Gallup Sun • September 25, 2020 by gallupsun

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VOL 6 | ISSUE 287 | SEPTEMBER 25, 2020

Gallup to get $1 million Infrastructure improvements coming to West Logan Avenue By Beth Blakeman Associate Editor

a llup is about to receive a million dollars for a street and drainage improvement project on West Logan Avenue between Ninth Street and Seventh Street. The application, which identifies the project as West Logan Avenue (6th to 9th St.) Street & Drainage Project, will not include improvements to Sixth Street at this time. Funding is currently available to complete two of the three blocks, starting from Ninth Street and moving east to Seventh Street at a cost of just over $1.27 million. The infrastructure funding

is part of the state’s investment in Community Development Block Grants in municipal and county governments. New Mexico Lt. Gov. Howie Morales told the Gallup Sun Sept. 23 that the award was made by t he Com mu n it y Development Council through the Dept. of Finance and Administration using state taxes and federal dollars. These funds have been made available for years for a variety of infrastructure projects. This year, however, is different. “They’re for essential projects that will help during the COVID pandemic to revitalize communities,” Morales stated. He explained that while many presentations are given,

not every project gets funded through CDBG. Many that got awarded this year may not have been recipients in 2019. One of the things that helps tip the scales toward an application win, is when the presentation demonstrates how the dollars received can be leveraged into added dollars for the community in question. “Ca n ot her dol la r s be accessed to double or triple those funds?” Morales asked. The West Logan Avenue Street and Drainage Project applied for $1 million with matching funds of $100,000, plus over $170,000 in leveraging and construction management. How will Gallup be helped by these funds? According to the

presentation, 27 households are located in the project area in the historic Chihuahuita Neighborhood near downtown Gallup. “This project can be the catalyst for community revita lization, redevelopment through blight elimination and reinvestment, as prioritized in the City’s Growth Management Plan. This project has critical priority for the health, safety, and welfare of the community,” the application stated. In particular it will: ∙ Improve walkability and accessibility by increasing mobility and creating safe routes ∙ Improve utilities a nd infrastructure for safe access to water, wastewater, and fi re

suppression ∙ I mprove st or mwat er drainage systems to prevent flooding or the formation of standing water that has potential health risks, diseases, and infestations ∙ Improve and uplift bicycle and pedestrian safety ∙ Proactively replace waterlines to prevent future line failures and breaks ∙ Increase sense of place, pride, and property values ∙ Catalyze local investment and efforts to improve neighborhoods and reduce blight ∙ Increase economic vitality through property improvement projects

$1 MILLION | SEE PAGE 20

Heritage Month SEPT. 15 - OCT. 15

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Friday September 25, 2020 • Gallup Sun

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Gallup Sun • Friday September 25, 2020

9/15/20 1:39 PM

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LOCAL NEWS

City extends recreation center closures, furloughs By Cody Begaye Sun Correspondent

n June, the Gallup City Council approved the FY21 city budget, which included numerous reductions in services on city revenues and the governor’s public health orders restricting in-person gatherings due to the impact of the COVID pandemic. As a result, the budget called for the closure of city recreation centers, including Larry Brian Mitchell, Harold Runnels, the Aquatic Center, El Morro Theatre and Events

Center, Cecil Garcia Fitness Center and Red Rock Park Convention Center and Arena through Sept. 30. M e m b e r s h i p s fo r t h e Aquatic Center a nd Cecil Garcia Fitness Center were suspended as well. Fifty-four full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees were also furloughed through Sept. 30. About half of the positions were seasonal, and some furloughed employees were hired for other positions within the city. During the city council’s Sept. 22 meeting, City Manager Maryann Ustick said since they

Gallup City Manager Maryann Ustick File Photo have not received word when public centers will be able to open under the public health orders, the city recommended they extend the closures and furloughs through Oct. 31.

“No one can predict the course of this pandemic, but the best guidance I got from the Governor’s Office is there won’t be any changes in the restrictions in the next 30 days,” Ustick said. Dist. 4 Councilor Fran Palochak asked how quickly the city could bring furloughed employees back into work if the governor’s orders were to change. Ustick said the city would not be able to instantly reopen facilities or br ing employees back in and train them in proper procedures. “In the meantime, facility

staff are ordering cleaning supplies and PPE. We would probably need about a week to get that done. If we do get advance notice and I have asked for it, that will help us a bit,” Ustick said. Dist. 2 Councilor Michael Schaaf wanted to note it is difficult for the employees to continue to be furloughed. Ustick said the federal aid of $300600 a week has helped those employees, along with continued health insurance payments from the city. The city moved to extend the closures and furloughs until Oct. 31 by a 5-0 vote.

Thoreau Elementary School holds grand opening, building dedication By Cody Begaye Sun Correspondent

he sky was clear on the morning of Sept. 15, which fit the mood at the new Thoreau Elementary School. Members from the GallupMcK inley County Schools Board of Education and staff from Thoreau Elementary were present for a grand opening ceremony and blessing of the new building. Numerous guests, students, and community members also attended the ceremony, following the proper safety protocols. Thoreau Elementary Principal Daryl Antone welcomed the crowd to what he called a wonderful, momentous event. “Our students, staff, and community members have been looking forward to this day for quite some time,” Antone said. Antone expressed his gratitude to the district superintendent; associate superintendents Tim Bond, Jvanna Hanks, and Dr. Pauletta White; and the five Board of Education members.

Students, staﬀ, and community members attended a grand opening ceremony for the new Thoreau Elementary School building on Sept. 15. Photo Credit: Courtesy “They have worked very hard to make this building a reality for our students, staff, and community members,” he said. Antone also thanked a number of school dignitaries including Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and several state senators, all of whom he said were instrumental in making the new building a reality. “We have not only looked forward to this new elementary school building, but for it to instill a new desire in our students to continue to strive

forward towards excellence,” Antone said. “We encourage our students to be successful and become good community members and instill a desire for them to become educators in our Thoreau community.” Dist. 3 Boa rd Member Priscilla Manuelito was present for the ceremony. She spoke about the importance of the community’s roots and relationships. “My mom [has been here] for 45, 50 years. I see a lot of our colleagues here for our children. You know after that many years,

The Gallup-McKinley County Schools Board of Education, students and staﬀ from Thoreau Elementary School, and guest speakers stand in front of the new Thoreau Elementary School building during a ceremony on Sept. 15. District Superintendent Mike Hyatt said the building is the result of years of planning and eﬀort. Photo Credit: Courtesy the teachers and community are not just doing this for a paycheck. They’re doing it because they love our children,” she said. Manuelito attended Thoreau Elementary School and she said she formed many longtime friendships at the school, and the same could happen to current students. “The coaches, staff, cooks, and everyone else at the school, you touch the lives of these students. You guys are making a difference in their lives,

and what more can we say but ‘thank you’,” Manuelito said. Superintendent Mike Hyatt said it was a happy day for the community, but also a bittersweet one. “I have a lot of fond memories of the old school. It was actually the building that brought me to New Mexico when my wife started teaching

THOREAU ELEMENTARY | SEE PAGE 20

WHAT’S INSIDE …

9 4

TRIBAL VOTING Hear from an outreach director from the Democratic Party of New Mexico

NAVAJO HEMP The latest battle between growers, courts

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Friday September 25, 2020 • Gallup Sun

'SAVANNA'S,' 'NOT INVISIBLE' ACTS Addressing murdered, missing Indigenous women

OUT-OF-STATE QUARANTINE Restrictions loosen on travel from two states

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STOP THE BIDDING A national effort to stop oil, gas development in the Arctic NEWS

CARES Small Business Continuity Grant Eligible businesses can qualify for up to $10,000 in funding. Funding is first-come first-serve. Apply now! Any business within the City of Gallup that meets the following eligibility criteria: 1. Business must have a physical location in the City of Gallup and no more than 1-50 full-time employees, or equivalent part-time employees, including the owner. 2. The business is headquartered (80% or more of the business is conducted) in the City of Gallup. 3. The business has a current business registration and has been in business prior to March 1, 2019. 4. Restaurants, bars, short-term lodging, and other non-essential organizations impacted by the local or state stay-at-home orders. 5. City of Gallup residents who engage in 1099 contract work (with a City business license). 6. Funds must be used toward overhead costs incurred or estimated as a result of required closures, provided those costs are not paid by insurance or by any other federal, state, or local program. Such costs may include employee wages, rent, or other organization expenses. These costs must be from March 2020- December 2020. A maximum of $10,000 may be requested by the applicant. 7. Business revenues must not exceed 2 million dollars.

For information call (505) 722-2228 To apply visit: www.tinyurl.com/citygrant

Mayor Louie Bonaguidi Councilor Linda Garcia Councilor Michael Schaaf Councilor Yogash Kumar Councilor Fran Palochak

vector createdSeptember by pch.vector - www.freepik.com Gallup Sun â&#x20AC;˘People Friday 25, 2020

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PUBLIC SAFETY

WEEKLY DWI REPORT Staff Reports FEATURED DWI Tommy Sam Sept. 19, 9:01 am DWI (Fourth) Routine patrols turned into a drunk driver bust for Gallup

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 A resident walks past a puddle at the intersection of Logan Avenue and Eighth Street in Gallup Sept. 23. Photo by: C. Hoover The Gallup Sun, published Fridays, is not responsible or liable for any claims or offerings, nor responsible for availability of products advertised. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Gallup Sun distributes newspapers in McKinley, Cibola and Apache counties. Office: 102 S. Second St., Gallup, NM 87301 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Gallup Sun, PO Box 1212, Gallup, NM. Mailing Address: PO Box 1212 Gallup, NM 87305 www.gallupsun.com Phone: (505) 722-8994 Fax: (505) 212-0391 gallupsun@gmail.com Letter to the editor/guest column ACCEPTED BY EMAIL ONLY. State full name and city/town. No pen names. ID required. All submissions subjected to editor’s approval. Guest columnists, email Sun for submission requirements.

