Gallup Sun • April 24, 2020

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VOL 6 | ISSUE 264 | APRIL 24, 2020

COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER

By Beth Blakeman Associate Editor

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n the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic, with shortages of tests and Personal Protective Equipment, re- use, recycling, and making the most of available resources have become crucial to the effort.

Fifteen hand-crank hospital beds, from an old nursing home that was purchased by Rio Arriba County, will

be put to new use at Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services.

The beds were offered to the hospital, along with sixty 3-D printed N95 masks and 123 gowns.

T he ma sk s ca me f rom Rya n Proctor in Albuquerque, and printed face shields came from Steve Cox

BEDS | SEE PAGE 13

BUSINESSES FACE UNCERTAIN FUTURE

By Dominic Aragon Sun Correspondent

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mall businesses across the City of Gallup are feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing, and measures by the state of New Mexico to help slow the spread of the novel virus.

When Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham announced late

in March that non-essential businesses would have to close, Rhonda and her husband Ryan Quintana’s family-owned business, Quintana’s Music and Indian Jewelry on West Coal Avenue, was one of the non-essential businesses that had to shut down.

What’s harder for the Quintanas is that they do not qualify for the two Small

BUSINESSES | SEE PAGE 13

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COVID SPREAD | SEE PAGE 1

An Interview with Jvanna Hanks: GMCS Assistant Superintendent IMPACT AID A historic win for GMCS “This is not the road we wanted to take, but this is the road it has taken to get someone to listen to us,” Gallup McKinley County Schools Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Jvanna Hanks said.

And listen, they did. The U.S. Department of Education ordered New Mexico to stop redirecting federal money designated for specific school districts – namely those districts that serve a majority Native American student body within our state, including Gallup McKinley County Schools.

Impact Aid is a program designed to help equalize tax-based disparities by providing funding to school districts that experience tax losses from tribal lands, military bases, national forests, and other taxexempt federal lands within their boundaries. Impact Aid aims to level the playing field, and it was the same motivation for equality that moved GMCS to ask the U.S. Department of Education to review New Mexico’s school funding formula.

As part of its formula, the state of New Mexico takes credit for 75% of each school district’s Impact Aid appropriation, which allowed a redistribution of funds of over $63 million last year alone. “These are not perceived disparities; these disparities are a reality,” Hanks said. “I am overwhelmingly saddened by what’s happened here, for decades.” What has happened here is unconstitutional, and has resulted in years of lost funding. Funding meant to close the gap of education inequality across New Mexico.

“After this ruling, I hope the State of New Mexico realizes how much they have wronged our students.

For many years Native American communities have had their students’ money stolen from their education. Because our district is not as fortunate as other districts in their ability to fund their education needs and school buildings, our students have been left behind.” said Charles Long, GMCS School board president.

Along with GMCS, this is a historic win for Zuni Public School District and Central Consolidated School District who also argued that the formula the state uses to distribute Impact Aid funding was inequitable.

The state of New Mexico cannot take credit for Impact Aid this fiscal year, and in order to take credit of Impact Aid funding in the future, it will have to pass a disparity test, a measure to determine whether disbursements are equalized across districts. Hanks expresses her determination to keep the state accountable and not this type of inequity happen again. “Even though this is something we have to do every year, for as long as I’m here, it will be done.”

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Friday April 24, 2020 • Gallup Sun

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Gallup Sun • Friday April 24, 2020

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NEWS

LOCAL NEWS

County DWI program acknowledges officers with most arrests

By Cody Begaye Sun Correspondent

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cK inley County S h e r i f f ’ s Sgt. Tammy Houghtaling started 2020 by making the most DWI arrests in McKinley County in January, nine in all. She first began serving with the Gallup Police Department about 2006, running saturation patrols with other officers.

She transitioned to the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office in 2011, where she has served for nearly nine years.

“In about three months [after joining MCSO] I was put into [a] DWI unit as a full-time deputy,” she said April 15. “I went through the process and was promoted, where I picked up my rank.”

In 2012 Houghtaling was promoted to the supervisor of the McKinley County DWI Task Force, where she served

Correction: In our story Housing need for COVID-19 test takers grows Gallup Sun, April 17, 2020 The proper caption under the picture of the Gallup Comfort Suites is: Comfort Suites on April 15. The hotel on the east end of Gallup is providing temporary housing for medical professionals treating patients at the Miyamura High School gymnasium field hospital.

Photo Credit: Cable Hoover Gallup Sun sincerely regrets the error.

McKinley County Sheriff ’s Sgt. Tammy Houghtaling has served as the supervisor for the county’s DWI Task Force for about eight years. Photo Credit: MCSO until 2017, when she was promoted to sergeant. Since then, Houghtaling has supervised the task force.

A SHOW OF APPRECIATION Maura Schanefelt, program manager for the McKinley County DWI Program, said the program wants to recognize three DWI Task Force officers for garnering the most DWI arrests since the start of 2020.

They are: • Januar y: Sgt. Tammy Houghtaling, 9 arrests • February: Dep. Johnson Lee, 5 arrests • Ma rch: Dep. Rya n Blackgoat, 3 arrests Houghtaling spoke about the efforts of the DWI Task Force as well as the other officers who were recognized. “[The DWI Task Force] is a collaborative effort throughout the county, of all officers trying

McKinley County Sheriff ’s Dep. Johnson Lee had the most DWI arrests in February. He has served with the county for about six years. Photo Credit: MCSO

to impact the DWI numbers in the county,” she said.

Houghtaling said Lee is coming up on his sixth year of service with MCSO. He works full-time patrol, has a K-9 unit, and works on the DWI Task Force for overtime.

Blackgoat also works overtime on the DWI Task Force.

He has served with MCSO for about a year now after transferring over from Gallup Police Department.

“They are both pretty active with getting DWIs,” Houghtaling said.

YEARS OF CHANGE Houghtaling also spoke about the growth of the task force since she began serving.

“When I started, it was just McKinley County at the time, along with the Navajo Nation Police, New Mexico State Police, and the New Mexico Department of Motor Transportation,” she

McKinley County Sheriff ’s Dep. Ryan Blackgoat arrested three people for DWI in March, the most of any officer in the department. He is coming up on one year of service.

Photo Credit: MCSO

said. “Now, we have Zuni Police Department, Gallup Police Department, and Ramah Navajo Police Department on board.”

This means all of the law en forcement a gencies i n McKinley County are participating in the DWI Task Force.

Houghtaling said the task force does a lot of community outreach in addition to running DWI checkpoints and patrols.

“We talk to schools and the kids. We have our Junior Public Safety Academy in the summer,” she said.

