Gallup Sun ● July 9, 2021

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VOL 7 | ISSUE 328 | JULY 9, 2021

NO LONGER FORGOTTEN BRINGING DOWN THE HEAT N.M. included in federal infrastructure campaign

Staff Reports

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HKAY OWINGEH, N.M.—During a tour of Ohkay Owingeh with Rep. Teresa Leger Fer na ndez, D -N.M., on July 7, USDA

S e c r e t a r y To m V i l s a ck announced a $1.6 million grant and a $610,000 loan to bu i ld a wa stewater

THE STORY OF ST. THOMAS MORE COLORING PAGE 17

treatment plant on Pueblo lands in Rio Arriba County. This project is designed to help expand water treatment from 235,000 to 350,000 gallons per day and extend services to Pueblo residents who are not currently connected. These improvements are expected to benefit 1,143 residents. Leger Fernandez expressed her support of the plan in comments about the needs faced by Tribal nations and people in the Southwest. “The COVID pandemic showed the world what our Native American communities have known for too long—their communities struggle to gain access to clean water,” she pointed out. “It’s simply unacceptable that 1 in 10 Indigenous Americans don’t have access

WATER INFRASTRUCTURE | SEE PAGE 19

Ground game for fighting wildfires

By Rick Abasta Sun Correspondent

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ore than 1.4 mill ion acres of land have burned across the U.S. due to wildfires in the 2021 wildfi re season. Twenty-seven wildfires

have scorched lands in Ariz. and eight wildfires burned across N.M. in recent weeks. Wildfi re seasons are typically between May and October, although recent fi re seasons have stretched into December. Sa nd ra Moore, F i re Communications Specialist for the U.S. Forest Service

Southwestern Region, told the Sun there are 12 fi res currently burning in Arizona. “This has been a busy year, extremely busy for the past three weeks,” she said. In the Southwest area, the

WILDFIRES | SEE PAGE 19


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Gallup Sun • Friday June 25, Gallup Sun • Friday July 9, 2021 2021

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LOCAL NEWS

NEWS

The Navajo Nation officially reopens tribal parks at 50 percent capacity PROCLAIMED A MODEL FOR BRINGING PANDEMIC NUMBERS DOWN IN A REGION By Rick Abasta Sun Correspondent

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INDOW ROCK, Ariz. - Tribal parks are reopenin g. Nav a jo Na t ion President Jonathan Nez made it official in a signing ceremony at Window Rock Navajo Tribal Park July 6. Resolution No. CJN-36-21 allows Navajo Nation parks to reopen at 50 percent capacity with safety protocols in place. It also includes provisions for schools to reopen under a required safety plan. Council Delegate Carl Slater (Lukachukai, Rock Point, Rough Rock, Round Rock, Tsaile-Wheatfields) sponsored Resolution No. CJN-36 -26, which was passed by the 24th Navajo Nation Council on June 25. That resolution rescinded a number of COVID-19-related resolutions that were passed by the 24th Navajo Nation Council at the beginning of the pandemic. Nez said more than 70 percent of Navajo Nation residents are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19. “We’re ready to reopen here on the Navajo Nation,” Nez announced. “Now, we can get out there and enjoy the beautiful Navajo Nation and visit

places like Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, and the Four Corners Monument.” A number of Navajo-owned business representatives were in attendance for the signing ceremony, including people from Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and A ntelope Canyon Navajo Tribal Park. “These were some very tough protocols and they had to be, because the world is watching us,” Nez pointed out. “But we persevered and even Dr. Anthony Fauci said the Navajo Nation is a model for bringing COVID-19 numbers down in a region.” “We locked down the Nation and we’re still wearing masks,” he said. “Today, we’re honoring our Navajo citizens who persevered and our businesses that got hit hard.” Nez was joined by his cabinet members and Vice President Myron Lizer, who said that any job that put food on the table qualified as “essential.” “We’re in this together. It’s been an ‘all hands on deck’ mentality. This is about your livelihood. It’s about protecting our Navajo consumers that are out there and our friends and visitors coming to the Navajo Nation,” Lizer said. Council Delegate Herman Daniels (Navajo Mountain,

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Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer signed Resolution No. CJN-36-21 into law July 6, allowing Navajo tribal parks to reopen at 50 percent capacity. Photo Credit: Courtesy OPVP Oljato, Shonto, Ts’ah Bii’ Kin), thanked the division directors and business owners in attendance and said it had been over a year since the tribal parks had been closed and that business owners were impacted economically. “Thank you to the business owners for being patient,” Daniels said. “Today [July 6], after the signing ceremony, all of the tribal parks will be reopened safely. “ T hey have reopen i ng plans,” he said. Cou nci l Delegate Pau l Begay (Bodaway- Gap, Coppermine, LaChee, K’ai’bii’to, Tonalea-Red Lake), also began by expressing his appreciation for the day. “It’s an especially great day for the business owners,” Begay said. “Since last March you have been patient. “You abided by all health orders and waited patiently,” Begay said. “Businesses within Navajo Nation boundaries can now pick themselves back up

Navajo Nation Tribal Parks include Four Corners Monument, Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, Little Colorado River Gorge, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Tseyi Heritage Center, and Window Rock Navajo Tribal Park. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Navajo Nation Parks.org and get back on the road.” Dr. Jill Jim, Executive D i rec t or for t he Nav a jo Department of Health, made her comments entirely in Navajo. She said she first heard about COVID-19 in Jan. 2020. “Thank you for your understanding,” she said. “Although your businesses went down during the closure, you all know that it was for the respect of life that these health orders were put in place. “It wasn’t just us. It was done in accordance with our

leaders and health officials,” she said “We on Navajo will continue to wear masks,” she said. “That is the message that we need [to] share.” The Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department operates the tr iba l pa rks which include Four Corners Monument, Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, Little Colorado River Gorge, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Tseyi Heritage Center, and Window Rock Navajo Tribal Park.

WHAT’S INSIDE …

STOP SMOKING PROGRAM GMCS to go tobacco-free

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Friday July 9, 2021 • Gallup Sun

MEET FOUR DOGS FROM GERMANY Navajo Police Department welcomes four canine officers

CLEAN YOUR BIRDBATH Dirty birdbaths may be blinding birds

‘BLACK WIDOW’ A movie trying to make up its mind

A NEW AMATEUR RADIO CLUB Helps in emergencies NEWS


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Gallup-McKinley County Schools becomes 15th in New Mexico to go tobacco-free NEW POLICY GOES INTO EFFECT FOR 2021/2022 SCHOOL YEAR Staff Reports

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CKINLEY COUNTY — A new tobacco-free policy at Gallup McKinley County Schools is getting

Gallup Sun Publishing, LLC Publisher Babette Herrmann Office Manager Mandy Marks Managing Editor Beth Blakeman Design Vladimir Lotysh Contributing Editor Cody Begaye Correspondents Rick Abasta Molly Adamson Photography Cable Hoover Ana Hudgeons Ryan Hudgeons Knifewing Segura On the Cover: Drawing of Saint Thomas More. Artwork by S. Wells 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: 1983 State Rd. 602 Gallup, NM 87301 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Gallup Sun, PO Box 1212, Gallup, NM. Mailing Address: PO Box 1212 Gallup, NM 87305 www.gallupsun.com Phone: (505) 722-8994 Fax: (505) 212-0391 gallupsun@gmail.com Letter to the editor/guest column ACCEPTED BY EMAIL ONLY. State full name and city/town. No pen names. ID required. All submissions subjected to editor’s approval. Guest columnists, email Sun for submission requirements.

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recognized by the New Mexico Department of Health Tobacco Use Prevention and Control program. T he GMC S B o a r d of Education voted June 14 to adopt a comprehensive, tobacco-free school policy, joining 14 other school districts across the state in using 24/7 campaign guidelines. David Tompkins, TUPAC Community Health Initiatives Manager said seeing Gallup McKinley County Schools adopt the 100 percent tobacco-free policy is a huge win for the campaign. “Lives are on the other side of this work, and we are thankful for the district’s support in promoting a healthy learning environment for everyone,” Tompkins

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Friday July 9, 2021 • Gallup Sun

said. This campaign will be protecting approximately 11,631 students and 1,819 staff members from the harms of tobacco while on campus property or at off-site school events, according to the NMDOH. The 24/7 campaign partners with school districts to help them update their tobacco policies to meet the comprehensive standard of the DOH, which is more stringent than the current required laws in the state of New Mexico. By the 24/7 standard, the definition of tobacco products includes e-cigarettes and nicotine liquid containers, and the policy applies to students, staff, and visitors at all school property owned, leased, or rented by the district, as well as all school-sponsored activities whether on- or off-site. The guidelines also require schools to provide cessation resources as well as progressive and supportive discipline

Gallup McKinley County Schools adopted a tobacco-free school policy June 14. The program guidelines take effect on all school property in the 2021/2022 school year. Photo Credit: Courtesy measures to assist those struggling with addiction. To help promote its new comprehensive policy, GallupMcKinley County Schools will be receiving free resources from the 24/7 campaign, including the 24/7 Toolkit and bilingual tobacco-free signs for all school buildings and grounds for all 34 district schools. Other free resources include faculty training and bilingual pre-written announcements,

staff memos and parent letters explaining the policy. “Our students’ wellbeing is top priority, and we are pleased to join several other districts in Northwest New Mexico in adopting 24/7’s tobacco-free policy,” GMCS Superintendent Mike Hyatt said. “We look forward to making the 2021/2022 school year the best one yet, and an important step is making sure our campuses are tobacco-free.”