Patrolman Cameron Long. Long was dispatched to a residence on Zia Court in reference to a welfare check on a maroon car parked in front of the house with two male passengers who started yelling and making a disturbance. After being told the suspect

vehicle was parked at the intersection of Toltec Drive and Chaco Drive, Long arrived at the scene and found the vehicle parked facing west. One of the men was lying on the ground next to the passenger’s side door. The other man, Tommy Sam, 50, of Mentmore, was standing on the sidewalk. Sam told Long he had left the vehicle to check on his friend, who was lying on the ground next to the car. He said he had been driving his friends earlier, but later said he was not driving the car. Long asked Sam if he had been drinking, and while

Sam denied it at fi rst, he eventually admitted to drinking an unspecified amount and type of alcohol prior to driving. Long found an empty bottle of Importers in the car, which also smelled of alcohol. Long noted Sam had bloodshot eyes, smelled of liquor, and swayed as he stood in place. Sam refused to take the standard field sobriety tests. Another officer spoke to Long at the scene and told him a witness described to him what had happened. After the car pulled up to the spot where Long found it, the second man

Weekly Police Activity Reports Staff Reports VEHICLE THIEVES Gallup, Sept. 17 An evening patrol resulted

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Friday September 25, 2020 • Gallup Sun

in four Gallup police officers tracking down and arresting two suspects who stole a vehicle. Officers Jarad Albert and Domenic Molina were on patrol on Highway 66 about 8:46 pm when Molina identified a vehicle driving next to him and advised Albert he recognized

t he veh icle from a prior incident and suspected the vehicle was stolen. Metro Dispatch advised and c o n f i r m e d Carles Blackgoat t h e v e h ic le

rolled out of the vehicle and Sam got out of the vehicle to check on him. The officer also said Sam told him he had been driving. Ba sed on t he w it nes s reports and evidence, Long placed Sam under arrest. As he did a pat down search, Long found the keys to the vehicle and searched it on the National Crime Information Center and confirmed it was registered to Sam. Metro Dispatch advised Long

DWI REPORTS | SEE PAGE 20 had been stolen. Albert activated the lights on his unit to conduct a traffic stop. The suspect vehicle pulled over near the 66 Laundromat, 1003 W. Hwy. 66, and both Albert and Molina parked their units behind and in front of the suspect vehicle. They were joined shortly

POLICE ACTIVITY | SEE PAGE 20

PUBLIC SAFETY

A Standard Drink

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1.5 fl oz of 80 proof liquor Gallup Sun â&#x20AC;¢ Friday September 25, 2020

Vehicle crashes into Yatahey store Staff Reports

olice were called to the Fa mily Dolla r store in Yatahey about 8:09 pm on Sept. 21 after being told a vehicle had abruptly left the scene, but not because of theft or violence.

McKinley County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Deputy Paul Davis Jr. was dispatched to the store after being advised that a vehicle had crashed into the west side of the building and then left and traveled in an unknown direction. The vehicle was described as a teal four-door passenger sedan

State Police investigate I-40 rollover Staff Reports

U A D A L U P E COUNTYâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; The New Mexico State Police investigated a fatal rollover on Interstate 40, near mile post 256, west of Santa Rosa, N.M. Sept. 20 around 7:59 pm.

The initial investigation shows a 2004 GMC pickup, driven by Bernardo Garcia, of Glorieta, was traveling west on Interstate 40. The GMC left the interstate at exit 256 and rolled, killing Garcia. Neither alcohol, nor seatbelts seem to be the cause. No other information is available.

with New Mexico license plates. Dav is saw t he Nava jo E s t a t e sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Volu n t e e r F i r e Department on scene when he arrived. He also saw a large hole and other damage on the west side of the building. Davis made contact with the store manager and checked the

damage from the inside. One restroom and a storage and office room had been damaged. An employee told Davis he was working the register at the time of the incident when he heard a loud crash outside. He looked out and saw a sport utility type vehicle driving off. Deputy Clayton Etsitty arrived and took over the

investigation while Davis investigated the crash scene. He saw teal paint transfers from the vehicle onto the side of the building along with tire marks in the Yatahey Gas Station parking lot. The tire marks showed the vehicle had driven off quickly. There are no suspects, and the investigation is ongoing.

Police seeking holder of counterfeit bill Staff Reports

m a n ent er e d t he Speedway store in Thoreau after 8 pm on Sept. 16, purchased several items, and paid for them with a $100 bill. Sometime after the man left, however, store clerks discovered the bill was counterfeit. The McKinley County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Department is seeking the publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assistance in locating and identifying the suspect caught on the storeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s security footage. Eyewitness reports describe the suspect as an Hispanic male, An unidentiďŹ ed man paid for items at the Speedway store in Thoreau using a counterabout 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;5â&#x20AC;? to 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;7â&#x20AC;? with a stocky feit $100 bill on the night of Sept. 16. Police are asking for the publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s help in locating build. He is possibly in his late the suspect. Photo Credit: MCSO 30s or early 40s, and he had tattoos on both arms. If you have any information about this The investigation is ongoing. case, contact MCSO at (505)722-7205.

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Democratic Party of New Mexico looks to Outreach Organizer to spread awareness By Cody Begaye Sun Correspondent

he 2020 Presidential Election is getting closer, and organizers and supporters of both political parties are gearing up. Whether it is encouraging people to register to vote or building support for their respective candidates, the coming weeks will be a frenzy for groups like the Democratic Party of New Mexico. As part of getting the word out about being registered to vote and voting safely, DPNM recently brought on a director exclusively for outreach to Tribal nations, Kianna Holian. The Sun spoke with Holian about her role and the upcoming election on Sept. 23. WHY OUTREACH? Originally from the Pueblo of Cochiti, Holian attended the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, which she said deepened her passion for serving New Mexico. “I learned about different tribes and Pueblos across the state, and I didn’t know about all the differences until I went back to my reservation,” Holian said. “That’s where I

INDIAN COUNTRY

gained the knowledge of what I wanted to do.” Holian said she was drawn to the position with DPNM because she would be able to do outreach on a larger scale, which she now does across the state. She has been in her position for about two months. “It’s been going well. I enjoy reaching out to community members,” she said. “I’ve seen that New Mexico is really connected because you’ll see people from the community talking with each other and telling you where to go.” She added DPNM is excited to ramp up their outreach and support efforts as the election looms. “The countdown is on,” she said. OUTREACH DUTIES At its core, Holian said the goal of an outreach director is to build lasting relations between Tribal governments and DPNM. “We have to learn what we can offer to them for support, as well as give advice of when and where they can vote,” she said. With the COVID-19 pandemic on people’s minds, Holian said DPNM is looking for safe and unique ways to spread the word about voting

safely and correctly. “We want to make sure they’re aware of changed polling locations,” Holian said. “Most places are only open for one day for early voting, so we make sure they know that, too. “We are really highlighting the different ways people can vote. I’ve also been partnering with the voter protection team to create a hotline to help people who have questions about voting,” she added. Holian said the level of awareness of voting means varies depending on whether a community has the right coordinator in place. “In our tribal communities with a designated voting coordinator or voting community, they’re on top of it,” she said. “Those people are working on census duties and preparing communities to vote. But in some smaller communities that don’t have that dedicated

person, they’re working on getting the word out.” It is primarily the more remote or rural communities that lack a dedicated coordinator, she added. NEXT STEPS As Election Day draws closer, Holian is going to be an additional point of contact for Tribal communities. Ultimately, Holian will make sure Tribal communities are aware of the voting process and spread the word about when and where to vote safely. “If Tribal members want to receive direct information about the election, they would reach out to me and their county clerks,” she said. “I’m also working closely with the Native American Democratic Caucus and we’re focused on getting the whole state to vote.” As part of this outreach, Holian said DPNM is going to hold a virtual Indigenous People’s Day event on Oct. 12. “We are planning to have a lot of community members come and speak at this event,” she said. “Everyone’s really

Kianna Holian, Tribal Outreach Director for the Democratic Party of New Mexico. Photo Credit: NMDemocrats excited about it and it’ll [be a] good way to gather people virtually. We want to bring people together to celebrate, have fun, and also inform the communities to make sure they vote.” Voters can visit DPNM’s website at https://nmdemocrats.org/voter-education/ to find additional information, such as information on registration and voting and volunteer opportunities. Voters can also contact the DPNM Election Hotline at 1-833-NM4DEMS.

Gallup Sun • Friday September 25, 2020

Hemp not welcomed by Navajo Nation GROWERS ARE PERSISTENT Staff Reports

he Nav a jo Pol ice Department has been a d d r e s s i n g he m p fa r m issues si nce 2019, when hemp growth was fi rst reported. Now the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission is being called in to help. On Sept 18, the Shiprock District Cour t approved a Navajo Nation motion for a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction order to stop hemp farm cultivation and an extensive operation to enforce that decision was initiated. A n estimated 36 hemp farms have been identified in the Shiprock, Cudeii, Hogback and Fruitland, N.M. areas. Several officers from each district have been assigned to address complaints related to hemp farm operations. Despite the court’s injunction, the department continues to receive reports that hemp farms are continuing

Navajo Nation EPA Executive Director Oliver B. Whaley, Attorney General Doreen N. McPaul, and Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez met with Navajo farmers in and near Shiprock, N.M. Sept 3 to discuss concerns about hemp production. Photo Credit: OPVP operations and has informed la nd coordinators who oversee these sites that all activ ities are to stop and noncompliance will result in arrest. A hemp cultivation case filed June 12 against Dineh Bena lly, Native A mer ica n Agr iculture Compa ny a nd Navajo Gold Company sought to stop the growth, production

Friday September 25, 2020 • Gallup Sun

and sale of hemp within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation. Shiprock District Court said Sept. 10 that it would consider the Navajo Nation’s mot ion for a t empor a r y restraining order and request for a preliminary injunction to stop Benally’s hemp operation pending resolution of the case. However, as of Sept. 22,

Oﬃcers of the Navajo Police Department monitor hemp farms in areas within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation. Photo Credit: NPD the NPD continues to receive daily reports of noncompliance and news of hemp workers continuing to access hemp farms. NPD sa id Bena l ly is a llegedly infor ming hemp far m workers to continue operations and is intentionally putting them in a position of violating a Navajo Nation court order. “This is a unique situation,

as a majority of the employees tending to these hemp farms may have been brought to this area to work under false pretenses,” NPD Chief Phillip Francisco said. “We recognize this situation is expanding to other areas outside of public safety and we are actively working to

HEMP | SEE PAGE 23

INDIAN COUNTRY

‘Savanna’s,’ ‘Not Invisible’ Acts pass MISSING, MURDERED INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ CRISIS TO BE ADDRESSED Staff Reports

I N D O W ROCK, Ariz.— Members of the 24t h Nava jo Nation Council expressed appreciation on the passage of Savanna’s Act by the U.S. House of Representatives on Sept. 21. Savanna’s Act directs the Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice to begin addressing missing or murdered Native Americans on a countrywide scale through Tribal consultation and the development of inter-agency case management and reporting protocols. The same day, the House also approved the Not Invisible Act which creates the U.S. Department of the Interior and the USDOJ joint commission on reducing violent crime against Indians. “As Navajo leaders, we hear, all too often, the tragic stories of our missing or murdered Diné [Navajo] relatives,” Cou nci l Delegat e A mber K a n a zba h Crot t y st at ed. “Savanna’s Act recognizes that a deeper change is needed throughout all levels of law enforcement in order to establish justice for our people. “The Navajo Nation joins all Tribal nations in pushing for the systemic changes necessary for equity and parity in cases involving Native American people.” The bill is named for Spirit Lake Sioux Tribal member Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind from North Dakota. Savanna was murdered in 2017 while pregnant

with a daughter. The responses by local public safety officials and law enforcement agencies was scrutinized for a lack of responsiveness and coordination once Savanna’s immediate family reported her missing. “The job of addressing missing and murdered Diné relatives is never-ending and is something that requires our collective efforts to reverse the violence infl icted on and within Native American tribal communities,” Crotty stated. “Survivors and families of countless missing and murdered should have a space at the center of the federal, state, local and Tribal efforts. “These families are supported by volunteers and community groups doing the best they can to address the missing and murdered crisis throughout Indian Country. I continue to call on the federal government to establish permanent funding that will sustain wraparound services to aid survivors and families.” Savanna’s Act directs the USDOJ to establish a training program at all levels of government, including Tribal law enforcement, to identify and record Native American victims in federal databases. The USDOJ is also directed to provide more extensive and targeted outreach to the public and Tribal organizations in the use of the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System and other portals. The Act establishes additional directives to the USDOJ

2003 W. Hwy 66 Gallup, NM 87301

(505)722-8969 INDIAN COUNTRY

to develop public websites for law enforcement agencies to share strategies and models for implementing the guidance developed to address missing or murdered Native Americans. Federal law enforcement agencies are also directed to begin collecting and tabulating data directly related to missing or murdered Native Americans on an annual basis. This data will also include the number of cases and reports that develop over a years-long period to track the effectiveness of the USDOJ’s revised protocols. Savann a’s Act fur ther establishes grants for implementing guidelines and creates a Tribal consultation process to aid in guideline development. “The passage of Savanna’s Act is a major milestone in the pursuit of justice for our Native American relatives that are missing or were victims of murder,” Speaker Seth Damon said. “Too often, cases involving Indigenous peoples don’t receive the same level of attention from law enforcement agencies.

