Gallup Sun • July 3, 2020 by gallupsun

E FRE

VOL 6 | ISSUE 274 | JULY 3, 2020

CONNECTED

Bringing technology to the Navajo Nation By Beth Blakeman Associate Editor

ohn Badal saw a need a nd h a s spent t he past 16 years fi lling it. Badal is the founder and president of Sacred Wind Communications, a local telephone company and broadband provider for the Navajo Nation. He was in the telephone business for 30 years, first Mountain Bell in Albuquerque, and later AT&T. He retired from AT&T in 1998 and started a consultancy. In 2000 he was invited to run Qwest for the state of New Mexico. He was the state president for the company for four years. In 2004 Bada l’s at tention turned to the Navajo

Nation and other Tribal peoples. Though he is not Native American himself, he was moved by the high poverty of one of the largest tribes in the country, the Navajo. He felt it was an entity that could never achieve equality of educational, economic or health care opportunity with urban areas in its current state. He saw broadband as somewhat of an equalizer, particularly to the elderly and to children, giving more direct access to information systems and other services. “I was an advocate of tribal ownership of their own telecom systems and as a matter of their economic and cultural survival,” he said. “When I couldn’t fi nd a company that

was willing to focus on the needs of the Navajo people, I decided to do this myself. “I started with the business plan in 2004. We opened in Dec. 2006,” he said. Sacred Wi nd, wh ich employs a significant number of Navajo people in its ranks, says it is currently providing the highest speed broadband service to homes, of any company operating on Navajo lands. Badal said his company has telephone dial-up service and hi-speed Wi-Fi with a mix of fiber, broadband and fi xed wireless, which allows people to put an antenna on their home and attach it to a modem inside. Badal said Sacred Wind

acquired all of Qwest/Century Link’s telephone assets on Navajo lands in New Mexico, which represent 15 percent of Navajo reservation lands. “We have more than 5K customers in an area with the total household count of over 8K homes,” he said. Badal said it took a little while for employees of Sacred Wind to understand the significance of what they were creating together. But now, when his employees describe the company, they say, “We provide a voice to the people who are voiceless. And we provide a new level of opportunity to our customers.” Badal said customer service is tremendously important at Sacred Wind. He got choked

up when he told some of the stories about the things the company has done for people on the Navajo Nation. “We’ve had adults come into our customer service office signing up their grandmother … It was the fi rst time they’d ever been able to talk to their grandmother on the telephone,” he said. In 2017 Sacred Wind started a solar program to provide customers with electricity. Badal said it had some of the employees and customers in tears, because they had electric power for the fi rst time. He also told the story of a Navajo family, a husband and

CONNECTED | SEE PAGE 19

Free Grab & Go Del Norte Elementary

Tobe Turpen Elementary

Indian Hills Elementary

Navajo Elementary

Jefferson Elementary

Ramah Elementary

Red Rock Elementary

Thoreau Mid

Stagecoach Elementary

Tohatchi Elementary

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

Friday July 3, 2020 • Gallup Sun

C.A. Miller Elementary Crownpoint Elementary Twin Lakes Elementary David Skeet Elementary

gmcs.org NEWS

NEWS

Gallup Sun â&#x20AC;¢ Friday July 3, 2020

NEWS

LOCAL NEWS

Keeping pets safe during holiday ﬁ reworks By William Madaras For the Sun

allup boasts it is the most patriotic small town in America on its welcoming sign on the outskirts of the city. Patriotic parades, picnics and summer outings highlight celebrations like the Fourth of July. Humans can’t seem to get enough of the fl ash bang, aerial pyrotechnics, but dogs and cats see fi reworks differently. They are more sensitive to loud noises, fl ashing lights and strong smells. Household pets are frightened by sou nds a nd illuminations that they don’t understand. Terrified, they hide and often run away. Some large dogs are even known to break through doors and windows. Frightened cats cower under beds and behind furniture, often joined by dogs. Cosy Balok, supervisor of Gallup’s Animal Protection Services, advises residents to keep their animals secure and safe. “It is important dogs and cats remain indoors during f i rework s d isplays,” says Balok. “Do not bring them to any Fourth of July shows. Leave them home.”

CAR HEAT CAN KILL YOUR PET In addition, she advises residents to heed other pet precautions during summer months. “Don’t leave any pet in a hot car. Temperatures in parked cars rise dramatically and can lead to death,” Balok warns. “Don’t think by opening the car window a crack [it] will help them. It won’t. When you leave your house, leave your pet home. I can promise you, your pet doesn’t need to visit Walmart.” Balok says that despite laws in some states that allow people to break vehicle windows in order to rescue animals in distress, it is illegal for New Mexicans to do so. In such a situation she advises residents to call her at (505) 726-1453 if they see that a pet needs to be rescued from a hot car. She also reminds residents that it is illegal to keep dogs tied to a chain outdoors. If your dog is an outside dog, make sure your pet has ample shade and plenty of fresh, cold water, which should be refi lled several times a day. “It is important to provide your pet family member with

Holiday safety WAYS TO HAVE A HAPPY FOURTH Staff Reports

s the season of fi reworks approaches, the City of Gallup has announced that residents who have a city permit may shoot off approved pyrotechnics between 10 am and 11 pm on July 4. Approved fireworks may be purchased within the city limits from approved vendors.

In order to discharge consumer fireworks, a household is required to obtain a “2020 City of Gallup Fireworks Permit” at a cost of $15 from the City Clerk’s Office in City Hall (110 W. Aztec Ave.) Specific guidelines for fi reworks use are provided with the permit. Be certain any fireworks purchased outside the city are legal.

total protection the entire year. What parent wants to have to tell their child that their pet is missing or dead?” says Balok. She reminds residents to make sure their dog has a current rabies shot. She also stresses the importance of dogs and cats being registered. “Make sure your pet has a dog tag issued by the city, so it can easily be identified if it should get lost. That tag will quickly reunite [you] with your pet,” Balok says. She notes that Gallup’s animal shelter is closed on weekends and if your phone number is on the tag and someone sees your dog is lost, they can

contact you right away. She described a resident whose dog was lost in Red Rock Park on the weekend, but a phone number on the tag quickly reunited “Buff” the Golden Retriever with his overjoyed five-year-old companion. TIPS TO KEEP YOUR PET SAFE Organizations such as the ASPCA, Humane Society and other animal advocate groups offer the following tips to help keep your pet’s anxieties low during fi reworks. Keep a radio or TV turned on to soften jarring noises. Consult your veterinarian.

There are medications and techniques that may help alleviate your pet’s fear and anxiety. Create a sa fe place for you r a n i m a l t o go when t hey hea r t he noises t hat f r i g ht e n t he m . C r e a t e a “hidey-hole” that is dark and shielded from the frightening sound as much as possible. Make sure to fill it with their favorite blankets, toys, or an item of unwashed clothing, as these may help them feel safe. Feed your animal before you expect any disturbances. Once the fi reworks start, they may be too anxious to eat. Walk your dog before dusk. It may be some time before it’s safe to venture outside again for your dog to relieve him/ herself. Make sure you shut all doors and windows in your home and don’t forget to draw the curtains. This will block out any scary fl ashes of light and reduce the noise level of fi reworks. Block off fl aps in built-in doggie doors to stop dogs (and cats) from escaping. These simple r ules are designed to get you and your pets through the Fourth of July safely.

A responsible adult must be present to supervise all fireworks activities. Be sure to have plenty of open space and avoid areas of dry vegetation or other combustible materials. Keep a water hose or fi lled bucket available in case of a small fire. Keep small children and animals out of the immediate area. Never give fireworks to children. Dispose of any waste material safely — not inside or with regular trash. Please be courteous of

your neighbors and mindful of your trash and debris. The most common complaints concerning fireworks at this time of year are from people not being mindful of noise and setting them off after 11 pm, and discharging them near dry vegetation and onto or near neighboring property. A safe way to enjoy fireworks is to attend the City of Gallup Fireworks Display July 3 at the Sports Complex area (925 Park Ave.) beginning around 9 pm. Spectators are urged to stay in their vehicles. For que st ion s about

fi reworks, contact the Gallup F i re Depa r t ment (505) 722-4195. TRAFFIC SAFETY New Mexico State police will be conducting sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols; and registration, insurance and driver’s license checkpoints in all New Mexico counties during the month of July. They want to bring attention to these traffic stops in an effort to reduce alcohol-related fatalities. These checkpoints are meant to change society’s attitudes about drinking and driving.

A picture of the author’s three dogs at home on a day without the noise of ﬁreworks. Photo Credit: William Madaras

WHAT’S INSIDE …

6 4

SACRED HEART VANDALISM Police search for breakin suspect

DINE PRIDE The annual event moves online

Friday July 3, 2020 • Gallup Sun

YAZZIE/MARTINEZ CASE The fight for equal education continues

ARTIST PROFILE From serving time to painting murals

15 17

MOVIE REVIEW Stay in for a concert with ‘Eurovision Song Contest’ NEWS

0F.LQOH\ 3DSHU &RPSDQ\ 03& DQQRXQFHV LWV LQWHQW WR DSSO\ WR WKH 1HZ 0H[LFR (QYLURQPHQW 'HSDUWPHQW 10(' IRU D QHZ 10$& DLU TXDOLW\ SHUPLW IRU LWV H[LVWLQJ SDSHU UHF\FOLQJ DQG PLOO IDFLOLW\ LQ 3UHZLWW 1HZ 0H[LFR 03& FXUUHQWO\ UHFHLYHV DOO SURFHVV VWHDP IRU LWV IDFLOLW\ IURP 7UL 6WDWHÂ¶V 3UHZLWW (VFDODQWH *HQHUDWLQJ 6WDWLRQ 3(*6 H[LVWLQJ FRDO Â¿UHG ERLOHU +RZHYHU 3(*6 LV VFKHGXOHG IRU D SHUPDQHQW VKXW GRZQ LQ PLG 6HSWHPEHU ZKHQ WKH FRDO Â¿UHG ERLOHU ZLOO SHUPDQHQWO\ EH WDNHQ Ràµ·LQH $IWHU PLG 6HSWHPEHU 03& ZLOO VXSSO\ LWV RZQ SURFHVV VWHDP ZLWK WKH H[LVWLQJ DQG QHZ QDWXUDO JDV Â¿UHG VWHDP ERLOHUV LGHQWLÂ¿HG LQ WKLV DSSOLFDWLRQ 7KH GDWH WKH QRWDUL]HG 03& SHUPLW DSSOLFDWLRQ ZLOO EH VXEPLWWHG WR WKH 10(' $LU 4XDOLW\ %XUHDX LV HVWLPDWHG WR EH -XO\ 03&Â¶V SDSHU PLOO KDV EHHQ LQ FRPPHUFLDO SURGXFWLRQ VLQFH -XQH 03&Â¶V SK\VLFDO ORFDWLRQ ODWLWXGH Â&#x192; 1 DQG ORQJLWXGH Â&#x192; : 1$' ZKLFK LV DSSUR[LPDWHO\ PLOHV QRUWKZHVW RI 3UHZLWW 10 LQ 0F.LQOH\ &RXQW\ 7KH IDFLOLW\ SURFHVVHV D PD[LPXP RI WRQV SHU GD\ RI UHF\FOHG Â³ROG FRUUXJDWHG FDUGERDUGÂ´ 2&& LQWR QHZ FDUGERDUG SDSHU VWRFN :LWK WKLV DSSOLFDWLRQ WKH IDFLOLW\ LV DSSO\LQJ IRU FRQVWUXFWLRQ DQG RSHUDWLRQ RI WKH H[LVWLQJ 2&& SURFHVVLQJ SODQW DQ H[LVWLQJ 00%WX KU QDWXUDO JDV Â¿UHG VWHDP ERLOHU SUHVHQWO\ RZQHG DQG RSHUDWHG E\ 3(*6 D QHZ 00%WX KU QDWXUDO JDV Â¿UHG VWHDP ERLOHU WKUHH H[LVWLQJ FRROLQJ WRZHUV DQ H[LVWLQJ ZDWHU WUHDWPHQW IDFLOLW\ SUHVHQWO\ RZQHG DQG RSHUDWHG E\ 3(*6 DQG DQ H[LVWLQJ KRUVHSRZHU GLHVHO Â¿UHG Â¿UH SXPS HQJLQH 7KH HVWLPDWHG PD[LPXP TXDQWLWLHV RI DQ\ UHJXODWHG DLU FRQWDPLQDQWV ZLOO EH DV IROORZV LQ SRXQG SHU KRXU SSK DQG WRQV SHU \HDU WS\ 7KHVH UHSRUWHG HPLVVLRQV FRXOG FKDQJH VOLJKWO\ GXULQJ WKH FRXUVH RI WKH GHSDUWPHQWÂ¶V UHYLHZ

