Gallup Sun • Friday June 19, 2015 by Mike Kurov

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VOL 1 | ISSUE 11 | JUNE 19, 2015

BUILDING THE BRIDGE TO SOMEWHERE Gov. Martinez approves $4.5 million to fund Allison Road interchange.3

Inside ... Weekly Crime Blotter & DWI Report.8 Office of the Speaker Mouse Killer.15 Pixar Debuts ‘Inside Out’. 18

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Friday June 19, 2015 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

NEWS Governor’s capital outlay approval to fund major projects for road maintenance, senior citizen facility improvements, and more. But the icing on the cake is the $ 4.5 million in funding earmarked for the Allison Road bridge replacement. The project, slated to be done in phases, includes changes to increase safety, remedy physical deficiencies and increase the probability of economic development. It’s an interagency project of both the New Mexico Department of Transportation and the City of Gallup, funded by local, state and federal monies. The goal is to create a diamond shaped interchange that will connect Allison Road with Interstate 40. It was good news to Gallup Mayor, Jackie McKinney, who

said the funding for the Allison Bridge project came through in “one, fell swoop.” “It has been the #1 ICIP (I n fra str uctu re Capit a l Improvement Plan) priority for the city since the last administration,” he said. The new Allison Road is being positioned so it can connect to Coal Basin Road and Gamerco to the north and to

Mendoza Road to the south. The bill also includes $125,000 for Carbon Coal Road improvements. Carbon Coal Road will eventually feed into the Allison Road interchange. With these connections, con ge s t ion on Hw y. 491 could be reduced. Reduced

MAJOR PROJECTS | SEE PAGE 6

FUNDING VETOED McKinley County Capital Outlay Crownpoint Chapter Wellness Center $120,000 Manuelito Chapter Road Grader $60,000 P i ne d a le Ch a pt er Administration Building $100,000 Total Cut: $280,000

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By Melinda Russell Sun Correspondent

AS CRUCES – It was less than two weeks ago that state lawmakers met for one day to iron out their differences and present a capital outlay package to Gov. Susana Martinez. On June 17 she announced her approval of a lion’s share of the statewide capital outlay requests during a press conference in Las Cruces. In Senate Bill 1, all but three of McKinley County’s 39 infrastructure projects were approved. Martinez vetoed $1.1

million in line items statewide, which is less than 1 percent of the total requests of $ 293.8 million. “Far too many of our roads are dangerous, and they are in dire need of repair,” Martinez stated, in a press release. “By signing this legislation, we will not only make our roads and highways safer for our families, but we will also create jobs and help lay the groundwork to continue growing our economy.” This bill gives McKinley County more than $11 million for a slew of projects. Included in the list are utility upgrades, heavy construction equipment

On the Cover: The Allison Road wooden bridge has been in need of repair or replacement for years. $4.5 million in state funding is the first step in transforming Gallup’s west side. Photo Credit: Melinda Russell

NEWS

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Gallup Sun • Friday June 19, 2015

