Gallup Sun • June 19, 2020 by gallupsun

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VOL 6 | ISSUE 272 | JUNE 19, 2020

COVID CARE SITE CLOSES Local hospitals can handle current caseload By Cody Begaye Sun Correspondent

he Gallup Alternate Care Facility at the Miya mura High School gym closed down in a ceremony held by staff from Gallup Indian Medical Center and Rehoboth

McKinley Christian Health Care Services June 17. The facility was established in April as an overflow site for patients recovering from COVID-19 at GIMC and RMCHCS. The reason for the closing is the need for hospital beds for COVID patients at the two hospitals has decreased to

the point where they are able to provide the necessary care for patients. Ma jor Genera l Jef f rey Clark of the U.S. Army Medical Command spoke about how the two hospitals collaborated to run the facility, along with the New Mexico Medical Reserve Corps.

The Medical Reserve Corps also helped staff medical surgical units at the two hospitals and helped monitor more than 140 people in the motel program for COVID positive unsheltered people. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Rehoboth hospital and GIMC [staff] were working as one team to take care of

patients, and the Army National Guard was absolutely critical in this endeavor,â&#x20AC;? Clark said. It took about three weeks for the idea of the facility to come to fruition, and the Army Corps of Engineers spent 12

COVID SITE CLOSES | SEE PAGE 20

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Friday June 19, 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ Gallup Sun

NEWS

Gallup Sun â&#x20AC;¢ Friday June 19, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

NEWS

WildThing canceled DONATIONS FOR CHILDREN’S HOME BEING ACCEPTED By Cody Begaye Sun Correspondent

u merous publ ic event s i n Ga l lup a nd a c r o s s New Mexico have either been delayed or canceled in the past three months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest addition to that list is one of Gallup’s signature summer events, Wi ldT h i ng Cha mpion sh ip Bullriding. The announcement was made June 10 on the event’s Facebook page. “Our heart hurts over this situation, and that we will not be able to bring this show to all of our amazing fans,” the post reads. “So many of you Wildthing families have been there and supported us for so many years and helped us to become the number one open bull riding in the entire Southwest.” WildThing organizer Larry Peterson called the decision a tremendous blow to the local economy and to everybody involved with working at the event and attending it. “We hung in there as long as we could, hoping things could change,” Peterson said June 17. “But there are strict rules about how many people can be in a place, with health issues and concerns now, which is why it was canceled.” Moving the event’s date was not an option because of the number of people and planning the event requires, Peterson said. On top of that, the City of Gallup had already canceled numerous summer events at Red Rock Park. For 27 years, WildThing has been going on and becoming the biggest open bullriding event in the Southwest,

Peterson said. It is an event that brought people together for all manner of entertainment and surprises each year. But the loss is more than just entertainment. Manuelito Children’s Home sets up to sell concessions and parking at WildThing, which has become the home’s largest fundraiser every year. “We defi nitely are the biggest fundraiser for the children’s home,” Peterson said. “It’s a trickle down [impact], so a lot of people are going to be hurting from the cancellation. It’s a tremendous blow to our rodeo industry.” While the event may not be happening, people can go to the children’s home website and donate directly there, Peterson said. “The home does the Fun Run on Memorial Day, which is the second biggest fundraiser of the year, and they had to cancel that,” he said. “So they lost out

on both of their largest fundraisers. We’ve pushed to help that home out for 27 years.” Peterson said he’s hoping some of the sponsors like Walmart can still donate to the children’s home. “ They do ver y well at WildThing because they have no expenses. We absorb the rent of the park and the parking, and all the people donate thei r time to the event,” Peterson said. “They can’t help but do very well at it because we’ve brought big crowds in.” Peterson said WildThing always aimed to bring top-quality shows and entertainment throughout its history. He recalled receiving messages from families who are disappointed the event was canceled and shared their history with the event, from how they went with their parents to now taking their children. Peterson said he is hoping the event bounces back in the

Photo Credit: Donovan Becenti future. “We plan on trying to come back next year, though I don’t know how hurt our sponsors are going to be or what shape things will be in,” Peterson said. “The city says they’re hurting, but we’re going to try and come back. That’s our plan right now. “It’s all we can do, just to bring back the top caliber show

we’ve always brought them and hope everyone turns out next year,” Peterson said. W i l d T h i n g Championship Bullriding asks people to take time to vi sit the Manu elito Children’s Home website and donate what they can to help the home at www. mnch.org.

WHAT’S INSIDE …

9 4

NAVAJO ACADEMY Police training program resumes

RACIAL JUSTICE State forms new council

DOIN’ DYLAN The music/poetry event goes online

MOVIE REVIEW Take a ride onboard ‘7500’

11 17 18 23

Friday June 19, 2020 • Gallup Sun

SPECIAL SESSION Police reform, election changes on the table NEWS

City of Gallup hits pause on summer fun Staff Reports

he City of Gallup has announced six facilities that will remain closed throughout the summer months. The following facilities will remain closed through Sept. 30: El Mor ro T heat re a nd Events Center Aquatic Center

Gallup Sun Publishing, LLC Publisher/Editor Babette Herrmann Office Manager Raenona Harvey Accounts Representative Sherry Kauzlarich Associate Editor Beth Blakeman Photography Knifewing Segura Ana Hudgeons Ryan Hudgeons Cable Hoover Correspondent/Editorial Asst. Cody Begaye Dominic Aragon On the Cover Hiroshi Miyamura is adorned with a face mask at the gym that was an alternate COVID-19 care facility. 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.

NEWS

Cecil Ga rcia F itness Center La r r y Br ia n Mitchell Recreation Center Harold Runnels Athletic Complex Rex Museum All events or scheduled meetings at these facilities are effectively canceled and staff will work through the remainder of June to issue refunds or reschedule programs. Three other facilities will offer limited service to the public. They include: O c t av i a Fel l i n P u bl ic Library and Children’s Library Gallup Senior Center Red Rock Park The staff at the library is working on safety measures in order to reopen for more services. The Gallup Senior Center will continue to offer curbside and meal delivery, but The City of Gallup has closed El Morro Theatre until Sept. 30 due to COVID-19 safety issues. Photo Credit: elmorrotheatre.com

THANK YOU ADVERTISERS Amazing Grace Personal Care - 18 Butler’s Office City - 16 City of Gallup - 21 505 Burger and Wings - 15 Gallup Housing Authority - 3 Gallup McKinley County Schools - 2 Grandpa’s Grill - 15 Keller Williams Realty - 1 McKinley County US 2020 Census - 24 New Mexico Credit Corp. - 12 New Mexico Highlands University - 22 Octavia Fellin Public Library - 8 Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards $ 6, 7 Pinnacle Bank - 10 Quintana’s Music & Jewelry - 17 Railway Cafe - 15 Rosebrough & Fowles, P.C. - 11 Route 66 Diner - 15 Rollie Mortuary - 9 Thunderbird Supply Co. - 5 Virgie’s Restaurant & Lounge - 15

will remain closed until the Gover nor’s P ubl ic Hea lt h Order is lifted. The Red Rock Pa rk

Campground will continue to operate at 50% and the trailheads will open. The Convention Center

and Arena will remain closed. A not her upd at e a bout reopening will be released in September.

Gallup Sun • Friday June 19, 2020

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to Conduct Public Online Webinars for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Holtec Hi-Store Consolidated Interim Storage Facility The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) will conduct public meetings via webinar soliciting comments on a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Holtec International’s (Holtec) proposed Consolidated Interim Storage Facility (CISF) for spent nuclear fuel in Lea County, New Mexico. The draft EIS evaluates potential environmental impacts of Holtec’s request to build and operate the proposed CISF. The public meeting webinars will be accessible to the public by navigating, on the day and time of the meeting, to the internet link below and entering the event number associated with the date of the webinar when prompted. Telephone access is also provided by dialing the telephone number and entering the passcode provided below. The NRC staff will present the results of the draft environmental impact analysis and receive the public’s comments on the draft report. The NRC invites members of the public to attend the public meeting webinars and to present oral comments on the draft EIS. The public meeting webinars will commence at 3pm Mountain Time (MT) on June 23, 2020 and July 9, 2020.

Tuesday, June 23, 2020 –3:00 pm MT Webinar Internet address: https://usnrc.webex.com/ Event Number: 199 800 0026 Password: HOLTEC Telephone access Telephone number: 888-454-7496 Telephone passcode: 5790355 Thursday, July 9, 2020 –3:00 pm MT Webinar Internet address: https://usnrc.webex.com/ Event Number: 199 943 8370 Password: HOLTEC Telephone access Telephone number: 800-475-0220 Telephone passcode: 9575497

Those wishing to present oral comments are asked to pre-register by June 22, 2020, for the June meeting and by July 8, 2020 for the July meeting by contacting Ms. Antoinette Walker-Smith via e-mail to Antoinette.Walker-Smith@nrc.gov. The public may also submit written comments on the draft EIS before July 22, 2020. A notice published in the Federal Register (FR) on April 27, 2020 (85 FR 23382; https://www.federalregister.gov/), announced the availability of the NRC’s draft EIS and provided instructions for submitting written comments. The draft EIS can be found on the NRC public webpage for the Holtec CISF license application at https://www.nrc.gov/waste/spent-fuel-storage/cis/holtec-international.html. If you do not have internet access, contact the NRC Public Document Room at 800-397-4209 for assistance. 6

Friday June 19, 2020 • Gallup Sun

County appoints George Muñoz to Rehoboth hospital board By Cody Begaye Sun Correspondent

he McKinley Cou nt y Boa rd of Commissioners d i s c u s s ed a new appointment to the Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services Board during their June 16 meeting. The county has four appointees on the RMCH board. Since one of those members stepped down in May, the item was brought to the County Commission to hear their recommendations on a new appointee. Cha ir ma n Billy Moore recommended Sen. George Munoz, D-Gallup, be appointed to the RMCH board. “We do have four appointees on the RMCH board, so I think we would like to use one now to [help] the incoming

Senator George Muñoz, D-Gallup, has a new position on the Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital board. File Photo commissioners and keep our current situation [of four people],” Moore said. The item was approved with a 3-0 vote.

