Gallup Sun • May 1, 2020

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VOL 6 | ISSUE 265 | MAY 1, 2020

The Doctors’ Perspective

By Dominic Aragon Sun Correspondent

From gym to hospital Pg. 8

G

ALLUP - Medical doctors from the Gallup-McKinley County area met v ir tually with Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce CEO

Bill Lee April 28 to address local concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

The session, called “COVID-19: The Local Doctors’ Perspective,�

DOCTORS’ PERSPECTIVE | SEE PAGE 12

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AN INSIDE L OK INTO THE NEW CARE FACILITY AT MIYAMURA HIGH SCHOOL

GALLUP, NM In recent weeks, McKinley County has become one of the hardest hit areas of the COVID-19 pandemic and has the most cases in the state of New Mexico. A big concern for officials considering how rural the area is and how the Navajo Nation has been impacted by the virus. As a result, it was decided in early April to transform Miyamura High School into an alternate care facility for COVID-19 patients. Gallup McKinley County Schools worked with respective agencies to facilitate the use of the school. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers led the 14-day construction project, and we spoke to Public Information Officer Ina Burmeister to gain greater insight into the process of this conversion.

Patient Cubicles

Initially, the US. Army Corps of Engineers installed two layers of flooring to protect the gym’s permanent floor and utilized existing plumbing to route water to sinks at water stations within the patient area. The gym now occupies sixty cubicles, each containing a bed, lighting, and access to oxygen. A 9,000 LB oxygen tank increases negative pressure in the facility and the HVAC system, imported from Japan, helps ensure patients have fresh air without large fluctuations in temperature. Air vents will carry infected air outside through the HEPA filter. “In other words, the room is kept as safe as possible for both staff and patients,” Burmeister said.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers works in support of projects needed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA coordinates closely with federal, state, local and tribal partners to support local response preparations for emergency conditions such as the current pandemic.

Consequently, the facility at Miyamura High School is being paid for by the state and federal government. “There is no cost to the school,” Burmeister said. The state of New Mexico has a memorandum of understanding with the school to rent the entire campus as well as contracts for wraparound services. Wraparound services generally include meals and beverages, transportation, ambulance service, custodial service, biomedical waste removal, laundry, and fencing.

The construction is now completed and has been handed over to the New Mexico Department of Health, Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital, and Gallup Indian Medical Center. The facility has been accepting patients since Monday, April 27th and will stay open as long as needed.

2

Friday May 1, 2020 • Gallup Sun

Oxygen Pipes

By: Jackie Yoder GMCS Community Engagement Journalist

NEWS

Free Grab & Go

!

Del Norte Elementary Indian Hills Elementary Jefferson Elementary Lincoln Elementary Red Rock Elementary Rocky View Elementary Stagecoach Elementary

Tobe Turpen Elementary

C.A. Miller Elementary

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Chee Dodge Elementary

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Kennedy Middle School

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Tse Yi Gai High School

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 May 1, 2020

3

NEWS

LOCAL NEWS

Rehoboth Christian School emphasizes community during strange times

By Cody Begaye Sun Correspondent

E

ven after the campus was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the staff at Rehoboth Christian School is doing everything possible to keep in touch with students and their families.

Bob Ippel, the executive director of the school, said this is a strength that comes from being a smaller private school. “[Fewer students] gives you more agility in terms of being able to respond to their needs more quickly,” Ippel said April 10.

COMING TOGETHER Ippel said Rehoboth has always been known for being seen as more of a family than just a school, a fact he wants to celebrate.

The bonds shared between students, teachers, and their families would face a big test when the pandemic arrived at their doors and forced them

apart.

Part of being able to respond to student needs quickly was being able to quickly set up distance learning programs.

“We don’t want students to just have the option of not doing it. It’s an expectation of all of them,” Ippel said.

He added students can lose a lot of what they learn when they are not in school. But the combination of distance learning and committed staff at Rehoboth helps to alleviate those concerns.

The bond with students was also emphasized by Rehoboth high school history teacher Kellie Wright.

“The smaller classes allow us as teachers to really get to know our students well,” Wright said April 28. “I love being a teacher here because of the small community feel it has.”

Wright has been teaching underclassmen history courses at Rehoboth for four years. She is originally from Pennsylvania.

She also teaches a number of upperclassmen courses, which means she could have some of the same students from prior courses. This quality helps make Rehoboth unique, she added.

“You get to watch kids grow on their journey in high school.

You can interact with them in a tangible way,” Wright said. “We all look out for each other’s needs.”

LEARNING FROM AFAR Providing students with a good education is important for Rehoboth, Ippel said.

“We want to have our kids be people who go out into the world and transform it,” he said.

“We don’t want them to just make a good paycheck, but to make a good difference in the world.”

Part of achieving this goal is a program at Rehoboth called Teaching for Transformation.

“The question we ask there is, ‘How do you give the kids experiences in real life, real world projects to help them make a difference in their community?’” Ippel said.

Becca Hibbler, who has taught third grade history at Rehoboth for six years, is one of the teachers involved in this program.

She recalled a project last November in which her students thought about endangered species on the Navajo Nation and got to learn about them from local experts.

“We went to Navajo Zoo and learned about various species.

The kids from there each chose a species to study,” Hibbler said.

As part of the project, the students researched information about what the species was, about why they’re endangered, and how the students can help.

“The kids learned a lot of great research skills, how to fi nd good sources, how to take notes,” Hibbler said.