7KH PD[LPXP DQG VWDQGDUG RSHUDWLQJ VFKHGXOH RU Â³SRWHQWLDO WR HPLWÂ´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Â¶V QRWLFH ZLOO EH SXEOLVKHG LQ WKH OHJDO VHFWLRQ RI D QHZVSDSHU FLUFXODWHG QHDU WKH IDFLOLW\ ORFDWLRQ $WWHQFLyQ (VWH HV XQ DYLVR GH OD $JHQFLD GH &DOLGDG GH $LUH GHO 'HSDUWDPHQWR GH 0HGLR $PELHQWH GH 1XHYR 0p[LFR DFHUFD GH ODV HPLVLRQHV SURGXFLGDV SRU XQ HVWDEOHFLPLHQWR HQ HVWD iUHD 6L XVWHG GHVHD LQIRUPDFLyQ HQ HVSDxRO SRU IDYRU GH FRPXQLFDUVH FRQ OD RÂ¿FLQD GH &DOLGDG GH $LUH DO WHOpIRQR 1RWLFH RI 1RQ 'LVFULPLQDWLRQ 10(' GRHV QRW GLVFULPLQDWH RQ WKH EDVLV RI UDFH FRORU QDWLRQDO RULJLQ GLVDELOLW\ DJH RU VH[ LQ WKH DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ RI LWV SURJUDPV RU DFWLYLWLHV DV UHTXLUHG E\ DSSOLFDEOH ODZV DQG UHJXODWLRQV 10(' LV UHVSRQVLEOH IRU FRRUGLQDWLRQ RI FRPSOLDQFH HàµµRUWV DQG UHFHLSW RI LQTXLULHV FRQFHUQLQJ QRQ GLVFULPLQDWLRQ UHTXLUHPHQWV LPSOHPHQWHG E\ & ) 5 3DUW LQFOXGLQJ 7LWOH 9, RI WKH &LYLO 5LJKWV $FW RI DV DPHQGHG 6HFWLRQ RI WKH 5HKDELOLWDWLRQ $FW RI WKH $JH 'LVFULPLQDWLRQ $FW RI 7LWOH ,; RI WKH (GXFDWLRQ $PHQGPHQWV RI DQG 6HFWLRQ RI WKH )HGHUDO :DWHU 3ROOXWLRQ &RQWURO $FW $PHQGPHQWV RI ,I \RX KDYH DQ\ TXHVWLRQV DERXW WKLV QRWLFH RU DQ\ RI 10('Â¶V QRQ GLVFULPLQDWLRQ SURJUDPV SROLFLHV RU SURFHGXUHV \RX PD\ FRQWDFW .ULVWLQH 3LQWDGR 1RQ 'LVFULPLQDWLRQ &RRUGLQDWRU 1HZ 0H[LFR (QYLURQPHQW 'HSDUWPHQW 6W )UDQFLV 'U 6XLWH 1 3 2 %R[ 6DQWD )H 10 QG FRRUGLQDWRU#VWDWH QP XV ,I \RX EHOLHYH WKDW \RX KDYH EHHQ GLVFULPLQDWHG DJDLQVW ZLWK UHVSHFW WR D 10(' SURJUDP RU DFWLYLW\ \RX PD\ FRQWDFW WKH 1RQ 'LVFULPLQDWLRQ &RRUGLQDWRU LGHQWLÂ¿HG DERYH RU YLVLW RXU ZHEVLWH DW KWWSV ZZZ HQY QP JRY 10(' (- LQGH[ KWPO WR OHDUQ KRZ DQG ZKHUH WR Â¿OH D FRPSODLQW RI GLVFULPLQDWLRQ NEWS

Gallup Sun â&#x20AC;¢ Friday July 3, 2020

Gallup Catholic school vandalized By Dominic Aragon Sun Correspondent

he Ga l lup Pol ice Department is investigating a break-in at a local parochial

school. The Sacred Heart Catholic School was targeted between the evening of June 25 and morning of June 26. T he per son or people

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 Sacred Wind installer Tim Waybenais poses with customer Shanto Ray on Jan. 31, 2017 as a solar panel is installed. Photo by R. Alleva 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.

The front window of the Sacred Heart Catholic School was smashed in an incident between June 25 and June 26. Photo Credit: Roman Catholic Diocese of Gallup

A damaged smartboard was one of the losses at the Sacred Heart Catholic School in Gallup after vandals broke into the school between June 25 and 26, damaging electronics, a window and a statue. Photo Credit: Roman Catholic Diocese of Gallup

involved broke a front window and then entered the school. A statue of Jesus, the front

said the incident is not being investigated as a hate crime. H a m mon s a l s o r e q ue s t s for people to not speculate or blame any group for the incident. “We haven’t found any graffiti or anything sprayed, so it might have just been somebody who was bored, or wanted to

THANK YOU ADVERTISERS Allstate Insurance - 7 Amazing Grace Personal Care - 17 Ballantine Communications Inc. - 15 Butler’s Office City - 14 CWA Strategic - 11 Division of Fuel Cycle Safety, Safeguards, and Environmental Review - 8, 9 505 Burger and Wings - 16 Gallup Lumber & Supply - Insert Gallup McKinley County Schools - 2 Genaro’s Cafe - 16 Grandpa’s Grill - 16 Keller Williams Realty - 1 KFC - Insert McKinley County DWI Task Force $ 3, 24 Montrose Air Quality Services, LLC - 5 New Mexico Credit Corp. - 12 New Mexico Highlands University - 22 Pinnacle Bank - 10 Pizza Hut - Insert Quintana’s Music & Jewelry - 18 Railway Cafe - 16 Route 66 Diner - 16 Rollie Mortuary - 10 Thunderbird Supply Co. - 6 Virgie’s Restaurant & Lounge - 16

Friday July 3, 2020 • Gallup Sun

window, at least two smart boards were vandalized, and an unknown number of computers were damaged at the elementary school. An estimate on the damage has not yet been released. Suzanne Hammons, Communications Director for the Diocese of Gallup,

smash things, who knows. There’s not enough evidence to say it’s a hate crime,” Hammons said. As of June 29, there are no leads or suspects in custody. “I don’t know how the

SCHOOL BREAK-IN | SEE PAGE 20

NEWS

Fourth annual Diné Pride event held online WE ARE SACRED TOGETHER By Cody Begaye Sun Correspondent

hile the COVID19 pandemic prevented a la rge gathering from taking place, Diné Pride, which has dubbed itself the official LGBTQ+ celebration for the largest Sovereign Nation in the United States, found a way to bring Indigenous LGBTQ people together in a virtual setting. June is designated Pride Month, a month where people under the LGBTQ banner remember the Stonewall riots of 1969, which were a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States, as well as people who have been lost to HIV and AIDS. A series of panels was streamed on Diné Pride’s Facebook page from June 24 - 26 that are free for anyone to tune into. The schedule included discussions of LGBTQ youth, trans Indigenous leadership, art showcases, and more. Alray Nelson, executive director for Diné Pride, opened the Indigenous LGBTQ+ Youth Panel by speaking about the importance of teaching children of their value. “Let us remind ourselves to pick ourselves up, to tell our young people that they matter and it’s okay for them to be who they are,” Nelson said. “To be LGBTQ, to be Indigenous, to be Diné, you are a sacred being.” This idea plays into the theme of Diné Pride 2020, which is “Sacred Together.” “Though we may not be able to be together physically, we’ll always know our identities are sacred and we’re going to be connected together with one mind, one soul, one heart,” Nelson said. Francis “Geronimo” Louie, one of the youth directors for Diné Pride, spoke about how it feels to be one of the Indigenous LGBTQ leaders during the panel. Specifically, he was asked about being a two-spirit person, a term for a gender role common in Native American communities and nations of someone that had a proper and accepted place within their societies. The term is rooted in traditional teachings that say all life is sacred. “Being two-spirit is like being NEWS

somewhat of a sacred being,” Louie said. “In our origin stories, we were told five other genders existed before this world we came upon. We helped them, through their sickness and gave them what they needed. When I think about myself and my identity, that’s how I want to be. I want to be someone who’s a role model who does something for the community, and that’s what I’m doing today.” Nava jo Nation Council Delegate Nathaniel Brown spoke during the Sovereign Nations Leadership Panel about steps the council is taking to support Diné Pride and other people involved. “We are going to drop legislation on making the last week of June Navajo Pride week, and another [piece of] legislation from the Department of Justice to support the National Equality Act,” Brown said. “We’re working on the Navajo Equality Act to support our Navajo LGBTQ people.” One of the questions asked during the panel was about advice or guidance the panelists would give youth who want to serve in elected positions to help their fellow LGBTQ citizens. Navajo Nation Council Delegate Eugenia CharlesNewton spoke about how she recalls the people she has met who then spurred her to make the decision to run for office. “It’s about the people. We meet a lot of unique people who inspire us in little ways,” she said. “When we fi nd ourselves in certain situations, we think back to that one time how we met that person and how their words were inspiring and stayed with us.” The third panel was the Indigenous Trans Leadership Panel. Yué Clehona Begay, moderator for the panel and co-chair of Indigenous LA Pride in Los Angeles, spoke about how the efforts of the panelists in previous years as well as the elders, are paving the way for the future. “We wouldn’t be here without the advocacy, without the work, the pioneering of folks l ike [Com mu n it y L ea der] Mattee Jim and other trans folks,” Begay said. “Oftentimes I feel like in cities off the reservation, we’re told our trans history starts with Marsha P. Johnson, which I think is good

and valid, but I think for Native and Indigenous people, our history extends past that because of our elders.” The panelists were asked how they take pride in being Indigenous and trans. Snow Otero, one of the Diné panelists, said it comes back to the theme of Sacred Together. “It means reaching out to people to show we aren’t the monsters they think we are, that we’re not different,” Otero said. “We just want to get through life the same as everyone else. We are sacred, and we carry the traditions within us. It means showing everyone who we are and being proud of it.” One in-person event that took place with proper social distancing guidelines was the Pride Cruise. Participants met in their vehicles in the Bashas’ parking lot in Window Rock, Ariz. on June 26 and drove around Window Rock and Fort Defiance, Ariz. to honor both the LGBTQ+ community as well as local health care workers. Di né P r ide concluded on Ju ne 27 w it h t he

While Diné Pride 2020 was unable to include an in-person gathering like the one from June 29, 2019 pictured here, there was still a week of online panels on numerous LGBTQ subjects as well as a Pride Cruise in Window Rock and Fort Deﬁance, Ariz. File Photo Closing Ceremony and the Extravaganza Drag Show, w h i c h fe a t u r e d m o d e l s like Tomahawk Martini, Té Diamond, and Leslie Lewinsky among others. Each of the pa nels a nd add resses a re ava i lable to watch on https: // www.facebook.com /

NavajoNationPride. Visitors to their Facebook page can also donate to a fundraiser to help make Diné Pride 2021, the fi fth time the event will be held, a reality. For more information on Diné Pride, visit https:// www.nava jonationpride. com/.

