Gallup Sun ● December 24, 2021

E FRE

505-488-2344

309 E. Nizhoni Blvd. Gallup NM 87301

VOL 7 | ISSUE 352 | DECEMBER 24, 2021

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Friday December 24, 2021 • Gallup Sun

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LOCAL NEWS

NEWS

GMCS tackles new capital improvements

Gov. Lujan Grisham signs new Congressional map

By Molly Ann Howell Sun Correspondent

Staff Reports

S

S

tudents are currently on winter break, but the GallupMcK inley County Schools District is looking forward to the future.

During the Dec. 13 school board meeting, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Jvanna Hanks gave the board an update on all of the construction projects the district currently has going on.

Before Hanks began her presentation, GMCS Superintendent Mike Hyatt told the board that about $100 million worth of improvements

Gallup McKinley County Schools Superintendent Mike Hyatt is working on building improvements for area schools. File Photo needed to be done within the district.

GMCS | SEE PAGE 20

ANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed legislation that updates the boundaries of New Mexico’s three Congressional districts based on 2020 Census data on Dec. 17.

The New Mexico Legislature crafted a nd approved the new statewide Congressional map.

According to the New Mexico House of Representatives, the map is a “nearly 90 percent reflection” of what was called the “People’s Map,” produced by an independent Citizens Redistricting Committee.

“The people’s elected

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham puts her signature on legislation that updates the new Congressional map.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Governor’s Office representatives in the New Mexico

GOV. LUJAN GRISHAM | SEE PAGE 20

WHAT’S INSIDE …

10 11 12 15 18 SECOND HARDSHIP ASSISTANCE CHECK Could be coming to Navajo people

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PLASTIC EATERS Microbes that eat plastic are evolving

Friday December 24, 2021 • Gallup Sun

SUING THE LEGISLATURE N.M. Ethics Watch wants to know who’s spending what

HOLIDAY CHEESE HOUSE COMPETITION From County Atty.

Doug Decker

EVER ORDERED A LICORICE PIZZA? Our reviewer gave it three stars

NEWS

Unemployment decreases in New Mexico STILL HIGHER THAN THE NATIONAL RATE Staff Reports

N

ew Mex ico’s seas on a l ly a d ju s t e d unemployment rate was 6.2 percent in November, down from 6.5 percent in October and down from 8.5 percent in the previous year.

The national unemployment

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 Howell Rachelle Nones Rachel Pfeiffer Photography Cable Hoover Ana Hudgeons Ryan Hudgeons Knifewing Segura On the Cover This wreath of Christmas chiles was designed by Gallup Sun Contributing Artist S. Wells.

Copyright ©2021.

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.

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NEWS

rate in November was 4.2 percent, down from 4.6 percent in October and down from 6.7 percent in Nov. 2020.

Total nonagricultural payroll employment grew by 38,000 jobs, or 4.8 percent, between Nov. 2020 and Nov. 2021. All gains came from the private sector, which was up 39,400 jobs, or 6.4 percent.

The public sector was down 1,400 jobs, or 0.8 percent. Most private sector gains were in the private service-providing industries, which were up 31,500 jobs, or 6.0 percent, while the goods-producing industries were up 7,900 jobs, representing an increase of 8.8 percent.

Eight major industry sectors reported over-the-year job increases.

- Leisure and hospitality

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ex p er ience d t he l a r ge s t employment growth with a gain of 12,300 jobs, or 15.5 percent, compared to the previous year.

- Professional and business services employment grew by 8,500 jobs, or 8.0 percent.

- Trade, transportation, and utilities reported an increase of 5,900 jobs, or 4.4 percent.

- Within the industry, retail trade was up 3,300 jobs, or 3.7 percent; transportation, warehousing, and utilities was up 2,700 jobs, or 10.9 percent; and wholesale trade was down 100 jobs, or 0.5 percent.

- Mining and construction employment rose by 4,100 jobs, or 6.4 percent.

- The majority of gains were within the construction industry, which grew by 2,700 jobs, or 5.8 percent. Mining employment was up 1,400 jobs, or 8.2 percent, over the year.

- Employment in manufacturing was up 3,800 jobs, or

14.6 percent. Within this industry, durable goods manufacturing employment was up 2,300 jobs, or 16.9 percent, over the year. Non-durable goods manufacturing was up 1,500 jobs, or 12.1 percent.

- Miscellaneous other services employment increased by 2,300 jobs, or 8.8 percent.

- Financial activities was up 1,400 jobs, or 4.2 percent.

- Employment in education and health services expanded by 1,300 jobs, or 1.0 percent.

Within the education and health services industry, educational services was up 1,900 jobs, or 10.2 percent, and health care and social assistance was down 600 jobs, or 0.5 percent.

- Employment in information was down 200 jobs, or 2.3 percent - Within the public sector, state government was down 1,500 jobs, or 2.7 percent.

- Within state government employment, state government

excluding education lost 1,400 jobs, representing a decrease of 4.6 percent.

- State government education was down 100 jobs, or 0.4 percent.

- Fe der a l gover n ment reported a loss of 500 jobs, or 1.7 percent, from its employment level in Nov. 2020.

- Employment in local government was up 600 jobs, or 0.6 percent.

- Within local government, local government education was up 500 jobs, or 1.0 percent, and local government excluding education was up 100 jobs, or 0.2 percent.

Further analysis will be provided in the Labor Market Review scheduled for release on Jan. 7.

Data can be found online at https://www.dws.state. nm.us/en-us/Researchers/ Data/EmploymentSnapshot; www.jobs.state. nm.us/analyzer

Gallup Sun • Friday December 24, 2021

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Representation matters CAMILLE’S TEACHER OF THE MONTH AWARD GOES TO A TEACHER WHO FOCUSES ON INDIGENOUS STUDENTS

By Molly Howell Sun Correspondent

E

ach month, Camille’s Sidewalk Café recognizes one loca l teacher within the Gallup area for his or her determination to help students go above and beyond. Prospective teachers are nominated by students who feel they should be recognized. This month, Zowie Banteah of Zuni Shiwi Tsana Elementary School is the recipient of the Teacher of the Month award.

Banteah teaches fourth grade at the elementary school and has been a teacher for almost 19 years.

In an interview with the Sun, Banteah said she became a teacher because she wanted to give back to her community.

“I’ve always felt it was important to give back to my own community of Zuni,” Ba ntea h said. “I wa nted

to be a better teacher to our Indigenous students as representation matters.”

The nomination that won Banteah the award said she is caring and thoughtful and puts all her kids fi rst.

Carrie Loretto, who teaches fi fth grade at Zuni Shiwi Tsana Elementary, agreed with the statement that Banteah puts her students fi rst.

“She puts the kids’ emotional needs ahead of everything else,” Loretto explained.

“She gets to know her kids really well.”

Loretto stated that Banteah’s knowledge of her students helps teachers in upper grades because she lets them know what to expect when a student leaves her classroom.

Loretto had nothing but positive things to say about her coworker.

“She’s an awesome teacher [and an] awesome person, and she just brings that into the

Mrs. Zowie Banteah at Zuni Shiwi Tsana Elementary School won Teacher of the Month honors and received her basket from Camille’s Sidewalk Café Dec. 9. Photo Credit: Bryanny Rich classroom,” Loretto said.

Banteah said her favorite part about teaching is her relationships with her students.

“I love the relationships I’ve built with students over time and to see their continued growth and development, not just academically,

but socially and emotionally,” Banteah stated. “I always tell my students that I look forward to watching them graduate from high school and have made it (sic) an effort to see them walk across that stage or to see them become productive members of our community.”

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Friday December 24, 2021 • Gallup Sun

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(505) 722-8994 NEWS

NEWS

PUBLIC SAFETY

Couldn’t fi nd the gun Staff Reports

A

resident at S a g e b r u s h Apa r tments, 650 Da n i D r., he a r d gunshots fired early in the mor n i ng on Aug. 2 3 a nd called Metro Dispatch.

W hen Ga l lup Pol ice Of f icer Joe Roa n hor se arrived, he was told the suspect was headed south on Dani Drive. Other witnesses told Roanhorse the suspect wa s seen in a local field.

Several other officers arrived and began searching the area described.

Another officer met with one of the witnesses, who stated he saw the suspect at tempt i ng to bu rg la r i ze their vehicle and when they confronted them, the suspect pulled a handgun on him.

O f f icer s s e a rched t he open park and found fresh foot tracks throughout the park. After a search of over an hour, officers found and

detained the s u s pe c t . He wa s identified as Jerome Stewart, 32, of Fort Defiance, Ariz. Stewart w a s t a k e n Jerome Stewart back to Gallup Police Department for holding.

H i s ident it y wa s con firmed by witnesses at the scene, one of whom corroborated the v ictim’s state ment that Stewart was seen r ummaging through their vehicle. Once Stewart was confronted, he said he didn’t do anything, and insisted he didn’t take anything. He left the scene shortly afterward.

A number of residents heard a gunshot go off at that point.

It was determined that Stewart had committed the crimes at the scene. He had taken several items from the

STEWART | SEE PAGE 20

Two men threaten to ‘take out’ a block Staff Reports

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call came into Metro Dispatch on Aug. 23 st at i ng someone had pulled a gun on them near Rocket Liquors, 1717 S. Second St. They said two males made threats and one of them appeared highly intoxicated.

A Public Service Officer responded to the calls and advised Gallup Police that both men were in the vicinity.

When he arrived, Officer Daniel Brown, he found one of the suspects, Marc Yazzie, 36, of Gallup, outside BPL Plasma, at 1706 S. Second St. He told Yazzie to get down on the ground and Yazzie complied. Another officer at the scene searched Yazzie and found a 9 mm handgun, but no ammo belts. Brown ran the handgun’s serial number through Metro Dispatch and was told it was registered as stolen from Albuquerque.