“ These system ic issues require a n extensive amount of evaluation and consultation, and we, as Nava jo People, a re ready to engage in this process of creating a more accountable and responsive law enforcement system,” he continued. “ The i ncrea sed federal support is welcomed. However, we still need to tackle this issue from a community lens and honor the work of the families and advocates,” Navajo Nation Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty Crotty sa id. “A s a Photo Credit: Navajo Nation Oﬃce of the Speaker Navajo leader, I will call for accountability to ensure we are taking a well-rounded and com- surrounding awareness and prehensive approach to this prevention, promote commucrisis.” nity healing and provide policy D e le g a t e C r o t t y i s a recommendations to Navajo co-founder of the Missing and leadership. Murdered Diné Relatives grassBoth Savanna’s Act and the roots collective of volunteers Not Invisible Act must now be working to establish a data signed by President Trump to institute, create programming become law.

Mon - Sat. 8am - 5pm Sunday 8am - 2pm

Gallup Sun • Friday September 25, 2020

STATE & REGION

NEWS

Positive COVID cases in New Mexico public schools SIX NEW POSITIVE CASES, FIVE STAFF, ONE STUDENT Staff Reports

ANTA FE — The Public Education Department a nnounced six new positive ca ses of COVID-19 in the 24 hours ending at 4 pm Sept. 24. Rapid response has been initiated, and all pertinent information has been verified with the schools and school districts. The following new cases were

reported: • Two staff members at two public schools in Eddy County were infected. They were last on campus Sept. 14 and 18. • One case at a public school in Chaves County that is in the remote learning mode. The infected individual is a staff member who was last on school property Sept. 18. • One case at a public school in Doña Ana County

in the remote learning mode. The staff member involved was last on district property Sept. 17. • One case at a public school in Lincoln County is a staff member who was last on school property Sept. 18. • One case at a public school in Sandoval County. The infected individual is a student who was last on school property Sept. 18.

In all cases, staff members and parents and guardians of all students in the affected schools have been notified of the positive cases. Affected classrooms and facilities will be cleaned and disinfected. The PED has collected this data since Aug. 17; since then, the cumulative total number of cases in school populations is 147.

Deborah Martinez, Media Relations Coordinator, New Mexico Public Education Department Photo Credit: o-agency.com

NMSU Regents approve proposed amendment to Commercial Feeds rule ADDRESSES NEW ‘SPAY AND NEUTER PROGRAM FEE’ SECTION OF RULE Staff Reports

AS CRUCES – The New Mex ico St at e University Board of R egent s a ppr ove d the New Mexico Department of Agriculture’s proposed C o m m e r c i a l Fe e d s r u l e

a mendment at its regula r meeting Sept. 18. During the 2020 legislative session, Senate Bill 57 Pet Food Fee for Neutering & Sheltering was signed into law. This amended the New Mexico Commercial Feed Act (Section 76-19A NMSA 1978)

to add a new section titled Spay and Neuter Program Fee. The legislation mandates that NMDA shall impose an additional fee on pet food registration for dogs and cats to fund the dog and cat spay and neuter assistance program and the animal sheltering act.

N M DA h e l d a v i r t u a l hearing July 29 to receive public input on an amendment to the 21.18.3 NMAC, Commercial Feeds rule. This amendment adds new defi nitions and a new section titled Spay and Neuter Program Fee.

L ega l aut hor it y aut ho rizing the rule amendment is granted to the board of regents of New Mexico State University under the New Mex ico Com mercia l Feed Act, Chapter 76, Article 19A Sections 1 - 17, NMSA 1978 Compilation.

Frontiers in Science Virtual Talk

The NASA Perseverance Mars Rover: Looking for signs of past life Mars has long held a special place in the Õ > >} >Ì >Ã > ÃV w Ü À ` >L Ìi` by Martians. The real Mars is very different vÀ Ü >Ì Üi >} i` LÕÌ ÕÀ LÃiÀÛ>Ì Ã suggest that life could have existed there in the distant past. The Perseverance rover carries the tools to Ãi>ÀV v À Ã } Ã v «>ÃÌ VÀ L > vi > ` Ü also gather samples for a future return misÃ vÀ >ÀÃ Ì >ÀÌ v À Ì i ÛiÀÞ wÀÃÌ time. Join Los Alamos scientist Nina Lanza as she shares the excitement of this next mission to the Red Planet and contributions of Los Alamos scientists and engineers.

Friday September 25, 2020 • Gallup Sun

Wednesday, October 7 at 6 pm As capacity is limited to 1,000 attendees, advance online registration is required at http://bit.ly/frontiers-in-science For more information: Call (505) 667-2871 or visit http://frontiers.lanl.gov

Nina Lanza, Los Alamos National Laboratory

Admission is free Photo: NASA/ JPL-Caltech

STATE & REGION

N.M. fi refi ghters again headed to California to assist with wildfi res Staff Reports

LBUQU ERQU E – The New Mex ico Depa r tment of Homeland Security and Emergency Management announced Sept. 23 that New Mexico firefighters are en route to California to help crews battle wildfi res. This is the second mobilization this yea r by New Mex ico

in response to Ca lifor nia wildfi res. The New Mexico Task Force departed from Albuquerque Fire and Rescue’s Training Academy with six engines and crews. AFR’s Captain Brian Fox has been assigned as the leader of the task force, consisting of 20 total fi refighting personnel. Four depar tments from A l bu q u e r q u e , B e r n a l i l lo

County, Los Alamos County and the village of Corrales are sending resources as part of the New Mexico Task Force, organized by DHSEM under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which enables participating states t o re que s t or cont r ibut e resources to manage and mitigate ongoing emergencies. California made an EMAC request for fi refighting support

Governor updates list of high-risk states under quarantine order MICHIGAN, HAWAII COME OFF THE LIST Staff Reports

according to the rolling positivity and test rates of those states. ANTA FE – The state of As of Sept. 23, the list of New Mexico amended high-risk states is as follows: the list of states from Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, which visitors and arriv- Arkansas, California, Colorado, ing residents must quarantine Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Sept. 23 in connection with Gov. Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michelle Lujan Grisham’s exec- Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, utive order. Mar yland, Minnesota, Based on the executive M i s s i s s i p p i , M i s s o u r i , order intended to protect New Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Mexicans by minimizing the North Carolina, North Dakota, risk of spread from out-of-state Ohio, Okla homa , Oregon, travel, Colorado, Oregon and Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island have been added Rhode Island, South Carolina, to the list of high-risk states. South Dakota, Tennessee, Indiv iduals arriv ing from Texas, Utah, Virginia, West those states must quarantine Vi r g i n i a , Wi scon si n a nd for a period of 14 days or for Wyoming. the duration of their stay in the The state amends the list state of New Mexico, whichever every Wednesday according to is shorter. the state-by-state health condiMichigan and Hawaii moved tions as defined in the executive from high-risk to low-risk, order; the updated information is

maintained on the cv.nmhealth. org homepage and is disseminated each week in English and Spanish to city and county officials who manage airports within the state. Information regarding traveling can also be found on the New Mexico Tourism Department’s website. STATE QUARANTINE ORDER High-risk states: Persons

California wildfires as seen from space will be fought by New Mexico firefighters. Photo Credit: commons.wikimedia.org this week after having made a similar request last month,

who have arrived in New Mexico from states with a five percent positivity rate or greater over a seven-day rolling average, or a positive test rate greater than 80-per-1 million residents, must physically separate from others in a residence or place of lodging for at least 14 days from the date of their entry into New Mexico or for the duration of their presence in the state, whichever is shorter. Lower-risk states: Persons arriving from states with a five percent positivity rate or lower over a seven-day rolling average, or a positive test rate lower than 80-per-1 million residents, are

to which New Mexico also responded “New Mex ico w i l l, a s always, stand at the ready to assist our neighbors in their time of need,” DHSEM S e c r e t a r y Bi a nc a O r t i z Wer theim said. “We thank all of the responding departments and their personnel for providing resources to California during this critical time. Our prayers are with our New Mexico crew members and all fi refi ghters who continue to bravely battle the wildfi res throughout the Western U.S.”

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham File Photo not required to self-quarantine.

OUT-OF-STATE QUARANTINE | SEE PAGE 20

''A Tradition'' • A Gallup tradition with over 100 years of dedicated service. Now under new ownership, the Rollie legacy continues; providing the facilities and conveniences that serve families best with dignity, integrity and understanding. • Rollie Mortuary offers package pricing, accepts Navajo Nation Social Service packages and can assist families with pre-need planning and set up. • Rollie Mortuary offers a genuine desire to be of assistance to you and your family in this time of need.

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

STATE & REGION

401 E. Nizhoni Blvd. Gallup, NM 87301 (505) 863-4452 Gallup Sun • Friday September 25, 2020

NEWS

HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

Earthweek: Diary of a Changing World

By Steve Newman

Week ending Friday, September 18, 2020 Avian Tragedy Scientists are trying to determine what caused untold thousands of migratory birds to fall from the sky dead or dying across parts of the Southwestern U.S. The songbird fatalities could be linked to the thick pall of wildfi re smoke they flew through en route from Alaska and Canada to their winter grounds in Central or South America. Or they could have used up their fat reserves trying to fly around it before they perished in New Mexico, Colorado, Texas, Arizona and parts of Nebraska. Some fear the smoke damaged their lungs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re literally just feathers and bones,â&#x20AC;? New Mexico State University graduate student Allison Salas wrote on social media.

Earthquakes Residents across central and eastern Nepal were shaken by a relatively strong tremor. â&#x20AC;˘ Earth movements were also felt in central New Zea la nd, nor theastern Japan, Russiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kamchatka Peninsula and northern Iceland.

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La NiĂąa Emerges Sea-surface temperatures across the tropical Pacific have cooled to the point in recent weeks that weather agencies have officially recognized the phenomenon as a new La NiĂąa. The opposite of an El NiĂąo, La NiĂąa also develops about every three to five years with its own set of weather disruptions, including the chance of more and stronger tropical cyclones in the Atlantic basin. It also can bring wetter weather to northern Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines, along with drier weather for western South America and cooler-than-normal temperatures for western Africa. NOAA predicts the new La NiĂąa has a 75% chance of persisting into next year.