Gallup Sun • Friday July 3, 2020

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to Conduct Public Online Webinar 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 webinar 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 will be required for the audio portion of the meeting and is available 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 webinar and to present oral comments on the draft EIS. The public meeting webinar will commence at 3pm Mountain Time (MT) on July 9, 2020. 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 The public may also submit written comments on the draft EIS before September 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. 8

Friday July 3, 2020 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

PUBLIC SAFETY

WEEKLY DWI REPORT Staff Reports Marissa Paiz June 19, 10:45 pm Aggravated DWI (Second) McK i n le y C o u n t y Sheriff’s Sg t. Ta m my Houg ht a l i ng said she was traveling north on Second Street when she noticed a car having trouble staying in its lane. When it almost hit a curb, she conducted a traffic stop. Marissa Paiz, 41, of Gamerco, admitted she had a few drinks before driving. Houghtaling also found a half-empty liquor miniature in the pocket of the driver’s side door. She agreed to take the standard field sobriety tests and had problems following instructions. After failing the tests, she was arrested. She agreed to take a breath alcohol test and posted samples of .20 and .19. She was released on her own recognizance by a judge. Myron Johnson June 19, 10:24 pm DWI (Sixth) McKinley County Sheriff’s Deputy Terrance Willie said he was driving on Highway 118 when he observed a car speeding and did a traffic stop. When he met Myron Johnson, 52, of Crownpoint, he noticed several signs that Johnson could be intoxicated. He also noticed liquor bottles in the center console and on the floor. When asked when was the last time he had a drink, Johnson said he couldn’t lie and it was about an hour before he started driving. When asked how much he had to drink, he said he was at a party and “everyone was drinking.” Johnson added that he probably had one drink too many. He agreed to take the standard field sobriety tests and failed so he was arrested for DWI. When asked if he would take a breath alcohol test, he said no. But when it was explained to him that because of all of his past convictions, he would be taken to a hospital and have a

blood test, he changed his mind. He posted samples of .18 and .17. Nelford Begay June 18, 2:19 pm Aggravated DWI McKinley County Sheriff’s Sgt. Tammy Houghtaling was advised of a driver passed out on South Chino Road in his car. She went to the site and found Nelford Begay, 45, of Many Farms, slumped over the wheel and the engine running. Her first attempt to wake him up did not work, but she finally did and he turned the engine off. When asked how much he had to drink, he said only one beer. She later found an open beer bottle in his car. She asked if he was willing to take the field sobriety tests and he refused, saying he just had surgery. He also refused to take the alternative test and was arrested. He also refused to take a breath alcohol test. When he was taken to jail, he told the booking clerk that he was taking medication for an infection in his mouth and the clerk refused to book him so he had to be transported to Tse Bonito. Joshua Jishie June 9, 7:10 pm DWI Ga l lup Pol ice O f f icer Domenic Molina was dispatched to Lowe’s West about a call of a possible intoxicated driver. He found the car at one of the pumps and talked to the driver. Joshua Jishie, 28, of Fort Defiance, Ariz., who showed signs of being drunk. Molina said he was evasive when asked how much he had been drinking, saying it didn’t matter because he was going to be arrested. Molina said he also observed the man wearing a hood and trying not to look at him. Jishie agreed to take the standard field sobriety tests, but failed to follow instructions, which Molina said he took as a refusal. He agreed to take the breath alcohol tests, but when it came time to do so, he refused to take them.

WEEKLY DWI REPORT | SEE PAGE 20 PUBLIC SAFETY

Weekly Police Activity Reports Staff Reports H O U S E H O L D ARGUMENT Thoreau, June 20 An argument between a couple in Thoreau on June 20 led to the arrest of Eugen ia Morga n, 40, o n c h a r ge s of battery on a household member. McKinley County Sheriff’s Deputy Frank Villa Jr. was dispatched to Windsong Avenue in reference to a local domestic dispute. When he got there he met Morgan, who said her boyfriend hit her. She added that she may have punched him back. Villa then talked to Leroy Muskett, who was in a back room. While Morgan had no visible injuries, Muskett had blood on his head and hands. He said the two of them were lying in bed when Morgan started hitting him. He said he hit her back in self defense and when Villa went back to talk to Morgan, she confirmed Muskett’s story, at which time Villa told her she was under arrest. When asked why, Villa explained that the person who hits first is the one who is arrested. She was released on her own recognizance by a judge. ABUSIVE FATHER Ramah, June 19 A Ramah ma n is now facing domest ic v iolence charges after one of his child ren c a l led the McKinley C o u n t y Sheriff’s Office to report him. The child said Eli Pino gave his mother Nicole Pino a “busted lip.” When deputies arrived, Nicole Pino told them her husband, Eli Pino, 41, attacked her and would not leave when she asked him to. Eli Pino said the two had gotten into an argument and all he was doing was trying to defuse the situation. At one point, he said his wife was on top of him and he had to pull her off. As he pushed her off, he said his forearm may have PUBLIC SAFETY

pushed against her face. He also said the two of them had been drinking. When Nicole Pino was interviewed again, she said Eli Pino had choked her to the point that she couldn’t breathe. She also accused him of punching her in the face a couple of times with a closed fist. Given the fact that she had injuries that confirmed her accusations, Eli Pino was arrested and taken to county jail. He was released on his own recognizance by a judge. PICKUP FIGHT Gallup, June 19 McKinley County Sheriff’s Sgt. Garylle James said he was patrolling Highway 118 about 10 pm on June 19 when he noticed a pickup parked at a gravel pit and a young boy walking in and out of the cab. He decided to do a welfare check and drove up to the vehicle. When he got out of his vehicle, he gave a thumbs up gesture to see if everything was all right. He saw a woman in the pickup who started shaking her head and appeared to be frightened. Kristen Hosteen told James that she told her boyfriend, Cordell Chiquito, 25, of Church Rock, that she wanted to break up. When she did, Chiquito started strangling her. He also took her cell phone to keep her from calling police. When questioned about this, Chiquito admitted that he got upset and twisted her arm, but that was all. He was arrested and taken to county jail. NURSE ASSAULT Gallup, June 13 Joe Mathias is the latest person in this area to learn the hard way that if you hit a hospital nurse, you are going to jail. Mathias, 34, no address listed, was arrested on June 13 by Gallup police after he reportedly hit a registered nurse at the Gallup Indian Medical Center. Richard Mierua, a registered nurse told police he was treating Matthias when the man closed his fist and struck him in the chest in front of security officers and medical staff. As soon as Mathias was given a medical clearance, he was transported to the county jail and charged with battery on a healthcare worker.

Reuniones Pública En Línea de la Comisión Reguladora Nuclear sobre el Borrador de la Declaración de Impacto Ambiental de la Solicitud de Holtec para una Instalación de Almacenaje de Combustible Nuclear Usado La Comisión Reguladora Nuclear de los Estados Unidos (Nuclear Regulatory Commission, en inglés, ó NRC, por sus siglas en inglés) llevará a cabo una reunión pública en línea a través de la Web (webinars, en inglés) para recibir comentarios del público sobre el borrador de la Declaración de Impacto Ambiental (Environmental Impact Statement, en inglés, ó EIS, por sus siglas en inglés) acerca de la solicitud de Holtec International ó Holtec para la construcción y operación de una instalación de almacenaje en seco (consolidated interim storage facility, en inglés, ó CISF, por sus siglas en inglés) de combustible nuclear usado en el Condado de Lea en Nuevo Méjico. El borrador del EIS evalúa efectos al medio ambiente de la construcción y operación de la CISF. La reunión pública en línea será accesible al público, en el día y la hora de la reunión pública, utilizando el enlace provisto más abajo y escribiendo el número del evento asociado a la fecha de la reunión. También se proveerá acceso a la reunión pública a través de una línea telefónica marcando el número que se provee más abajo y luego marcando la contraseña (passcode, en inglés) provista. La NRC discutirá los resultados del borrador del EIS y recibirá comentarios del público. La NRC invita a todo el público a participar de ests reunión pública en línea y a proveer comentarios sobre el borrador del EIS durante las mismas. Las reuniónpúblicas en línea comenzarán a las 3:00pm (hora montaña o MT) el jueves 9 de julio del 2020. Jueves 9 de Julio del 2020, 3:00 pm MT (5pm ET) Reunión En Línea (Webinar) Acceda: https://usnrc.webex.com/ Número del Evento: 199 943 8370 Contraseña (password): HOLTEC Línea Telefónica Número Telefónico: 800-475-0220 Contraseña (passcode): 9575497 El público también puede proveer comentarios por escrito. Se publicó un aviso en el Registro Federal (Federal Register, en inglés) el 27 de abril del 2020 (85 FR 23382; acceda: https://www.federalregister.gov/) anunciando la disponibilidad del borrador del EIS, y las instrucciones sobre cómo someter comentarios por escrito. Puede acceder el borrador del EIS a través de la página de Web de la NRC dedicada a la solicitud de Holtec utilizando el siguiente enlace https://www.nrc. gov/waste/spent-fuel-storage/cis/holtec-international.html. Si no tiene acceso al internet puede llamar a la NRC (Public Document Room) al 800-397-4209 para ayuda. Gallup Sun • Friday July 3, 2020

Police detective gets strawberries, gets reported to CYFD By Beth Blakeman Associate Editor

quick trip to the market for a box of strawberries landed a Ga l lu p p o l i c e detective on report. McKinley County Deputy Nocona Cla rk wa s sent to the Gallup Walmart at 1650 W. Maloney Ave. at 6:22 pm on April 24. Dispatchers told him there was a child left alone in a car at that address. Severa l people beca me involved. Clark met Gallup Police Officer Christopher Dawes on his way over. Dawes said he was waved

down by a citizen telling him about the sa me child a nd that the child had crawled out of the window of the car. They ran the license plate. It t u r ne d ou t t he c a r belonged to a Gallup police detective named Tasheena Wilson. Cl a rk c a u g ht up w it h Wilson and she said she had stopped at Walmart to pick up some strawberr ies a nd left her daughter, Frankie, in the ca r, because of the COV I D -19 pa ndem ic. She added that Walmart would not allow her to take Frankie into the store. He also asked her if she

left the car running and she said yes, that the air conditioning was on. She also said she left her daughter in her car seat, but thought that Frankie knew how to unbuckle herself. Asked how long she was inside the store, Wilson said about five minutes. Wilson pointed out that she is a single parent and has no babysitter. She said her parents live on the Navajo Nation Reservation and are currently on lockdown. Cla rk told Wi lson he would be making a repor t and contacting CYFD. A National Guard

Specialist, Cheyanne Hidalgo also got involved when she spotted the child wa lking around the parking lot unattended. Hidalgo walked the child into the store, and told a supervisor. A n nou ncement s were made over the loudspeaker and Walmart security video was reviewed by Clark and Sgt. Terrance Peykatewa. Clark contacted Statewide Central Intake and filed a report with Worker #544. C l a rk c a l le d W i l s o n’s super v isor a nd adv ised h i m a repor t wou ld be filed for abandonment of a child and forwarded to the

district attorney for possible prosecution. Ga l lup Pol ice Ca pt a i n Er i n Toa d len a -Pablo t old the Gallup Sun on June 30 t h at Wi l son i s on t he job at t h i s t i me a nd t h at a ny i nvest igat ion wou ld come f rom out side t he pol ice depar tment. Eleventh District DA Div. 2 Paula Pakkala told the Sun July 1 that her office sent the case to another district for investigation. The case has gone to DA Clint Wellborn in the Seventh District, who will review it to determine if charges should be brought.

Update on NMSP ofﬁcer-involved shooting in McKinley County Staff Reports

ALLUP — As has been prev iously reported, the Gallup Police Department was dispatched to the Redwood Lodge Motel in Gallup on June

5, a few minutes before midnight upon learning of a report of two men in a white Dodge truck with a fi rearm. Officers located the truck and two men and a pursuit began when the truck drove around the motel parking lot,

nearly struck the patrol unit, and merged onto New Mexico Statre Road 118. The two men in the truck flashed their headlights and drove into opposing lane traffic before throwing objects at officers from the bed of the

''A Tradition'' • A Gallup tradition with over 100 years of dedicated service. Now under new ownership, the Rollie legacy continues; providing the facilities and conveniences that serve families best with dignity, integrity and understanding.

truck. A Gallup Police Officer terminated the chase by firing at least one shot toward the truck. The Dodge continued eastbound in the westbound lanes of I-40 until it struck a semi tractor-trailer head on. The two were killed when they were ejected. The driver of the pickup was identified as Gerard John, 25 of Brimhall, N.M. The passenger was Ray Lee Jim, 21 of Wingate, N.M. Upon further investigation, State Police Investigations Bureau agents learned John had two active felony arrest

warrants from the Eleventh Judicial District Attorney’s Office for attempt to commit a felony namely: fi rst degree murder, armed robbery, robbery, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, two counts of unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, conspiracy to commit unlawful taking of a motor vehicle and receiving or transferring stolen vehicles. The driver and passenger of the semi were not injured in the crash and their names will not be released. No officers were injured during the incident.

• Rollie Mortuary offers package pricing, accepts Navajo Nation Social Service packages and can assist families with pre-need planning and set up. • Rollie Mortuary offers a genuine desire to be of assistance to you and your family in this time of need.

401 E. Nizhoni Blvd. Gallup, NM 87301 (505) 863-4452 10

Friday July 3, 2020 • Gallup Sun

Service is your way of life, and our way of doing business. GALLUP 107 E. Aztec Ave., 505.722.4411 Walmart: 1650 W. Maloney Ave., 505.863.3442 1804 E. Aztec Ave., 505.722.0300

PUBLIC SAFETY

INDIAN COUNTRY

NEWS

Making a midnight dream come true A JUNIOR-TO-BE SAYS THANK YOU By Beth Blakeman Associate Editor

ophomore TaSheena Thompson is headed into her junior class at Miyamura High School with a special story to tell about how she spent her time outside the classroom. Thompson is a r u nner and she wanted to fi nd a way to share that with the first responders in her community. Fast asleep one night she put it all together in her head. She would organize a run. But there were obstacles.