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Gallup Sun • Friday July 9, 2021

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Navajo Leadership embraces “Naabik’íyáti’” with U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján Staff Reports

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ARMINGTON —Navajo Nation leaders met with U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., at the Navajo Agricultural Products Industry Headquarters to hear issues regarding the Navajo I nd ia n I r r igat ion P roject a nd t he proposed Cha co

Protection Act. NAPI officials welcomed members of the 24th Navajo Nation Council, Sen. Luján, h i s con s t it uent s, Nav a jo Nation Vice President Myron L i zer, a nd Nava jo Nat ion Washington Office Executive Director Santee Lewis on July 1, before discussing the shortcomings on the operations

Lionel Haskie, Maintenance and Operations Manager for Navajo Agricultural Products Industry, gives Navajo leadership a tour of Kutz substation. Photo Credit: Courtesy of 24th Navajo Nation Council

and maintenance of NIIP. NIIP was established to irrigate 110,630 acres of farmland on NAPI in 1962. It is federally owned, operated, and maintained by NAPI through Public Law 93 - 638 federal contract with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. “NIIP was a project envisioned by the federal government and the Navajo Nation in the 1970s, but has not been completed while the Navajo people have been patient to see the full development of the facility come to fruition,” Council Delegate Eugenia Charles-Newton of Shiprock, N.M., said. “This visit from Sen. Ben Ray Lu ján brings hope that the neglect of the BIA will be addressed pertaining to the operations and maintenance of NIIP.” Lawrence Platero, NAPI B o a r d c h a i r a n d L io n e l Haskie, NAPI’s operations and maintenance manager gave members of the Navajo Nat ion lea der sh ip a tou r of Kut z Ca nyon P u mp to

Navajo Nation Vice President Myron Lizer addresses U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., the 24th Navajo Nation Council, and Navajo Agricultural Products Industry officials at NAPI headquarters in Farmington, on July 1. Photo Credit: Courtesy OPVP highlight the need for additional congressional funding to address the issues of NIIP. Many of NIIP’s pumping, substation, and conveyance systems were built prior to 1985 and are now in disrepair, which have led to constant repairs that can no longer be deferred. Wa t e r I n f r a s t r u c t u r e Improvement for the Nation allocates $10 million to 17 feder a l ly- ow ned I nd i a n Irrigation Projects, resulting in NIIP being awarded $2.335 million per year to address these deferred costs. In order to address deferred maintenance and replacement costs, both the Navajo Nation and NAPI have requested $35 million through the WIIN Act in Fiscal Year

2022. “Sen. Lujan came and we were able to communicate with Washington leadership to address their important concerns that NIIP needs, which is funding.” Council Delegate Rickie Nez (T’iistsoh Sikaad, Nenahnezad, Upper Fr uitla nd, Tsé Daa K’aa n, Newcomb, San Juan), said. “I’m just glad that we were able to convey that to him a nd a sk h i m to cont i nue advocating on behalf of our Navajo people.” Following the NAPI meeting, Speaker Seth Da mon (Bá á ha a lí, Chichilta h, Manuelito, Red Rock, Rock Springs, Tséyatoh), Council

IRRIGATION | SEE PAGE 20

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Gallup Sun • Friday July 9, 2021

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PUBLIC SAFETY

Put through their paces, these four dogs are ready to join the team Staff Reports

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HINLE, Ariz. — Fou r dog s joi ned the Nava jo Police Department K-9 program on June 28. Orcan, Rakky, Gecko, and Xensi have all completed their first training course at the Adlerhorst International LLC Police K-9 Academy in Jurupa Valley, Calif. and made their fi rst trip to Chinle, Ariz. June 24, with a stop at Canyon de Chelly, Ariz. to get their department photos taken.

The department’s K-9 Unit experienced a temporary hiatus after two dogs retired from police services. The dogs are originally from Europe and were selected by the Adlerhorst International, LLC trainers, where they were brought to the California training facility. In May, the K-9 Unit officers traveled to the facility to meet their four-legged partners and completed the six-week training program to become certified K-9 officers. “We are excited for the new

addition to our department. The K-9 unit will be a valuable asset to our department, our communities, and the Navajo Nation,” Chief Phillip Francisco said. “We are extremely proud of our newly certified K-9 officers for taking on these challenges and responsibilities. “Together they will make a great team, working alongside one another to make a positive impact in our community.” The of f icer s a nd t hei r

K-9 | SEE PAGE 20

The Navajo Nation brings four new police dogs into its K-9 program. From left: Orcan, Rakky, Gecko, and Xensi shown here in at Canyon de Chelly, Ariz. June 24 posing for their department photos after completing their first training course at the Adlerhorst International, LLC Police K-9 Academy in Jurupa Valley, Calif. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Navajo Police Department

Semi-trucks, cars, minivan collide THREE PEOPLE DEAD Staff Reports

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f ive -vehicle collision took the lives of three people. On Ju ne 25, around 10:30 pm, the McKinley

County Sheriff’s Office dispatched deputies to Mile Marker 63 on Interstate 40 westbound, about 40 miles east of Gallup after a caller reported a multiple vehicle collision with injuries and possible fatalities.

According to the Undersheriff James Maiorano III, two semitrucks and three cars were involved in the crash. The investigation is still ongoing, but deputies believe t he d r iver of one of t he

Damage at the scene of a five-vehicle collision east of Gallup on June 25. Three people were killed. Photo Credit: Courtesy of McKinley County Sheriff ’s Department tractor-trailers, who is not being identified at this time, was approaching a traffic backup due to a collision being handled in the construction zone in the roadway ahead. The driver failed to slow

down for slow moving traffic, and collided into the back end of a car, killing all three people inside.

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PUBLIC SAFETY


Weekly Police Activity Report Staff Reports

grass and concluded someone had lit a fire on her property. VA N D A L I S M AT On June 4, around 2:33 pm SPEEDWAY McKinley County Sheriff’s Vanderwagen, June 5 Deputy Miguel Bittony was W h e n a S p e e d w a y dispatched to 4 Zeta St. in employee arrived at work she Mentmore. walked in on a broken surBittony met with the vicveillance system and a mess tim. She stated that she had around the store. discovered burned grass along On June 5, around 6:21 am, her west fence line which McKinley County Sheriff’s spread onto a small area of Deputy Cecil Sanders was the driveway. She said there dispatched to the Speedway was no electricity or water to at 1068 State Hw y. 602 in the property because she was Vanderwagen. currently doing house renovaWhen Sanders arrived, he tions. No one is currently livmet with the store’s assistant ing in the house. manager, who said when she T he Ment more woma n got to work around 5:55 am, sa id she had been at the she found trash had been house the day before, and thrown into the parking lot. hadn’t noticed any issues. In She sa id that the tele - his report Bittony said that phone wire had been ripped there was no other property from the wall above the main damage. entrance. The woman didn’t know She also noticed the con- how the fire started. duit pipes that insulate the M A N F OU N D W I T H electrical wires connecting METH the video surveillance camGallup, May 19 era to the main office were The discovery of a crystal hanging down close to the fragment led ground. Gallup Police I n h i s repor t S a nder s Department’s noted that a fuse box located Agent Timothy on the north side wall was Hughte to the open and wires were exposed. Lariat Motel There was no forced entry. at 1105 U.S. Rte. 66 May 19, MYSTERIOUS FIRE Mentmore, June 4 WEEKLY POLICE A property owner came ACTIVITY REPORT home to d iscover bu r ned | SEE PAGE 20

Man sentenced to 30 years in shooting death of Navajo Police Officer Staff Reports

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LBUQUERQUE — Kirby Cleveland was sentenced in federal court for the shooting death of Navajo Police Officer Houston James Largo in March 2017. Largo was shot on March 11. He died on March 12. L a r go re s ponded t o a domestic v iolence ca ll in Prewitt. He was 27 years old at the time. Officer Largo was with the Navajo Police Department for fi ve years and was a recipient of the Lifesaving Award and the 2016 Indian Country Officer of the Year. He was PUBLIC SAFETY

Officer Houston James Largo was killed March 11, 2017. Kirby Cleveland has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for shooting him. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Reycita Billie, Navajo Police Department