Houg hta l i ng a lso sa id McKinley County is going to start a DWI Drug Court in the future, and that she’ll be an active member of the court reviewing the participants’ activities and their progress through the court’s parameters.

“We also work with the DWI Planning Council and Coalition for Juveniles on different

programs we can implement in the county,” she added.

After years of working on the DWI Task Force, Houghtaling believes it is a good thing for the community, and the people take their efforts to heart.

“They see us out there making traffic stops. I would stop vehicles and they’d have a designated driver in there. I feel like our word has gotten out,” she said.

Houghtaling said since she started serving on the DWI Task Force, she has noticed a decrease in DWI arrests, which also reinforces that the community is listening.

“Sometimes people will come up to me and know who I am,” she said. “They’ll thank me for arresting them, saying ‘You changed my life. I’m on a different path now.’”

“That’s uplifting, hearing you changed someone’s life,” Houghtaling added.

WHAT’S INSIDE …

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HOTEL HOUSING More lodging for patients to slow the spread

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FIRES A hot night for the fire department

Friday April 24, 2020 • Gallup Sun

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS The liquor ban ordinance rears it head again

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Concerned citizens speak about the pandemic’s impact

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CALENDAR See some upcoming online events

NEWS

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$ ()) # ) * * ) $ ) NMSBIC, a nonprofit organization funded by an allocation from the Severance Tax Permanent Fund, is committed to a rapid recovery of New Mexico businesses and the state’s economy. “This additional funding made available to our lending partners is consistent with our mission to create jobs and promote economic development throughout the state. It’s important to help businesses weather this crisis and get people back to work as soon as it’s safe to do so�.

Businesses should not contact the NMSBIC because it only provides capital to its lending partners, who in turn make individual loan decisions.

To inquire about a loan, please contact: • The Loan Fund, a nonprofit organization that offers business loans and lines of credit up to $500,000 throughout New Mexico. Visit www.loanfund.org. Call (505) 243-3196 or

info@loanfund.org. • DreamSpring, a nonprofit organization that increases access to business credit, offers loans, and provides training throughout New Mexico. Visit www.dreamspring.org for details.

Call (800) 508-7624 or info@dreamspring.org. “DreamSpring is accepting applications now for the next round of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding anticipated to be approved this week. We can fund loans up to $250,000 for businesses in New Mexico. We are actively working through our current applications and want to help as many small business owners in New Mexico access funding through this program.

Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and funding is expected to go quickly. To ensure we can evaluate your loan request in a timely manner, we encourage you to apply for funding immediately.�

Apply online - https://www.dreamspring.org/

NEWS

Gallup Sun • Friday April 24, 2020

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NCI detox reopens COVID-19 CALLS FOR CHANGES

By Beth Blakeman Associate Editor

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a’ Nihzhoozhi Center Inc. detox center is undergoing changes since it reopened April 18 at 10 pm.

D r. K e v i n Fole y, t he

executive director of NCI, says the police will continue to pick people up, but the detox center will only take in intoxicated people who have been confirmed positive after being tested for COVID-19.

Foley explained that this new practice means people who

have not tested positive will not become newly exposed to the virus.

Foley says the National Guard is also helping to staff the center with 17 people in three shifts. They will handle administrative duties, such as getting charts and logging

people and property in. The extra staffing will help keep the center running since it is down to about 5 or 6 people.

Foley says that when staff members became ill, before NCI closed, 22 people were taken to Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services two at a time to be admitted into the hospital. After they were cleared, they were sent to a hotel. But not all of them have come back.

Some who got sick are

recovering and getting close to returning. Some he hasn’t heard from.

Foley says NCI has burned through its supplies and needs more gowns and face shields.

He said County Emergency Management provided a lot of Personal Protective Equipment on April 17.

Foley told the Gallup Sun that the Secretary of Aging,

NCI DETOX | SEE PAGE 11

C.O.P. E. partnership lands fourth lodging location for COVID-19 patients DAYS INN JOINS EL RANCHO, MOTEL 6, HOWARD JOHNSON’S 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 Left side: Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services staff members Wayne Chapito, Bear Bryant and Bill Camarota lift new hospital beds off a truck at RMCHCS in Gallup April 21.

Photo by C. Hoover Right Side: Rocket Cafe on south Second Street in Gallup April 22.

Rocket Café is owned by Sammy and Marie Chioda. 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.

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Staff Reports

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o m m u n i t y Outreach & Patient Empowerment has partnered with local

THANK YOU ADVERTISERS Amazing Grace Personal Care - 12 Butler’s Office City - 10 Crime Stoppers - 9 505 Burger and Wings - 13 Gallup BID - 5 Gallup Housing Authority - 7 Gallup McKinley County Schools - 2 Genaro’s - 13 Grandpa’s Grill - 13 Keller Williams Realty - 1 McKinley County DWI $ 1, 16 McKinley County SNAPS - 3 New Mexico Credit Corp. - 8 New Mexico DOT - 8 New Mexico Highlands - 12 Pinnacle Bank - 11 Railway Cafe - 13 RMCHCS - Insert Route 66 Diner - 13 Rollie Mortuary - 11 Thunderbird Supply Co. - 6 TravelCenters of America - 10 Virgie’s Restaurant & Lounge - 13

Friday April 24, 2020 • Gallup Sun

hospitals, as well as hotels and motels in the Gallup area, to establish a network of care and emergency housing for quarantine and social distancing, in an effort to slow community spread in McKinley County and on the Navajo Nation.

This network now includes the Ranch House Motel, part of El Rancho Hotel, which was the fi rst to receive COVID-19

test i ng pat ient s awa it i ng results. It has since extended to Motel 6, Howard Johnson and on April 17, Days Inn. The network also includes the Gallup Indian Medical Center and Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services. Together, these 6 locations can now accommodate 175 people.

Shelter a nd mea l s a re funded by the New Mexico

Department of Public Health and the Navajo Nation. Local donations are providing 24-7 transportation.

The effort began taking shape i n Ma rch. Ha n na h Sehn, director of programs at COPE, has been instrumental in putting it all together.

“It’s been a ver y la rge

C.O.P. E. | SEE PAGE 11

NEWS

ATTENTION PUBLIC NOTICE The Gallup Housing Authority is CLOSED to the Public until further Notice Tenants: To make payments complete money orders and place in the payment drop box to the left of the main entry. If you want a receipt mailed to you make sure to include a current mailing address. [see picture >>>] Submission of Other Docs: All forms typically utilized by Tenants are in plastic containers located to the left of the entry door. Examples: Interim Change forms, Late Payment Request forms, Work Order Request forms, etc.

