Gallup Sun ● December 31, 2021

Happy New Year!

E FRE

Hospital Area Rental – 3 bedroom/2 bath Monthly Rent $1850

   Happy2022!

VOL 7 | ISSUE 353 | DECEMBER 31, 2021

Miyamura Patriot Justus Manuelito, (13), knocks a header away from Bloomfield Bobcat Haley Madrid, (22), at Angelo Di Paolo Memorial Stadium in Gallup March 27. Photo Credit: Cable Hoover

Viet Nam veterans stand at attention Nov. 11 during Veterans’ Day ceremony at Gallup Courthouse Square. Photo Credit: Knifewing Segura

Mary Cullen kneels to look at one of the luminarias during the Relay for Life Luminaria Event at We The People Park in Gallup May 29. Photo Credit: Cable Hoover

TOP FIVE NATIONAL STORIES … PAGE 4

Fabian Fontenelle Zuni/Omaha dance Northern Traditional at Red Rock Park Amphitheater during Gallup Ceremonial Aug. 14. Photo Credit: Hawk Segura

Tom Kaus displays his woodwork crosses and inlaid designs during the holiday arts and crafts fair at Larry Brian Mitchell Community Center Dec. 4. Photo Credit: Cable Hoover

TOP FIVE LOCAL STORIES … PAGE 5

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Friday December 31, 2021 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

GALLUP HOUSING AUTHORITY PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAM

PUBLIC NOTICE As of: December 27, 2021

STATUS OF WAITING LISTS The 1 Bedroom Waiting List is CLOSED until further notice.

All other Waiting Lists remain OPEN until further notice.

INTAKES resume in JANUARY 2022 NO INTAKE on January 21, 2022 INTAKES will be conducted on January 7th, January 14th and January 28th from 8am to 11am.

HOUSING APPLICATIONS - Available by Email or from Document containers at the Main Office.

If you have questions: please call (505) 722-4388 during office hours or send an email to: NEWS gha.main@galluphousing.com Gallup Sun • Friday December 31, 2021

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NEWS

LOCAL NEWS

Editor’s Top Five stories for 2021

By Beth Blakeman Managing Editor

T

hese stories are not in a particular order, but were chosen based on their impact to the country, the globe, the state and the Navajo Nation

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. File Photo DEB HAALAND NOMINATED AS INTERIOR SECRETARY Deb Haaland of the New Mexico Laguna Pueblo was confi rmed as the fi rst Native American Cabinet secretary in the history of the U. S. and took office March 16.

She is also one of the fi rst two Native American women elected to Congress.

As the Secretary of the Inter ior Depa r tment, she is in the unique position of being an Indigenous leader with a position in the U. S. Government that allows her to

take measures to countermand many of the Department’s damaging moves against sacred lands.

JAN. 6 INSURRECTION The attack on the U. S. Capitol on Jan. 6 in an effort to over tur n the defeat of the re-election of 45th U. S. P resident Dona ld T r u mp was intended to disrupt the joint session of Congress that assembled to count the electoral votes and formalize President-elect Joseph Biden’s victory.

The violence and occupation of the building by rioters, who assaulted Capitol Police officers resulted in the evacuation of the Capitol Complex and the death of one officer the day after responding to the riot. His death was followed by four other officers who committed suicide within seven months of the revolt. One-hundred-38 officers were injured. Five non-officers died before, during, or following the event.

The January 6 insurrection led to an investigation which is still going on. It has also been a catalyst to a movement called “Stop the Steal,” an audit in Arizona, which was followed by state lawmakers around the country introducing more than 68 post-election audit bills, at least nine of which have been signed into law.

Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol in Washington, D. C. Photo Credit: Wikimedia

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OPTIMISTIC, NOT OVERWHELMED Mayor Bonaguidi faces 2022 challenges head on

7

Several states have considered holding their own recounts of the 2020 election, claiming there may have been fraud.

COVID-19 spore. Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Afghani people who helped the U. S. during the war in Afghanistan, are packed tightly into a cargo plane for their departure from the Hamid Karzai Airport in Kabul as the U. S. withdraws its troops. Photo Credit: Wikipedia G ET T I N G O U T O F AFGHANISTAN President Joe Biden set a deadline for all U. S. troops to leave Afghanistan by Sept.

11, 2021. The withdrawal was completed on Aug. 30. Four days before, on Aug. 26, an ISIS suicide bombing occurred at the airport, killing at least 170 people.

The plan was to get Afghans who assisted U. S. military troops, and their families out during the evacuation and resettle them in the U. S. The exodus was tense, at times violent. Some people were denied entry onto transport planes because of issues with their paperwork. One report says more than 180 Afghans and 13 U. S. service members lost their lives in the rush to airlift people out of the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul.

The departure ended the U. S.’s longest war. It left some Afghan helpers behind.

CON TI N UATION OF COVID, VARIANTS AND EFFECTS COVID-19 is not new in 2021. However, its continuation through the year has had significant effects on the U. S. and around the world in the areas of health care, and the economy, as well as education.

F i r s t r e s p onder s a nd essential workers have been hard-hit. Continuing to draw paychecks while fi nding themselves amidst sick patients and performing jobs for long hours, some nurses and doctors traveling across the country to help out overwhelmed facilities.

living conditions.

Supply chains have been affected. Shortages, such as toilet paper, have been noted.

Businesses have closed when they could not transition to online activity.

The U. S. has seen the rise of Zoom, a communications technology platform that allows for teleconferencing, telecommuting, distance education, and social communication.

In addition, there have been ongoing controversies across the country about reopening school classrooms, holding large gatherings for sports, concer t s, a i r pla ne s, a nd entering businesses, such as restaurants.

N o t a b l y, t h e r e h a v e been many disagreements, some of them violent, about wearing masks and getting vaccinated.

A number of well-known political figures, and media personalities have promoted a variety of unproven treatments and “cures” for COVID-19, and discouraged use of vaccines, while getting the vaccines

What’s left after tornadoes flatten candle factory in Mayfield, Ky. Photo Credit: Wikipedia COVID-19’s presence has highlighted the difficulties of teaching students without access to the computers and the internet, as well as the issues faced by homes without running water, and crowded

themselves. The messaging has confused many people.

TOP 5 NATIONAL STORIES | SEE PAGE 18

WHAT’S INSIDE …

A NEW POLICE CHIEF Daryl Noon takes the reins of the Navajo PD

Friday December 31, 2021 • Gallup Sun

9

SEE THE LEGGIEST ANIMAL ON THE PLANET Named for the underworld

11 14 A CHANCE FOR A NEW WORK FUTURE Mike Daly on pushing your pet project

RUM BALL RECIPE Complete with ingredients, directions NEWS

Editor’s Top Five stories in Gallup in 2021

By Beth Blakeman Managing Editor

T

hese stor ies were chosen, not in a part icu l a r order, but i n t er m s of t hei r impact on the community.

Since some, such as COVID19, are already mentioned in the national stories list, they are not included here.

View of Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital. Photo Credit: Courtesy nmhanet.org

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 The Top Five Gallup Sun pictures of 2021. Photos by K. Segura, H. Segura, C. Hoover

The Gallup Sun, published Fridays, is not responsible or liable for any claims or offerings, nor responsible for availability of products advertised. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Gallup Sun distributes newspapers in McKinley, Cibola and Apache counties.

Office: 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

REHOBOTH MCKINLEY C H R I S T I A N H E A LT H CARE SERVICES RMCHCS continued to ex per ience turbulence throughout 2021 as doctors and nurses left the hospital a nd com mu nit y members expressed concern about the administration and the hospital’s fi nancial condition. The Wellspring Recovery Center suspended operations on May

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14 and the Women’s Clinic was closed for most of October after its last ob-gyn doctor, Dr. Hannah Palm, announced her resignation. A group of doctors decided to organize and formed a union in partnership with the Union of American Physicians and Dentists, which is affi liated with AFSCME and the AFL-CIO. A group of concerned citizens who dubbed themselves the Community Health Action Group began meeting to discuss hospital issues. At least one McKinley County Commissioner stated that plans for a new hospital CEO were in the works.

Ceremonial Dancers at Red Rock Park in 2018. File Photo

CEREMONIAL The New Mexico Tourism Department in Santa Fe got involved with one of Gallup’s signature events, produced in previous years by the Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial, which is located in Gallup. The FY22 legislature reportedly appropriated $159,000 for the base budget and direct event expenses for the event.

Even though the state’s Ceremonial office, which bore the confusing name of Intertribal Ceremonial Office, claimed to

welcome former organizers of the Ceremonial, many didn’t feel warmly received.

The Intertribal Ceremonial Office produced a TV program about the Ceremonial and Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial held its event with art at the Red Rock Auditorium Aug. 10 and dance performances at Courthouse Square on the same date.

TOP 5 LOCAL STORIES | SEE PAGE 19

Gallup Sun • Friday December 31, 2021

5

Mayor Bonaguidi ponders Gallup 2022 NO DIRECTION BUT UP

By Beth Blakeman Managing Editor

G

allup Mayor Louis Bonaguidi has waded t h roug h a trial by fi re, starting his first 18 months in office with a pandemic lockdown of the city. COVID-19 is his main concern these days as he considers Gallup’s future.

“It’s changed everything in our world, period,” he told the Sun, Dec. 27. “We have so many priorities, but our priorities are on hold.”

Bonaguidi mentioned that he was responding to issues on multiple fronts including infra str ucture, which he said is in dire trouble. He said the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project is at a standstill. It was to be completed in 2024, but now the Bureau of Reclamation is saying it could be 2029 before it’s fi nished.

The mayor also said the $15

6

Gallup Mayor Louis Bonaguidi

million to build the new police station has been raised, but it may not be enough. As for the library, he said that’s going to be put on hold because of the need for some $30-40 million.

He believes Coal Street Commons will go out for bid in January. He hopes to see it finished before the 100th

Friday December 31, 2021 • Gallup Sun

anniversary of Ceremonial.

Animal Control can’t move forward with plans to build, because Gallup hasn’t bought the land to build a new facility.

“We’re still trying to figure out how we can pay for it,” the mayor said.

He also said something needs to be done with Red

Rock Park. Up until now he said “we’ve been band-aiding it.”

Where will all this money come from? One answer could be to restore the grocery tax.

Bonaguidi said when that went away it was a 30 percent hit to the city.

When it comes to gross receipts taxes, he pointed out that the city is already charging the second highest rate in the state at 8.3125 percent.

“We’re a regional shopping area. If we raise our taxes, people will go elsewhere.”

He remarked on the 20-25 percent increase in the cost of natural gas and the need to raise the price for wastewater treatment because the city couldn’t cover general expenses for employees and equipment.

“That’s what it takes to keep the services available,” he said.

But there are some brighter spots. Bonaguidi talked about the Escalante Station that closed in Prewitt and the possibility that it could be transitioned to hydrogen. A move like that would save the plant and the paper mill. With support from the governor, he believes it’s going to happen.

Rhino Health, LLC, the glove factory, is looking for two different spots to build.

Additionally, Greater Gallup Econom ic Development Corporation is in discussions for air service for the airport.

B o n a g u i d i s a i d h e ’s optimistic.