Miyamura accepts honors from National Wrestling Coaches Association Staff Reports

he Miyamura High S c ho ol A s s i s t a nt Coach Sta ff wa s recognized a s the High School Girls’ Assistant Coaching Staff of the Year for New Mexico by the National Wrestling Coaches Association June 15. T he M iya mu ra H ig h School staff is comprised of coaches Ozzy Guerrero and accomplish ments i nclude the following: 1st @ Battle of Honor Tournament; 2nd @ Veterans Day Memorial; 1st @ Moriarty Lady Pinto Invite; 1st @ Page She Devil Classic; 1st @ Socorro Lady Warrior Warfare; 1st @ 2020 Confl ict at Cleveland; 1st @ NMAA Girls District 1-5A Championship; and 1st @ NMAA State Girls Wrestling Championship. “Our Scholastic Coach of the Year Awards Program which honors our nation’s

coaches who work tirelessly on behalf of their athletes is one of my favorite NWCA initiatives. At a time when coaches are needed now more than ever, we get to take time and thank the entire profession by recognizing their peers at the state and national levels. Thanks to those who we call Coach,” Mike Moyer, NWCA Executive Director, said. The National Wrestling Coaches Association, established in 1928, is a non-profit organization for the advancement of all levels of the sport of wrestling with a primary emph a si s on developi n g coaches who work in academic environments. The membership embraces all people interested in amateur wrestling. The three core competencies of the NWCA are: coaching development, student-athlete welfare, and the promotion of wrestling. NEWS

NEWS

PUBLIC SAFETY

WEEKLY DWI REPORT Staff Reports Delski Bills May 6, 4:53 pm Aggravated DWI McKinley County Sheriff Deputy Terence Willie said he was at one of the roadblocks set up to prevent cars from entering the city because of the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus at the time. The roadblock was at the intersection of the Twin Buttes Road and Highway 55. Willie said he was informed that the driver of a car that was stopped there showed signs of being intoxicated. Willie said he went to talk to Delski Bills, 30, of Gallup. Willie said he noticed Bills smelled of alcohol. When asked if he had anything to drink before driving, Bills admitted to having had two shots of vodka. He agreed to take the standard field sobriety tests and he had problems following directions and failed the tests. He was arrested on a charge of DWI. Bills then agreed to take a breath alcohol test, but Willie said Bills made a mistake on the first test by entering the wrong information, Bills did give a second sample, but the result was not listed in the report. Bills was then transported to the county jail and booked.Â A passenger in Billsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; vehicle, Glenn Sandoval, 22, of Manuelito, was found to have an outstanding bench warrant and was arrested. Tiffany Garcia April 29, 7:38 pm Aggravated DW I (Second) McKinley County Sheriff Deputy Frank Villa Jr. said he was on routine patrol driving on County Road 1 when he was flagged down by a man who said a car was stopped on the roadway and the driver appeared to be asleep. Villa drove to the site and stopped behind the vehicle when it started and drove away at a high rate of speed. Villa began pursuing it as the car reached speeds of up to 85 miles an hour. The pursuit continued as the driver reached the Allison Road, stopped briefly PUBLIC SAFETY

and then sped up again entering the Walmart parking lot. Villa said the vehicle continued going through the parking lot and at one time struck a parked car. It finally stopped and Villa said he ordered the driver to exit the vehicle. The driver, Tiffany Garcia, 31, of Rock Springs, N.M., showed signs of being intoxicated as she exited the car. Villa said she refused to take the standard field sobriety tests, as well as the breath alcohol test. Besides being charged for aggravated DWI, she was also booked for aggravated fleeing and criminal damage to private property. Dorothy Allender April 23, 9:10 pm DWI with a minor in the vehicle McKinley County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Deputy Franklin Begay said he was traveling south on State Highway 602 when he noticed a Gallup police officer had stopped a vehicle. The officer said the driver had run a stop light, almost hitting his vehicle. Sergeant Terrance Peyketewa stopped the truck and started talking with Dorothy Allender, 24, of Ramah, when he saw she had a child in her vehicle. He said he also saw signs that she was intoxicated. He asked her how much she had to drink and she said a couple of beers. She also admitted to smoking marijuana. She agreed to take the standard field sobriety tests, but as he gave them to her she continued to make mistakes and told him to take her to jail. She was finally arrested for DWI. She agreed to take a breath alcohol test, but as she was about to take it, she threw up, so there was a required waiting period before she could take it again. As she was getting ready to take the test the second time, Begay said she threw up again, At that point, she was transported to the county jail to be booked, but personnel there refused to allow her to be signed in because she vomited. Begay then transported her to

DWI REPORT | SEE PAGE 8

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Authorities seek missing woman in Cibola County By Dominic Aragon Sun Correspondent

IBOLA COUNTY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Cibola County S he r i f f â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s O f f ic e is sea rching for a woman who has not been seen since June 12. Deputies from the department have been looking for

DWI REPORT | FROM PAGE 7 a local hospital where she was examined and given a medical clearance. Begay then took her back to the jail where booking officials again refused to admit her. Begay then called a relative who came to the jail and picked her up. Evidence taken from the truck was logged into evidence. Allender was arrested for DWI with a minor in the vehicle, possession of less than an ounce of marijuana and failure to stop at a stop sign. The truck

Elaine Vigil, 54, of San Rafael. Cibola County Sheriff Tony Mace says the department has searched extensively in a threemile radius between her home, her ex-husbandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home and her sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home to no avail. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We do not believe foul play is involved in any of this,â&#x20AC;? Mace said. Mace said there have been no

leads on the case as of June 16. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve brought search dogs, cadaver dogs, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve used drones a Global Positioning System tracker, 20 to 30 people on foot, horseback, and ATVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s,â&#x20AC;? Mace said. The department is asking people to keep an eye out for Vigil. An alert has been issued and she is entered into the

National Crime Information Center, or NCIC, database. Vigil is 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 6â&#x20AC;?, approximately 120 pounds with brown eyes. She was last seen wearing Capri spandex pants and a light-grayish-green tank top. If you know the whereabouts of Vigil, you are asked to call the Cibola County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office dispatch at (505) 287-9476.

was towed. Children Youth and Families Department was notified about the incident. Allenderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grandparents took custody of the child.

connection with a report of a driver who had problems staying in his lane. He tracked the driver as he went onto State Highway and drove into the parking lot of a package liquor store. He said when he spoke to Dennis Keith Walley, 66, of Vanderwagen, he noticed several signs that he was intoxicated. He also staggered as he exited the vehicle. Tsethlikai said he also noticed an open container of beer in the car. Walley admitted to consuming two alcoholic beverages prior to driving and agreed to

take the standard field sobriety tests, but Tsethlikai said he had problems following instructions and gave up. He agreed to take a breath alcohol test and posted two samples of .17. He was booked for being under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs, not having a driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license and having an open container. Walley was released on his own recognizance by a judge.

Dennis Keith Walley Feb. 29, 10:19 am Aggravated DWI McKinley C o u n t y Sher i f f â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Deputy Ivan Tsethlikai was dispatched to Cousins Road in

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Theodore Dick Feb. 4, 2:02 pm Aggravated DWI Gallup P o l i c e Officer Iris Pinero said she was on rout i ne patrol when she was dispatched to a gas station on Highway 66 because of a report of a drunken driver pumping gas. Before she got there, she received an update telling her another officer followed the suspected driver and saw him fail to use his turn signal.

Elaine Vigil

Police had pulled over the driver in the parking lot of the Community Pantry. As she approached the car to talk to Theodore Dick, 45, of Chinle, Ariz., Pinero said she noticed the female passenger throwing empty beer cans into the back seat. When Dick exited the vehicle, Pinero noticed he had thrown up and asked why, to which Dick responded that he was hung over from watching the game. He agreed to take the standard field sobriety tests, but had problems, fi nally saying he had injured his head when he â&#x20AC;&#x153;got hit with an axe and everything like that.â&#x20AC;? Pinero finally asked him to repeat the alphabet from D to M and he said he couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. He later agreed to take a breath alcohol test and posted samples of .34 and .36. Dick wa s taken to the McKinley County Detention Center. He was booked on aggravated DUI, lack of a license, missing a signal and possession of alcoholic beverages in an open container in a motor vehicle. Dick was released on his own recognizance by a judge.

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Friday June 19, 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ Gallup Sun

PUBLIC SAFETY

INDIAN COUNTRY

NEWS

Study ﬁ nds Native American population more at risk for COVID-19 GOVERNOR, CABINET SECRETARY SHARE THOUGHTS ON STUDY By Dominic Aragon Sun Correspondent

A N TA F E — New Mex ico Gover nor Michelle Lu janGrisham and Dr. David Scrase, the cabinet secretary for the Health and Human Services Department, shared their thoughts on a recent study that says Native American populations may be more at risk of catching COVID-19. “I am not a clinician, I’m not a scientist, and I’m not a researcher, [but] I was concerned about the potential for this virus to have a higher mortality rate for indigenous populations, largely for the reasons that we talk about: socio-economic and rural aspects,” Lujan-Grisham told the Gallup Sun. “If you don’t have access

to running water, or access to healthcare, and you’re living in multi-generational households, with a single bathroom and very small living spaces. you can’t really self-quarantine yourself. These are high-risk issues,” Lujan-Grisham said. The governor said that what was learned after H1N1, is that indigenous populations had a four times higher mortality rate than other populations. “I’ve been really worried that we are going to learn that through the progression of this infection,” Lujan-Grisham said. In their research paper, The Medical Basis for Increased Susceptibility of COVID-19 among the Navajo and other Indigenous Tribes: A Survey, Joseph DeSoto, MD, Ph.D., and Shazia Tabassum Hakim, Ph.D., two Diné College science professors, said they believe there

Police training resumes at Navajo academy

Pictured here is Class 54 of the Navajo Police Training Academy located in Chinle, Ariz. Class 55 is being started under new conditions in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo Credit: OPVP Staff Reports

INDOW ROCK, A r iz. — The Nav a j o Pol ic e T r a i n i n g Academy resumed its police training program on June 15. The training academy leadership adjusted the program to protect the expected 25 recruits who will be reporting to the academy located in Chinle, Ariz. INDIAN COUNTRY

Class 55 police recruits will be the fourth class to be trained under the Navajo Nation’s police academy since its reopening in 2018, and the academy’s first class to undergo a training program while dealing with a global pandemic. “We a re i mplement i ng

NAVAJO POLICE TRAINING | SEE PAGE 15

are genetic factors behind the high COVID-19 numbers on the Navajo Nation The paper accepted for publication by the Journal of Biomedical Research and Reviews on May 29, says in part that “... Native Americans and Asians may be particularly susceptible to this disease (COVID-19).” DeSoto and Hakim cite susceptibility based on an enzyme identified as ACE2. “There are four things that aggravate COVID-19 as it pertains to the Navajo Nation. Medically, it’s the high rate of diabetes, hypertension, genetics and poor protein diets among the Navajo; poor health care infrastructure and technology; poverty, with the associated lack of water access; and dense multi-generational living arrangements,” DeSoto said.