First, she’d been injured while training. “I was training progressively really hard,” she told the Gallup Sun. “I used to run five to 12 miles every day. I ended up0 rupturing a tendon in my calf … I was out for two months.” Bet ween t hat a nd t he call for social distancing, Thompson decided the answer was a virtual run. So, the Twin Lakes teen (16) created “TaSheena’s Virtual Run for Heroes 5K Run and 2 Mile Walk” and put it out on social media.

She ma naged to get about 75 participants, 50 of whom purcha sed t- shir ts. She a r r a nged for med a llions and certificates and a lunch to be provided for the first responders at work on June 29 at the Gallup Indian Medical Center emergency r o om , t he Ga l lup Pol ice Department and the Med-Star ambulance crew. Also receiving medallions and certificates were Sports World, who printed the shirts, and Anthony’s A Taste Of The Southwest, who catered the lunch.

TaSheena Thompson, a Miyamura High School student runner found a unique way to thank ﬁrst responders who have been serving the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, with an event she created for runners on June 28. Here she is running at her 2019 cross country state championships. Photo Credit: Melonie Houston

At-risk students get another chance NEW MEXICO COURTS REFUSE TO DISMISS YAZZIE/MARTINEZ CASE Staff Reports

INDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Navajo Nation President Jonat ha n Nez a nd Vice President My ron Lizer commend the June 30 ruling by New Mexico First Judicial District Court Judge M a t t hew Wi l son deny i n g the State of New Mexico’s r e q ue s t for d i s m i s s a l i n

INDIAN COUNTRY

the Yazzie/Martinez vs. the State of New Mexico case, which highlighted the faltering education system in New Mex ico, pa r t icu la rly its failure to provide at-risk students, including Native American students, the education to which they are constitutionally entitled. I n J u l y 2 01 8 , J u d g e Sarah Singleton ruled that a l l New Mex ico st udent s

have a r ight to be college and career ready and that t he s t a t e fa i le d t o me et that obligation. The state was unable to comply with the state and federal laws regarding the education of Native American and English Language Learner students. The state failed to provide Native A mer ica n a nd ELL students programs and services to prepare for college

or a career, such as extended learning, dual language, cult u ra l ly a nd l i ng u i st ica l ly releva nt education, socia l services, and others. “This is a victory on the path to securing a better education system for all students of New Mex ico, includ ing our Navajo students whose futures depend on the quality of education they receive,” Nez said. “This is not a fight

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez

YAZZIE/MARTINEZ CASE | SEE PAGE 20

Gallup Sun • Friday July 3, 2020

NEWS

STATE & REGION

Governor signs three measures into law Staff Reports

ANTA FE — Governor Michelle Lu jan Grisham affixed her signature to House Bill 5, Senate Bill 4, and Senate Bill 5 as June drew to a close. House Bill 5 establishes the New Mexico Civil Rights Commission, a bipartisan, nine-member body, which will evaluate and make recommendations on the creation of a civil right of action for violations of state constitutional rights and on unnecessary excessive force by police officers. It will also review the use of qualified immunity as a defense to liability by an employee of a public body. The commission will submit a report to the Courts, Corrections and Justice Committee by Nov. 15. Six members of the commission will be appointed by the New Mexico Legislative Council; three will be appointed by the governor. No more than five members may be of the same political party. At least one member must have law enforcement experience.

geographic, gender, cultural and racial diversity must be considered in the appointment of members. The legislation was sponsored by House Speaker Brian Egolf, D-Santa Fe, Sen. Jerry Ortiz y Pino, D-Bernalillo, and Rep. Karen Bash, D-Bernalillo. The bill was approved with bipartisan support in both chambers. “Ou r com mu n ities a re marching to demand changes that rethink policing,” said Egolf. “With the creation of a New Mexico Civil Rights Commission, we’ll begin making real steps toward a future when violations of civil rights result in swift and certain consequences.” Senate Bill 4 is designed to mitigate the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the 2020 general election in New Mexico and provide for the secure and expeditious conduct of absentee voting in the fall. Under the new law, county clerks may automatically mail applications for absentee ballots to each mailable voter in the count. The bill also

accommodates the secretary of health and secretary of state in requiring additional provisions for voting-by-mail, should they be warranted by emergent public health conditions. The legislation additionally protects the voting rights of New Mexico pueblos and tribes by ensuring polling places will not be closed or consolidated without the written agreement of the Nation. The legislation was sponsored by Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto, D-Bernalillo, Sen. Gabriel Ra mos, D - Catron, Gra nt, Socorro, Rep. Linda Trujillo, D-Santa Fe, and Rep. D. Wonda Johnson, D-McKinley, San Juan. The bill passed the senate with overwhelming bipartisan support. “As we prepare for the 2020 general election and given the current public health uncertainties, the purpose of this bill is to ensure that all voters will be able to cast their ballots safely, timely, and securely – whether voting in person or by mail,” Ivey-Soto said. Senate Bill 5 reverts unencumbered state appropriations

to the general fund and authorizes the issuance of several shortterm bonds as part of an effort to stabilize state finances in light of the global economic upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation w a s s p o n s o r e d by Sen. George Muñoz, D-McKinley, Cibola, San Juan and Sen. Stuart Ingle, R-Chaves, Curry,Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham DeBaca, Lea, Roosevelt. The bill was approved with the time being without having overwhelming bipartisan sup- to raise taxes,” Ingle said. “But port in both chambers. New Mexicans need to under“Righting the budget in the stand that the budget solution midst of unprecedented hard- used one-time money. The state ship stemming from this pan- won’t be out of financial danger demic meant we had to make until the economy picks up subhard choices,” Muñoz said. “The stantially and tax dollars come measures in SB5 will help put into the state coffers on a reguexisting money where it is most lar basis. needed today without having “We came together to modto make more painful cuts to ify the budget during the special critical programs, and help us session. We need to continue bridge the deep fiscal gap fac- working together come January ing us in the months and years when we expect to face continahead.” ued uncertainty that will need “This budget fix was able to a lasting solution to help the get us out of some hot water for economy,” he added.

Nakamura retirement gets postponed Staff Reports

ANTA FE — Set for that long-awa ited retirement, Ch ief Justice Judith K. Nakamura

of the New Mexico Supreme Court will have to wait a little longer. Na k a mu r a a n nou nc e d plans in mid-June to retire effective Aug. 1.

Friday July 3, 2020 • Gallup Sun

“W hile representatives from the Public Employees Retirement A ssociation a nd I worked closely together before I announced my retirement, new information I received from PERA yesterday [June 25] requ i res t hat my r e t i r e me nt b e p o s t poned,” Nakamura said. “ T h i s i s cer t a i n ly not what I pla nned or e x p e c t e d , bu t I w i l l use th is add itiona l t i m e t o c o n t i nu e t o m a ke t h e b e s t le g a l decisions possible and adva nce the ad m i nistration of justice for t he benef it of a l l New Me x ic a n s ,” s he acknowledged. Justice Nakamura will remain on the Supreme Court until later this year and the Court will elect a new Chief Justice on July 15.

Chief Justice Judith Nakamura of the New Mexico Supreme Court STATE & REGION

NEWS

HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

City posts drinking water report DETAILS OF WATER CONSERVATION, CONTAMINANTS, MORE By Cody Begaye Sun Correspondent

he Cit y of Ga llup recently received the results of the 2019 A n nu a l D r i n k i n g Water Quality Report, which covers the test results from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2019. The report says the city’s water is monitored for different contaminants on a strict sampling schedule. Potential contaminants include alpha emitters, arsenic, barium, nitrate, and uranium, among others. The goal is to keep the levels of contaminants detected below t he ma x i mu m-a llowed level. None of the regulated substances monitored by the city were above the

maximum, so the city received no violations. Per the report, Gallup’s water comes from 16 wells tapping underground supplies from two main underground aquifers: the Gallup Sandstone and the Dakota-Westwater. These two wells are located up to 10 miles from the city center and can be up to 3,500 feet deep. Given the wells are not likely to come into contact with surface water, they are likely to be protected from outside contamination. That positive news is balanced by the fact that the underground wells are not being replenished, meaning the city could face water shortages in the “not-too-distant” future. The most cost-effective

source of water in recent years has been water conservation. One of Gallup’s primary methods of conser v i ng water is through a program administered by the Water Conservation Coordinator at the Utilities and Engineering Service. It includes replacement of high-f low toilets, s h owe r h e a d s , w a s h i n g machines, and restaurant dishwashing equipment throughout the city. Another major future contributor to Gallup’s drinking water is the Navajo Gallup Water Supply Project, which is scheduled for completion in 2025. It was approved for construction in 2009. The Gallup portion of the project is expected to provide over 13,000 acre feet of drinking water

Scouting programs continue during COVID-19 pandemic Staff Reports

LBUQUERQUE — Gorham Scout Ranch has announced a digital alternative to its summer camp program, in light of the cancellation of in-person camp

programs. The nationally accredited Boy Scouts of America summer camp for boys and girls enrolled in scouting programs has registrants from ten states this year, including New Mexico, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Mi n nesota , Georgia , California, Colorado, Texas, and Oklahoma. The fi rst two weeks had 139 youth participants. Session three winds up on July 3. Session four runs from July 6 – 10 and the camp has also added a fifth session from July 13 – 17. Merit badges at 2020 Cyber Summer Camp include: Citizenship in the world; Mining in society; Chess, Textiles, Photography, Digital technology, Safety and Scouting heritage. For more information: gorhamscoutranch.org

Gorham Scout Ranch Program Director Hyunju Blemel. Photo Credit: Gorham Scout Ranch HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

to the City of Gallup, Navajo Chapters and surrounding rural areas. T he repor t cont a i n s a statement from former Mayor Jackie McKinney stating that the city is committed to providing the best quality drinking water it can for its citizens and is looking for new methods to do so. “As new requirements for drinking water safety become known, [the city] remains persistent in meeting the goals of source water protection, water conservation, and community education while continuing to serve the needs of all our water users,” he said. The full report is available at https://consumerconfidence.report/reports/ GallupNM2019.pdf.

The City of Gallup received no penalties for the quality of its drinking water in 2019. The tests check for various contaminants. Photo Credit: gallupnm.gov

Locally-grown produce for Senior Meals Program to expand Staff Reports

n late June, a pilot program that put food on the table of seniors in three counties proved to be successful. The program initiated by the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department brought New Mexico-grown produce to seniors who generally participate in home-delivered meals and meals at 15 senior centers across three counties in the winter and spring. The partnership between the ALTSD, Farm to Table, the New Mexico Farmers’ Marketing Association, three county senior services departments, Agricultura Cooperative Network and New Mexico farmers was the inspiration of Sen. Liz Stefanics, D- Bernalillo, Lincoln, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Torrance, Valencia and Rep. Gail Armstrong, R-Catron, Socorro, Valencia. The 2019 Legislature approved $50K for the pilot program. Within seven months the three counties of San Juan, Sandoval, and Socorro were able to purchase and provide $50K of locally grown produce through their meal programs. And since February they have served 101,800 meals including state-grown produce. In addition to providing healthy local food for the state’s senior population, the program is expanding business opportunities for New Mexico farmers. Starting in July ALTSD and its partners

A senior meals program volunteer shows oﬀ a locally-grown head of lettuce that will soon be on the plate of a program recipient. Photo Credit: New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department plan to expand the New Mexico Grown Fruits and Vegetables for Senior Meals Program.

Gallup Sun • Friday July 3, 2020

OPINIONS

Leger Fernandez applauds SCOTUS decision to protect abortion access By Teresa Leger Fernandez Candidate for Third Congressional District U. S. House

ANTA FE — Teresa Leger Fernandez, the first woman and first L a t i n a D e mo c r a t ic nominee for New Mexico’s

Third Congressional District, issued the following statement applauding the Supreme C o u r t ’s r u l i n g i n J u n e Medical Se r vices, LLC v. Russo to protect abor tion access: “ Wo m e n a n d f a m i lies across the nation a re breath i ng a sig h of relief that these latest attacks on

Statement on Supreme Court Decision in June Medical Services v. Russo By Ben Ray Lujan District Three U. S. House of Representatives

ashington, D.C . — U. S . House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Louisiana law June 29 that would have closed all but one abortion clinic in that state. “ T h e C o u r t ’s r u l i n g

reaffi rms women’s reproductive rights, and it sends the message that laws like the one passed in Louisiana, infringe on those rights by limiting access to sa fe abor tions. While this will certainly not be the last time that extremist legislators around the country try to chip away at a woman’s right to choose, today’s decision is a victory for the generations of women, advocates, and allies who have fought to uphold this fundamental right.”