But even though the project was supposed to end with the students giving a presentation on their fi ndings, Hibbler said the class wanted to take their findings much further and share them with a larger audience.

“After the Christmas break, we started doing more research on why the species are losing their habitats, and why pollution is a big deal for those species,” Hibbler said.

As her students researched these topics and became even more interested, Hibbler said the class held a “Save the Planet” challenge in February.

The challenge involved students sharing how they can do their part to reduce pollution and preserve the areas where the endangered species live.

“It’s amazing, the amount of work they put into challenges, or their missions as they called it,” Hibbler said.

Right before spring break, a nd before the pa ndemic would upset the community, the students held a gathering at Churchrock Chapter House to show what Gallup could do to solve the various problems.

Hibbler said they invited families, community members, and some local officials, some of whom even attended the gathering, she added.

“It was such a cool experience,” she said.

ADAPTING TO CHANGES Once the pandemic arrived in Gallup in mid-March, all local schools were closed indefinitely and the students were told to stay home for their safety.

“It’s hard to not be with my

Bob Ippel, executive director of Rehoboth Christian School, highlighted the importance of the community at the school and how it has remained close even through the COVID-19 pandemic. File Photo class of 21 students,” Hibbler said. “We are currently communicating via phone, or video chats, but it’s also cool to know they can do quite great work on their own.”

Elmer Yazzie, whose teaching career spans 44 years as well as coaching numerous sports including cross country at Rehoboth, said the transition to distance learning required multiple changes and directions.

“It’s a different way of thinking,” he said. “It is a whole collaborative effort by Rehoboth to take the learning experience that’s normally in the classroom out to the community we live in, Gallup and McKinley County.”

Part of this effort involves keeping the students aware of their weekly, monthly, and semester goals, which Yazzie said was in place before the schools closed.

“The goals make the learning experience and the progress from it visible to the students,” Yazzie said.

Yazzie added, so far the students have responded positively to the change to learning online, which shows personal growth and self-discipline on

CHRISTIAN SCHOOL | SEE PAGE 14

WHAT’S INSIDE …

6 4

STATE OF EMERGENCY Outgoing mayor asks governor to enact state of emergency

9

DEAD BODY The grim discoveries in April

Friday May 1, 2020 • Gallup Sun

COVID STATS A letter provides some perspective

STATE REP LETTER A call for more support for the Navajo Nation

10 11 13

BLU-RAY/DVDS Stay inside and check one of these out

NEWS

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NEWS

Gallup Sun • Friday May 1, 2020

5

McKinney asks governor to proclaim a state of emergency GOVERNOR CREATES NAVAJO NATION RAPID RESPONSE TEAM

By Beth Blakeman Associate Editor

G

a l lup’s outgo ing mayor Jack ie McKinney asked for a state of emergency

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: Army medics Monica Lascheid and Collette Benn work to turn the gym at Miyamura High School into a field hospital.

Photo by C. Hoover Right: The four speakers for COVID-19: The Doctors’ Perspective. File Photos 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.

6

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. The governor was asked April 30

by Gallup’s outgoing mayor to proclaim a state of emergency in Gallup. File Photo within the City of Gallup April 30. McKinney called on the governor to declare a state of emergency pursua nt to “the Riot Control Act” (NMSA

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Friday May 1, 2020 • Gallup Sun

Outgoing Gallup Mayor Jackie McKinney.

April 30 was his final day as mayor. File Photo 1978 12-10-16 through 12-1021) within the boundaries of the City of Gallup.

In his letter, McK inney said, “This request is being m a de a s a r e s u lt of t he COVID-19 outbreak in our community, which constit u t e s a n u n pr e c e d e n t e d he a lt h c r i s i s . T he v i r u s ha s caused ma ny deat hs, stretched our medical facilities and resources to their

Incoming Gallup Mayor Louie Bonaguidi will begin his first day as mayor May 1, after being sworn in April 30 at the El Morro Event Center. Photo Credit: Cable Hoover c a p a c i t y, a n d a d v e r s e l y impacted the welfare of the City of Gallup. Our community is unable to adequately address the outbreak without the imposition of certain rest r ict ion s neces sa r y to regulate social distancing, public gatherings, sales of good[s], and the use of public

streets.”

The act to which McKinney refers states in Section 12-1017 – Proclamation of emergency that “Upon request of the mayor of a municipality or the sheriff of a county or

GOVERNOR | SEE PAGE 12

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 May 1, 2020

7

Miyamura gym completes transition to COVID-19 field hospital

By Cody Begaye Sun Correspondent

A

s the country deals with the influx of COVID-19 patients, hospita ls have had to fi nd ways to house the patients to receive proper medical care by setting up temporary field hospitals. As of April 28, McKinley County is the hardest hit county in New Mexico with 820 positive tests.

Rehoboth McK inley Christian Health Care Services and Gallup Indian Medical Center have cooperated with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to transform the gymnasium at Miyamura High School into just such a center.

T he f ield ho s pit a l i s described as a safe and comfortable setting where COVID19 patients can be isolated and monitored during the pandemic, according to the Gallup Alternate Care Facility Leadership Team and the New Mexico Department of Health.

The facility set-up was

completed ahead of schedule after about two weeks, which was a point of praise for numerous people.

David Morgan, director of facilities management for the New Mexico Department of Health, praised the efforts of the community for the hospital.

“At a time like this where we all come together and we put in the necessary help, there’s a great sense of accomplishment between all the communities that we work with,” Morgan said April 24.