There are over 6,600 confi rmed COVID-19 cases on the Navajo Nation as of the last update by the tribe on June 15. The virus has claimed the lives of 311 people on the Navajo Nation. “It’s absolutely no question that the infection rate among those on the Navajo Nation is the highest of any in the state,” Dr. David Scrase, Health and Human Services cabinet secretary, said. However, S cr a s e s a id another group has an even higher mortality rate. “The highest mortality is in white individuals, and part of the belief is that a higher percent of white individuals live in nursing facilities and are the ones dying,” he said. DeSoto and Hakim are also studying food scarcity, eating habits and the lack of

New Mexico Health and Human Services Cabinet Secretary David Scrase

food availability in Navajo communities. More information on the research can be found at https://www.dinecollege. edu/news-release-dine-college-profs-believe-more-reasons-behind-high-covid-19cases-on-navajo/.

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Navajo Nation urges renaming military bases with Native American names Staff Reports

INDOW ROCK , Ariz. — Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer are urging congressional leaders and the White House to honor Native American people by renaming existing military bases after Native American warriors who sacrificed and contributed to the development and longstanding history of the U. S. through their military service. Across the country, there is growing debate surrounding the renaming of military bases named after Confederate military figures. Nez went further than just talking about renaming military bases. “Not only should the military bases be named in honor of Native Americans, but … all curriculum taught in schools across

the country should accurately reflect the history and contributions of Native Americans in the military and throughout our society,” he said. “Native Americans have a proud and long history of military service. In fact, our Native American warriors have served in every branch of the military at a higher rate than any other demographic in the United States. Despite our significant contributions to this great country, our military achievements and stories by our Native American warriors are often left untold. History shows us that America chose to focus on the accomplishments of its European citizens. This not only disadvantages Native Americans, but the country as a whole. “When our stories and accomplishments are acknowledged and included within the national landscape, the United States will begin the path

toward building mutual respect and unity among all races, religions, and backgrounds,” he added. “As Navajo people, we have contributed so much to defending this great nation from her enemies. During World War II the United States called upon the Navajo people and our language to develop an unbreakable code for securing allied communications. In response the Navajo people answered that call and thus was born the Navajo Code Talkers. Though the Code Talkers have been honored in many ways, they have yet to be honored with a national monument of their own, nor has a military base been named after one among their ranks. “Do not let the United Sates forget her Native American military history. The First Americans of this country should be the first to be recognized and honored through the

This is the entrance sign to the Fort Bragg military base in California. The possibility of changing the name is currently under consideration. Photo Credit: en.wikipedia.org renaming of the Fort Bragg military installation after a Native Veteran,” Nez said. “All Navajo people have family, relatives, or friends who are active in every branch of the military. We have an overwhelming number of our Native brothers and sisters who enlist and serve our country proudly, so it’s only right that they have a place in history and in the future of this

country. The Navajo Nation calls upon our congressional leaders and federal partners to move forward with the renaming of military bases after Native American Service Members. We also urge Congress to develop landmarks and monuments to help solidify the contributions of Native Americans within the landscape of American history,” Lizer said.

Diné College debuts new medical assistant program Staff Reports

SAILE, Ariz. — Diné College is debuting a new certified medical assistant certificate program— the first of its kind ever offered on the Navajo Nation. A June 30 application deadline is in place. “Initially, we were planning for 20 students in our first

cohort, but due to the coronavirus crises we have reduced that number to half, for our first cohort of the Certified Medical Assistant program starting August 2020,” Diné College microbiology professor Shazia Hakim, Ph.D., said. “Today, we need these types of courses more than ever to prepare our locally trained workforce, so that they can

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Friday June 19, 2020 • Gallup Sun

help us fight COVID19 using our own resources.” Hakim oversees the program. She is part of both the CMA student selection and accreditation committees. Hakim said applic a t ion s for t he program continue to roll in, adding that there is a math entry test that students must take. H a k i m , w h o The Diné College Tuba City faculty building will be the home for the new certiﬁed medical assistant certiﬁcate developed the cur- program. Photo Credit: DineCollege.edu r icu lu m for t he program, said the major duties of a CMA are with participate in exams offered Hakim said Tuba City is the the hospital environment or by external bodies like the largest community by zip code medical offices that demand A mer ica n A ssociation of on the Navajo Nation, and the face-to-face contact. Medical Assistants, to increase CMA program is in demand The CMA program is a their credibility in the market,” around the Navajo Nation due 37-credit hour certificate course Hakim said. to the lack of certified medoffered at Diné College’s Tuba CMA program graduates ical assistants at healthcare City campus. Classes take place have a variety of job options facilities. Saturday and Sunday, followed available in such places as She said open house particiby a 10-week field externship hospitals, medical offices, lab- pants were mostly from Arizona at the Tuba City Regional oratories, research and teach- locations including Tuba City, Healthcare Corporation. ing institutes, or students can Cameron, Kayenta, Chinle, “Upon graduation, students further their studies in medical Flagstaff, and Window Rock. will be awarded the CMA assisting at the associate’s or Hakim holds a doctoral certificate and we will try to bachelor’s level at a college or degree from the University of make sure that our graduates university. Karachi in Pakistan. INDIAN COUNTRY

STATE & REGION

NEWS

Racial justice is more than a single issue By Beth Blakeman Associate Editor

hen Gover nor M ichelle Lu ja n G r i s h a m announced plans for a Council for Racial Justice on June 4, one of the first people she named to the council was State Representative Sheryl Williams Stapleton, D-Bernalillo. In a conversation with Stapleton June 16, she described the council as one made up of diverse individuals from around

the state. Stapleton told the Gallup Sun, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would like to draw attention to issues that affect the living conditions of all New Mexicans, regardless of whether they are white, Asian, Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans, immigrants. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are issues in our state right now that cause neglect to all individuals in our state,â&#x20AC;? she said. She specified education, healthcare, affordable housing, and transportation in rural communities.

Stapleton said all those issues affect racial, ethnic relations. When a person is poor, and cannot afford to feed their children, it creates depression. It creates a mental attitude, one that makes people wonder about who they are, who represents them and what kind of help can they get? She says a lot of factors play into the stereotyping of New Mexicans and those issues can create an atmosphere of racial tension. As far as A frica n Americans are concerned, the

representative says these incidents of aggression happen more to people of color. She says that while three percent of New Mexico residents are Black, 19 percent of the people behind bars in the state are Black. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m excited about being able to give input to make a difference in the State of New Mexico at a time like this. Black lives matter because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at the forefront and the attack is on Black men across the country. But all lives matter,â&#x20AC;? Stapleton said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are all human beings.â&#x20AC;?

Representative Sheryl Williams Stapleton, D- Bernalillo

Letter to governor asking for rent relief THEY PREDICT A WAVE OF HOMELESSNESS WITHOUT HELP Staff Reports

LBUQUERQUE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; In order to prevent a dramatic spike i n homeles snes s as New Mexico navigates the COVID-19 crisis and its economic aftermath, social justice and housing organizations asked Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham this week to prioritize legislation creating a rent relief fund at the upcoming special session. TheirÂ letterÂ also asks her to support a legislative moratorium on evictions and ex pa nded protections for low-income homeowners. Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;I f we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get some help with rent soon, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to happen to me and my family,â&#x20AC;? sa id A llyssa Ga rcia , who lives in Albuquerque. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve worked hard my whole life, but I have lupus, which puts me at high risk of getting the virus. I had to cut my hours back. My daughter, who has

a heart defect, lost her disability for awhile. I had to appeal to the Social Security Administration to get it back. There just hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been enough money to pay rent. Now my la nd lord ha s ev icted me. They canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t force me to move out right now because of the health emergency, but once things open up, my three children and I might fi nd ourselves on the street.â&#x20AC;? New Mexico was already struggling with a crippling housing cr isis before the health pandemic.Â In 2019, the state experienced the highest increase in chronic homelessness in the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;up 57.6% since 2018. The most recent data from theÂ Mortgage Finance Authority shows that 50% of New Mexicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s renters are housing cost burdened, meaning they spend upwards of 30% of their income on housing costs. Â Housing relief programs like the one the New Mexico

Fireworks Display Staff Reports

he Cit y of Ga llup will host a fi reworks d i s pl ay i n ho nor of ou r c o u n t r y â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Independence Day on July 3 at around dusk.Â Unlike previous years, there STATE AND REGION

will be no live festivities such as vendors, musical entertainment, or other programs for the public in order to comply with the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Public Health Orders regarding mass gatherings.Â In addition, the Sports Complex will not be open for the public to engage in any

advocates are calling for have a lready been established across the country to support local recovery.Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everyone deserves access to safe, stable housing, especially during a pandemic,â&#x20AC;? Maria Griego, director of Economic Equity at the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty, said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unfortunately, temporary Supreme Court rules and federal moratoria only postpone evictions. While no one can be removed from their homes immediately, homelessness will increase as soon as the state of emergency ends. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As New Mexico families face the COVID-19 crisis and its fi nancial aftermath, including record levels of unemployment, we urge the state to actively respond to the real threat of a dramatic spike in homelessness and for the governor to put responsive legislation on her call at the special session,â&#x20AC;?Â she said.

social activities leading up to the display of fi reworks. Spectators of the fi reworks show that choose to park on city streets are reminded to remain in their vehicles at all times. The show is less than 30 minutes in length and the Gallup Police Departments will have increased patrols city wide to continue to enforce social distancing.Â

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need our elected officials to match the efforts of the people organizing on the ground,â&#x20AC;? Executive Director of Chainbreaker Collective TomĂĄs Rivera said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many people hardest hit by the pandemic live in neighborhoods already teetering on the edge of widespread displacement and gentrification.Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;Without bold housing relief measures, the COVID-19 crisis may be the push that will tip whole neighborhoods over that edge. People will be forced into the street from neighborhoods where they have deep roots,â&#x20AC;?Â he pointed out. The groups and individuals

that sent the letter to the governor include the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty, Cha i nbrea ker Col lect ive, A BC Com mu n it y S cho ol Pa r tnership, A lbuquerque Hea lt h Ca re for t he Homeless, Catholic Charities (Archdiocese of Santa Fe), Disability Rights New Mexico, Enlace Comunitario, Native A mer ica n Disabi l it y L aw Center, New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness, Prosperity Works, Santa Fe Housing Action Coalition, Senior Citizensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Law Office, Inc., United South Broadway Corporation, and Karen J. Meyers.

is pleased to announce that

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Gallup Sun â&#x20AC;˘ Friday June 19, 2020

NEWS

HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

Opening Southwest treasures to the public Staff Reports

ut side recreation is returning after a spring spent inside. The Bureau of Land Management announced June 10 that El Malpais National Conservation Area is increasing recreational access and services. The BLM says it will use a phased approach to increase access to recreational areas on a ca se -by- ca se ba sis. Staff reopened access to the

Narrows Picnic Area facilities and the La Ventana vault toilets June 9. A retu r n to fu ll operat ion s w i l l cont i nue to be phased in and services may be limited. Details and updates on operations will continue to be posted at: blm .gov/aler t / nm-covid-19-updates and social media channel s. Updates about BLM operations are available on www.blm.gov.