Another officer found the PUBLIC SAFETY

ot her m a le, Alexander Johnson, 3 4 , o f Vanderwagen, out s ide t he Speedway store at 1730 Marc Yazzie S. Second St. Brow n arrived to assist and saw Johnson was disorderly and did appear intoxicated, as the caller described. Johnson did not respond to the officers’ questions and stated his arm was hurting from a previous injury.

Brown spoke with witnesses at the scene, who said Yazzie and Johnson had approached them earlier and appeared to threaten them, saying they were going to “take out the whole south block.”

Based on the investigation, Brown deter mined Yazzie

YAZZIE | SEE PAGE 20

Western Refining Southwest LLC, D/B/A Marathon Gallup Refinery, Mr. John Moore, Refinery Environmental Supervisor, has submitted an application for a Discharge Permit for the Marathon Gallup Refinery located at I-40, Exit 39, Jamestown, New Mexico 87347.

The Refinery is a non-discharging facility and water produced on-site is kept in Evaporation Ponds at the Refinery. The Refinery is currently indefinitely idled and produces less than 2.1 million gallons of processed water per month that is sent to the on-site evaporation ponds. The groundwater most likely to be affected by a discharge with the Refinery’s current idled status is STP1-NW, STP1-SW, or OW-60 (near Evaporation Pond 2). The depth to water is approximately 20 feet below ground surface (ft bgs), 29 ft bgs, and 16 ft bgs, respectively. TDS concentrations range, when measured, from 4500 milligrams per liter (mg/L) to 4900 mg/L. If interested in additional information, to submit comments, or to be placed on a facility-specific mailing list for future notices please contact: Chris Whitehead, 505-476-3441, chris.whitehead@state.nm.us at New Mexico Oil Conservation Division, 1220 South St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87505.

El Sr. John Moore, supervisor Ambiental de Western Refining Southwest LLC, haciendo negocios como Marathon Gallup Refinery, ha aplicado para un Permiso de Descarga para la Refinería Marathon Gallup, ubicada en la Salida 39 de I-40, Jamestown, Nuevo México, 87347. La Refinería no descarga bajo y el agua producida a raíz de la operación es almacenada en Lagunas de Evaporación en la instalación. La Refinería esta actualmente inactiva indefinidamente y produce menos de 2.1 millones galones de agua procesada por mes que es enviada a las lagunas de evaporación de la refinería. La zona de agua subterránea que tiene mas probabilidad de ser afectada por una descarga debido al estado inactivo actual es representada por los pozos STP1-NW, STP1-SW o OW-60 (cerca de la Laguna de Evaporación No. 2). El agua subterránea se encuentra a 20 pies de profundidad, 29 pies de profundidad y 16 pies de profundidad, respectivamente. El rango de solidos disueltos, cuando son medidos, varia entre 4500 miligramos por litro (mg/L) a 4900 mg/L. Si desea información adicional, o si desea comentar o formar parte de la lista de personas interesadas de recibir avisos o comunicaciones futuras, favor de contactar: Chris Whitehead, Tel 505-476-3441, o al correo electrónico chris.whitehead@state.nm.us, quien representa la División de Conservación de Petróleo de Nuevo México, 1220 South St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, Nuevo México, 87505.

Gallup Sun • Friday December 24, 2021

7

Sobriety checkpoint gets exciting … for a minute Staff Reports

T

he McKinley County Sheriff’s Office conducted a sobr iet y checkpoint on 608 (Flea Market Road) at Highway 491 on Dec. 3. Over 400 cars were checked, two drunk drivers were arrested, two criminal summonses were filed and various other citations were issued.

One driver fled the checkpoint and a short chase began. However, since he had given the deputy his driver’s license before he fled, a warrant will be filed for his arrest.

This checkpoint was funded by a N.M. state grant called “ENDWI” with the purpose of preventing DWIs and raising public awareness.

“The sheriff and I appreciate

MCSO conducts a sobriety checkpoint funded by ENDWI on Flea Market Road Dec. 3. Photo Credit: Courtesy of MCSO

A dog peers out from the back seat as MCSO deputies conduct a sobriety checkpoint at Highway 491 in early December. Photo Credit: Courtesy of MCSO

all the deputies stepping up to protect our communities against

said. “They volunteered their time to work the checkpoint, which

d r u n k d r i v i n g ,” M C S O Undersheriff James Maiorano

shows their commitment to this cause.”

Weekly Police Activity Report Staff Reports NEW OUTFIT Gallup, Sept. 4 A loss prevention officer

at Walmart, 1650 W. Maloney Ave., caught a juvenile putting several items into a backpack that did not belong to her.

Gallup Officer Matthew

Strandy met the loss prevention officer and was told the juvenile, listed only as “L” in the report, was not responding to questions. Both “L’s” older

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Friday December 24, 2021 • Gallup Sun

sister and grandmother had also been at the store and were looking for her.

The total cost for the items “L” attempted to take, two pairs of pants, a T-shirt, blue socks and a backpack, totaled to just under $59.

“L” was faced with charges of shoplifting as well as a 24-hour ban from the business.

TROLLING FOR DOLLARS Gallup, Sept. 2 A Nava jo, N.M. ma n informed Gallup Police he had been receiving threatening phone calls.

I n Ju ne 2 0 2 0 he h a d received a Facebook friend request from a “Marine” named “Richard Phillip Valencia.”

After he accepted the request, Valencia began sending messages and soon asked him for $300 for various expenses. The man did not agree at fi rst, but after further messages came from Valencia, he sent him the money.

The victim did not hear from “Valencia” again until Aug. 23. At that time he said he was going to repay the money he was sent. The information “Valencia” gave the victim so he could get the money back took him to an email address where he was told he would have to pay $3,850 to receive what “Valencia” was sending.

When he asked Valencia about it, he was told to sell his car

to cover the cost and he would send $800,000 afterwards.

“Valencia” then told the victim if he were to lose the package, that he knows where he lives and that he was willing to kill. The victim stopped messaging “Valencia,” but he continued to receive his messages.

A report was filed with Gallup Police, which did not provide any further information about the suspect.

DIS O R DER LY A N D INTOXICATED Gallup, Sept. 2 A Public Service Officer sent out a “204” for a disorderly person near the intersection of Sixth and Princeton Avenues.

Gallup Police Officer Aaron Marquez was dispatched to the scene.

Ma rquez met t he PSO and the suspect, Ferlandon Ashley, 33, of Sanders, Ariz.

The officer told Marquez he went to the scene after receiving a report of an intoxicated person.

He met Ashley and after speaking with him determined he was not fit to care for himself.

But when he attempted to place him under arrest, Ashley tried to flee and the two engaged in a struggle. Ashley sustained minor injuries from

WEEKLY POLICE ACTIVITY REPORT | SEE PAGE 20 PUBLIC SAFETY

WEEKLY DWI REPORT Staff Reports Larit Benally Sept. 3, 3:46 am Aggravated DWI A vehicle was parked in t he m id d le of the road near the Coca-Cola Pl a nt , 15 4 Mentmore R oa d , w it h the dr iver appa rently unconscious at the wheel.

Gallup Officer Dominic Molina arrived at the scene a nd found a white pickup t r uck r u n n i ng w it h t wo males asleep inside. There was an open box of Bud Light in the back with numerous cans strewn around inside and in the back of the truck.

A nother officer arrived a nd t he t wo opene d t he locked truck and turned it off. Molina then woke the driver, Larit Benally, 37, of Ment more, who appea red to be intoxicated and had slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and smelled of alcohol.

Benally exited the vehicle and admitted to consuming a n unspecified number of drinks prior to driving. He did not respond when asked to take the Standard Field Sobriety Tests, so his actions were taken as a refusal and he was placed under arrest.

The passenger was also intoxicated and became disorderly when officers questioned him. Molina saw a .45 caliber handgun inside the truck, which he removed for security. The passenger was charged with negligent use of a firearm.

Since he refused to give a breath sample, Molina transported Benally to McKinley C ou nt y A d u lt D e t e nt io n Center and booked him for aggravated DWI, negligent use of a firearm, and having no license.

Benally was released on h is ow n recog n i za nce by Judge Cynthia Sanders.

Cheyenne Delgarito Sept. 2, 12:56 pm Aggravated DWI A female driver turned her vehicle into the lot of Clay Fultz Insurance, 201 E. Aztec PUBLIC SAFETY

Av e ., a nd remained there for several minut e s before an employee noticed she h a d pa s sed out.

G a l lu p O f f i c e r M a r i a Olivares was dispatched to the scene to conduct a welfare check. She noticed the vehicle was running and placed in park when she arrived. Inside there were numerous cans of Budweiser and the driver did not respond to her questions.

Olivares turned the vehicle off and woke the driver, Cheyenne Delgarito, 28, of Wi ngate. W hen Delga r ito did awaken, she admitted to drinking “a lot” of unspecified alcohol prior to driving and did not give her name or birthdate when asked. She also tried to put the vehicle into drive, but did not realize the keys had been taken.

When she stepped out of the vehicle, Delgarito showed signs of intoxication including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, the smell of alcohol and difficulty standing. She refused to take the Standard Field Sobriety Tests or to provide a breath sample.

D el g a r i t o w a s pl a c e d under arrest. However, when Ol iv a re s r a n t he l icen s e plate of the vehicle she had been driving through Metro Dispatch, she was advised it had been stolen out of Roswell. There was no insurance or registration information in the car.

Oliva res tra nspor ted Delgarito to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked her for aggravated DWI, having no license, consuming alcohol in a vehicle, no i nsu ra nce or registration, and improper use of a registration.

Delgarito posted $2,000 cash or surety bond.

Irene Yazzie Sept. 2, 8:03 am DWI A caller reported a suspic iou s veh icle ne a r t he 500 block of Baker Avenue to Metro Dispatch. Gallup Officer Vincent Thompson was dispatched to the area.

He saw a silver Hyundai matching the ca ller’s descr iption parked near the intersection of Milda Avenue and Lopez Place and conducted a tra ffic stop. The dr iver, Irene Yazzie, 60, of Gallup, rolled down the window as Thompson approached.