The facility has 60 cubicles for patients and is equipped with negative pressure ventilation and an air-conditioner. It will be used to house patients from GIMC and RMCHCS who are too sick to stay home or who no longer need to be on a ventilator, but still need oxygen and medical care.

In addition to patient transfer, the two hospitals will also split management duties, with Dr. Kevin Gaines, of GIMC, and Dr. Valory Wangler, of RMCHCS, running the facility. The facility

will be staffed by health care workers from both hospitals, as well as members from the University of New Mexico’s Environment Health Core and volunteers.

Work on the facility was completed April 19, and it began accepting patients April 25. Ina Burmeister, chief development officer for RMCHCS, said she did not have an official count of admissions as of April 29.

She did, however, say admittance is off to a “slow start.”

Most of the building’s cost was covered by the Federal E me r ge nc y M a n a ge me nt Agency, with the State of New Mexico contributing as well.

Burmeister did not have an estimate for how much the facility cost to set up.

As for supplies, Burmeister said the hospital is receiving personal protective equipment from the state, but this is another area where exact amounts were not given.

“There is a request for donations for items that are not going

Major General Jeffrey Clark of the U.S. Army Medical Command answers questions during an open house at the new Gallup Alternate Care Facility inside the Miyamura High School gymnasium in Gallup April 24. Photo Credit: Cable Hoover to be covered by the state,” Burmeister said.

These items were listed on the field hospital’s community website, which is https://acfmiyamura.wordpress.com/.

The list includes: • Two “smart” televisions for “rec” stations • Shower slippers / flip flops • Rubber squeegee for shower floors to clean between showers, 3 or 4 • Padlocks for patient lockers x 60 • A night-stand or fold-out

TV trays for patients to rest items on, including cell-phone, dinner tray, picture of family, etc. – as many as 58 • Command wall hooks for patients to hang towels, etc. on in their room • Cell phone chargers for new models The hospital is also requesting two U.S. General 26 in. x 22 in. single bank red roller cabinets to be used as medication

MIYAMURA | SEE PAGE 15

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Friday May 1, 2020 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

Another dead body found FIFTH OPEN FIELD DEATH IN APRIL Staff Reports

A

ma n’s body wa s found behind Earl’s Restaurant on East H i g hw a y 6 6 b y someone walking in the area.

Gallup Police received a call at 12:16 pm April 27 and headed to the location, where the witness pointed out the body. EMS personnel were dispatched.

Information about age and identity has not been released.

The body was sent for autopsy.

Details on the other open f ield d e a t h s t h i s mo nt h a re gradua lly becom ing available.

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

The man was autopsied. He was identified 57 year old John Grandal, homeless, and his death was believed to be related to a cardiac issue.

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

He was identified as 40 year old

Nathaniel Yoe of Fort Defiance, Ariz. No cause of death has been given.

The third body was found April 16 across from Long John Silver’s. He was identified as 21 year old Jayves Alonzo, of Becenti, N.M. Cause of death has not been determined.

The fourth body was found April 21 at 714 S. Second St. He has been identified as 58 year old Lawray McReeves of Tohatchi, N.M. No cause of death has been given.

Gallup police and mortuary staff carry the fifth body found in an open field this month from where it was found on a hillside behind Earl’s Restaurant in Gallup April 27. Photo Credit: Cable Hoover

Navajo Nation calls for closure of liquor stores Staff Reports

S

ome members of the Navajo Nation Council want New Mexico officials to close down package l iquor stores i n towns bordering the Navajo Reservation.

On April 17, an emergency resolution was fi led with the Speaker’s Office asking the council to urge the Governor of New Mexico to use her aut hor it y to close l iquor stores.

The proposed resolution points out that the tribe has

imposed a curfew on travel from 8 pm to 5 am as a way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 on the reservation.

“Navajo Nation residents are not abiding by the curfew in order to travel to stores selling alcoholic beverages,” the resolution stated.

The resolution a lso emphasizes that an April 6 notice by the state’s health depa r tment sa id stores

selling alcoholic beverages are not considered to be necessary businesses.

This issue of liquor sales and its effects on community spread of the virus has been a hot topic this month.

In early April, the McKinley County Commission passed a resolution limiting what liquor stores in the county could sell.

The commission limited sales to one bottle of wine or a 12

pack of beer.

A week later, they met again and decided to rescind that resolution after being told that people were getting around the law by just going to more than one location to get all the alcoholic beverages they wanted.

The City of Gallup also decided to order a ban on liquor sales at convenience stores in the city.

''A Tradition'' People lining up to buy liquor outside Lowe’s Shop N Save 1120 East Hwy. 66 April 23.

Photo Credit: Courtesy

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Gallup, NM 87301 (505) 863-4452 Gallup Sun • Friday May 1, 2020

9

OPINIONS Letter to the Editor

In support of wearing a mask

W

hy doesn’t the Mayor put forth a mandatory mask requirement, it would actually be very easy to enforce. My sister lives back east, where you are not allowed into any store without a mask. No mask, No service.

There are still too many people in Gallup in high traffic areas, such as Wal-Mart, irresponsibly not wearing masks.