SHOOTING DEATH | SEE PAGE 20 Gallup Sun • Friday July 9, 2021

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WEEKLY DWI REPORT Staff Reports Kerley Biggs April 1, 2020, 2:22 pm Aggravated DW I (Second) When a gray Chrysler was seen parked at 1710 Elm Cir. with a reportedly intoxicated driver, Gallup Police Officer Justin Benally was dispatched to the area. The driver backed his vehicle into Benally’s unit and began to leave. Officer Benally followed. He was located near Mile Marker 16 of Highway 602. When Benally made contact with the driver, he was identified as Kerley Biggs, 30 at the time. Biggs refused to get out of the car and reached to start the vehicle. Benally told him not to start the car and to get out. Biggs placed the car in drive. Benally said to put it in park and not leave. Benally said he noticed that Biggs’ left foot was on the brake and his right was on the gas. Biggs began to take off, almost hitting Benally. Benally got into his unit and stopped traffic on Highway 602. When the officer reached the city limits his supervisor advised that he terminate the pursuit. T hat’s when McK i n ley County Sheriff’s Deputy Ben Benally took over. He reported seeing damage to the left side front area of the police officer’s unit and to the rear end of Biggs’ car. Sergeant Tammy Houghtaling arrested Biggs

SEMI-TRUCKS | FROM PAGE 10 The car was pushed into the back of a minivan causing injury to those passengers. The minivan was then pushed into another car, and then glanced off the front of another semi-truck before coming to a stop.

for an aggravated DWI, an open container and driving on a suspended license. Henry Hayes March 14, 2020, 6:00 pm Aggravated DWI New Mexico State Police Officer Christian Roman was participating in a McKinley County Task Force operation when he observed a white pickup truck traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 491 at 67 mph in a 55-mph zone. He activated his unit’s emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop. Roma n met the dr iver, Henry Hayes, 27, of Toadlena, N.M., who provided the information as requested. As he spoke with him, Roman noted Hayes smelled of alcohol so he asked if he consumed any drinks. Hayes admitted to having a pint and “smoking two bowls of bud” before driving. Hayes agreed to take the standard field sobriety tests, but failed. He was placed under arrest and transported to the local state police office for a breath test, where he posted two samples of .17. He was then transported to McKinley County Adult Detention Center, where he was booked without incident.

of a brown SUV and the registration and insurance came back suspended. He initiated a traffic stop and pulled the vehicle over near Mile Marker 25 of I-40 westbound. Williams approached from the passenger window and met the driver, Johnny Perry, 52, of Brimhall, N.M., who produced an ID card when asked. A passing truck pushed air out through the passenger window, which led to Williams detecting the smell of alcohol coming from the vehicle. A run of Perry’s ID also returned his license as revoked. When he spoke with Perry, Williams noted his eyes were bloodshot and he smelled of alcohol. Before agreeing to take the standard field sobriety tests, Perry admitted to drinking two beers at the Fire Rock Casino. Perry was transported to the local state police office for the breath test, where he posted two samples of .15. He was transported to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked without incident.

Johnny Perry Dec. 22, 2019, 10:57 pm DWI During a westbound patrol on State Road 118 near the I- 40 onramp, New Mexico State Police Officer Matthew Williams ran the license plate

Michael Yazzie Jr. Nov. 29, 2018, 8:22 pm Aggravated DW I (Second) A black Dodge pickup was seen near Crestview Road and Highway 118 with a driver that did not appear alert at the wheel. McKinley County Lieutenant Eric Jim arrived at the scene to inspect the vehicle, which drove off once he approached. Deputy Johnson Lee was able to stop the truck shortly a f t er w a r d a nd S er ge a nt Tammy Houghtaling arrived to meet the driver, Michael

The first passenger car a nd m i n iv a n pa s s en ger s were family members traveling together. The names of those deceased are not being released at this time. The office is working with New Mexico State Police to get wa r ra nts on the vehicles for t hei r Event Dat a Recorders. EDRs will help

deputies determine how fast the vehicles were traveling at the time of the collision. T he Sher i f f ’s Of f ice is investigating this collision as a vehicular homicide case. A f ter the investigation is complete, MCSO will confer with the District Attorney’s of f ice rega rd i ng pos sible charges.

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Friday July 9, 2021 • Gallup Sun

Yazzie, 28 at the time, who showed signs of being intoxicated, i nclud i ng slu r red speech, bloodshot eyes, and smelling of alcohol. Yazzie refused to cooperate with Houghtaling’s questions, but did admit to drinking a full six-pack of Budweiser prior to

driving, and a closed can was found in his vehicle. Yazzie refused to take any field tests and made threatening remarks to Houghtaling as he was placed under arrest for aggravated DWI. He refused to give a breath sample or blood draw.

This table represents a seven-day period of Gallup Police Dept. incident calls. June 30 - July 6 INCIDENT TYPE

NUMBER OF CALLS

INTOXICATED

263

WELFARE CHECK

160

POLICE REQUEST

112

TRAFFIC–RELATED

86

DOMESTIC

47

ALARM

46

LAW

44

ACCIDENT

39

DISORDERLY SUBJECT

37

ROUTINE PATROL

34

All other calls including. attempt to locate, burglary, battery, assault, party call disturbance, etc.

274

This table represents a seven-day period of Gallup Police Dept. incident calls. June 23 - June 29 INCIDENT TYPE

NUMBER OF CALLS

INTOXICATED

242

WELFARE CHECK

180

TRAFFIC-RELATED

100

POLICE REQUEST

94

DISORDERLY SUBJECT

61

DOMESTIC

56

LAW

51

ALARM

39

ACCIDENT

34

ROUTINE PATROL

32

All other calls including. attempt to locate, burglary, battery, assault, party call disturbance, etc.

283

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HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

Earthweek: Diary of a Changing World Week ending Friday, July 2, 2021

By Steve Newman

Record Heat The punishing heat wave that has baked much of western Canada up to the Arctic and down to the northwestern U.S. is being made more intense by hotter temperatures at night in areas that normally cool down after sunset. Experts say that this is making nights much warmer than the normal daytime temperatures. Simon Donner of the University of British Columbia said the hot nights are like a fi ngerprint of climate change. “This is exactly a specific sort of prediction that scientists have been making — that we would have warmer nights,” said Donner. The “heat dome” has caused hundreds of deaths and set an all-time heat record for Canada’s west.

Avian Mystery Birds from Washington, D.C., to Kentucky have recently been found suffering from a mysterious illness that causes them to have crusty eyes and swollen faces that prevent them from flying. The affected species have so far been blue jays, common grackles and European starlings. People who have discovered the ill birds say they act like they are blind and are not afraid of people. Since

5.4 4.7

5.1

Elsa Enrique

5.4

-108° Vostok, Antarctica bird feeders and birdbaths can spread disease among feathered creatures, experts advise residents in the affected region to stop feeding the birds and to clean their feeders and baths with a 10 percent beach solution, wearing gloves to avoid exposure to any pathogens.

Earthquakes The eastern T u rk ish cit y of B i n göl a nd s u rrounding areas were jolted by a magnitude 5.2 quake. • Earth movements were also felt around the Afghan capit a l of K abu l, on t he Philippine island of Mindanao and in western Cuba.

Danny

+124° Death Valley, California

Tropical Cyclones Resorts and other communities along Mex ico’s Pa c i f ic coast, as well as the southern tip of Baja California, were drenched by passing Hurricane Enrique. • Tropical Storm Danny formed just off the South Carolina coast, then later drenched a wide swath of the southeastern U.S. • Tropica l Stor m Elsa for med over the wester n Atlantic and threatened to strike Cuba and Florida during the following week.

longest known in the insect world. “We know that the number of Painted Lady Butterflies in Europe varies widely, sometimes with 100 times more from one year to the next,” Tom Oliver of England’s University of Reading, said. That variability can now be explained by the weather, which may also affect other insects as the climate warms. “We enjoy seeing the beautiful Painted

Lady Butterflies in our gardens in Europe, but climate change will also lead to shifts in invasive species that are crop pests or those that spread diseases,” Oliver warns.

Loving the Heat R a t t le s n a ke s are one of the few species that may actua lly benef it

from global heating, according to a new study by the California Polytechnic State University. Since rattlesnakes depend on the sun and ambient temperatures to warm themselves, researchers say the hotter conditions will give the rattlers a longer active season and more time to hunt and feed. “We are so used to climate change studies that forecast negative impacts on wildlife — it was interesting to see such starkly different findings for these snakes,” researcher Hayley Crowell said. “A warmer climate may help these snakes heat up to temperatures that are more optimal for digestion or reproduction,” he added.