Yazzie showed signs of intoxication including slurred speech and bloodshot eyes.

She a lso smelled of a lco hol and told Thompson she didn’t have any identification or insurance information on her. After admitting she consumed one can of Camo, she agreed to take the Standard Field Sobriety Tests, but performed poorly.

Thompson placed Yazzie under arrest. He was advised

by Metro Dispatch she had three prior charges and thus

would need a blood draw. He obtained authorization for the draw and transported her to Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services.

Once finished Thompson t r a n s p o r t e d Ya z z i e t o McK i n ley Cou nt y Adu lt Detention Center and booked her for DWI, roadways laned for traffic, consuming alcohol in a vehicle, and no license, insurance, or registration.

Yazzie was released on her own recognizance by Judge Robert Ionta.

Coby Tom Aug. 24, 2:10 am DWI A male was seen p a s s e d ou t at the wheel of a car pa rked outside Dickey’s Barbecue, 3900 E. Hwy. 66. Ga l lup Pol ice O f f icer M ich a el Eley was dispatched to the restaurant.

Eley arrived at the scene and met with other officers who had arrived first and

placed vehicle spikes under the front and rear tires in case the driver tried to leave the scene. Metro Dispatch advised Eley that the same black Chev rolet wa s seen at El Ra ncho ea rlier that evening. It was parked and running.

The officers attempted to wake the driver, identified as Coby Tom, 28, of Iyanbito, while also trying to open the locked car. Tom did begin to stir at Eley’s commands and then woke up, turned off the vehicle, and got out.

Tom d id not show a ny noted signs of intoxication in the report, but he did agree to take the Standard Field Sobriety Tests. He performed poorly on the tests and was placed under arrest.

He agreed to give a breath sample and was transported to Gallup Police Department for the test, where he posted two samples of .15. Tom was then transported to McKinley C ou nt y A d u lt D e t e nt io n Center and booked for DWI and careless driving.

Tom was released on his own recognizance by Judge Janelle Griego.

CITY OF GALLUP MUNICIPAL OFFICER ELECTION MARCH 1, 2022 Filing day for qualified electors who would like to become a candidate for District 1 City Councilor District 3 City Councilor will be Tuesday, January 4, 2022 between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. at the City Clerk’s Office, Gallup City Hall, 110 West Aztec Avenue. Both elective offices are for a four-year term.

Candidate Information Packets are available at the City Clerk’s Office and the Elections and Representatives page of the City of Gallup’s website at: www.GallupNM.gov.

For information regarding the Election, please call the Gallup City Clerk’s Office at 863-1254

Gallup Sun • Friday December 24, 2021

9

INDIAN COUNTRY

NEWS

New unit established to help solve Missing, Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives cases Staff Reports

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LBUQUERQUE — Hoping to reunite and heal families, Nava jo Nat ion First Lady Phefelia Nez, 24th Navajo Nation Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty were among those in attendance when the establishment of a sub-unit was announced to solve cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives.

A press conference Dec. 16 in Albuquerque to offer support for New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, New Mexico Indian Affairs Department Secretary

Lynn A. Trujillo, and the Second Judicial District Attorney Raúl Torrez, as they signed a memorandum of understanding creating the sub-unit under the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office Crime Strategies Unit in Bernalillo County.

The MMIWR sub-unit will begin identifying all existing and new cases, review cold missing persons cases related to MMIWR, provide investigation and legal assistance, communicate with victims’ families, and collaborate with the MMIWR task force, tribal, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

“On behalf of the Navajo Nation, we thank the state of

New Mexico for recognizing the importance of reuniting, restoring, and healing Native families and communities through this historic initiative,” First Lady Nez said. “The New Mexico Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Task Force is helping to close the gaps that missing persons cases often fall into, identifying jurisdictional misinterpretations, fostering coordination among tribal nations, and developing innovative strategies to assist law enforcement.

MISSING, MURDERED INDIGENOUS WOMEN | SEE PAGE 19

Navajo Nation First Lady Phefelia Nez, N.M. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and 24th Navajo Nation Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty in back of N.M. Indian Affairs Dept. Secy.

Lynn A. Trujillo, and the Second Judicial D. A. Raúl Torrez during a signing ceremony Dec. 16 in Albuquerque. Photo Credit: Courtesy 24th Navajo Nation Council

Will Navajo People receive a second hardship assistance check?

Staff Reports

W

INDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty

of the 24th Navajo Nation Council introduced Emergency Legislation No. 0263-21 to allocate $207 million of Navajo Nation Fiscal Recovery Funds to provide a second hardship

assistance check for the Navajo people. This will be considered by the Navajo Nation Council during a special session before Christmas.

The bill also approves

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t he Ha rd sh ip A s si st a nce Expenditure Plan that will have legislative oversight by the Budget and Finance Committee and administrative oversight by the Nez-Lizer Administration.

According to the Navajo Nation Department of Justice, individuals do not have to reapply for the second allocation of hardship assistance payments.

Any future check disbursements will follow the fi nancial process previously approved by the Office of the Controller.

Individuals who have yet to apply for assistance can do so through the OOC online portal.

“It has been 283 days since President Joe Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act,” Crotty (Cove, Toadlena/ Two Grey Hills, Red Valley, Tsé’ałnáoozt’i’í, Sheep Springs, Beclabito, Gad’ii’áhí/Tó K ’í). said. “The Navajo people need immediate assistance now during this pandemic and the Navajo government must meet their requests.

“The federal government provided us Fiscal Recovery Funds to directly help Navajo households with their utility bills and those experiencing job loss and reduced work hours,” she continued. “This money must be used to assist our communities recover[ing] from the long-term effects of COVID-19.

“A second allocation of hardship assistance payments

Twenty-fourth Navajo Nation Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty introduced legislation Dec. 18 that would create a second assistance check for Navajo people. Photo Credit: Courtesy of 24th Navajo Nation Council directly to our families will allow them to purchase critical winter supplies like gasoline, firewood, and food,” Crotty said In November, the United States Treasury Department allocated over $2 billion to the Navajo Nation under the Fiscal Recovery Funds provisions of the American Rescue Act Plan to respond to the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our people have been through a lot the last two years and they need our immediate

HARDSHIP ASSISTANCE | SEE PAGE 19 INDIAN COUNTRY

NEWS

HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

Earthweek: Diary of a Changing World Week ending Friday, December 17, 2021

By Steve Newman

Arctic Alarm A new NOA A report warns that the loss of sea ice, thawing permafrost and the melting of Greenland’s ice cap due to human-caused climate change are part of an “alarming and undeniable” trend in climate change. The A rctic is warming two to three times faster than the rest of the planet. The report coincided with the UN World Meteorological Organisation’s confi rmation that the previous summer’s all-time record Arctic heat of 38 degrees Celsius was accurate. The reading at the Siberian community of Verkhoyansk on June 20, 2020, was the result of an exceptional and prolonged Siberian heat wave, which was accompanied by expansive wildfi res.

Earthquakes Isla nds a round Indonesia’s Flores Sea were rocked by a powerful undersea quake that injured one person. • Earth movements were also felt on far southern South Korea’s Jeju Island, greater Tokyo and along the OhioKentucky border.

Plastic Eaters Scientists say they have found evidence that microbes in the soil and sea are evolving to eat plastic. Scientists at Sweden’s Chalmers University say the evolution is occurring most rapidly in places

research is needed.

-52° Shologonsky, Siberia

3.0

4.9 4.9 Rai

7.3 +45° Mardie, W. Australia

containing the most plastic pollution. The global proliferation of plastic over the past 70 years has given the microbes enough time to evolve and to produce enzymes to degrade different plastics. “Currently, very little is known about these plastic-degrading enzymes, and we did not expect to fi nd such a large number of them across so many different microbes and environmental habitats,” systems biologist Alek-sej Zelezniak said. He added that further research could potentially create new, powerful microbial enzymes designed to eat specific types of plastic.

Rodent Resistance Effor ts to entirely eradicate invasive mice from a remot e S out h At la nt ic isla nd appear to have failed, causing the project’s leader to say he is “heartbroken.” Gough Island is roughly midway between the southern tip of Africa and

South America, and is home to one of the world’s largest seabird nesting colonies. Mice brought there by sailors in the 19th century have since eaten untold numbers of eggs and chicks. Early this year, scientists targeted the mice with poison. But footage from a remote ca mera recently revea led that at least one mouse had survived.

Light Pollution A new survey of the world’s coastal waters has found that up to 1.8 million square km are being exposed to “biologically significant” levels of artificial light at night.

S

HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

While many species are accustomed to the regula r changes in light that occur naturally through the day, the researchers say light from coastal developments can scatter a long way out to sea, and its colour temperatures are quite different from those of the stars, moon and sun.

They say the intensity of the ar tificial light offshore is “alarming” in the Mediterranean, Persian Gulf, and South China Sea. Previous studies found the light harms the ability of some species to use the moon and stars to fi nd food, but the study says further

La Palma’s Cumbre Vieja volcano suddenly fell silent only two days after its nearly three-month eruption broke the record as the longest running on the Spanish Canary island since records began in 1500. Experts caution that the lack of tremors and only minimal lava flows do not necessarily mean the eruption has ended.

Lava flows have damaged or destroyed nearly 3,000 homes and other structures since Sep. 19. Large areas of farmland have also been blanketed with lava.

Tropical Cyclones F o r m e r Category-5 Typhoon Ra i sla mmed into the southern Philippine island of Siargao as a Category-4 storm. Tens of thousands of people were evacuated before one of the world’s strongest storms of the year made landfall. • Categor y-1 Cyclone Ruby weakened to tropical storm force over the Coral Sea just before soaking New Caledonia.

Dist. by: Andrews McMeel Syndication©MMXXI Earth Environment Service

Gov. issues statement on federal greenhouse gas rule Staff Reports

A mouse on Gough Island begins to attack an albatross chick. Photo Credit: RSPB

Ruby

Volcanic Record

A N TA F E – G ov.

