Gallup Sun • March 18, 2022

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Hospital Area for Sale 3 bedroom/ 2 bath Keller Williams Realty Gallup Living 309 E. Nizhoni Blvd. Gallup NM 87301 505-488-2344 Office Call Elizabeth for a showing: (505) 870-7603

VOL 8 | ISSUE 364 | MARCH 18, 2022

HARVEST FROM THE HEART Community Pantry makes gardening fun, affordable.

Story Page 14 Board of Commissioners: RMCHCS county lease on the line. Story

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Friday March 18, 2022 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

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Gallup Sun • Friday March 18, 2022

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LOCAL NEWS

NEWS

McKinley County threatens to terminate hospital lease RMCHCS BOARD HAS UNDER ONE MONTH TO HIRE CEO

Connie Liu, MD/PhD

Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services hospital campus. File Photo

By Molly Ann Howell Sun Correspondent

F

o r m o n t h s n o w, McK i n ley C ou nt y citizens have been expressing their displeasure with the Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services and more specifically the company that has been running the hospital for a year and a half now.

From down phone lines to an interim CEO that isn’t around as much as locals may like, citizens have been voicing their concerns about the hospital. The Community Health Action Group has held multiple town halls, protests, and community meetings to help citizens voice their concerns.

McKinley County has a lease with the Community Hospital Corporation, based out of Plano, TX, which runs the hospital. The county and CHC have been in the new lease for three

5 4

HONORING A HERO Joe Vargas Veterans Memorial Complex

months.

After listening to the community’s complaints for many months, the commissioners have held multiple closed sessions about the hospital lease and whether they should maintain it.

But during the March 14 Board of Commissioners meeting, commissioners finally came to the decision to begin the termination process for the lease.

In an interview with the Sun on March 15, county attorney Doug Decker explained that the company has 180 days to meet the commissioner’s conditions.

On March 17, McKinley County ma nager A nthony Dimas Jr. sent a letter to RMCHCS Board Chairman Steve McKernan listing out the county’s conditions.

The conditions the hospital needs to meet in order to avoid termination include hiring a new CEO, who should begin their new role no later than

6

April 15; open and transparent communication with RMCHCS employees and the community; and finally, continued communication with county commissioners and county management.

In an email to the Sun, Dimas said he would be sitting down with McKernan in the near future to begin discussions about how the hospital plans on enacting the aforementioned terms.

Meanwhile, in an interview with the Sun March 15, Commissioner Billy Moore talked about how difficult the termination decision was for commissioners.

“It was a very hard decision, because if they do decide to say, ‘heck with you guys, we’re gone’ then we’ve got to start all over. We’ve got to figure out how we’re going to go forward,” Moore said.

Moore said he is hoping the hospital and the county can

work things out.

Critics of hospital management see a bright spot in the commission’s recent decision.

Physicia n Con n ie L iu, spokesper son for t he Community Health Action Group, expressed her gratitude towards the commissioners.

“We are grateful to the county commission for listening to the evidence that members have spent months gathering, and demonstrating that they are listening to the community,” Liu said.

CHAG has led the community’s effort to spur the hospital into making changes that will improve employee work conditions, patient care, and transparency. The group conducted surveys with current and former hospital employees about the problems they see with the hospital.

During a county commission meeting held on Oct. 18, CHC said that nurses and

Dist. 1 Commissioner Billy Moore

RMCHCS interim CEO Don Smithburg doctors were leaving the hospital for higher pay. In a March 15 press release, CHAG said based on their findings, that wasn’t true.

Out of 12 former RMCHCS nurses CHAG interviewed, only two said they left for financial reasons.

RMCHCS interim CEO Don Smithburg did not return calls for comment as of press time.

View CHAG’s results: www.rmchisourhospital.com

WHAT’S INSIDE …

MURDER CASE Navajo man charged with 2016 murder

Friday March 18, 2022 • Gallup Sun

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HATCHET PLAN Robbery quickly solved by police

15 18 NEW HORROR 'X' comes out March 18

BASKETBALL ACTION Local teams put up the good fight

NEWS

Honoring a hometown hero VETERANS MEMORIAL COMPLEX AT FORT CANYON RENAMED JOE VARGAS VETERANS MEMORIAL COMPLEX

By Molly Ann Howell Sun Correspondent

J

oe Vargas served the Ga l lup com mu n it y as the Parks Director from November 1963 to December 2000. Now, 21 years

Gallup Sun Publishing, LLC Publisher Babette Herrmann Administrative Assistant Valerie Smith Design Vladimir Lotysh Contributing Editor Cody Begaye Correspondents Molly Ann Howell Rachelle Nones Rachel Pfeiffer Holly J. Wagner Photography Ana Hudgeons Ryan Hudgeons Knifewing Segura On the Cover A raised bed at Hope Garden rents for $75 per season, or $40 for veterans, water and seeds included. Businesses and groups are invited to sponsor planter beds for less fortunate gardeners.

Photos by Sherrie McDargh & Courtesy 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.

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after his last day of work and two years after his death on March 29, 2020, he is being honored in an extraordinary way.

During the March 8 city council meeting, the current Parks Director, Vincent Alonzo, came to the council to speak about Vargas and to recommend that the Veterans Memorial Complex at Ford Canyon be renamed the Joe Vargas Veterans Memorial Complex.

“Ford Canyon was Joe’s baby,” Alonzo said. “He was proud of Ford Canyon. To me, the park system is all because of Joe. He worked hard and he was proud of his parks.”

Mayor Louie Bonaguidi also spoke highly of Vargas. He

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noted that he’d known the man before he’d even started at the parks department.

“He was an amazing person, and even after he retired, he still refereed at basketball games,” Bonaguidi said.

Bonaguidi also spoke on Vargas’s work ethic, noting that he was usually up at 4:30 am and would work until 11:30 pm.

Councilor Fran Palochak, Dist. 1, also praised Vargas.

“Nobody’s more deserving for that park; that was his baby,” Palochak said in agreement. “It should be named after him.”

Before he started working for the City of Gallup, Vargas ser ved in the A r my from November 1961 to October 1963, when he was honorably

discharged.

The council ultimately agreed to rename the Veterans Memorial Complex at Ford Canyon to the Joe Vargas Veterans Memorial Complex.

In an interview with the Sun, one of Vargas’s daughters, Rae Ann Vargas-Ruiz, spoke about how much the dedication means to her family.

“This is an honor that will live past us, and that is such a touching memorial for him,” Vargas-Ruiz said.

She also explained how much her dad loved working in the parks department.

“I see the love that he had for the people of Gallup fi rst, above all. He would go out of his way; it wasn’t just a job it was a part of him.”

Joe Vargas served as Gallup’s park director from November 1963 to December 2000.

Now, the Veterans Memorial Complex at Ford Canyon is being named after him.

Photo Credit: Rae Ann Vargas-Ruiz

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Gallup Sun • Friday March 18, 2022

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PUBLIC SAFETY

Federal jury convicts Navajo man of manslaughter Staff Reports

A

LBUQUERQUE, N.M .E – A federal jury on March 10 returned a guilty

verdict on Brian Tony, 50, of Gallup. The jur y found Tony g u i lt y of volu nt a r y manslaughter.

Tony, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was arrested

on June 3, 2016, on a criminal complaint charging him with killing a man by stabbing him in the head and neck and hitting him with a hammer. Tony killed the victim on the Navajo Nation in McKinley County on May 9, 2016. At the time, Tony was on supervised release for a prior conviction on a federal assault charge.

Tony, who was accompanied by his brother and his girlfriend, drove to a residence in Gallup and picked up the victim and the victim’s friend. While at the residence, Tony retrieved a hammer and placed it in his vehicle.

He then drove them to Superman Canyon, where he and the victim got out of the vehicle and the victim was attacked out of sight of the other passengers.

Thereafter, the victim’s friend attempted to get out of the vehicle after hearing the victim yell, but Tony’s brother prevented him from doing so by threatening him with violence. The victim’s friend testified that Tony later returned to the vehicle covered in blood, without the victim, and with the victim’s knife sticking through his forearm.

While Tony and the victim were off on their own and out of the sight of the other three,

Brian Tony the victim called “911,” and requested assistance. The jury heard the victim’s nearly 10-minute call to “911,” during which the victim said that he was on foot in a ditch and was bleeding as the result of having been hit in the head with a hammer.

The victim identified Tony as the person who hit him and described the vehicle in which they had traveled. The call ended with the victim saying, “Hurry, here he comes now! Hurry!”

The following day, law enforcement authorities found the victim’s body in a ravine located by Rock Flats Road near Church Rock. A hammer was located in the ravine near the victim’s body and a large rock with bloodstains was next to the victim’s body. The victim was wearing an empty knife sheath on his belt.

An autopsy revealed that the victim had been stabbed

repeatedly in the head and neck and had blunt-force trauma wounds on his head.

On Aug. 8, 2017, Tony was charged in a superseding indictment with first-degree murder and two counts of witness tampering. On Sept. 30, 2017, a jury convicted Tony of witness tampering.

Following Tony’s arrest in June 2016, while he was detained at the Santa Fe County Detention Center, Tony called friends and relatives imploring them to convince a witness to leave town and to prevent him from testifying. In a number of these recorded calls, Tony can be heard attempting to dissuade his girlfriend from cooperating with law enforcement.

Tony has been in federal custody since his arrest and remains detained pending his sentencing hearing, which has not been scheduled. Tony faces up to 15 years in prison for the voluntary manslaughter conviction.