Friday July 3, 2020 • Gallup Sun

reproductive freedom have failed. The Supreme Court decision announced today (June 29) is a n impor ta nt victory for protecting abortion access and ensuring our com mu n it y member s ca n access the critical healthcare they need. “But we know that this f ig ht i s not over. Don a ld

Tr u mp a nd h is r ight-w i ng a l l ie s h ave m a de it t hei r mission to roll back abort ion r ig ht s a nd t he progress that we have won. We need a leader in Congress who will sta nd up aga inst t he s e a t t a ck s on women and families, and I will be that strong voice for New Mexicans.”

Teresa Leger Fernandez won the Democratic primary for Third District House Seat in June. Photo Credit: Emily’s List

Response to lawsuit to eliminate Affordable Care Act By Russell Toal New Mexico Superintendent of Insurance

ANTA FE — Despite a once-in-a-generation pandemic and an economic collapse never experienced in our lifetime, the Trump administration has decided to press the Supreme Court of the United States to eliminate the Affordable Care Act in its entirety. That would mean 24 million Americans losing their health insurance; people with pre-existing conditions being denied coverage or charged exorbitant rates because of their illness; New Mexico Superintendent of Insurance Russell Toal eliminating the federal and state health insurance exchanges; Mexico’s uninsured rate would who have lost their jobs are relyremoving children up to age jump from 11 percent to 24 per- ing on the law’s protections and 26 from their parents’ health cent overnight. coverage programs. insurance policy; and eliminatThe 844 ,000 New To that end, I applaud the ing critical federal health care Mexicans with pre-existing U.S. House of Representatives funding for Medicaid expansion conditions would once again be for passing t he Pat ient and premium assistance. subject to higher charges and Protection and Affordable There is never an appropri- denial of coverage. Care Enhancement Act. The ate time to put people’s health Repeal of the ACA would bill would improve premium care at risk. mean that individuals who assistance for working famiBut a s Ne w Me x ic o had COVID-19 would likely be lies, negotiate lower prescripapproaches 12,000 Coronavirus denied health insurance. The tion drug costs, and provide cases, this is the worst possible same would be true of New more federal funding for moment to advocate for the full Mexicans with cancer, HIV, critical health programs like repeal of the Affordable Care asthma or health conditions. Medicaid. Act. This absolutely is not the time These are the kinds of If this lawsuit succeeds, it to even consider dismantling actions that we need right now. is likely that at least 300,000 ACA coverage. I hope that the Supreme Court New Mexicans would lose Instead, we should move will provide support to our health coverage immediately. towards making improvements, nation’s effort to make health One estimate shows that New especially as so many people care available and affordable.” OPINIONS

COMMUNITY

Drawing for a better life ARTIST KEEFRED BENALLY USES HIS PAST TO CREATE A BETTER FUTURE By Dee Velasco For the Sun

wenty-eight-year-old Diné artist Keefred Benally is not your typical artist, he wasn’t influenced at a young age, nor was art in his blood. Benally found art at the worst time of his life — when he was locked up in jail. Hailing from Dilkon, Ariz., Benally had a rough upbringing and alcohol, drugs, and violence was all around him. He succumbed to it and the dangers that accompany it that would haunt him later in life. His first stint with the law was in 2011 when he landed behind bars in Navajo County Jail in Holbrook, Ariz., at the age of nineteen. It was there that he was introduced to a form of artwork known as “Prison Art” by his older brother Tito Benally, who was also in jail on other charges. Benally never knew his older brother could draw. He was also intrigued to learn that there was payment for the drawings, payment in the form of commissary items such as soups, candy, and other sweets purchased in jail. His older brother explained that he did drawings for other inmates and suggested Keefred try drawing, too. “I never had any ideas, or anything related to drawing, but when I saw what my brother was doing, I wanted to try, since I had

Keefred Benally holding his pencil drawing, “Tiger,” from April. Photo Credit: Dee Velasco the time (laughing), lots of time,” Benally said. “My brother told me to try it and at first I couldn’t, but then I begin to practice and practice.” With time on his hands, Benally started to develop his own technique. Benally began to use his drawing as an exercise to overcome his addiction to methamphetamines and heroin. He says it’s a daily process and takes it one day at a time. However, those days are adding up. He’s been clean and sober since April 15. He says there were many times he chose drugs over family and other important things in his

Connect Your Business

with Qualified Buyers in the Four Corners!

WEB

ANALYSIS CONTENT BACKLINKS RECOGNITION KEYWORDS TRAFFIC RANKING OPTIMIZATION

Directory Plus helps your Company

be found everywhere! Measureable Results In-print and Online!

Reserve your space in the Gallup Directory Plus book today!

Directoryplus.com 970.259.6500 • 800.832.9832

1275 Main Avenue Durango, CO 81301 COMMUNITY

Keefred Benally drew “Waiting to Come Home” while he was incarcerated at Arizona State Prison in 2019. He used pens and colored pencils. Photo Credit: Dee Velasco

This pencil portrait “Katie’s Love,” from April, was inspired by Keefred Benally’s wife, Katie. Photo Credit: Dee Velasco He mainly uses pens, pencils, and colored pencils and

the customers were telling me they were, I was shocked, but happy.” Benally is currently working on a project at Healing Hands Studio (194 East Hwy. 66) in Gallup. Benally’s wife introduced him to the studio and got him connected. Healing Hands Studio is an enterprise of Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services. The home studio is located within the Wellspring Recovery treatment center where residents and graduates produce finished pottery and other creations while working in a vocational back-towork program. “I came to the studio and noticed the inside was bare and needed some color, so I volunteered my services to make it brighter inside,” Benally said. He’s been working on the project for the past two weeks

Keefred Benally’s latest project is a painting called “Healing Hands of Gallup.” He hopes to complete it by July 4 and to have it on display at Healing Hands Studio in Gallup. Photo Credit: Dee Velasco life. It took more jail and prison time before Benally felt that art set him free. “I sometimes don’t really like to talk about my past nor think about it, but it is what it is,” he said. “Having gone through what I have was rough and my thinking back then will stay — back there.” He served a five-year sentence. That was followed by a charge of aggravated assault and property damage which landed him in prison for 2 and half years. He was released from Arizona State Prison in November 2019. Now, Benally said he is hooked on art.

prefers drawing along the lines of Realism, such as landscapes and other realistic forms. Lately, he has been working with pastels, charcoal, and different types of paints to broaden his work. He keeps telling himself that his art could be better, even when he started selling his artwork, he couldn’t grasp those feelings from those who bought them. “When people bought my art, to me I look at it and I don’t see much, but when other people look at and express their feelings, that inspired me more and motivated me,” he said. “I thought they weren’t that good, but when

and hopes to have it ready for display by July 4. When asked if his art is just a passing phase or perhaps a career is in the works, Benally says he’s been thinking about that. But he says he doesn’t want to think too far ahead and prefers to simply concentrate on the present day. “At the end of the day I want to know that I am good, and if I keep going [a] little more and more, I want to do something great,” Benally continued. “As for a career, I look forward to that, it’s still new to me and I have to believe in myself and find myself worthy of that.”

Gallup Sun • Friday July 3, 2020

Lieutenant governor supports summer reading Staff Reports

ANTA FE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs and the New Mexico State Library have enlisted the help of Lt. Gov. Howie Morales in promoting the importance of reading for children. The Lieutenant Governor read the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book The Three Little Javelinas, written by Susan Lowell and illustrated by Jim Harris, courtesy of the Silver City Public Library, during a Facebook Premiere event on June 30, as part of the statewide summer reading program that kicked off in June. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I encourage parents across New Mexico to make reading throughout the rest of this summer a top priority for their children â&#x20AC;&#x201D; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so important!â&#x20AC;? said Lt. Gov. Morales. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When school is out for the summer and kids donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a lot of structure in their days â&#x20AC;&#x201D; especially now â&#x20AC;&#x201D; our children donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t spend enough time reading. Reading every day is fun, and it will help maintain their skills, preparing them for when school returns. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our local libraries are running summer reading programs that are invaluable to parents. Visit your library with your children often â&#x20AC;&#x201D; they are all offering great prizes for readers, challenges, recognition, and super educational online events. This summer stay in close touch and use our excellent libraries to benefit the next generations of New Mexicans.â&#x20AC;? More than 100 public libraries from the across state are participating in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer reading program, which began June 1. Events and prizes for those who have logged their reading time have been generously sponsored by the New Mexico Library Foundation. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Imagine Your Story.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The summer reading program promotes healthy reading habits, encourages the use of imagination, and prevents what is commonly referred to as the summer slide,â&#x20AC;? DCA Cabinet Secretary Debra Garcia y Griego said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re pleased that we are able to offer all New Mexicans an opportunity to participate in this valuable experience.â&#x20AC;? Libraries that are closed to the public this summer have implemented a virtual

reading program with contactless curbside pickup service. Additionally, the State Library has made e-books available until August for state residents to borrow. The statewide summer reading program is expected to run until July 31. According to a survey conducted by the State Library following last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer reading program, 81.34 percent of parents and/or guardians reported that their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reading time increased, and nearly 80 percent said their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enjoyment of reading increased.Â Â For reading logs, a map of participating public library systems, and information on other program-related events, please visit https://summerreading. nmculture.org.Â Â

This 1992 childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book by Susan Lowell and illustrated by Jim Harris was released in 1992. Photo Credit: goodreads.com

Dine Local Restaurant Guide PLEASE CALL FOR TAKEOUT HOURS! &RPÄ MRLĹ¨ XĆ&#x2013; IRU EUHDNIDVĆ&#x153; OXQFĹ&#x160; RU GLQQHU

@aV_ >`_ Â DRe (+!! R^ Â )+$! a^ @aV_ eZ] * a^ `_ 7cZURjd

ČŠ% !ZTECČŠ!VENUE

'ALLUP ČŠ.-ČŠČŠ

5RXWÄ 'LQHU -RLĹ¨ XĆ&#x2013; IRU %UHDNIDVĆ&#x153; /XQFĹ&#x160; DQÄ&#x2DC; 'LQQHU 'ULYÄ ĂŞURXJĹ&#x160; LĆ&#x2013; 2SHĹ¨

6OEFS /FX .BOBHFNFOU #URBSIDEČŠANDČŠ#ARRY /UTČŠ/NLY

.PO Äł 5IVST BN Äł QN 'SJ Äł 4BU BN Äł QN 4VO BN QN

Carry-Out Dine In-Limited Seating

& )JTU )XZ (BMMVQ /.

Dine-In

Starting

on 6/15!

(505) 722-9311 1981 NM-602, Gallup, NM 87301

Railway Cafe on Route 66 Summer is Here! Stop in for a piece of homemade cobbler!