Michelle Lu ja n Gr isha m issued a statement on Dec. 20 on the federal government’s a n nou ncement of a new emissions reductions rule for 2023 a nd later model year vehicles: “I applaud the leadersh ip of the Biden-Ha r r is Ad m i n ist rat ion a nd U.S. EPA Administrator Regan in crafting strong federal rules to reduce air pollution from cars and trucks.

T hese new requ i rement s will protect public health

by reducing emissions that cause climate change and degrade air quality across the country and right here in New Mexico, where the transportation sector is the second leading emitter of greenhouse gases.

“At the same time, these federal rules will save New Mex ic a n s money a t t he pump as cars become more fuel efficient. This is exactly why New Mexico must pass a clean fuel standard in the upcoming legislative session. Together, the EPA and my administration are taking bold action for our economy and our climate,” Lujan

Grisham said.

In addition to the governor’s statement, New Mexico Env ironment Depar tment Cabinet Secreta r y Ja mes Kenney also spoke about the new rule: “This rule is instrumental in accelerating our transition to zero tailpipe emissions for all vehicles sold in the United States,” Kenney said. “With EPA’s action and New Mexico’s commitment to adopting both a clean fuel standard and clean car standards early next year, we’re making significant strides toward meeting our ambitious climate goals.”

Gallup Sun • Friday December 24, 2021

11

OPINIONS

NMFOG disputes redistricting process, not outcome MAJORS SENDS LETTER TO SENATE MAJORITY LEADER December 15, 2021 Hon. Peter Wirth Majority Leader New Mexico Senate 490 Old Santa Fe Trail Santa Fe, NM 87501 Dear Senator Wirth, Transparency is at the heart of everything we do at the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government (FOG). The New Mexico’s Legislature actions during this past special session show they do not share this value.

For months this summer

the Legislature-ma ndated Redistricting Committee held public meetings and gathered public comment to create fair, equitable maps outlining congressional, state senate and state representative districts. It seems much of their work has been done in vain.

Surveys show that the public wants a process that is open and engaging. FOG believes the public’s business should be conducted in full public view, the actions of the public bodies should be taken openly, and all deliberations be made open to

the public, yet the Legislature has conducted their meetings about redistricting behind closed doors, in par tisan enclaves, eliminating any public access to the proceedings – access that is an essential element of a properly functioning democracy.

The voters in New Mexico deserve better. They want to see transparency in the redistricting process and the new districts. A fair process begins with genuine openness and transparency. The public hearings held across the state were

an important blueprint for lawmakers. We request that all negotiations and deliberations regarding redistricting be conducted in an open and transparent manner that is accessible to the public.

Sincerely, Melanie J. Majors Executive Director Cc: Brian Egolf, Mimi Stewart Editor’s Note: The Gallup Sun called Majority Leader Wirth’s office for a response.

The office called back, but there was no response to this letter.

Melanie Majors, retiring Executive Director of New Mexico Foundation for Open Government. File Photo

New Mexico Ethics Watch sues N.M. Legislature

By Kathleen Sabo Executive Director N.M. Ethics Watch

N

ew Mexico Ethics Watch filed a lawsuit against the New Mexico Legislative

12

Council Ser vice – the legi slat ive bra nch’s record s custodian – and the New Mexico Legislature for withholding documents related to identifying the legislators responsible for specific appropriation requests in major

Friday December 24, 2021 • Gallup Sun

appropriations bills from this year’s regular session.

To identify individual legislators and their requested appropr iations, NMEW requested all memoranda and reports generated by the House Appropriation and Finance

Committee, the Senate Finance Committee and their subcommittees concerning House Bill 2 – the general appropriation act funding the government – prior to the fi nal vote on House Bill 2 on the floor of the House in the 2021 legislative session in October. Ethics Watch also asked for the same type of documents from those committees related to Senate Bill 377, another spending bill popularly called “House Bill 2 Junior.”

Additionally, New Mexico Ethics Watch asked for all requests for capital outlay expenditures by individual legislators, which were spuriously identified in the Legislature’s required publication of final capital outlay projects as “sponsored by: Statewide,” instead of identifying the specific legislators who requested these expenditures. A year ago, the Legislature required publication of a searchable list of capital expenditures with “the amount of the allocation designated by each legislator and the governor.” Designating many of these as “Statewide” violates this law.

However, the Legislative C o u n c i l S e r v ic e d e n ie d the lion’s share of NMEW’s requests. The agency asserted that the records it withheld were exempt from disclosure under the state Inspection of Public Records Act. The agency claimed that these records are “confidential and privileged communications that

Kathleen Sabo, executive director of N.M. Ethics Watch. File Photo are integral to the deliberative process and are not subject to disclosure” under IPRA, citing statutory law, a joint rule, and the Constitution of New Mexico.

New Mexico Ethics Watch’s Dec. 21 complaint claims that the denial of records is unlawful, in that none of the legal bases cited by the defendants in their Inspection of Public Records Act denial, exempt the withheld records from disclosure under IPRA. Additionally, Ethics Watch claims the defendants failed to comply with their mandatory, statutory duty to identify the withheld requested records and explain their IPRA denial for each.

The state Inspection of Public Records Act exists so that New Mexico citizens can gain the greatest possible

N.M. ETHICS WATCH | SEE PAGE 19 OPINIONS

Three-Star quality rating amounts to spin

By McKinley Community Health Action Group Connie Liu, MD/PhD Kathy Mezoff, MD Sara Pikaart, RN Gwen Wilson PA JP Philips, JD

L

ast Friday’s top headline from another local paper declared “CEO: Rehoboth McKinley Improves to 3-star quality rating,” and went on to describe a surprising improvement in the CMS hospital star rating.

The fact is: RMCH still has a one-star CMS hospital rating, and that has not changed. These ratings are determined once a year, and

will not be announced until next spring. Mr. Smithburg [Don Smithburg RMCHCS interim-CEO] in reporting a “3 star rating” was likely referring to the HCAHPS score, a patient survey used at the time of hospital discharge, for which results are reported on a quarterly basis. Measures from this survey comprise one-fifth of the CMS score. It is simply not the CMS overall hospital rating. (1) This information matters to the hospital’s fi nancial health.

The CMS hospital rating constitutes the primary quality measure for hospitals. Further, the CMS hospital rating impacts the hospital’s bottom line, as how the hospital performs on

its particular metrics may earn the hospital incentives or result in a reduction of Medicare payments.

More impor ta ntly, this information provides a basis to dialogue with the community about quality metrics. We want to understand what metrics are being used to evaluate quality at our hospital, where the hospital is focused on improvement, and how improvements are being made.

For this conversation to be fruitful, information about quality needs to be presented with accuracy, nuance, and context.

Our Board of Trustee members can support this dialogue by maintaining an attitude of

Connie Liu, MD/PhD

Kathy Mezoff, MD

curiosity about quality measures. Quality metrics are most useful when we interrogate their meaning for our community, understand when they are tied to compensation, and how they are a public indicator of hospital quality. This is part of

the board of trustee’s fiduciary responsibility to our community’s hospital, and it is a critical aspect of building trust with the community.

CHAG | SEE PAGE 19

Interior Department has the right idea

By Voices for Children

N

ew Mexico Voices for Children is calling on Congress to act on the Interior Department’s New “Report on the Federal Oil and Gas Leasing Program” which it says will help to protect public lands and state revenues.

The report recommends reforms to federal leasing and permitting practices for oil and natural gas extraction on public lands.

James Jimenez, the executive director of N.M. Voices for Children issued this statement in support of the reforms.

“For too long, the antiqued federal oil and gas leasing program has allowed oil and gas companies to litter our public lands with orphaned wells while working New Mexicans are forced to foot the bill to clean them up. The reforms that DOI has put forth in its new report will protect taxpayers by fi xing the policies that subsidize oil and gas CEOs. These reforms will also save the public money and protect our public lands.

We hope Congress will work quickly to implement permanent, common-sense changes to the oil and gas program that will help maximize the value of these assets and protect families in New Mexico.”

Among the report’s recommendations is an increase in bonding rates. Bonds are required before extraction can begin in order to ensure OPINIONS

that once a well is decommissioned it will be capped and the area will be cleaned up and returned to its natural state. Because bonding rates haven’t been updated since 1970, the bond amounts are well below the actual cost of well-remed iation. New Mexico cur rently ha s 708 abandoned wells -meaning the only funding available to cap and reclaim them is from the

insufficient bonds that were paid.

The state’s total estimated liability is as much as $58 million for the reclamation and capping costs of these wells, and the state only has $2 million allocated for this work.

T he DOI’s repor t i s available online at https:// www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/ files/report-on-the-federaloil-and-gas-leasing-pro-

gram-doi-eo-14008.pdf For more on New Mexico’s orphaned wells, s e e o u r p o l i c y b r i e f, “ O r p h a n e d We l l s a n d Inadequate Bonds: How the Oil and Gas Industry Could Soon Become a F i n a n c i a l B u r d e n ,” available at https: // www.nmvoices.org/ archives/15157

New Mexico Voices for Children Executive Director James Jimenez

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13

COMMUNITY

Red or Green? New Mexico Christmas Chile CHILE BRINGS CHRISTMAS TO NEW MEXICO ALL YEAR LONG

By Rachel Pfeiffer Sun Correspondent

T

hey say Christmas comes but once a year, but some New Mex ico r e s ident s enjoy Christmas all year long.

While most people will choose either red or green chile when enjoying their favorite, flavor-filled dish, some instead

RED OR GREEN | SEE PAGE 19

This green chile dish from Sammy C’s Rock N’ Sports Pub & Grille is called Fresh baked pepperoni and green chile pizza. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Sammy Chioda

This red chile dish from Sammy C’s Rock N’ Sports Pub & Grille is called Red chile cheese fries. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Sammy Chioda

Season’s Greetings from the kitchen of Sen. George Muñoz

By Sen. George Muñoz For the Sun

O

n behalf of my family, we wish you and yours a merry holiday season and New

Year. We know that the hardships of 2020 have continued for many throughout 2021. In this season, we hope you fi nd peace for 2022 and comfort from those that bring joy to you and yours.