This case was investigated by the Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office and the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph M. Spindle and Nicholas J. Marshall are prosecuting the case.

Shiprock man sentenced to 14 years in prison CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ABUSE OF A MINOR Staff Reports

A

LBUQERQUE, N.M. – Bryan Bull, 40, of Shiprock, N.M., and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced on March 15 in federal court to 14 years in prison for aggravated sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country.

Bull pleaded guilty on Aug. 30, 2021. According to the plea agreement and other court records, on June 3, 2019, Bull and Jeremiah Elijah Jim, 32, of Teec Nos Pos, Ariz., and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, used intimidation and force on then 14-year-old John Doe and sexually abused him.

6

Friday March 18, 2022 • Gallup Sun

The abuse took place in Shiprock on the Navajo Nation.

Upon his relea se from prison, Bull will be subject to five years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.

Jim pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a minor and was

sentenced on Oct. 27, 2021, to 24 years in prison and must register as a sex offender.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Hatchet swinging robber quickly apprehended

By Molly Ann Howell Sun Correspondent

A

Zuni man robbed another man and then threatened him with a hatchet.

On March 2, Gallup Police Officer Darius Johnson was dispatched to Carquest, 1012 W. Maloney Ave., where he met up with a man who said a young couple, a man and a woman, had stolen $400 from him.

The victim explained that the couple approached him near the intersection of West

Aztec Avenue and Dean Street.

The man began to fi ght with the victim, and that’s when he took his wallet from his pants pocket.

The man explained that he tried to chase after his assailant. He caught up to them, and that’s when the man, later identified as Alexander Quam, 18, from Zuni, N.M., swung a hatchet at him. The victim backed off after that, not wanting to get injured.

Quam took off after that, but the victim was able to follow him to West Maloney

Avenue before losing him again.

According to Johnson’s report, the victim said he just wanted his wallet back.

A w itness approached Johnson and told him that he had seen the initial attack, and helped the victim by giving him a ride.

Eventually, they found the couple running near West Maloney.

Ten minutes after Johnson took the witness’s statement, he came back and told the officer that he had found the couple again.

Johnson, along with Officer

High with a stolen truck

By Molly Ann Howell Sun Correspondent

A

Ga llup woma n admitted to smoking fentanyl after police found her with a stolen truck.

On Feb. 11, around 4:08 pm, Gallup Police Officer Daniel Brown was dispatched to St. Joseph’s Soup Kitchen, 450 N. Fifth St., because someone had called the Metro Dispatch saying that two people were sitting in a truck and they were possibly on drugs. The caller said the pair seemed to be arguing.

While he was driving to the soup kitchen, Metro Dispatch

PUBLIC SAFETY

told Brown that the National Crime Information Center was reporting the truck as a stolen vehicle.

When Brown arrived at the scene, he found a tan Chevy Silverado pick-up truck. He saw a man standing outside of the truck’s driver side’s door, which was open.

The man appeared to be talking to someone in the driver’s seat. Officers Jarad Albert and Christopher Daves arrived to help Brown. Brown pulled up behind the truck and turned on his patrol lights.

Suddenly, a woman got out of the truck and started walking away. According to his

report, Brown told the woman to stop, but the woman just looked at him and kept walking away. Albert was able to detain the woman and led her to his police car.

The man who had been at the scene when Brown arrived agreed to talk to the officers.

He explained that when he had gotten to the soup kitchen, he saw a man and a woman arguing in the truck. The woman had been crying and screaming, but the truck’s windows were rolled up so he couldn’t hear what she was saying.

The witness said the other man in the truck ended up leaving, but he didn’t know where

Christopher Dawes and Sgt. John Gonzales, followed the witness to the Maverick gas station where they found Quam and his girlfriend.

The girlfriend said she didn’t know what was going on, and that all she had done was run because her boyfriend had told her to do so. Quam told the officers that the reported victim had been getting aggressive with him.

The officers found a black and yellow hatchet matching the one the victim described in Quam’s possession, so Johnson

he went. He gave the woman some food and tried talking to her.

Brown then went to speak with the woman, who was Caitlin Lucero, 22, from Gallup.

Lucero explained that she had found the truck with its keys left inside it at the TA Truck Stop, 3404 W. Hwy. 66.

She said that she put $5 in gas into the truck in order to try and get to the hospital.

According to Lucero, while she was at the gas station, 701 U.S. Hwy. 491, she saw a guy she knew from high school and picked him up. She told Brown that she didn’t know the guy’s name, and that she called him “Spook” in high school. She said she thought he took the truck’s keys when they got to

Alexander Quam arrested him. Johnson took Quam to the McKinley County Adult Detention Center, where he was charged with robbery and aggravated assault.

Quam’s preliminary examination was on March 16.

Catilin Lucero the soup kitchen.

Brown found out that the vehicle had been reported stolen on Feb. 9. He arrested L ucero for r e ceiv i n g or

STOLEN TRUCK | SEE PAGE 9

Gallup Sun • Friday March 18, 2022

7

Sending a message to cops

By Molly Ann Howell Sun Correspondent

A

Lukachuka i ma n broke a Gallup cannabis store’s window, but it wasn’t because he was upset about marijuana legalization.

On March 9, around 4:05 pm, Gallup Police Officer Julio Yazzie was sitting in his patrol car at the intersection of Ford Drive and Highway 66, when he noticed five people surrounding one man at the former Kim’s Imports Plus, 1011 E. U.S. Rte. 66.

W hen he approached

the group, he found Herlton S ey mou r Chee, 3 9, f rom Lukachukai, Ariz. The other people around him told Yazzie that Chee had thrown a rock through a window at Red Barn Growers, 1005 E. Hwy. 66.

Chee agreed to talk to Yazzie in his police car. Once in the car, he said he wanted to talk to Yazzie’s supervisor instead.

A f ter dea li ng w ith a repor ted ly u ncooperative Chee, Yazzie went to go talk to the witnesses. One woman said she had been in the business’s lobby when she heard a loud crash. She also saw

glass flying in from the front window.

Accor d i n g t o Ya z z ie’s report, the woman saw a short man with a backpack and short hair walk by about the same time the window was shattered. The suspect man then started heading east.

Security went after the him and caught up with him, Chee, at the business next door.

Yazzie also spoke to Red Barn Growers’s manager. He said that when he heard the crash he came out from the back room and went after Chee. He told Yazzie that the broken window could cost as

Herlton Chee much as $2,200 to replace.

The manager told Yazzie they had already cleaned up the mess, but he was able to show him that a big rock wa sn’t used, but rather a bunch of small rocks.

Ya z z i e fo u n d a s o f t ball-sized hole in the window.

The window was a 5x8 foot double pan window with tint.

Chee refused to speak to Yazzie; he said he only wanted to speak to his supervisor.

According to Yazzie’s report, Chee said he wanted to know why his brother’s incident wasn’t being handled and solved. He also commented that he only broke the window because he wanted to get attention.

Chee wa s taken to the McK i n ley Cou nt y Adu lt Detention Center, where he was charged with criminal damage to property worth over $1,000. His preliminary examination is scheduled for March 23.

Potential deadly situation curtailed by cops MAN GETS TASERED INSTEAD

By Molly Ann Howell Sun Correspondent

P

olice ended up tasing a man from Window Rock after he kept acting like he was

going to start fighting them.

On March 9, around 9:16 pm, Gallup Police Officer Matthew Strandy arrived at the Villa De Gallup II, 333 Klagetoh St., because a man had called in saying his grandmother had

texted him telling him to call the police.

The man explained that his uncle was highly intoxicated, and that his grandmother was afraid to come out of her room.

W hen S t r a nd y got t o

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the apar tment, the uncle, Keroy Bia, 38, from Window Rock, Ariz., opened the door.

Accord i ng to h is repor t , Strandy could tell Bia was extremely intoxicated, and he became aggressive towards the officer.

Bia bega n swea r ing at Strandy and told him to turn his flashlight off. Strandy kept his fl ashlight on because the lighting in the apartment was dark and there was no porch light.

POTENTIAL DEADLY | SEE PAGE 13

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Friday March 18, 2022 • Gallup Sun

DELIVERING MORE

PUBLIC SAFETY

WEEKLY DWI REPORT Staff Reports Featured DWI

Brianna Begay Jan. 3, 12:56 am Aggravated DWI (Third) A visit to a late-night drivethru resulted in Brianna Begay, 35, of Gallup, being arrested for

her third DWI. Metro Dispatch received a call stating a driver was unresponsive at the wheel of a green Jeep Patriot in the drive-thru at Del Taco at 550 U.S. Hwy. 491.

Ga llup Off icer Vincent Thompson responded to the call and arrived at the scene and found the vehicle. He knocked on the front window but the driver, Begay, did not respond. Thompson shone his fl ashlight in her face but she still did not wake. He had to shake the vehicle to wake Begay up.

Thompson told Begay to open the vehicle door but she shifted her vehicle into reverse and went back about three feet before shifting the vehicle again and moving forward and stopping on the curb.

Begay exited the vehicle after repeated commands to do so,

Protecting Native Women

and Thompson noted she staggered as she went towards the back of the vehicle.

She showed other signs of intoxication including bloodshot eyes, a smell of alcohol, and slurred her speech as she told him she had not consumed any alcohol.

Begay i n it ia l ly ag reed to take the Standard Field Sobriety Tests but quickly changed her mind and refused to take the tests. She was placed under arrest and her vehicle was secured, during w h ic h T h o m p s o n fo u n d an open can of Truly Hard Seltzer in the center console.