For submission of these documents use the Document Drop Box pictured right >>> If you have questions: please call (505) 722-4388 during office hours or send an email to: gha.main@galluphousing.com NEWS

Gallup Sun • Friday April 24, 2020

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Busy night for Gallup fi refighters Staff Reports

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t was a night to remember. Fou r f i re s i n Gallup in a single night.

Firefighters didn’t even have time to put away their gear.

At 9:37 pm, Apr il 22, the Gallup Fire Depa r tment responded to a repor t of a str ucture f i re at 403 S. F i r st St . It

w a s a 10 ’ x 2 0 ’ s t or a ge u n it w it h f la me s v i sible f r om t he e ave s a nd t he f ront door. F i ref ig ht er s k nocked it dow n w it h minima l loss to the unit, no i nj u r ie s , bu t a t o t a l loss of the contents.

No ne a r by bu i ld i n g s or homes were a ffected.

Before all fire units were cleared, there was another report of a carport fire at

204 Verdi Dr. The owner managed to get his vehicle out before the situation got too overwhelming for him to put out the fire with a personal extinguisher.

W hen fire personnel arrived, they found a two-vehicle enclosed carport fully engulfed. They

BUSY NIGHT | SEE PAGE 11

The third of four fires April 22 at Lariat Lodge 1105 E. Rte. 66. It took two hours to knock down and one person staying at the motel was sent for medical attention. Photo Credit: Gallup Fire Department

Dead body found FOURTH OPEN FIELD DEATH THIS MONTH Staff Reports

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allup police learned about a person described as “down and out” about 2 pm

April 21.

W hen publ ic ser v ice

officers were sent to the scene at 714 S. Second St., the man was not breathing. Medical professionals were called and determined that the man was deceased.

Gallup Police Department Captain Erin Toadlena-Pablo

said the male, whose identity, age, and ethnicity have not yet been determined, was sent for autopsy.

She said at that point it will be possible to determine if there was any foul play.

Toadlena-Pablo said this

Gallup police and mortuary staff strap a body to a stretcher at the scene where the body of a man was discovered on South Second Street in Gallup April 21. Photo Credit: Cable Hoover is the fourth open field death this month and emphasized that in the case of an open field death, it is not possible to say if the deceased died of exposure.

The fi rst open field death was on April 4 at 1301 E. Hwy. 66, outside Penny Pincher’s.

DEAD BODY | SEE PAGE 11

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Friday April 24, 2020 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

Staff Reports

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leven employees at Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital have tested positive for COVID19 as of April 22. The staff members are under quarantine until they are cleared.

The hospital is in the process of testing and identifying all employees who may have been exposed to the 11 who tested positive.

WEEKLY DWI REPORT Staff Reports Shelby Lynn Logg April 14, 2:12 am Aggravated DW I (Second) McK i n ley C o u n t y Sheriff’s D e p u t y Franklin Begaye sa id he was travel i n g nor t h on U.S. Highway 491 when he saw a car with its turn light on crossing the center line.

He made a traffic stop and approached the driver, Shelby Logg, 27, of Yah-Ta-Hey, who showed signs of being intoxicated. Begaye said he also saw severa l empty liquor miniatures on the car’s center console.

Logg agreed to take the standard field sobriety tests, which she failed. She was then arrested for DWI and transported to the sheriff’s office, where she refused to take a breath alcohol test.

She was charged with DWI

Staff Reports

NEWS

POLICE ACTIVITY | SEE PAGE 15

Sylvia Thompson March 5, 1:40 am DWI (Second) Gallup Police Officer R i c h a r d Ra ngel sa id he wa s on patrol when he obser ved a ca r goi ng in and out of its lane. He conducted a traffic stop and went up to the driver who he identified as Sylvia Thompson, 48, of Gallup.

He said he noticed signs that she was intoxicated and asked if she had been drinking. She admitted to having had two Marguerites at the Shalimar.

She agreed to take the standard field sobriety tests and had problems following Rangel’s instructions. After fa iling the tests she wa s arrested for DWI. She agreed to take a breath alcohol test and posted samples of .15 and .14.

Thompson wa s later released on her own recognizance by a judge.

Robert D. Yazzie Feb. 18, 8:22 pm Aggravated DWI McKinley County Sheriff’s D e p u t y Terrence Wi l l ie sa id he was dispatched to the Defi ance Draw Road t o i nve s t i gate a single vehicle accident.

When he got there he found a car stuck in the sand next to a wire boundary fence. Both the driver and passenger were passed out. Navajo Estates volunteer fi refi ghter Nalton Pablo touched the driver,

DWI REPORT | SEE PAGE 11

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Gallup Sun • Friday April 24, 2020

MOTEL STRUGGLE Gallup, April 16 Gallup Police Officer Daniel Brown was dispatched to the Red Roof Inn on West Highway 66 about 1:40 am April 16 after the clerk repor ted a domestic dispute.

W hen he got to t he room in question, he saw Valerie Nez, 29, of Houck, Ariz., standing by the door yelling and moaning. She had no pants on and appeared highly intoxicated. Another woman, Agnes Martin, 29, of Ganado, Ariz., was also there, along with the hotel clerk who had stationed himself between the two women.

The front window to the room was broken and there was glass on the ground.

Brown said he told Martin to get Nez’s pants. Nez put on her pants. Then Medstar was called.

Martin said she and Nez decided to stay at the hotel

because of the curfew on the reservation. Martin said the two of them had been drinking and Nez began calling her names and began taking her clothes off.

Brown said he saw what appea red to be blood on Martin’s right cheek. The desk clerk said he saw Nez try to hit a man and he pepper sprayed her to get her to stop. When Brown talked to Nez, she said she got mad and was pepper sprayed.

Officer Dominic Molina spoke with the male occupant from room 204, who said a child came to his room and asked for help. He said he was attacked

by Nez. Nez admitted to breaking the window. The clerk estimated it would cost about $200 to fi x the broken window.

Nez was arrested for battery on a household member and criminal damage to property.

After being treated for a laceration she received breaking the glass, Nez was transported to the county jail and booked.

Walter Lee March 14, 11:25 pm DWI (Sixth) Ga llup Police Officer R i c h a r d R a ngel sa id he wa s d is patched to New Mexico Highway 602 a f t er Met ro Dispatch received a call about a car headed north and swerving all over the road.

Another officer stopped the vehicle and then turned over the investigation to Rangel, who spoke to Walter Lee, 55, of Gallup, and saw several indications that he might be intoxicated.