La Ventana Arch at El Malpais National Conservation Area is shown here. The area is slowly reopening as of June 10, after the COVID-19 pandemic executive orders closed it down. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

New Mexicans work to save Mexican Wolves Staff Reports

I LV E R C I T Y — Requesting a dramatic decrease in killings and more releases of captive-born wolves, thousands of New Mexicans and Arizona residents signed onto a June 16 letter calling for a focus on recovering the species, which is among the most endangered mammals in North America. The letter by the Center for Biological Diversity to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife

Service was supported by New Mexico Sportsmen, Upper Gila Watershed Alliance and the White Mountain Conservation League. The agency is at work on a court-ordered rewrite of a wolf management rule. In 2018 a federal cour t ordered a rewrite of a 2015 management rule that harms the wolves. This fall, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will release a draft environmental impact statement and proposed rule for public review

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Friday June 19, 2020 • Gallup Sun

and comment. The agency must finalize a new rule by May 17, 2021. “ M e x i c a n wo l v e s a r e beloved by so many people from so many walks of life,” center senior conservation advocate Michael Robinson said. “This rule-making process should show the government both the breadth of public support for our wolves and the depth of scientific concern over their survival. “Most rural residents in southwestern New Mexico suppor t recover y of t he Mexican gray wolf,” Carol Ann Fugagli of Upper Gila Watershed Alliance said. “The government is defi nitely not representing us when it traps or shoots wolves or refuses to release family packs that could thrive and enhance the genetics of this faltering population.” Twenty wolves have been shot by the government since reintroduction bega n a nd dozens more were taken into captivity on behalf of the livestock industry. While 20 newborn pups were released from captivity over the past two months to be raised by wolves already in the wild, the last release of a wellbonded male/female wolf pair

The Mexican Wolf is one of the most endangered mammals in North America. Photo Credit: en.wikipedia.org

with pups occurred in 2006. Genetic diversity has plummeted in the population in the intervening years because only one of the 30 pups released in previous years is known to have yet successfully reproduced, and because wolf killings and removals have taken out genetically rare wolves. The letter also requests concrete steps to prevent private citizens from shooting or trapping wolves. “Sportsmen respect wolves and appreciate their vital role in keeping the natural balance,” Oscar Simpson of New Mexico Sportsmen said. “A

hunter shouldn’t evade the law by claiming they thought they were killing a coyote. The federal government needs to eliminate this cover for a person who intentionally wants to kill wolves.” “Those of us in the mountains of eastern Arizona where wolves were fi rst released in the 1990s know that the wolves play a vital role in the balance of nature,” Tom Hollender o f t h e W h i t e Mo u n t a i n Conser vation League said. “These imperiled animals must be managed with far greater care than we’ve seen thus far.”

HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

OPINIONS

Now more than ever, justice for all By Shannon Bacon Supreme Court Justice Commission on Access to Justice

ere in New Mexico, as across the nation, the economic effects of COV ID -19 a re making a significant impact on the people of our state, and the results could be particularly damaging for vulnerable New Mexicans. As the economic downturn continues to haunt us, people are suffering. History tells us that when people feel the effects of a downturn, it leads to legal problems, such as evictions, foreclosures, debt collections, loss of benefits, and a rise in domestic violence. With the COVID-19 pandemic creating high unemployment and a slow comeback for businesses, it is clear to us at the Supreme Court and me personally as a Supreme Court Justice, that a wave of new civil legal cases is

on the horizon — cases where the parties may not fully understand their legal rights or the justice system. Now more than ever, we need the resources that civil legal services will bring to dealing with the thousands of new cases around the state. Now more than ever, when people are hurting and need us, our legal system will respond to create access to justice for all. Many people are not aware that while people accused of a crime are guaranteed a lawyer for a criminal case, people do not have the same right to an attorney in civil cases. So if you have a civil case (evictions, issues surrounding domestic violence, benefits and debt collection are civil matters), you are not given a lawyer if you can’t afford one. This leaves many people to navigate the legal system on their own. These can be very serious cases. Losing your home. Losing your benefits that keep

you alive. Filing for a restraining order to protect yourself from a domestic violence situation. The Commission on Access to Justice works with stakeholders to connect those in need with resources like access to self-help centers within the court or a connection to appropriate civil legal service providers. These legal service providers help people in need with legal assistance or representation at little to no cost. Over 20,000 cases are handled each year by these nonprofit organizations. Now, with COVID-19, a wave of civil cases will hit New Mexico’s courts, and civil legal service providers are preparing to meet the demand. The good news is that if you have a civil legal issue, and can’t afford representation, you can call 833-LGL-HELP and someone from the civil legal aid community will talk to you and try to assist you in your legal case or provide helpful information

that you can use to represent yourself. We must make sure the law is applied equally to all New Mexicans and that everyone has access to the court system. Additionally, it is important to eliminate barriers to the civil justice system that deny justice and keep people in poverty, such as racial inequities. The Supreme Court’s Commission on Access to Justice serves our community to prevent injustices from occurring by connecting people with resources to access the justice system. The Supreme Court of the State of New Mexico is committed to this cause. As a court, we know that we must look ahead and see the personal damage people could suffer. So we are moving forward. We are preparing to help our fellow New Mexicans get justice for the issues that might be burdening them by connecting them to different civil legal service providers or by providing

Supreme Court Justice Shannon Bacon. Photo Credit: supremecourt.nmcourts. gov

vital resources necessary for their case. We are also asking that the leaders of this state, our elected officials, the Governor, and legislators, recognize the need for civil legal aid now, and always, to prevent grave injustices from happening and ensuring that our state remains a compassionate place to live and work.

Bureau of Land Management’s Acting Director William Perry Pendley reinstated yet again NOW? INDEFINITELY By Anna Peterson, Executive Director The Mountain Pact

URANGO, Colo. — In response to the fi fth reinstatement, a n d n ow a p p a rent indefinite appointment of William Perry Pendley as Acting Director of the Bureau of Land Management, without Congressional approval, Anna Peterson, the Executive Director of The Mountain Pact, issued this statement: “The continued re-appointment of William Perry Pendley as the Acting Director of the Bureau of Land Management, in defi ance of Congressional oversight and approval, threatens our public lands. And now, indefi nitely? OPINIONS

“Si mply put , i n d i rect opposition to what nearly three quarters of Americans say that the agency should do, Mr. Pendley prioritizes increasing oil and natural gas development and selling off America’s public lands more than he does on conserving and expanding our natural wild spaces. “William Perry Pendley is not qualified to lead the Bureau of Land Management, and he and the Department of the Interior are blatantly attempting to circumvent the Senate’s constitutional “advice and consent” role in confi rming high-level nominees. His continued re-appointment as Acting Director and now indefinite appointment sets a dangerous precedent in allowing

a n i nd iv idua l in a temporary, non-Senate confi rmed posit ion to ma ke permanent and detrimental decisions about the management of A m e r ic a’s public lands. “Mr. Pendley’s continued role as Acting Director and the absence of a n official presidential nomination is an egregious abuse of the Federal Vaca ncies R efor m Ac t , and he must be Anna Peterson, executive director of The Mountain Pact, has worked on conservation campaigns in most states across the American West. Photo Credit: Themountainpact.org removed.” Gallup Sun • Friday June 19, 2020

New Markets Tax Credits boost Tucumcari biofuel project By Sandy Nelson Finance New Mexico project

he men behind Tucumca r i Bio Energy Company are retooling an abandoned ethanol plant in this rural New Mexico town to turn manure from nearby dairies into methane for compressed natural gas vehicle fuel, food-grade carbon dioxide, and sterilized solid and liquid fertilizer. After several years of foundational work, the startup owns the plant property. It has a business plan, engineering design, and environmental impact statement. It also qualified for $1.8 million in federal funds through the New Markets Tax Credit Program, but company vice president Steve Morgan and president Robert Hockaday haven’t heard when they will receive that money. “We’ve waited so long,” Hockaday said. “We’re ready to go.” When it arrives, the company can order equipment, modify the plant’s existing infrastructure and attract

more private investors to get the multi-tiered project operational within a year. S Y N E R G I S T I C SOLUTIONS New Markets Tax Credit Program helps businesses that need significant capital to purchase expensive commercial equipment or to develop property in ways that benefit economically depressed New Mex ico communities like Tucumcari. Hockaday, a former engineer at Los Alamos National Laboratory, started Tucumcari Bio-Energy Company as a spinoff of Energy Related Devices, a research and development company he started in 1987 to invent energy-generating technologies. A resident of Tucumcari, Hockaday saw potential in the abandoned ethanol plant to help area farms and dairies by providing a place where farmers can turn waste into pipeline-quality methane and other marketable products. Besides methane, carbon dioxide and fertilizer, the process to be used by Tucumcari Bio-Energy also captures hydrogen, which

can be sold as fuel. And other areas of the property will be available for grain storage and greenhouse operations. T he overa rch i ng goa l, according to the vision statement on the company’s website, is to “[e]nable agricultural communities to thrive and be sustainable by creating and operating new systems in agriculture to solve problems of energy, food quality, diversity, waste, pollution, and water scarcity.” In the long term, Morgan and Hockaday hope their plant will be a template for other entrepreneurs who want to turn shuttered ethanol plants in the Southwest and Midwest into facilities that can turn biological waste into valuable, renewable products. M A T C H I N G INVESTORS, PROJECTS Funds provided through the New Markets program are allocated in the form of tax credits to community development entities (CDEs)—in this case Finance New Mexico LLC, an entity formed by the New Mexico Finance Authority (NMFA; no relation to the

Finance New Mexico project). The CDE matches funding with projects and “sells” the tax credits to private investors, who provide 25 percent of the needed capital. The cash comes with low interest rates for borrowers and interest-only payments for seven years. It offers investors a way to reduce federal tax liabilities over seven years, and the credits can be resold to other companies. The New Mexico Finance Authority manages the program, maint a i n s rel a t ion sh ip s w it h investors and reports to the Treasury Department on how credits have been distributed. Since New Mexico began participating in this public-private partnership 13 years ago, the program has enabled numerous economically beneficial projects in New Mexico’s econom ic a l ly ch a l lenged communities. Business owners who have secured 75 percent of project funding and qualify for the New Markets credits are encouraged to contact the NMFA, which can verify the project’s eligibility, match it with investors,

Robert Hockaday, president of Tucumcari Bio-Energy Company, looks at ways to boost biofuel operation in Tucumcari, N.M. Photo Credit: tucumcaribioenergy.com allocate the credits and structure the loan. Most projects are in the $5 million to $10 million range. NMFA allocates tax credits each quarter and solicits projects for rural New Mexico until credits are exhausted. Contact the application manager at NMTC@NMFA.net for detailed information. For more information about Tucumcari Bio-Energy, visit http:// tucumcaribioenergy.com/ Finance New Mexico connects individuals and businesses with skills and funding resources for their business or idea. To learn more, go to www.FinanceNewMexico. org.