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mosquito

population boom in the wake of Hurricane Lauraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fury in late August along the Gulf Coast has led to deer, cows, horses and other livestock being killed by the insects. Animals as large as bulls have been drained of their blood and stressed to fatal exhaustion, according to veterinary experts at Louisiana State University. The pests became so pervasive that several Louisiana parishes launched aerial spraying operations. Similar swarms occurred after Hurricane Lili in 2002 and Hurricane Rita in 2005.

An Australian fou nd a t ion i s back i ng pla ns to use satellites, sensors and drones to detect and

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douse bushfires within an hour to curb the chance of major disasters. The Minderoo Foundation says there are already data networks developed outside Australia that can detect a wildfire within three minutes, and its goal is to expand from detection to actually extinguishing the blazes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to push the boundaries of science and technology,â&#x20AC;? said Adrian Turner, the chief executive of the foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fire and Flood

4.7 Resilience plan. The first step is to identify possible -99Â° Vostok, ignition points and Antarctica predict which have the potential to become disasters.

Wayward Migration T h r e e hu m p b a c k whales on their way to Antarctic waters made a

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wrong turn into a crocodile-infested river in far northern Australia. While two appear to have turned back, one continued swimming upstream, where wildlife experts say it has little chance of being attacked by the much smaller reptiles. But there was concern that the lone whale could get stranded in a very remote area miles upstream where rescue efforts would be impossible, and it would then become â&#x20AC;&#x153;croc baitâ&#x20AC;? as it foundered.

Tropical Cyclones Five tropical cyclones spun simultaneously across the Atlantic for only the second time in recorded history. The most threatening was Hurricane Sally, which caused severe flooding from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle as it crept ashore from the Gulf of Mexico. â&#x20AC;˘ Power was knocked out across Bermuda by Hurricane Pauletteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high winds. â&#x20AC;˘ Typhoon Noul was taking aim on central Vietnam late in the week. Dist. by: Andrews McMeel Syndication ÂŠMMXX Earth Environment Service

LujĂĄn secures bipartisan amendment in clean energy package Staff Reports

A SH INGTON, D.C.â&#x20AC;&#x201D; U.S. House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Lu jĂĄn, D-N.M. and U.S. Representative Joe Wilson, R-S.C. secured a bipartisan amendment in theÂ Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation ActÂ to establish a nonprofit partner to the U.S. Department of Energy that would channel private-sector investments and accelerate the commercialization of innovative energy technologies. TheÂ IMPACT for Energy

ActÂ was introduced by LujĂĄn and Wilson in the House and by U.S. Sens. Chris Coons, D-Del. and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. in the Senate. The bipartisan, bicameral bill was included as an amendment in theÂ Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act. The legislation would establish a nonprofit foundation to support the DOEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission by driving private-sector investments in new technology, suppor ting public-pr ivate partnerships to accelerate commercialization, and bringing key stakeholders together

Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M. File Photo to address our nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most pressing challenges, including the climate crisis.

HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

Nationwide effort underway to stop bidding in Arctic Chevron, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, Hilcorp targeted Staff Reports

NCHOR AGE, A l a s k a — I n response to the federal government’s recent release of a Record of Decision that paves the way for a lease sale in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, 259 Indigenous, conservation and faith organizations sent a letter Sept. 17 calling on Chevron, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil and Hilcorp to not pursue fossil fuel development in the fragile landscape of the refuge’s coastal plain. The letter, signed by organizations from all 50 states and representing more than 27 million members, targets oil and gas companies who would potentially bid in the sale and asks them to not pursue fossil fuel development in the refuge; to withhold from bidding on any lease parcels that are offered in response to the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; and to make public statements of opposition to oil and gas development in the Arctic Refuge. T he let ter st ates t hat “Drilling for oil on the fragile coastal plain will also exacerbate the climate and ecological crisis in an area that is already ground-zero for the

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska Photo Credit: Mason Cummings, TWS climate crisis. Chronic spills of oil and other toxic substances in addition to air, water and noise pollution in the fragile tundra would forever scar this now unsullied land while disrupting wildlife like caribou, polar bear and countless migratory birds.” A la ska Native communities like the Gwich’in and Iñupiat depend on the Arctic Refuge a nd its resources to sustain their communities, culture and way of life. Iñupiat communities rely on Arctic fi sheries for their diet, which would be impacted by increased marine traffic to

build oil infrastructure, while the coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge has sustained the Gwich’in people for millennia. The Gwich’in are physically and spiritually linked to the Porcupine Caribou Herd, which give birth to their young in the refuge. This month, the United Nations called for an investigation into the United States regarding how proposed development in the Arctic Refuge violates the Gwich’in people’s human rights. “The push to drill in the Arctic Refuge is a clear violation of Indigenous communities’ basic human rights,”

Gwich’n Steering Committee Executive Director Bernadette Demientieff said. “The pursuit of industrial development by any company would be in direct conflict with our continued health and spiritual livelihood. “Any company that bids on leases or expresses interest in destroying ‘Iizhik Gwats’an Gwandaii Goodlit’ or ‘The Sacred Place W here Li fe Begins’ for oil will face major public backlash and lasting damage to their reputation,” she continued. “It’s not worth the risk to their fi nances and reputation or to our shared future.” “The recent record of decision approving oil and gas leasing on the Arctic Refuge shows the administration’s complete d isrega rd for the millennia-strong Gwich’in & Iñupiat ways of life that depend on the health of the refuge’s coastal plain,” Jody Potts, regional director of Native Movement said. “In the Arctic, our peoples are being impacted right now by a climate crisis built on oil and gas development, we cannot afford more. “The adverse impacts of oil development in this sacred and critical caribou calving grounds will be heavily felt by Gwich’in and Iñupiat villages.

As a Gwich’in person, I know my family’s food security, culture, spirituality and ways of life are at stake. I know the Gwich’in people will not compromise and we will defend our way of life for future generations until this sacred land is protected.” Five of the six largest U.S. banks recently announced that they will not finance oil and gas development in the Arctic. As the global community works to pivot away from fossil fuels in the face of climate change, the pursuit of oil and gas in remote corners of the globe will continue to face strong social and political opposition. The letter to oil companies goes on to state, “At a time when demand for oil and gas is likely in permanent decline, drilling in the Arctic Refuge doesn’t make fiscal sense. Arctic lease sales are likely to be challenged legally, resulting in additional costs for the beleaguered industry.” The current administration has stated that it hopes to execute a lease sale by the end of the year. Advocates have stated they plan to turn up the pressure on Chevron, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil and Hilcorp if those companies choose to pursue leases.

Diné College to explore the presence of microbes in the sub-surface of Yellowstone National Park Staff Reports

UBA CITY, Ariz. — Pools and springs on the sur face of Yellowstone National Park have always been a matter of interest for scientists who believe in the presence of microbes in that zone, especially bacteria that are heat-loving and can consume minerals in hot underground water. Professor Shazia Tabassum Hakim, a Tuba City-based professor at Diné College’s School of Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, is one of the co-investigators of the team that recently secured a Los Angeles-based W.M. Keck Foundation Grant for the next

three years. The $1 million grant will help a team of researchers from Diné College, the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Salish Kootenai College and other institutions to fi nd answers for the questions about microbial life in the sub-surface of Yellowstone National Park. The Keck grant supports three years of research by the interdisciplinary research team, of which Hakim is a part, and serves to fund the design and construction of a specialized instrument triggered by earthquakes to collect samples from existing boreholes. The research links biology and geology to determine how the Earth’s natural

HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

processes impact microbial life. Boyd, the lead investigator of the team, said that Yellowstone’s seismic activity is at the heart of the interplay of geologic processes that sustain heat-loving microbes known as thermophiles in the subsurface of Yellowstone, and now this research team will try to prove it. A thermophile is an organism that thrives at relatively high temperatures, between 41 and 122 degrees Centigrade ( 10 6 a n d 2 5 2 d e g r e e s Fahrenheit). The project is based at Montana State University. The W. M. Keck Foundation was established in 1954 by the late W. M. Keck, founder of the

Yellowstone National Park Stock Photo Superior Oil Company. The award is made in memory of W.M. Keck’s granddaughter

Tammis A. Day of Sula, Montana, a poet, playwright, actress and horsewoman.

Gallup Sun • Friday September 25, 2020

LIFE’s ROOTS DETERMINE LIFE’s ROUTES from Richard F. Kontz Executive Director of the Gallup Housing Authority I highly recommend this Book: “The other Wes Moore – One name, Two fates” written by Wes Moore. This is the story of two boys living in Baltimore who grew up in the same low income neighborhood within several blocks of one another, but without each other’s knowledge. One Wes Moore has grown up to be very educated, very successful in life and has experienced seeing things he never ever dreamed of seeing as a child coming from a poor neighborhood. The other Wes Moore got involved in drugs and drug-dealing at an early age and went to prison after getting involved with an armed robbery which resulted in the killing of an off-duty police officer. This Wes died in prison. They both had mothers who loved them and tried their best to raise their kids the right way. One mother an immigrant, came legally to the United States when she was very young. She eventually married and both [her husband and herself] saw America as the land of opportunity, if one worked hard and applied yourselves. Unfortunately, she lost her husband one day when he died of a heart attack. When her son started to run with the wrong crowd she did everything she could to get him into military school. She felt he needed the discipline. She worked three jobs to help pay for his schooling and her son who at first resisted eventually accepted the disciplined approach of military prep school. He would go on to serve in the military and would eventually graduate from John Hopkins University and become a Rhodes Scholar. The other mother got hooked on drugs and had men in and out of the household. While she tried to raise her son right she failed. Her son found he could make easy money running drugs for dealers and would eventually become a dealer. At one point he tried to get out knowing that most of his friends died young in this line of business. But, the lure of the fast life and money sucked him back in. He eventually attempted an armed robbery with some of his friends and shot an off-duty cop who attempted to stop them. The police were relentless in pursuing the “cop killer”. As a result of the publicity on the killing of the police officer the “successful” Wes Moore received a call one day from his mother telling him about the Wes Moore who killed a police officer. He eventually made contact with the imprisoned Wes Moore and much of the book is about their parallel life stories. How did one Wes come out okay and became a very successful person in life and the other Wes ended up in prison and eventually died there. WHAT MADE THE DIFFERENCE? Clearly the book shows the ticket out was EDUCATION and taking advantage of every opportunity that presents itself. Wes Moore also had to learn that life isn’t fair but to sit around and complain about it wasn’t going to change your circumstances. He also realized that while “racism” still exists and will probably always exist that shouldn’t become an excuse not to become successful in life. And, he had to learn proper behavior is part of being a productive and successful citizen no matter where you choose to live. He learned “Respect is earned not demanded”. In closing, I see the same things locally amongst many low income families. This book has much to teach about how “Life’s roots determine Life’s routes”. Just because you are born in poverty doesn’t mean you have to live there for the rest of your life. Things can change and be different. The choice is yours. There are numerous resources here in the Gallup area to help you with that. Your comments are welcome!