Thompson was also advised

by Metro Dispatch that Begay had two prior DWIs. Despite agreeing to the breat h test, Begay aga i n changed her mind and did not cooperate when she was taken

to Gallup Police Department.

Her actions were taken as a refusa,l and she was transported to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked for aggravated DWI (third) and having an open container.

Begay is awaiting a motion hearing set for March 29.

Name: Raelynn Lee Age: 28 Arrested: Dec. 29 Charge: Aggravated DWI (second) Status: Motion hearing April 21

Name: Reuben Begay Age: 35 Arrested: Jan. 1 Charge: Aggravated DWI Status: No trial set

Name: Amanda Gomez Age: 30 Arrested: Dec. 28 Charge: Aggravated DWI (second) Status: Motion hearing April 14

Name: Preston McCorkey Age: 23 Arrested: Dec. 31 Charge: Aggravated DWI (second) Status: Motion hearing March 29

Name: Kevin Yazzie Age: 37 Arrested: Dec. 27 Charge: Aggravated DWI (second) Status: Motion hearing April 14

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

Meskee Yatsayte of the Missing and Murdered Diné Relatives Task Force, state Sen. Shannon Pinto, and Madam Chair Amber Kanazbah Crotty support the signing of several MMIWR bills in Albuquerque March 16. Photo Credit: 24th Navajo Nation Council

STOLEN TRUCK | FROM PAGE 7 transferring a stolen vehicle and resisting arrest.

While he was searching the vehicle, Albert found a small cloth bag, which had a pipe with a brownish residue inside it. Lucero admitted that she had smoked Fentanyl about an hour before her arrest.

Finally, the truck’s owner PUBLIC SAFETY

arrived at the soup kitchen.

Brow n tra nspor ted Lucero to the Gallup Police Department to get her paperwork processed, and then to the McKinley County Adult Detention Center. Lucero was charged with drug paraphernalia possession in addition to the two previously mentioned charges. Lucero’s preliminary examination was on March 9.

Gallup Sun • Friday March 18, 2022

9

NEWS

HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

Earthweek: Diary of a Changing World Week ending Friday, March 11, 2022

By Steve Newman

Aging Reversal A st udy pub lished in the journal Nature Aging documents how U.S. researchers successfully turned back the biological clock in animals with a form of gene therapy. While such success in humans is not likely for many years or even decades, mice with equivalent ages of between 35 and 50 in humans that were treated with what are known as Yamanaka factors for several months appeared much younger. Their skin and kidneys were said to have shown significant signs of rejuvenation. But older mice with ages equivalent to 80 years in humans showed little or no sign of improvement.

The use of Yamanaka factors in humans can trigger cancer, so scientists say far more research is necessary before people can expect a fountain of youth.

Earthquakes Southern Mexico was jolted

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Carbon Removal

by three tremors, with the strongest centered in Oaxaca registering a magnitude of 5.7.

• Tremors were also felt in northwestern Sumatra, Taiwan and West Texas.

Litter Shelters Octopuses are increasingly being o b s e r ve d a nd photographed using discarded cans, bottles and other trash

as shelter, and even places to safely lay their eggs, hidden from predators. Writing in the journal Marine Pollution Bulletin, lead researcher Maira Proietti at Brazil’s Federal University of Rio Grande says her team examined hundreds of images from “citizen scientists” to see how the creatures are literally embracing such trash. “They clearly see that there’s a lot of litter around, and it can therefore act as a kind of artificial camouflage,” said Proietti. But she cautions

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Friday March 18, 2022 • Gallup Sun

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that sheltering or laying eggs in discarded tires, batteries, plastic containers and other man-made items could expose the octopuses to heavy metals or hazardous chemicals.

Avian Adaptation A long-ter m study of birds in Eu rope revea l s many species are being profoundly affected by climate change. By looking at how and when 60 different species lay their eggs, the number of offspring and death rates, researchers found that not all changes have been due to higher temperatures alone.

Garden warblers are now having one-quarter fewer chicks, while some classic songbirds, sparrows and fi nches are getting smaller. Some species are laying their eggs up to 12 days earlier than 50 years ago.

Habitat loss, pollution and urbanization could be responsible for some changes.

Fiery Eruptions A 26 -hour surge in activity at Guatemala’s Volcán de Fuego

It will now be necessary to efficiently remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to keep global warming from exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius, the aspirational goal outlined in the Paris climate agreement. A new report from Britain’s Energy Transitions Commission examines various ways to cleanse the air of carbon emissions, ranging from projects to plant trees around the world to carbon capture and storage.

The current technology for removing CO2 from the air and safely storing it produces almost as much in carbon emissions as it removes. The report says much cleaner methods must be developed because a switch to green and renewable energy won’t be enough to meet current climate change goals.

Tropical Cyclones Cyclone Gombe drenched northern Madagascar before nearing Mozambique late in the week.

• An unnamed tropical storm formed briefly in the southwestern Bay of Bengal.

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

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(Volcano of Fire) prompted officials to evacuate nearby residents to shelters. An eruption in 2018 killed 194 people and left another 234 missing.

• Hundreds of people living near Indonesia’s Mount Merapi fled superheated clouds of volcanic debris and lava flows as the mountain erupted multiple times in a single day on Java.

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Octopuses seem to prefer unbroken litter, and dark or opaque containers, for shelter and places to lay their eggs. Photo Credit: ARGANS HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

OPINIONS

New Mexico’s children deserve a landscape free of orphaned wells

By Paige Knight Senior Research and Policy Analyst, New Mexico Voices for Children

A

s proud New Mexicans, we know our state has the best scenery and natural beauty in the nation.

While we want to keep it that way, that’s hard to when our landscape is dotted with old, pollution-spewing orphaned oil wells.

With New Mexico being the second largest oil-producing state in the country, we’ve been stuck with a multitude of orphaned wells. When the companies who drilled and profited from the wells don’t take responsibility for capping and cleaning them, the rest of us end up footing the bill.

The federal government

is distr ibuting money for orphaned well cleanup from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which will be a big help. But funding the cleanup of orphaned wells doesn’t solve the root problem.

That problem is that the rate for federal bonding – the amount of money oil producers have to pay up front to cap any wells they walk away from – are simply too low. These rates were set back in the 1950s and ‘60s, when the cost of capping and cleaning up a well was much lower than it is today.

These decades-old federal bonding rates need to be updated now so we can spend our tax money where we really want to spend it – on our schools, hospitals, roads and bridges, and all the other public infrastructure that improves our quality of life and makes our modern economy possible.

Last year the Center for Applied Research estimated that an additional $8.1 billion would be required to cap and cleanup all the wells on state and private lands alone should all current producers go bankrupt or simply walk away. The potential burden to New Mexicans is even greater when you factor in the nearly 32,000 wells on federal lands in the state.

Thankfully, the Department of the Interior (DOI) agrees that it’s time for bonding reform. Their latest report recommends increasing minimum bond amounts and adequately reviewing leases to ensure that costs are covered. This way, when a company goes bankrupt or abandons their wells, the forfeited bond amount is enough to cover the cost of cleanup – and the rest of us can

Paige Knight

NEW MEXICO’S CHILDREN | SEE PAGE 13

Are you planning to retire?

HERE ARE A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER “Planning to retire? Be sure you have your exit plan in place and remember, when you retire, you never have a day off.” - Lawrence Castillo ‘Layin’ it on the line’

By Lawrence Castillo Guest Columnist

R

etirement is not likely to look anything like your parents’ retirement. The economic impact of government actions related to the pandemic, inflation caused by loose monetary policy, and stock market volatility have created craters in even the best-laid retirement plans. Many Americans are considering taking the money and running, opting for early retirement.

Joel a long-haul trucker, says he was initially going to wait another five years before retiring. “Dealing with a lack OPINIONS

Lawrence Castillo of parts for my trucks because of supply-chain problems, frustrating and time-consuming regulatory changes, and infl ation have made my life challenging. I’m retiring now instead of later,” he explained.

LAWRENCE CASTILLO | SEE PAGE 13 Gallup Sun • Friday March 18, 2022

11

Lawsuit fi led against the city of Rio Rancho for records denials AG: MINORS NAMES CAN’T BE WITHHELD FROM POLICE REPORTS

By Shannon Kunkel Executive Director, NM Foundation for Open Government

L

aw en forcement records involving the shooting death of a Santa Fe police officer’s two-year-old son held

secret by the city for months The New Mexico Foundation for Open Government (FOG) and The Santa Fe New Mexican fi led a complaint against the city of Rio Rancho Monday in the New Mexico Thirteenth Judicial District Court.

The complaint filed to en force t he New Mex ico

Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) alleges that the city of Rio Rancho has wrongfully shielded from public view police reports and 911 audio and transcripts stemming from the shooting death of two-year-old Lincoln Harmon, son of Santa Fe police officer Jonathan Harmon, in his Rio

Rancho home last December.

In response to requests made by The Santa Fe New Mexican and FOG, Rio Rancho City Attor ney Greg Lauer issued what constitutes a blanket denial of the records citing the Children’s Code, a section of law designed to hold confidential certain information

Shannon Kunkel

LAWSUIT | SEE PAGE 17

Sunshine Week highlights government transparency, role in upholding democracy

By Shannon Kunkel Executive Director, NM Foundation for Open Government

T

he New Mex ico Foundation for Open Government (FOG) is marking Sunshine

Week with reverence a nd appreciation for the essential role freedom of information and freedom of the press serve in guaranteeing our American democracy.