“We’re ahead of the curve … we’ve all taken it on the chin,” noting that Gallup was the first city in the state to mandate masks.

“We’ve got so many things that are against us. We hit bottom months ago,” he concluded. “There’s no direction but up for us.”

NEWS

NEWS

PUBLIC SAFETY

Daryl Noon to take the reins as new Navajo Nation Chief of Police

By Rachel Pfeiffer Sun Correspondent

D

eputy Chief Daryl Noon never planned to go i nto law en forcement, but now he’s headed for the top spot in the Navajo Nation Police Department. Noon started his career as a booking officer with the Farmington Police Department. He set a goal for himself to become a police sergeant. He’s surpassed that.

Noon has been Deputy Chief of the Navajo Nation Police Department since January 2019.

“I never really thought that I would be a police chief because I’m more of a behind the scenes kind of guy who likes to do the work with the command staff,” he said. “But as I got into leadership, I really enjoyed developing and leading the police officers.”

PUBLIC SAFETY

After 20 years of working in law enforcement, Noon thought his career was winding down and he might retire and explore other career options.

That’s when Steve Hebbe became the new chief at the Farmington Police Department.

Noon was excited by the new vision and ideas Hebbe brought to the department. His interest in the field was re-energized.

One of the things Hebbe did was to collaborate with the Nava jo Nation Police Department, a relationship Noon believes was very beneficial. Noon also valued Hebbe’s humility and intentionality in developing leaders. “[ Hebb e] c a me t o Farmington to help, so that inspired me,” Noon said.

As a police officer, Noon admits he has faced ver y difficult situations. But he

also fi nds his job personally rewarding.

“It was special to do my part to protect the kids in the area,” he said. “When a case is completed, you get the feeling you made a difference.”

He also has fond memories of being approached by people who thanked him after he had arrested them at a previous time for a DWI. “I’ve had one or two people reintroduce themselves to me and thank me for getting them off the street, because they could have killed somebody or themselves,” Noon said. “I also had another person approach me to say our encounter changed their life.”

Noon hopes he can continue to make a difference, to mentor officers in the Navajo Nation Police Department and make the community a safe place for

Daryl Noon residents. He will take over for Chief of Police Phillip Francisco at the end of the year.

“It was an honor to be asked to take the reins from Chief

Francisco, and I have thanked him for giving me that opportunity to come to Navajo PD,” Noon said. “I’m excited to see what the future has in store.”

Gallup Sun • Friday December 31, 2021

7

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.

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Friday December 31, 2021 • Gallup Sun

WEEKLY DWI REPORT Staff Reports Augustine Benally Dec. 10, 2:38 am Aggravated DWI McKinley County Sheriff’s Deputy Frank Villa was stat ioned nea r t he 3 M i le Marker of U.S. Highway 491 when he heard a loud bang that sounded like a car collision.

He found a gold Buick Encore parked in the northbound lane of the highway with its hazard lights on. A man was seen getting out of the car. He was identified as Augustine Benally, 32, no address listed.

Villa met Benally and had him wait inside his unit while he went to check for other passengers, fi nding none. He

then spoke with Benally and noticed the smell of alcohol coming from him. Benally said he drank two beers prior to driving and he was coming from Sammy C’s. He said he was headed to Window Rock, Ariz.

Benally declined to take the Standard Field Sobriety Tests, and when asked about prior DWIs, told Villa he “pleads the fi fth.” He did not answer any of Villa’s further questions.

Medical staff arrived and checked Benally for injuries and cleared him.

Metro Dispatch informed Villa that Benally had an active bench warrant. After he refused to give a breath sample, Villa transported Benally to McKinley County Adult

WEEKLY DWI REPORT | SEE PAGE 21

Weekly Police Activity Report Staff Reports BA BY CLOTHES DISGUISE Gallup, Dec. 9 A black Chrysler Pacifica van was seen speeding near the 25.5m i le ma rker of Interstate 40.

When McKinley C o u n t y Sheriff’s Deput y Bra ndon Sa la za r stopped it, he saw a large box, displaying the picture of a car seat in the back cargo area.

The driver, Edward Malone, 41, no address listed, said he had rented the van and proceeded to look up the rental agreement on his phone, without success. He did provide an ID. Malone said he was traveling to Tennessee to see family and although he said he picked the van up in Texas, his itinerary showed his trip started in Yucca Valley, Calif.

A s he s poke, S a l a z a r noticed Malone appeared visibly nervous and hesitated when answering his questions.

Ma lone sa id he wa s a

barber and was low on funds.

However the van was rented for almost a month.

Based on the questioni ng, S a l a z a r det er m i ned Malone was harboring illegal materials. He applied for a search warrant after Malone denied consent to search the van. After the warrant was obtained, Salazar found several heat-sealed packages of marijuana packed inside two black suitcases along with random baby clothes, a used dirty swing and a used dirty baby bath tub, which Salazar believed were props designed to fit the story of visiting family about to have a baby.

Malone was transported to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked for possessing a prohibited controlled substance. The report stated the combined weight of the seized cargo containing the marijuana was over 52 pounds.

Malone was released on his own recognizance by Judge Cynthia Sanders.

WEEKLY POLICE ACTIVITY REPORT | SEE PAGE 19 PUBLIC SAFETY

NEWS

HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

Earthweek: Diary of a Changing World Week ending Friday, December 24, 2021

By Steve Newman

Arctic Beavers

Beavers a re slowly migrating farther north into the Arctic due to the warming climate, producing what a new U.S. government report says is a “significant impact” on the landscape.

NOAA’s Arctic Report Card 2021 says western Alaska has seen a doubling of its beaver population to more than 12,000 during the past 20 years, compared to none between 1949 and 1955. Their dams are increasing surface water and adding to the rate of permafrost melt, which in turn releases the greenhouse gases methane and carbon dioxide. The ponds are also said to be helping new fish and invertebrate species move in.

Earthquakes

• A temblor a long t he L a os -T ha i border cracked a 425-yearold statue of Buddha.

• Nor t hwe st er n California was jolted by an offshore quake that caused minor damage and landslides. • Earth movements were also felt in south-central Alaska, northern Arizona, southwestern Iceland, northern Italy and Fiji.

Deforestation Heat

Workers in the tropics have increasingly been exposed over the past 15 years to heat that makes their outdoor labors unhealthful and even hazardous. Scientists say this is due to a combination of deforestation and climate change. But Luke Parsons of Duke University found that the most challenging conditions

5.9

-55° Oimyakon, Siberia

4.9 6.2

3.0

4.5

Rai

5.6

+46° Jervois, S. Australia

6.3

the Philippines after carving out a path of destruction as one of the deadliest typhoons ever to strike the country. At least 375 people perished, with dozens more left missing. Outer bands of the storm later lashed coastal parts of Vietnam and South China.• An unnamed tropical depression unleashed catastrophic flooding as it passed over peninsular Malaysia, displacing more than 21,000 people from their homes.

Java Eruptions

for outdoor workers are occurring in areas where forests have been felled. “The trees in the tropics seem to limit the maximum temperatures that the air can reach. Once we cut those trees down, we lose that cooling service from the trees, and it can get really, really hot,” Parsons says. He adds that the increased heat and humidity in deforested areas increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, including deadly heat stroke.

True Millipede

A new species of millipede was unearthed 60 metres beneath the surface in a mining region of Australia’s Eastern Goldfields province, sporting a total of 1,306 legs. While all but one of the 7,000 known species of millipedes worldwide don’t come close to having 1,000 legs, Eumillipes persephone has far more. Writing in the Nature publication “Scientific Reports,”

scientists say its body has up to 330 segments and can measure 96 mm in length. Its new scientific name, “Eumillipes” translates into “true-thousandfoot” while “persephone” references the Greek goddess of the underworld.

Tropical Cyclones

Super Ty phoon Rai left a humanitarian crisis across central and southern provinces of

Indonesian officials warned Java’s Mount Semeru volca no could still produce f u r t her deadly blasts after a sudden eruption on Dec. 4 killed 48 people and left 36 others missing in areas buried beneath volcanic debris. Subsequent ex plosive er uptions have occurred since then, but earlier evacuations prevented additional fatalities.

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

Unrelenting Heat

Si mu lt a neou s heat waves are now seen seven times more frequently in summer around the Northern Hemisphere than in the 1980s.

Washington State University scientists found that concurrent heat waves the size of some medium-size countries also grew hotter and larger during the period. The team said the heat waves occurred on almost all of the 153 warm days from May through September somewhere in the middle and high latitudes.

“More than one heat wave occurring at the same time of ten ha s worse societa l impacts than a single event,” Cassandra Rogers said.

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

Eumillipes persephone was dubbed “the leggiest animal on the planet” by those who discovered it. Photo Credit: Scientific Reports HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

Gallup Sun • Friday December 31, 2021

9

OPINIONS

Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández answers a few Gallup Sun questions to kick off 2022

By Beth Blakeman Managing Editor

T

oward the end of 2021, the Sun sent out a few questions about plans for the new year. One of those who responded was Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, D- N.M. On the topic of infrastructure, Rep. Leger Fernández said she wanted the Superman Bridge fi xed so school buses can pick up students.

“I voted for the Infrastructure and Jobs bill, because it will repair and rebuild 207 bridges and over 3,822 miles of highway in poor condition,” she said. “The $2.5 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs, $225 million for bridge replacement and repairs, and $40.5 million for the electric vehicle charging is a great Christmas present for our road-weary travelers.”

She also addressed herself to issues that linger, one of which is substance abuse, which took the lives of two of her brothers.

“I a m proud t h a t t he American Rescue Plan, which I voted for, included more than $16 million for New Mexico for behavioral health,” she stated.

“Fifty-seven-thousand-dollars was for suicide prevention at Navajo Tech, in particular.”

She added that she is working on new bipartisan legislation to help address drug overdose and substance use issues for college students.

In considering the three best changes that could come to Gallup, Leger Fernández na med water, broadba nd access, and Tribal funding as things coming from the Infrastructure and Jobs Act. “Next, we need to invest in education, our local businesses, and in bringing down the cost of healthcare,” she

Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, D-N.M., Dario Leger Fernández, and Abelino Leger Fernández, at Las Vegas Plaza at 230 Plaza St., Las Vegas, N.M. on Christmas Day. Photo Credit: Katarina Fernández Leger

am thrilled that I secured $67 million for the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project in the FY22 House Appropriations bills and $12 billion for Indian Country in the Infrastructure bill,” she said.

In terms of one of the best changes that could come to New Mexico, the representative said she couldn’t pick just one.

“I t h i nk ou r beaut i f u l and beautifully diverse state could benefit from economic development, investment in our education, workforce, and health care,” she said.

“We should improve access to infrastructure and that includes affordable housing, connecting New Mexicans to broadband, and improving water infrastructure.

“At its core, we need to

emphasized.

I n con sider i ng Nava jo Nation issues, she focused on

TERESA LEGER FERNÁNDEZ | SEE PAGE 20

Celebration of a positive future for New Mexico

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“In addition to fully funding the Indian Water Settlements, I

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s 2021 comes to an end, I want to take a moment to celebrate something very positive and encouraging.