As we move forward into the new year, New Mexico and our communities have the opportunity to harness the possibilities of potential and create an even more vibrant and thriving state

Sen. Ben Ray Luján, D-NM, Tony Tanner, senior vp for T&R Market, Inc. and Sen. George Muñoz, D – Gallup at the Community Pantry in Gallup in 2019. Photo Credit: Sharmyn Muñoz.

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Zane Muñoz and Landon Muñoz at the College National Finals Rodeo this year in Casper, Wyo. Photo Credit: Sharmyn Muñoz.

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14

Friday December 24, 2021 • Gallup Sun

while maintaining our deep, rich cultures. We will fi nd time to discuss how we continue to combat the continued effects of the pandemic, diversifying our economy, retaining industries that drive our state, and capitalizing on investments that will improve all New Mexicans’ quality of life.

But, for now, let this season warm our hearts and our bellies as we share in our successes and believe in the continued potential of our state.

From our family to yours, may this biscochito recipe quickly

MUÑOZ | SEE PAGE 23 COMMUNITY

County attorney makes cheese houses for Christmas

By Doug Decker For the Sun

T

hrough the yea rs, our family has adapted traditional Christmas and New Year traditions. They slowly change with the changes in our family.

O ne C h r i s t m a s t r a d i t ion we have i s to ma ke Gingerbread Houses. That was always fun, but after Christmas we still had ruins that we had to toss out before they got put on an historical preservation list.

One New Year tradition we have is to make Cheese Balls for our celebration … always tasty and quick to disappear.

Several years ago as we were watch ing a cook ing show where the chef showed how to combine the two traditions: A cheese house complete with decorations. Wow, what an adaptation. The fi rst year we made this, we made a big cheese house, and all COMMUNITY

decorated it together. As our kids got older, it has become a competition and we make several small cheese houses and compete in decorating them.

Now that we are empty nesters, we still make the small cheese houses.

Last year, during the shutdown of COVID-19, we had a cheese house competition on a v ir tual meeting platform. That turned out quite well for both Christmas and New Year’s Eve. We now have gra ndchildren old enough t hat t hey ca n joi n i n t he competition.

We form our cheese houses by using a one cup milk carton with the bottom cut out and the top stapled together.

We line the inside with plastic wrap and push the cheese ball mixture into the form. When ready, we take the cheese house out of the form and begin to decorate it with other edible items. After the judging, we get out the crackers and enjoy the cheese house.

Our favorite Cheese Ball recipe is as follows: 8 oz. Cream cheese 1 oz Blue Cheese 1/4 cup margarine 1 Tbsp. minced chives 1-3 salad onions, diced/ minced 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce.

Blend the ingredients (with nuts if desired – for Cheese Houses, we use the nuts as decorative materials). Shape or form the Cheese House and then wrap. Refrigerate to fi rm up the Cheese House.

Decorations are up to you.

We hope everyone has a Wonderful Christmas. We all face challenges, and at this time we, as individuals, families, and a community, have the opportunity to celebrate the Birthday of our Savior Je su s Ch r i st who k nows our pain and trials and will help us through all of our challenges bringing Peace to us. I pray we take this opportunity to Worship God

What’s left of the cheese house after the competition is over. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Doug Decker and spread the Peace Jesus Christ gives to us with those

also struggling through their challenges.

Gallup Sun • Friday December 24, 2021

15

Seven businesses collaborate to collect toys

Mike Daly’s special occasion recipe

By Mike Daly Sun Contributor

I The Dirty Birds Motorcycle Club held a toy drive Dec. 18 at Wowie’s at 1500 S. Second St., Unit C in Gallup to serve 300plus kids in Gallup and the surrounding tribal communities, including Zuni Pueblo. From left: Chopper, Sam Wise, Tee, Tick Tock, and Chevy volunteered to raise money and collect toys for area kids. Photo Credit: Rick Abasta

’d like to share my favorite special occasion recipe – Rum Chocolate Mousse. This recipe is modified from an early edition of the “Joy of Cooking” cookbook.

I have been making this for 50 years. Once, while working on a ship in the lower English Channel, I made this for the entire crew.

or dark rum, I’ve used both and it doesn’t seem to make a bit of difference. Alcoholics don’t worry. All the alcohol is evaporated Heat 1/4 lb. semisweet chocolate chips in the microwave.

I’ve experimented with other chocolates, the semisweet always seems to taste the best.

When the chocolate is melted, stir in 3 or 4 tablespoons of whipping cream.

When the mixture is cool,

Frayzie Illest and Kody Kelly, local hip-hop artists and employees at Juggernaut Music volunteered to serve as elves for the Santa Claus photos coordinated by RAH Photography.

Long lines of people waited for their chance to get their Santa photos taken. Santa gives his thumbs up in the background.

Photo Credit: Rick Abasta

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• 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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Gallup, NM 87301 (505) 863-4452 16

Friday December 24, 2021 • Gallup Sun

Mike Daly beating egg whites for Rum Chocolate Mousse. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Mike Daly This is an incredibly smooth, rich dessert that takes about 45 minutes to prepare – with certain precautions as noted below.

Start by stiffly beating two egg whites. Note: be sure the egg beaters are completely dry or the eggs will not whip.

Separately, Whip one cup of whipping cream to make two cups of whipped cream Cook over very low heat until dissolved, but not brown in color 1/4 cup sugar – preferably confectioners’ sugar 1/8 to 1/4 cup rum – light

but not chilled, fold it into the two stiffly beaten egg whites and then fold this combination very gently into the two cups of whipped cream.

Chill overnight. Somehow it really takes overnight to set this delicious dessert. It produces 5 to 6 servings per batch.

I usually make a double batch.

If you plan to make it more than several days before serving, I suggest you cover the top with Saran or some other wrap. The light texture seems to acquire a refrigerator odor if kept too long without covering.

COMMUNITY

CHILDREN’S COLORING PAGE: CHRISTMAS CHILE WREATH

Please post your finished images on Facebook or Instagram #ColorSeanWells Image copyright ©2021 Sean Wells.

Please contact SeanWellsCreates@gmail.com for any commercial use of this image. Thank you!

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Gallup Sun • Friday December 24, 2021

17

‘Licorice Pizza’ is a coming-of-age tale fi lled with odd encounters

By Glenn Kay For the Sun

RATING:  OUT OF  RUNNING TIME: 133 MINUTES This title from Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures and Focus Features is now playing in select cinemas and opens everywhere on Christmas Day. For movie enthusiasts, a new title from writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson is met with great anticipation.

His early fi lms like “Boogie Nights” and “Magnolia” earned plenty of accolades, detailing the trials and tribulations of several very eccentric characters. Anderson has also been responsible for powerful works like “There Will Be Blood,” but in the last decade his output has been spottier. “The Master” and “Inherent Vice” were intriguing, but messy and frustrating experiences.

Even the recent and effective “Phantom Threat” felt like the work of a completely different person. Those feeling trepidation toward his latest effort, “Licorice Pizza,” should be relieved to learn that it does feel like a Paul Thomas

Anderson movie in tone. It isn’t perfect, but more of the material here works than in recent efforts.

Set in 1973, this tale introduces viewers to fi fteen-yearold child per for mer Ga r y Valentine (Cooper Hoffman), an actor beginning to realize that he has gotten too old for his onscreen persona. Still br imming with overconfidence, he awkwardly attempts to woo twenty-five-year-old Alana Kane (Alana Haim) after she arrives at his high school to assist a photographer on photo day. Of course, she immediately turns down his advances. However, unhappy with her own life, Alana can’t help but be impressed with Gary’s can-do attitude.

A relationship forms and she begins helping the teen with some of his projects, including a waterbed business. As they get themselves into all kinds of trouble, the two viciously fi ght over petty matters. Yet every time they part ways, the two somehow end up crossing paths again and again.

Coming-of-age pictures are a dime a dozen, but this particular effort does stand out in its attempts to throw completely unique elements into the stor y, a s well a s characters who are different from what one would expect

Gary Valentine (Cooper Hoffman) and Alana Kane (Alana Haim), a woman ten years his senior, set off on a relationship full of bizarre events in “Licorice Pizza.” Photo Credit: United Artists to see. The odd connection between a young man and older woman adds a new and unexpected wrinkle to the central relationship, as does Gary’s friendly, but somewhat self-involved you ng actor attitude. Their outrageous encounters with celebrities in the San Fernando Valley also result in plenty of surreal circumstances that separate the fi lm from others of its ilk.

The movie also benefits greatly from its two leads,

who are both making their feature fi lm debuts. Hoffman and Haim have been costumed and made-up to look like real people and their strange jealous bickering and awkward behavior always feels authentic. This lends credibility to the proceedings particularly later in the story when completely bizarre events start to occur (some of the weirdness is reported to be loosely based on actual encounters described to the filmmaker by a friend who was a child actor). The later and more exaggerated moments involvi ng Hol ly wood st a r s a re

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Friday December 24, 2021 • Gallup Sun

very memorable, featuring entertaining and hilarious cameos that really make an impression.

A s one m ig ht ex pec t , there’s a generally loose feel to the proceedings, and the meandering, episodic nature of the format does lead to some sections and scenes working more efficiently than others. Due to the troubled and fl awed traits of the two central characters, some may experience difficulty relating to the protagonists, at least initially. And anyone expecting a traditional Hollywood coming-of-age tale will certainly be baff led by some of t he cr a z y h appen i ng s onscreen.

But like the characters onscreen, it just takes a bit of time for the movie to grow into itself. As events progress, the characters shine through a nd their unique lives becomes more and more fun to watch. These are both slightly messed up people who aren’t ideal for each other. Yet they also seem to be the only ones willing to support each other when situations get out of hand.