Sunshine Week is a national initiative spearheaded by the News Leaders Association

to educate the public about the importance of open government and the dangers of excessive and unnecessary secrecy. Coi ncid i ng w it h James Madison’s bir thday a nd Nationa l Freedom of Information Day on March 16, Sunshine Week 2022 runs from

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The fourth President of the United States, James Madison is known as the Father of the Constitution, who valued deeply transparency and openness, proclaiming, “Knowledge will forever govern ignorance: And a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.”

In the past month, we’ve seen the dire consequences of disinformation and secrecy in Russian society, where citizens are misled by Vladimir Putin and State Media about the true nature of the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. It is a somber reminder of the importance of the Fourth Estate.

Even i n est abl ished

democracies, like ours, government propaganda, hidden

SUNSHINE WEEK | SEE PAGE 17

OBITUARIES

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Friday March 18, 2022 • Gallup Sun

OPINIONS

POTENTIAL DEADLY | FROM PAGE 8 Strandy repeatedly asked Bia to calm down, but the man kept clenching his hands into fi sts, and he lowered his chin and began shifting his weight back and forth. According to his report, Strandy saw this as a fighting stance and began to worry Bia would try to fight him.

Bia stepped out of the apartment, still clenching his fi sts and shifting his weight.

NEW MEXICO’S CHILDREN | FROM PAGE 11 fi nally stop paying the bill.

And the issue has some traction in Congress as well.

Last year, U.S. House Rep. Te r e s a L e ge r Fe r n á nde z i nt roduced t he Or pha ned Wells Cleanup and Jobs Act. The bill would increase minimum bonding amounts in addition to helping fund the cleanup of more than 56,000 wells on federal, state and tr iba l la nds across the

Strandy took out his taser and prepared to use it by taking the safety off, while still telling Bia he needed to calm down. The officer told the man he was only there to talk.

Bia began walking towards a car that was parked in the apartment complex’s parking lot. He continued to swear at Strandy.

Eventually, Strandy’s view of Bia was obstructed by the car, and while he was on the opposite side of the car Strandy could not see Bia’s hands. He

could not tell if the man had any weapons.

Bia fi nally walked around the car so that Strandy could once again see him, and that’s when Officer Aaron Marquez arrived at the scene.

The officers continued to try and talk to Bia, but he was still in the fighting stance. At this point, Strandy had his taser pointed at Bia, with the laser pointed at his stomach.

Marquez began to approach Bia to try and detain him, and Bia put his fi sts up acting like

country.

Our neighbors in Colorado are dealing with the same problems, and U.S. Senator Michael Bennet introduced t he Oi l a nd Ga s Bond i ng Reform and Orphaned Well Remediation Act, co-sponsored by our own Senator Martin Heinrich.

T h i s bi l l wou ld a l so strengthen bonding requirements while providing states a nd t he Bu r e au of L a nd Management with funding to reclaim orphaned wells.

These bills lay out the type of action that needs to be taken at a national level to fix this problem in both the short and long terms.

We need the Biden administration and Congress to act now to address this urgent problem. We don’t have time to waste on these reforms – another round of oil and gas leasing is set to begin soon with the archaic rates still in place. We’ve paid for this mess for too long, and it’s past time to tip the balance.

he was preparing to fight.

Accord i ng to h is repor t , Strandy still could not tell if Bia had a weapon or not, and he feared for his fellow officer’s safety, so he tased Bia. Bia fell to the ground, hitting his face on the pavement.

While he was on the ground, the officers were able to handcuff him. Strandy noted that the man did not have any weapons.

Bia was bleeding from the bridge of his nose, and he had

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LAWRENCE CASTILLO | FROM PAGE 11 Retiring early is a decision many Americans have already made, mainly because their workplaces reduced or eliminated staff. Some workers were offered attractive incentives for taking early retirement by companies feeling the pinch of COVID lockdowns.

Regardless of whether your retirement plans look solid, it’s still a great time to review your portfolio’s balance and think about for how long you want to continue working.

Fortunately, the basics of creating a secure retirement remain the same, except for perhaps a few additional COVID-related caveats. Here are a few things to consider: Don’t count on working forever. Until COVID- working until you dropped seemed like a viable plan. However, results from a 2021 study by the Employee Benefits Research Institute (EBRI) conf ir m previous fi ndings that indicate nearly 50% of all retirees left the workforce before the original target retirement date.

This reality means that people in their 50’s and 60’s should have emergency plans solidly in place.

Reduce or eliminate as much debt as you can. It’s common sense to make debt reduction a priority. You don’t want to take a credit card balance, car payment, or student loan with you when you retire, especially when retiring in an unpredictable economy.

Have a health insurance strategy in place. If you find yourself retired before you are eligible for Medicare, you may have to fi nd an affordable policy for those “gap years.” Even if you do get Medicare, you’ll need to plan for things like co-pays and uncovered expenses. One thing to consider is a health sav ings account, or HSA, which can help you grow a pot of emergency cash you can use when you retire. Ask your financial advisor to explain the many benefits of HSA plans and help you determine if starting one will work for you.

Finally, no matter what you decide about retiring, meet with a qualified retirement income planner. Ultimately, deciding

when to retire may or may not be up to you. However, if you are thinking about leaving the workforce, you should sit down with your advisor and discuss every potential pitfall and how to avoid them.

Your advisor will suggest more strategies and recommend the right products to help you avoid running out of money when you stop working.

Lawrence Castillo is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a n a t io n a l or g a n i z a t io n committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.

Lawrence Castillo Host of Safe Money and Income Radio.

L and C Retirement Income Planners, 4801 Lang St. NE Suite 100 Albuquerque NM 87109.

Interested in additional information? Register for my FREE Newsletter at 888-9983463 or click my newsletter li nk: ht t ps://a n nu it y.com / lawrence-castillo-newsletter/ Syndicated Columnists is the sole provider of this material, both written and conceptual, for this column. All rights reserved.

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COMMUNITY

also vomited on himself when he was tased.

A medical team arrived at the scene and checked Bia over.

They said he would possibly need stitches for his nose.

After receiving medical treatment for his injuries at local hospital, Bia was transported to the McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked on two charges: resisting an officer, and threatening an officer. His pre-trial hearing will be on April 7.

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13

COMMUNITY

Home Grown ORGANIC PRODUCE ISN’T JUST FOR THE RICH

By Holly J. Wagner Sun Correspondent

A

garden is a hub of sights, scents and sounds that all seem to shout “Life!” to any visitor who’ll pay attention. The Community Pantry’s Hope Garden is answering the call with a seed-starting party and open house from 1 to 3 pm March 26.

“This is something we are kicking off this year. We got a big donation of seeds from Home Depot and really wanted to provide a space to use those and also try to connect people with the garden boxes,” Meredith Lorencz, programs coordinator at The Community Pantry said.

Participants will learn the proper way to start plants from seed and care for them.

Visiting master gardeners will join resident Master Gardener Sherrie McDargh and assistant gardener Duane Skeet for the afternoon to answer questions and give advice to home gardeners of all ages and abilities.

“For me it’s gratifying to teach people about gardening,” McDargh said. “They get all happy and surprised.”

L orencz a nd her st a f f work to make fresh produce and gardening accessible and affordable to everyone. Home gardeners can drop in to buy or swap seeds and get advice.

Those who don’t have a garden space at home can rent a 4-foot by 8-foot planter box for the season, which runs April through October.

The $75 fee includes rich soil, water, seeds and use of tools, and is discounted to just $40 for military veterans.

“If you go on vacation, all you have to do is let us know and we’ll tend to it while you’re away,” McDargh said.

Any business, group or person may sponsor a box for someone less fortunate, and the box will promote the donor’s name for the season.

That can be a blessing for families that rely on public assistance. Little-known fact: It’s not just the produce that’s eligible for EBT, SNAP

14

Larissa Ben’s daughter Aaliyah Lovato, 6, grew a prize-winning pumpkin last year and is eager to get growing again this year. Photo Credit: Larissa Ben and Double Up Food Bucks purchases. Vegetable, herb and fruit seeds also qualify, whether grown at the garden or at home.

Budget stretching inspired Larissa Ben to take on a planter box last season to help provide healthier food for herself and

her children.

“I have space at home, but I wanted to get the hang of planting and what to plant and how it works,” she said.

Last year she grew zucchini, onions, peppers, cherry and large tomatoes, spinach, kale and carrots. She had so

Compost cultivated all year at Hope Garden makes the soil rich and productive for all kinds of crops, grown by staff and volunteers. Photo Credit: Sherrie McDargh

Friday March 18, 2022 • Gallup Sun

Hope Garden has a produce stand inside the Community Pantry year round, and it blossoms into a full-size New Mexico-certified farmer’s market during the summer. Photo Credit: Sherrie McDargh many tomatoes she canned dad’s trailer but the soil wasn’t jars of salsa and made sun- right. Our produce was real dried tomatoes for snacks and small and the water bill was pasta dishes. She’s continued real expensive,” she said. They through the winter and is still started late but were still able growing garlic, onions and to grow a few tomatoes, squash cilantro. and sunflowers. This year she’s And there was an unex- looking forward to growing pected bonus: “My daughter Indian corn and strawberries grew a giant jack-o-lantern as well. there. We took it to the Prewitt “I thought I knew a lot but fair, and she won fi rst place,” I have learned a lot…they Ben said. “She was excited, give you a lot of tips like how she was happy and now she to prune the tomatoes, which wants to grow a couple more plants are weeds and which pumpkins.” ones aren’t,” she said.