Legislature should strengthen, sustain a healthy democracy during the pandemic By Lilly Irvin-Vitela, New Mexicans for Ethics Coalition Kathleen Sabo, Ethics Watch Sydney Tellez, Common Cause

ow, more than ever, New Mexicans count on our citizen legislature to fulfill the public trust by approaching the June 18 Special Session with transparency, inclusion, and equity. On May 8, the New Mexicans for Ethics Coalition, a member organization, and 30 additional organizations aligned to share an open letter to legislators http:// nmf irst.org/ legislative_ updates/special-session-letter to suggest ways to strengthen and sustain a health democracy.

Volunteer legislators face unprecedented challenges in the midst of a pandemic which has created both a public health and economic crisis. In order to avoid a public policy crisis, concerned New Mexicans offered the following suggestions to ensure community voices in policy decision-making and trust in public institutions. During the Special Session, New Mexicans reasonably expect clear and predictable ways to participate in hearings and deliberations and the signees offered the following recommendations to strengthen transparency, inclusion, and considerations of equity while making difficult financial decisions: All hearings and deliberations should remain public and abide by the U.S. Constitution,

Friday June 19, 2020 • Gallup Sun

New Mexico Constitution, Open Meetings Act, and House and Senate Rules. We also ask that communication options are inclusive and entail analog and digital options to provide the greatest access possible to the legislative process. All hearings and deliberation schedules should be announced in advance and should not be changed without notice, since unexpected changes suppress opportunities for transparency and meaningful public participation. All hearings and deliberations should continue to be broadcast and allow remote opportunities for public comment with clear and complete written guidance, published public engagement processes, ADA accessible options, and

technical assistance capacity to navigate remote session and or social distancing requirements before the Specia l Session is convened. We request that all hearings, deliberations, and votes are made between 8 am and 8 pm to avoid real or perceived suppression of transparency and public engagement. We suggest avoiding a caucus of either party during scheduled hearings or deliberations to avoid creating issues with quorum, interfering with transparent and inclusive involvement from communities. All hearings and deliberations must maintain quorum and the reason(s) for loss of quorum must be posted on the nmlegis.gov website for public review.

To date, we have received no response from legislative leadership as to the processes that will be employed to ensure public participation, notice and access to hearings and proposed legislation and budgets. We know the planning around an in-person session is intricate and demanding, but the public cannot be left in the dark as the session approaches. Those trying their best to make a Special Session work under trying and unprecedented circumstances are bound by the trust placed in them by citizens to include public participation, notice and access within the priorities of planning. To do otherwise may move the special session forward, but at the expense of leaving democracy behind. OPINIONS

NAVAJO POLICE TRAINING | FROM PAGE 9 protocols and incorporating preventative measures that have been recommended by our partners with the Centers for Disease Control and Indian Health Services to ensure the health and wellbeing of our police recruits.â&#x20AC;? Chief Phillip Francisco said. Although Class 55 police recruits will begin their training program under unconventional circumstances, their understanding of the dedication and commitment needed to be a Navajo Police Department officer has been their first lesson in service and duty. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our officers encounter dangerous situations on any given day and this pandemic is an added layer of risk that our officers have to work through,â&#x20AC;? Francisco said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our current officers are leading the way and setting the example for these new recruits by showing the dedication NPD has for the people we serve, even during these uncertain times.â&#x20AC;? Class 55 was originally scheduled to begin training in April, however the class was temporarily postponed, with all recruit drives suspended until further notice due to COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This pandemic may have slowed our plans in the beginning, but it is not going to stop us from moving forward. We need to resume our academy to plan for the future and to get more officers in our communities.â&#x20AC;? Francisco said. Various factors influenced the reopening of the academy, including preparing for a possible second wave of the

pandemic, as well as filling position gaps that will be left after veteran officers, who announced their retirement plans prior to the pandemic, leave the department by the end of the year. The department also had a total of 13 officers who tested positive for COVID-19. The Chinle District had the highest number of officers in isolation. That challenged the department in terms of coverage and increased the need to resume training efforts for new officers.Â Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a challenge at the time.Â Our officers were answering daily calls of service while also overseeing curfew enforcement operations in addition to providing coverage for the Chinle police district,â&#x20AC;? Francisco explained. Recruits will notice the program has temporarily transitioned from a 22-week training program to 15 weeks with

all recruits required to remain at the facility for the entirety of their training. The training academy will have restricted access and will be closed to the public. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The curriculum remains the same as it would be for the full 22-week program, we are not lessening the training time or cutting any curriculum, rather we will be extending the training days from four days a week to six days a week.â&#x20AC;? Navajo Police Training Academy Lt. Emmett Yazzie said. To prioritize recruit safety, academy leadership has been working closely with health ca re physicia ns from the Chinle IHS unit and established partnership with the Navajo Health Command Operations Center and Centers for Disease Control. Dr. Jill Moses, Director of Public Health with the Chinle Comprehensive Health Care

Facility, has been working closely with the academy by taking a proactive approach, including participating in a facility walkthrough to discuss the academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s protocol regarding measures for prevention and sanitizing the area. Recruit training officers have also reached out to local businesses to allow time for recruits to shop for essentials and use essential facilities in an effort to lessen the risk of exposure to COVID-19 when they are outside the academy gates. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many departments have conti nued thei r academy training during this pandemic and coming to the decision to resume the Navajo Nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s police academy was not made lightly,â&#x20AC;? Francisco said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Safety is of the highest priority and I have confidence that Lt. Yazzie and the training officers will leave no stone unturned to ensure our recruits will be

successful and safe during their training.â&#x20AC;? T he r e c r u it s w i l l b e expected to wear a mask at all times, monitor their temperature daily and practice social distancing during classroom sessions. The academy ha s a lso established protocols should a positive case arise during the training. If a recruit tests positive at any time he/she will be separated from the facility and remaining recruits will implement quarantine measures with everyone being retested by the local healthcare facility. Individuals who cannot complete the training due to testing positive for COVID-19 will not be eliminated from the training program, but rather they can return as part of a future academy class. Class 55 is expected to graduate from the academy on Oct. 3.

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COMMUNITY

Battered Families Services buys new beds MY SISTER’S HOUSE SHELTER CELEBRATES NEW FURNISHINGS

Maintenance man Vincent Mariano puts the ﬁnishing touches on a new bunk bed BFS purchased for the shelter residents at My Sister’s House June 11. Photo Credit: Dee Velasco By Dee Velasco For the Sun

at tered Fa m i l ies Ser vices, Inc. recently broug ht smiles to the

New bunk bed in place on June 11 for those who have seen restless nights due to domestic violence. Photo Credit: Dee Velasco

faces of shelter residents of My Sister’s House with new furnishings. My Sister’s House is a shelter for those who have gone through domestic violence trauma and are in transition

Friday June 19, 2020 • Gallup Sun

to begin a new life away from their abuser. Already having to pick up and escape their domestic violence situation at home, they are left without any of the things they rely on for everyday living. Shelter residents were presented with several new bunk beds, an individual bed, and a state-of-the-art washer/dryer set on June 11. The shelter houses individuals and families to begin the hea ling process. BFS being a nonprofit organization usually takes in donated furnishings from individuals and/or businesses. But on June 11, the Gallup nonprofi t purchased the items new due to its fi nancial position this year. Emily Ellison - Interim Executive Director of BFS says the newly welcomed furnishings are a welcome sight, not only for the residents, but for the organization as well. “The shelter is in a financial position to buy new items such a s mattresses, bunk beds, washer/dryer sets, vacuums, new stoves, instead of having residents use donation items,” she said. “Some of t he i mprovements a nd

Brand new washer/dryer set purchased by BFS await use by shelter residents June 11. Photo Credit: Dee Velasco

changes have not happened in years or decades.” June Chavez, shelter manager, says the new items are a blessing. “It’s a great improvement to the shelter a nd a ll the residents are happy and we want to accommodate them. I’m happy for my residents,” Chavez said. BFS has improved in other areas as well, streamlining the data collection process, creating a more unified computer system, and hiring key employees, two of them with Master’s degrees. Larry Pulakos, CPA, has helped rede sig n t he BF S financial system and is now able to effectively track every expense. Ellison says with these new items the shelter can serve individuals with intellect ua l d isabi l it ies a nd work to place them in safe situations. “These individuals with addictions who experienced domestic violence need … to get into rehabilitation locally or out of state,” Ellison said. L.M. a shelter resident who did not wish to be identified

by name, was thrilled as she saw t he new f u r n i sh i ng s being brought in, as if it was Christmas morning. “They look pretty good and I’m glad that we have them, thank you,” she said. BFS can now accommodate those individuals who call in seeking help almost on a daily basis. The shelter has been fully operational during the COVID 19 pandemic. Once an intake is done on the individual /family, they go through a process before being housed at the shelter including mandatory COVID19 testing. Then they can begin to use My Sister’s House as their own house, feeling secure, before going on to the next tra nsition. Even w ith the novel coronavirus pandemic getting most of the attention, domestic v iolence doesn’t take a rest. For more information on Battered Families Services and how you can help call 505-722-6389 or the Crisis hotline 505-7227483, or visit on the web batteredfamilies.com COMMUNITY

Fourth Annual Doinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Dylan Tribute Concert will be virtual Staff Reports

ased on a myth that Bob Dylan spent his childhood in Gallup, the town claims and celebrates him as one of its own, this year via Zoom. This is the four th year Ga llup w ill celebrate the folk/rock troubadourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music and poetry with a concert featuring local and regional musicians. The June 21 concert line-up includes four acts. 2 pm-2:30 pm: Guitar duo McManus & Juda will kick off the concert. The two have

performed at Doinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Dylan every year since it began. 2:30 pm-3 pm: Local singer/ songwriter Kornell Johns, who sometimes performs around town with the country band Twang Deluxe. 3 pm- 4 pm: This group comes together each yea r for this concert. Hear Daniel Murphy on guitar and vocals with the band out of Santa Fe on bass guitar and drums. 4 pm-5 pm: Singer/songwriter Joe West & Friends will celebrate Dylan in their own theatrical style. Doinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Dylan is made possible by a New Mexico Tour grant

Kornell Johns plays his Dylan tribute as a solo act. Photo Credit: Courtesy of gallupARTS

Daniel Murphy and friends from Santa Fe perform a tribute. Photo Credit: Courtesy of gallupARTS

from the New Mexico Music Commission and New Mexico

Arts. To see and hear this

Local singer, songwriter Joe West plays tribute to Dylan with friends. Photo Credit: Suzanne Hammons

yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event go to galluparts.org/doindylan.