Eruption Costa Rica’s Rincón de la Vieja volcano produced one of its biggest outbursts in years, spewing ash and debris in a three-minute eruption. Ash and sulfuric odors were reported in the nearby communities of Gavilán de Dos Ríos and Bromelias. Dist. by: Andrews McMeel Syndication ©MMXXI Earth Environment Service

Epic Flight A species of butterfly migrates thousands of miles from sub-Saharan Africa to Europe during years when the weather is favorable. The Painted Lady’s 8,700-mile migration is the

Painted Lady Butterflies have been observed making the longest migration in the insect world. Photo Credit: Butterfly Conservation HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

Gallup Sun • Friday July 9, 2021

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OPINIONS

Should I buy Long Term Care insurance? By Lawrence Castillo Host of Safe Money and Income Radio “Long term insurance protection for nursing home care does not have guaranteed premiums; they can be increased.” — Lawrence Castillo I have been asked that question many times in my career, and of course, the answer is simple, it depends. It depends on several things, your assets, your marital status, your income, and your state of residence. A recent article in “Forbes” stated that less than 8 percent own LTC insurance and less than 10 percent even have an LTC plan in place. Most people are just not prepared to deal with the expense and life change an LTC situation would bring. Costs can easily

exceed $7,000 a month or more, and frankly, most people can’t afford the expense. Ma ny people wa nt t o depend on the government for this level of care, but frankly, the truth is Medicare will not take care of your long-term care needs. Medicare provides only for approved charges and some skilled and rehabilitative care. Coverage can begin after three days and nights of hospitalization and only for a maximum of 100 days per diagnosis. What happens after 100 days? You are on your own. Our country does have a welfare system in place called Medicaid. Medicaid will pay for necessary care only after you have qualified with your state of residence and your assets are at their required minimum level. Some states only allow a remainder of $2,000 in total assets. Another way to think

of Medicaid is welfare because that is exactly what it is. LTC insura nce is a lso expensive, and it isn’t easy to buy. Health questions can often end any possibility of insurance ownership; your current health is a factor when purchasing a policy. Plus, most people do not realize that LTC insurance premiums are not guaranteed, and companies can raise the premiums to match their expenses with the state department of insurance approval. Modern LTC policies can provide benefits outside of the actual nursing home. People assume LTC insurance pays only for nursing home care, but that can be misleading. Insurers define long-term care as assistance provided to someone with a condition or illness that limits their ability to perform normal daily

Lawrence Castillo activities. LTC insurance can also provide funds for rehabilitative care and various types of assisted care in the home. Planning can cause people to consider other options for covering these expenses. Some life insurance policies offer LTC riders who can help, but qualifying for the life insurance policy can also be a problem. Some annuities also allow LTC riders to be attached, which can provide some protection, but the annuity’s account value could too be drained.

Many people simply think they can give away assets to their heirs and protect the assets. That is simply not true. Almost any gift given in the past five years (except between spouses) can be canceled, and the asset clawed back into the grantor’s estate. Regardless of your ultimate decision, which can include self-funding, LTC insurance, government-provided benefits, or family-provided care, the odds are that over 70 percent of people over 80 will need some form of assistance. Planning is essential, a nd the sooner discussions begin about this category of future liability, the better off you are. Send your financial questions to Lawrence Castillo at LandCRetirementPlanners@ gm a i l . c o m fo r f u t u r e columns.

Letter to the Editor

''A Tradition'' COVID helps sweep Gallup streets

• 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.

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Friday July 9, 2021 • Gallup Sun

Dear Editor, An eyesore around Gallup has somewhat vanished since the closing of the uptown motels and the prohibition of hard liquor sales at the local gas stations. It’s high time they closed those motels and ordered them to clean up. I imagine that it took a mayor’s order to do just that, especially before the busy tourist season. And if not by his orders, then whom? Someone who has more oversight of his town, than him? I can tell you that as a weekend warrior and someone who has taken to the streets of Gallup at times, IMPORTERS VODKA, at 4 or 5 bucks a pint was the major cause of eyesores at these gas stations. Those gas stations that sold hard liquor would stack cases

of Importers next to the cash register because that’s how much and fast they sold that hard liquor on a daily basis. So I can only imagine how hurt gas station operators would be from all those lost hard liquor sales, again, mostly from cheap Importers vodka. W hat’s going to be next? Reintroduction of Garden Deluxe at discount prices? I’m glad that McKinley County got lucky and fit the criteria in order to halt hard liquor sales at its gas stations. Look around Gallup and see how many fewer inebriates are around asking for change to buy cheap liquor from local gas stations. Mayor, clean up this town. Give tourists a reason to come back! Rod Jackson Gallup OPINIONS


Help is here for New Mexico renters UP TO 15-MONTHS OF RENT, UTILITY ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE By Debbie Romero, Secretary, New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration; Donnie Quintana, Emergency Rental Assistance Program Coordinator

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s New Mexico families emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us fi nd life incredibly different than it was 15 months ago. Our households, our communities, and our jobs have all been impacted and likely look very different now. The pandemic was an indiscriminate hammer, fracturing the lives of people across the spectrum and far too many New Mexicans now find themselves struggling to make ends meet, or are employed, but behind on housing costs like mortgages, rent, or utilities. Fortunately, thousands of renters in New Mexico are likely eligible to receive funds to cover up to 15 months of rent and utility payments. These payments will help keep people in their homes. We would like to provide some important points regarding the federally-funded assistance program. It’s important to note that while individuals are required to apply to receive these funds, program administrators are not waiting for people to stumble upon our website or give us a call. We are running a robust advertising campaign, building an extensive ambassador network of community and nonprofit organizations, and are regularly adapting the application process to meet the needs of New Mexico renters, while also satisfying the onerous federal requirements for issuing these funds. In fact, our call center hours were recently extended and the center was operational on Memorial Day. Most importantly, there is a tremendous need throughout New Mexico for this sort of support. Many New Mexicans experienced job losses or reduced wages during the pandemic and struggled to make ends meet. While these losses had a direct impact on the individual, there were compounding effects to landlords and utility providers as well. While landlords and utility OPINIONS

providers are not eligible to apply for individuals, they play a critical role in the process. Landlords and utility providers must certify that individual applicants are tenants or customers, are behind in rent or payments, and must also provide necessary tax documents to receive payment on behalf of the applicant. Though a seemingly simple step in the process, delays

in landlord response have been a significant cause for delays in funding applicants. Despite challenges, progress is being made. To date, nearly $3M in assistance has been recommended for renters across New Mexico. This includes individuals like a single mother of three who received $17,000 to cover back rent and utilities. We

haven’t let the barriers associated with building and executing such a significant assistance program keep us from getting support to New Mexico renters as soon as possible. Perhaps more than anything, we want readers to know that they each can play a part in supporting a neighbor, friend, or family member. If you’re a landlord

– tell your tenants about the program and help us process the necessary paperwork quickly. If you’re a renter – visit the website to see if you’re eligible to receive rent or utility assistance. I also encourage everyone not in either of these categories to become an ambassador for the program and connect people in your community with renthelpnm.org or (833) 485-1334. By doing so, you will help New Mexico bounce back from the year that none of us wanted or deserved.

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COMMUNITY

Revered, then reviled by King Henry VIII THE STORY OF SAINT THOMAS MORE (SAN TOMAS) 1477 - 1535 A. D. Feast Day June 22 Patron Saint of politicians, lawyers, adopted families, difficult marriages By Sean Wells Contributing artist

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orn into privilege, Thomas More had a l i fe of comfor t and prestige laid out before him. He was heavily influenced by his devout mother and became a lawyer, although he always felt a pull toward the pious life, living adjacent to a monastery and even becoming a Third Order Franciscan. He was even known to wear a hair shirt (a shirt woven loosely of coarse hair to be intentionally uncomfortable) and conduct other acts of penance. He was a dedicated husband to his first wife. They were portrayed as a happy couple. He was a doting father to his biological children and

step-child. He quickly climbed the ranks of the legal and political field, finding favor with the King, Henry VIII. In an act of great faith, Henry dubbed More, Lord Chancellor of the Realm, Second to the King. He demonstrated great loyalty to the King, superseded only by his loyalty to God. This loyalty was tested when the King wanted to divorce his wife and marry his mistress, Anne Boleyn. He tried for years to convince More to allow him to break his Christian marriage vow, complicated by the fact that the Pope had already granted one exception for Henry to marry his brother’s widow, his current wife. Despite much pressure, More did not budge, attempting to get out of the dilemma by both staying silent and retiring to the country, which the King reluctantly allowed. But, when More refused to attend Anne’s

coronation, Henry was so deeply insulted, he put More on trial, threatening him in an attempt to coerce him to sign a document stating that the King is the true voice of the church. Despite a compelling and memorable defense by More, the kangaroo court (which included several of Bolyen’s relatives), found him guilty and sentenced him to be hanged, drawn and quartered. In mercy, the King had him beheaded instead. More demonstrated much restraint and was known as a moral and ethical man. He is celebrated as a scholar, barrister and judge. He authored the definitive book “Utopia” in which he describes an ideal world where the discrepancies between the rational world and the spiritual world inevitably must conflict, which would foreshadow his own fate. He described a perfect society in which “Anyone

Coloring page artist Sean Wells accompanied by her sons, from left: Phoenix and Griffin at the Rail Yards Market in Albuquerque in 2017. Photo Credit: Toby Younis who campaigns for public office becomes disqualified for holding any office at all.” In his many writings, he never referred to the word “subject,” but rather used words like “citizen,” implying an interest in equality and unity. He wrote many works in his lifetime, some of the most important coming from his last years, and some of the most moving were written while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. His story is told in the acclaimed movie and play “A Man for All Seasons.” A darker

take on this complicated man is expressed in the book and television series “Wolf Hall.” Whether you chose the saintly version portrayed in “A Man for All Seasons,” or the earthly man of “Wolf Hall,” there is little dispute that More was a man of principles and ideals. In these times, in contemplating Saint Thomas More, we get to reflect on the formative ideas and ideals of our great philosophers. Please enjoy coloring the image in honor of Saint Thomas More.