When asked where he was coming from, Lee said from the south, but would not be more specific. When asked how much he had to drink, he said, “just enough to get

buzzed.�  He refused to take the standard field sobriety tests and was arrested for DWI. Because of the number of previous convictions, Rangel secured a warrant and took Lee to a local hospital where a blood a lcohol test wa s conducted.

Lee was then transported to the county jail. He was later released on his own recognizance by a judge.

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Weekly Police Activity Reports

and having an open liquor container in her car. She was later released on her own recognizance by a judge.

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Eleven test positive at RMCH

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County commissioners reverse themselves CITY COUNCILORS MOVE FORWARD WITH CONVENIENCE STORE RESTRICTIONS

By Beth Blakeman Associate Editor

A

n online McKinley County commissioners’ meeting held April 20 addressed an ordinance restricting liquor sales and encouraging people to stay home between 8 pm and 5 am.

Ordinance 2020-April-002, established April 13, called for banning the sale of certain alcohol products and urging citizens to self-curfew between 8 pm and 5 am.

McKinley County Undersheriff James Maiorano III compared the response to the ordinance to a balloon full of water. If you push it, the water just moves to another place. In the case of people looking for alcohol in the county, it means moving from convenience stores to grocery stores and from McKinley County to a neighboring county.

There was a single public oral comment recorded, in which the commissioners heard from a man who said the self-curfew ordinance had no

teeth and compared it to suggesting his teenager not use the car.

After the comment was heard, the commissioners took up the topics of restricting liquor sales, imposing a curfew and the issue of wearing masks, and imposing penalties.

District 3 Commissioner Bill Lee brought back the water balloon analogy, saying wherever you squeeze, something’s going to come out the other side. He said Cibola County authorities called April 15 to ask what McKinley County was doing.

“I don’t think our recommended ban of the hard liquor is working,” he said. “If we’re forcing people into another county, we’re maybe increasing the spread of this virus.”

District 1 Commissioner Billy Moore pointed out that the Navajo Nation had implemented a mask rule. He called it common sense.

“But how are we going to enforce that?” he asked. “We can encourage them to do what’s right, but getting them to do it, that’s another thing.”

McKinley County District I Commissioner Billy Moore

McKinley County District II Commissioner Tommy Nelson

McKinley County District III Commissioner Bill Lee

County Attor ney Doug Decker suggested imposing a mandatory curfew would become an enforcement and an exposure problem.

“Because we have chosen at this particular time to make it a fine only, not jail time, that has the effect of you [not] having to bring them into jail. That [going in to jail] could be more exposure for people in the jail on a petty misdemeanor,” he said.

Decker said enforcement of a curfew would operate more like the seatbelt law. If a law enforcement officer pulled someone

over for something else, and saw the seatbelt was not fastened, that charge would be tacked on.

“It becomes quite burdensome,” he said.

Lee agreed with Moore’s assessment that taking precautions amounts to good judgment.

“I think that’s all that we can do, is ask the people [to] do the right thing. We’re already looking at things that have impeded everybody’s way of life,” Lee said. “I’m not sure that enacting any kind of curfew or wearing of masks is going to do any good.”

District 2 Commissioner Tommy Nelson offered no comment.

Lee made a motion that the commission rescind the restrictions in the ordinance and open liquor sales back up.

Nelson seconded the motion.

The motion passed by a vote of 2-1, with Nelson voting no.

CITY RESTRICTIONS GO INTO EFFECT After Gallup City Councilors voted to restrict alcohol sales at area convenience stores, the Gallup Fire Department delivered the news to 10 locations on April 16.

The changes took effect April 20 and Gallup Fire Marshal Jacob LaCroix says every store was cooperative and understanding and complied without any issues.

“There haven’t been any complaints reported to us by anybody selling alcohol,” he said. “I haven’t gotten any feedback as far as anything negative from it.”

LaCroix said fire personnel drive around the area conducting normal duties. He said what he has observed is people visiting the stores for fuel and cigarettes.

“I haven’t seen any increase in people being at the stores,” he said.

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NEWS

NCI DETOX | FROM PAGE 6 Katrina Hotrum Lopez, had taken a tour of the detox center building on April 20 to

C.O.P. E. | FROM PAGE 6 a nd u n ique col laborat ive effort,” she said. “We’re really

BUSY NIGHT | FROM PAGE 8 put out the fire with no injuries, and no other structures a f fected. Content s of t he carport and the carport itself were total losses.

Before all GFD units had cleared the scene at Verdi Drive, there was a report of a fire at Lariat Lodge, 1105 E. Hwy. 66. Firefighters found heav y smoke a nd f la me s

DEAD BODY | FROM PAGE 8 The man was autopsied. He

DWI REPORT | FROM PAGE 9 Robert Yazzie, 56, of Window Rock, Ariz.,to see if he was okay. When he was touched, Yazzie pushed the gas pedal.

Since the car was still running, Nalton pushed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.

Yazzie showed signs of inebriation. He was told to exit the vehicle but could not get out without being helped.

determine whether NCI could be a site where the Secretary of Health would be able to quarantine people against their will.

Fol low-up ca l ls to Secretary Hotrum-Lopez went

unreturned. Calls to David Morgan received the following response.

“Pla n s for t he Na Nihzhoozhi Center Inc. are still ver y f luid. The New

Mexico Department of Health is in the process of gathering all the details necessary to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) allowing the Department of Health

to be able to provide COVID-19 related services at the facility for the area’s transient population. When things get fi nalized and the contract worked out, I’ll have more to report to you.”

leveraging different resources across health facilities, programs and within the city, whether it’s the ambulance service or other emergency

services.”

The initiative has created a safety net and is strengthening local capacity.

“It has catalyzed larger

conversations a round the long-term systems and suppor t s t hat need to be i n place and ways to build on this. We wa nt to leverage

the partnerships that we’ve formed during this time to think about these things in innovative and sustainable ways,” Sehn explained.

coming from the middle section of the motel. They also spotted civilians on the roof and advised them to move to the parking lot of Lowe’s grocery across the street.

Occupants of the motel were evacuated f rom t he rooms and moved to a safe location. A ma n in one of the rooms reported experiencing a breathing problem and was taken for medical care by Med Star ambulance.

The extent of his injuries is unknown.

The fire was determined to be in the basement of the motel. GFD called a second alarm for off duty personnel to respond. The fire was extinguished in two hours.

A l l ut i l it ies were d isconnected. Motel guests were relocated to another nearby motel, wh ich su f fered no damage. Contents and proper ty da mage at the La r iat

Lodge are currently under investigation.

While the Lariat fire was being worked, a call came in identified at first as a brush fire, then later as a grease f i re beh i nd La Ba r raca Restaurant, 1303 E. Hwy. 66.