Dylan McManus and Juda play â&#x20AC;&#x153;Doinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Dylanâ&#x20AC;? every year. Photo Credit: Courtesy of gallupARTS

Quintanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Music Center reopens EXPANDS IN-STORE, ONLINE OFFERINGS Staff Reports

For information about products and lessons call

u i nt a n aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s h a s re-opened to in-store shopping as of June 1.

Co-owner Rhonda Quintana said it has been challenging to pivot, but the store wants to be accessible to music lovers and performers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are working hard to get our products online, get music lessons safely up and running, and are taking proactive in-store measures to ensure that we are exceeding the state-mandated requirements in order to provide a safe shopping experience,â&#x20AC;? she said. The store has recently added a large selection of vinyl records and photographs and music lessons will start again COMMUNITY

(505) 863-5577 or visit quintanasmusiccenter.com.

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Reopened Quintanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Music Center awaits guitar aďŹ cionados at 223 W. Coal Ave. Photo Credit: Rhonda Quintana in July. A new mural featuring musical acts across decades now graces the store, thanks to

: &2$/ $9( *DOOXS 10

local artist Jonathan Mescale, and there are plans to host some in-store virtual concerts by local musicians. Gallup Sun â&#x20AC;˘ Friday June 19, 2020

Original techniques help ‘7500’ build, sustain tension

Tobias Ellis (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is at the controls of the plane ﬂying from Berlin to Paris in “7500.” Shortly after takeoﬀ, the cockpit becomes the target of terrorists, who wound co-pilot Captain Michael Lutzmann (Carlo Kitslinger – not pictured here), and slash Ellis’ arm. Ellis faces an excruciating test as he experiences a 7500 – the emergency code for an attempted plane hijacking. Photo Credit: Amazon Studios By Glenn Kay For the Sun

RATING:  OUT OF  RUNNING TIME: 94 MINUTES T h i s feat u re f rom Amazon Prime will be available to stream on June 19. Movies featuring airline hijackings and terrorist attacks are nothing new, having been the inspiration for countless titles since the disaster genre

rose to prominence in the 1970s. Some of these movies qualify as silly and exaggerated action fare, while others have attempted to keep the tone as realistic and authentic as possible. 7500 certainly follows the latter approach. It also attempts to add an interesting wrinkle to the genre, using a new and unique perspective to depict a terrifying situation. After a montage of airport security footage, we are taken inside the cockpit of a plane readying to journey from Berlin to Paris. Captain Michael Lutzma nn (Ca rlo

Friday June 19, 2020 • Gallup Sun

Kitzlinger) and co-pilot Tobias Ellis (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) go through standard pre-fl ight procedures and converse, with Ellis mentioning that his partner Gökce (Aylin Tezel) is an attendant on the plane. Shortly after lift-off, a group of passengers attempt to break into the cockpit and take control. The pilots manage to get the compartment door closed, but are wounded in the struggle. A panicked Ellis is forced to guide the plane down safely while negotiating with the terrorists, who have control of the passenger cabin. In order

to prevent further tragedy, the protagonist tries to build rapport with the youngest member of the group, Vedat (Omid Memar). Ma ny Holly wood epics would be focused on delivering action movie thrills and elaborate special effects of the plane hurtling and veering through the air in stormy weather. However, the fi lmmakers here are focused entirely on Ellis and the captain. In fact, the camera never leaves the cockpit at any point in the feature. Even early shots pointing out into the body of the plane are photographed from the doorway itself. Viewers experience everything from the cockpit perspective. Lutzmann and Ellis have a monitor that displays what is occurring right outside the cockpit door, but that is all that they can perceive as they attempt to keep attackers away from the plane controls. It’s an incredibly tight space to set a full-length feature, but the unusual approach proves effective. This movie feels incredibly tense and claustrophobic. Since viewers are only given visual and audio cues at the same time as the leads, one feels trapped with them. It’s actually a very clever way to get audiences to relate to the pilots and become invested in their plight. The fi lm isn’t graphic, but it doesn’t shy away from having terrible things happen, or depicting its characters in a

desperate manner during the evolving situation. The close quarters make for an unexpectedly engrossing way to tell the story. None of this would work if there wasn’t a sense of authenticity to the proceedings. Admittedly, the movie is a never-ending barrage of disturbing and tragic occurrences. As such, some will imagine that they might handle a couple of the situations differently, but the excellent cast helps smooth over any rough edges. Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s character is certainly put through the ringer. Not only is he forced into fighting off invading terrorists, but trying to find common ground with them in order to calm the situation and prevent more lives from being lost (including that of his partner). The movie depends on the actor for much of the running time and he keeps our attention and empathy throughout. While certain elements of this disaster tale may feel familiar, the twists and new technical elements help set this story apart. In this case, the unique camera techniques do add something that gives this story a different perspective and feeling. In the end, 7500 keeps nerves frayed and benefits from its original, up-close and personal way of building and sustaining tension through a horrifying event. V ISIT: W W W. CINEMASTANCE.COM COMMUNITY

Blu-ray/DVD Roundup for June 19, 2020 By Glenn Kay For the Sun

elcome back to another look at all the highlights arriving on Bluray and DVD. Here’s a taste of some of the choices available to you at home. So, since you likely can’t make it out to the movies this week, you can give one of these titles a try! BIG NEW RELEASES! KILL MODE: After a lethal and contagious virus spreads a r ou nd t he world, a powe r f u l ph a rmaceutica l company claims to have developed a treatment. W hen they decide to charge an exorbitant price for it, the world falls into poverty and chaos. Convinced that the drug company created the virus to take control of the world, a rebel force decides to fi nd their own cure, fight back and take down the big corporation. This English-language sci-fi flick from the Netherlands hasn’t been seen by many in this part of the world. There are a couple of online postings complaining the camerawork is incredibly shaky and frantic, so those who want to give it a chance should expect a constantly moving camera. It features Dave Mantel, Julia Batelaan, Yasmin Blake and Cyriel Guds. NARROWSBURG: Here’s another documentary that proves truth may truly be stranger than fiction. This story takes place in a small New York town. Many years ago, a French film producer approached locals, claiming that their home could be made into a film festival site akin to Sundance. She introduced them to a fi nancier, her mafioso-turned-actor husband, and the pair quickly charmed and convinced locals that this plan would work. Naturally, things quickly spiral downward as more information about the pair was revealed. The feature earned plenty of positive writeups. These pieces describe dthe movie as a fascinating and funny look at con artists scamming a little town, suggesting COMMUNITY

that the story was so wild that it could eventually be turned into an excellent fictional narrative as well. MY FATHER, THE SPY: Filmmaker Ieva LesinskaGeibere sh a re s her unusua l experiences a nd ex a m ines her fami ly h i s t or y in this docu m e n t a r y. In 1978, she was a young Soviet student living a normal life in Latvia. After traveling to visit her dad at NATO in New York City, she was forced to completely uproot and leave everything and everyone behind, including her mother. It seems that the woman’s father was part of an elaborate and secretive spy operation. Decades later, she returns home to Eastern Europe, trying to determine exactly what happened and what her parent had been planning all along. This non-fiction feature is also making its premiere on disc in this part of the world. That means there are currently no reviews available. However, the picture has played at fi lm festivals where it earned some award nominations. THE QUARRY: Based on the novel by Damon Galgut, this tale involves a minister with a mysterious past who arrives to take over a church in a small Texas town. After moving in, his behavior arouses some suspicion, but the figure still manages to charm enough locals to build a small congregation. However, as time passes more of the new arrival’s secrets are exposed, leading to gruesome discoveries. Response towards this effort was mixed-negative. A percentage thought that it was an effective slow-burn of a movie with good performances and plenty of mood and atmosphere. Still, the general consensus was that while competent, the end results were unmemorable and that there wasn’t enough going on in the story that was new or compelling. The cast includes Shea Whigham, Michael Shannon and Catalina Sandino Moreno. SAINT FRA NCES: A struggling woman in her 30s

with no prospect s, fi nally lucks out after meeting a nice guy and getting a position nannying for a six-year-old. However, the child she’s tasked with looking after proves to be more stubborn and difficult than expected. Despite their differences, a bond forms between the two as they deal with their new arrangement and confide in each other about their personal issues. Critics raved about this independent comedy/drama. There were a few who thought the movie was a bit jumbled and uneven. Still, just about everyone complimented the piece and suggested that it was far more than just a typical odd-couple fl ick. They enthused that it was sweet, charming, featured great performances and made plenty of interesting observations about its characters. It stars Kelly O’Sullivan, Ramona Edith Williams and Jim True-Frost. BAD THERAPY: A couple experiencing a rough patch in their marriage decides to seek out a well-respected counselor who has a great track record helping friends and acquaintances. Unfortunately, their issues encourage the darkest impulses in their new therapist. The expert asks to see them separately and begins pitting the two against each other, leading to escalating confl ict and slowly unraveling the marriage. This comedy wasn’t well received by the press. One or two were entertained by the performances just enough to give it a pass. However, the vast majority complained that the movie fell flat and resorted to obvious and uninspired gags. It stars Alicia Silverstone, Rob Corddry, Michaela Watkins, Anna Pniowsky, Haley Joel Osment and David Paymer. THREE CHRISTS: According to press releases, this feature is ba sed on a true story. Specifically, a 1964 psychiatric case study of three

patient s who a l l bel ieved t h e m s e l v e s t o b e Je s u s Christ. A doctor arrives at a medical institute and tries to stop the use of electroshock therapy on patients. Instead, he begins talking to them. As sessions progress, the lead tries to bring all three delusional men together in the hopes of hav ing them confront their delusions and experience a breakthrough. The movie was shot back in 2016 and had a little bit of a struggle finding a distributor. Reaction wa s mixed from the press. Almost half enjoyed seeing the impressive cast chew the scenery during their bizarre sessions. However, slightly more found the whole thing unconvincing, forced and preachy. It sta rs Richa rd Gere, Peter Dinklage, Walton Goggins, Br a d ley W h it ford a nd Julianna Margulies. WHAT SHE SAID; THE ART OF PAULINE KAEL: Film critic Pauline Kael is the subject of this documentary. The feature g ives v iewer s ba ckg r o u n d information on the influential writer for the New Yo r k e r . I t i n for m s v iewer s a b out her e a rly career, her time working at the New Yorker in the 1970s and ‘80s, and her inf luence on movie fans and filmmakers. Apparently, it includes never-before-seen archival material with the subject, as well as 35 new interviews with celebrities, co-workers and friends on her remarkable life and career. Notices for the feature were strong. A ha ndful of reviewers thought it could have used more analysis of her writing and didn’t think the subject herself would have been impressed with t he f l ick . St i l l, fa r more called the feature an inspirational homage to an incredi ble t a le nt t h a t i n s pi r e s one t o r ev i sit her work . Alec Baldwin, Francis Ford Coppol a , Joh n Boor m a n, Quentin Ta ra ntino, Sa ra h Je s s ic a Pa rker, Pa u l Schrader, Ridley Scott and Woody Allen are featured.