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Friday July 9, 2021 • Gallup Sun

COMMUNITY


CHILDREN’S COLORING PAGE: SAINT THOMAS MORE SAN TOMAS

Please post your finished images on Facebook or Instagram #ColorSeanWells Image and text copyright ©2021 Sean Wells. Please contact SeanWellsCreates@gmail.com for any commercial use of this image. Thank you! COMMUNITY

Gallup Sun • Friday July 9, 2021

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‘Black Widow’ struggles to decide whether to be a spy movie or a superhero fl ick By Glenn Kay For the Sun

RATING:  OUT OF  RUNNING TIME: 134 MINUTES This film will be released at theaters July 9. It will also be available through Disney+ with Premier Access. Due to unforeseen circumstances, it has now been more than two years since a movie based on a Marvel superhero has been released. For comic book fans, it has been a long wait, but a new title has finally arrived that officially kicks off a new phase in the comic book studio’s plans. “Black Widow” is a prequel based on the popular Russian spy who played a supporting role in many titles over the past decade. As expected, the action on display is fun to watch, but the story seems to be indecisive, attempting to combine elements of a more realistic spy movie with superhero elements thrown in. At times, it struggles to find the proper balance. Following the events of 2016’s “Captain America: Civil War,” Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), goes on the run, keeping a low profile. In the meantime, another Russian Black Widow agent

Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) is forced to deal with her history as a spy, and broken relationships left in her wake, as she confronts a force trying to vanquish her in “Black Widow.” Photo Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures named Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), discovers a disturbing conspiracy. Dreykov (Ray Winstone), the man running the program, has developed technology that enables him to control the minds of his agents. We soon realize that Romanoff and Belova have a personal history. As children, they were assigned to work with Alexi Shostakov aka Red Guardian (David Harbour), and Melina

Vostokoff (Rachel Weisz), pretending to be an American family during a spy operation. Hunted down, the two agents attempt to reform their surrogate brood, so that they can locate and stop the sinister Dreykov before his team wipes them out. Initially, the tone is quieter and more subdued, with only an inkling of fantastic abilities on the part of the characters. A flashback involving a young

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Romanov hints at the dangers involved in spy work and the dangers of being discovered by enemies. It’s an interesting conceit, but the movie soon heads in a very different and more conventional direction with the narrative. It isn’t long before Romanoff finds herself squaring off against a silent and threatening figure with armor and a shield. There is still some mystery to the proceedings and the fight choreography between the protagonist and assailant is exciting and well-staged. However, the movie can’t help but start upping the ante and the battles become more exaggerated, including an elaborate confrontation in the strangely quiet streets of Budapest. The family dynamic does offer some opportunity for humor and character development. The egotistical Red Guardian Shostakov provides solid comic relief as a self-aggrandizing superhero who is continually undermined. Belova is given plenty of amusingly blunt comments, too. Still, given that this is a standalone film devoted to Romanoff, one would expect more of the focus to be on her. While there is the occasional tidbit about the lead and her history with the elite assassin unit,

the movie ultimately becomes distracted with its new characters, in particular, fellow Black Widow Belova. It’s evident that she is expected to take over the mantle should there be any follow-up films. At times, the writing is blunt and obvious in its attempts to bring this supporting character to the forefront. Of course, despite its attempts to avoid fantastic elements, the movie can’t help but attempt a finale right out of a comic book flick. The final showdown employs some silly plot devices, and over-the-top explosions. It also shows the protagonist undertaking superhuman physical tasks. It’s all entertaining enough, but the elements don’t all fit together and the end result isn’t as unique or memorable an experience as it wants to be. The movie is certainly decent and provides a few good action scenes, as well as a couple of entertaining witticisms. However, it doesn’t feel like either the dynamic spy flick or superhero feature that this character truly deserves. “Black Widow” can’t quite choose what kind of movie it ultimately wants to be, playing it safe and leaving viewers a bit let down in the process. V ISIT: W W W. CINEMASTANCE.COM COMMUNITY


WATER INFRASTRUCTURE | FROM COVER to safe tap water or basic sanitation. “Our government’s failure to properly invest in Tribal communities proved to be deadly during the pandemic. The Navajo Nation was one of the hardest-hit communities in our country and we may never know exactly how many of our Native American brothers and sisters died from the pandemic,” she said. The funds for building a

WILDFIRES | FROM COVER U.S. Forest Service reported 165 human-caused fires burned 4,914 acres, 92 natural-caused fires burned 183,762 acres, and 31 fi res without a known cause, burned 236,715 acres. The amount totaled 288 fi res that burned 425,390 acres, so far in 2021. In comparison, in 2020, there were 639 human-caused fires in Arizona that burned 208,800 acres. In N.M., there were 182 human-caused fi res that burned 70 acres. Lightning has been the ignition that caused the most damage in 2020. In Arizona, 233 wildfi res caused by lightning burned 332,822 acres. In N.M., 162 such fires burned 76,608 acres. Fighting wildland fires is expensive. The largest wildfi re in Arizona history was the Wallow Fire, which burned approximately 538,000 acres and cost more than $79 million to fight. “The cost of each fire varies due to the complexity, duration, and number of resources needed to manage it,” Moore said.

wastewater treatment plant is only one part of the infrastructure improvements package crafted for 34 states and Puerto Rico that will total $307 million to modernize r u ra l d r ink ing water a nd wastewater infrastructure. Leger Fernandez said the focus needs to be placed on creating healthy populations and rural and Tribal communities have long been left behind. “It’s t i me to keep ou r promise and invest in rural water and wastewater infrastr ucture,” she said. “The

American Jobs Plan does just that and after speaking with Secretary Vilsack, I know that this will be a priority for the

She said the best weapon in fi refighting is prevention, adding that it is never too late for people to take proactive measures around their property to reduce flammable material. “Understanding that we live in a situation where we may have large woodland fi res at any time of the year, means that we all need to ensure that we are ready for wildfi res before they start,” she said. Reducing brush and combustible material helps to slow or stop wildfire spread, and creating space also provides a safe place for fi refighters to work. The U.S. Forest Service Southwestern Region continues to work with interagency partners in the Southwestern Region, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs. “We are ready to work with our local, state, Tribal and federal partners to respond safely and effectively to wildfi re to protect our communities and natural resources,” Moore said. “It is important that we all work together across the landscape to help improve forest health and resiliency.” Navajo Region Assistant

F ire Ma nagement Off icer Johnson Benallie, said the current Navajo Nation fi re season has been moderate for the most part. “We have no major active fires going right now. The ma jor it y of f i res we a re responding to are from people burning trash and those fi res getting into the wildland side,” he said. The ongoing drought continues to impact wildland fires. Those dry conditions on tribal lands were the focus of a recent address by the Navajo Nation Commission on Emergency Management June 25 in a declaration related to the ongoing drought and increased fire restrictions from Stage 1 to Stage 2 signed by President Jonathan Nez June 21. “The threat of wildfires is very serious, especially in the Southwest. In the Four Corners, there are multiple wildfires happening and the impacts are even more devastating due to the lack of moisture,” Nez said. “Everyone has a responsibility to prevent fires and we have to hold each other accountable and encourage

Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, D-N.M.

Department of Agriculture and the Administration. “I look forward to continuing to work with him to deliver these funds to our local communities in McKinley County and beyond,” she concluded. These investments follow President Biden’s announcement last week of a Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework that will make the largest investment in clean drinking water in American history. It will replace all of the nation’s lead pipes and service lines, and help address barriers faced by com mu n it ies of

color, Tribal communities and people who live in rural America. The other states bene fiting from this investment include Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Ca rol i n a , Nor t h Da kot a , New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Tex a s , Ut a h , V i r g i n i a , Ve r m o n t , W a s h i n g t o n , Wisconsin, and West Virginia.

our loved ones to be safe and responsible at home and in our communities,” he added. The restrictions include prohibition of possessing, manufacturing, selling or using fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices, all debris and field-clearing burns, all wood-burning, charcoal fi res, campfires, warming fires, and charcoal barbecues, and discharging a fi rearm, except while engaged in a lawful hunt. In addition, ceremonial fi res must be properly registered and permitted by the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency five days prior to a ceremony. Benallie encouraged the general public to follow Navajo Nation regulations during the Stage 1 and Stage 2 restrictions. “Be cognizant when utilizing fi re. Monitor winds and adjacent fuels. Put in the effort

Sandra Moore, Fire Communications Specialist for the U.S. Forest Service Southwestern Region. Photo Credit: Courtesy to prepare and pre-plan. Again, follow Navajo Nation regulations during the fire restrictions,” he said. The Navajo Nation is working with the Navajo Forestry Department, BIA, and Navajo Region Branch of Wildland Fire and Aviation Management to encourage fi re prevention.