At the end of December, the New Mexico state legislature passed a bill to make historic investments in our environment and public lands. Now, more than $40 million is on its way to pay for important land and water conservation projects to upgrade our state parks, support water conservation, get our youth outside, and clean up orphaned oil and gas wells.

Ma ny elected of f icia ls deserve credit for prioritizing

Reyaun Francisco this funding, but I especially wa nt to tha nk Rep. Patty Lundstrom, [D-Gallup] who represents our area. Without her leadership as chairwoman of the House Appropriations & Finance Committee, and t he s uppor t of s o m a ny

CELEBRATION | SEE PAGE 18 OPINIONS

Daly’s look at, suggestions for 2021-22

By Mike Daly Guest Contributor LOCAL EDUCATION McK i n ley Cou nt y h a s received millions of dollars and is using it for building and upgrading facilities. It is also being used to hire more teachers. We now have our full complement of teachers. The Gallup McK inley County Schools District is initiating a program to include parents in the educational process.

Historically, we have been ranked at the bottom for educational success. Now, we can watch our school district and expect substantial improvements in developing our most important asset, local human capital. If we invest in ourselves, we can’t lose.

COVID UPDATE In spite of the fact that New Mexico has had an 87 percent increase in deaths in the seven days over Christmas Week, there has been no increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are down 34 percent. Our cases are dropping rapidly. The trend is wonderful.

But the good news may not last as cases are rising all over the country. Misinformation has allowed many people to be hospitalized and to die unnecessarily. So far in the U.S. over 800,000 people have died. Social media has wrongly called into question the effectiveness of the vaccine while the U.S. Centers for Disease Control report that unvaccinated people are 11 times more likely to die of Covid-19.

Want to end this mess? Get your unvaccinated friend to get a shot. A Los Angeles Harbor official was quoted in the “Wall Street Journal” saying that the shipping delay crisis at the port would be over in seven weeks if everyone was vaccinated.

E C O N O M I C DEVELOPMENT CITY OF GALLUP With state and federal funding on its way, our County Commission and City Council can now check their list of needed and unfinished projects.

Some projects on the horizon for the city are water and sewer line replacement, as well as road improvements and a new library. The simplest solution to avoid city disruption would be to add a second or second OPINIONS

and third story to the library at its current location and add elevators. One has to wonder about the proposed location for the library across the railroad tracks on the former lumber yard property between Second and Third Streets. The former Lowes Market site or perhaps a location along South Second Street seem like much better options.

And the area around the three condemned motels to the northeast of Miyamura and Main Streets looks like a wonderful brownfields reclamation project. Create something nice, perhaps with the flavor of the old Route 66.

MCKINLEY COUNTY The County plans always include road improvements and currently two big economic development plans are in the works. One is in the Carbon Coal Road Industrial Development area where the County is working with the Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation to develop a four-parcel industrial park with one of those dedicated for the new Rhino Health Glove Factory. Another big project is planning for a new jail.

The proposed location has the new jail constructed where the old Juvenile Detention Facility is located on Hasler Valley Road.

Speaking of the former Juvenile Detention facility, it is currently being successfully operated by Santa Fe Recovery which is renting the old jail and has a recovery center there called Four Corners Detox Recovery Center. Top on my list for a joint City/County project is the extension of Hasler Valley Road from Miyamura to Red Rocks Park. A three lane road there would provide much better access to the expanding uses east of the Community Pantry and to the growing White Cliffs area, while at the same time fulfilling a long-term county plan to extend the road. This would take traffic off the dangerous two-lane road portion of Highway 118 running past the Casino.

The County has endless options for road improvements.

There are any number of county roads that would benefit from a spending boost.

Mike Daly business continues to complain of a shortage of workers. One restaurant is short one-half its normal staff. Another restaurant owner complained that he can’t find a cook while offering $17.00 an hour. This is a national issue.

In the state and nationwide, unemployment is at a comparative low with employers raising wages to entice workers to return to work. The business magazine “Barron’s” reported at the end of November that jobless claims fell to their lowest level in 52 years. This was followed by an “Albuquerque Journal” article on Dec. 10 that U.S. jobless claims have reached their lowest level since 1969.

KGLP Our local public radio station has applied to the Federal Communications Commission, for licenses to extend repeaters to expand radio coverage into the Ramah and Zuni areas and also into the Window RockGanado corridor. If approved, these repeaters will likely be in service in 2023.

or expand their businesses. I attended a one day N.M. Tech Program which was split between telling the attendees what forms of assistance are available in the state and true life “we did it stories” from entrepreneurs explaining what they did and how they did it. If you have an idea, now is probably the best time in decades to push your project.

STATE OF NEW MEXICO The state spread around cash during the pandemic to keep us all afloat. Those funds included up to 15 months of assistance for rent and utilities for renters and $200 million in grants for small businesses, support for hiring and rehiring as businesses bring employees back and expand operations. Interested?

See www.nmfinance.com / leda-recovery-grants.

In November, the federal government was putting the finishing touches on an estimated $2.5 billion for New Mexico.

Intel said it is investing $3.5 billion to expand New Mexico operations in Rio Rancho.

The state is actively expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs who wish to start

THE NATION Like the president or not, since the pandemic started, the S & P 500 is up 26 percent, The U..S economy is booming, helping the entire world to recover.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Christmas shopping is up 8.5 percent compared to last year, the fastest growth in 17 years, with many shoppers returning to brick-and-mortar stores.

Of course inflation is up. This is in large part due to the supply crunch due to the unvaccinated extending the pandemic. Strong demand combined with supply chain clogging has resulted in extended inflation. The supply chain problem is expected to dissipate in the first half of next year.

COUNTY BUSINESS The COVID shutdown of 2020 is tapering down, but Gallup Sun • Friday December 31, 2021

11

2022 Tax Season will bring nice surprises for many New Mexico families

By Amber Wallin Deputy Director New Mexico Voices for Children

A

t no other time of the yea r a re we more generous than during the holiday season, as we shower those we love with gifts and make

donations to those in need.

But nearly two years of a global pandemic have put too many hard-working New Mexico families in a financial bind. If worries over lost wages and unpaid bills have dampened your holiday cheer, you may find that the new year will bring some long-needed good news.

When you file your tax

return this winter, you may be in for a very nice surprise.

Thanks to the leadership of state legislators and Governor Lujan Grisham, New Mexico enacted several improvements in two tax credits that help those New Mexicans who need it most.

These improvements to our income tax system will benefit

more than 500,000 New Mexico tax filers who earn low wages and return some $100 million more to them every year either in the form of lower taxes or larger rebates. As much of this money will be spent quickly

VOICES FOR CHILDREN | SEE PAGE 13

Amber Wallin, Deputy Director of N.M. Voices for Children

Housing support here for New Mexico families

By Justice C. Shannon Bacon, New Mexico Supreme Court; Tom Prettyman, New Mexico Legal Aid; Gene Vance, General Counsel, Apartment Association of New Mexico, Vance Chavez & Associates; and Karen J. Meyers, Attorney at Law

T

he pa ndem ic h a s created d i f f icu lties for many New Mex ico resident s.

It made new struggles and

exacerbated others, including struggles with housing. Lost wages have meant many of our neighbors fell behind on housing and utility payments. Many fell so far behind they are at risk of being evicted with few options for new housing.

Fo r t u n a t e l y, mu l t i pl e efforts have been put into place to help address these needs. The most prominent of these is the federally funded Emergency Rental Assistance Program, https://www.renthelpnm.org/. In New Mexico,

hundreds of millions of dollars are being made available to help cover past and future rent and utility expenses for eligible households. These funds can help families stay in their homes by providing up to 15-months of rent support.

To date, the program has already awarded over $78 million in rental and utility assistance to over 20,000 New Mexico households with an average assistance of $4,000 for rent and $750 for utilities.

T he rent f u nd s a s si s t

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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 12

Friday December 31, 2021 • Gallup Sun

property owners of all sizes, from a couple with a small rental proper ty as par t of their retirement income to the larger housing providers.

Rental assistance funds create a significant multiplier effect benefiting both tenants and landlords, as well as their communities. Utility providers of all sizes have also benefited.

Starting this program from scratch has been difficult, but New Mexico’s Department of Finance and Administration and the City of Albuquerque have worked hard to address these challenges and create new and more effective responses to the ongoing crisis. The city and state agencies have worked in collaboration w it h t he cou r t s, housi ng advocates, the Apar tment Association of New Mexico and others in the community to find solutions and expand housing stability. Owner representatives have worked together with tenant representatives so the DFA program can get help to all those affected quickly.

To respond to the ongoing housing crisis, DFA has also expanded the program to help with re-housing (first month and last month rent, the security deposit plus 3 months of rental monthly rent assistance) to people who have been evicted; and is providing emergency hotel assistance for individuals and families who a re w ithout housing options. DFA is also working with the Albuquerque Public Schools district to make sure a ssist a nce reaches t hose families most in need in New Mexico’s largest city. The DFA and CABQ are also collaborating with New Mexico Legal Aid to expand legal assistance

Justice C. Shannon Bacon, New Mexico Supreme Court to tenants facing evictions throughout the state. DFA is now providing funding to the Administrative Office of the Courts to develop and implement a statewide program to help landlords and tenants mediate their disputes.

Unfor tunately, housing struggles persist due to the prolonged nature of the pandemic. Nevertheless, the DFA has demonstrated its commitment to work as a partner with all communities to foster housing stability programs.

These programs include solutions for payment of temporary housing, relocation expenses, and a significant investment in housing stability services that will help New Mexico renters stay in their homes.

While Emergency Rental Assistance has been successful in New Mexico and has helped so many people, we need to encourage housing advocates, landlords, and renters to continue to work together to access and utilize the full benefit of these federal dollars for the advantage of all New Mexico residents.

OPINIONS

Commemorate the holiday season

By Speaker Seth Damon and the 24th Navajo Nation Council

Y

á’át’ééh Keshmish.

T h i s sea son we rejoice in the blessi ng s prov ided t o us and reflect upon the long journey we traveled this year.

Dur ing this time, we a re reminded of our strength as one Navajo Nation to overcome this pandemic. We have seen unprecedented levels of community support for one another through our food distribution drives, wood hauling events, and all of us simply working together to help our neighbors.

It is through our traditional songs, ceremonies, and our protection prayers that sustains us as the largest Sovereign Nation in the United States. Our compassion and devoted faith is the shining strength and beauty of the Navajo people. We treasure the lessons the last two years have taught us and that is to remain resilient.

We come safely together as

family and friends during the Christmas holiday to share appreciation for those we love and care for. Use this time hugging our elders, holding our children in love, enjoying mutton stew, playing Navajo Ten card games, and gathering safely in fellowship with your loved ones.

The Navajo Nation Council is sending military care packages with essential items to be delivered to our active duty service members who cannot return home before Christmas.

We send prayers of peace to all our warriors around the world. It is through the distinguished service of our men and women in uniform serving overseas today that allows us to have our freedoms. Let it be remembered for generations the contributions of our warriors to all foreign conflicts and the honor our Navajo Code Talkers bring to the history of this country.

We now give thanks to the Holy People for safeguarding our land, the air, water, and all

living beings during the wintertime on Mother Earth - Níhímá Nahasdzáán.