USPS drop box. Stock Photo

Located at 203 Debra Drive in Gallup, NM – (505)722-4388 Housing Applications may be requested by email: GHA.Main@galluphousing.com

Friday September 25, 2020 • Gallup Sun

OPINIONS

Census: Poverty was on the decline in pre-pandemic New Mexico 2019 CENSUS DATA SHOW INCREASED MEDIAN INCOME, BUT RACIAL INEQUITIES PERSISTÂ By Sharon Kayne NM Voices for Children

L BUQU ERQU E â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Data released Sept. 17 b y t h e U . S . Census Bureau show a significant improvement in the poverty rate in New Mexico between 2018 and 2019. That tracks with an increase in the median i ncome du r i ng that ti me fra me. However, the data s how l it t le pr og r e s s for children younger than five, and inequities continue to persist along racial and ethnic lines. The data released Sept. 17 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which are from 2019 â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Â showÂ that the poverty rate for all children ages 0 to 17 decreased from 26.3 percent in 2018 to 24.9 percent in 2019.Â Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;While itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always great t o s e e i mpr ovement , we k now t h at t he COV I D -19 pandemic has likely wiped these gains away for many New Mexicans,â&#x20AC;? Executive Di rector for New Mex ico Voices for Children James Jimenez said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We know that the pandemic hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hit every New Mexican in the same way. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fa m ilies of color a nd immigrants often donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have access to the same supports as other families in the state and are more likely to have missed out on federal relief, a n d wo r ke r s i n s e r v i c e jobs who were earning low wages before the pandemic have suffered more under the recession than those in occupations where theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been able to work remotely,â&#x20AC;? he added.Â The total poverty rateÂ â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Â for New Mexicans of all ages â&#x20AC;&#x201C; dropped from 19.5 percent in 2018 to 18.2 percent in 2019. The 2019 data ra nks New Mexico 48th in the nation in both overall and child poverty, ahead of Louisiana and Mississippi. The 2018 data, which were released last year, ranked New Mexico 49th for OPINIONS

overall poverty and 48th for child poverty.Â New Mex icoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s me d i a n income increased by 10 percent, up from $47,169 in 2018 to $51,945 in 2019. While that is still well below the national average, the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s median income increased at a higher rate than did the nation as a whole â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which saw a 6 percent increase, rising from $61,937 to $65,712.Â New Mexico still ranks 50th in the nation for its poverty rate among people with a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree and

ranks 48th in poverty among all people who work.Â The child advocacy organization champions numerous public policies that can reduce poverty and ensure that fa milies have the resources they need to thrive, but says that those policies must be targeted correctly.Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need t o a ck nowledge the racia l inequities in pover ty, par ticularly as theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been exacerbated by COV ID -19,â&#x20AC;? Emily Wildau, who coordinates the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

KIDS COUNT program, which tracks data on child well-being, said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All policies that are designed to help families recover from the pandemic and to alleviate poverty must be centered on eliminating the inequities along racial lines.â&#x20AC;?Â T hese pol icies i nclude making sure fa milies ca n meet basic needs, putting financial resources into the hands of New Mexico families who will spend money quickly a nd lo c a l ly, a nd r a i s i n g

Sharon Kayne, communications director of New Mexico Voices for Children File Photo enough revenue so the state can make investments in the structures and servicesÂ â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Â like education, health care, public safety, and infrastructure â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Â that create jobs. Studies have shown that such investments would also help the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy recover from the recession.Â

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COMMUNITY

‘Kajillionaire’ offers a few compelling moments with a dysfunctional family By Glenn Kay For the Sun

RATING:  OUT OF  RUNNING TIME: 106 MINUTES Focus Features is releasing Kajillionaire on Sept. 25th theatrically in select cities. We all have issues with members of our family now and again. However, those who feel a little trapped and constrained by their brood likely have nothing on the outlandish criminal clan featured in Kajillionaire. This drama/ comedy focuses on one particular group member and her frustrating and surreal experiences with her family. Old Dolio Dy ne (Eva n Rachel Wood) is a woman living with her emotionally icy parents Robert (Richard Jenkins) and Theresa (Debra Winger). They’re a poor family residing in an abandoned office area of a soap suds factory, paying under-the-table rent and eking out a few bucks v ia a series of small-time scams. After falling behind on their payments, the family encounters Melanie Whitacre (Gina Rodriguez), a woman curious about their peculiar lifestyle. Flattered, Robert

and Theresa take Melanie in, hoping she can help them pull off their biggest con yet. However, Old Dolio begins to feel jealous when her parent s faw n over t h is new arrival. She ultimately wonders if it might be time to search for her own identity and break free from her parent’s controlling grasp. It is funny to see the family’s odd makeshift home in an empty office and its various issues, particularly the large soap suds that seep through the walls from the attached factory (which is what caused the owner to shut down the area in the fi rst place). Some of the scams are amusing to witness as well, including an overly elaborate lost luggage scheme that requires the family to travel great distances via airplane and never actually enjoy their destination. Old Dolio’s child-like behavior is often bizarre to watch, but she is an easy character to sympathize with since her family exudes extreme dysfunction in just about every scene. And despite being generally awful people, Robert and Theresa (well-played by Jenkins and Wi nger) do occ a sion a l ly deliver a funny observation or comment on their various plots. While the fi lm is well-performed and has a nice message about an awkward woman in

A dysfunctional family that hustles in its eﬀort to become rich is joined by Melanie Whitacre (Gina Rodriguez) who admires the lifestyle, while bio-daughter Old Dolio Dyne (Evan Rachel Wood) experiences feeling left out of her own family unit in “Kajillionaire.” Photo Credit: Focus Features arrested development learning to break away from her maladjusted family and fi nd a new life, it is aggressively quirky and fi lled with extreme and exaggerated behavior. That means that your enjoyment of the feature may depend on whether or not you share a similar and very particular sense of humor. While some of the scams were amusing to this reviewer, not a l l of t he repet it ive

schemes make an impression. A few of the shakedowns are so deeply fl awed and the behavior of the leads so witless, that it seems hard to believe that a family who has been doing this for decades hasn’t improved its techniques. Melanie prov ides a muchneeded bit of normality and the movie does explain her rationale for wanting to join the clan, but given just how odd these rip-off artists are, it still comes across as a stretch. It also takes an awfully long time for Old Dolio and her parents to fi nally begin turning on one another. St i l l, when t he mov ie switches gears and focuses in on the confl ict, drama, and

deceit between the leads, the performers do get the opportunity to shine a little more. The exceptional cast does create some amusing moments in Kajillionaire, but this reviewer will admit that he doesn’t really share the same sense of humor as the filmmakers, and its strong eccentricities often distance one from the characters, instead of pulling them into this very weird world. The movie ends up generating a laugh or two and delivering a few compelling moments, but by the end credits the fi nal haul doesn’t feel as weighty or impressive as it could have been. V ISIT: W W W. CINEMASTANCE.COM

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Friday September 25, 2020 • Gallup Sun

COMMUNITY

Blu-ray/DVD Roundup for September 25, 2020 By Glenn Kay For the Sun Welcome to another look at some of the highlights coming your way on Blu-ray and DVD. It’s another curious week that doesn’t feature many big Hollywood picks, but this edition is full of curious little efforts, as well as high defi nition upgrades of classic titles. So, since you likely can’t or shouldn’t go out to the movies, be sure to give one of these titles a try! BIG NEW RELEASES! BA BYSPLITTERS: Juggling family and a career is no ea sy chore t he se d ay s. This comedy det a i l s t wo couples who have m i xed feelings about becoming parents. They end up deciding that the best option for them is to share an infant between them. Initially, the unusual plan seems to work as they divide their time and efforts equally. However, complications arise and the situation soon begins to spiral completely out of control. Overall, the press generally liked this independent feature. Those who didn’t care for it stated that the flick started well, but that it was overlong and that the problems and characters eventually wore out their welcome. Still, more called the movie a raunchy and sweet ride, noting that it had some humorous observations on modern parenting. It stars Danny Pudi, Emily C. Chang, Maiara Walsh and Eddie Alfano. A FERAL WORLD: This science-fiction f lick is yet another tiny production that has found a distributor and is premiering on streaming out let s l ike iTunes as well a s on d isc. Set after an apocalypse, the story involves a grieving woman trying to locate her daughter in the vast, empty wasteland. She finds an orphaned boy and the two eventually locate a tyrannical ruler who may be responsible for the family member’s disappearance. The movie played at a few film festivals, where it picked up some prizes. COMMUNITY

A note from the filmmaker on IMDb states that the picture was made in Denver, Colo. with a young crew of fi lm students and local professors. If you feel like supporting some youngsters making a little indie picture, give it a try. The cast includes Caleb Liban, Danielle Prall and Timothy McCracken. NAIL IN THE COFFIN: THE FALL & RISE OF VAMPIRO: While the title of this movie might suggest something along the lines of an independent horror f lick, this is actually a docu mentary about a pro wrestler who used to p e r fo r m i n the WCW. It is described as a candid look at the man known to fans as Vampiro, detailing his career and his public persona, as well as the hardships and demons he faced in his life after retiring from the ring. This picture also features enlightening interviews from many of the subject’s wrestling contemporaries. There currently aren’t any negative reviews. All of the write-ups state that this is one of the best documentaries about the sport, saying that while the subject of the film lived an unusual life, his story was relatable and even powerful. RED SHOES AND THE SEVEN DWARFS: This animated effort comes from South Korea. The story involves a group of princes who make fun of the wrong lady. They are cursed to transform into the title green characters whenever ot her s look at them. The group discover s t h at to break the spell, they need to earn a kiss from a special red-shoed princess. Reaction was mixed toward this family flick. Some thought it was cute and ultimately had a nice message. Slightly more complained that the themes were clumsily delivered and it took too long to make its point. The English-language voice cast includes Chloe Grace Moretz, Sam Clafin, Gina Gershon, Patrick Warburton and Jim Rash.