Home gardeners love the Gardening has also garden’s environment and expanded her social network. having everything they need in “A lot of the community memone place. Hope Garden makes bers see each other around compost all year to enrich the town,” she said. “We all know soil, and collects rainwater for each other and talk about each season in eight 2,500-gal- whether you’re going to get lon barrels. another box. It’s nice to meet Cynthia Chavez and her people with the same interests brother started planter boxes as you.” late last year because of dead As an extension of the dirt in the space they had at Community Pantry, the Hope home. Also, at Hope Garden Garden is focused on food. a dozen of the 72 raised beds Much of the staff- and volunare built higher and have wider teer-grown bounty goes into spaces between so disabled gardeners like her brother have access.

HOME GROWN “We had a garden at my | SEE PAGE 17 COMMUNITY

‘X’ pays homage to horror classics

By Glenn Kay For the Sun

RATING:  OUT OF  RUNNING TIME: 105 MINUTES This film from A24 opens exclusively at theaters on March 28 Independent fi lmmaker Ti West has built up a notable series of cult titles over the years, including “The House of the Devil,” “The Innkeepers” and “Sacrament.” His features are notable for emphasizing mood and atmosphere, with the camera often holding stationary on subjects for extended periods of time (which has resulted in some pacing criticisms from genre critics).

“X” is the latest from the writer/producer/director, which is his first horror picture in nearly a decade. This reviewer can report that it was worth the wait. Creepy movie enthusiasts who can get on West’s wavelength will fi nd that this effort is as effective and as memorable as his most popular titles.

Set in 1979, the story follows a youthful, independent Texan fi lm crew setting out to shoot a pornographic fi lm. The group includes producer Wayne (Martin Henderson), starlet Bobby-Lynn (Brittany Snow), aspiring adult film actress Maxine (Mia Goth), male performer Jackson (Kid Cudi), director RJ (Owen Camptell) and his girlfriend/boom operator Lorraine (Jenna Ortega).

They arrive at a secluded ranch house and quickly discover that Wayne has not informed elderly proper ty owners Howard (Stephen Ure) and Pearl (who is played by one of the previously mentioned cast members under extensive make-up) about their plans.

They all decide to make the film quickly without being caught, but find the oddly behaved owners becoming a more and more threatening presence by the minute.

Visually, it’s very clear from the outset that this feature is a homage to Tobe Hooper titles like “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and “Eaten Alive.”

The production design, costuming and cinematography do an excellent job of recreating COMMUNITY

From left to right RJ (Owen Camptell), Bobby-Lynn (Brittany Snow), Maxine (Mia Goth), Jackson (Kid Cudi) and Lorraine (Jenna Ortega) are a youthful independent film crew setting out to shoot a pornographic film. But they bite off a bit more than they chew in this horror movie. Photo Credit: A24 the era. At times, it all certainly feels like a lost feature from the 1970s. The only giveaways are some impressive overhead shots that wouldn’t have been possible to capture during the earlier era.

Once again, the filmmaker’s camera lingers on environments and effectively creates a tense mood as Howard, Pearl and the local wildlife slowly approach many of the leads from behind.

Since this is a feature about making a movie, a great deal of dark humor is derived from some of the absurdities involved in creating an adult fi lm, including the casual attitudes of the performers about their work. One a musing moment involves the director

attempting to convince himself and others that he is creating a highbrow, quality X-rated feature.

And Jackson makes an entertaining impression as the male lead of the adult production, a man who has no problem casually wandering around buck naked. Early on, much of it is played for laughs in a tongue-in-cheek manner, but there is some interesting tension and jealousy that arises within the group as shooting progresses.

Even Howard and Pearl get an unusual backstory to build some empathy and help viewers understand their behavior and

frustration.

Enough is done in the fi rst half of the story to make all of the characters distinctive and the cast are uniformly solid.

So, when things do go haywire, viewers are invested in the disturbing goods.

Despite it being a homage of sorts to some very familiar modern horror classics, there are plenty of unique, memorable and extremely up-closeand-personal interactions towards the finale that are tense, horrific and grimly amusing (sometimes all at the same time). In fact, there is a distinct possibility that some of the big and elaborate confrontations

featured in the fl ick have been handled in an entirely new and distinctive way.

“X” isn’t an overly deep or intellectual horror picture, but it is a very effective one that aims to thrill, chill and provide knowingly humorous winks to the audience. It generally hits the mark on all counts. At the press screening I attended, there was a consistent combination of laughs, guffaws and shrieks as all of the strangeness unfolded.

In the end, this slasher will leave a distinctive mark on viewers.

V ISIT: W W W. CINEMASTANCE.COM

Gallup Sun • Friday March 18, 2022

15

Blu-ray/DVD Roundup for March 18, 2022

By Glenn Kay For the Sun

I

t’s time for another look at new releases coming your way on Blu-ray and DVD. Once again, there is an interesting mix of big Hollywood releases and independent fare. 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! THE BOY BEHIND THE DOOR: This chiller follows a 12-year-old and his best f r ie nd w ho are abducted on their way home from school.

A f t e r breaking free from his confinement, one of the youngsters gets into the hallways and tries to fi nd a way to locate and rescue his pal. He soon discovers that this kidnapper also has a cohort, making it even harder to avoid capture, get out and fi nd help.

Response towards this horror picture was very strong.

One or two were frustrated by the choices made by the main characters, saying their bad decisions only occurred to keep everyone in peril.

However, all others called the protagonists likable and the movie remarkably tense, noting that genre fans would undoubtedly be impressed.

It stars Lonnie Chavis, Ezra Dewey, Kristin Bauer, Scott Michael Foster and Micah A. Hauptman.

ENEMIES OF THE STATE: Matt DeHart and his family are the subjects of this documentary. The young man came from a family in the US military and took a position as an intelligence analyst, eventually making claims that he had found documents implicating the CIA in a horrific hoax.

He was discharged from his job and later arrested for receiving child pornography. The filmmakers talk with DeHart and tell his bizarre story. It involves espionage, corporate secrets and how the US government targeted his family.

Reviews were good but not

exceptional for this feature.

Those who disliked the film said that it was impossibly difficult to discern truth from fiction and that the end result was confusing. The majority said that while the film was muddled with contradictory conspiracy theories, it was fascinating to watch and would leave viewers questioning everything they saw. This is a DVD-only release.

JOHN AND THE HOLE: A creepy 13-year-old gets a nasty idea after discovering a large unfi nished bunker in the woods near his home.

He decides to drug his wellto-do parents and older sister and hold them hostage inside the area. They awaken confused, trying to convince their son to let them out. In the meantime, he attempts to divert suspicion as various people drop by to visit family members.

T h i s a r t hou se t h r i l ler received slightly more recommendations from critics than it did pans. A number of writeups did suggest that the feature was pretentious and too lowkey, lacking any suspense and tension. However, more complimented the performances

and stated that the movie was an eerie and, at times, darkly funny coming-of-age picture.

It features Charlie Shotwell, Michael C. Hall, Taissa Farmiga and Jennifer Ehle.

PROJECT ‘GEMINI’: After a virus wipes out most of the human population, a group of sur v ivors are launched into the deepest regions of outer space in the hopes of terraforming a new world. As it turns out, they have been led to this planet after recovering a secret ancient alien artifact.

The journey goes badly and the crew fi nd themselves trapped on a hostile world where they begin dying mysteriously. Currently, there aren’t a great many write-ups for this Russian film (which apparently was shot years ago and was extensively reshot) and the ones that have appeared have been less-than-complementary.

They make the case that the movie looks very slick and has decent special effects, but that the story and acting are wooden. They also commented that the plot borrows heavily from fi lms like ‘Alien’ and ‘Prometheus’ but isn’t nearly as effective. The cast includes Egor Koreshkov, Dmitriy Frid and Alyona Konstantinova.

RIFKIN’S FESTIVAL: A retired ex-film professor, movie snob and hypochondriac travels with his publicist wife to the San Sebastian Film Festival in Portugal.

Once there, he teases and makes fun of the moviemaker whom his spouse represents, causing tension in his already strained marriage. He wanders around town and meets a friendly young doctor, causing him to question his relationship and the choices he has made in life.

The latest from Woody Allen split critics, with slightly more giving the movie negative reviews than positive ones.

Close to half suggested that while it wasn’t the best title in the fi lmmaker’s catalog, this was a beautifully shot and likable homage to classic cinema with a few interesting observations about aging. Alas, more complained that the film wasn’t sharp or edgy enough and felt

16

Friday March 18, 2022 • Gallup Sun

like a very average effort.

It features Wallace Shawn, Gina Gershon, Louis Garrel and Christoph Waltz.

W EST SIDE STORY: This remake of the 1957 stage musical and the Best Picture Oscarw i n n i n g 1961 feature f i l m c ome s from Steven Spielberg (“Jaws,” “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “Schindler’s List,” “Jurassic Park,” “Saving Private Ryan,” “Lincoln”).

It details the rivalry between two teenage gangs of different ethnic backgrounds and a love affair that blooms among two members with connections to the separate groups. Critics were impressed with the feature and it has been nominated for seven Academy Awards.

A small handful critiqued the movie for being a nostalgic copy of the original movie that didn’t update the themes and felt rather unnecessary. Still, the consensus was that the picture was a technical marvel with great music and performances and that it would ultimately wow viewers. It stars Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Rita Moreno, Brian d’Arcy James and Corey Stoll.