The fire was extinguished quickly with no injuries or damage.

Gallup Fire Chief Jesus Mora les sa id, “Ou r crews did well. We had some good

knockdowns.”

He told the Gallup Sun that it could be a week before all four investigations were complet e. But t he L a r iat Lodge would probably not reopen immediately, since utilities were turned off and it might require an electrical inspection. “[I] can’t remember the last time we had four fires stacked on top of each other like that,” he said.

was identified 57-year-old John Grandal, homeless, and his death was believed to be related to a medical issue.

T he second body wa s found at 1304 U.S. Hwy. 491.

He was identified as Nathaniel Yoe, age 39, of Fort Defi ance,

Ariz. His cause of death is still pending autopsy results.

The third body was found April 17 across from Long

John Silver’s, 1514 E. 66th Ave. The man’s body was sent for autopsy. No name or age is available.

When he fi nally got out of the car, he could not stand or keep his balance. He told Willie, “Nothing is wrong. I’m okay.”

He refused to take the standard field sobriety tests, as well as the breath alcohol test, but after being taken to a local hospital and getting a medical clearance, he changed his mind and agreed to the breath test, posting two samples of .28.

His passenger was also

found to be highly intoxicated and was taken to a hospital for

treatment.

Yazzie was later released

on his own recognizance by a judge.

''A Tradition'' • A Gallup tradition with over 100 years of dedicated service.

Now under new ownership, the Rollie legacy continues; providing the facilities and conveniences that serve families best with dignity, integrity and understanding.

• Rollie Mortuary offers package pricing, accepts Navajo Nation Social Service packages and can assist families with pre-need planning and set up.

• Rollie Mortuary offers a genuine desire to be of assistance to you and your family in this time of need.

Service is your way of life, and our way of doing business.

GALLUP 107 E. Aztec Ave., 505.722.4411 Walmart: 1650 W. Maloney Ave., 505.863.3442 1804 E. Aztec Ave., 505.722.0300

NEWS

401 E. Nizhoni Blvd.

Gallup, NM 87301 (505) 863-4452 Gallup Sun • Friday April 24, 2020

11

OPINIONS Letter to the Editor

America must get back to work, never become a Socialist country

A

s socialist democrats move us closer to socialism and many Americans are out of work, Congresswoman Torres-Small is silent and stays at home and continues to collect a paycheck. Why is she not traveling throughout the district and pressuring the governor to help New Mexicans get back to work? In return for her silence and votes, she has received over 3 million dollars including large campaign contributions from lobbyists and out of state billionaires who want to take

away our freedoms and change America from the ”Land of the Free” to “America, land of socialism and the deep state”.

Today, we see more and more irrational behavior by many socialist democrats, driven by their thirst for power and control. The following examples are unbelievable: Chu rch member s i n Greenville, Mississippi who held a parking lot service in their cars were cited and fined by the mayor, while next door at the same time, a fast-food restaurant was full of people getting

out of their cars to pick-up food.

2. Here in New Mexico you can buy pot or liquor, but you are not allowed to go to a gun store.

3. At the lake In Elephant Butte, the governor won’t allow anglers to fish by themselves.

The Corona Virus Pandemic is a very serious situation, and we need to show caution and protect our citizens, but it is time for our governor to show common sense and let our rural counties begin reopening businesses in a safe and prudent manner. We must also never

forget our faith in God and disregard New York Governor Andrew Cuomo when he said, “The number is down because we brought the number down, and God did not do that. Faith did not do that.”

As a soldier in the United States Army, I traveled in regions governed by socialists.

There was so no incentive to work and poverty and attacks on churches were rampant.

The government confiscated guns and citizens spied on their neighbors and lived in constant fear. Socialists want to suppress

President Donald Trump our love for God and control us with a big, over-reaching government. I stand with President Trump. I will never allow America to become a socialist country.”

Chris Mathys Conservative Republican for US Congress

Letter to the Editor

Overflow hospital needs community support and help

T

he new COV ID -19 overflow hospital at Miya mura HS ha s been constructed in record time. In record time the National Guard together with local health officials have turned a gym into a 60-bed overflow COVID-19 patient care center. And we can all be grateful. They will be needing some supplies that we can provide.

A website has been set up and we can all help. The website page is: https://acfmiyamura. wordpress.com/ The plan is for community members to sign up on the page and as needs arise, the hospital staff will post it, and this will be automatically emailed to those of us who have signed up. For example at the time of this writing, they will need

sixty serving trays for patient meals. The web page has four sections - Home Page, Items Needed, About and Contact, and Schedule a Drop-off.

The About page is succinct.

Ru n ning the A lter nate Care Facility is a collaborative effort between the State, the Community, the GIMC, and RMCHCS. As you can imagine, the State and local hospital

resources are strapped given the Covid-19 epidemic, and some of what is needed for patient care, as well as patient and provider safety and comfort, can only be sourced with local generosity.

This website was set up to tap into our community base, and to help you reach out in order to bolster this effort. Please assist with your

thoughtful donations. We will regularly post our needs. It is also important that the site NOT receive what is no[t] useful.

Thank you for your help!

So please post yourself to this website and be part of the solution.

Mike Daly Gallup, New Mexico

Letter to the Editor

Are area employees safe?

Dear Reader, The COVID-19 pandemic as you well know, has crippled our nation in drastic ways. Closing businesses, closing schools, minimizing staff, and laying

12

Friday April 24, 2020 • Gallup Sun

off employees. However, are those that are deemed essential protected during these

AREA EMPLOYEES | SEE PAGE 13

OPINIONS

AREA EMPLOYEES | FROM PAGE 12 troublesome times?

This issue came to my attention a few days ago because some facilities here in Gallup were operating fully staffed with no social distancing protocols to protect themselves, their employees and their loved ones from the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

BEDS | FROM PAGE 1 with Northern New Mexico College.

T wo a no ny mou s c a s h donations to the Rio Arriba County Rosie the Respirators face mask project came to $6K. That money will help with additiona l donations of fabr ic fa ce ma sk s a nd shields.

Ma ny cou nt y a nd cit y employees are on the frontline every day and are exposed to the deadly virus, such as law enforcement, correctional officers, the compliance program, probation and parole, and grocery store workers. Being from Gallup I have family members who are employed all over this great town.

This issue concerns me greatly because many members

of our community risk their lives, their safety, and the safety of their families for the county and/or the City of Gallup they respectfully work for.

But does the county and the City of Gallup have their employees’ safety and well-being in mind? My guess is probably not. Currently, many businesses operate fully staffed like the compliance program

located off S. Boardman, who works closely with the public and those who are positive with COVID-19 are one of the few who are not protected.