THE SECRET: DARE TO DREAM: Inspired by a 2006 bestselling self-help book on a positive-thinking philosophy that promises to help readers attain everything in life they desire, this fictional drama involves a widow struggling to raise her kids and make ends meet. After a storm hits town, a mysterious stranger appears who begins to teach her about the aforementioned “secret” (the cynical part of me wonders if the big plan involves writing an expensive book guaranteeing wealth and riches to those who purchase it). Anyway, in a few short days, her world and attitude change. This drama was not well-received by critics. It features Katie Holmes, Josh Lucas, Celia Weston and Jerry O’Connell. BL A STS F ROM T H E PAST! Zeiram 2 (1994) is a popular action/sci-fi /comedy from Japan about intergalactic bounty hunters. Media Blasters is delivering

a new Blu-ray of the title that also includes a making-of and other bonuses. Sony also has a great many releases of note. The Bitter Tea of G e n e r a l Ye n (19 3 3) f rom F ra n k Capra (It’s a Wo n d e r f u l Life) is about two missionaries tying the knot in Shanghai during the Chinese Civil War. The studio is also rereleasing a Double Feature package of the hit comedies, Ghostbusters (1984) and Ghostbusters II (1989) at a discounted price. If you’re a fan of arthouse auteur Michelangelo Antonioni (R e d D e s e r t , B l o w - U p, Zabriskie Point), you can now pick up a Blu-ray of The Passenger (1975), the filmmaker’s collaboration with Jack Nicholson. Additionally, Sony is releasing the more recent Oscarwinning drama Whiplash (2014) in 4K. YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS! Here are the latest options for youngsters. The Adventures of Shark

Boy and Lava Girl Blu-ray (2005) Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Explore the Outdoors (PBS Kids) Nickelodeon Movies Family Adventure 3-Movie Collection DVD – Dora the Explorer (2019), Monster Trucks (2016), Wonder Park (2019) Nick Jr: Fantastic Fall! (Nickelodeon) Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs Spooky House (2002) Spy Kids Triple Feature Bluray 2001-2003 ON THE TUBE! And here are the week’s TV-themed releases. DC’s Legends of Tomorrow: Season 5 The Good Fight: Season 4 Legends of Tomor row: Season 5 Lucy Worsley’s 12 Days of Tudor Christmas (PBS) Man With a Plan: Season 3 Nick Jr: Fantastic Fall! (Nickelodeon) Rick & Morty: Season 4 Royal Pains: The Complete Series Sanctuary: Season 1 V ISIT: W W W. CINEMASTANCE.COM

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Gallup Sun • Friday September 25, 2020

$1 MILLION | FROM PAGE 1 Locations around the state like Anthony, Clovis, Silver City and Socorro, as well as counties including Luna, Mora, and San Miguel are eligible for these funds, where cities such as Albuquerque, Farmington and Santa Fe are considered “entitlement” cities which get funding from the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development. Tribes and pueblos also receive funds directly from HUD. The timeline for completion of the West Logan Avenue project is 24 months. A LITTLE SOMETHING MORE More funds are on the way,

THOREAU SCHOOL | FROM PAGE 4 there in 1994,” Hyatt said. “It brings back a lot of memories being here.” Hyatt said the new building is long overdue, recalling how

DWI REPORTS | FROM PAGE 6 that Sam had three prior DWIs. Sam was transported to

POLICE ACTIVITY | FROM PAGE 6 afterward by Officers Richard Rangel and Victor Madrid. Albert then used his unit’s PA system and told the driver to shut the vehicle off and get out. After the driver left the vehicle, Albert told the suspects to exit the vehicle and get down on the ground. Once the driver stepped out, he was detained by Madrid and identified as Carles Blackgoat, 31, of Gallup. The passenger, a woman identified as Tachina S. Bahe, 29, no address listed, also stepped out and was detained.

OUT-OF-STATE QUARANTINE | FROM PAGE 13 Self-quarantining is still advised for people arriving from these states, and those entering from these lower-risk states are advised to be tested for COVID19 within five to seven days of their arrival in the state.

The intersection of Seventh Street and Logan Avenue in Gallup marks one end of the start of planned drainage improvements. Photo Credit: Cable Hoover

The intersection of Ninth Street and Logan Avenue in Gallup marks one end of the next phase of planned drainage improvements. Photo Credit: Cable Hoover

this time from the CARES Act to help with rental assistance and housing. Morales said nearly $13 million went to the Mortgage Finance Authority.

He described how it will work. “MFA will work with the Council of Governments and other local partners to identify the need for rental assistance

in local communities,” he said. “MFA will reach out through regional partners [and] COGs to make communities aware of the dollars.” T h i s i n for m a t ion w i l l

appear in print, social media and on radio in cooperation with lenders. Morales expects the money to become available by the end of October.

he felt the old building felt outdated even 26 years ago. “The exciting thing is this is a new building, a new opportunity for this community, for the staff, and for generations of students,” he continued. “Some of the students who are with

us today, some of their children, grandchildren, and even their great grandchildren can attend this school. That’s pretty important, and pretty exciting.” The path from planning to the finished building is one that took years to unfold, Hyatt said.

“It took effort through the state agencies, the district, and others just to get to the point where we start thinking about a school,” Hyatt said. The cost of the building is about $18 million, which Hyatt said came from taxpayer dollars

from McKinley County and across New Mexico. “We appreciate people who are willing to support our students and their education. We want the best for them and this building will help with that,” he said.

Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services for a blood draw. After refusing to cooperate at first, Sam eventually agreed to the draw. When

it was fi nished, he was transported to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked for DWI, consuming or possessing alcohol in a

vehicle, driving with a suspended license, and parking in a prohibited zone. S a m wa s relea sed by Magistrate Judge Virginia

Yazzie after posting an unsecured bond. Other DWIs Dalton Levi Reed Sept. 11, 3:23 pm

A backgrou nd check showed Blackgoat had two outstanding warrants while Bahe had one. Both suspects were placed under arrest. Blackgoat was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle. He was also cited for open containers in a vehicle. Both suspects were transported to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked. The veh icle wa s released to the victim on scene. D I S O R D E R L Y VOLUNTEER Thoreau, Sept. 12 After being told he was not going to be paid for volunteer

work, a Crow npoint man threatened to attack his grandmother. That was the complaint given by the caller to McKinley County Sheriff’s Deputy Paul Davis Jr., who had been dispatched to the Thoreau Church of God, #12 A Windsong Ave., in reference to a public disturbance. When Davis arrived at the scene, he made contact with the man, Tyler Barbone, 27, who began yelling at him with

slurred speech. Davis detained and cuffed Barbone, noting he had bloodshot eyes and smelled of a lcohol. Ba rbone wa s unsteady on his feet and had to be helped into Davis’ unit. The caller told Davis she had been with her grandchildren, including Barbone, doing volunteer work at the church when he demanded to be paid for helping. After being told it would not happen, Barbone got upset and began yelling and gestured that he wanted to attack the caller. Barbone blocked his grandmother and the others from leaving the scene and continued to threaten them. This

incident was witnessed by the caller’s son, who then forced Barbone outside the building. Dav i s pla ced Ba rbone under arrest and transported him to Gallup Indian Medical C e nt e r for a c le a r a nc e. Barbone was uncooperative with the hospital staff and sustained a minor injury after falling onto the pavement. After receiving clearance, Davis transported Barbone to Gallup Detox Center and then to McKinley County Adult Detention Center where he was booked. Barbone was later released on his own recognizance by District Judge Louis Depauli.

Negative test exemption: Those who can show documentation of a valid negative COVID-19 test taken within the 72 hours before or after entry into New Mexico are exempt from the 14-day quarantine requirement, regardless of the state from which they have traveled. Persons who have undergone a COVID-19 test shall self-isolate

or self-quarantine while awaiting the results of their test. This exemption does not apply to persons entering New Mexico after traveling outside of the United States. COMPLIANCE Individuals who are quarantined upon arrival into the state from a high-risk state may leave the residence or place of lodging

in which they are self-quarantining only for the purposes of medical care. Self-quarantining individuals should not allow others into the residence or place of lodging in which they are quarantined except for those providing medical care, emergency response or other individuals designated by the Department of Health.

Family or household members may visit a quarantined person, but those visitors must then self-quarantine themselves for a period of no less than 14 days. Non-compliant individuals are subject to involuntary quarantine by the New Mexico Department of Health under the Public Health Emergency Response Act.

20 Friday September 25, 2020 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS

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

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. HELP WANTED Gallup Sun seeks a local, experienced newspaper reporter. Email: gallupsun@ gmail.com LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES STATE OF NEW MEXICO COUNTY OF MCKINLEY ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT RICARDO PALACIOS. Plaintiff,

PRIETO-

vs. No. D-1113-CV-2020-00400 HERMAN R. CANTU and SAUL CANTU, and UNKNOWN CLAIMANTS OF INTEREST IN THE PREMISES ADVERSE TO THE PLAINTIFF’S, Defendants. NOTICE OF PENDENCY OF SUIT THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO TO: HERMAN R. CANTU and SAUL CANTU and UNKNOWN CLAIMANTS OF INTEREST IN THE PREMISES ADVERSE TO THE PLAINTIFF You or your attorney are hereby directed to file a pleading or motion in response to the Complaint to Quiet Title on file herein on or before 30 days from the date of the last publication of this Notice in the Office of the Clerk of the District Court, Eleventh Judicial District of the State of New Mexico, sitting within and for the County of McKinley, that being the Court in which said Complaint is filed, and to serve a copy of the same pleading or motion upon Plaintiffs or Plaintiffs’ attorneys, Mason & Isaacson, P.A., 104 East Aztec, P.O. Box 1772, Gallup, New Mexico 87305, (505-722-4463). CLASSIFIEDS

Unless a responsive pleading or motion is entered by you in this cause on or before the above date, judgment will be rendered against you by default. The general object of said action is a Complain of Quiet Title. WITNESS the District Judge of the Eleventh Judicial District Court of the State of New Mexico, and the seal of Court this ____ day of September, 2020. Clerk of District Court Publish: The Gallup Sun September 11, 2020 September 18, 2020 September 25, 2020 ***

No. D-1113-PB-2020-00029 NOTICE TO CREDITORS THOMAS JOBE has been appointed Personal Representative of the Estate of MARLENE COX, deceased. All persons having claims against this estate are require 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 County, New Mexico.

P.T.D. ORDER NO. 20-112

Dated: September 10, 2020

September 10, 2020

THOMAS JOBE Personal Representative

ORDER EXTENDING CERTAIN DEADLINES MCKINLEY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO Pursuant to my authority under Section 7-38-85 NMSA 1978, I hereby extend the following deadline found in Section 7-3827C of the Property Tax Code with respect to the 2020-tax year only: 1)The deadline for the McKinley County Assessor to resolve protests from September 28, 2020 to no later than November 27, 2020.

MASON & ISAACSON, P.A. By James J. Mason Attorneys for Personal Representative 104 East Aztec Avenue Gallup, New Mexico 87301 (505) 722-4463 Publish: The Gallup Sun September 18, 2020 September 25, 2020 October 2, 2020 *** LEGAL NOTICE

Done this 10th day of September 2020.

INVITATION TO BID

Santiago Chavez, Director Property Tax Division

Public Notice is hereby provided that the Gallup-McKinley County Schools is accepting competitive sealed bids for:

Publish: The Gallup Sun September 18, 2020 September 25, 2020 October 2, 2020 *** ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF MCKINLEY STATE OF NEW MEXICO In the Matter of Estate of MARLENE COX, Deceased.

SITE IMPROVEMENTS AT ANGELO DIPAOLO MEMORIAL STADIUM RFP-2021-08MA Commodity Code(s): 90930 As more particularly set out in the BID documents, copies of which may be obtained by downloading from the GallupMcKinley County Schools eBidding platform website https://gmcs.bonfirehub.com/ portal/?tab =openOpportunities

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

A NON-MANDATORY Pre-Bid Conference will be held at the jobsite on September 28, 2020 at 10:00 AM.

Published: 2020

September

25,

*** LEGAL NOTICE

Sealed proposals for such will be received until 1:30 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on October 9, 2020. FAX and HARDCOPY PROPOSALS will NOT be accepted. Bidders 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 15th Day of September 2020 By: /S/Charles Long, President Board of Education Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 BID ISSUE DATE: September 15, 2020 PUBLICATION DATES: September 18 & 25, 2020 (Gallup Sun) *** Public Notice Due to technical difficulties, Gallup Business improvement District, Inc. was not able to virtually conduct its regular monthly Board of Directors Meeting on September 17, 2020. The meeting has been rescheduled for Thursday, October 8, 2020, at 3 PM. The agenda and dial-in number for this virtual meeting will be available 72 hours prior to the meeting from francis@ gallupbid.com and on the City of Gallup website.