Special Olympian Nigel Martin, one of the 2021 Torch Run Virtual Summer Games Area Six award winners, shows off his prize June 25 in front of the McKinley County Courthouse. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Judith Goins, McKinley County Sheriff ’s Office NEWS

Gallup Sun • Friday July 9, 2021

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IRRIGATION | FROM PAGE 8 D eleg a t e M a rk F r e el a nd ( B e c e n t i , L a k e Va l l e y, Ná h o d i s h g i s h , S t a n d i n g Rock, Whiterock, Huerfano, N a g e e z i , C r o w n p o i n t) , Council Delegate Daniel Tso (Littlewater, Pueblo Pintado, Torreon, Whitehorse Lake, B a c a / P r ew it t , C a s a me r o Lake, Ojo Encino, Counselor), Council Delegate Jamie Henio (Alamo, Ramah, Tóhajiilee), a nd Council Delegate Rick ie Nez (T ’iistsoh Sikaad, Nenahnezad, Upper Fr uitla nd, Tsé Da a K’a a n, Newcomb, Sa n Jua n) met w it h Lu já n a nd Nava jo Nation President Jonathan Nez at Dzilth-Na-O-Dith-Hle Community School to hear from those interested and a f fected by t he proposed Chaco Protection Act. C u r r e n t l y, t h e C h a c o

WEEKLY POLICE ACTIVITY REPORT | FROM PAGE 11 around 7:35 pm.

SHOOTING DEATH | FROM PAGE 11 also employed with the Gallup Police Department where he received the City Offi cer of the Year in 2011. Officer Largo served with the Crownpoint Police District. Cleveland pleaded guilty in 2019 to the second degree murder of Largo. He received an enhanced sentence of 30 years, with the courts following sentencing guidelines. He faced up to life in prison for second-degree murder. Attending the hearing to

K-9 | FROM PAGE 10 dogs, Orcan, Rakky, Xensi, and Gecko, completed a 240hour apprehension course and basic handling training which included proper handling of dogs, deployment, and the care of police service dogs. The team will be returning back to the training facility to undergo their narcotic detection training where the dogs will be trained to detect

Cu lt u ra l Her it age A rea P rotection Act of 2021 is p e nd i n g i nt r o duc t ion a s Luján will introduce the bill in the Senate this month. The act seeks to respect and protect the legal rights of tribes and tribal members in the area. Additionally, the bill provides clarity that it withdraws only federal land a nd minera ls from futu re development. Stating that nothing in the act: “Affects the mineral rights of an Indian Tribe or member of an Indian to trust land or allotment land or; “Precludes improvements to, or rights-of-way for water, power, or road development on, the Federal land to assist communities adjacent to, or in the vicinity of the Federal land.” However, m a ny of t he concerns and questions that Navajo Nation leaders and

community members raised had to do with the language of the bill that protects the rights of Navajo Nation allottees as well as those of other Indian Tribes. Luján stated that he would include the word “A member of the Nava jo Nation” and “utilities” to further protect Navajo allottees specifically. Constituents inv ited to the meeting expressed concer n s t h a t t he propo s e d 10 - m i le bu f fer zone t h a t seeks to protect sacred sites and artifacts around Chaco Ca nyon a l so i mpa ct s t he allotment leasing of mineral, oil, and gas rights to Navajo allottees. Delora Hesuse, a Navajo allottee with land in Nageezi, Ly br o ok , a nd D z i lt h - Na O -Dith-Hle ex pressed her fr ustration dur ing the meet i ng w it h Nava jo a nd Congressional leadership.

“They’re not hearing us, so ever y thing they got on the table, we were never consulted, but once they got the bill going, we were the last ones to know,” she said. “So that’s all we’re just trying to express — we just want to be heard with issues about our allotments.” Other s i n at tenda nce said the buffer zone helps protect the environment and site from fur ther fracking incidents. S p e a ke r S e t h D a m o n stated that the Navajo Nation is firm on the five-mile buffer zone and on allowing allottees to use their lands however they wish. Damon said that even he is unable to use his allotments in his community, while understanding that continued fracking affects the foundation of K’é itself. “ We d o n’ t ow n t h o s e

allotments — they’re just little lands to say that the BIA still holds the rights over it. We can’t sell those and can’t do anything about them,” he said. “I t h a n k you for coming to the Nava jo Nation, especially working together w ith Cha ir ma n Nez, Hon. Halona, and Navajo Nation Vice President at NAPI and then coming here to listen to the stories of the Navajo people and our struggles to see what assistance we can do to make sure tomorrow is better for our Navajo people,” Damon said in his address to Luján. The Nava jo Nation Council pla ns to continue to work with Sen. Lu ján in order to have com mu n it y members’ voices heard on this issue and its impacts and to develop a plan of action and change the language in the bill.

Officer Norman Bowman told Hughte he found a crystal-like substance when he searched a man named Lionald Miller, 44, of Gallup, after his

arrest. He also found a used syringe. Gallup Police Department agents collected the fragment from patrol officers. Miller

was taken to the Gallup Police Department. When the substance was identified as methamphetamine, Miller was taken to the McKinley

County Adult Detention Center. He was charged with possession of a controlled substance. Miller was released on his own recognizance.

express support for Officer Largo and stand in solidarit y w it h h i s fa m i ly, were Ch ief of Pol ice Ph i l l ip Francisco, Division Director Jesse Delmar, and Council Delegate Ed mu nd Ya zzie. Numerous NPD officers and criminal investigators witnessed the hearing via live stream. “This has been a long and emotional journey for everyone, more so for the family of Houston. As his police family, it was important for us to stand with his family and support them during this difficult

time,” Chief Francisco said. “This sentencing brings some level of closure, but the pain of losing a loved one never gets easy. “We are grateful for the judge’s enhanced sentencing of Kirby Cleveland, but in comparison, 30 years is little for the life taken and the pain it has caused. Officer Largo was out there that night to answer someone’s call for help and he will always be remembered by his department, his fa mily, a nd his people as a protector of his community,” Francisco said.

Also memorializing Largo was Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez. “Officer Largo will always be remembered as a frontline warrior, who devoted his life to serving and protecting our Navajo people,” Nez said. “Our prayers are with his family, his fellow officers, and his community as they continue on the path of healing. “I appreciate the support and commitment of Police Chief Francisco, Mr. Delmar, and Council Delegate Edmund Yazzie for Officer La rgo’s family and all of our Navajo

Police Officers. We will continue to pray for strength, comfort, and healing for the Largo family.” Nez said. The FBI and the Crownpoint, Shiprock, and Chinle offices of the Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety investigated this case w ith a ssista nce from the New Mexico State Police, McKinley County Sheriff ’s Office, Albuquerque Police Department, and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. A s si st a nt U.S. At t or ney s Joseph M. Spindle and Jeremy Peña prosecuted the case.

cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana. O f f ic er Jo s i a h B eg ay, a K 9 - u n it of f icer who s e dog has since retired, was recently assigned to the K-9 team where his knowledge and experience as a K-9 officer are helping to shape the program. “ T he K- 9 u n it w i l l be a va luable add it ion to our depa r tment,” he sa id. “Through their apprehension training, our canines will

assist officers in locating and apprehending suspects involved in serious crimes. “They will provide added safety for our officers and will help make communities safer by addressing drug issues in communities,” Begay said. Begay is also slated to expand his role in the program by becoming a certified K-9 instructor, which will allow him to facilitate mont h ly t r a i n i n g on t he Navajo Nation and train the

dogs in their own environment, a first for the Navajo Police Department. In addition, the K-9 Unit will also connect with their communities by reinstituting traditional community involvement initiatives, such a s promoting sa fer lea r ning environments at schools t h rou g h d r u g prevent ion and school visits, as well as apprehension and detection demonstrations. “These dogs come from

a strong lineage of canines that make them good police dogs and their contribution will help tremendously in our police work,” Begay said. Orcan, Xensi, and Gecko a re Czech Shepa rd s a nd Rakky is a Belgian Malinois. The dogs will be based in their home distr icts of Kayenta, Ariz., Chinle, Ariz., Wi ndow Rock, A r iz., a nd Shiprock, N.M. Their services will be used throughout the Navajo Nation.