BL ASTS FROM THE PAST! There are a ton of older titles arriving in high definition as well.

Arrow Video put out a wonderful Blu-ray Special Edition of the great horror/comedy “An American Werewolf in London” (1981) a year or so ago. Now they are rereleasing it as a Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD. If you already have the Bluray then you’re f i ne, but i f you have a 4K set-up you can now see the picture and all of the bonuses with even sharper picture quality.

If fantasy films are more to your liking, the distributor

BLU-RAY/DVD | SEE PAGE 17 COMMUNITY

LAWSUIT | FROM PAGE 12 held by the Children, Youth and Families Department.

Last week, an IPRA determination letter issued by the Office of the Attorney General stated the records were improperly denied and should be released. Lauer, in an email, refused to consider making public the records and insisted a new request be fi led in the matter. A spokesperson for Rio Rancho later suggested records may potentially be made available.

After submitting a second request, FOG received a response from the city that extra time would be required to respond to the request. The Santa Fe New Mexican had originally requested records on December 13, 2021, and FOG submitted a mirror IPRA on January 14, 2022.

“FOG appreciates Attorney Gener a l Ba lder a s t a k i ng

SUNSHINE WEEK | FROM PAGE 12 records and clandestine meetings of public bodies threaten our fragile experiment in self-governance.

Here in New Mexico, the pandemic and subsequent staffing shortages have taken a toll on public access to public information. The free hotline operated by FOG is handling record

HOME GROWN | FROM PAGE 14 food boxes for pantry distribution, but in summer there’s often surplus that’s offered for sale to the public. Some is also sold to La Montanita co-op, Lorencz said, with the proceeds from all sales going back to the garden and pantry.

BLU-RAY/DVD | FROM PAGE 16 also have “The Sword and the Sorcerer” (1982) in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set. It’s a fantasy picture in the mold of “Conan the Barbarian” (which had just arrived in theaters and was a big hit).

The 4K Ultra HD disc includes the movie with a director commentary track. The Bluray contains the same scan of the picture at a slightly lower resolution, plus the commentary, interviews with the director, the COMMUNITY

decisive action in this matter, and we’re glad he contends, as does FOG, that the records never should have been kept secret in this case,” said Kathi Bearden, president of the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government board of directors.

“Rio Rancho should have handed over records immediately after receiving the letter,” Bearden said. “The time to provide the records was months ago.”

The legal complaint FOG f i led t od ay s t a t e s, “ T he a sser ted justif ication for wholesale denial of the records requests at issue here was plainly erroneous as a matter of law. Should it go uncorrected by a court in this widely publicized case, it threatens to curtain from public view vast swaths of previously public information at the intersection of public safety and child welfare.”

In fact, in ma ny other

high-profi le tragic child death cases, records were routinely released.

The complaint notes, “… the shocking deaths of Omaree Va rela , Victor ia Ma r tens, Jeremiah Valencia, and other children at the hands of their parents or their parents’ associates have shone a spotlight on the ways in which police departments and child welfare agencies have failed to protect New Mexico’s most precious resource. We know about them because law-enforcement officials have responsibly released investigative reports, lapel-camera video, and other information...”

The complaint asserts that while the city argues it is acting to protect the privacy rights of children involved in the case, it could be perceived that the real motivation is to “protect a public-safety officer from public scrutiny.”

“The only circumstance that seems to distinguish this

case from the scores of cases in which police departments (i nclud i ng Rio R a ncho’s) unquestioningly honor IPRA requests for information about suspected crimes involving child victims or perpetrators is that a police officer is one of the parties under suspicion,” reads the complaint.

“While the shooting death of the officer’s child in the officer’s home is an unspeakable personal tragedy for the officer and his family, the suggestion that the death resulted from the officer’s failure to keep his own fi rearms out of his own children’s reach is also a matter of understandable public interest and concern.”

FOG’s executive director, Shannon Kunkel, said it is disappointing that the city will not voluntarily comply with the law.

“In instances like these, where government agencies dig in their heels and refuse to obey the law, fi ling in court is

the best recourse,” she said.

“Citizens seeking public information often need the help of an attorney to gain access,” Kunkel continued.

“FOG is currently fundraising to hire a staff attorney who would be available to help in such instances. We are closing in on reaching our $300,000 goal.”

FOG elected to fi le suit in this matter upon the unanimous consent of its 27-member board of directors, following the recommendation of its legal panel, comprised of pro-bono attorneys, and its executive committee.

Co -pla i nti f fs T he New Mexico Foundation for Open Government and The Santa Fe New Mexican are represented

by Charles “Kip” Purcell of Rodey, Dickason, Sloan, Akin & Robb, P. A., an Albuquerquebased law firm. Purcell also serves on the FOG board of directors as a member of its executive committee.

call volumes and addressing citizen concerns about records requests being ignored, delayed or denied, and meetings being held without proper notice and without adequate public access.

In brighter news, the Office of the Attorney General issued last week three determination letters in favor of transparency in response to complaints about records that were previously wrongfully withheld.

While not a legal court ruling, these letters bolster FOG’s position that the public’s right to know must be protected while balanced against individual privacy rights.

FOG, as the leading statewide, nonprofit, nonpartisan transparency organization, educates, advocates, and when necessary, litigates for open government. Even as FOG urges openness, governmental

bodies frequently disobey New Mexico’s sunshine laws. In such cases, the public’s only recourse to ensure compliance with the laws is to file in court.

Unfortunately, hiring an attorney is an expensive undertaking, and one everyday citizens cannot often afford.

To solve this problem and spread sunlight throughout the halls of government, FOG is fundraising to hire a staff

attorney who would be available to represent people who have been improperly denied public information. This attorney would be a game-changer for open government in New Mexico.

Without engaged champions of open government, public bodies will withdraw into darkness. Without an informed citizenry, democracy will surely falter.

As if the farming, hoop greenhouses, planter beds, composting, gardening seminars, seed swap and mini-orchard weren’t enough, Hope Garden has a small produce stand inside the pantry year round. When the summer harvest comes in, its New Mexicocertified farmers market opens.

Although the produce from the

garden is not certified organic, that’s a formality. It is grown to the same standards.

Together it serves the mission of getting fresh, healthy food onto as many Gallup tables as possible, Lorencz said. “We realize how difficult it is to garden in this climate and we want to get those tools to our community.”

The Community Pantry and Hope Garden are at 1130 Hassler Valley Rd. in Gallup, open MondayFriday, 7 am to 4 pm. To

rent or sponsor a planter box or for more information, call (505) 726-8068 or see https://thecommunitypantry.org/hope-garden/.

co-writer/co-producer, the editor, various make-up and special effects artists and a tribute to one of the stuntmen who worked on the feature. You’ll also receive trailers and a TV spot.

“Aeon Flux” (2006) starring Charlize Theron and the drama, “Babel” (2006).

Paramount have plenty of Blu-rays as well.

They include the drama “The Accused” (1988) w it h Jod ie Fo st er a nd Kelly McGillis, the action flick

YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS! Here are a few titles that may appeal to kids.

“Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Playtime with Daniel!” (PBS) DVD “Pokemon: The Ser ies: Black & White Rival Destinies” The Complete Season “The Proud Family” The Complete Series & Movie DVD Gallup Sun • Friday March 18, 2022

17

SPORTS

Pecos Valley shuts down Rehoboth Lynx FINAL SCORE 67-51

Rehoboth Christian Lynx Talon West (14) shoots a 3 pointer as Pecos Valley Panther Joshua Gonzales (22) attempts to block his shot, March 11, at the Rio Rancho Events Center. Photo Credit: RAH Photography

Pecos Valley Panther Joshua Gonzales (22) goes for a basket as Rehoboth Christian Lynx Talon West (14) attempts to stop him, at the Rio Rancho Events Center March 11. Photo Credit: RAH Photography

Rehoboth Christian Lynx Antonio Rivas (12) attempts a layup as Pecos Velley Panther Malik Barrens (1) attempts to block him, March 11, at the Rio Rancho Event Center during that state basketball playoffs. Photo Credit: RAH Photography

Rehoboth Christian Lynx Talon West (14) loses the ball, while teammate Isaac Zwiers attempts to get the ball as the Pecos Panthers pick it up, at the Rio Rancho Events Center March 11. Photo Credit: RAH Photography

18

Friday March 18, 2022 • Gallup Sun

SPORTS

Lady Bengals get oh so close!

GALLUP FALLS TO BERNALILLO 63-59 Gallup Lady Bengal Riley Whitehair (44) looks for an opening against the Lady Spartan defense March 10, at the Pit in Albuquerque. The Bengals lost in the final 4, 63-59. Photo Credit: RAH Photography

Gallup Lady Bengals Hailey Long (40), Lansia Joe (4) and Cheyenne John (13) attempt to double block Bernalillo Lady Spartan Juliana Aragon (11) as she runs the ball up the court March 10, at the Pit in Albuquerque. Photo Credit: RAH Photography

Bernalillo Lady Spartan Juliana Aragon (11) runs the ball up the court as Gallup Lady Bengal Michaela McCurtain (32) attempts to stop her March 10, at the Pit in Albuquerque. Photo Credit: RAH Photography

SPORTS

Gallup Lady Bengal Kat Lincoln (5) goes in for a basket as teammate Hailey Long (40) attempts to stop Lady Spartan Gabby O’Hara (1) March 10, at the Pit in Albuquerque. Photo Credit: RAH Photography

Gallup Sun • Friday March 18, 2022

19

Santa Fe beat Tohatchi in a squeaker FINAL SCORE 43-41

Tohatchi Lady Cougar Brooke Badonie runs the ball up the court of the Pit in Albuquerque during the State High School basketball tournament, March 10. Photo Credit: RAH Photography

Tohatchi Lady Cougar WynterRose` Sheka (22) attempts to block a shot by Santa Fe Indian School Lady Brave Cameron Conners (20) at the Pit in Albuquerque during the State High School basketball tournament, March 10. Photo Credit: RAH Photography

20 Friday March 18, 2022 • Gallup Sun

Santa Fe Indian School Lady Brave Jordan Torres (15) attempts to block Tohatchi Lady Courgar Kiana Bia’s (24) layup March 10, at the Pit in Albuquerque. Photo Credit: RAH Photography

Tohatchi Lady Cougar Crra Cecil (32) makes a free throw March 10 at the Pit in Albuquerque during the state basketball tournament. The Cougars fell to the Braves 43-41. Photo Credit: RAH Photography

SPORTS

Email berlinda@gallupliving. com for application.