They probably won’t wear a mask either, unless they are enforced to do so. I also believe that our Police department is already taxed with more

COVID-19 Observations

By Richard F. Kontz Guest Columnist

W

hen you review the chart developed with data from “worldometers.info/coronavirus/” first remember this chart is dated as of: April 29, 2020 at 12 noon. It is interesting when you look at the data, you will note: [1] Wo r l d w i d e t h e r e 3,174,134 cases with 220,446 deaths for a death rate of 6 .9 % wh ich me a n s 9 3.1% live. Also, if you look at the tota l world popu lation of 7,773,595,500 people and calculate the death rate based on the world population it is far less than 1% at 0.0028%.

So, comparing this to other well-known past pandemics - Spanish Flu from 1918 - 1919 had a death rate worldwide of 2.8% and if you calculate the death rate base on number of cases it was 9 to 11%. For Swine Flu the low estimate on worldwide death rate was 0.0022% and the high estimate was 0.0083%.. Looking at the “Plague” which mainly a ffected Europe in 1347 1351, estimates are 30% of the population died and high estimates are 50% died.

[2] In the United States there a re 1,040,925 ca ses with 59,851 deaths for a death rate of 5.7% which mea ns 94.3% live. Also, if you look at the total US population of 331,002,285 and calculate the

important issues. So what we need is for the Mayor to put into effect an ordinance that states that stores that wish to remain open cannot let anyone in without a mask. Rather than trying to police who’s wearing a mask or not, delegate that responsibility to the stores.

B

A

C

D

Most big stores in town with high traffic now have a member of the National Guard as well as local security. Have them enforce it. Then when officers are on patrol they can make periodic stops and check to see if anyone in the store is not wearing a mask.

If they see that someone was let in without a mask then Fine the establishment for not enforcing this essential

F

E

G

precaution. I wish we could depend on every single person to do the right thing and just wear a mask while in public, but unfortunately this is not happening and we need the Mayor to put into effect this ordinance.

Sincerely, Matthew Baker, concerned Citizen of Gallup, N.M.

H

I

Covid-19 Rank Country

Total Cases

J

K

Noon

04/29/20

Total Deaths

Death Rate

Active Cases

Country Population

Total Death Rate/ Case Rate/ Deaths Population Total Cases Population

1,040,925 59,851

5.7%

837,156

331,002,385

59,851

0.0181%

1,040,925

0.31%

1

United States

2

Spain

236,899

24,275

10.2%

79,695

46,754,778

24,275

0.0519%

236,899

0.51%

3

Italy

203,591

27,682

13.6%

104,657

60,461,826

27,682

0.0458%

203,591

0.34%

4

France

165,911

23,660

14.3%

95,365

65,273,511

23,660

0.0362%

165,911

0.25%

5

UK

161,145

21,678

13.5%

139,123

67,886,011

21,678

0.0319%

161,145

0.24%

6

Germany

160,479

6,374

4.0%

33,705

83,783,942

6,374

0.0076%

160,479

0.19%

7

Turkey

117,589

3,081

2.6%

70,486

9,006,398

3,081

0.0342%

117,589

1.31%

8

Russia

99,399

972

1.0%

88,141

9,006,398

972

0.0108%

99,399

1.10%

9

Iran

93,399

5,957

6.4%

13,909

83,992,949

5,957

0.0071%

93,399

0.11%

10 China

82,858

4,633

5.6%

647

1,439,323,776

4,633

0.0003%

82,858

0.01%

11 Brazil

73,235

5,083

6.9%

35,608

9,006,398

5,083

0.0564%

73,235

0.81%

12 Canada

50,373

2,904

5.8%

27,583

37,742,154

2,904

0.0077%

50,373

0.13%

23 Mexico

16,752

1,569

9.4%

3,760

128,932,753

1,569

0.0012%

16,752

0.01%

3,174,134

0.04%

XX Worldwide

3,174,134 220,446

6.9%

1,967,892 7,773,595,500 220,446 0.0028%

Raw Data Source: worldometers.info/coronavirus/ Percentage Calculations by RFKontz

Data from worldometers.info/coronavirus/

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death rate based on the U.S. population, it is less than 1% at 0.31%. So, comparing this to other well-k now n pa st pa ndem ic s - Spa n i sh F lu from 1918 - 1919 had a death rate based on population of 0.65% and if you calculate the death rate based on number of cases it was 2.5 to 2.8%.

For Swine Flu the death rate based on total population was 0.004% and the death rate based on number of cases was less than 1% at 0.021%.

[3] If you want to migrate to a safer country, try Yemen with 1 case and no deaths or Papua, New Guinea with 8 cases and no deaths.

COVID-19 LETTER | SEE PAGE 15 10

Friday May 1, 2020 • Gallup Sun

OPINIONS

No more trickle-down assistance PINTO BEANS AND SUGAR ARE NOT ENOUGH

By Patricia Lundstrom Guest Columnist

F

riends and colleagues from across the country have contacted me to express their sorrow, pity and concern for the people of the Navajo Nation.

They have seen the stories on national media outlets reporting the alarming incidence of COVID-19 cases on and around the Navajo Reservation, third highest in the nation per capita.

I’m pleased to see a growing awareness of the dire straits and economic circumstances of the Navajo people, as the COVID crisis lays bare the many ways in which an entire sovereign nation - residing within the broader U.S. system - has endured a centuryand-a-half of neglect and has been relegated to the “bottom of the heap� of the American economy. I, too, saw the news clips about how pinto beans and sugar are being delivered to children and washing stations are being delivered to homes on a reservation where 30 percent of the households still do not have running water. These are important errands of mercy to those suffering under the medical and economic duress of the pandemic. But not enough!