May the Creator provide us guidance and blessings into the next year, and protect us as one

Navajo family. We wish you a blessed Merry Christmas and a more prosperous New Year.

make the perfect holiday gifts for family and friends.

New Mexico is fortunate to have farmers and ranchers who produce world-famous products. From beef, lamb, chile, pecans, pistachios, wine and craft beers to distilled spirits, our state’s agriculture industry offers products we all enjoy. Don’t for get a bout ou r che e s e and locally-processed coffee products. There are also many local craft-makers who sell their creations at local markets.

E ver y com mu n it y h a s local, family-owned stores w h e r e you c a n pick u p these products or have them shipped to your family and friends. Agriculture is a key component of ou r st ate’s economy, and in many counties, it is the primary economic driver. Local products can serve as the backbone for a growing local economy.

The national news continues to report challenges with the supply chain, shipping delays and more. Forget all of that. Buy local. Share local

products.

See the smiles on the faces of your friends and family as they enjoy New Mexico’s great products! Make this a wonderful, local, traditional holiday season. Enjoy what is unique and special about New Mexico and share that with others. I wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

New Mexico Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte Photo Credit: nmda.nmsu.edu

The Navajo Nation Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Window Rock, Ariz. Photo Credit: Courtesy of OPVP

Buy Local

By Jeff Witte New Mexico Agriculture Secretary

A

re you ready, New Mexico? It’s holiday season … A time for joy, family, friends and fun. It can also be a time of great stress and anxiety when it comes to searching for food, beverages and gifts. However, it doesn’t have to be that way.

New Mexico is home to some fabulous food products we all enjoy. These products

VOICES FOR CHILDREN | FROM PAGE 12

and locally, the state as a whole will benefit, as well.

The fi rst of these improvements was to the Working Families Tax Credit. The WFTC is the state version of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit – bi-partisan legislation that has long been hailed as one of the best anti-poverty programs ever enacted by Congress.

In New Mexico, more than 250,000 children benefit from OPINIONS

these two state and federal tax credits. The dollar amount that New Mexico’s working families receive from the WFTC was increased by 47 percent.

In addition, eligibility for this tax credit was expanded to include working parents who file their tax returns using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number and 41,000 more young workers who earn low incomes.

The second big change wa s t o t he L ow- I ncome Comprehensive Tax Rebate.

This rebate is impor ta nt because it is available to New Mexicans who have low incomes but are not working – such as seniors. The dollar amount for LICTR was more than tripled for the 220,000 New Mexicans who currently receive it. In addition, the income eligibility level was expanded, so another 160,000 tax fi lers will be able to claim it.

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VOICES FOR CHILDREN | SEE PAGE 20 Gallup Sun • Friday December 31, 2021

13

COMMUNITY

World’s best rum balls recipe!

‘CURES WHAT AILS YOU’

rum ballers have been known to gain a few pounds just from inhaling the powdered sugar ingredient.

By William Madaras The Rum Ball Baker of Gallup

A

ll right everyone, time to gather around the kitchen table!

I’m about to unveil a surefi re recipe for the world’s fi nest rum balls. If you follow this recipe closely, and have been very good this year, these delicious, delightful confections will melt in your mouth. They will ignite your taste buds and bring about the holiday spirit, and possibly the spirits of Christmas past, present, and future, and a new spirit named Bacardi, who occasionally appears from a bottle after several rum balls are consumed!

Along with a spirited desire to make the best rum balls, you need a strong pitching arm for mixing the heavenly concoction with a fork and rolling the dough into fi ne rum balls that Santa, the elves, and the reindeer will all enjoy. Also make sure you wear loose fitting clothing as professional

PREPARATION ITEMS YOU WILL NEED Begin by commandeering a large bowl that could hold at least a half dozen large apples.

Make sure you also have two dinner plates that are ceramic, not paper, not metal and not the dog’s dish, no matter how much your dog begs, and a blender to mix the Nilla Wafers in. One dish will be covered in powdered sugar for the rum ball rolling and the other will be used to store the sweet treats in the fridge where they must harden in the frigid air for a few hours. Also, you will need a butter knife to scoop the dough out of the bowl.

If you want to roll some for friends, round holiday tins that can be found at most dollar stores work well. The tins can hold approximately 25 rum balls the size of the top half of your thumb. You might want to line the inside of the cans with some foil. I do.

Rum ball baker William Madaras resting after making six batches of rum balls for Santa, the reindeer, and the elves who live at the North Pole, and for some Gallup residents who think they are Santa. Photo Credit: Courtesy of William Madaras

light rum. Don’t even try to substitute anything else.

• Use Nilla Wafer cookies

INGREDIENTS • A small bottle of Bacardi

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Friday December 31, 2021 • Gallup Sun

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from Nabisco, not a discount brand that will save you few bucks. I’ll know and so will Sa nt a a nd Rudolph! One box makes about 150 tablespoon-sized rum balls. I usually buy three boxes so I have enough to hand out to cops, firemen, UPS delivery people, mail carriers, the mayor, and other semi-celebrities.

No, dogs and cats are not semi-celebrities in that category, no matter how many times they claim to have been on Facebook and TikTok. • Get a two-pound bag of powdered sugar.

• Obtain one bottle of light Caro Syrup.

• And the magic ingredient is sweet white coconut fl akes.

Get two 15 ounce bags.

MUSCUL A R MIXING MAGIC Now we commence the mixing magic.

• Place two cups of the Nilla Wafers into the mixer.

Blend at the speed you need to ensure those wafers become

RUM BALLS | SEE PAGE 20 COMMUNITY

Our movie critic takes a look at holiday offerings

By Glenn Kay For the Sun

T

he end of the year is here, which means that the movie studios will be opening the floodgates and offering a wide variety of entertainment options to choose from. There are plenty of features to go though, so we’ll take a brief chronological look at what is on the way. Please remember that release dates do change at the last minute and unexpected additions often occur.

Occasionally, award-caliber fi lms are released around the country slowly and may take a couple of extra weeks to arrive in your town or appear on streaming outlets.

If you’re looking for something to watch after eating a large holiday dinner, you have lots of c h o ic e s .

Besides t he new Di sney animated fe a t u r e , “ E n c a n t o ,” there is t he fa sh ion biopic “House of Gucci” with Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Al Pacino, and Jeremy Irons. The high-profile film is directed

by Ridley Scott (who recently made “The Last Duel” and was responsible for the 2000 Best Picture winner, “Gladiator”).

Speaking of award winners, P.T. Anderson is a writer/director with a large fan following thanks to movies like “Boogie Nights,” “There Will Be Blood,” and “The Master.” His latest picture is “Licorice Pizza,” a coming-of-age tale dealing with the messiness surrounding fi rst love.

“The Power of the Dog” from Academy-Award winning writer/director Jane Campion (“The Piano”) is a western that is currently earning a lot of buzz. It is already in limited release for awards consideration. The movie stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons.

If you’re looking for family entertainment, Disney+ is presenting a new, animated take based on the hugely popular kid’s book, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.” On a more adult note, “Encounter” is on Amazon Prime as well as in theaters.

COMMUNITY

O s c a r nominee Riz Ahmed plays a Marine who goes on a myst er iou s a nd dangerous m ission to save his sons.

You can check out “Being the Ricardos,” a biopic of “I Love Lucy” stars and married entertainers Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem play the performers and viewers will see a behind-the-scenes dramatization of their lives. It’s being given a limited release at theaters and will also be available to view on Amazon Prime.

“Don’t Look Up” is an allstar comedy about a comet hu r tling toward Earth and the efforts taken by the t wo a st ronomer s who discovered it to conv i nce everyone that the planet is in great danger.

Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer L aw r ence a nd T i mot hé e Chalamet headline the title.

This movie will appear on Netfl ix Dec. 24.

You can head out to the theater and see “National Champions” from STX Films.

The story follows a college basketball player who learns how much universities profit off student talent. He sets up a player strike, hoping to earn fair pay for young athletes. It stars Stephan James,

J. K. Simmons, Alexander Ludwig, Lil Rel Howery, Tim Blake Nelson and many more familiar faces.

“Red Rocket” from A24 is also arriving at theaters. It’s the latest movie from independent filmmaker Sean Baker, who was behind the eccentric features “Tangerine” and “The Florida Project.” The story involves a washed-up adult film star returning home to find that none of his old acquaintances want anything to do with him.

After a limited theatrical run in Los Angeles, New York, and other big markets, “The Unforgivable” will be available on Netfl ix. This drama stars Sandra Bullock as an ex-con trying to make a fresh start in society after serving time for a violent murder.

Famed director Steven Spielberg is presenting his rema ke of t he mu sica l “ We s t S i d e St or y” w it h Ansel Elgort.

Twentieth C e n t u r y Studios will be bringing it to theaters. Who knows how it will compare to the 1961 original that won numerous Oscars, but people are no doubt interested in seeing what Spielberg can bring to the familiar story.

“The Lost Daughter” is another drama currently gaining awards-buzz. It stars Olivia

Colma n a s an obsessed woma n at a resor t who follows a young mother around. This movie will be given a limited release before premiering on Netfl ix on Dec. 31. If you enjoy thrillers, “Nightmare A l ley ” f r om S e a r c h l i g ht Pictures arrived in cinemas on the 17th. This movie is from Oscar-winning writer/director Guillermo del Toro (“The Shape of Water”). It’s a thriller that involves a carnival worker played by Bradley Cooper. He teams with a psychiatrist to manipulate and steal money from unsuspecting marks.

Dec. 22 sees the high-prof i le s e q uel “ T he M a t r i x Resurrections” from Warner Bros. Keanu Reeves returns as the lead from the original fi lm.

One day, he realizes that he is back in the matrix and must determine exactly why this has happened and what is going on.

You will also be able to stream it for a month if you subscribe to HBO Max. Disney’s Marvel superhero feature “Spider-Man: No Way Home” opens at cinemas the same weekend and features the popular teen webslinger accidentally opening up a multiverse in which villains from alternate universes appear to do battle.

On the same date, families can check out the animated

mu s ic a l f r om Un i ve r s a l Pictures, “Sing 2.” Those looking for some more adultthemed material may fi nd “The Tender Bar” to their liking. It’s about a young fatherless figure who grows up in the company of his bar-owning uncle (Ben Affleck). The boy is guided by his relative and some quirky customers. It’s from Amazon and if you can’t check it out in theaters, it will also be available globally on Prime Video Jan. 7.

“The Tragedy of MacBeth” is the fi rst solo directing effort from Joel Coen of the not e d Co en Brothers (“Fargo,” “No Cou nt r y for Old Men,” and ma ny more) filmmaking team. Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand headline the feature, which offers a fresh take on the famous Shakespearean tale.

“Cy ra no” is a lso openi ng on Dec. 31 i n lim ited release. This movie is a new adaptation of the Cy ra no de Bergerac stor y. It stars Peter Dinklage as the title c h a r a c t er. T he f i l m h a s been described as a musica l /roma nt ic d ra ma . A nd t h o s e lo ok i n g fo r s o m e

HOLIDAY MOVIES | SEE PAGE 20

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Gallup Sun • Friday December 31, 2021

15

‘Don’t Look Up’ looks at humanity through a darkly comedic mirror

By Glenn Kay For the Sun

RATING: ««« OUT OF «««« RUNNING TIME: 138 MINUTES This feature is currently streaming on Netflix.