Curbside Only M - Sat 7 AM -6 PM

Sun. Closed

(505)863-2535 Gallup, NM

Friday July 3, 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ Gallup Sun

Hours: Monday - Thursday 11 am to 7 pm FRIDAY 11 am to 8 pm SATURDAY 11 am to 5 pm

GENAROâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S Cafeâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC; $BMM GPS %FMJWFSZ $BSSZ 0VU PS $VSCTJEF Tues â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sat 1 : 0 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7: 0 PM (505) 863-6761 600 W. Hill, Gallup, NM 87301 Sun/Mon Closed COMMUNITY

‘Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga’ spins an amusingly silly tune By Glenn Kay For the Sun

RATING:  OUT OF  RUNNING TIME: 121 MINUTES This Netflix feature is available for streaming. During a difficult time, it can be a nice break to shut one’s brain off and just try to have a bit of fun. Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga attempts to help viewers do just that, using the very real European music competition as a backdrop for utter silliness. Truth be told, this movie is probably a bit too long for its own good. It also rambles in sections, giving the impression that much of the dialogue may have been improvised on the spot. However, this reviewer couldn’t help but fi nd it an amusingly sweet-natured affair, delivering a handful of big laughs and goofy pop songs performed by outrageous personalities. All his life, Icelander Lars Erickssong (Will Farrell) has wanted to win the Eurovision Song Contest, despite being told he has little musical talent. While Lars’ father (Pierce Brosnan) expresses disappointment and embarrassment at his middle-aged son’s continued efforts, bandmate Sigrit Ericksdottir (Rachel McAdams) encourages them and continues reaching for the stars. Through blind luck, they are selected to compete in Reykjavik for a spot as the country’s representative in the contest. An even more bizarre occurrence fi nds them headed to Edinburgh, Scotland, to challenge the best acts from various countries. The meek pair encounters competitors like Alexander Lemtov (Da n Stevens), a Russian who sees potential in Sigrit and encourages her to leave Lars behind and go solo. The stor y is ver y simple, much like the naïve lead characters. This is not a deep movie, with the main message being to sing from the heart and never let mistakes prevent you from attaining your goal. COMMUNITY

Lars Erickssong (Will Farrell) and Sigrit Ericksdottir (Rachel McAdams) perform together in their eﬀort to win the song contest in “Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.” Photo Credit: Netﬂix Most of the humor pokes gentle fun at the over-the-top and outrageousness on display at the pop music contest. The leads certainly attempt it all with gusto. After a career playing in bars to locals who only want to hear one very particular song over and over again, Lars and Sigrit must deal with nerves and discomfort as they perform for bigger and bigger audiences. And as the competition heats up, the elaborate performances lead to more silliness from all parties involved. Some of memorably ridiculous tunes include goofy titles like “Volcano Man”, “Yaya Ding Dong” and “Lion of Love”. Leads Farrell and McAdams appear to be having a good time playing their innocent characters, while Stevens camps it up for all his role is worth. Things do slow down as Lars begins to ignore his partner’s concerns and the duo deals with artistic differences and the negative influence of others. Their bickering does become repetitious and it doesn’t feel like the script could have used more deviousness from the Lemtov character. But the fl at elements are broken up soon enough by an entertainingly bizarre number of on-stage trip ups. There is also a running joke throughout the movie about

Sigrit’s unwavering belief in guardian elves. Thankfully, this subplot delivers a hilarious pay-off late in the fi lm. It’s also an enjoyable change of pace to see supporting performers like Ólafur Darri Ólafsson and Björn Hlynur Haraldsson, known for their dark and grimacing roles in Nordic Noir procedural crime shows, play decidedly less edgy and sharp-witted roles in this feature. And for those who do

follow the real competition, you will also witness several cameos from recent European Song Contest winners, many of whom partake in a lengthy and impressive musical mashup number midway through the picture. And of course, the movie also benefits from some beautiful locations in Iceland and Edinburgh. Admittedly, this movie is incredibly dopey. Not all of the jokes land. Yet

those involved seem to have an affection for the real competition and most of the gags are good-natured and enjoyably silly. Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga may not earn a perfect score from all the judges, but it is a sweet and entertaining endeavor that should win over some fans who decide to give it a spin. V ISIT: W W W. CINEMASTANCE.COM

Gallup Sun • Friday July 3, 2020

Blu-ray/DVD New Release Roundup for July 3, 2020 By Glenn Kay For the Sun Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for another look at highlights hitting store shelves on Blu-ray and DVD. This is an interesting edition with plenty of wild and wonderful features coming your way. So, since you likely canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make it out to the movies this week, be sure to give one of these titles a try! BIG NEW RELEASES! 16 SUNRISES: Those looking for a little adventure c a nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t t r avel much further than the setting for this French docu m e n t a r y, which takes viewers into spa ce. A l so k now n a s 16 L e v e r s de Soleil, the movie follows French astronaut Thomas Pesquet a nd h is m is sion aboard the International Space Station, orbiting the Earth at a height of roughly 400 kilometers (or about 250 miles). He spent six months up there at the end of 2016 and the film includes some of his thoughts and experiences, along with hundreds of hours of incredible 6K footage taken by the subject and his crew. The movie played at various French film festivals and was released in cinemas there at the end of 2018. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s debuting on disc in this part of the world. While viewers here wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get to see it on the big screen, at least they will get to check it out on their TVs. BULL: A troubled young teen from the wrong side of the tracks gets her sel f i nto trouble after breaking into her neighborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home and causing damage. As it turns out, the man living nearby turns out to be a bull rider. She begins fi xing his place and earning some extra cash by helping him out at his work. The protagonist is introduced to the world of black rodeos and begins to develop an interest in the sport. The press gave this drama high marks. One or two found the fi lm too slow-moving for their liking. However, the vast majority thought that the performances were excellent and

the film was a remarkable character study that accurately depicted the trials that similar people are faced with on a daily basis. It is arriving exclusively on DVD only right now, although hopefully a Bluray will soon follow. T he mov ie s t a r s R ob Morgan, Amber Havard and Yolonda Ross. FOUR KIDS AND IT: Based on the Jacqueline Wilson childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book, this family flick from the UK involves a couple who decides to go on vacation a nd i ntro duce t hei r k ids from previous marriages to one another. A fter some awkward introductions, the youngsters visit the beach and discover a little supernatural creature called a Psammead who grants wishes. They fi nd themselves teaming up to fight a sinister figure out to capture the Psammead and use the creature for his own nefarious ends. The UK press was generally split on the end results, although there were a few more recommendations than pans. Those who disliked what they saw, said it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t as clever as the book and had lessthan-stellar visual effects. The more positive voices stated that it was enjoyably silly, quickly paced and benefited from a great cast. Matthew Goode, Paula Patton and Russell Brand headline the picture, while Michael Caine provides the voice of the Psammead. THE GHOST OF PETER SELLERS: Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve all heard stories about troubled fi lm productions. This documentary f rom Peter Medak (The Changeling, T he Krays, Romeo is Bleeding) tells the story of a failed project in which he was directly involved. In 1973, Columbia Pictures gave young fi lmmaker Medak the funding to make a big pirate movie called Ghost of the Noonday

Friday July 3, 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ Gallup Sun

Sun with a cast that included Peter Sellers, Spike Milligan and Liza Minelli. Unhappy with his director, Sellers began to sabotage the shoot, leading to legendary confl icts. The completed film was never released in theaters and the directorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s career stagnated for years as a result. Medak admits to still being hurt by the experience. Treating this feature as a therapeutic experience to get over these events, he revisits the feature, showing footage and sharing memories of the shoot and what went wrong. The movie won awards at film festivals in 2019 and earned raves from critics. They called it a heartbreaking and incredibly detailed depiction of a disastrous fi lm production. For the time being, it is only being released on DVD and on streaming platforms. SKI BUM: THE WARREN MILLER STORY: Warren Miller was a man who loved to ski ... and make movies about skiing. Initially shooting himself and friends skiing and snowboarding as a way to improve their technique, the man began making documentary fl icks in 1950 to promote the industry and continued to do so for his entire life. This documentary honors the trailblazer. The fi lmmakers managed to interview the figure only months before his passing, going over his life and telling his story (as well as showing some of the most impressive bits from his features). He also details the challenges involved in creating a very specific industry all by himself. There arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a lot of reviews for this title yet, but a couple that have appeared online are upbeat. They call the picture a sweet and effective tribute to a remarkable and unique talent. STREET SURVIVORS: THE TRUE STORY OF THE LYNYRD SKYNYRD PLANE CRASH: Those who know classic rock will likely be familiar with the music of Lynyrd Skynyrd and the tragedy that befell them when, in 1977, a chartered jet flying them to a concert ran out of gas and crashed. The pilots and numerous members of the band and their management team perished in the ordeal. Using stories told by drummer and survivor Artimus Pyle, this

independent dramatic biopic details the events leading up to the fateful day and its aftermath. The picture has had a troubled history, with a few other group members and survivors attempting to block its production. The reviews suggest that the movie feels exaggerated and goes out of its way to lionize Pyle (he even provides all the narration for the fi lm). Now audiences can decide for themselves if whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s onscreen is accurate. It features Ian Shultis, Taylor Clift and Jon Briddell. BL ASTS FROM THE PAST! The Kino Classics line is presenting the German picture, Paracelsus (1943). This film is about a scientist trying to prevent a plague from sweeping through the country. It comes with a movie expert track which describes ways in which the f i l m ma ker was attempting to subtly tell a humanistic and subversive story while working under the Nazi regime. A week almost never goes by with Criterion not delivering another impressive disc. This time out, they have the powerful Russian anti-war fi lm, Come and See (1985). Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about a teenager who joins a resistance movement to fight the Nazis during WWII. His

idealistic visions of being a soldier are torn apart as he endures bloody horrors and unimaginable carnage. The distributor states that the Blu-ray includes a 2K digital restoration of the fi lm, a new interview with legenda r y cinematographer a nd fan Roger Deakins (Skyfall, Sicario, Blade Runner 2049, 1917) on the movieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photography, a documentary series from the late 1970s about survivors from the war and the genocide they witnessed, and 2001 interviews with the fi lmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s director, star, and production designer. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also get a making-of, a new interview with the directorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brother and a trailer. Finally, Japanese anime fans can pick up the sci-fi p i c t u r e Crusher Joe â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Movie (19 8 3) o n Blu-ray from Discotek M e d i a . Appa rently, this title is considered one of the best animated features of its era. YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS! Here are all of this editionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kid-friendly titles. Four Kids and It ON THE TUBE! And these are the west TV-themed releases. Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears Wild Palms (Blu-ray of 1993 TV-miniseries) V ISIT: W W W. CINEMASTANCE.COM

48,17$1$ 6 0 48,17$1$ 6 086,& :( $5( 12: 23(1 :( ),1$1&( 12 &5(',7 12 352%/(0

9%,,/7 4!'ČŠ#,%!2!.#%ČŠ3!,% 7EČŠNEEDČŠTOČŠMAKEČŠROOMČŠFORČŠNEWČŠINVENTORY ČŠ #OMEČŠSEEČŠUSČŠFORČŠGREATČŠDEALS 3LDQR DQG *XLWDU /HVVRQV DYDLODEOH

: &2$/ $9( *DOOXS 10

COMMUNITY

CONNECTED | FROM PAGE 1 wife and two children who lived at a distance from Gallup. The children had to live with the mother’s sister and her husband during the school week, because they had broadband and electricity. When the family was hooked up to solar power, they were able to bring their children home. Badal said they had a message for Sacred Wind. “Thank you for uniting our family.” COVID-19 PANDEMIC B R I N G S M O R E TECHNOLOGY Badal said the COVID-19 environment has created a huge surge in applications for broadband services from people who could not afford a monthly broadband service. Many became convinced of the need for communication links to hospitals, family members and online education. The company was contacted by three different school districts, a local university, and the Gallup Indian Medical Center to create broadband services for students and the hospital. Sacred Wind has partnered with Microsoft under the Airband Initiative to expand broadband access in McKinley, Cibola and San Juan counties to install free public access

Wi-Fi hotspots. The Airband Initiative was launched in 2017. “Our goal is to extend broadband access to three million unserved people in rural America by 2022,” Shelley McKinley, Vice President of the Microsoft Technology and Corporate Responsibility Group said. “The broadband gap disproportionately affects Americans who reside in rural areas, preventing millions from accessing the economic, educational and social benefits that broadband internet can provide. “According to the FCC and backed up by our own studies, Northwest New Mexico is one of the most underserved regions in the country when it comes to broadband availability. COVID-19 has put this reality into stark relief, leaving communities — including many in the Navajo Nation — without the ability to access telemedicine services, learn remotely, or work from home. “In light of the pandemic, we built on our existing partnership with Sacred Wind Communications, to move quickly and help connect the community,” McKinley noted. There are now seven Wi-Fi sites in the service territory, six of them were installed as part of the partnership with Microsoft, as were the

Roselyn and Christopher Atencio pose with their solar panel, installed at the converted tool shed where they live with their two children in the Upper Fruitland Chapter on Jan. 30, 2017. Photo Credit: Rico Alleva

set-ups in 60 homes. The public hotspots are: Red Rock Chapter House Tohajiilee Senior Center H u e r f a n o N H A (O j o Amarillo) Huerfano Chapter House Nageezi Chapter House Iyanbito Senior Center Upper Fruitland Chapter House An eighth one was set up at GIMC. Sacred Wind also installed a temporary Tower on Wheels in Tohajiilee to extend broadband to additional homes while they are waiting for rights of way permits for a permanent tower. That tower can be converted to Wi-Fi if it is needed there. The sites are active now, but they are not permanent. They will remain in place for the foreseeable future. Microsoft is covering the cost of equipment in some of the hotspot areas. It has also invested some money in the company’s infrastructure. Meantime, Sacred Wind has applied for a federal grant to expand its broadband. B a d a l s a id t he GI MC hotspot has already done something very important. It allowed a girl to talk to her grandfather

Kaleb Yazzie with his grandfather Johnson Ray, in front of a solar panel installed by Sacred Wind Communications in Upper Fruitland Jan. 31, 2017. Photo Credit: Rico Alleva for the last time. She went to the parking lot of the hospital and face-timed with her grandfather over her telephone the day before he died. REACHING OUT Badal said he wants to send a message out to the world for other companies that want to reach and serve tribal areas in the country. “The larger national companies that have built networks across America are not able to invest as much as the rural communities need [in order] to bring them up to Twenty-First Century communications [standards] because their business plan is built around providing

Sacred Wind employees pose after their Third Navajo Blessing Way Ceremony July 23, 2019 at the Yatahey Headquarters. From left they are: Karilyn Nastacio, Kim Lincoln, Nastacia Littleﬁsh, Roberta Begay, Sandra Howe, Shannon Claude, Leandra Curley. Photo Credit: Sacred Wind

John Badal, founder and president of Sacred Wind Communications. Photo Credit: Sacred Wind more profitable services in urban areas,” he explained. “Our model … is built around directly serving the rural communities using a mix of technologies that the larger companies can’t afford to do. We’ve seen that this model using landline and fi xed microwave has been really taking off,” he said. “And for the 500 tribes that don’t own and operate their own telephone systems, many of them can adopt this model.” Sacred Wind completed a broadband network for the Pueblo of Laguna in 2015 and is building, designing and training workers for another network on the Pueblo of Acoma. Badal has presented his model to six Sioux tribes in Montana at the Economic Development Office of the State and has held separate counseling sessions with other tribes from New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Washington State.