20 Friday July 9, 2021 • Gallup Sun

NEWS/PUBLIC SAFETY


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

GALLUP SUN ARCHIVES

Amigo Automotive Center

Mobile Home for rent 3 bedroom, 2 bath. $700.00 per month plus $600.00 deposit. No pets. Call Bill Nations - 505-726-9288 9:00AM to 6:00PM for application and viewing

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. AUTO SALES Gurley Motor Company

FOR RENT

2015 Chevrolet Equinox St # J21003 117,390 miles Red AWD $16,200

2019 Nissan Sentra S Condition: Used Body Style: Sedan 4 Dr. Model Code: 12019 Mileage: 8,192 VIN #: 3N1AB7AP9KY291290 Stock #: P21016 Retail Price: $19,888

2020 Ford Fusion Only 31,000 miles $24,675

2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid Save money on gas with a Hybrid! Only 13,000 miles! $17,725 Gurley Motor Co. 701 W. Coal Ave, Gallup, NM (505) 722-6621 www.gurleymotorford.com ***

Amigo Automotive Center 1900 South Second St, Gallup, NM (505)722-7701 Amigoautomotive.com

We believe in ideas. We believe in passion. We believe in dreams. We believe in you.

Part-time position at McKinley County Senior Program - Thoreau Excellent benefits. Apply on-line at pmsnm.org. Click on Jobs@PMS. Toll-free hotline 1-866-661-5491. EOE/AA/M/F/SO/Vet/Disability Follow us on Facebook. *** McKinley County is now accepting applications for the following positions:

DEPARTMENT Community Services FOR BEST CONSIDERATION DATE July 16, 2021 Applications and additional information regarding positions can be found on the County website www.co.mckinley.nm.us Dezirie Gomez, CPO Human Resource Director *** WRITERS/ PHOTOGRAPHERS WANTED The Gallup Sun is hiring freelance writers and photographers. We know you’re out there! Please email resume with samples/clips to Publisher Babette Herrmann: gallupsun@ gmail.com LANDSCAPING

www.nmhu.edu Lawn Mowing CLASSIFIEDS

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 No trimming No Clean up Gallup area Call Brian (937) 689-8437

POSITION DWI Program Manager

2019 Jeep Wrangler Sport SUV Condition: Used Body Style: SUV Model Code: JLJL72 Mileage: 18,840 VIN #: 1C4GJXAG2KW685571 Stock #: TP2154 Retail Price: $38,995

EXTRAS – $5 PER WEEK, PER ITEM: TEXT BOX, HIGHLIGHT, ALL CAPS, BOLD, AND/OR PIC/LOGO

HELP WANTED

Van Driver and Cook (20–30 hrs/wk) 2020 Ford Escape AWD Like New! Gold Certified with Warranty Included! Only 5,500 miles $31,275

26-50 WORDS: $10 51-75: WORDS: $20 76-100 WORDS: $30 $10 FOR EACH ADD’L 25 WORDS

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES IN THE EIGHTEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT DISTRICT COURT, SEDGWICK COUNTY, KANSAS PROBATE DEPARTMENT IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION to adopt Case No.: 21 AD 210 BABY GIRL COOPER DOB: June 24, 2021 A Minor Child. PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 59 OF KANSAS STATUTES ANNOTATED NOTICE OF ADOPTION HEARING THE STATE OF KANSAS TO ALL PERSONS CONCERNED:

Rumsey or his designate, at which time and place said cause will be heard. Should you fail thereof, judgment and decree will be entered in due course upon said Petition. If you are unable to obtain counsel to represent you in this Matter based on your income, you may qualify for appointed counsel. You must complete an affidavit from the Clerk’s office regarding your lack of funds or assets and file the affidavit with the Clerk’s office prior to the final hearing set for August 10, 2021, so that a determination can be made by the Court. HINKLE LAW FIRM, LLC. Megan S. Monsour (23452) mmonsour@hinklaw.com Attorney for Petitioners Publish Date: Gallup Sun July 2, 2021 July 9, 2021 July 16, 2021 *** ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS NOTICE TO BIDDERS

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Petition has been filed in the above-named Court praying for an Order and Decree of said Court that the Petitioners be permitted and authorized to adopt BABY GIRL COOPER as their own child; that an Order and Decree of Adoption of the said child by the Petitioners be made and entered by said Court; and that they have all other proper relief. You are hereby required to file your written defenses thereto on or before the 10th day of August, 2021, at 10:00 o’clock a.m. of said day, in said Court at the Sedgwick County District Court, 1900 E. Morris, in the City of Wichita, State of Kansas, before Judge Robb

Public notice is hereby given that the Gallup-McKinley County Schools, Gallup New Mexico, desires to purchase the following: ITB-2022-01RB Re-Bid ELECTRIC MOTORS Price Agreement Commodity Code(s): 285 As more particularly set out in the bid documents, copies of which may be obtained by downloading from the Gallup-McKinley

CLASSIFIEDS | SEE PAGE 22

Gallup Sun • Friday July 9, 2021

21


AND MOBILE HOME SUPPLIES Price Agreement

CLASSIFIEDS | FROM PAGE 21 County Schools eBidding platform website https://gmcs. bonfirehub.com/portal Sealed bids for such will be received until 2:00 PM (LOCAL TIME) on July 22, 2021. 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. Dated the 8th Day of July, 2021 By: /S/Charles Long, President Board of Education Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 BID ISSUE DATE: July 8, 2021 PUBLICATION DATE: July 9, 2021

Commodity Code(s): 031, 045, 280, 285, 315, 320, 365, 445, 450, 460, 515, 540, 630, 631, 635, 658, 659, 670

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Public notice is hereby given that the Gallup-McKinley County Schools, Gallup New Mexico, desires to purchase the following: ITB-2022-02RB Re-Bid MAINTENANCE MATERIAL

Read online at gallupsun.com

Sealed bids for such will be received until 2:00 PM (LOCAL TIME) on July 22, 2021. 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. Dated the 8 Day of July, 2021

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

By: /S/Charles Long, President Board of Education Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1

Public notice is hereby given that the Gallup-McKinley County Schools, Gallup New Mexico, desires to purchase the following: ITB-2022-03RB

th

*** ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

CLASSIFIEDS

As more particularly set out in the bid documents, copies of which may be obtained by downloading from the Gallup-McKinley County Schools eBidding platform website https://gmcs. bonfirehub.com/portal

BID ISSUE DATE: July 8, 2021 PUBLICATION DATE: July 9, 2021 *** ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Re-Bid PUMPING AND PORTABLE TOILET SERVICE Price Agreement Commodity Code(s): 91068

As more particularly set out in the bid documents, copies of which may be obtained by downloading from the Gallup-McKinley County Schools eBidding platform website https://gmcs. bonfirehub.com/portal Sealed bids for such will be received until 2:00 PM (LOCAL TIME) on July 22, 2021. 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. Dated the 8th Day of July, 2021

SUBSCRIBE TO THE GALLUP SUN! Three Convenient Delivery Options Snail Mail: __ 1 yr. $59.95 __ 6 mo. $29.95

*Home Delivery: __ 1 yr. $45 __ 6 mo. $25

Digital (Email): __ 1 yr. $35 __ 6 mo. $20

*Gallup metro area only

Name: ________________________________________________

By: /S/Charles Long, President Board of Education Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 BID ISSUE DATE: July 8, 2021 PUBLICATION DATE: July 9, 2021

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

22 Friday July 9, 2021 • Gallup Sun

*** PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the McKinley County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting on Thursday, July 15, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. Among other items, the County Commission will consider Resolution No. APR-21-041 Setting the Hospital Mill Rate as Authorized by the Referendum Election of November 3, 2020. Also, the Commission will consider and take action on two (2) Ordinances (No. 2021-JUL001 and No. 2021-JUL-002) to

issue Industrial Revenue Bond(s) for Arroyo Solar LLC and Arroyo Energy Storage LLC. This meeting will be held “InPerson” -- Adhering to the Social Distancing Protocols in effect for the meeting day -- including room capacity limits, mask requirements and other safety practices issued by the Governor’s Office due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and the requirements of the Open Meetings Act allowing members of the public to attend and listen to meetings of the quorum of the governing body. This meeting will be held in the Commission Chambers, Third Floor of the McKinley County Courthouse, 207 West Hill, Gallup, New Mexico. A copy of the agenda will be available 72 hours prior to the meeting in the Manager’s Office and the County Clerk’s Office and can be sent electronically upon request. Auxiliary aides for the disabled are available upon request; please contact Shawna Garnenez at (505) 863-1400 at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting to make any necessary arrangements. All interested parties are invited to attend. Done this 7th day of July 2021 McKINLEY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS /S/ Billy Moore, Chairperson Publication date: Gallup Sun July 9, 2021 *** CLASSIFIEDS


COMMUNITY CALENDAR JULY 9 - JULY 15, 2021 FRIDAY, JULY 9

WILDTHING CHAMPIONSHIP BULLRIDING 8 pm-10 pm @ Red Rock Park, 825 Outlaw Rd., Church Rock, N.M. Adult advance tickets are $22 for July 9; $25 for July 10. Advance children’s tickets are $8. CASH ONLY. Tickets are also available at the gate, adult tickets at the gate are $30. Tickets for children at the gate are $10. Cash only. Children five and under are free.

AUTHOR TALK 1 pm Live on Zoom meet author Judy Prescott Marshall. Marshall, who writes non-fiction and contemporary fiction stories that explore women’s struggles and their journeys, will discuss her book process, character development, and read the first chapter of her latest book, “Still Crazy.” Engage in the conversation on Zoom or LIVE on Facebook, @gallup library with an interactive Q&A session and a free giveaway. For more information email jwhitman@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291.