Making a comedy about the possible end of the world is no easy task. Despite this less-than-amusing scenario, a few have used these fears to humorous effect, including Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 classic, “Dr. Strangelove, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.” Admittedly, the new film “Don’t Look Up” isn’t as sharp or cutting as that cinematic classic.

However, much of what is presented onscreen does feel eerily accurate and there is enough effective satire and commentary here and there to make one laugh and send a chill down the spine.

T h i s t a le beg i n s w it h Michigan State University doctora l student Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence) d i scover i ng a n i m men s e comet hurtling toward Earth.

When she informs instructor Dr. Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio), about her finding

16

Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence) and Dr. Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio) try to draw attention to the dangers of a comet on a collision course with the planet, but have trouble getting anyone in a position of influence to take them seriously. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Netflix and they follow the projected path of the enormous rock, they discover that the rock is on a collision course with the planet, and will hit in six months. The pair team with NASA’s Dr. Teddy Oglethorpe (Rob Morgan) to warn U.S.

Friday December 31, 2021 • Gallup Sun

P re sident O rle a n ( Mer yl Streep) and her son, Chief of Staff Jason Orlean (Jonah Hill), about the imminent threat.

Sadly, the White House isn’t interested in addressing the problem, so the pair emba rk on a media tour, meeting with talk show hosts l ike Br ie Eva nt ree (Cate Blanchett). Things don’t go as planned on that front either, leav i ng t he prot a gon i st s frustrated as they try to alert everyone about this potential end-of-the-world scenario.

Over the course of the r unning time, the protagonists have bizarre experiences with not only the government, but also media outlets, tech giants CEOs like Peter Isherwell (Mark Rylance) and even the disbelieving general public. No one is free from criticism in this satire, and all camps respond to the threat in selfish ways.

President Orlean is only interested if it serves her political pur poses, while Isherwell sees a business opportunity in the comet itself. The media is obsessed with ratings and generating click-bait fluff for

viewers (some of whom ultimately refuse to believe in the existence of the comet).

There’s plenty of amusing material, especially when the leads try to deal with television media and how to present themselves to the public.

And Dr. Mindy’s slow corruption by fame also offers some laughs. Jason Orlean is an entertainingly nasty and dim assistant, while Isher well has a great running gag about algorithms and how he and his team already know how everyone around will ultimately die (which has a nice payoff much later in the feature). There’s also a funny little bit from Dibiasky about the bafflingly greedy behavior of a general with whom she interacts.

There’s also an enjoyable and very grim gag near the end of the movie that features some of the world’s most popular brands and franchises.

The insane scenario and surreal reactions by various factions provides plenty of dark comedic fodder, but it also causes a little bit of an issue, especially as more and more characters are dropped into the proceedings.

The movie is so full of characters and factions that ma ny st a r s don’t get t he onscreen time or focus that they deser ve. This film is in such a rush to poke fun at humanity in general that characters appear briefly and broadly. Additionally, some of the jokes are bluntly delivered.

A more focused and directed attack on fewer targets may have resulted in a slightly sharper and zippier movie.

Still, despite its exaggerated characters and heav y approach, it doesn’t feel all that far removed from realit y. T he screenpl ay doe s make a strong point that the world is currently in shambles and that most of us, to some degree, bea r a lea st some responsibility. “Don’t Look Up” paints a dark scen a r io a nd won’t w i n a ny points for subtlety. The modern world isn’t understated a nd t he mov ie u lt i mately delivers enough laughs to make a disturbing and potentially apocalyptic scenario amusing (at least, at times) to witness.

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

Blu-ray/DVD Roundup for December 31, 2021

By Glenn Kay For the Sun

H

appy New Year, readers, and welcome to another look at highlights arriving on Blu-ray and DVD. As you might have already guessed, this is a slower week than usual for new discs. Don’t worry though, because there are still a couple of noteworthy features coming your way. So, if you can’t, or shouldn’t be heading out to the movies this week, be sure to give one of these titles a try!

BIG NEW RELEASES!

CASTLE FALLS: This i ndependent a c t ion f i l m involves an old hospital that is set to be demolished. When a n impr isone d c r i me boss hea rs new s a bout the building being razed, he becomes quite upset. The figure reveals that he has hidden over three-million-dollars somewhere in the building.

Word quickly spreads as the site is loaded with dynamite and several individuals appear to try and fi nd the loot before the building falls on them.

This picture received a limited release earlier in the month and reviews were quite good overall. One or two complained that there was too much exposition and that the main characters weren’t very well- developed. However, everyone else thought it was a solid action picture with a great concept and some impressive, expertly choreographed fight sequences. The cast includes Scott Adkins, Dolph Lundgren, Kim DeLonghi, Jim E. Chandler, Dave Halls and Kevin Wayne.

THE FRENCH DISPATCH: The latest feature from Wes Anderson (“The Grand Budapest H o t e l , ” “Moonrise K i n g d o m ,” “Rushmore,” “ T he R oy a l Tenenbaums”) takes place in the office of a failing newspaper supplement magazine COMMUNITY

in a small French town. As the editor and journalist plan their fi nal issue, viewers see three noteworthy stories about the location covered by staff members. Response towards this quirky comedy was positive, but not as enthusiastic as for other titles from the fi lmmaker. About a quarter of the critics suggested that the movie was too self-indulgent and crammed with extraneous material, ultimately impacting the movie negatively.

Still, most called it visually striking, thought the eccentric tales were funny, and commented that the movie would impress those who admired Anderson’s work. It stars Benicio Del Toro, Adrien Brody, Tilda Swinton, Léa Seydoux, Frances McDormand, Timothée Chalamet, Jeffrey Wr ight, Mathieu A ma lr ic, Steve Park, Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, and many more.

KEEP A N EYE OUT: Those wanting to catch up on some European cinema can pick up this France/Belgium coproduction that was released in both countries back in 2018 (under the title “Au Poste!”).

The story follows a man who discovers a dead body in his apartment building. He calls the police, only to be interrogated and treated as a suspect by incompetent officers. The lead must somehow prove his innocence as the surreal investigation continues.

The North American press genera lly found this title amusing when it was released in this part of the world. A small percentage stated that they couldn’t appreciate the fi lm’s oddball wavelength and didn’t fi nd it funny. However, the majority called the feature an amusing farce that included some great lines and entertaining performances.

Benoît Poelvoorde, Grégoire Ludig, Marc Fraize and Anaïs Demoustier headline the fi lm.

KNOCKING: Some noises can really be grating to the ears, especially things like nails run across a chalkboard.

This Swedish thriller takes this concept to extreme lengths.

After suffering a traumatic life event, a woman moves into a new apartment in an attempt to make a fresh start.

Unfortunately, after she moves, a strange and persistent knocking starts, followed by screams.

The lead can’t figure out who is making the sounds or why. As the noises continue over the following nights, she begins losing sleep and questioning her own sanity.

Critics generally liked this little thriller. A small number of write-ups criticized the slow pacing and said it took too long to really get going.

Still, most called the central performance excellent and the overall movie tense and atmospheric. It features Cecilia Milocco, Albin Grenholm and Ville Virtanen.

MAYDAY: An angry woman fi nds herself transported into a strange, militaristic world where ladies hunt and kill men, luring them close with radio signals before gunning them down. At fi rst excited by this prospect, the protagonist joins a group of females and trains with them, learning how to aim and fi re a rifle. But after spending time in the outfit, she begins to doubt their actions and motivations.

This independent fantasy split reviewers. About half thought it had an interesting start, but quickly lost momentum. They also noted that it was overstuffed with ideas and didn’t effectively convey a message or meaning. Still, the same number stated that while flawed, the performances were strong and the movie had a compelling dreamlike atmosphere that kept their attention throughout.

It feat u res Gra ce Va n Pat t en, M ia Got h, Soko, Théodore Pellerin and Juliette Lewis.

MOMENTS LIKE THIS NEVER LAST: This documentary tells the life story of artist Da sh Snow.

According to those who knew him, this figure rejected a life of privilege and lived on the streets of New York in the 1990s. He created a name for himself as a graffiti tagger and eventually formed a surrogate family with other street artists. Sadly, drug and alcohol addiction problems surfaced and he eventually passed away from a heroin overdose in 2009.

Using archival footage as well as images of his works,

viewers learn more about Snow and the remarkable art he created before his passing. There have only been a few write-ups for this feature, but they have been upbeat. These notices say that while the movie mainly uses preexisting footage and doesn’t necessarily provide any new insight into the man, the artist and his story are still gripping to witness.

THE WOMAN WHO RAN: After her husband heads out of town on a business trip, a marr ied woma n decides to meet three of h e r f r ie n d s i nd iv idu a l ly and catch up.

T he va r ious conversations are friendly as the participants discuss the various trials they happen to be going through, but undercurrents soon become evident, and it becomes clear that all of these people may have butted heads in the past. This South Korean foreign-language drama great impressed critics and has yet to receive a negative review.

While noting that the feature was very low-key and didn’t offer big moments of drama, write-ups called the cast excellent. They also said the meetings were intriguing to watch, especially as the individuals introduced dealt subtly with the various confl icts between them. It stars Kim Min-hee, Song Seon-mi, Saebyuk Kim and Eun-mi Lee.

BL ASTS FROM THE PAST! While it is a quieter time for Blu-ray and DVD upgrades of older titles, there are a few notable arrivals. Arrow Video ha s a n incredible Blu-ray box set called “Shawscope Volume 1” that contains several notable Shaw Brothers Hong Kong-ba sed productions from the 1970s (including kung-fu flicks, monster movies and even a comedy or two). Chronologically, the release includes “King Boxer” (1972) aka “Five Fingers of Death,” as well as “The Boxer from Shantung” (1972), “Five Sh a ol i n M a s t er s” (1974), “Challenge of the Masters” (1976), “Sh a ol i n Temple” (1976), “Executioners from Shaolin” (1977), “Chinatown K id” (1977), “F ive Deadly Venoms” (1978), “The Mighty Peking Man” (1977), “Crippled Avengers” (1978), “Heroes of the East” (1978,) and “Dirty Ho” (1979).

You’ll receive high-defi nition presentations of all of the titles with 2K restorations of six features, in addition to a 2K master of the longer international cut of “Chinatown Kid” from the original film elements. You’ll also get multiple audio tracks in various languages, new English subtitles and hours of bonuses that include film historian commentaries on select features, new cast and crew interviews, tons of publicity materials

BLU-RAY/DVD | SEE PAGE 21

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

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

Gallup Sun • Friday December 31, 2021

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10/29/19 9:35 AM

TOP 5 NATIONAL STORIES | FROM PAGE 4

estimated at approximately $60 billion, maybe more.

The state of Tennessee ex per ienced some of the destructive flash floods that destroyed more tha n 270 homes and killed more than two dozen people, including seven-month-old-twins.

CLIMATE CHANGE Evidence of climate change from severe weather phenomena in the U. S. 2021 included the three largest fires – the Bootleg, Dixie, and Caldor, which together burned roughly 1.6 million acres with smoke traveling from the West Coast to New York City.