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

AUTO SALES Gurley Motor Company

Priced at $29,295 Gurley Motor Co. 701 W. Coal Ave, Gallup, NM (505) 722-6621 www.gurleymotorford.com *** Amigo Automotive Center

HELP WANTED McKinley County is now accepting applications for the following positions:

Pre-Owned 2017 Ford Super Duty F-250 Platinum 4X4 Engine: 6.7L Turbo Diesel Transmission: Automatic Mileage: 77,149 Stock#: TP21199

DEPARTMENT Grants/Contracts

2018 Ford F150 XLT 4WD Less than 25,000 miles!

V8 Engine and equipped with heated seats! $44,995

Pre-Owned 2020 Toyota Camry Mileage: 27,237 Stock # J21182A

I buy old vinyl records!

45’s & LP’s.

I make house calls.

Also buying vintage recording studio & radio broadcast audio gear.

Jason 512-785-8714 FOR RENT DOWNTOWN 2 bedroom/ 1 bath at $1100 a month

2020 Chevy Silverado Crew RST 4X4 Final Price: $53,495.00 Condition: Used Body Type: Truck Transmission: Automatic Ext. Color: White

*** McKinley County is now accepting applications for the following positions: POSITION Administrative Assistant DEPARTMENT Metro Dispatch

BUY/SELL

2020 Ford Edge Titanium AWD Fully Loaded with Leather Interior, Sunroof, Heated Steering Wheel, Heated and Cooled Seats and more!

Only 27,000 miles!

Priced at $38,995

Dezirie Gomez, CPO Human Resource Director

POSITION Grants Specialist

FOR BEST CONSIDERATION DATE March 31, 2022

Amigo Toyota 2000 S. Second St. Gallup, NM 87301 (505) 722-3881 AmigoToyota.com

Applications and additional information regarding positions can be found on the County web site www. co.mckinley.nm.us.

April Rental 1 bedroom/1 bath furnished apartment at $1450.00 a month. No pets.

FOR BEST CONSIDERATION DATE March 28, 2022

12: +,5,1* :DLWVWDII $PNQFUJUJWF 1BZ (PPE 8PSL &OWJSPONFOU 'MFYJCMF 4DIFEVMFT &NQMPZNFOU "EWBODFNFOU 8F BSF MPPLJOH GPS )POFTU %FQFOEBCMF BOE 5SVTUXPSUIZ QFSTPOT 1MFBTF BQQMZ BU 4 4FDPOE 4USFFU

Applications and additional information regarding positions can be found on the County web site www. co.mckinley.nm.us.

Dezirie Gomez, CPO Human Resource Director ***

CLASSIFIEDS | SEE PAGE 22

Stock# 22064A

2020 Ford Escape SE FWD Only 25,500 miles!

Blue Advantage Certified!

Gallup Sun is hiring!

ACCOUNTS SPECIALIST - In this full-time career-track position, the selected candidate will manage existing and new client accounts - You’ll work with office staff on special sections and publications - Proven customer service and/or sales experience required.

Must be dependable, friendly, and positive - Salary + Bonus + Allowance. Pay DOE - Email cover letter, resume, and three professional references to: gallupsun@gmail.com. ATTN: Publisher Babette Herrmann CLASSIFIEDS

Administrator I – Senior Services This is a full-time professional position involving oversight of PMS-McKinley County Senior Programs in Thoreau and Ramah.

Administrative office is in Gallup. Frequent travel to sites required.

Apply on-line at pmsnm.org. Click Jobs@PMS. Toll-free hotline 1-866-661-5491.

EOE/AA/M/F/SO/Vet/Disability Follow us on Facebook

Gallup Sun • Friday March 18, 2022

21

CLASSIFIEDS | FROM PAGE 21 Cooks Wanted 505 Burgers & Wings Need: Great Cooks, comes with great pay. Apply in person at 1981 State Rd. 602 *** Accounts Specialist Come join our team at the Gallup Sun as an Accounts Specialist. You’ll help our existing and new/potential ad clientele, and assist us with upcoming special sections and promotions. You’ll also help fill in with front and back office duties as needed.

Candidates must have proven customer service or sales experience. Must be punctual, reliable and possess a great work ethic. Computer and typing skills required.

Salary/bonus/allowances.

Pay DOE. Email cover letter/ resume to Publisher Babette Herrmann: gallupsun@gmail. com *** Bookkeeper The Gallup Sun is seeking an experienced, contracted bookkeeper with QuickBooks online experience, including payroll. Must also possess experience and expertise using New Mexico’s online GRT filing system. Email: gallupsun@gmail.com LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES ADVERTISEMENT FOR PROPOSALS CITY OF GALLUP, NEW MEXICO Request for Proposals (RFP) NO. 2021/2022/12/P Public notice is hereby given that the City of Gallup, New Mexico, is accepting proposals for: ANNUAL FINANCIAL AUDIT SERVICES

As more particularly set out in the RFP documents, copies of which may be obtained from the City of Gallup Purchasing Division, 110 W. Aztec Ave., Gallup, New Mexico 87301; or contact Frances Rodriguez, Purchasing Director at frodriguez@gallupnm.gov.

Copies are available for viewing or can be downloaded from: https://app.negometrix. com/buyer/3226.

Electronically submitted proposals shall be received via electronic bidding platform until 2:00 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on or before April 6, 2022 where proposals will be received and recorded by the City of Gallup Purchasing Department via virtual conference/video calls or through other virtual means.

The City of Gallup has transitioned to a new e-Bid/ RFP software system powered by Negometrix. All solicitations will be released electronically through Negometrix and responses from proponents must be submitted electronically through this online platform.

By using Negometrix, prospective proponents will be provided with all information regarding a bid including addendums and changes to the project requirements. Negometrix is a completely free service for all respondents. Prior to submitting a proposal, respondents are required to set up their free account with Negometrix. Register your company at Negometrix.com.

Only ELECTRONICALLY SUBMITTED PROPOSALS will now be accepted; system will not accept proposals submitted AFTER due date and time.

Dated this 16 th day of March 2022 By: /S/ Louie Bonaguidi, Mayor

Classified Legal Column: Gallup Sun Publishing Date: Friday, March 18, 2022

CLASSIFIEDS WEEKLY RATES

***

FIRST 25 WORDS: FREE!

ADVERTISEMENT FOR PROPOSALS CITY OF GALLUP, NEW MEXICO Request for Proposals (RFP) NO. 2021/2022/11/P Public notice is hereby given that the City of Gallup, New Mexico, is accepting proposals for: TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN GALLUP, NM As more particularly set out in the RFP documents, copies of which may be obtained from the City of Gallup Purchasing Division, 110 W. Aztec Ave., Gallup, New Mexico 87301; or contact Frances Rodriguez, Purchasing Director at frodriguez@gallupnm.gov.

Copies are available for viewing or can be downloaded from: https://app.negometrix. com/buyer/3226.

Electronically submitted proposals shall be received via electronic bidding platform until 2:00 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on or before April 12, 2022 where proposals will be received and recorded by the City of Gallup Purchasing Department via virtual conference/video calls or through other virtual means.

The City of Gallup has transitioned to a new e-Bid/ RFP software system powered by Negometrix. All solicitations will be released electronically through Negometrix and responses from proponents must be submitted electronically through this online platform.

By using Negometrix, prospective proponents will be provided with all information regarding a

(4 consecutive weeks max.)

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

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

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

bid including addendums and changes to the project requirements. Negometrix is a completely free service for all respondents. Prior to submitting a proposal, respondents are required to set up their free account with Negometrix. Register your company at Negometrix.com.

Only ELECTRONICALLY SUBMITTED PROPOSALS will now be accepted; system will not accept proposals submitted AFTER due date and time.

Dated this 16 th day of March 2022 By: /S/ Louie Bonaguidi, Mayor Classified Legal Column: Gallup Sun Publishing Date: Friday, March 18, 2022 *** ADVERTISEMENT FOR PROPOSALS CITY OF GALLUP, NEW MEXICO Request for Proposals (RFP) NO. 2021/2022/10/P Public notice is hereby given that the City of Gallup, New Mexico, is accepting proposals for: FIXED BASE OPERATOR FOR THE GALLUP MUNICIPAL AIRPORT GALLUP, NEW MEXICO

We believe in ideas.

We believe in passion.

We believe in dreams.

We believe in you.

www.nmhu.edu

22 Friday March 18, 2022 • Gallup Sun

As more particularly set out in the RFP documents, copies of which may be obtained from the City of Gallup Purchasing Division, 110 W. Aztec Ave., Gallup, New Mexico 87301; or contact Frances Rodriguez, Purchasing Director at frodriguez@gallupnm.gov.