I want to challenge Congress and the President to rise up and do something truly meaningful in support of the Navajo people and all of us in McKinley County.

First: Cut the red tape and delays and move federal dollars into the Indian Health Service to build the replacement hospital for the Gallup Indian Medical Center.

Now is the time to cut to the chase and fully fund the long-overdue replacement of the Indian Health Service hospital in Gallup. Why, in an area being hardest hit by the COVID19 virus, should we have to re-purpose a local high school gymnasium as an emergency overflow hospital? Why do we not have the capacity to serve the people for which this hospital was intended? Why would we not commit - right now - to this project, which would provide the single greatest impact on the economic fortunes of an entire region, at the same time providing the level and quality of health care for which the native people of our community have waited a lifetime?

OPINIONS

Second: Appropriate the dollars needed to connect the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project, the most significant water project in the west, to the communities, businesses and homes where it can actually be accessed and used.

Why would you invest over $1 billion in a public water supply system to serve a region where over one-third of homes did not have running water, but then leave the region high-and-dry without the means to actually connect that water supply to where it can do the most good?

We a ck nowled ge t h a t “every little bit helps,� and the resources trickling down to our businesses and workers and families are helping buffer - in the very short term - the losses so many are sustaining. But this

is the time for bold action! Time to push beyond the bureaucratic barriers and the piecemeal efforts and the social band-aids that cause so much of the federal commitment to evaporate, as water running into our high desert sands!

I call on our Representatives in Congress, and our President, whose Native American constituents represent 24 tribal nations and thousands of American citizens of indigenous descent, to do something truly meaningful. Something that will make a difference - now, and for the long term. Cut the red tape and bring us a new Indian Health Service hospital and finish the water supply project - for this generation and generations to come. You can keep the pinto beans and sugar.

N.M. Rep. Patricia Lundstrom

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GOVERNOR | FROM PAGE 6 a majority of the members of the governing body of the municipality or county having jur isdiction a nd a f ter finding that a public disorder, disaster or emergency which affects life or property exists in the state, the governor may procla im a state of emergency in the area affected.

The proclamation becomes effective immediately upon its signing by the governor, but the governor shall give public notice of its contents through the public press and other news media.”

I n S e c t io n 1 2 -10 -18

DOCTORS’ PERSPECTIVE | FROM PAGE 1 was hosted on Zoom, an online conference meeting space, and broadcast on Facebook live.

Lee moderated the onehour question-and-answer event, asking the doctors COVID-19-related questions.

The doctors in attendance were Dr. Jennie Wei from the Gallup Indian Medical Center, Dr. Valory Wangler of Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services and Dr. Lawrence Andrade of Family Medicine Associates.

The public and media in attendance were invited to ask questions.

As of April 28, New Mexico had 2,974 cases of the virus with McKinley County leading all counties in the state

– Emergency restrictions, it lists that the governor may proh ibit by procla mat ion any person being on public streets, parks or locations during specific hours; gatherings; the sale or purchase of or dispensing of alcoholic beverages; the use of certain streets and other activities to help maintain life, property or the public peace.

Now, that Louie Bonaguidi has been sworn in as Gallup’s new mayor to take office at 12:01 am May 1, he will be the person who will take on this new challenge.

At her COVID-19 update on April 30, Lujan-Grisham did not respond to the request

from McKinney. She did, however, respond privately to the letter.

Bonaguidi told the Gallup Sun that Lujan Grisham said, “You tell me what you want and we’ll see if we can do it.”

Bonaguidi, says he doesn’t know what his first act as mayor will be. He says he pla n s to go to t he of f ice May 1 and may be meeting with the gover nor on that day. He says if any actions are taken in connection with McKinney’s letter, they will first go through a number of people.

“I can’t make any decision without the council,” he said.

Dur ing the Apr il 30

u p d a t e , t h e g o v e r n o r ’s Human Ser vices Secretary Dr. David Scrase displayed a slide showing the extent of the spread of COVID-19 in McKinley County, indicating health care is at maximum capacity.

For t hat rea son, he ex pl a i ned, t he s t a t e h a s begun a process to transfer people to other locations.

Scrase said approximately 40 people were transferred to beds in Albuquerque during the week of Apr il 19 a nd another 30 were transferred during the week of April 26.

He added that Albuquerque ICUs are now overfull and working on doubling capacity

to take in these patients.

Lujan Grisham did mention one way in which her team in Santa Fe is working to help the Navajo Nation.

On April 30 she announced t he creat ion of a Nava jo Nation Rapid Response Team made up of nine members including: K e v i n Wa s h bu r n , former Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Brig Gen Miguel Aguilar, N.M. National Guard Dr. Michele Suina, Cochiti Pueblo D r. K e v i n E n g l i s h ,

with 820 cases.

The doctors warned the respiratory health of COVID19 positive individuals can deteriorate rapidly.

“This is exactly what we had anticipated, given that there was a huge spike in positive tests a week or two ago,” Wei said. “What we are seeing now are the people who have now gotten tested a week or two ago, that are getting really, really sick.”

Patients are having to be transported to Albuquerque, because there are not enough intensive-care beds in Gallup.

Lee and the doctors discussed how the coronavirus does not respect borders and does not discriminate on who it infects.

“I just can’t stress enough social distancing,” Andrade said. “If we could just follow social distancing, we could

be flattening the curve and resuming some of our normal activities like some of the cities are doing, but we’re just exploding and it’s pretty sad right now.”