These idea s ultimately are what help make “Licorice Pizza” a n interesting a nd engaging work of cinema.

V ISI T: W W W. CINEMASTANCE.COM COMMUNITY

MISSING, MURDERED, INDIGENOUS WOMEN | FROM PAGE 10 “Today, we move closer to minimizing the number of unsolved MMIWR cases, and healing families on the Navajo

HARDSHIP ASSISTANCE | FROM PAGE 10 help,” Council Delegate Eugene Tso (Chinle) said. “These hardship assistance payments are long overdue and the Navajo Nation Council must take action to help our grandmas and grandpas, and our most vulnerable families.

“This is no longer a debate because our communities are suffering,” Tso said. “The next urgent matter is we allocate the remaining CARES Act funds for our elders over 60 years of age.

“As Navajo leaders it is our responsibility to assist

N.M. ETHICS WATCH | FROM PAGE 12 insight and information into state government affairs. For too many years the Legislature has kept secret from the public important parts of the

CHAG | FROM PAGE 13 The community can be a powerful partner in addressing quality issues at the hospital. The RMCH Community

RED OR GREEN | FROM PAGE 14 choose Christmas, smothering the dish in a mixture of the two.

F i nd i ng a d i sh New Mexicans are unwilling to put chile on would prove difficult.

Eric Peña, the manager of Grandpa’s Grill, thinks about any food can be made more flavorful with a bit of chile.

“People put chili on everything, whether it’s burritos, burgers, eggs, or even mashed potatoes at the Thanksgiving table,” he said.

New Mexico’s chile obsession dates back centuries.

Either Captain-General Juan de Oñate or members of the Antonio Espejo Expedition NEWS

Nation, and in New Mexico,” she said In 2020, the New Mexico MMIWR Task Force released its final report and recommendations to Gov. Lujan Grisham, including reviews and recommendations related to data collection, resources, partnerships,

improved reporting and investigation of cases, and increased support for families. “ Today, we w it nes sed many years of advocacy for our Missing and Murdered I n d i g e n o u s Wo m e n a n d Relatives transformed into action,” Crotty said. “The new

MMIWR subdivision under the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office sets the bar for the rest of the country to protect our sacred women and vulnerable populations in urban areas.

“As a member of the New Mexico MMIWR Task Force, I am proud of our efforts and I’m

committed to providing justice and healing to our MMIWR families,” Crotty continued.

Additionally, the sub-unit will support the statewide MMIWR Task Force’s efforts to improve the data collection and analysis on all MMIWR-related cases.

our people, especially now as colder winter months impact the Navajo Nation,” Tso conti nued. “We suppor t t h is emergency legislation to send out a second hardship check that will help Navajo families during this pandemic.”

In Aug ust, the Nava jo Nation Cou nci l approved Resolution CYJ-41-21, establishing the Navajo Nation Fiscal Recovery Fund Office as the official headquarters to oversee and approve all ARPA projects during the pandemic.

“We are working closely with President Jonathan Nez and the Executive Branch to responsibly allocate billions of dollars to be invested into

projects for the Navajo people, Speaker Seth Da mon said. “This also means a second round of direct hardship checks to assist our families so they can pay for the light bill and purchase food, propane, firewood, and hay for livestock.

“The Council commends Honorable Amber Kanazbah Crot t y for her a dvoca c y and leadership by introducing this emergency legislation to address the urgent needs of the Navajo people,” Damon (Bááhaalí, Chichiltah, Manuelito, Red Rock, Rock Springs, Tséyatoh), said.

T he Nor t her n A genc y Council unanimously approved Resolution NNAC-128-2021

supporting Legislation No. 0263-21 Dec. 18 and recommended increasing the allocation of $207 million to $621 million to change the amount each Navajo individual receives in hardship assistance. “ T he Nav a jo Hou s i n g Authority and the Division of Social Services have additional funds to provide immediate rental assistance for our college students, single parents, and elders, Crotty said.

“Navajo leaders continue to hear directly from people who are displaced, suffering, and vulnerable.

“Our intention for this emergency legislation is to provide direct winter relief to families

to pay for water and electric bills, groceries, and more,” she pointed out. “We continue to pray for our children who have lost their parents to this virus and the devastating impact COVID-19 has had on our medicine men and women.

“The Council appreciates our community health representatives, senior center staff, and all public health officials who are on the frontlines fighting this pandemic,” Crotty added.

If approved by the Navajo Nation Council, Damon has 10 days after a session to certify legislation. Following this process, Nez has 10 days to approve or veto.

appropriation process, which involves billions of dollars of taxpayer money. This is one of the state government’s most egregious affronts to transparency.

The lawsuit points out several examples since the

1990s of New Mexico legislators found guilty of directly profiting from bills which they sponsored, or for which they solicited bribes. New Mexico Ethics Watch believes more transparency could help prevent such abuses of the public

trust.

New Mexico Ethics Watch is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and a principal leader in ethics reform, advocacy, and education in New Mexico. Our values are

that ethics is for everyone; that good government leads to improved schools, healthier communities, and better business, and attention to ethics in public life leads to more equitable opportunities for all.

A ssessment per for med i n 2 019 prove s a s much , a s this assessment of commun it y need s a nd it s subse quent implementation plan cou ld on ly be per for med with active engagement of

loca l pa r tner s. Si nce th is wa s developed w ith input from community members, it considers community values on health care. We hold this to be the gold standard for community engagement

with hospital leadership.

The McKinley Community Hea lth Action Group w i l l cont i nue to advocate for transparency, accountability, and communit y engagement, because

t hat is what w i l l bu i ld trust. We invite the Board of Trustees and hospital leadership to be par tners with us a s we advocate for the health care our community needs, and deserves.

brought chile to the region.

Exactly when the plant was introduced isn’t clear, but by the early 1600s, chile farming had begun. Soon it flourished in the northern part of the state.

As chile farming continued to flourish, its popularity grew, eventually making it one of the most well-known products of New Mexico. Between 8,000 and 10,000 acres of chiles are harvested in New Mexico each year. In 2020, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture reported that 8,500 acres of chile were harvested, resulting in 68,000 tons of production.

The majority of the chile harvest is sold to processors.

Green chile is typically harvested, peeled, then either canned or frozen. Red chile,

on the other hand, is harvested when it is a bit dried. After being dried even more, it can be sold as a spice in powder, flake, or pod form.

While most people purchasing these products out-of-state might have a specific meal or two they use chile for, Sammy Chioda, owner of Sammy C’s Rock N’ Sports Pub & Grille, says that he doesn’t see any specific dish that the residents of Gallup gravitate toward more than others when it comes to chile.

“A lot of restaurants have their own unique way of doing their Southwestern Mexican platters,” he said. “When it

Service is your way of life, and our way of doing business.

RED OR GREEN | SEE PAGE 23

GALLUP 107 E. Aztec Ave., 505.722.4411 Walmart: 1650 W. Maloney Ave., 505.863.3442 1804 E. Aztec Ave., 505.722.0300

Gallup Sun • Friday December 24, 2021

19

GMCS | FROM PAGE 4 He noted that many of the projects hadn’t been done yet because of a lack of state funding.

Many schools will be getting new roofs, including Tse Yi Gai High, Tohatchi Middle School, Chee Dodge E lement a r y, Cr ow npoi nt Middle School, David Skeet E lement a r y, a nd Nav a jo Middle School.

“We will just continue to push on this front to get these projects moving and continuing,” Hanks said.

Besides construction on the school buildings, the pav i ng of sidewa l k s a nd parking lots will continue district-wide. New HVAC systems will also be placed in many of

GOV. LUJAN GRISHAM | FROM PAGE 4 Legislature have spoken with respect to data-driven and representative new Congressional boundaries,” Lujan Grisham said. “It is my duty to ratify

STEWART | FROM PAGE 7 victim’s vehicle. A firearm holster was located at the scene, but the firearm used in

YAZZIE | FROM PAGE 7

the schools.

Hyatt said that he actually went to multiple schools in the district to see what improvements needed to be made.

“We actually went through and went to several different schools to look at the good, the bad, and the ugly, so we could decide and kind of make a standard for our school district,” Hyatt stated.

For example, Hyatt mentioned the need for bigger classrooms, hallways, and gyms in many of the schools.

He specifically called attention to Red Rock Elementary, which will be getting a bigger gym installed because the current one doesn’t have enough bleacher space for the whole school to be inside at the same time.

Boa rd member Ch r is

Mortensen commented on the gym construction.

“If there’s anything we need in this school district, it’s more gym space,” Mortensen said.

“That’s something we definitely use.”

Boa rd member Kev in Mitchell noted that the bigger schools often have the bigger gyms, but when you see them on TV, the stands are only halffull, whereas GMCS almost always has packed gyms for sporting events. He suggested that schools get funding for their gyms based on how many fans show up to the games, rather than how many students go to the school.

The discussion soon turned to the athletic fields. Hanks said new turf would be put on many of the fields, and exterior lighting will be installed,

including on the athletic fields.

After Hanks went over her presentation, Hyatt explained the district’s current situation with Angelo Di Paolo Memorial Stadium.

“The company that we’re in litigation with is Loa n Mountain Construction, an absolute[ly] terrible company that we’ve had terrible experience[s] with,” Hyatt stated.

In Nov. 2020, the district entered into a contract agreement with Lone Mountain Contracting, a construction company based out of Bosque Farms, N.M. The agreement stated that the stadium updates would be done in time for the May graduations. However, according to Vanessa Duckett, the school distr ict’s public relations supervisor, the company just

stopped working and asked for more money to complete the project.

The contract is scheduled to end in June 2023, but no work has been done on the stadium, and because of this, GMCS decided to sever the relationship.

“Allegedly the owner [of the company] was from our community.” Hyatt said. “[He] acted like he was a service to our students and [he was] absolutely not.

“We deserve better than that, and we will work extra hard to make sure we never come across a company like that again.”