The federal government declared a water shortage on the Colorado River in August for the first time, triggering mandatory water consumption cuts for Southwestern states starting in 2022.

A heat wave in the Pacific Northwest in late June killed hundreds of people in the U. S. and in British Columbia, Canada. Scientists said the heat wave would have been “virtually impossible” without human-caused climate change.

A tornado outbreak on Dec. 10 and 11 that flattened a candle factory in Mayfield, Ky., killing at least 76, also killed 6 when an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, Ill. was hit.

In Aug ust, Categor y 4 Hurricane IDA cut off power to more than a million customers in Mississippi and Louisiana while it destroyed homes and uprooted trees. Then it went inland and triggered flash flood emergencies in the Northeast, where it killed dozens of people, drowning many of them in basement apartments in New York City. The damage it did is

Fatal flash floods also ravaged parts of Western Europe and China’s Henan provice in mid-July. More than 200 people lost their lives in Germany and Belgium. More than 300 people were killed in Zhengzhou.

A deep-freeze hit Texas in February. Electricity generation ground to a halt and about four-million people lost power.

According to one analysis, the weather took more than 200 lives, but another study of the situation indicated as many as a thousand people may have died as a result of the freeze. The economic toll was estimated

ice sheet since record keeping began in 1950.

C L I M AT E C H A N G E RESPONSE President Joe Biden rejoined the global climate pact known as the Paris Agreement within hours of being sworn in as president in Jan. 20.

In April, he pledged to cut U. S. greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030. Nevertheless, the United Nations says a huge gap remains between what has been committed to and what scientists say is needed to curb emissions.

I n Au g u s t , t he U. N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change published its latest report summarizing the state of climate research.

The authors concluded humans have caused the climate crisis and that some of the changes are irreversible.

To halt the trend, scientists say countries must make deep cuts to greenhouse gas emissions while removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

At this point scientists say the planet has warmed by more than one degree Celsius higher than pre-industrial levels and is now headed toward 1.5 degrees, which is a critical threshold.

In November, world leaders gathered in Glasgow, Scotland for the climate change summit known as COP26.

Ne a r ly 2 0 0 c ou nt r ie s signed the Glasgow Climate Pact, which included the first acknowledgment of the rule of burning fossil fuels in perpetuating the climate crisis.

The fina l pact showed some progress, but it did not get countries to agree to phase out coal for power generation, only to reduce it. Negotiations about climate financing – in which wealthy nations would help developing nations deal with the climate crisis - broke down.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham attended the COP26 summit. She also issued an Executive Order on Addressing Climate Change and Energy Waste Prevention

First, our environment: With hotter and drier seasons, extreme temperatures, wildfires, and flooding, New Mexico’s entire ecosystem is being stretched thin. This fu nd ing w ill help restore the health of our lands and watersheds by suppor ting vital river stewardship and surface water protection projects. There is also funding to jumpstart the long overdue work of cleaning up orphaned

oil and gas well sites. These sites have left behind a toxic legacy of pollution that poisons our air, land, and water; this funding is a long overdue act that shows respect for the long-term health of our environment and marginalized communities as we transition away from fossil fuel extraction.

Second, our economy: New Mexico’s outdoor recreation economy is a game changer for our state. During the pandemic, New Mexicans flocked to our state parks, only to find them understaffed and under-resourced due to budget cuts left over from the previous administration. This funding will support an industry that creates jobs in rural communities and diversifies our economy. A lmost half of this new funding will go towards draining a backlog of

maintenance projects for the State Parks Division, which include places like Bluewater Lake State Park. This injection of new funding will go a long way to wiping out the backlog, giving more New Mexicans the quality recreational opportunities they expect and deser ve while creating jobs in every corner of the state.

Third, education: As someone born and raised in a single-low income household on the Navajo reservation, I’m especia lly proud that more attention is being put towards getting more young New Mex ica ns outside to explore their public lands.

Thanks to the support of the Outdoor Recreation Division’s Outdoor Equity Fund, tens of thousands of young people are re-connecting with nature and discovering places

President Joe Biden speaks at the climate change summit in Scotland known as COP26.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia

CELEBRATION | FROM PAGE 10 committee members and staff, this funding would not be possible. Legislators are faced with many different options and requests for funding, and fortunately Rep. Lundstrom understands the value that conser vation brings us. In that spirit, I want to share three reasons this funding will help:

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to have reached $130 billion.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott originally blamed the outages on frozen wind turbines and solar panels.

Outside the U. S., rain fell for the first time in August at the summit of Greenland. It was the heaviest rainfall on the

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Friday December 31, 2021 • Gallup Sun

as one of her first actions in the Roundhouse. That order committed the state to achieve greenhouse gas emissions reductions of at least 45 percent by 2030.

A la ndma rk Energ y Transition Act requiring 100 percent carbon-free electricity in the state by 2050 was passed in 2019.

The state implemented a natural gas waste rule that requires 98 percent gas capture by 2026 and is on the cusp of implementing an ozone precursor rule that will have the collateral benefit of reducing methane emissions by over 851 million pounds every year from the oil and gas industry – the state’s largest greenhouse gas emitter.

The state is also taking steps to de- ca rbonize its second largest greenhouse gas-emitting sector: transportation. A discussion draft of proposed clean car rules was released in November and will go before the Environmental Improvement Board in 2022.

A clean fuel standard, which will lower the carbon intensity of transportation fuels sold in New Mexico, will be an administration priority in the upcoming legislative session.

Other upcoming legislative priorities related to climate change include codifying a goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 into state law, as well as the Hydrogen Hub Act, which will lay the foundation for a clean, low-carbon hydrogen economy in New Mexico. in their backyards they may have never visited due to a lack of opportunity and organization. Funding has already supported several local organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters and initiatives from the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project, Native A mer ica n Community Academy, and N a t i o n a l I n d i a n Yo u t h Leadership Project. From upg rad i ng ex ist i ng a rea s like the Pyramid Rock Trail at Red Rock Park, funding the successful Silver Stallion bike repair van that provides tra nspor tation options to kids in rural communities, to providing new outdoor classroom opportunities at Hózhó Academy, our area continues to benefit tremendously from funding that is dedicated to

CELEBRATION | SEE PAGE 20 NEWS

TOP 5 LOCAL STORIES | FROM PAGE 5

deck, and outdoor spaces for programming.

The location for the new library will be on Gallupowned property just north of

Mural at Octavia Fellin Public Library. Photo Credit: Courtesy O C T AV I A F E L L I N PUBLIC LIBRARY Plans for a new Gallup Public Library drew much discussion from city councilors about where the library would be located and how much of a draw the library would be to the public in certain areas of the city.

The library is considered one of the city’s most significant cultural institutions and a crucial element of developing a vibrant arts and cultural district.

Library Director Tammi Moe suggested consideration be given to a multi-use building that could encompass a performing arts center, exhibition space, a railroad history room with an observation

the railroad tracks, and south of Maxwell, between Second Street and Third Street.

WEEKLY POLICE ACTIVITY REPORT | FROM PAGE 8

rental agreement for the vehicle, Salazar asked Fray about his travel.

Fray had rented the car in Florida for a week and said he was traveling to Nevada to visit family, but was unable to provide an exact city, or where he was coming from.

W hen asked to prov ide answers about his trip, Fray became verbally combative toward Salazar, who then determined he was involved with illegal activity. Fray did not provide an answer when asked how long he had been in Nevada or when a sked if Salazar could search the vehicle.

After obtaining a warrant to search the car, Salazar found a large trash bag with marijuana in the trunk along with several heat-sealed bags.

Fray was placed under arrest for possessing marijuana. The combined weight of the seized

RENT-A-CAR FOR DRUG RUN Gallup, Nov. 30 A silver Toyota Camry was seen speeding on Interstate 40, where McKinley County Sheriff’s D e p u t y B r a n d o n S a l a z a r wa s dispatched.

He pulled the veh icle over near the 18.5m i le m a rker and conducted a traffic stop.

Salazar met the driver, Texroy Fray, 47, no address listed, and found signs of long-distance travel inside the vehicle, including snacks and trash strewn inside with only minimal cargo. After obtaining identification and a NEWS

The relocation of the libraries will not begin until there is a consensus on the design, and the money to move forward has been raised.

INFRASTRUCTURE New Mexico’s infrastructure cha llenges a re more than bridges and highways.

Broadband, connectivity, cyber attacks, water delivery and protection against wildfires all rate as important considerations in helping the state to thrive.

Cyber connectivity and water accessibility are particularly significant for the Gallup and Navajo Nation area.

N . M . G o v. M i c h e l l e Lu jan Grisham announced i n November t h at t he Infrastructure Investment and

Lupton N9402 Bridge is a single-lane steel bridge over the Rio Puerco Wash. A project to replace it was scheduled to begin in November of 2020. Photo Credit: OPVP

cargo was about 53 pounds.

F r ay w a s t he n t a ke n to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked.

He was released on his own recog n i za nce by Judge Cynthia Sanders.

EXPENSIVE TASTE Gallup, Aug. 21 Ga l lup O f f icer Da r iu s Johnson was wrapping up a hit-and-run call near Rio West Mall when he observed a male run out of the back door of the Shoe Dept. store. Another male was seen running after the first, telling him to stop.

Johnson met the man, an employee at the store, who said the fleeing party had stolen a pair of shoes from the store. He drove across the street to the Tractor Supply Company store and found the suspect, Nathaniel Joe, 48, of St. Michael’s, Ariz.

Joe said he left the shoes

Transients have set up camp on a Gallup roof using wood, cardboard, a sleeping bag and the sides of a cooler. Photo Credit: Joseph Sanchez Jobs Act will deliver funding for broadband, water, climate resilience, and more.

The funding for New Mexico is expected to include: • At least $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state • 785,000 New Mexicans (~38 percent of the state) will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access • $355 million over five years to improve water infrastructure across the state • $38 million over five years to protect against wildfires and

near the JCPenney store back at Rio West Mall, so Johnson took him back there, but they couldn’t find the shoes.

Johnson then spoke with the store employee, who told him a nother person found the shoes and returned them to Joe. T he employee sa id he was emptying trash from the back store room when he saw Joe enter and begin looking through the shelves. When he yelled out to him, Joe took a pair of shoes wor th $80 and fled from the scene. The employee followed and that was when he met Johnson in the parking lot.

Johnson ran Joe’s name through Metro Dispatch and found severa l active wa rrants. He transpor ted Joe to McKinley County Adult Detention Center, but was informed he would need medical clearance because he had

• $13 million to protect against cyber attacks HOMELESS CAMPS G a t e s we r e i n s t a l l e d between Second and Third Streets in downtown Gallup after owners began meeting about issues concerning transients camping on the roofs of their businesses. City Councilor Linda Garcia, Dist.

1, met with the owners and suggested gates be installed to close the alley between the two streets, to reduce transient traffic and climbing there.

The gates were installed in October.

an infected area on his arm.

Due to a high-priority call that came in, Johnson issued a summons to Joe and advised him to receive medical treatment for his infection. Joe told Johnson he would seek medical attention and take care of his warrants at a later date.

