIFIEDS | FROM PAGE 22 April 07, 2020 at 1:30 pm. This meeting will be held via CALENDAR

ing the animals at the shelter. However, Cosy Balok, Supervisor for Animal Control for the City of Gallup, is asking people to hold onto animals and contact their own veterinarians if there is a medical need. Only animals who must be euthanized will be taken in. Since the Gallup-McKinley County Humane Society is a no-kill shelter, only animals who cannot be saved are euthanized. Throughout the year, the shelter has sent more than 3,500 animals to larger locations in Arizona, Utah and Colorado for adoptions. Those facilities are not taking transported animals at this time. In order to remain a no-kill facility, the shelter needs to provide enough space for the animals currently in its care. For more information, gmchumanesociety@ gmail.com; (505) 863-2616 The Gallup-McKinley County Animal Control Authority Board Meeting scheduled for April 14, has been canceled. The City of Gallup Planning & Zoning Meeting April 8 has been canceled. The City of Gallup has closed all municipally-owned playgrounds, including Bubany Park, Father Dunston Park, Ford Canyon Park Playground, Hadden Park, Indian Hills Playground, Mossman Park, Oliva Park, Playground of Dreams, Red Rock Park Playground, Sky City Park, Stagecoach Mini-Park and Viro Circle Park. In addition all citywide gazebos and public picnic shelters are closed to the public. All outdoor sports fields and trails are remaining open to the public. If you have questions about previously scheduled outdoor recreation events, please call the City of Gallup Parks and Recreation Department at (505) 726‐5492. In addition, the following City Parks are also closed, Ford Canyon Sports Fields, Sports Complex, Indian Hills Ball Field, Tee Ball Field (behind Harold Runnels), Father Dunston Ball Field, Tony Dorsett Football Field and Walking Track, All City of Gallup tennis Courts and Basketball Courts, Gallup Skate Park, Gallup Dog Park.

CALENDAR closed. At this time all online booking, cart rentals, and range balls will be suspended until further notice. For more information: malcala@ gallupnm.gov; (505) 863-9224. Cibola General Hospital and Cibola Family Health Center, will postpone all events until further notice for the safety of the community. Gallup Solar which usually hosts free community classes and presentations about all things solar on Wednesdays from 6 pm to 8 pm at 113 E. Logan is currently not scheduling meetings due to COVID-19. The City of Gallup’s Sustainable Gallup Board meetings have been canceled until further notice. For more information: Bill Bright (505)722-0039. Habitat for Humanity construction sessions have been canceled until further notice. Those who wish to volunteer or help fund construction projects can contact Bill Bright at (505) 722-4226. All Rockin J Reawakenings public events are canceled through April 10. This includes all Public Canine Compadres Trainings, all Public Self-Defense classes and our end-of-the-month Comradery Get-Together, our early April Comradery Get-Together, and unfortunately what would have been our 2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt. They are still available by email/phone/ etc for VSO assistance, and Canine Compadres support. In person support, if necessary, may be arranged. You may contact them at: reawakeningsinc@gmail.com City of Gallup Community Providers meeting for April 30 may be canceled (updates forthcoming).

The Fox Run Golf Course is

The following facilities are closed until further notice. Facility staff members are on‐call: • El Morro Theatre and Events Center • Red Rock Park Convention Center • Aquatic Center • Gallup Senior Center (Meals are available on drive‐thru or delivery capacity. Transportation is

the gotomeeting app to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. A copy of the agenda will be available 72 hours prior to the meeting in the Manager’s Office and the County Clerk’s Office.

Auxiliary aides for the disabled are available upon request. Please contact Elvera Grey at egrey@co.mckinley.nm.us, at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting to make any nec-

limited to doctor-recommended appointments. Call (505)722‐4740 for more information. • Cecil Garcia Fitness Center (March rates will be prorated and all future billing is suspended until the facility reopens.) • Larry Brian Mitchell Recreation Center • Harold Runnels Athletic Complex The City of Gallup Customer Care area at 110 W. Aztec Ave. will be closed to the public. No in-person payment will be accepted at this site. You may pay your utility payments in the following ways: 1. Drop money orders or checks in our outside drop box at 110 W. Aztec Ave. 2. Call the automated billing line at (505) 726‐4218 3. Access your account online for new customer applications and bill payment at utilities.gallupnm.gov 4. Mail payments to City of Gallup Utilities, PO Box 1400, Gallup N.M. 87305 For the safety and security of all employees, all guests to City Hall and the Gallup Joint Utilities facilities must visit the security desk at 110 W. Aztec Ave. Guests will be required to use hand sanitizer upon arrival and security will contact the appropriate department. If the department is available, security personnel will escort you to that department. Gallup-McKinley County Schools are closed. OPEN Gallup McKinley County Schools Board Meeting is scheduled for April 20 1 pm-2 pm in the SSC Board Room at 640 S. Boardman. Navajo Sovereignty DaySchool is expected to be in session on April 27. McKinley County plans to hold a County Commission meeting April 7 from 9 am – 12 pm at Commissioners Chambers (207 W. Hill Ave., Third Floor). There are several hotlines you can call to discuss your health and if you are concerned about symptoms of COVID‐19: The City of Gallup Customer Care area at 110 W. Aztec Ave. will be closed to the public. No in-person payment will be accepted at this site. You may pay your utility payments in the following ways:

essary arrangements to join the meeting. All interested parties are invited to attend. Done this 31st day of March

1. Drop money orders or checks in our outside drop box at 110 W. Aztec Ave. 2. Call the automated billing line at (505) 726‐4218 3. Access your account online for new customer applications and bill payment at utilities.gallupnm.gov 4. Mail payments to City of Gallup Utilities, PO Box 1400, Gallup N.M. 87305 For the safety and security of all employees, all guests to City Hall and the Gallup Joint Utilities facilities must visit the security desk at 110 W. Aztec Ave. · Rehoboth McKinley Medical Center’s hotline is (505) 236‐1074. · Gallup Indian Medical Center’s hotline is: (505) 726-5897. · For additional information on the City of Gallup’s responses to COVID‐19 visit www.gallupnm.gov · For further information about the State of New Mexico Health Department’s response and actions, visit cv.nmhealth.org. · For information from CDC on the national and international outbreak, preventative measures and more visit www.cdc.gov · The Office of the Governor has set up a coronavirus hotline and is encouraging individuals who are sick to call it for a pre‐assessment prior to heading to their healthcare provider. That number is (855) 600‐3453. To read the governor’s Public Health Order, visit https://nmhealth.org/ publication/view/help/5668/ The City would also like to remind citizens to share information with individuals who do not use the internet. · Please call (505) 863‐1254 for more information about available City services. To post a nonprofit or civic event in the calendar section, please email: gallupsunevents@gmail.com or fax: (505) 212-0391. Deadline: Monday at 5 pm.

2020 JAIL AUTHORITY BOARD /S/ Billy Moore, Chairperson Publication date: April 03, 2020

Gallup Sun • Friday April 3, 2020

April is National Alcohol Awareness Month!

DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY! If you have been drinking, don’t get behind the wheel!

“Brought to you by the McKinley County DWI Program & McKinley County DWI Task Force” 24 Friday April 3, 2020 • Gallup Sun

SPORTS