Ma inta ining the sixfoot social distancing and hand-washing frequently will help, Andrade said.

Andrade told the Gallup Sun the forum appeared to be a one-time event at this time. But said he is open to doing it again if he is asked to participate.

Dr. Wangler has had her personal battle with the virus.

“I, myself, tested positive about a week ago,” Wangler said. “I’ve been very fortunate that I have not been one of the people that’s gotten terribly sick, but it’s a scary thing.”

The doctors all recommend that people wear masks when going out in public and

all support a possible ordinance within the Gallup city limits that would require face coverings.

The doctors also said it is hard to definitively say how long the virus can survive on various surfaces, as studies are ongoing.

“There are so many factors,” Wangler said. “The other piece that’s challenging to know is how long it can be active in an individual. There have been cases that have shown people continuing to have some viral components several weeks out from their infection.”

Communities have been hurt economically during the pandemic across our state and country.

The doctors said we need to use caution and take cues from other communities as they open, to determine when our area can reopen.

“We risk human life,” Wangler said when talking about the possibility of reopening the community early. “We put our most vulnerable members of our community at really substantial risk.”

The topic of pets and possibly contracting COVID-19 from them came up. How do we keep our animals and

ourselves safe?

Wangler added she has not seen “evidence of transmission through our pets.”

“I haven’t heard a thing yet,” Andrade said of contracting the virus from an animal.

If you think you may have COVID-19, or the symptoms of the virus, the doctors recommend getting tested.

Essential workers, people who come into contact with a positive person, and people exhibiting symptoms are eligible for the drive-up testing on College Drive, behind the pediatrics clinic.

“It is an uncomfortable swab that goes in your nose straight back to all those areas in your nasopharynx,” Wangler warned.

The doctors say they are seeing people recover, and wish the positive stories would get more attention.

“Assume you have it.

Assume everybody has it.

Because that really helps us attend to the masking, attend the social distancing,” Wangler said. “Not everybody has it...But if you go into it with that mindset that ‘I could be infected,’ I think that really helps you remember to attend to those things and keep everybody safe.”

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Friday May 1, 2020 • Gallup Sun

102 E. Aztec Office: 505-863-8086 Cell: 505-870-3948 OPINIONS

Blu-ray/DVD Roundup for May 1, 2020

By Glenn Kay For the Sun

W

elcome to another look at highlights arriving on Blur ay a nd DV D. Readers will likely notice lots of independent fare. So, since you won’t be able to make it out to the movies this week, be sure to give one of these titles a try!

Alone Across the Arctic We’d all like to get out a nd ex plore more, but geographer Adam Shoalts t a ke s it t o new extremes i n t h is docu m e n t a r y.

I n or der t o mark the 150th anniversary of Canada’s Confederation, the subject decides to set off alone from Old Crow, Yukon (near the Alaskan border) and make the journey east across the continent to Baker Lake, Nunavut. He hikes and paddles his way over an entire summer through the wildest and most unexplored parts of the nation.

One or two reviews that have popped up state that while the host himself isn’t the smoothest or most charismatic onscreen personality, the scenery is gorgeous and the movie provides some fascinating tips about surviving in nature.

Lucid Dreams - The latest from well-regarded Hong Kong actor/director/ producer/composer Teddy Robi n Qu a n (All the Wrong S p i e s) i s a unique antholo g y. T h i s mov ie tel ls four dramatic tales inspired by dreams that the fi lmmaker has experienced. One follows a person who has to arrange a fake wedding in order to repay a debt. Others involve a man learning to deal with his ego, as well as a reconnection between a writer and a longlost mother.

The final tale follows a driving instructor who begins seeing sprits. Last year this picture was nominated for Best Original Score at the Hong Kong equivalent of the Oscars. The cast includes COMMUNITY

Dada Chan, Juju Chan, Kevin Cheng and Louis Cheung.

The Incoherents - Band reunions seem to be all the rage these days and this l it t le d ra ma appears to be i n s pi r e d by the trend. A fo r t y - s o m e thing paralegal who was once a member of a ‘90s alternative music group notes his contemporaries re-forming successfully and tries to get his band together for a new tour. Every person he contacts is dealing with some sort of midlife crisis. Will the members overcome their personal issues and revitalize their musical careers?

It has only screened at a few New York film festivals (where it took home a prize or two). Jeff Auer, Annette O’Toole, Amy Carlson, Alex Ema nuel a nd Ja red Ba rel headline the feature.

Vanil l a - In this inde pendently-produced comedy, a young comedian tries to save her family business by selling her van. To complete the sale, she must drive it south all the way to New Orleans. In an attempt to avoid boredom during the journey, she invites an uptight entrepreneur to join her on her extended road trip.

A bond forms and a romance begins to develop.

After they arrive and the van sale falls apart, the two are left to determine whether they should pursue the relationship. This little title has been picked up for distribution on disc, but hasn’t played in many cinemas and so there aren’t any write-ups currently available for it. Looks like curious parties will have to take a chance without knowing quite where things will lead. The cast includes Will Dennis and Kelsea Bauman.

W hen Lambs Become Lions - Taking viewers to the Kenyan bush, this document a r y det a i l s the world of ivory dealers, a s wel l a s t he r a n ge r s attempting to cur ta il their business. Using a cinema verité, fly-on-the-wall approach, the camera captures both the

desperate hunters attempting to provide for their families and the frightening experiences of soldiers trying to stop them. The filmmakers were granted complete access and followed their subjects for three years, recording their everyday lives. Critics ended up giving the picture excellent reviews.