UNWELCOME VISITOR Gallup, Aug. 9 A man was reported snooping around a residence on the 300 block of Vista Dr ive ea rly i n t he morning and threatening a woman. After the call was placed, Gallup Officer Elijah Bowman was

WEEKLY POLICE ACTIVITY REPORT | SEE PAGE 20

Gallup Sun • Friday December 31, 2021

19

CELEBRATION | FROM PAGE 18 more equitable access to the outdoors.

TERESA LEGER FERNÁNDEZ | FROM PAGE 10 invest in the infrastructure that will allow our communities to not just survive, but thrive,” she continued.

RUM BALLS | FROM PAGE 14 dust, finely ground with no large crumbs visible. Now, repeat with another two cups and add all the crumbs into a large bowl.

• Add one cup of powdered sugar to the crumbs and mix thoroughly with a fork, not a spoon. For those with a sweet tooth, you can cheat and add a wee bit more powdered sugar, but not too much or you might become mistaken for Santa in a few days.

• Now add two cups of coconut into the bowl and mix well with a fork, not a spoon.

If a little extra coconut falls in, don’t worry, as the coconut

HOLIDAY MOVIES | FROM PAGE 15 international flavor can try to locate the controversial

VOICES FOR CHILDREN | FROM PAGE 13 Finally, the rebate was indexed to inflation, meaning it will automatically be increased annually. This is important because, until last year, the rebate had not been updated in two decades, so

WEEKLY POLICE ACTIVITY REPORT | FROM PAGE 19 dispatched.

Bowman found the calli ng pa r t y a long w it h t he suspect, later identified as Lorenzo Yazzie, 52, of Gallup, at the scene. The caller told Bowman she and her mother fou nd Ya zzie i nside thei r residence and did not know how he got in. She also said

New Mexicans should be proud of this new funding, but they should also know it’s only the beginning. I consider this a down payment on our

future, and the first step in a movement to ensure land and water conservation remains a priority each legislative session and well into the future.

There is often too much fighting in politics with too little energy spent on what actually helps people. Not in New Mexico.

Our leaders across the state are showing that we can meet the challenges we face with smart policies, Axhe’hee Ntsaago, Thank you greatly!

Winding up her gaze into a legislative crystal ball of dreams, Leger Fernández said if money were no object, she would make the extension of the Child Tax Credit permanent to reduce child poverty and help families.

She would also secure House passage of her Just T r a n sit ion for Energ y Communities Act. “This bill invests in and provides opportunities to diversify businesses in our energy communities that produced

the coal, oil, and gas that fueled our nation’s growth,” she explained.

She also said she would pass the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act of 2021 to provide compensation to uranium miners and downwinders

– many of whom live in and around Gallup.

And to keep within the celebratory spirit of the holiday, she shared her family Tamale recipe at https://twitter.com/RepTeresaLF/status/ 1475935326287941633?s=20

is the secret ingredient that soaks up the rum. When you bite down on the ball, the rum will flow onto your tongue!

• Drizzle four tablespoons of Caro Syrup into the concoction, but only one tablespoon at a time! Mix each spoonful well and don’t try and cheat, thinking you can simply add all four at once because you will create a sticky mess and Santa will know.

• Now comes the fine art of rum pouring! Slowly and carefully pour the Bacardi into one eighth of a measuring cup, you know, half of a one quarter cup for those of us unfamiliar with simple mathematics. Sprinkle it slowly into the bowl, dripping drops across the entire

bowl’s mixture. Now mix it slowly with your right hand, unless you are left-handed, for about five minutes. Ensure you are mixing the bottom and sides of the bowl. If the concoction looks dry and crumbly, carefully mix another eighth of a cup as you did previously and mix it thoroughly. Don’t take any short cuts like adding a whole bunch of rum because you will get a soggy mess that will have to be discarded, NOT GIVEN TO THE DOG, who is probably sitting right at your side, hoping a rum ball falls to the floor.

• How do you know the mixture is ready? It should be sticky to the touch and a little bit shiny.

• With your butter knife, scoop out a portion the size of a teaspoon and place it between your thumb, index finger, and middle finger. Roll it into a ball and place it on to the powdered sugar plate while rolling it and coating it with the white confection.

Now, place it on the plate that you will use to store it in the refrigerator.

Congratulations! You have made your first rum ball, one of about 75 that you can roll from that batch.

them. You can also lick the rolling knife and scrape the sides and bottom of the mixing bowl with a spoon which can also find its way into your mouth. And no, the dog or cat can’t lick your fingers or the bowl! (You don’t want the dog to get drunk and squat on the floor. It can also get your pet sick and is dangerous for any animal, but magically, not for people.)

SPECIA L BENEFITS FOR THE BAKER! Wondering how you clean your fingers when you are done? Of course, by licking

Editor’s Note: Brand names are included in this opinion writer’s recipe. They do not represent advertising, views, or suggestions of The Gallup Sun.

movie “Benedeta” from Dutch d i r e c t or Pa u l Verho even (“R obocop,” “ Showg i rl s,” “Starship Troopers,” “Elle”) about a love affair between

two nuns. The Italian drama “The Hand of God” is also being released from the same filmmaker who won the 2014 Aca demy Awa rd for Best

Foreign Language Feature, “The Great Beauty.”

Of course, there will be many more titles coming your way, but this should provide

plenty of ea rly options to consider before heading out to the movies!

V ISI T: W W W. CINEMASTANCE.COM

it had lost a great deal of its value. Because LICTR provides extra benefits for the 56,000 seniors who receive it, this change will provide critical relief for those New Mexico seniors earning the lowest incomes.

Aside from helping those New Mexicans who need help the most, these changes also

make our tax system more fair and equitable. Our state tax system benefits the rich.

Due to centuries of systemic racism – that is, policies that placed barriers to success in the way of people of color – most of the people who have great wealth are white, and fa m i l ies ra isi ng ch i ld ren weren’t the highest priority in

the tax system. But improvements over the past two years have changed that, and New Mexico is a leader in making communities, families, and kids a top priority in tax policy making.

We’ve seen great improvements in our tax system, and there is still more work to be done, like enacting a state

child tax credit, reducing our over-reliance on the boom-orbust revenue from oil and gas, and continuing to improve fairness and racial equity.

Our elected officials enacted some excellent and family-focused changes in 2021 and that should make 2022 – and our state’s future – a little brighter.

they had a restraining order against Yazzie.

After Yazzie was detained, Bowman received more information from the caller. She retur ned to the residence a nd fou nd Ya z z ie i n side, where he said the door had been unlocked and he went in. Yazzie left the scene afterward, but soon returned and tried to break the door open and threatened to break one of the windows if he wasn’t

a l lowe d i n s ide. He t hen punched the screen door and threatened to break the windows on the caller’s vehicle.

Then he left again.

When he returned the third time, he knocked on the mother’s bedroom window and then banged on the doors of the house.

The caller’s mother went outside to wait for Yazzie to come back again, so she could confront him. She went inside

for a couple of minutes, and returned to find her chairs missing.

T h e pr o t e c t io n o r d e r against Yazzie stipulates he is not to be within 100 feet of the calling party’s residence or 25 feet from the mother’s worksite. He is also barred from talking to, visiting, or telephoning the mother without court permission.

Based on the details given, Bowman determined Yazzie

violated the order and placed him under arrest. He was also advised by Metro Dispatch that Yazzie had a n active arrest warrant, as well.

Yazzie was transpor ted to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked for breaking and entering, violating a restraining order, and the active warrant.

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

20 Friday December 31, 2021 • Gallup Sun

Happy Holidays!

NEWS

WEEKLY DWI REPORT | FROM PAGE 8

Detention Center and booked for aggravated DWI and no license.

Detention Center and booked him for the warrant, aggravated DWI, roadways laned for traffic, and having no license.

Benally was released on his own recognizance by Judge Cynthia Sanders.

Eugene Yazzie Dec. 6, 7:38 am DWI A Green Ford pickup truck was seen swerving all over the road driving eastward on Highway 118. The calling party stated the truck nearly ran a school bus off the road.

McKinley County Sheriff’s Deputy Galvin Panteah arrived at the 33.5-mile marker and found the suspect vehicle after the calling party flagged him down and directed him to it.

Panteah met the driver, Eugene Yazzie, 64, no address listed, and observed signs of intoxication including the smell of alcohol and Yazzie slurring his speech.

Yazzie told Panteah he was traveling from Flagstaff to Ganado, Ariz. When asked for identification and insurance, he was unable to provide any documents. Yazzie admitted to having drunk eight cans of Bud Light prior to driving, and Panteah saw two containers of Importers Peppermint Schnapps in his vehicle.

Panteah issued the Standard Field Sobriety Tests to Yazzie, who performed poorly and was eventually unable to continue for danger of falling over.

Yazzie was placed under arrest for DWI and transported to the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office for the breath test.

He posted one sample of .26 and was taken to McKinley

Fabian Todacheeny Dec. 13, 7:37 pm Aggravated DWI A yellow Volkswagen bug wound up in a ditch near the coal plant at the 3.5-mile marker of Mentmore Road.

McKinley County Sheriff’s Deputy Frank Villa arrived at the scene and found the vehicle with its engine running.

He met the driver, Fabian Todacheeny, 40, no address listed, who said he was fine when a sked. Todacheeny refused to give Villa his license and said he had fallen asleep at the wheel and was traveling from Flagstaff, Ariz. to his home near the Four Corners area.

As he spoke with him, Villa noticed a smell of alcohol coming from Todacheeny.

Villa asked Todacheeny if he had any drinks prior to driving, but did not receive an answer. Todacheeny initially agreed to take the Standard Field Sobriety Tests, but then changed his mind and declined.

He also refused to give any breath samples.

Todacheeny wa s taken to McKinley County Adult

BLU-RAY/DVD | FROM PAGE 17 and even a 60-page book with essays and trivia. Sounds like a great time for fans of old features from the Shaw Brothers.

T he A mer ica n Gen re Film Archive is presenting an interesting set of its own w it h t he “Blood -A-R a m a Triple Nightmare” Blu-ray.

It contains the low-budget genre pictures “Carnival of Blood” (1970), “Help Me … I’m Possessed” (1974), and “The Night of the Strangler” (1972), a thriller that co-stars Mickey Dolenz from the famous ‘60s pop band, The Monkees. Some of the titles have been given 2K preservations from the only known 35mm prints in existence. You’ll also get numerous trailers for these and other drive-in features, as well as other bonuses.

CLASSIFIEDS

Those who enjoy Japanese animated features can now pick up a 4K Ultra H D “Col le c t or ’s E d it ion” of “Robot Carnival” (1987 ) cou rtesy of Discotek Med i a . T h i s is a visua l ly st r i ki n g a nt holog y f i l m , w it h all of the stories involving robot s a nd t hei r posit ive and negative effects on the world. T he f i l m ha s been transferred in two different a spect ratios a nd the disc comes with a documentary on the movie, storyboard to screen sequences, a s well as some trailers. Interested pa r t ie s shou ld not e t h a t this release doesn’t appear to contain a regular Blu-ray of the title and can only be

County Adult Detention Center.