The county refuses to implement the necessary standards of precautions for its workers who are fully staffed and are working without the proper safety guidance and protocols.

Are these facilities within the City of Gallup actively

ensuring that their employees who are on the frontline are safe? By practicing the appropriate policies and procedures that exemplify improved safety standards, direction, communication and leadership specified for its employees whoever they may be to combat the spread of COVID-19?

We l l S p r i n g R e c o v e r y Center Behav iora l Hea lt h Services Specialty Projects a n d S a fe t y O f f i c e r B i l l Ca ma rota bor rowed a 30-foot trailer from Navajo Tractor CEO Bill Over ton, picked the supplies up April 21 a nd del ivered t hem to RMCHCS. Uses for the beds changed quickly from a plan to keep them i n storage for other

facilities wrestling with the virus, to setting five up in the RMCHCS ca rdiac unit a nd ten more in the third f loor solarium, where cubicle dividers will be installed to provide patient privacy.

Camarota said the lines for oxygen are ready for the cardiac rehab unit. “We’re getting ready for the surge, he said.

The Navajo Department of

Health says as of April 21, the Navajo Nation has registered 1,206 tota l positive ca ses of COV ID -19 w ith 48 conf i r med de a t h s. McK i n ley C ou nt y i s r e p or t i n g 2 4 4 cases, San Juan County 121, Cibola County 14, Socorro County 17, Sandoval County 13, San Juan County, Utah 15, Nav a jo Cou nt y, A r i z .

328, Apache County, A r iz.

240, and Coconino County,

Ariz. 213.

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez is expecting COV I D -19 c a s e s t o pe a k sometime in the first half of May. Since the Gallup area serves as a medical hub for residents from the Nava jo and Zuni reser vations, the bed donation is ex pected to be especially helpful to tr iba l members hit by the pandemic.

BUSINESSES | FROM PAGE 1 Business Administration’s relief efforts; the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan.

The Quintanas are not sure how long they can continue on with the business in the current situation. “We’re getting no money in, none,� Rhonda Quintana said. “There’s nothing that we qualify for. There’s no federal aid. There’s no statewide aid. There’s nothing coming to us.�

Prior to the pandemic, Quintana’s Music and Indian Jewelry had its most successful year, seeing a profit and installation jobs. “We were able to provide equipment. We grew our entertainment company. We started doing shows with the city,� she said.

The Quintanas are now trying to sell some of the musical items on eBay. Quintana is hoping local initiatives like the Gallup MainStreet, Gallup-McKinley County Chamber and the Gallup Business Improvement District can lobby for businesses like her family’s. “They need to get together and create a plan for downtown,� she said. “...They’re going to have to think outside of the box.�

The Quintanas send out

BUSINESSES | SEE PAGE 15 NEWS

Clifford Tso Gallup, New Mexico

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Tues – Sat 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM (505) 863-6761 600 W. Hill, Gallup, NM 87301 Sun/Mon Closed Gallup Sun • Friday April 24, 2020

13

CLASSIFIEDS GALLUP SUN ARCHIVES

gratuities and kickbacks.

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.

DATED this 21st day of April 2020 BY:/s/ Billy W. Moore Chairperson, Board of Commissioners

HOMES FOR SALE

PUBLISHED: Friday, April 24, 2020 The Gallup Sun

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 HOUSING WANTED Looking for long term residency Preferably utilities included Purchase possible Budget $450 a month Call Joe at 989-443-3009 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 McKINLEY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT BIDS

FOR

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the County of McKinley will receive competitive sealed bids for IFB #2020-05 Heavy Equipment filters until Thursday, May 14, 2020 at 2:00 P.M., Local Time, at which time bids will be opened and publicly read aloud in the County Commission Chambers, and as more particularly set out in the specifications, copies for such may be obtained from the Procurement Department, 207 West Hill Street, Gallup, New Mexico, 87301, or McKinley County website: www.co.mckinley. nm.us. McKinley County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids and to waive informalities. For more information please contact Michelle Esquibel at (505) 7223868, Ext. 1076. The Procurement Code, Sections 13-1-28 Through 13-1-199, NMSA, 1978 imposes civil and criminal penalties for code violations.

In addition the New Mexico criminal statutes impose felony/penalties for illegal bribes,

14

*** McKINLEY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT BIDS

FOR

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the County of McKinley will receive competitive sealed bids for IFB #2020-07 Welding Supplies and Equipment until Thursday, May 14, 2020 at 2:00 P.M., Local Time, at which time bids will be opened and publicly read aloud in the County Commission Chambers, and as more particularly set out in the specifications, copies for such may be obtained from the Procurement Department, 207 West Hill Street, Gallup, New Mexico, 87301, or McKinley County website: www.co.mckinley. nm.us . McKinley County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids and to waive informalities. For more information please contact Michelle Esquibel at (505) 7223868, Ext. 1076. The Procurement Code, Sections 13-1-28 Through 13-1-199, NMSA, 1978 imposes civil and criminal penalties for code violations.

In addition the New Mexico criminal statutes impose felony/penalties for illegal bribes, gratuities and kickbacks.

DATED this 21st day of April 2020 BY:/s/ Billy W. Moore Chairperson, Board of Commissioners PUBLISHED: Friday, April 24, 2020 The Gallup Sun *** LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Gallup Planning and Zoning Commission will consider the following action at its regular meeting to be held virtually on

Friday April 24, 2020 • Gallup Sun

Wednesday, May 13th, 2020.

Item One, Three, Five and Six will go before the City Council for final approval at its regular meeting to be held on May 26th, 2020. Both meetings will be held at 6 p.m.

of Land Containing 187.3836 acres M/L. The properties are generally located immediately North of and adjacent to the City of Gallup Fox Run Golf Course; containing 267.9828 acres M/L.

ITEM ONE: CASE # 2001000003: Request by Matthew & Geri Hughbanks, property owners, for the City of Gallup to vacate a 10’ wide, 98.07’ long public utility and drainage easement along the northern property line in order to allow for the construction of an accessory structure.

The property is located at 3735 Maya Drive; more particularly described as Lot 10, Doug Alan Development Subdivision.

ITEM FIVE: CASE # 2000300003: Request by Gallup Housing Authority, property owner, for Final Plat approval of a Minor Subdivision; GHA Morgan Development Subdivision Replat No. 1 of Lots 21 through 36, Block 20 and Lots 5 through 20, Block 21, Ford Highway 66 Addition. Also requesting for the City of Gallup to vacate an unused portion of Morgan Avenue; a sixty foot (60’) street right-of-way (R.O.W.) The property is generally located East of Morgan Avenue and Ford Drive; subdivision contains 3.3944 acres M/L which includes the vacated R.O.W. of 0.5503 acres.