Broadband included in Moving Forward Act Staff Reports

hen House Democrats relea sed the Moving Forward Act (aka INVEST IN AMERICA ACT) to rebuild and modernize America’s infrastructure and create new, well-paying jobs for Americans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, they included a special concern of NEWS

Rep. Ben Ray Luján, D. N.M. — that of broadband access for rural and Tribal communities in New Mexico. “… I’m proud to h ave secured several broadband initiatives that will help bridge the digital divide and address the disparities that rural and T r iba l com mu n ities face. Ensuring that New Mexicans can access up-to-date publ ic hea lt h a nd educat ion

resources during this pandemic is crucial,” Luján said. The more than $1.5 trillion package invests $100 billion in broadba nd a nd includes Congressman Luján’s broadband legislation, the Broadba nd Infra str ucture Finance and Innovation Act, to spur deployment of highspeed inter net across the countr y through low- cost

financing for communities. It also includes legislation he introduced to connect school buses to Wi-Fi to address the homework gap that rural and Tribal students face and initiatives he’s championed to establish grant programs to promote digital equity. Less than half of rural New

BROADBAND | SEE PAGE 20

Congressman Ben Ray Ray Luján, D-N.M.

Gallup Sun • Friday July 3, 2020

WEEKLY DWI REPORT | FROM PAGE 8 Elias Rascon June 1, 9:27 pm DWI (Second)

McK i n ley C o u n t y Sheriff’s Sg t. Ta m my Houg ht a l i ng said she was driving south

on South Second Street when she noticed a vehicle that had problems staying in its lane. She followed and a few miles later did a traffic stop. She said Elias Rascon, 56, of Gallup, showed signs of being

intoxicated. He admitted to drinking a six pack of beer and had a miniature bottle of beer in his pocket. Rascon agreed to take the standard field sobriety tests and had problems following the

instructions. After failing the tests, he was arrested. He agreed to take the breath alcohol tests and posted two samples of .15. He was released on his own recognizance by a judge.

SCHOOL BREAK-IN | FROM PAGE 6 destruction of any property would benefit any one or any cause, let alone a tower of education and spiritual refuge like this,” Jamal Jawad said on social media about the incident. Hammons said if anyone would like to help the school out financially, more information can be found on their Facebook page. If someone is not in a position to help, the diocese requests for people to, “Say some prayers for us, say some prayers for the people that did it. Resorting to anger and blaming people is not productive,” Hammons said. As for who is responsible for the incident, the diocese had the following message: “We forgive you, but we hope you turn your energies to being productive in the community, because this helps nobody,” Hammons said. If you know anything about this crime, you are asked to call the Gallup Police at (505) 863-9365. The Diocese of Gallup Facebook page is facebook. com/dioceseofgallup/.

YAZZIE/MARTINEZ CASE | FROM PAGE 11 for short-term benefits, but it is a fight for the future of our Navajo people and for all tribes throughout the state who demand a fairness and equality for our youth. “We thank the court for making the r ight decision today. Navajo students, and a l l Nat ive A mer ic a n st udents, deser ve the highest quality education. The only way that will be achieved is

BROADBAND | FROM PAGE 19 Mexicans have access to fi xed, high-speed broadband, which is crucial for public health,

A damaged statue of Jesus lies on the ground at the Sacred Heart Catholic School, the result of malicious mischief at the school between June 25 and June 26. Photo Credit: Roman Catholic Diocese of Gallup

The aftermath of an act of vandalism that occurred at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Gallup between June 25 and 26. Gallup Police have no leads or suspects, but the incident is not believed to be a hate crime. Photo Credit: Roman Catholic Diocese of Gallup

if the(sic) New Mexico fully complies w ith the cour t’s order to increase education funding, improve educational opportunities, and meets the intent of the state’s Indian Education Act with decisive action.” Nez said. O n Ju ne 2 3, P re sident Ne z a n d V i c e P r e s i d e n t Lizer issued a letter to New Mexico State House Speaker Br ia n Egol f, D - S a nt a Fe, Majority Floor Leader Sheryl Stapleton, D-Bernalillo, New Mexico State Reps. Derrick Lente, D-Sandoval, San Juan,

Wonda Johnson, D-McKinley, San Juan, Anthony Allison, D-San Juan, and Georgene Louis, D-Bernalillo, opposing the motion to dismiss the case because the state has not complied with the spirit of the court’s order. “We want to let the State of New Mexico know that the Navajo Nation does not want a ny more sta lling tactics. Get on w ith fully funding India n education, prov ide the necessary school materials, and begin the systematic overhaul of the state’s

educational system so that our kids can enjoy the same quality education as other s chool ch i ld ren i n ot her pa r t s of t he st ate,” L i zer sa id. “We st a nd rea dy t o work together with the State of New Mexico.” T wo yea r s a f ter Judge Si n g let on’s deci sion, t he state of New Mexico has not yet implemented the systemic change required in the Order. State schools serving Navajo students have not provided quality or useful technical a s si s t a nce, g u id a nce, or

training needed to assist in the implementation of special education programs. The reports are of great concern to the Navajo Nation. “The court’s ruling today [June 29] reaffirms what we all have known for years — that the state failed to abide by the New Mexico Indian Education Act,” Nez sa id. “Our Navajo students are the foundation of our families, culture, and future, and they have every right to carry that forward. We will continue to fight for our students.”

safety, and education during the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislative package spurs innovation by creating a pilot program at the Nat iona l L aborator ies to

provide technical assistance to support the development of smart communities, and by establishing a $100 million smart cities and communities demonstration program at the

Department of Commerce. It also provides $5 billion in total for the construction, modernization, and renovation of hospitals and outpatient health care facilities

w it h i n t he I nd ia n Hea lt h S er v ice, wh ich h a s been at been on the front line of combating the COVID-19 pandemic in the hard-hit Navajo Nation.

20 Friday July 3, 2020 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS GALLUP SUN ARCHIVES Need a past issue? $2.00 per copy. Note issue date and send check or M.O. to: Gallup Sun, PO Box 1212, Gallup, NM 87305. Subject to availability. FOR SALE The Best CBD Products made - also make money become an affiliate!!! http://tinyurl.com/y4odwdz9 Paul rogers 928-245-2889 parog@rocketmail.com HELP WANTED June 24, 2020 McKinley County is now accepting applications for the following positions: POSITION Emergency Coordinator

DELIVERY DRIVER The Gallup Sun is hiring an independent contractor delivery driver. You must have a vehicle, valid driver’s license, registration, and insurance. Email resume or work history to: gallupsun@gmail.com *** The Community Pantry in Grants is looking to hire a temporary part-time worker, 20 hours a week: Tues., Wed., and Thurs. Job runs until Oct. 2. Pay is $9 hr. Call Karen Baca at (505) 287-5090

Emergency

FOR BEST CONSIDERATION DATE July 9, 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

Unit Number: 114 Name and Last Known Address of Occupant: BARBARA YAZZIE P.O. Box 1795 FRUITLAND, NM 87416 Description of Property: Couch, chairs, filing cabinets, misc boxes.. Unit Number: 118 Name and Last Known Address of Occupant: SHIRLEY SAM P.O. Box 174 CHAMBERS, AZ 86502 Description of Property: Entertainment shelves/ center, bed, coffee table, chairs, microwave, household goods

MOBILE HOMES FOR RENT

The sale or disposition of the above property will be held on Tuesday, the 7th of July 2020, at the hour of 10:00 am at AZTEC SELF STORAGE 261 North 491, Gallup, New Mexico.

Double Wide Mobile Home for rent 2 bedrooms/ 2 bath Gallup $800.00 Monthly Call Liz 505-879-1807 LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to the Self-Service Storage Lien Act of the State of New Mexico, Section 48-11-

The property can be viewed at 10:00 am the day of the sale. The property is subject to the Occupant redeeming the lien prior to the sale. This Notice is being published once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks. Published: The Gallup Sun June 26, 2020 July 3, 2020 *** Public Notice

OBITUARIES

+ŗŎ \ŜU OŞHG ŗH LQ WKH *DOOXS 6XQ IŎ )5(( 2QH KHDGVKRW DOOşHG Download form: gallupsun.com (obituaries page) or stop by office at 102 S. 2nd St. Let us design a custom tribute at an affordable rate! All obituaries are posted in our print and web editions!

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

Public Notice is hereby given that Gallup Business Improvement District, Inc. will conduct its regular monthly Board of Directors Meeting to be held virtually on Thursday, July 16, 2020 at 3 PM. The agenda and a dial-in number will be available 72 hours prior to the meeting from francis@gallupbid.com and on the City of Gallup website.

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 ADD’L 25 WORDS

EXTRAS – $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

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Gallup-McKinley County Animal Control Authority will consider the following action at its Regular Meeting to be held on Tuesday, July 14th, 2020 at 1 p.m. ITEM ONE: Quarterly Financial Report ITEM TWO: FY 2021 Final Approved Budget In accordance with the public health order issued by the New Mexico Department of Health, the meeting will be physically closed to the public; however, it will be accessible to the public via the following technology service: Facebook Live Stream through the City of Gallup’s Facebook page: https://www. facebook.com/CityOfGallup Members of the public may call in with questions and/or comments before or during the meeting at (505) 863-1240. Please leave your name and a return phone number. Copies of the Agenda are available on the City of Gallup’s website at: https://www. gallupnm.gov/agendacenter City of Gallup, McKinley County, New Mexico By: /S/ Alfred Abeita, City Clerk PUBLISH: 3 July 2020 Published: The Gallup Sun July 3, 2020

ASBESTOS INSPECTION SERVICES (3 YEAR INSPECTION) RFP-2021-02MA Commodity Code(s): 92658 As more particularly set out in the RFP documents, copies of which may be obtained by downloading from the GallupMcKinley County Schools eBidding platform website https://gmcs.bonfirehub.com/ portal/?tab= openOpportunities Sealed proposals for such will be received until 2:00 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on, July 30, 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. The Gallup-McKinley County School Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive any formalities or minor inconsistencies, and/or cancel this solicitation in its entirety. Dated the 1st Day of July 2020 By: /S/ Charles Long, President Board of Education Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 RFP ISSUE DATE: July 1, 2020 PUBLICATION DATES: July 3 & 10, 2020 (Gallup Sun) July 12, 2020 (Albuquerque Journal)

*** *** LEGAL NOTICE

Published: The Gallup Sun July 3, 2020 *** LEGAL NOTICE CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIEDS

sealed proposals for:

*** A hotel in Gallup seeks a worker for housekeeping/ laundry duties. Call Patricia: (505) 8797600

Management

DEPARTMENT Office of Management

7, that the following personal property will be sold or otherwise disposed of in order to satisfy a lien for delinquent rent and other related charges. The personal property is located at Aztec Self Storage, 261 North Highway 491, Gallup, New Mexico.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Public Notice is hereby provided that the Gallup-McKinley County Schools is accepting competitive

THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL COURT COUNTY OF CIBOLA

CLASSIFIEDS | SEE PAGE 22

Gallup Sun • Friday July 3, 2020

CLASSIFIEDS | FROM PAGE 21 STATE OF NEW MEXICO In the Matter of the Estate of PRAJERES CANDELERIA, Deceased No. D-1333-PB-2020-00006 NOTICE TO CREDITORS ARTURO CANDELERIA has been appointed Personal Representative of the Estate of PRAJERES CANDELERIA, 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 McKinley, New Mexico. Dated: June 23, 2020 PRAJERES CANDELERIA Personal Representative

Mason & Isaacson, P.A. James J. Mason Attorneys for Personal Representative 104 East Aztec Avenue Gallup, New Mexico 87301 (505) 722-4463 Printed: Gallup Sun July 3, 2020 July 10, 2020 July 17, 2020 *** NOTICE OF AIR QUALITY PERMIT APPLICATION McKinley Paper Company (MPC) announces its intent to apply to the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) for a new 20.2.72 NMAC air quality permit for its existing paper recycling and mill facility in Prewitt, New Mexico. MPC currently receives all process steam for its facility from Tri-State’s Prewitt Escalante Generating Station (PEGS) existing coalfired boiler. However, PEGS is scheduled for a permanent shut down in mid-September 2020, when the coal-fired boiler will permanently be taken offline. After mid-September, MPC will supply its own process steam

with the existing and new natural-gas fired steam boilers identified in this application. The date the notarized MPC permit application will be submitted to the NMED Air Quality Bureau is estimated to be July 13, 2020. MPC’s paper mill has been in commercial production since June 1, 1994. MPC’s physical location latitude 35°, 24’, 38.21” N and longitude 108°, 05’, 10.79” W, NAD83, which is approximately 3.9 miles northwest of Prewitt, NM in McKinley County. The facility processes a maximum of 900 tons per day of recycled “old corrugated cardboard” (OCC) into new cardboard paper stock. With this application, the facility is applying for construction and operation of the existing OCC processing plant, an existing 190 MMBtu/hr natural gas-fired steam boiler (presently owned and operated by PEGS), a new 166.8 MMBtu/hr natural gas-fired steam boiler, three (3) existing cooling towers, an existing water treatment facility (presently owned and operated by PEGS), and an existing 375 horsepower diesel-fired fire pump engine. The estimated maximum quantities of any regulated air contaminants will be as follows in pound per hour (pph) and tons per year (tpy). These reported emissions could change slightly during the course of the department’s review:

CLASSIFIEDS Read online at gallupsun.com If you have any comments about the construction or operation of this facility, and you want your comments to be made as part of the permit review process, you must submit your comments in writing to this address: Permit Programs Manager; New Mexico Environment Department; Air Quality Bureau; 525 Camino de los Marquez, Suite 1; Santa Fe, New Mexico; 87505-1816; (505) 476-4300; 1 800 224-7009; https:// www.env.nm.gov/aqb/permit/ aqb_draft_permits.html. Other comments and questions may be submitted verbally. With your comments, please refer to the company name and facility name, or send a copy of this notice along with your

Pollutant:

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

Pounds per hour PM 10 (Total Facility) 2.79 pph PM 2.5 (Total Facility) 2.36 pph Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) 0.41 pph Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) 30.6 pph Carbon Monoxide (CO) 31.0 pph Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) 4.81 pph Total sum of all Hazardous Air 3.62 pph Pollutants (HAPs) Toxic Air Pollutant (TAP) 0.29 pph Green House Gas Emissions as Total n/a CO2e The maximum and standard operating schedule (or “potential to emit”) of the MPC plant is 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, and a maximum of 52 weeks per year for annual operating hours of 8760 hours per year. The owner and operator of the Pinon Energy Center is:

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

22 Friday July 3, 2020 • Gallup Sun

McKinley Paper Company 4600 Williams St SE Albuquerque, New Mexico 87105

Tons per year 7.78 tpy 6.69 tpy 1.24 tpy 86.1 tpy 76.8 tpy 17.2 tpy 13.4 tpy 0.49 tpy <75,000 tpy

comments. This information is necessary since the Department may have not yet received the permit application. Please include a legible return mailing address. Once the Department has completed its preliminary review of the application and its air quality impacts, the Department’s notice will be published in the legal section of a newspaper circulated near the facility location. Attención

Este es un aviso de la Agencia de Calidad de Aire del Departamento de Medio Ambiente de Nuevo México, acerca de las emisiones producidas por un establecimiento en esta área. Si usted desea información en español, por favor de comunicarse con la oficina de Calidad de Aire al teléfono 505476-5557. Notice of Non-Discrimination NMED does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age or sex in the administration of its programs or activities, as required by applicable laws and regulations. NMED is responsible for coordination of compliance efforts and receipt of inquiries concerning non-discrimination requirements implemented by 40 C.F.R. Part 7, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 13 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972. If you have any questions about this notice or any of NMED’s non- discrimination programs, policies or procedures, you may contact: Kristine Pintado, NonDiscrimination Coordinator, New Mexico Environment Department, 1190 St. Francis Dr., Suite N4050, P.O. Box 5469, Santa Fe, NM 87502, (505) 827-2855, nd.coordinator@state. nm.us. If you believe that you have been discriminated against with respect to a NMED program or activity, you may contact the Non-Discrimination Coordinator identified above or visit our website at https://www.env. nm.gov/NMED/EJ/index.html to learn how and where to file a complaint of discrimination. CLASSIFIEDS

CALENDAR

COMMUNITY CALENDAR JULY 3 – JULY 9, 2020 SUNDAY, July 5

URGENT CARE RMCHCS

Sun 12-5 (520 NM Hwy 564, north of the New Mexico Cancer Center) MONDAY, July 6

DRIVE-UP COVID-19 TESTING

9 am-11:30 am @ UNM Gallup Lions Hall parking lot (705 Gurley Ave.)

RMCHCS COVID-19 DRIVE-UP TESTING

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

RMCHCS COVID-19 ADMISSIONS SCREENING

24 hours a day, 7 days a week; inside RMCHCS by the Emergency Admissions area.

REDROCK CLINIC

8 am – 12 pm and 1 pm-5 pm (1900 Redrock Dr.)

COLLEGE CLINIC

8 am – 12 pm and 1 pm-5 pm (2111 College Dr.) TUESDAY, July 7

COVID-19 TESTING DRIVE-UP EVENT

9 AM-12 PM @ Casamero Lake Chapter. Testing is for eligible beneficiaries. No appointment needed. For more information contact the Div. of Public Health: (505) 7866294; (505) 786-6240.

RMCHCS COVID-19 DRIVE-UP TESTING

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

RMCHCS COVID-19 ADMISSIONS SCREENING

24 hours a day, 7 days a week; inside RMCHCS by the Emergency Admissions area.

REDROCK CLINIC

8 am – 12 pm and 1 pm-5 pm (1900 Redrock Dr.)

COLLEGE CLINIC

8 am – 12 pm and 1 pm-5 pm (2111 College Dr.) WEDNESDAY, July 8

DRIVE-UP COVID-19 TESTING

9 am-11:30 am @ UNM Gallup Lions Hall parking lot (705 Gurley Ave.)

RMCHCS COVID-19 DRIVE-UP TESTING

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

RMCHCS COVID-19 ADMISSIONS SCREENING

24 hours a day, 7 days a week; inside RMCHCS by the Emergency Admissions area.

REDROCK CLINIC

8 am – 12 pm and 1 pm-5 pm (1900 Redrock Dr.)

COLLEGE CLINIC

8 am – 12 pm and 1 pm-5 pm (2111 College Dr.)

NEW MEXICO SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM INFORMATION SESSION

10 am-11 am webinar. You can join through Skype Meetings app from lync13-ext. sandia.gov or by calling (505) 844-5300, (877) 720-1159, or (888) 771-4500. When prompted, enter the conference ID of 3069668451# THURSDAY, July 9

RMCHCS COVID-19 DRIVE-UP TESTING

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

RMCHCS COVID-19 ADMISSIONS SCREENING

24 hours a day, 7 days a week; inside RMCHCS by the Emergency Admissions area.

REDROCK CLINIC

8 am – 12 pm and 1 pm-5 pm (1900 Redrock Dr.)

COLLEGE CLINIC

8 am – 12 pm and 1 pm-5 pm (2111 College Dr.)

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.

Governor issues executive clemency to 19 Staff Reports

A N TA F E – G o v. Michelle Lu jan Grisham issued the first pardons of her administration on June 26, invoking her power of executive clemency for 19 individuals convicted of crimes in New Mexico, most of whom were guilty of non-violent offenses. T he forg iven of fen se s included forgery, drug possession, burglary, larceny, issuing a worthless check and conspiracy, among others. All were at least a decade old, the most recent having occurred in

2007; some dated back several decades. The majority of the applicants provided clemency by Lujan Grisham had also previously applied for pardons under the previous administrations of Susana Martinez or Bill Richardson. “The power of executive clemency is an exercise in compassion,” Lujan Grisham said. “Each of us, in our own way, in our own lives, has the obligation to find forgiveness in our hearts for those individuals who have paid their debts, who have expressed genuine contrition and made sincere

and forthright amends for their offenses. “The governor’s power of executive clemency is an avenue for that exercise available to me, and I am humbled by the opportunity to deliver it. My administration will continue to evaluate all applicants in a responsible, methodical and even-handed manner,” she said. Article V, Section 6 of the New Mexico Constitution provides that the “governor shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons, after conviction for all offenses except treason and in cases of impeachment.” The governor’s decision

to pardon is “unrestrained by any consideration other than the conscience and wisdom and the sense of public duty of the governor.” The governor does not have authority to pardon convictions for violations of municipal ordinances or convictions from another jurisdiction, such as convictions from other states and convictions under federal law. The gover nor’s pa rdon restores certain fundamental rights, such as the right to vote, the right to hold public office, and other positions of public trust, and the right to bear

Stock Photo arms. T he gover nor refer s requests for executive clemency to the state Parole Board, which conducts investigations and provides non-binding recommendations. The Parole Board recommended clemency in each of the 19 cases. Pardons are fi led with the Office of the Secretary of State.

No appointment needed for COVID-19 testing for food industry workers Staff Reports

s part of the state’s proactive testing efforts to identify, isolate and trace new cases, the Department of Health has designated special statewide COVID-19 testing hours for all employees who work to provide New Mexican families with food, including workers at restaurants, grocery stores, farmers’ markets, distribution centers and food manufacturing facilities. The McKinley County location for the testing has changed since NMDOH first announced it on June 10. McKinley County Nurse Manager Erica Marquez CALENDAR

told the Gallup Sun that the location for testing in July will be at 705 Gurley Ave., Lions Hall parking lot at the campus of UNM-Gallup and will be held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am-11:30 am. She also said a plan is currently in place to roll out an app in July that will allow those who wish to, to register online for an appointment. But she was emphatic that appointments are not necessary for food industry workers to get tested in McKinley County. “Our essential food industry workers continue to help New Mexican families access food,” New Mexico Environment Department Cabinet Secretary

James Kenney said. “Now we can help our essential food industry workers access proactive testing for COVID-19. Food industry employers are strongly urged to take advantage of this testing.” “Broadscale testing will ultimately result in more lives saved,” Department of Health Cabinet Secretary Kathy Kunkel said. “Even as we reopen, COVID-19 is still out there, and we must continue to be vigilant.” “Part of the New Mexico Restaurant Association’s mission is to ‘protect the hospitality industry in New Mexico,’ and we feel that encouraging participation in this widespread testing effort is our duty under

that promise,” Carol Wight, CEO of the New Mexico Restaurant Association said. “Making testing readily accessible to our industry protects our employees and customers, and we ask that every New Mexico restaurant consider doing their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 by encouraging their staff to get tested.” Ma ny people who a re infected with coronavirus may not experience any symptoms while still having the potential to pass the virus onto others, making large scale testing incredibly important in preventing its spread — and keeping New Mexico on a path toward reopening the economy.

Testing as many food industry workers as possible builds consumer confidence while helping employers minimize their occupational risk of an asymptomatic employee spreading the disease in the workplace. If proactive testing identifies a positive case, the New Mexico Environment Department and Department of Health will contact the employer about the appropriate next steps to take to prevent the spread of the virus, including disinfection and follow-up testing. Proactive testing can minimize disruption to operations. Testing is free, but those who have insurance should bring their cards with them.

Gallup Sun • Friday July 3, 2020

24 Friday July 3, 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ Gallup Sun

SPORTS