However, he informed the staff he was diabetic and they said he would need medical clearance to be admitted. Panteah transported Yazzie to Gallup Indian Medical Center, where he was told his blood sugar level was high enough that he would have to be admitted into the hospital.

Yazzie was left at the hospital and told a summons for DWI would be filed for him.

Sequoia Wilson Sept. 3, 3:30 am Aggravated DWI A g r e en Ford Ta u r u s crashed into a street light pole and pushed over a wall near the intersection of South Third Street and West Highway 66. Gallup Police Officer Julio Yazzie was dispatched to the scene and met the sergeant on scene, who directed him to the driver, S e q u o i a Wilson, 21, of Teec Nos Pos, Ariz.

Wilson said she consumed several drinks prior to driving and complained of chest pains, so paramedics were called to evaluate her. However, she became disorderly with EMTs at the scene. Yazzie spoke with Wilson, and saw signs of intoxication. He said he smelled alcohol and that Wilson had bloodshot eyes.

Yazzie helped Wilson out of the vehicle, but she continued played on TVs with an UHD set-up.

And speaking of Japanese features, Media Blasters are presenting a 30th anniversa r y Blu-ray of “ Z ei r a m” (1991), which deta ils the adventures of t wo elec t r icians who are z a pped i nt o a v ir tual reality war zone.

According to press releases, the disc will be fully loaded with extras including interv iews, beh i nd- t he - scene s featurettes and trailers.

YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS! Unfortunately, it’s a quiet time for kid-friendly entertainment, so parents will have to

to act disorderly toward the med ica l tech n icia ns. She agreed to take the Standard Field Sobriety Tests, but performed poorly and was placed under arrest.

Wi lson ag reed to g ive a breath sa mple a nd wa s transported to Gallup Police Department for the test. She posted samples of .20 and .21.

She was taken to McKinley C ou nt y Adu lt D e t e nt ion Center, where she once again became disorderly. After being taken to the holding area, she calmed down and was eventually booked for aggravated DWI, careless driving, and damaging public property.

Wilson was released on her own recognizance by Judge Janelle Griego.

Damien Bitsuie Aug. 23, 1:40 pm Aggravated DWI A vehicle crash occurred near 1300 Frontage Rd. and Gallup Police Officer Cindy Romancito was dispatched to the scene. She met a witness who said he wa s leav i ng the scene when he saw two vehicles, a white car and blue truck, doing the same. As the white car pulled away, a maroon car came around the corner at a high rate of speed, struck the side of the nearby railing, and then bounced off and collided with the blue wait until next week to find new children’s items on disc.

ON THE TUBE! It also appears that studios

truck.

The witness exited his vehicle to check the other drivers at the crash site. He saw the driver of the maroon car try to leave, but the damage to his vehicle made that impossible. The witness took the keys from the maroon car and stayed at the scene until police arrived.

Romancito spoke to the driver of the blue truck, who corroborated the witness’s account, a nd ver ified the damage done by the maroon car. Romancito then spoke to the driver of the maroon car who was identified as Damien Bitsuie, 23, of Window Rock, A r iz. Bitsuie had slu r red speech, smelled of alcohol, and had difficulty keeping his balance. He had sustained minor injuries from the crash, but agreed to take the Standard Field Sobriety Tests.

Bitsuie performed poorly on the tests and was placed under arrest. He agreed to give a breath sample and was transported to the Gallup Police Department for the test, where he posted samples of .23 and .22. He required medical attention, so he was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

After being discharged, Bitsuie was taken to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked for aggravated DWI, no license, insurance, or registration, and careless driving.

Bitsuie was released on his own recognizance by Judge Janelle Griego. are also holding off on releasing TV-themed material on Blu-ray and DVD until after New Year’s.

V ISIT: W W W. CINEMASTANCE.COM

Check out our FREE access community website! www.gallupsun.com Gallup Sun • Friday December 31, 2021

21

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WEEKLY RATES

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

GALLUP SUN ARCHIVES Need a past issue? $2.00 per copy. Note issue date and send check or M.O. to: Gallup Sun, PO Box 1212, Gallup, NM 87305. Subject to availability.

AUTO SALES Gurley Motor Company

Amigo Automotive Center 1900 South Second St, Gallup, NM (505)722-7701 Amigoautomotive.com 2014 Jeep Patriot Silver St # AJ21002 Was $15,000 NOW $12,500

FOR RENT Gallup Living Rentals *Hospital Area Rentals.

Washer/dryer included. No pets.

●

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

One owner, low mileage, guaranteed like new!

Only $39,000!

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

3 bedroom/2 bath $1850/month. ● 3 bedroom/2bath $2200/month. *Downtown Area Rentals

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3 bedroom/2 bath $1400/month. Washer/dryer included. ● 3 bedroom/1 bath $1100/month. *Indian Hills Area Rental

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3 bedroom/2 bath $1500/month.

Contact Gallup Living Rentals at (505)488-2344 or berlinda@gallupliving.com for more information.

2018 Ford Edge SE AWD Less than 60k miles Priced at $26,000!

Pre-Owned 2020 Toyota Tundra 2WD TRD Sport Engine: 5.7L V8 Transmission: Automatic Mileage: 17,823 Stock#: TP21176 2020 Ford Ecosport SE 4WD Certified Pre-Owned Like NEW with only 7,585 miles!

Equipped with Heated Seats, XM Satellite Radio and Sunroof!

Originally listed as $27,995 NOW $26,495!

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

*** 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 - 505726-9288 9 AM to 6 PM. Application & references required.»

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

NOW HIRING

Competitive Pay Good Work Environment Flexible Schedules Employment Advancement We are looking for Honest, Dependable, and Trustworthy persons.

Please apply at 1717 S. Second Street

22 Friday December 31, 2021 • Gallup Sun

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

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

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

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

Defendants.

No. D-1113-CV-2021-00426 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, 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

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CALENDAR

COMMUNITY CALENDAR DECEMBER 31 - JANUARY 6, 2021 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31

ALL RMCHCS CLINICS CLOSED

In observance of New Year’s.

Will reopen Jan. 3.

HOLIDAY CLOSURE

The Octavia Fellin Public Library will be closed 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.

WINTER BREAK

Gallup McKinley County Schools winter break.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 1 Recycling Depot at the Larry Brian Mitchell Recreation Center (400 Marguerite Franco Dr.) will be closed today.

CITY OF GALLUP OFFICES CLOSED SUNDAY, JANUARY 2

CITY OF GALLUP OFFICES CLOSED MONDAY, JANUARY 3

SCHOOL BACK IN SESSION

Gallup McKinley County Schools classes back in session.

RMCHCS CLINICS REOPEN TUESDAY, JANUARY 4

GROW WITH GOOGLE: CREATE A CAREER PLAN TO GET THE JOB YOU WANT

3 pm @ OFPL LIVE on Zoom

or in-person at the Main Library (115 W. Hill Ave.). Build a career plan that can help you meet your professional goals - whether you’re searching for a new job, seeking a promotion, or considering a career change. In this Partner Digital Series workshop, you’ll identify your strengths and passions, take inventory of your unique skills and experiences, and start a plan to reach long-term professional goals. For more information email mdchavez@gallupnm. gov or call (505) 863-1291.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5

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, JANUARY 6

CRAFTY KIDS

4 pm Join us on Facebook, @ galluplibrary, or YouTube at Octavia Fellin Public Library (all ages) for family-friendly crafts and step-by-step tutorials for all skill levels. Supply kits are available at OFPL on a first-come, first-served basis using the Supply Request Form at ofpl.online. This week we will do Yarn Painting. For more information email bmartin@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291.

ONGOING

GOOGLE CAREER CERTIFICATE SCHOLARSHIP

Jump-start your career with a Google Career Certificate scholarship. Prepare for entry-level positions in data analytics, IT support, project management, or user experience design - no college degree or relevant experience required. Apply for a scholarship at ofpl.online now through Jan. 31. For more information email bmartin@ gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291.

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 Jan. 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 perspective 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.

UNWRAP THE GIFT OF READING

Begin the holiday cheer early by unwrapping the gift of reading! Throughout the month of December select a wrapped book to check out, unwrap, and read! Rate it by filling out the card with each book. All cards that are returned by Jan. 14 will be entered in a prize drawing.

Post a picture with your book on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and tag us @galluplibrary for a second entry into the drawing. For more information email bmartin@ gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291.

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.

8:30 am-11 am and 1 pm-4 pm Mon.-Fri.@ College Clinic (2111 College Dr.).

For COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11. A patient guardian will be required to remain with the patient and wait 15 minutes for observation immediately after vaccine is given.

To post a nonprofit or civic event in the calendar section, please email: gallupsunevents@gmail.com or 8 am-4 pm Mon.-Fri. @ College Clinic (2111 College Dr.). fax: (505) 212-0391. Deadline: Monday at 5 pm.

Sixteen years and older. For

RMCHCS COVID-19 TEST/ VACCINE/BOOSTER CLINIC

test – someone will come to

Unruly husband assaults deputies before arrest Staff Reports

A

call for a domestic dispute led to deputies being assaulted by a suspect.

McKinley County Sheriff’s Deputy Jeremy Shirley arrived at the residence on Portal Avenue in Gamerco about 6:29 pm on Dec. 12. He met the calling party, who told him her husband, Joseph Harker, 37, of Gamerco, went to Kirkland to pick up their children.

However, she said her oldest daughter had to drive the children home and pick her up from work because her husband sounded intoxicated.

The caller said she and her husband began arguing on CALENDAR

Joseph Harker the drive back to their residence. She told him to get out of the vehicle, but he refused, and it escalated when they

got back to Gamerco and she wanted him removed from the residence.

Harker was at the family’s home when Shirley arrived and both competed to give their sides of the story. Harker admitted to drinking, but said the cause of his distress was his wife getting upset and putting him down. Shirley pointed out that this was not the first time these disputes had resulted in calls to the sheriff’s office.

Harker said the drinking was the cause of the arguments between them. Then he got upset and said Shirley he was taking his wife’s side in the argument. Harker continued to be disorderly as Deputy

Dewayne Holder arrived at the scene afterward.

He then got upset and began to cry, talking about threatening to hurt himself in the past and his wife stopping him. He said he was going to just close the door and harm himself.

Based on his history and his statements at the scene, the officers decided to take him to Gallup Indian Medical Center for a mental evaluation.

But once the officers tried to detain him, Harker became aggressive and refused to go.

He pushed Holder into the wall and then tried to throw Shirley to the ground. During the scuffle, Harker’s son attempted to get between the men and break up the fight, but he was pulled

back by his mother.

Both Shirley and Harker fell to the ground afterward, during which Harker attempted to put Shirley in a chokehold.

Shirley was able to tase Harker and knock him down. Despite his refusal to move his arms, Holder managed to get Harker into handcuffs.

Due to the tasing and a cut to his right eye, medical units were called to the scene for treatment. Harker was placed under arrest about 7:22 pm and transported to GIMC for clearance.

He wa s t hen ta ken to McK i n le y C o u n t y A d u l t Detention Center and booked for battery on a peace officer and resisting arrest.

Gallup Sun • Friday December 31, 2021

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24 Friday December 31, 2021 • Gallup Sun

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