ITEM TWO: CASE # 2000600002: Request by Joseph Sanchez property owner of Red Rock Self Storage, Inc. and Kevin Taira on behalf of George T. & Wilma Taira, property owners for the Rezoning of 2.1917 acres M/L FROM Rural Holding Zone (RHZ) Zone District TO General Commercial (GC) Zone District. The properties are generally located Northwest of Nizhoni Boulevard and Mesquite Drive; more particularly described as Lots 12 through 19, Block 1 and Lots 30 through 37, Block 2, Cedar Pine Addition Unit 1 (according to McKinley County property records).

ITEM THREE: CASE # 2000300002: Request by Joseph Sanchez property owner of Red Rock Self Storage, Inc., for Final Plat approval of a Minor Subdivision; Red Rock Self Storage Subdivision Replat No. 1 of Lots 12 through 17, Block 1 and Lots 30 through 37, Block 2, Amended Cedar Pine Subdivision. Also requesting for the City of Gallup to vacate a 50’ wide, 620.43’ long landlocked, undeveloped street right-of-way (R.O.W.) between Block 1 and Block 2.

The properties are generally located Northwest of Nizhoni Boulevard and Mesquite Drive; subdivision contains 1.9307 Acres M/L which includes the vacated R.O.W. of 0.4016 acres and also the vacated R.O.W. outside the subdivision area of 0.3101 acres.

ITEM FOUR: CASE # 2000300001: Request by Rick Murphy, Gallup Holding & Investment Corporation and the City of Gallup, property owners, for Final Plat approval of a Minor Subdivision; Fox Run Golf Course / Gallup Holding & Investment Corporation Subdivision Replat No. 1 of Tract 1-A-1 containing 80.5992 acres M/L and 5 Unplatted Tracts

BIDS CITY OF GALLUP, NEW MEXICO FORMAL BID NO. 2015 Public notice is hereby given that the City of Gallup, New Mexico, will receive sealed bids for the following: MAINTENANCE SHOP EXHAUST-CITY VEHICLE SERVICES City of Gallup As more particularly set out in the Bid documents, copies of which may be obtained from the City of Gallup Purchasing Division, 110 W. Aztec Ave., Gallup, New Mexico 87301; or contact Frances Rodriguez, Purchasing Director at (505) 863-1334. Copies are available for viewing or can be downloaded from: www.gallupnm. gov/bids.

ITEM SIX: CASE # 2000300004: Request by Gallup Housing Authority, property owner, for Final Plat approval of a Minor Subdivision; GHA Sky City Development Subdivision Replat No. 1 of Block 4, La Loma Subdivision. Also requesting for the City of Gallup to vacate an unused twenty foot (20’) alley right-of-way (R.O.W.) The property is generally located between Vega Avenue and Curtis Avenue; subdivision contains 3.2547 acres M/L which includes the vacated R.O.W. of 0.2411 acres.

Sealed bids for such will be received at the Office of the Purchasing Department until 2:00 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on May 14, 2020 when bids will be opened and read aloud in the City Hall Purchasing Conference Room. Envelopes are to be sealed and plainly marked with the Formal Bid Number.

NO FAXED OR ELECTRONICALLY TRANSMITTED BIDS will be accepted, and bids submitted after the specified date and time will not be considered and will be returned unopened.

In accordance with the public health order issued by the New Mexico Department of Health, the meeting will be physically closed to the public; however, it will be accessible to the public via the following technology service: Facebook Live Stream through the City of Gallup’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ CityOfGallup

NOTE: As Covid-19 has begun affecting our community, we want to reassure you that your health and safety, and that of our employees is extremely important to us. The City of Gallup Purchasing Division will be taking every necessary precaution to keep us all safe while we continue to maintain the integrity of the Procurement process. Therefore, as outlined by State of New Mexico Department of Health, we will proceed using virtual meeting tools to accommodate social distancing requirements as ordered. Pre-Bid/Pre-Proposal Conferences, Bid Openings, and Pre-Construction Conferences will be held via conference/video calls or other virtual means until further notice. Details regarding virtual bid opening are provided within bid documents.

Members of the public may call in with questions and/or comments during the meeting at (505) 863-1240. Please leave your name and a return phone number.

Copies of the Agenda are available on the City of Gallup’s website at: https://www.gallupnm.gov/agendacenter.

City of Gallup, McKinley County, New Mexico By: /S/ Alfred Abeita, City Clerk PUBLISH: 24 April 2020 *** ADVERTISEMENT

FOR

Dated this 22nd day of April, 2020 By: /S/ Jackie McKinney, Mayor Classified Legal Column: Gallup Sun Publishing Date: Friday April 24, 2020 CLASSIFIEDS

CALENDAR

COMMUNITY CALENDAR APRIL 24 - APRIL 30, 2020 Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the effort to “flatten the curve” to help stem its spread, many of the events on the Gallup Sun Community Calendar have been canceled or moved online.

book Live! Join every weekday for stories and songs with Youth Services librarian, Anne. You can join through the link at the library: facebook.com/galluplibrary/

OPEN Numerous events have been scheduled online:

4 pm-5 pm on Facebook.

Technology trainer Markos gives you technology tips.

You can join through the link at the library: facebook.com/ galluplibrary/

FRIDAY, April 24

STORYTIME WITH ANNE

11 am – 11:30 am is on facebook Live! Join every weekday for stories and songs with Youth Services librarian, Anne. You can join through the link at the library: facebook.com/galluplibrary/

FUN FRIDAYS

12 pm-1 pm on facebook. Join us for trivia, tours and more.

TECH TIME WITH MARKOS

4 pm-5 pm on facebook.

Technology trainer Markos gives you technology tips.

You can join through the link at the library: facebook.com/ galluplibrary/ SATURDAY, April 25

STORYTIME WITH ANNE

11 am – 11:30 am is on face-

BUSINESSES | FROM PAGE 13 their prayers, well wishes and support into the community and across the country.

“If someone is struggling and they don’t have food, we’ll help with their food,” Quintana said. “Keep the faith, keep preparing, fi nd a way to survive through these terrible times.”

Ju st dow n t he roa d from Quintana’s is Maria’s Restaurant. Jerry and Maria Guillen have owned their business for 37 years.

The Guillens said their sales are down, but their restaurant’s two employees continue to work at the establishment and deliver within the city limits.

“It helps keep people home instead of traveling or coming

POLICE ACTIVITY | FROM PAGE 9 Martin was given a domestic violence packet.