One or two didn’t like that the movie chose to step back and not impose a specific moral or message. Still, the vast majority did think that some of those onscreen were more sympathetic than others, and noted that the approach helped viewers understand why elephant ivory hunting has continued to persist in Kenya.

Blasts from the Past!

Wow, it’s a nother ja mpacked week when it comes to older movies arriving on d i sc. T hose who grew up in the 1980s will certainly remember late night h o r r o r mov ie hostess Elv ira, who would introduce cheesy

movies and often crack jokes while doing so. Arrow Video is giving fans a new Special Edition Blu-ray of the character’s big screen starring vehicle, Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988). In this comedy, Elvira leaves L.A. for Massachusetts to collect an inheritance after the passing of a family member.

The movie arrives on disc with a new 4K restoration from the original fi lm elements. The fi lm’s original storyboards and extensive image galleries are provided too, along with the U.S. theatrical and teaser trailers. Sounds like a lot of fun for ‘80s fi lm fans.

T he AGFA (A me r ic a n Genre Film Archive) is a distr ibutor out of Austin, Texas who is a lw ay s pu t ting out hardto-find genre pictures. This week, they’re relea sing T h e McPh e rson Tape (1989), one of the earliest found-footage features ever created. Made a full decade before T h e B l a i r Wi t c h Project, the low-budget fl ick follows a family celebrating and taping a birthday using a VHS recorder. They end up

capturing a sudden and unexpected alien home invasion.

This release includes a new transfer from the original 3/4” master tape, two different cuts of the movie, a director commentar y on one of the versions, footage from the 1989 theatrical premiere, a TV segment on the production, a Q&A from a recent screening and more. This should certainly intrigue low-budget horror enthusiasts.

You Know, For Kids!

Here are some releases that may appeal to kids, including the classic cartoon, Underdog.

SpongeBob SquarePants: Bikini Bottom Bash Underdog: The Complete Series On the Tube!

And these are the week’s TV-themed releases.

Ar r o w: T he Complet e Series Arrow: Season 8 F RON T L I N E: Am a zo n Empire: The Rise and Reign of Jeff Bezos (PBS) NAT U R E: T h e Mi ghty Weasel (PBS) Room 222: Season 2 SpongeBob SquarePants: Bikini Bottom Bash Underdog: The Complete Series

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Gallup Sun • Friday May 1, 2020

13

CHRISTIAN SCHOOL | FROM PAGE 4 their part.

Wright said figuring out how to make distance learning work has revolved around one central challenge.

“We have so many families of students that have internet access, but we also have some families that don’t have it,” she said. “It’s about figuring out how to teach students equally and provide the same academic experience wherever they are.”

The shift to distance learning was a big learning curve for the teachers, Wright said.

It also showed many of them that people can take in-person communication for granted.

“I feel like this situation has made the teachers and some of the students more grateful for the community we have,” she added.

As another par t of the sense of community, Wright spoke about how an upcomi n g S t u d e n t A lt e r n a t i v e Curriculum Week had to be canceled because of the new circumstances, which she said upset many students.

The SAC Week, as it is also

called, is a week where either the Rehoboth choir or band head out on tour for a week, and the rest of the students at the school are given a week of class that is different from their normal curriculum.

In the past, students have been given lessons in self-defense, learning how to make podcasts, how to do coding, cooking, playing a guitar, or doing automotive repair, according to Wright.

“That’s a week of school in the spring that’s so much fun, because there are so many things the kids can do,” Wright said.

More than being able to learn a number of alternative skills, Wright said the students feel the SAC Week is a chance to break up the routine and occasional drudgery of a school year.

“The SAC Week makes them think, ‘School’s fun, we like to be here.’ It gives them energy to keep going,” she said.

These alternate curriculums are another chance for students to bond and learn something about themselves and others, Wright added.

“We’re a lways look i ng for ways to build that school

Gail DeYoung, who has worked as middle school counselor and co-director of five choirs at Rehoboth Christian School, with some of her students during the Christmas lunch at Rehoboth Dining Hall in Dec. 2019. Several teachers said smaller class sizes means they can better connect with their students. Photo Credit: Courtesy community, so kids feel like they’re a vital part of it,” she said. “We don’t want anybody to feel left out, which I think is one of Rehoboth’s biggest strengths.”

FOR THE COMMUNITY More than just students and their families, Ippel and the various teachers have emphasized repeatedly they want to help the community.

To that end, Ippel also described some of the relief

efforts Rehoboth is performing to help people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re housing pilots who are flying PPE and food for the Navajo Nation,” Ippel said.

“We’re a distribution center for the Eastern Agency of Navajo Nation.”

Ippel also discussed how Rehoboth received a grant from World Renew, a church based out of Grand Rapids, Mich., that they have used to prov ide a nd t ra n spor t water and groceries for families who cannot make it to Rehoboth.

This is in addition to providing hot meals for students and faculty members, he added.

“We want to try to live out this idea of serving and loving the world,” Ippel said. “We don’t want just our kids to talk about it. We want to show it through the school.”

The teachers shared Ippel’s sentiments.

“We can have fun, and have good academics, but at the end of the day, it’s how we are building the students up and making sure students are in that positive circle,” Wright said.

Hibbler hopes the students can learn from the faculty and staff’s actions and apply them on their own.