INVITATION TO BID Public Notice is hereby provided that the Gallup-McKinley County Schools is accepting competitive sealed bids for: Multipurpose & Index Paper Price Agreement ITB-2021-09MA Commodity Code(s): 64569 & 64551 As more particularly set out in the BID 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 bids for such will be received until 2:00 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on, October 20, 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 21st Day of October 2020 By: /S/ Charles Long, President Board of Education Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1

CLASSIFIEDS | SEE PAGE 22

Gallup Sun • Friday September 25, 2020

CLASSIFIEDS | FROM PAGE 21 BID ISSUE DATE: September 21, 2020 PUBLICATION DATES: September 25, 2020 & October 2, 2020 (Gallup Sun) *** LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BID Public Notice is hereby provided that the Gallup-McKinley County Schools is accepting competitive sealed bids for: Art Supplies and Materials Price Agreement ITB-2021-10MA Commodity Code(s): 78530 & 78545 As more particularly set out in the BID 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 bids for such will be received until 2:00 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on, October 20, 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 21st Day of September 2020 By: /S/ Charles Long, President Board of Education Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 BID ISSUE DATE: September 21, 2020 PUBLICATION DATES: September 25, 2020 & October 2, 2020 (Gallup Sun) *** ADVERTISEMENT BIDS MANUELITO ROAD

FOR

CANYON CULVERT

IMPROVEMENTS CN LP60005 COUNTY OF McKINLEY, NEW MEXICO IFB No. 2020-11 Notice is hereby given that the County of McKinley will receive sealed proposals for construction of MANUELITO CANYON ROAD CULVERT IMPROVEMENTS until the hour of 2:00 P.M., local time, Tuesday October 13, 2020 at the office of McKinley County Courthouse 207 West Hill Avenue Third Floor, Gallup, New Mexico 87301. Bids will be opened, read, and tabulated at that time. No bids will be received or considered if received after the time stated above. This project is located in Manuelito Canyon, 16 miles west of Gallup, NM, Exit 20. It is at the crossing of Big House Canyon Wash, which is 3.6 miles south of Interstate 40 on County Road 5, which is accessed by Lupton Road. Work shall consist of removing and salvaging two steel bridges, including several sets of support piers and several 60-inch diameter corrugated metal culverts. The bridges shall be replaced with a 144-inch diameter corrugated metal pipe culvert and a 20-foot diameter multi-plate steel culvert. This will include soil excavation, backfill, erosion protection controls, and regrading of the area. This section of road shall be removed and replaced with a new chip seal road, guardrail and object marker signs. Plans, specifications and bidding documents may be viewed at the office of the Procurement Manager, McKinley County and obtained from DePauli Engineering and Surveying, LLC, 307 S. 4th Street, Gallup, NM 87301, (505) 863-5440 upon deposit of $250.00, all of which will be refunded upon return of the documents within ten (10) days after bid opening. McKinley County reserves the right to accept and/or reject all bids and to waive all formalities. For more information, contact Hugo Cano at (505) 863-1400. The procurement code, Section 13-1-28, NMSA, 1978 imposes civil and criminal penalties for code violations. In addition, the New Mexico criminal statuses impose felony penalties for illegal bribes, gratuities, and kickbacks.

ADVERTISEMENT PROPOSALS

Board of Commissioner

FOR

Date: September 26, 2020 Published: 2020

September

25,

Request for Proposals (RFP) NO. 2020/2021/03/P

*** Invitation for Bid Paint Trim – MARCE SITE - 17 Residential Lease Buildings ROMERO Site – 17 Residential Lease Buildings GALLUP AUTHORITY

HOUSING

The Gallup Housing Authority is requesting interested Contractors provide a Bid to Paint Exterior Trim (34 Residential Lease Buildings) as described in the Bid package. You are invited to submit a Bid to be received by Mike Burnside, Project Coordinator, for the Gallup Housing Authority. The Housing Authority Main Office is located at 203 Debra Drive, Gallup, New Mexico 87301, phone number (505) 722-4388. Contact Mike Burnside to receive a Bid Package and to make an appointment if you wish to see the housing units and site. Site review is required. Your Proposed Bid must arrive no later than 2:00 PM, Friday, October 9, 2020, at the Gallup Housing Authority Main Office. Proposals may also be emailed to Mike Burnsides email address at: Mike.Burnside@ galluphousing.com. Proposals received after this date and time will not be accepted. A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at 11:00 AM, in the GHA Conference Room. The Gallup Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals or any part thereof and to waive any informality in any proposal not deemed in the best interest of the Housing Authority. Please refer any questions regarding this proposal in writing (via e-mail) to: Mike Burnside at Mike.Burnside@ galluphousing.com. Published: 2020

September

***

CITY OF GALLUP, NEW MEXICO

Public notice is hereby given that the City of Gallup, New Mexico, is accepting proposals for: On Call Architectural Services for City of Gallup, NM Qualifications Based Proposal As more particularly set out in the RFP documents, copies of which may be obtained from the City of Gallup Purchasing Division, 110 W. Aztec Ave., Gallup, New Mexico 87301; or contact Frances Rodriguez, Purchasing Director at (505) 8631334. Copies are available for viewing or can be downloaded from: www.gallupnm.gov/bids Sealed proposals for such will be received at the Office of the Purchasing Department until 2:00 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on October 28, 2020, when proposals will be received in the City Hall Purchasing Conference Room. Envelopes are to be sealed and plainly marked with the RFP Number. Proposals submitted after the specified date and time will not be considered and will be returned unopened. Dated this 25th day of September 2020 By: /S/ Mayor

Louie

Bonaguidi,

CLASSIFIED LEGAL COLUMN: Gallup Sun Publishing Date: Friday, September 25, 2020 *** ADVERTISEMENT BIDS

FOR

CITY OF GALLUP, NEW MEXICO FORMAL BID NO. 2030

As more particularly set out in the Bid documents, copies of which may be obtained from the City of Gallup Purchasing Division, 110 W. Aztec Ave., Gallup, New Mexico 87301; or contact Frances Rodriguez, Purchasing Director at (505) 8631334. Copies are available for viewing or can be downloaded from: www.gallupnm.gov/bids. Sealed bids for such will be received at the Office of the Purchasing Department until 2:00 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on October 22, 2020 when bids will be opened and read aloud in the City Hall Purchasing Conference Room. Envelopes are to be sealed and plainly marked with the Formal Bid Number. Bids submitted after the specified date and time will not be considered and will be returned unopened. NOTE: As Covid-19 has begun affecting our community, we want to reassure you that your health and safety, and that of our employees is extremely important to us. The City of Gallup Purchasing Division will be taking every necessary precaution to keep us all safe while we continue to maintain the integrity of the Procurement process. Therefore, as outlined by State of New Mexico Department of Health, we will proceed using virtual meeting tools to accommodate social distancing requirements as ordered. Pre-Bid/Pre-Proposal Conferences, Bid Openings, and Pre-Construction Conferences will be held via conference/video calls or other virtual means until further notice. Details regarding virtual bid opening are provided within bid documents. Dated 23rd day of September, 2020

Public notice is hereby given that the City of Gallup, New Mexico, will receive sealed bids for the following:

By: /S/ Mayor

POLICE UNIFORM SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS Multi-Term Contract

Classified Legal Column: Gallup Sun Publishing Date: Friday September 25, 2020

25, –

Louie

Bonaguidi,

/s/ Billy More

22 Friday September 25, 2020 • Gallup Sun

CLASSIFIEDS

CALENDAR

COMMUNITY CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 25 – OCTOBER 1, 2020 FRIDAY, September 25

SENSORY SEPTEMBER

11 am. Join us on Facebook and Youtube @ galluplibrary for fun sensory activities you can do at home for everything from learning the alphabet to improving motor skills. Today’s activity is Letter matching. Videos are posted Wednesdays and Fridays at 11 am.

COVID-19 DRIVE THRU TESTING

10 am-2 pm @ Kinlichee Chapter House (Kinlichee, Ariz.). Open to the public, all ages, no appointment needed. Face mask required. Please stay in your vehicle. For more information: (928) 755-4819 SATURDAY, September 26

SELF-CARE SATURDAY

1 pm on Facebook@galluplibrary. to make your DIY cosmetics from items around your home. We will focus on a lavender bath bomb and rosemary with peppermint foot scrub. Each ingredient list will be available in advance on our website, ofpl. online/programs/#makerspace under the MakerSpace Classes and Workshops section. For more information: jwhitman@gallupnm.gov; (505) 863-1291.

RMCHCS FLU VACCINATION CLINIC

8 am-12 pm @ College Clinic (2111 College Drive) Walkins as well as drive-through vaccinations will be available. For those with no health insurance there will be a $25 fee. MONDAY, September 28

LIBRARIES TRANSFORM DIGITAL READING PROGRAM

Sept. 14-28 OFPL joins public libraries nationwide in a digital reading program by offering access to the same ebook for a two-week period through the Libraries Transform Book Pick. The ebook selection is Lauren Francis-Sharma’s epic saga Book of the Little Axe. During the lending period, ebook copies will be available without waitlists or holds through U.S. public libraries using OverDrive. Readers will only need a library card and the Libby app to borrow and read the ebook. For more information: bmartin@gal-

HEMP | FROM PAGE 10 address those concerns.” Since many of the workers were living on the farms CALENDAR

lupnm.gov; (505) 863-1291. Follow the Libraries Transform Book Pick on Facebook and Twitter and join the discussion on social media using the hashtag #LTBookPick.

CREATIVE CORNER

4 pm-5 pm @ Octavia Fellin Public Library You Tube. Make your own art from materials around your home. Art courses are for the inner creative, geared toward people 15 years old and older. This week we will focus on Watercolor painting. TUESDAY, September 29

DRIVE-UP COVID-19 TESTING

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

KIDS’ CLASS

6 pm-8 pm @Healing Hands Studio (194 E. Hwy. 66) To sign up call (505) 488-2051 or contact klunasee@rmchcs. org. Sessions are $15 plus supplies.

ONE-2-ONE VIRTUAL TECHNOLOGY HELP

4 pm. The Library will offer one-2-one technology assistance online on Facebook Live and through Zoom. Ask technology questions and get assistance during the live one-hour sessions. Please email libtrain@gallupnm.gov to get access to the zoom link, or join us on Facebook live at one of the scheduled times. For more information: (505) 863-1291.

FLU SHOT AND COVID-19 TESTING DRIVE-UP EVENT

9 am-12 pm Mariano Lake Chapter. No appt. needed. For more information: (505) 786-6294, (505) 786-6240. WEDNESDAY, September 30

HORESEHAIR & ETCHING

6 pm-8 pm @Healing Hands Studio (194 E. Hwy. 66) To sign up call (505) 488-2051 or contact klunasee@rmchcs. org. Sessions are $15 plus supplies.