The case has not gone to court yet, but Hyatt said the district might be able to get some of the money back from the contractor.

the will of the majority here, which I believe has established a reasonable baseline for competitive federal elections, in which no one party or candidate may claim any undue advantage.

“New Mexico is a vast and

diverse state, with both rural and urban communities and interests that span the spectrum politically and economically,” she continued. “We must honor the ideals of American democracy by doing everything we can to ensure a level

playing field, reflecting what is unique about New Mexico, on which these good faith interests may compete for political representation.”

The Congressional m a p w a s s p o n s o r e d by Rep. Georgene Lou is,

D-Albuquerque, Sen. Joseph Cer va ntes, D -La s Cr uces, and Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto, D-Albuquerque.

The gover nor also signed House Bill 9, updating the districts of the state Public Education Commission.

the incident was not located.

B r ow n r e c over e d o ne cel l phone a nd t wo cel l phone cords. He also found some d r ug pa rapher na l ia (several glass pipes) and a

small plastic bag that contained a white crystal- like substance which was tested and came back positive for “methamphetamine.”

The substance weighed 6.4

grams.

St ewa r t wa s t a ken t o McK i n ley Cou nt y Adu lt Detention Center and booked for bu r g l a r y, a g g r av a t ed a s s a u lt , t a mp er i n g w it h

evidence, negligent use of a deadly weapon, and possession of narcotics.

Stewart was released on h is ow n recog n i za nce by Judge Robert Ionta.

and Johnson had committed aggravated assault. While Yazzie was transported to

McK i n ley Cou nt y Adu lt Detention Center, Johnson was transported to Gallup Indian Medical Center for clearance.

O n t he w ay, Joh n s on started to act disorderly and told Brown he was going to

have a seizure. Based on his actions, Brown did not believe Johnson was at risk of a seizure. He thought Johnson could have been under the influence of narcotics.

After he was refused entry at the jail, Johnson was taken

to Ga llup India n Medica l Center for a psychiatric evaluation. A summons would later be fi led from the Magistrate Court.

Yazzie was released on his own recognizance by Judge Robert Ionta.

WEEKLY POLICE ACTIVITY REPORT | FROM PAGE 8

injured.

Medical staff arrived and while they were tending to Ashley, he became disorderly and upset. At one point he made a threat.

Ashley was transported to Gallup Indian Medical Center for treatment. The repor t stated he would be su mmonsed into court for resisting arrest.

being taken to the ground by the officer, who was not

Custom Wood Works

- Owner (505) 608-0093 P.O. Box 4518 Yatahey, New Mexico 87375

20 Friday December 24, 2021 • Gallup Sun

Facebook: McLaughlin’s WoodWorks mclaughlinswoodworks@yahoo.com

STAY UPDATED FIND US ON FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/Gallupsun

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

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

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.

AUTO SALES Gurley Motor Company

2017 Ford F150 XLT 4WD Certified Pre-Owned with only 24,600 miles!

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2022 Chevrolet Camaro 1SS Final Price: $52,365 Condition: New Body Style: Convertible Transmission: Manual Ext. Color: Riverside Blue Metallic Stock #: 22022

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Gurley Motor Co. 701 W. Coal Ave, Gallup, NM (505) 722-6621 www.gurleymotorford.com *** Amigo Automotive Center

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EMAIL: GALLUPSUNLEGALS@GMAIL.COM DUE: TUESDAYS 5 PM Maintenance Technician Gallup Housing Authority Responsible for maintenance of buildings, facilities, grounds, and light equipment. Performs some carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and other repairs in response to Tenant Work Order requests and/or results of inspections of units by HUD or other State and Local Agencies. Performs minor repairs and maintenance on mechanical equipment or machinery. Duties include but are not limited to; repainting of exteriors and interiors of housing units; repair or replacement of sinks, toilet bowls, showers, tubs and fixtures, screen doors, windows electrical light fixtures, etc. as needed; repair and/or replacement of water heaters and appliances.

Successful applicant must be able to; determine materials, tools and equipment needed to perform each task; work on site with minimal supervision.

Must be able to read, write and complete required reports.

Successful applicant should have significant experience in performing the tasks listed above. Current Driver’s license required. Must pass background check. This is a non-exempt full-time position.

Applications are available at the Gallup Housing Authority located at 203 Debra Drive in Gallup, NM 87301, or can be requested and submitted by email at: GHA.Main@ galluphousing.com.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Positions Open Until Filled Gallup Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. *** McKinley County is now accepting applications for the following positions:

references required.»

POSITION Mechanic Assistant DEPARTMENT Roads FOR BEST CONSIDERATION DATE December 28, 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 Publication Date: Gallup Sun December 17, 2021 December 24, 2021 FOR RENT

Please place the above advertisement for 2 weeks.

Call Carol at 530-587-0863 for credit card information.

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES STATE OF NEW MEXICO COUNTY OF MCKINLEY ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT DARRIN CLYDE and BRENDA NEZ, Plaintiffs, v.

DANIEL A. NASH and BETH W. CASCADDAN their heirs, successors & assigns and all unknown claimants of interest.

Gallup Living Rentals

Defendants.

*Hospital Area Rentals.

Washer/dryer included. No pets.

No. D-1113-CV-2021-00426

• 3 bedroom/2 bath $1850/ month.

• 3 bedroom/2bath $2200/ month. *Downtown Area Rentals • 3 bedroom/2 bath $1400/ month. Washer/dryer included.

• 3 bedroom/1 bath $1100/ month. *Indian Hills Area Rental • 3 bedroom/2 bath $1500/ month.

Contact Gallup Living Rentals at (505)488-2344 or berlinda@gallupliving.com for more information. *** Mobile Home for rent Quiet North side park. 2 bedroom 1 bath. Clean inside and out. NO PETS. Rent, monthly, $700.00; security deposit $600.00; water service deposit $150.00 Call Bill Nations - 505-726-9288 9 AM to 6 PM. Application &

NOTICE OF PENDENCY OF SUIT TO: DANIEL A. NASH and BETH W. CASCADDAN and all unknown claimants of interest.

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 20 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,

CLASSIFIEDS | SEE PAGE 22

Gallup Sun • Friday December 24, 2021

21

CLASSIFIEDS | FROM PAGE 21 P.O. Box 1772, Gallup, New Mexico 87305, (505-722-4463).

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 to quiet the title of the following-described property in McKinley County, New Mexico: Lot Three (3) in Block Five (5) of NAVAJO ESTATES SUBDIVISION UNIT THREE (3) located in the West Half of Section 7, T16N, R18W, N.M.P.M, as per plat thereof fled and approved by the Board of County Commissioners of McKinley County, New Mexico on October 20, 1971, and filed in the office of the County Clerk of McKinley County, New Mexico, on October 28, 1971 as Plat no 217 of the Plat records of said county.

SUBJECT TO all legally existing easement, restrictions and reservations.

WITNESS the District Judge of the Eleventh Judicial District Court of the State of New Mexico, and the seal of said court this ___ day of December, 2021.

Clerk of the District Court

By Deputy Publish: Gallup Sun December 24, 2021 December 31, 2021 January 07, 2021 *** MCKINLEY COUNTY ELECTRIC GENERATING FACILITY ECONOMIC DISTRICT PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the McKinley County Electric Generating Facility Economic District Authority (the “Authority”), the governing body of the McKinley County Electric Generating Facility Economic District (MCEGFED), will hold a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.

Adhering to the Social Distancing Protocols, issued by the Governor’s Office; and the requirements of the Open Meetings Act allowing members of the public to attend and listen to meetings of a quorum of the Authority, this meeting will be physically closed to the public but open to the public via technology services. Members of the public may view the live stream feed offered on the approved Facebook account of the McKinley County Managers Office. Members of the public are welcome to call in with comments about any of the items on the agenda. The comment call in number (505.863.1400 ext. 1053) will be monitored beginning at 8:15 am on the day of the meeting; and it will stop being monitored at 9:00 am on the day of the meeting.

Please give your name, and the Agenda Item Number you desire to comment on, and a return phone number. When, at the appropriate time for making comments on the agenda items, (beginning at approximately 9:03 am) the Authority Acting Chair will call you on your return number so you can make your comment.

The Authority Acting Chair pursuant to state law can limit the time of comments and reduce common or cumulative comments as needed.

The members of the Authority at their option can participate by phone or other technological participation methods. A copy of the agenda will be available at the McKinley County Managers office 72 hours prior to the meeting and will be posted for the MCEGFED on the McKinley County Web site until an alternate web site is contracted for or established by the Authority.

Auxiliary aids 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 necessary arrangements.

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

Done on behalf of the McKinley County Electric Generating Facility Economic District Authority this 20th day

22 Friday December 24, 2021 • Gallup Sun

of December 2021.

Publication by posting date: December 20, 2021 Published in Gallup Sun December 24, 2021. *** STATE OF NEW MEXICO COUNTY OF MCKINLEY ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT VICTORIA BENAVIDEZ f/k/a VICTORIA A. MEDINA,

Block Seventeen (17) of RITCHEY SUBDIVISION, as the same is shown and designated on the Map of said Subdivision filed in the office of the County Clerk of McKinley County, New Mexico on April 29, 1940; Said Lots as recited above being also more particularly described (Pursuant to that certain Agreement recorded in Book 17 Misc., Page 265) as follows:

Plaintiff, v.

JUAN J. CARILLO, DARIA CARILLO, their Heirs, successors & assigns and All unknown claimants of interest., Defendants.