BL A STS FROM TH E PAST! Criterion is delving back into early cinema for its latest release. The Cameraman (1928) is considered by many experts to be Buster Keaton’s final masterpiece. It’s a slapstick comedy about a newspaper ca meraper son who will do anything (including endangering his own life), to get a scoop and impress his employers and a female co-worker. The Blu-ray promises a new 4K digital restoration of the feature, a new score recorded in 2020 and composed by Timothy Brock and a commentary track from a silent film expert. World cinema fa ns ca n also pick up a double feature Blu-ray of the Claude Sautet awa rd -w i nning French d r a m a s César and R o s a l i e ( 1 9 7 0 ) and T he T hings of Life (1972), courtesy of Film Movement. Apparently, there is a documenta r y included on the making-of the first title as well as a featurette on the second movie. Finally, Warner Archive is putting out a Blu-ray of the musical comedy, Romance on th e High Sea s (1948). This is about romantic misunderstandings and mix-ups on a cruise ship. It stars Jack Carson and Doris Day and was nominated for a couple of Academy Awards for its score and original songs. YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS! Here are some titles that may appeal to kids looking for something new to watch. L EGO DC: S h a za m! – Magic and Monsters Ultra ma n X Mov ie/ U lt r a m a n Gi nga S Mov ie (2016) Mill Creek ON THE TUBE! A s f a r a s T V- t h e m e d releases go, this week you can revisit or catch up with the award-winning gangster ser ies T h e So p ran os a nd try to figure out for yourself exactly what happened in the end. T h e Sop ran os: The Complete Series V ISI T: W W W. CINEMASTANCE.COM

Gallup Sun • Friday June 19, 2020

COVID SITE CLOSES | FROM PAGE 1 days to convert the gym to house overflow COVID patients. The first admission was on April 25. The Gallup site served 36 patients in the two months it was active. Between April and May, both hospitals transported more than 300 patients to Albuquerque for intensive care. Clark recited a passage from the poem To be of use by Marge Piercy, which he thinks applies to the use of the facility and the people who ran it: “The people I love the best jump into work head fi rst without dallying in the shallows and swim off with sure strokes almost out of sight.”

“This ACF and the response of this community speaks to something that’s inside each of us that wants to be part of something bigger than ourselves,” Clark said. Mayor Louis Bonaguidi was present and recalled how the site was established in light of a sharp rise in positive cases in the area in the early part of April. “That’s when we realized McKinley County and the City of Gallup was in deep trouble,” he said. “The virus numbers were outrageous and it was getting the better end of it.” However, coming to this point after collaboration with multiple parties was exciting for Bonaguidi, especially after the city took drastic measures. “We blocked off the city. We were the only city in the United

Incident commander Sanjay Choudhrie thanks his staﬀ during a speech at the closing of the Gallup Alternate Care Facility inside Miyamura High School in Gallup June 17. Photo Credit: Cable Hoover

Healthcare staﬀ and other personnel gather for the closing of the Gallup Alternate Care Facility inside Miyamura High School in Gallup June 17. Photo Credit: Cable Hoover States to use the Riot Act, so we got national publicity for that,” Bonaguidi said. The mayor also spoke to the efforts of the community to combat the spread and how they have followed the rules in place to lead to this point. “This community really came together. It’s impressive when you go to Walmart now and you see everyone wearing masks. We came together, and our numbers are going down,” Bonaguidi said. Sanjay Choudhrie, who became known as incident

commander for the facility, thanked all of the staff for their efforts. In addition to Clark, other staff who provided leadership for the site include George Morgan, who helped set up security, custodians, and supplies for the site; Kevin Gaines, M.D., and Valory Wangler, M.D. The staff also thanked people who volunteered their time and brought supplies, personal protective equipment, and worked in the ward at the site. “We were able to be properly equipped to take care of our

staff and deliver quality care to patients [because of them],” Choudhrie said. While the facility may be closing down, the staff reminds people this does not mean the pandemic is over, and people still need to wear masks and maintain physical distances in social situations and continue to practice effective hand washing and not going out when it is not necessary. For information about what comes next for the Hiroshi Miyamura High School Gym see: Getting the gym back in shape.

Getting the gym back in shape WHAT COMES NEXT? By Beth Blakeman Associate Editor

he Miyamura High School Gym is no longer an alternative care facility for COVID-19 patients. It closed down in a ceremony June 17. As an alternate care facility with 60 beds, the gym never reached its full capacity. With a nod to the many people who made it possible to house patients, people like Gallup McKinley County Schools Superintendent Mike Hyatt are looking forward to using the facility for its originally intended purpose: sports. A schedule Hyatt shared with the Gallup Sun for getting the gym back into shape shows June 17 was the date for removing IT equipment, picking up the last of the dirty linen and

starting to remove equipment and supplies. June 19 is the date for all equipment and supplies to be out of the leased space and the completion of linen services. June 20 and 21 is the day housekeeping is set to complete cleaning of the gym and the administrative areas. On June 22, the contractor (4 Winds Mechanical) is set to commence deconstruction of the alternate care facility, removing the oxygen tank, the demolition materials and handing off installed equipment to the high school superintendent. July 5 is the date deconstruction is to be completed. July 8 is the day the gym and its surrounding offices are to be turned back over to Gallup Schools. Hyatt says after all that work is completed, the public

20 Friday June 19, 2020 • Gallup Sun

Gallup-McKinley County Schools Superintendent Mike Hyatt. File Photo

Garbage receptacles are gathered for the start of cleaning inside the Gallup Alternate Care Facility in the Miyamura High School gymnasium in Gallup June 17. Photo Credit: Cable Hoover education department is supposed to lay out parameters. “We expect there will be some level of opening,” he said. “We are currently using CARES Act funding in case the state requires some level

of distance learning. “Our goal is to get a laptop device for ever third through twelfth grader and tablet for K through second grade students. They are also putting wifi on all school buses and other internet

and support tech and software to help with that transition,” he said. The money for th is is com i ng f rom t he federa l government. Hyatt says the state has been underfunding the district for decades. Now, he says, he’s hearing that the state may want to dip into some of the federal money and the district may fi nd itself in a battle to hang on to about $6.8 million dollars. NEWS

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HELP WANTED June 10, 2020 McKinley County is now accepting applications for the following positions:

MOBILE HOMES FOR RENT Mobile Homes for Rent in Mentmore (Gallup Area) 3-bedroom 2 bath $700 utilities not included Please call 714-788-2774 ***

POSITION: Roads Superintendent DEPARTMENT: McKinley County Department

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FOR BEST CONSIDERATION DATE: June 23, 2020 Applications and additional information regarding positions can be found on the County web site www.co.mckinley. nm.us. Dezirie Gomez CPO Human Resource Director *** The Community Pantry in Grants is looking to hire a temporary part-time worker, 20 hours a week: Tues.,

Double Wide Mobile Home for rent 2 bedrooms/ 2 bath Gallup $800.00 Monthly Call Liz 505-879-1807

Representatives of the Estate of CLARA MOZELL BOWMAN, deceased. All persons having claims against this estate are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice or the claims will be forever barred. Claims must be presented either to the Personal Representative at the offices of Mason & Isaacson, P.A., 104 East Aztec Avenue, Gallup, New Mexico 87301, attorneys for the Personal Representative, or filed with the District Court of Cibola County, New Mexico. Date: 12/27/19 WILLIAM ELDON GIBSON MASON P.A.

ISAACSON,

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

James J. Mason Attorneys for Personal Representatives 104 East Aztec Avenue Gallup, New Mexico 87301 (505) 722-4463

Thirteenth Judicial District Court County of Cibola State of New Mexico

Published: The Gallup Sun June 12, 2020 June 19, 2020 June 26, 2020

In the Matter of the Estate of CLARA MOZELLE BOWMAN, Deceased

***

No. D-1333-PB-2020-00009 WILLIAM ELDON GIBSON has been appointed Personal

INVITATION TO BID Public Notice is hereby provided that the GallupMcKinley County Schools is accepting competitive sealed bids for: RAMAH

MID/HIGH

CLASSIFIEDS WEEKLY RATES FIRST 25 WORDS: FREE! (4 consecutive weeks max.)

26-50 WORDS: $10 51-75: WORDS: $20 76-100 WORDS: $30 $10 FOR EACH ADDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;L 25 WORDS

EXTRAS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; $5 PER WEEK, PER ITEM: TEXT BOX, HIGHLIGHT, ALL CAPS, BOLD, AND/OR PIC/LOGO Free classifi ed: Limit one free ad per customer only. Second ad starts at $10, per 25 words.