“The way we’re seeing it now is we’re a part of the community, and that we’re here to support the community and they support us,” she said.

Ya z z ie s a id t he work Rehoboth has done for the s u r r o u n d i n g c o m mu n i t y a nd the Nava jo Nation is something to be proud of, especially since they have continued to have people wanting to volunteer.

“We have people come to us, and they don’t want to get paid. They want to serve others,” he said. “It is a great story of life and how we should be all the time.”

HONORING THOSE WE’VE LOST TO COVID-19 Did your loved one pass away from novel coronavirus? If so, honor their legacy with a FREE 1/4 page artistic tribute placed in the Sun Phone: (505) 722-8994 Email: gallupsunadvertising@gmail.com

Offer is limited to residents of McKinley & Cibola Counties and Apache County, AZ.

14

Friday May 1, 2020 • Gallup Sun

COMMUNITY

CALENDAR

COMMUNITY CALENDAR MAY 1 - MAY 7, 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. In cases where listings give a street address, call before you go.

OPEN Numerous events have been scheduled online:

FRIDAY, May 1

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/

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.

HOUSING WANTED Looking for long term residency Preferably utilities included Purchase possible Budget $450 a month Call Joe at 989-443-3009 LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the McKinley County Board of Commissioners will hold a

MIYAMURA | FROM PAGE 8 cabinets. Donations can be dropped off at First United

COVID-19 LETTER | FROM PAGE 10 [4] In the United States the most cases by far are in

GOVERNOR | FROM PAGE 12 Albuquerque Area SW Tribal Epidemiology Center Dr. Paul Roth, UNM Health Sciences D r. L e o n a r d T h o m a s , Indian Health Service Dr. A lex Eastma n, U.S. Homeland Security Rosely n Tso, Nava jo Indian Health Service Dr. Sara Lathrop, Office of CALENDAR

regular meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.

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 welcome to call in with comments about items on the agenda during the

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/

meeting at 505.863.1400. Please give your name and a return phone number. When, at an appropriate time for comments on the agenda items, the Commission Chair will call you on your return number so you can make your comment. The Commission Chair pursuant to state law and county policy can limit the time of comments and reduce common or cumulative comments as needed; comments will be limited to 3 minutes.

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.

WEDNESDAY, May 6

MANAGE YOUR BUSINESS REMOTELY

10 am-11 am A special livestream for small businesses.

Learn how to update critical business information online to keep customers informed, host virtual meetings and events, and access documents from anywhere. Lives-

tream Registration can be located at events.withgoogle. com/gwg-livestream/registrations/new/ 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.

+DSSƿ 0RƢHUƂ 'Dƿ In honor of Mother’s day send us a photo of your mother for our Mother’s Day edition, May 8th and their name.

We will pick 3 names out of a hat and they will receive a prize!

Phone: (505) 722-8994 Email: gallupsunadvertising@gmail.com COMMISSIONERS /S/ Billy Moore, Chairperson

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

Done this 27th day of April 2020 McKINLEY COUNTY BOARD OF

Methodist Church Monday through Thursday from 8:30 11:30 am.

As for how long the field hospital will stay open, Burmeister

said she doesn’t know.

“It’s going to operate until we don’t need it anymore,” she said. “So it’s hard to put a time frame on it.”

Nava jo Nation Vice President Myron Lizer said they hope not to have to use the facility for long, but that the people who will be stationed and

working there deserve credit.

“All of you health care workers who have committed yourselves to this project: that is true love,” he said.

New York [mainly the City] with 305,086 cases and 23,474 deaths. California is number 5 with 46,506 cases and 1,873 deaths. Our neighbor to the

west, A r izona is #23 with 7,202 cases and 304 deaths.

Utah is #33 with 4,343 cases and 45 deaths. New Mexico is #39 with 2,974 cases and

110 deaths. The safer states a re A la ska [9 deaths] a nd Wyoming [7 deaths].

I hope t h i s help s you to deal with the COVID-19

situation. I always like to keep things in perspective so I don’t go into a panic. I know this is a tough situation, but it will pass.

the Medical Investigator In terms of the general population of the state, the governor announced that the current public health order will expire at midnight April 30.

A new public health order begins May 1 and continues through May 15.

The differences include the following: Non- essentia l reta ilers will be per mitted to open

up w it h cu rbside pick up and delivery service where allowed by their licenses.

State parks can reopen on a modified basis.

Pe t s e r v i c e s s u c h a s grooming shops will be permitted to operate.

Ve t e r i n a r i a n s w i l l b e allowed to operate.

Golf course can open for golf only. There will be no dine-in food service or retail.

Gun stores can operate by

appointment only.

Remaining closed will be offices, workspaces, retailers, dine-in restaurants and ba rs, indoor ma lls, g y ms, salons, theaters, and casinos.

Ma ss gather ings a re prohibited.

A 14-day quarantine order remains in place for out-ofstate airport arrivals.

“It’s one thing to stay at home and not have to wear a mask,” she said…”That’s

hard, but easy to manage…

Now I’m asking you to potentially leave the house…But I want you wearing a face covering.”

As for the newly sworn-in mayor, Bonaguidi, mentioned his disappointment with the April 30 McK inley County Commission two-to-one-vote aga inst mak ing ma sk use mandatory.

“People should enforce it themselves,” he said.

Publication date: Sun May 1, 2020

Gallup

Gallup Sun • Friday May 1, 2020

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Friday May 1, 2020 • Gallup Sun

NEWS