No. D-1113-CV-2021-00445 NOTICE OF PENDENCY OF SUIT TO: Juan J. Carillo, Daria Carillo, their heirs, successors & assigns and all unknown claimants of interest 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 20 days from the date of the last publication of this Notice on 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). 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 to quiet the title of the following-described property in McKinley County, New Mexico: Lots Six (6), Seven (7) and East Ten (E10”) Feet of Lot Eight (8) in

A tract of land partly within Block Two (2) of STATE LAND ADDITION on the City of Gallup, McKinley County, New Mexico, as the same is shown and designated on the Map of said Addition filed in the office of the County Clerk of McKinley County, New Mexico on January 21, 1929, and partly within Block Seventeen (17) of RITCHEY SUBDIVISION, a Subdivision to the City of Gallup designated on the Map of said Subdivision, filed in said office on April 29,1940, which, using survey date of D.B. Clarke, New Mexico Licensed Surveyor No. 587, is described as follows: ThenceN69°35E 60 feet along the Northerly line of said Alley to the Southeast corner: ThenceN20°25’W 142 feet to the Northeast corner, a point on the Southerly line of Lincoln Avenue: Thence S69°35’W 60 feet along the Southerly line of Lincoln Avenue to the Northwest corner; Thence S20°25’E 142 feet to the said REAL POINT OF BEGINNING; SUBJECT TO all legally existing easements, restrictions and reservations.

WITNESS the District Judge of the Eleventh Judicial District Court of the State of New Mexico, and the seal of said Court this ___ day of November 2021.

Clerk of the District Court By: Deputy Published: Gallup Sun December 10, 2021 December 17, 2021 December 24, 2021

*** INVITATION FOR BID HEAT DUCT SEALING, CLEANING & INSULATING TWENTY-NINE (29) RESIDENTIAL UNITS MARCE Site GALLUP HOUSING AUTHORITY December 13, 2021 The Gallup Housing Authority is requesting qualified licensed contractors provide a written BID for HEAT DUCT SEALING, CLEANING & INSULATING – 29 RESIDENTIAL UNITS, MARCE Site as described in the package.

You are invited to submit a delivered or emailed 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, NM 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 prior to submitting a bid.

BID must be submitted with all the required documents in a sealed envelope with the words “BID Documents – Marce Duct Insulation Project”, and your company name on the front.

Your BID must arrive no later than 3:00 PM, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022, at the Gallup Housing Authority, Main Office, or emailed to Mike.Burnside@galluphousing. com. BIDs received after this date and time will not be accepted.

A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at 11:00 AM, in the GHA Conference Room.

Attendance is Not mandatory.

The Gallup Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all BIDs or any part thereof and to waive any informality in any BID not deemed in the best interest of the Housing Authority.

Please refer any questions regarding this Invitation for Bid in writing (via e-mail) to: Mike.Burnside@galluphousing. com Publication: Gallup Sun December 17, 2021 December 24, 2021 CLASSIFIEDS

COMMUNITY CALENDAR DECEMBER 24 - DECEMBER 30, 2021 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE OF SONG AND REFLECTION ON SCRIPTURE 5 pm @Westminster Presbyterian Church – The Church on the Hill (151 State Hwy. 564). The community is invited. Westminster Presbyterian will hold its regular Sunday service at 10:30 am Dec. 26. Please wear your mask or one will be provided. For more information contact John at jmcchap67@ aol.com or Tom at (505) 8636336.

HOLIDAY CLOSURE The Octavia Fellin Public Library will be closed Dec.24 through, Dec. 27, and Dec. 31 through Jan. 2.. During that time, OFPL’s online services, as always, will be available at ofpl.online featuring downloadable magazines, e-books, audiobooks, streaming movies, virtual programs, and many other resources. For more information email bmartin@ gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 27

WINTER BREAK Gallup McKinley County Schools winter break begins.

CREATIVE CORNER – STAINED GLASS ART 4 pm. Join us on Facebook, @galluplibrary, or YouTube at Octavia Fellin Public Library. Upcycle unused

RED OR GREEN | FROM PAGE 19 comes down to chile, I don’t think there’s really one way of doing it.

“People have varied tastes, and that’s what makes it pretty

MUÑOZ | FROM PAGE 14 fi nd a place onto your favorites list. Thank you to my mom, Margaret Muñoz, for sharing our family recipe!

Biscochitos Recipe 6 cups flour 3 teaspoons baking powder – make sure it’s fresh CALENDAR

picture frames to make a stained glass window with glue and food coloring.

Supply kits are available at OFPL on a first-come, first-served basis using the Supply Request Form at ofpl. online. For more information email jwhitman@gallupnm. gov or call (505) 863-1291.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING Canceled WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29

FAMILY STORYTIME 11 am. Join us in the Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec.

Ave.) for storytime activities, songs, rhymes and readalouds every week! Age 0-4.

For more information email bmartin@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30

NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING WITH CITY COUNCILOR LINDA GARCIA, DIST 1 6:30 pm-8:30 pm @ Gallup Senior Center (607 N. 4th St.).

CRAFTY KIDS 4 pm Join us on Facebook, @galluplibrary, or YouTube at Octavia Fellin Public Library (all ages) for family-friendly crafts and stepby-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 make Stitched String Art.

CALENDAR

For more information email bmartin@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291.

ONGOING

OPEN ENROLLMENT Gartner Insurance and BeWellNM are working together during this Open Enrollment season to ensure that everyone who is under 65 and is not covered under their employer’s Health Plan and who WANTS health insurance, gets enrolled in a plan before the Open Enrollment ends on Jan. 15.

Please contact Chris Gartner at Gartner Insurance at (505) 863-2344 or at 714 S. Second St.

SIXTH ANNUAL MEMBER ARTIST GROUP On the @gallupARTS Facebook page to see new works by eight local artists from watercolor, oil, acrylic, and mixed media to landscapes, portraits, and abstract designs. Stop in for a complimentary cup of cocoa!

For more information visit @ ART123Gallery on Facebook & @gallupARTS on Facebook/Instagram. The 6th Annual Member Artist Group Show will be on view through January 29.

NEW MEXICO LETTERS ABOUT LITERATURE The New Mexico State Library is holding this competition for children ages 13 and under to read a book and write a letter to the author about how the work shaped the child’s perspec-

tive on the world or him/ herself. The entry form, permission form, official rules and terms of participation are available on the Letters About Literature website at read.gov/letters/. All entries must be submitted by Jan. 7.

MITTEN TREE In the spirit of holiday giving OFPL will be collecting new mittens, gloves, hats, scarves, socks, and earmuffs to decorate our Mitten Tree!

Donations will be accepted throughout the month of December and will benefit the children & families served by McKinley County.

Help provide our community with warm hands and warm hearts. For more information email bmartin@gallupnm. gov or call (505) 863-1291.

UNWRAP THE GIFT OF READING

lege Dr.). Sixteen years and older. For test – someone will come to your vehicle.

Please call (505) 236-1074 and someone will come out to your vehicle to obtain a specimen.

8 am-4 pm Mon.-Fri. @ College Clinic (2111 College Dr.).For vaccine and booster adult must be six months out from their second vaccine. Patient/guardian will be required to remain with patient and wait 15 minutes for observation immediately after receiving the vaccine.

Must call College Clinic at (505) 863-1820 to set up an appointment.

RMCHCS CHILDREN’S COVID-19 TESTS/VACCINATIONS 8 am-4 pm Mon.-Fri. @ College Clinic (2111 College Dr.). For tests Call (505) 3261074 and someone will come to your vehicle to obtain a specimen.

Begin the holiday cheer early by unwrapping the gift of reading! Throughout the month of December select a wrapped book to check out, 8:30 am-11 am and 1 pm-4 unwrap, and read! Rate it pm Mon.-Fri.@ College by filling out the card with each book. All cards that are Clinic (2111 College Dr.).

For COVID-19 vaccine for returned by Jan. 14 will be children ages 5-11. A patient entered in a prize drawing. guardian will be required to Post a picture with your remain with the patient and book on Facebook, Twitter, wait 15 minutes for obseror Instagram and tag us @ vation immediately after galluplibrary for a second vaccine is given. entry into the drawing. For more information email bmartin@gallupnm.gov or To post a nonprofit or call (505) 863-1291. civic event in the calendar

RMCHCS COVID-19 TEST/ VACCINE/BOOSTER CLINIC 8 am-4 pm Mon.-Fri. @ College Clinic (2111 Col-

section, please email: gallupsunevents@gmail.com or fax: (505) 212-0391. Deadline: Monday at 5 pm.

cool,” Chioda explained. “That’s what makes the restaurants in Gallup unique. Everybody has their own style of how they make their chile.”

Peña agrees that all chile dishes seem popular, though Grandpa’s Grill’s breakfast

burritos or burgers might very well be their most popular dish featuring chile.

“Chile adds just that little bit of fl avor and that little bit of flair to the dish,” Peña said.

Whether it’s green, red or Christmas, Chioda believes

that Gallup residents have a culinary heritage they can be proud of.

“Chile is one of the neat things that makes New Mexico so unique. I think Gallup has some of the best Mexican food you can fi nd in New Mexico.

We have some awesome restaurants in Gallup,” he said.

No restaurant was willing to share their recipes for chile dishes. However, we were able to get some pictures from Sammy C’s Rock N’ Sports Pub & Grille.

1 teaspoon salt 1 pound lard – a must, no substitute 1 ½ cups sugar 2 teaspoons anise seed 2 eggs ½ cup sweet table wine (plus more if needed) ¼ cup sugar – for rolling out the dough 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In another large bowl, cream the lard with the sugar and anise seed on medium speed. In a separate bowl, beat eggs until light and fluffy. Add beaten eggs to creamed mixture. Mix together well, adding wine to form a stiff dough.

Add more wine if necessary.

Refrigerate dough overnight.

15 minutes or until bottom of cookie is golden brown. In a bowl, mix together sugar and cinnamon. Remove cookies from oven, drop baked cookies into sugar-and-cinnamon mixture and set aside to cool.

Enjoy! Thank you for all you bring to our community throughout this time of year and always.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove dough from refrigerate and let stand until dough is soft enough to roll.

Divide dough into quarters and roll to about 1/16 to 1/8 i nch t h ick ness. Cut w it h cookie cutter and place on cookie sheet. Bake for 12 to

Gallup Sun • Friday December 24, 2021

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24 Friday December 24, 2021 • Gallup Sun

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