EMAIL: GALLUPSUNLEGALS@GMAIL.COM DUE: TUESDAYS 5 PM

SCHOOL WEIGHT ROOM AND PLAZA REPAIRS ITB-2020-421MA Project No. 18-013 Commodity Code(s): 91052 & 91223 As more particularly set out in the bid documents, electronic copies of which may be obtained from the Gallup-McKinley County Schools eBidding platform website https:// gmcs.bonfirehub. com/portal/?tab= openOpportunities A NON-MANDATORY PreBid Conference will be held at the job site on June 19, 2020 at 1:00 PM (local time). Required Bidding Documents shall be uploaded to the Districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eBidding platform website. Bids will be received until 2:00 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on, June 29, 2020. FAX, EMAIL and HARDCOPY BIDS will NOT be accepted. Bidders will not be able to upload

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OBITUARIES

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

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proposals or documents after the specified CLOSING date and time. The Gallup-McKinley County School Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive any formalities or minor inconsistencies, and/or cancel this solicitation in its entirety. Dated the 10th Day of June 2020 By: /S/ Charles Long, President Board of Education Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 BID ISSUE DATE: June 10, 2020 PUBLICATION DATES: June 12 & 19, 2020 (Gallup Sun) *** ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS NOTICE TO BIDDERS Public notice is hereby given that the Gallup-McKinley County Schools, Gallup New Mexico, desires to purchase the following: ITB-2020-415RB REDI-MIX CONCRETE Price Agreement Commodity 75070

Code(s):

As more particularly set out in the bid documents, copies of which may be obtained by downloading from the Gallup-McKinley County Schools eBidding platform

CLASSIFIEDS | SEE PAGE 22 CLASSIFIEDS

Gallup Sun â&#x20AC;¢ Friday June 19, 2020

CLASSIFIEDS | FROM PAGE 21

CITY OF GALLUP, NEW MEXICO

website https://gmcs. bonfirehub.com/portal

Request for Proposals (RFP) NO. 2019/2020/06/P

Sealed proposals for such will be received until 2:00 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on, July 7, 2020. FAX and HARDCOPY PROPOSALS will NOT be accepted. Offerors will not be able to upload proposals or documents after the specified CLOSING date and time.

Public notice is hereby given that the City of Gallup, New Mexico, is accepting proposals for:

Dated the 16th Day of June, 2020 By:/S/Charles Long, President Board of Education Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 BID ISSUE DATE: June 16, 2020 PUBLICATION DATE: June 19, 2020 (Gallup Sun) June 21, 2020 (Albuquerque Journal) *** ADVERTISEMENT PROPOSALS

FOR

ANIMAL SERVICES

SHELTER

As more particularly set out in the RFP 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 Sealed proposals for such will be received at the Office of the Purchasing Department until 2:00 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on July 14, 2020 when proposals will be received in the City Hall Purchasing Conference Room. Envelopes are to be sealed and plainly marked with the

RFP Number. NO FAXED OR ELECTRONICALLY T R A N S M I T T E D PROPOSALS will be accepted, and proposals submitted after the specified date and time will not be considered and will be returned unopened. Dated the 17th day of June 2020 By: /S/ Louie Bonaguidi, Mayor Classified Legal Column: Gallup Sun Publishing Date: Friday, June 19, 2020

CLASSIFIEDS Read online at gallupsun.com

*** ADVERTISEMENT FOR PROPOSALS CITY OF GALLUP, NEW MEXICO Request for Proposals (RFP) NO. 2019/2020/07/P Public notice is hereby given that the City of Gallup, New Mexico, is accepting proposals for: Veterinarian Services (Qualifications Based Proposal) As more particularly set out in the RFP 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 Sealed proposals for such will be received at the Office of the Purchasing Department until 2:00 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on July 14, 2020 when proposals will be received in the City Hall Purchasing Conference Room. Envelopes are to be sealed and plainly marked with the

RFP Number. NO FAXED OR ELECTRONICALLY T R A N S M I T T E D PROPOSALS will be accepted, and proposals submitted after the specified date and time will not be considered and will be returned unopened. Dated the 17th of June, 2020 By: /S/ Louie Bonaguidi, Mayor Classified Legal Column: Gallup Sun Publishing Date: Friday June 19, 2020

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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

Address: ______________________________________________ City/State/Zip: _________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________ (for billing purposes only) Mail Check to: Gallup Sun, PO Box 1212, Gallup, NM 87305 Fax: (505) 212-0391 • Email: gallupsun@gmail.com Credit Card #: __________________________________ Exp: ________ 3-4 digit code: ________ Billing zip: _________ Pay By Phone: (505) 722-8994 The Gallup Sun is distributed weekly, on Fridays. Forms received after Wednesday, the subscription will start the following Friday.

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

22 Friday June 19, 2020 • Gallup Sun

CLASSIFIEDS

COMMUNITY CALENDAR JUNE 19 – JUNE 25, 2020 FRIDAY, June 19

BLOOD DRIVE

8 am-1 pm @ Grace Bible Church Gym (222 Boulder Dr.). Our local need for blood is critical. For an appointment, call Mary Ann (505) 863-3098 or Eileen (505) 879-5576 or Vitalant, formerly United Blood Services (505) 325-1505, ext. 1018.

RMCHCS COVID-19 DRIVE-UP TESTING

9 am-5 pm @ Urgent Care Center (520 NM Hwy 564, north of the New Mexico Cancer Center). SATURDAY, June 20

RMCHCS COVID-19 DRIVE-UP TESTING

9 am-5 pm @ Urgent Care

Center (520 NM Hwy 564, north of the New Mexico Cancer Center). SUNDAY, June 21

PLATEAU SCIENCES SOCIETY MEETING

2 pm @ Red Mesa Center (105 West Hill Ave.). This in-person meeting will take COVID-19 precautions. Social distancing will be practices, with no more than 10 attendees allowed on site. Guests must wear face masks when not eating or drinking and will be asked not to share snacks or beverages they bring. Martin Link may revisit his presentation about the 1918 Influenza Pandemic. Otherwise there may be a presentation on Native plants. A brief intermission

CALENDAR will be followed by a business meeting. For more information, call Rachel: (505) 980-5437.

FOURTH ANNUAL DOIN’ DYLAN TRIBUTE CONCERT

2 pm-5 pm on Zoom. Go to galluparts.org/doindylan

RMCHCS COVID-19 DRIVE-UP TESTING

1 pm-5 pm @ Urgent Care Center (520 NM Hwy 564, north of the New Mexico Cancer Center). MONDAY, June 22

GALLUP MCKINLEY COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

1 pm-2 pm @ SSC Board Room (640 S. Boardman). Check before you go, in case it is held online.

RMCHCS COVID-19 DRIVE-UP TESTING

9 am-5 pm @ Urgent Care Center (520 NM Hwy 564, north of the New Mexico Cancer Center). TUESDAY, June 23

RMCHCS COVID-19 DRIVE-UP TESTING

9 am-5 pm @ Urgent Care Center (520 NM Hwy 564, north of the New Mexico Cancer Center).

REGULAR COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

9 am-12 pm via live stream. The comment line at (505) 863-1400 will be monitored between 8:45 am and 9:10 am on June 16.

WEDNESDAY, June 24

RMCHCS COVID-19 DRIVE-UP TESTING

9 am-5 pm @ Urgent Care Center (520 NM Hwy 564, north of the New Mexico Cancer Center). THURSDAY, June 25

RMCHCS COVID-19 DRIVE-UP TESTING

9 am-5 pm @ Urgent Care Center (520 NM Hwy 564, north of the New Mexico Cancer Center).

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.

Child advocates praise Supreme Court DACA decision By James Jimenez Executive Director N.M. Voices for Children

LBUQUERQUE — Following the Supreme Cou r t’s ruling on whether President Trump has the legal authority to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, New Mexico Voices fo r C h i l d r e n E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t or Ja me s J i me ne z

issued this statement. “We a r e ple a s e d w it h today’s [June 18] ruling on the DACA case. There are limitations on any one person’s right to make unilateral decisions that impact millions of American families, even for the person holding the highest office in the nation. “Bor n of the fa ilu re of Congress to enact tr ue immigration reform, DACA

ha s never been a per fect program, but it is a step in the right direction for the hundreds of thousa nds of young people born in another country. For many of these youth, America is the only home they have ever known. To deport them to what is, for some of them, a foreign countr y does not a lign to American values of fairness, inclusion, and the dream of a better life through hard

work. “Unfortunately, DACA is not a path to citizenship, and making it one must be our goal moving forward. DACA r e c i pie nt s a r e s t u d e nt s , employees, and employers. They are parents, siblings, and children. They pay taxes and make unique contributions to their communities and our state and it’s time we granted them the path to citizenship that they’ve earned.”

Guv: Legislators can discuss police reform, election changes during special session By Matthew Reichbach The NM Political Report

his week’s special session w i l l, a s ex pected, i nclude more than just budget matters, the governor’s office announced June 18. W h i le t he s t a t e mu s t address plunging revenues, which would result in a n unbalanced budget, something that is not a llowed according to the state cons t it u t io n , G ov. M ic he l le Lu ja n Gr i sha m a l so sa id that non-budget items would include police reform efforts, election cha nges a nd ta x relief for small businesses. The special session is necessary because of the economic impact of COVID-19 and the restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the disease. CALENDAR

Only legislation that is put on the call can be passed during special sessions. Some legislators have said they should only address budget issues during the special session and that other issues can wait until the regular legislative session in January. The issue of police reform has become a front-line issue in recent weeks, after the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota. A police officer, since fired, was charged with murder, and three others with aiding and abetting the killing of George Floyd. The legislative proposals that Lujan Grisham said will be on the call are statewide bans on chokehold restraints by police, making police disciplinary history public records and mandating that police officers wear body cameras. Lujan Grisham said that

this would be the start and that more would be taken up during the regular session in January. “This is not the end of the reform work we must take up — on public safety and racial injustice or on budgetary matters,” Lujan Grisham said. “The focus of this special session is relatively narrow given the economic crisis and the public health concerns about gathering for an extended period of time — but we must begin to address both the fi nancial and human rights emergencies of this moment and put ourselves in a position to evaluate and enact broader structural reform in the next regular session of the Legislature.” House Republicans criticized the governor and said they hadn’t seen copies of legislation they would be asked to vote on.

“None of this has been made public until noon today (June 18) — we are expected to be taking up election law changes, setting up commissions to study qualified immunity, and the list goes on and on — all without draft legislation for review,” House Minority L e a d e r J i m To w n s e n d , R-Artesia, said. “Focusing our efforts on anything other than our budget and our economic crisis is unacceptable. The people of New Mexico deserve better.” The release by the House Republicans said it was a lack of transparency on the part of the governor and Democrats. As for election reform, the governor will ask the legislature to pass legislation that would allow county clerks to send ballots to registered voters with a current mailing

James Jimenez, executive director of New Mexico Voices for Children. File Photo

address. County clerks sent absentee ballot applications to every eligible voter in June’s primaries, though some complained of delays and some arrived after Election Day — only absentee ballots that are returned by the close of polls can be counted. Additionally, the governor will ask legislators to waive penalties and interest for small businesses and individuals who were not able to make property tax or gross receipts tax payments because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to aid local governments, she will also allow legislation to invest portions of the state’s Severance Tax Permanent Fund for long-term, low-interest loans to municipalities and small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The governor will also allow legislation to permit liquor delivery during a public health emergency or pandemic, along with electronic notary services.

Gallup Sun • Friday June 19, 2020

24 Friday June 19, 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ Gallup Sun

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