OUT-OF-STATE THIEF Gallup, April 15 A woman was arrested on April 15 by a McKinley County Sheriff’s deputy who found her in possession of a stolen CALENDAR

TECH TIME WITH MARKOS

SUNDAY, April 26

STORYTIME WITH ANNE

11 am – 11:30 am is on facebook Live! Join every weekday for stories and songs with Youth Services librarian, Anne. You can join through the link at the library: facebook.com/galluplibrary/

TECH TIME WITH MARKOS

4 pm-5 pm on facebook.

Technology trainer Markos gives you technology tips.

You can join through the link at the library: facebook.com/ galluplibrary/ MONDAY, April 27

STORYTIME WITH ANNE

11 am – 11:30 am is on facebook Live! Join every weekday for stories and songs with Youth Services librarian,

Anne. You can join through the link at the library: facebook.com/galluplibrary/

TECH TIME WITH MARKOS

4 pm-5 pm on facebook.

Technology trainer Markos gives you technology tips.

You can join through the link at the library: facebook.com/ galluplibrary/

MAKER MONDAY

12 pm-1 pm on YouTube. Join our experiential learning coordinator, Josh as he teaches you drawing, gardening and more.

TUESDAY, April 28

STORYTIME WITH ANNE

11 am – 11:30 am is on facebook Live! Join every weekday for stories and songs with Youth Services librarian, Anne. You can join through the link at the library: facebook.com/galluplibrary/

TECH TUESDAYS

12 pm-1 pm on YouTube.

Technology trainer Markos, teaches classes on using the library’s digital resources.

To join, go to: https://www. youtube.com/channel/UCpWGYHhsXhtr8NzpVQyJU1Q

TECH TIME WITH MARKOS

4 pm-5 pm on facebook.

Technology trainer Markos gives you technology tips.

You can join through the link at the library: facebook.com/ galluplibrary/

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

6 pm streaming online. Go to City Council web site under “Agendas & Minutes” for link information.

WEDNESDAY, April 29

STORYTIME WITH ANNE

11 am – 11:30 am is on facebook Live! Join every weekday for stories and songs with Youth Services librarian, Anne. You can join through the link at the library: facebook.com/galluplibrary/

EVERY CHILD READY TO READ LITERACY TIPS

12 pm-1 pm on YouTube.

Youth Services Librarian Anne gives tips and practices for parents and caregivers to ensure their children enter Kindergarten ready to read.

TECH TIME WITH MARKOS

4 pm-5 pm on facebook.

Technology trainer Markos gives you technology tips.

You can join through the link at the library: facebook.com/ galluplibrary/

THURSDAY, April 30

STORYTIME WITH ANNE

11 am – 11:30 am is on facebook Live! Join every weekday for stories and songs with Youth Services librarian, Anne. You can join through the link at the library: facebook.com/galluplibrary/

CRAFTY KIDS

12 pm-1 pm on YouTube.

Join us every week for family friendly crafts for all skill levels.

TECH TIME WITH MARKOS

4 pm-5 pm on facebook.

Technology trainer Markos gives you technology tips.

You can join through the link at the library: facebook.com/ galluplibrary/

NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING WITH DIST. 1 COUNCILOR LINDA GARCIA

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm @ Gallup Senior Center (607 N. 4th St.). Meeting is free.

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.

down town,” Maria Guillen said.

Patrons have been ordering family packs of food from their restaurant for meals.

“People are happy to order a dozen tacos with rice and beans for their dinner,” she said.

The restaurant has not applied for financial relief from the federal government.

The Guillens have not had to lay off any workers during the pandemic. They say their faith in God is helping them through these unprecedented times.

“I pray for a lot of people, and I’m thankful my family is OK. But, our prayers go out especially to a few customers that we know that are in the hospital right now and having difficulty,” she added.

“We’re trying to help them in a certain way, but they’re very

distraught right now,” she said.

Sammy and Marie Choida own two businesses in Gallup, Sammy C’s and The Rocket Cafe. Their eateries can still operate under the state’s new restrictions so long as their restaurants close their dining areas and limit orders to take out.

Sammy C’s is temporarily closed, but The Rocket Cafe continues to fill takeout orders.

Marie Chioda says business is down 70 percent at the restaurant, and their standalone liquor store has been closed since April 6.

“Since they closed the liquor store down, I’ve had to open up another portion of business to grocery shopping for the local community, because they have their fears of going into the

larger grocery stores,” Marie Chioda said.

Chioda said The Rocket Cafe staff is working with gloves and masks, and continues to disinfect doors, door handles, and counters at least once an hour.

The restaurant employs about 25 people between the bar, liquor store, and restaurant.

At the restaurant alone, 12 people are employed, however, they are not working full-time hours.

“They took the day, the time frame that I’m going to be open during the daytime, and they split the hours amongst those who were willing to work,” she said. “They’ll work a two-tothree hour shift.” “...My two lead cooks, who have been there for 20 years, have not only taken a cut in

hours, they have a substantial cut in pay, and I mean substantial. They don’t want to lose their job,” she added.

Chioda is unsure how long the cafe can continue under the current conditions, but estimated about three to four months.

If the liquor store could reopen, she said the restaurant could stay open longer.

Chioda says she has applied for the PPP federal relief aid at her local bank to provide for her employees.

The biggest lesson the Chiodas have learned through this pandemic is to take nothing for granted.

“Everything changed on a dime,” she said. “The recovery and to come back from this is going to take some time.”

vehicle.

Deputy Ivan Tsethlikai Jr. had been dispatched to mile 67 of I-40 to check out reports of a woman attempting to stop vehicles on the interstate. When he arrived he found a Dodge pickup and trailer. There was no license plate on the trailer.

There was no one in the pickup. One of the tires had

blown out. He called for a tow truck and while he was waiting, he met Sandra Pikel, 55, of St. George, Utah, who said she was the driver and had the vehicle since Dec. 2019. She said the pickup belonged to a friend in Texas who was currently in jail.

A check of the VIN number revealed the truck had been reported stolen. Pikel was

arrested.

She was taken to the Gallup Adult Detention Center, but was refused booking because she was from out of state and had a temperature reading, fi rst of 94 degrees, then less than five seconds later, of 99.6 degrees.

Pikel was transported to Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospita l due to her high

temperature and a statement she made that she was on a lot of medication because of a prior car accident in Texas where she broke her right ankle and lost more than 20 teeth. She was checked into admissions at the hospital.

An affidavit for a warrant will be fi led for charges concerning the stolen vehicle.

Gallup Sun • Friday April 24, 2020

15

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Friday April 24, 2020 • Gallup Sun

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