MARVEL SCAVENGER HUNT AND TRIVIA CHALLENGE 4 pm. Join OFPL on GooseChase for a Marvel-themed scavenger hunt and trivia challenge. Assemble your team to complete the challenges and save the galaxy. Download the GooseChase app and use the game code ZMD8V8 to test your newfound abilities. Top three competitors will receive random Marvel Funko Pops. For more information email aprice@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291. SATURDAY, JULY 10

WILDTHING CHAMPIONSHIP BULLRIDING 8 pm-10 pm @ Red Rock Park, 825 Outlaw Rd., Church Rock, N.M. Adult advance tickets are $22 for July 9; $25 for July 10. Advance children’s tickets are $8. CASH ONLY. Tickets are also available at the gate, adult tickets at the gate are $30. Tickets for children at the gate are $10. Cash only. Children five and under are free.

VIRTUAL SHOW OPENING – ELTINE BIKÉYAH//LAND BY MARINA ESKEETS 12 pm LIVE on @gallupARTS Facebook and Instagram pages. This exhibition will be on view at ART!@# Gallery through August 4. ART123 is open Tues.-Sat. 12 pm-4 pm. CALENDAR

SELF-CARE SATURDAY

1 pm. Join OFPL on Facebook, @galluplibrary to make a Hair Detangling Spray DIY self-care product. Watch our previous self-care workshops on YouTube to boost your mental, emotional, and physical health. Ingredient list will be available at ofpl. online prior to the workshop. For more information email jwhitman@gallupnm. gov or call (505) 863-1291. MONDAY, JULY 12

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

1 pm-2 pm @ SSC 640 Boardman Dr.

CREATIVE CORNER

4 pm on Facebook, @ galluplibrary or YouTube. Create your own art using materials found around your home. Courses are geared toward individuals approximately 15-years of age and older. Supply kits are available at OFPL on a first-come, first-served basis using the Supply Request Form at ofpl.online. This week our focus will be on Egg Carton Lizards. Create and decorate your own chameleon using recycled egg cartons, paint, and glue. Inspired by “Tails & Tales of Summer Reading 2021.” For more information email jwhitman@ gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291.

BIG LIBRARY READ

Borrow the featured title “The Quiet Girl” by S. F. Kosa from our digital collection. OFPL is connecting their patrons with millions of readers during the next Big Library Read, the world’s largest digital book club. Through July 12, readers can solve a compelling mystery in S.F. Kosa’s debut thriller, “The Quiet Girl,” eBook from their public library. Card holders can borrow the ebook without waiting by visiting http:// nm.lib.overdrive.com or downloading the Libby app. Readers can then discuss online at https://biglibraryread.com/join-the-discussion. Use #biglibraryread on social media, for a chance to win a Samsung Galaxy Tablet and signed book by the author. For more information email bmartin@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291. TUESDAY, JULY 13

SEASHELL SENSORY BOTTLES

3 pm. Join OFPL outside the Children’s Branch near the playground for seashell sensory bottles. Learn to identify different types of seashells and create your own sensory bottle containing sand and shells to take

CALENDAR

home. Supplies are limited and are available on a first-come first-served basis. For more information email aprice@gallupnm. gov or call (505) 863-1291. WEDNESDAY, JULY 14

OFPL POKÉMON GO TOURNAMENT

6 pm Register your Pokémon team at ofpl. online. Tournament will be streamed on OFPL’s Twitch channel, @ ofpl _streams. See full list of rules and regulations at ofpl.online. Email libtrain@gallupnm. gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information. The Pokémon GO Fest 2021 begins July 16 from 4:00 pm-6:00 pm outside the Children’s Branch near the playground.

TECH TIME: ONLINE EDUCATION & TRAINING

4 pm @ Facebook, @ galluplibrary or YouTube at Octavia Fellin Public Library for FREE computer classes. Registration is not required, but is available for anyone who wants to participate in the LIVESTREAM courses. For more information email libtrain@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291.

WHAT TO EXPECT

There are many questions about what to expect when the library opens its doors to the public. We will show you what to expect, what’s new and how to have the best experience.

WALK ON THE WILDSIDE STORYTIME – PRESCHOOL SONGS AND ACTIVITIES

11 am. Join us outside by the playground at Octavia Fellin Public Library Children’s Branch for bilingual animal songs and stories. For the continued safety of our neighbors, we do ask attendees to continue social distancing and mask wearing. We’re also offering a preschool activity book available on a first come, first-served basis using the Supply Request Form at ofpl.online. THURSDAY, JULY 15

CHILDREN’S LIBRARY BRANCH WEEKLY EVENTS CRAFTY KIDS 4 pm on Facebook and YouTube @galluplibrary (all ages) for family-friendly crafts and step-by-step tutorials for all skill levels. Supply kits are available at OFPL on a first-come, first-served basis using the Supply Request Form at ofpl.online. This week we will help you with Paper Cup Penguins.

CIBOLA COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

6 pm @ Asian Café (1508 E. Santa Fe Ave., Grants). The club is a non-profit 501c, and an all-volunteer organization made up of local amateur radio operators who assist local governments during emergencies, find lost people, and help citizens obtain their licenses to become an amateur radio operators at no cost. Visitors and members must pay for their own meal. ONGOING

THE 2021 LOBO ACADEMY SUMMER BRIDGE PROGRAM

Through July 30. To enroll for Fall 2021: Complete an UNMG TRIO/SSS application. For more information go to gallup.un.edu/trio/loboacademy.php

FIRE HYDRANT TESTING

7 am-7 pm Mon.-Sun. The Gallup Fire Dept. will conduct annual fire hydrant testing and maintenance. This includes capturing pressure readings, flowing water of the fire hydrant, cleaning, painting and documenting any inefficiency found. Customers who experience any discolored water problems after the tests are encouraged to turn on a cold-water faucet outside of the house and let it run for five to 10 minutes. A slight decline in water quality is common. If quality does not improve or further problems occur, contact the Gallup Water Department by calling the utility dispatcher at (505) 863-1200. Testing is scheduled to continue until August.

GALLUP MCKINLEY COUNTY SCHOOLS SUMMER SCHEDULE

7:30 am-5:30 pm @ Student Support Center (640 Boardman).

GALLUP MCKINLEY COUNTY SCHOOLS SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM

9 am-1 pm @ 13 school sites Mon-Thur, (Fri-Sun meals are picked up on Thursdays). To see the entire list of sites, go to gmcs.org

RMCHCS COVID VACCINATION CLINIC

8 am-5 pm Mon.-Fri. @ College Clinic (2111 College Dr.). No appointments needed. For COVID testing please call (505) 236-1074 and someone will come out to your vehicle to obtain specimen.

RMCHCS URGENT CARE HOURS

9 am-6 pm Mon.-Fri.; 9 am-1 pm Sat; Closed - Sun.

RMCHCS RAPID CARE

9 am-6 pm. Closed weekends @ 1850 U. S. Rte. 66. urgent care visits, vaccines,

primary care. (505) 4882606.

MCKINLEY COUNTY BACK TO SCHOOL IMMUNIZATION CLINICS

8:30 am-4 pm; closed 12 pm-1 pm Mon. – Fri. @ McKinley Public Health Office (1919 College Dr.) Call (505) 722-4391 to schedule an appointment. Bring your child’s shot record. Vaccines will be provided at no cost for children through 18 years of age.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS

BBBS is seeking help after losing its air conditioning. It must replace both the air conditioning and the furnace system at a cost of $8,300. BBBS has suspended in-person match meetings out of its office. If you wish to help, visit bbbsmountainregion.org or email info@ bbbsmountainregion.org, or call (505) 726-4285.

SUMMER READING 2021: TAILS AND TALES

All ages can participate in Summer Reading 2021! Children read four hours, vote in the Land of Enchantment Books Awards, or complete a Summer of STEM kit. Do one, two, or all three! Expand your horizons, read different genres and a variety of literature and complete a book bingo card. All age groups are eligible to win PRIZES. Return your bingo card to be entered into weekly prize drawings. Sign up at ofpl.online or request a paper log/bingo card with your curbside pick-up order. The last day to receive prizes is July 31. The last day to submit your bingo card and enter into a grand prize drawing is Sept. 1. For more information email aprice@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291.

WE READ, WE TALK BOOK CLUB

Register at ofpl.online for a copy of “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants” by Robin Wall Kimmerer now through July 19. Drawing on her life as an indigenous scientist, and as a woman, Kimmerer shows how other living beings asters and goldenrod, strawberries and squash, salamanders, algae, and sweetgrass offer us gifts and lessons, even if we’ve forgotten how to hear their voices. Zoom discussions will be held in August. For more information email bmartin@gallupnm.gov or call (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.

Gallup Sun • Friday July 9, 2021

23


24 Friday July 9, 2021 • Gallup Sun

COMMUNITY


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