Copies are available for viewing or can be downloaded from: https://app.negometrix. com/buyer/3226.

Electronically submitted proposals shall be received via electronic bidding platform until 2:00 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on or before April 14, 2022 where proposals will be received and recorded by the City of Gallup Purchasing Department via virtual conference/video calls or through other virtual means.

The City of Gallup has transitioned to a new e-Bid/ RFP software system powered by Negometrix. All solicitations will be released electronically through Negometrix and response from proponents must be submitted electronically through this online platform.

By using Negometrix, prospective proponents will be provided with all information regarding a bid including addendums and changes to the project requirements. Negometrix is a completely free service for all respondents.

Prior to submitting a proposal, respondents are required to set up their free account with Negometrix. Register your company at Negometrix.com.

Only ELECTRONICALLY SUBMITTED PROPOSALS will now be accepted; system

CLASSIFIEDS | SEE PAGE 23 CLASSIFIEDS

COMMUNITY CALENDAR MARCH 18 - 24, 2022 FRIDAY, MARCH 18

LAST DAY OF GMCS SPRING BREAK SATURDAY, MARCH 19

SOAR WITH OFPL AT RIO WEST MALL

2 pm to 4 pm @ Rio West Mall (1300 W Maloney Ave.), behind the Hobby Lobby.

Explore aerodynamic STEM activities from ¡Explora! Make your own helicopter, a paper twirler that will fly in the wind, join an airplane design and building contest, and learn the physics of tossing a Frisbee!

Fun and entertainment for the entire family. Email bmartin@ gallupnm.gov or call (505) 8631291 for more information.

SPAY AND NEUTER SURGERY DAY

@ Puerco Valley Fire District (Hwy 191, half a mile south of I-40, Sanders, AZ). March 19 will be the surgery day for those pets who sign up for the clinic. $25 will be due on the day of the surgery.

GALLUP 9TH ST. FLEA MARKET

bers, Gallup City Hall (110 W. Aztec Ave.). The meeting will also be streamed on the City of Gallup’s Facebook page at City of Gallup, New Mexico Government.

FREE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TRAININGS

1 pm-4 pm on Zoom. The city is hosting free monthly behavioral health trainings.

The presenter will be Art Romero, MA, LPCC, MAC. The presentations are open to the community members with the target audience being Behavioral Health Providers that work with Substance Use. CEUS will be offered.

For more information and to register go to https://www. gallupnm.gov/civicalerts. aspx?AID=1007.

WE READ, WE TALK BOOK CLUB

6 pm on Zoom. OFPL’s Book Club is reading This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger. Email bmartin@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 8631291 for more information.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

FAMILY STORYTIME

9 am to 5 pm @ 340 9th Street.

The Gallup 9th Street Flea Market is one of the largest Native American markets in the United States. With more than 500 vendors and as many as 10,000 visitors each week, you can find food, crafts, jewelry, livestock, and household goods.

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

Ave.) in person for storytime activities, songs, rhymes and read-alouds every week! Age 0-4. For more information email bmartin@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291.

MONDAY, MARCH 21

EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

GMCS SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

1 pm-2 pm @ SSC 640 Boardman Dr.

CREATIVE CORNER – ART WITH INSPIRING WOMEN

4 pm on YouTube and OFPL’s Facebook Live. Learn how to change a photo of the inspiring woman in your life into a work of art for Wonen’s HIstory Month! Supply kits are available at OFPL on a first-come, first-served basis using the Supply Request Form at ofpl.online. For more information email jwhitman@ gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291.

TUESDAY, MARCH 22

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

6 pm @ City Council Cham-

CLASSIFIEDS | FROM PAGE 22 will not accept proposals submitted AFTER due date and time.

Dated this 16th day of March 2022 By: /S/ Louie Bonaguidi, Mayor Classified Legal Column: Gallup Sun Publishing Date: CALENDAR

THURSDAY, MARCH 24

9 am to 12 pm. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program makes funding available to assist households that are unable to pay rent or utilities. Join New Mexico Legal Aid at Octavia Fellin Public Library every Thursday from 9 am-Noon for assistance completing the ERAP application. They will be onsite for walk-ins ready to provide help in keeping safe, stable, and affordable housing. Appointments are also available by contacting New Mexico Legal Aid at (505) 722-4417.

Email: bmartin@gallupnm. gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

CRAFTY KIDS

4 pm Join us on Facebook, @ Friday, March 18, 2022 *** PUBLIC NOTICE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Eleventh Judicial District Will Begin Providing Pretrial Services for Magistrate and District Courts in McKinley County, Effective March 21, 2022

CALENDAR 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 be making animal finger puppets. For more information email: bmartin@ gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291.

SAVE THE DATE FRIDAY, MARCH 25

COMPOSTING 101

4 pm on OFPL’s Facebook page or Zoom. Learn about the benefits of incorporating compost into your garden.

Request a Three Sister’s seed packet using the Supply Request Form at ofpl.online.

Email jwhitman@gallupnm. gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

SATURDAY, MARCH 26

WE READ, WE TALK BOOK CLUB

2 pm on Zoom. OFPL’s Book Club is reading This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger. Email bmartin@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 8631291 for more information.

HOPE GARDEN SEED STARTING PARTY

1 pm-3 pm @ 1130 Hasler Valley Road (The Community Pantry Hope Garden). As the ground starts to thaw, and the weather warms, its time to celebrate the coming of spring by starting seeds!

Join the Hope Garden staff to learn the basics of seeds starting. Materials and seeds will be provided, all are welcome.

TUESDAY, MARCH 29

FREE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TRAININGS

1 pm-4 pm on Zoom. The city is hosting free monthly behavioral health trainings.

The presenter will be Art Romero, MA, LPCC, MAC. The presentations are open to the community members with the target audience being Behavioral Health Providers that work with Substance Use. CEUS will be offered.

For more information and to Effective March 21, 2022, the McKinley County Misdemeanor Compliance Program will no longer be providing Pretrial services to Magistrate and District Courts.

Effective March 21, 2022, the Eleventh Judicial District will begin providing Pretrial services for Magistrate and District Courts in McKinley County. Effective March 21, 2022, all current Pretrial

register go to https://www. gallupnm.gov/civicalerts. aspx?AID=1007.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30

GROW A GARDEN

12 pm on OFPL’s Facebook page or Zoom. Learn the fundamentals of starting your own garden, tips, and tricks to have a successful growing season. Request a Three Sister’s seed packet using the Supply Request Form at ofpl.online. Email jwhitman@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: FEMALE EMPOWERMENT

2 pm on OFPL’s Facebook page or Zoom. Join author Daniel Vandever and illustrator Corey Begay for a presentation and reading of Herizon, a story that details the journey of a young Diné girl as she helps her grandmother retrieve a flock of sheep aided by a magical scarf. In an age that has seen the election of the first female Vice President and the first Native American Secretary of the Interior, Herizon speaks to the power of the moment and honors progress and persistence during Women’s History Month. Email bmartin@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

THURSDAY, MARCH 31

NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING WITH COUNCILOR LINDA GARCIA, DIST. 1

6:30 PM-8:30 PM @ Gallup Senior Center (607 N. 4th St.).

TUESDAY, APRIL 5

REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING

9 am to 11:30 am @ 207 West Hill Ave. SATURDAY, APRIL 9

ART CRAWL

7 pm to 9 pm @ Downtown Gallup Come celebrate the first Art Crawl of 2022! Come

experience local and professional art, artist demonstrations, gallery openings, live music, hands-on crafts, and games for the kids. Food and craft vendors and so clients with Magistrate and District Court cases will be transferred over to the Eleventh Judicial District court staff, or any program arranged by the Eleventh Judicial District Court for Pretrial services.

McKinley County Misdemeanor Compliance will continue to provide services to all courts with Probation

much more!

MONDAY, APRIL 11

GMCS SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

1 pm-2 pm @ SSC 640 Boardman Dr. ONGOING

GALLUPARTS EXTENDS HOURS

12 pm-6 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays (123 W. Coal Ave.)

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 March 31. For more info.: email bmartin@ gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291.

RMCHCS COVID-19 TEST/VACCINE/BOOSTER CLINIC 8 am-10 am and 2 pm-4pm Mon.-Fri. @ College Clinic (2111 College Dr.). 16 years and older. For test, someone will come to your vehicle.

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

For vaccine and booster adult must be six months out from their second vaccine.

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

RMCHCS CHILDREN’S COVID-19 TESTS/VACCINATIONS

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 fax: (505) 212-0391. Deadline: Monday at 5 pm.

cases as well as Pretrial cases with Municipal Court. If you are affected by this and have questions or concerns, please contact your Compliance Officer or attorney.

Contact: Anthony Dimas Jr. County Manager 505.863.1400 Published by: Gallup Sun March 11, 2022 March 18, 2022

Gallup Sun • Friday March 18, 2022

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FOR VERY WELL-QUALIFIED BUYERS1 220 S. FIFTH • GALLUP, NEW MEXICO 87301 (505) 722-2271 • www.RicoAutoComplex.com

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Length of contract limited. Some customers will not qualify. Not available with some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 4/4/22. ©2022 General Motors. All rights reserved. GMC®

24 Friday March 18, 2022 • Gallup Sun GMGW0542002_GMC_Rico_GallupSun_Mar22_10x13.indd 1

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