SENSORY SEPTEMBER

11 am. Join us on Facebook and Youtube @galluplibrary for fun sensory activities you can do at home for everything from learning the alphabet to improving motor skills. TP Troll haircuts are today’s activity. Videos are posted Wednesdays, Fridays at 11am.

a nd h ave now been t old they are no longer permitted to access those farms, Francisco has contacted the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission for assistance on

TECH TIME ONLINE: CREATE YOUR OWN MEMES

4 pm Memes are a great way to make statements and entertain. Learn how to make your own. For more information: libtrain@gallupnm.gov; (505) 863-1291.

FLU SHOT DRIVE-THROUGH EVENT

9 am-4 pm in Crownpoint. No appt. needed. Call for location. For more information: (505) 786-5291. THURSDAY, October 1

DRIVE-UP COVID-19 TESTING

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

CRAFTY KIDS

4 pm on Facebook and Youtube @galluplibrary (all ages) for family-friendly crafts and step-by-step tutorials for all skill levels. This week we will make Milagros. ONGOING

ART IN ISOLATION

Virtual show runs through Oct. 3. Organized by local artist Christian Bigwater, featuring new work created by seven artists, since the beginning of the pandemic @ gallupARTS facebook page. ART123 Gallery is open by appointment on Fridays andSaturdays from 12 pm-4 pm. For more information: galluparts.org/art123gallery.

RMCHCS FLU VACCINES (ADULTS ONLY)

9 am-5 pm Mon.-Sat. drive through hours Urgent Care Clinic (520 Hwy. 564) and 5 pm- 9 pm Mon. – Sat. walkins; 12 pm-5 pm Sun. walkins. Please bring insurance information. For those with no health insurance there will be a $25 fee.

GIRL SCOUTS ROBOT BUILDING PARTY

Times will be scheduled based on demand. This free ongoing activity continues until Nov. 30. For more information: https:// wwwnmgirlscounts.org/en/ about-girl-scouts/join/robot-building-party.html; (505) 343-1040.

VIRTUAL TUTORING AND HOMEWORK HELP

Beginning Sept. 8, The Boys & Girls Club of Gallup has been offering virtual tutoring and homework help with trained mentors using Zoom calls. Club members with a

a solution to those who have been dislocated. The Commission is scheduled to meet with the NPD in the upcoming week to address residual issues in connection

2020 membership can attend for free after they fill out a virtual permission form on the club website. To get a 2020 membership, fill out an online application and permission form. It’s free. The help will be available until Dec. 31. For more information: bgcgallup.com; (505) 488-2378; Facebook@ BoysandGirlsClubGallup

RMCHCS COVID-19 DRIVE-UP TESTING

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

MCKINLEY COUNTY BACK TO SCHOOL IMMUNIZATION CLINICS

8:30 am – 4 pm Mon., Wed., Fri. continues through October. @ McKinley Public Health Office, (1919 College Dr.) Call (505) 722-4391 to schedule an appointment. Vaccines provided at no cost for children through 18 years of age. Bring your child’s shot record.

STIMULUS PAYMENT: ECONOMIC IMPACT SURVEY

In March, the U.S. Congress passed, and the President signed, the CARES Act, legislation designed to provide economic help for Americans affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the law, most households would receive an “Economic Impact Payment” (a “stimulus check”) of $1,200 per adult and $500 per child under 17 years old, or up to $3,400 for a family of four. It’s now September -- have you received your payment? Please take a moment to share your experience with us so that we can better serve the needs of the community.

TALKING TUESDAYS

4 pm on Facebook and YouTube @galluplibrary for book, author, movie, tech talks and more.

VIRTUAL FUN FRIDAYS WITH OFPL

2 pm-3 pm Fri. @ Octavia Fellin Public Library Facebook. Join the OFPL staff and special guests every Friday on Facebook Live for trivia games and more.

OFPL BOOKMARK DESIGN CONTEST

OFPL is excited to announce the next phase of the contest.

with the daily complaints. Meantime, NPD encourages the public to continue to report any suspicious activities related to hemp farm operations or noncompliance

Vote online for your favorite bookmark in three age group categories. Winning designs will be professionally printed and distributed at OFPL’s Main Library and Children’s Branch. Vote now at ofpl. online, or social media, @galluplibrary! Online polls close Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 11:59 pm. For more information: jwhitman@gallupnm.gov; (505) 863-1291.

DIAL-A-STORY

Storytime anytime, call (505) 862-9177 to hear a story any time of the day or night. Stories will change daily, at the end feel free to leave us a message to let us know what stories you want to hear. For more information: childlib@ gallupnm.gov; (505) 863-1291.

WE READ, WE TALK BOOK CLUB

Register at ofpl.online for a copy of Heart Berries by Therese Marie Mailhot now through Oct. 9. A powerful, poetic memoir of a woman’s coming of age on the Seabird Island Indian Reservation in the Pacific Northwest. Get ready for some great conversations and tons of fun as we meet virtually! Zoom discussions will be held Oct. 22 at 6 pm and Oct. 31 at 2 pm. For more information: bmartin@gallupnm.gov; (505) 863-1291.

THRILL OF THE CHASE CHALLENGE

Forrest Fenn was a N.M. poet that loved the outdoors and encouraged others to do the same. He created a treasure hunt that baffled the world for a decade. To honor his memory and outdoor adventures he loved, OFPL has created a Treasure Hunt! Watch for a poem to be posted on each of our social media platforms, @galluplibrary on Oct. 3. Follow the clues in the poem to find the treasure we have hidden somewhere in the Gallup area. Find our treasure, enjoy the contents, take a photo with it, and share it with the library. Enjoy the thrill of the chase with this great adventure! For more information: mdchavez@gallupnm.gov; (505) 863-1291. 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.

with the cour t’s order, by contacting a hemp operation hotline set up at (505) 3681552. Tips, photos and videos can be emailed to npdops@ navajo-nsn.gov.

Gallup Sun • Friday September 25, 2020

" -PDBM 1BQFS T #JBTFE BOE 4IPEEZ 3FQPSUJOH 4USJLFT "HBJO 5IF TUPSZ JO UIF JTTVF PG B MPDBM OFXTQBQFS EPFT (BMMVQ B EJTTFSWJDF XJUI JUT FSSPOFPVT SFQPSUJOH JO XIJDI JU DBOqU FWFO HFU IFBEMJOFT TUSBJHIU 5IF CJBTFE BOE JODPSSFDU TUPSZ GBJMFE UP TUBUF UIBU BVYJMJBOT EPDUPST BOE PUIFS FYFDVUJWFT XFSF QSPWJEFE XJUI B GSFF NFBM EVSJOH CVTJOFTT NFFUJOHT EFQFOEJOH PO UIF UJNF PG UIF NFFUJOH 5IF QSBDUJDF TUJMM FYJTUT *U JT JODPNQSFIFOTJCMF UIBU )JOLMF -BOEFST QVSTVFE B NFBM FYQFOTF CVU GBJMFE UP SFQPSU PO UIF XIJDI $POFKP EPOBUFE UP UIF IPTQJUBM BOE JUT NJTTJPO 8F XJMM QSPWJEF SFTJEFOUT PG (BMMVQ XJUI UIF USVF TUPSZ CFMPX â&#x20AC;˘ An audit report by H&L cites â&#x20AC;&#x153;Substantial Operating Lossesâ&#x20AC;? when in fact the hospital went from virtual bankruptcy in 2014 to 12 million by June 11, 2020. The reflection of losses results from inappropriate government takeback by CMS in which these monies were returned, showing a clear increasing trend of revenues over expenses under Health Care Integrity (HCI). â&#x20AC;˘ All mill levy money was kept in a separate account. The county authorized use of these funds to be spent on operating expenses and were co-mingled at the time of service payment. All mill levy money was kept in a separate account. H&L agrees RMCHCS entered into an agreement with HCI on Sept 1, 2016, but refute themselves later in the report. â&#x20AC;˘ As CEO, Conejo expanded services with the addition of 100 employees, added a Medical School Residency Program, an Urgent Care Clinic, a 70-bed behavioral health and drug addiction program with job education, GED, pottery training, treatment for pregnant women, culinary arts and a 1.5 million dollar Wellness Center with physical and speech therapy. â&#x20AC;˘ RMCHCS provided indigent and charity care in excess of hundreds of thousands per year, meeting the community service standard under HCI and confirmed by the IRS in an onsite review in 2017. H&K suggests that Conejo did not have a valid contract yet Hospital Attorney Paul Melendres was a witness and the board approved the contract. There is no jeopardy of the hospital losing its not for profit status. â&#x20AC;˘ Regarding the failure of the Dallago Corporation to bid projects, the state of New Mexico exempts small rural hospitals from the bid process. The hospital did have to comply with procurement codes for mill levy money, otherwise the hospital did not have to comply with procurement codes so David Dallago did not have to bid. â&#x20AC;˘ $&0 DPNQFOTBUJPO JT SFBTPOBCMF BU QFS ZFBS BOE XBT OFWFS UIF BMMFHFE BNPVOU PG " MPDBM OFXTQBQFS

erroneously combined salary to company overhead compensation. Combining the money paid to HCI and Conejoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s salary which was not correct. Business expense is not compensation. â&#x20AC;˘ There was no analysis of Conejoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s management agreement. H&K never interviewed or met with any senior management such as CFOs, attorneys or members of HCI or RMCHCS nor did they even request to do so. There was no request of management regarding comparative compensation, but a comparison was done in 2014 with New Light and in 2016 with HCI. â&#x20AC;˘ The Board functions and Management functions need to remain separate. Conejo used to be a board member, but TUSFOHUIFOFE UIF CPBSE T PWFSTJUF SPMF CZ TUFQQJOH EPXO â&#x20AC;˘ H&K claims they conducted forensic testing interviews, but didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. They met with middle management and clerical staff, not the CEO, CFO, RMCHCS attorney, the prior finance committee chair or past board. â&#x20AC;˘ A contract between HCI and the hospital exists. The hospital attorney participated in the evaluation, the results were presented to the board and the contract was approved. â&#x20AC;˘ ) , BHSFFT UIBU $POFKPqT NBOBHFNFOU BHSFFNFOU DBMMT GPS B EBZ OPUJDF PG UFSNJOBUJPO ZFU UIF CPBSE DIBJSNBO QSPWJEFE OP OPUJDF BOE TIF IBE OP CBTJT GPS UFSNJOBUJOH IJT BHSFFNFOU *G UIFSF XFSF EJTQBSJUJFT JO UIF BHSFFNFOU JU XBT VMUJNBUFMZ UIF CPBSEqT SFTQPOTJCJMJUZ UP NFFU XJUI UIF $&0 UP DPSSFDU TVDI EJTDSFQBODJFT â&#x20AC;˘ The hospital has a contract with the CEO and they should have gone to HCI and requested a new CEO and Conejo would have hired one at his salary as a replacement, but still managed the hospital. Instead they unilaterally fired Conejo. â&#x20AC;˘ &WFO XJUI B DPSQPSBUJPO UIF CPBSE DIBJSNBO POMZ NFU PODF XJUI UIF $&0 JO IFS GJSTU ZFBS BT DIBJS 24 Friday September 25, 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ Gallup Sun

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