McKinley County Capital Outlay Projects 2094 ALLISON RD BRIDGE REPLACE GALLUP-1993BF $1,600,000 Gallup 1993B 50 2076 ALLISON RD BRIDGE REPLACE GALLUP-GF $650,000 Gallup GF 45/ 2 784 ALLISON RD BRIDGE REPLACE GALLUP $2,250,000 Gallup STB 33/ 47 30 BAAHAALI CHAPTER SENIOR CENTER-EQUIP $6,000 Baahaali Chapter STB 3/ 36 1709 BAAHAALI CHP BATHROOM ADDITIONS $45,000 Baahaali Chapter STB 25/ 9 1706 BAAHAALI CHP POWERLINES EXTEND $100,000 Baahaali Chapter STB 25/ 10 1855 BACA-PREWITT CHP POWERLINE EXTEND SEAWALD AREA $50,000 Baca Chapter STB 25/ 11 484 CARBON COAL RD IMPROVE MCKINLEY CO $125,376 STB 33/ 45 1860 CHICHILTAH CHP HOUSE CONSTRUCT $150,000 Chichiltah Chapter STB 25/ 12 53 COYOTE CANYON CHP SENIOR CENTER-CONSTRUCT $520,000 Coyote Canyon Chapter STB 3/ 37 2037 COYOTE CANYON CHP SENIOR CTR MEALS EQUIP $36,600 Coyote Canyon Chapter STB 3/ 38 1572 CROWNPOINT CHP WELLNESS CENTER VETO $120,000 Crownpoint Chapter STB 25/ 13 502 DEERSPRINGS RD IMPROVEMENTS MCKINLEY CO $100,000 Mexican Springs Chapter STB 33/ 48 1481 GALLUP NEIGHBORHOODS PARK & PLAYGROUND $60,000 Gallup STB 28/159 782 GALLUP NORTHSIDE SENIOR CTR IMPROVE $75,000 Gallup STB 3/ 39 1764 GALLUP ROCKY VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD PARK $100,000 Gallup STB 28/160 771 GALLUP WWATER TRTMNT PLANT IMPROVE $150,000 Gallup STB 20/ 32 452 LITTLE WATER CHP ELECTRICAL POWERLINES $40,000 Little Water Chapter STB 25/ 14 1858 MANUELITO CHP ROAD GRADER VETO $60,000 Manuelito Chapter STB 25/ 15 1864 MARIANO LAKE CHP UTILITY LINE CONNECT $90,000 Mariano Lake Chapter STB 25/ 16 496 MCKINLEY CO HEAVY ROAD EQUIPMENT $200,000 STB 28/158 1719 MCKINLEY CO RD 16 IMPROVE & ROW $25,000 STB 33/ 46 513 MCKINLEY SWCD FARMING EQUIPMENT $119,624 Gallup STB 39/ 11 798 MEXICAN SPRINGS CHP MULTIPURPOSE CTR $75,000 Mexican Springs Chapter STB 25/ 17 71 NAVAJO TECH UNIV HEALTH/SECURITY/SAFETY IMPROVE $535,000 Crownpoint STB 34/ 5 1805 PINEDALE CHP ADMINISTRATION BLDG VETO $100,000 Pinedale Chapter STB 25/ 18 1857 PINEDALE CHP VETERANS MODULAR BLDG $75,000 Pinedale Chapter STB 25/ 19 54 PUEBLO PINTADO CHAPTER SENIOR CENTER-CONSTRUCT $100,000 Pueblo Pintado Chapter STB 3/ 40 1501 RED LAKE CHP CHARTER SCHOOL $50,000 Red Lake Chapter STB 25/ 20 1937 RED ROCK CHAPTER HOUSE $75,000 Red Rock Chapter STB 25/ 21 1678 ROCK SPRINGS CHP ADMIN OFFICES EXTENSION $200,000 Rock Springs Chapter STB 25/ 22 785 THOREAU CHP VETERANS SERVICE CTR $275,000 Thoreau Chapter STB 25/ 23 1496 TSA-YA-TOH & MANUELITO CHAPTERS MULTIPURPOSE CTR $75,000 Tsa-Ya-Toh Chapter STB 25/ 24 1935 TSA-YA-TOH CHAPTER HOUSE IMPROVEMENTS $60,000 Tsa-Ya-Toh Chapter STB 25/ 25 1225 TSE’II’AHI CHP VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT $50,000 Tse’ii’ahi Chapter STB 25/ 26 57 UNM-GALLUP CONSTRUCTION TECH CAREER CENTER $350,000 Gallup STB 41/ 17 902 ZUNI PUEBLO FAIRGROUNDS COMPLEX $75,000 Zuni Pueblo STB 25/ 27 41 ZUNI PUEBLO SENIOR CENTER-VEHICLES $290,000 Zuni Pueblo STB 3/ 41 55 ZUNI SENIOR CENTER-CONSTRUCT $2,600,000 Zuni Pueblo STB 3/ 42 Summary for McKinley

$11,377,600

Friday June 19, 2015 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

New physician takes reigns AG pens letter to at Red Rocks Care Center Secretary of State on

campaign reform

Staff Report

EHOBOTH McKinley Christian Health Care Services is pleased to report on the spirit of cooperation between the hospital and Gallup’s local care centers. Dr. Samuel MacBride, who is a family medicine physician as well as the Chief Medical Officer at RMCHCS, will also be serving as the Interim Medical Director for Red Rocks Care Center in Gallup. Additionally, he ser ves as the Medical Director for McKinley Care and Rehabilitation Center. Dr. MacBride is sharing this role as Medical Director at Red Rocks Care Center with Dr. Christopher Gonzaga, who is an Internal Medicine physician at RMCHCS. Engaging physicians who live and work in the community to also serve our care facilities, allows for continuity of care to be available to the citizens of McKinley County. Dr. MacBride has been in Gallup for about four years, serving with the Indian Health Service until last September, when he moved over to RMCHCS. “I like the challenge of these new positions,” MacBride said in a brief interview

Staff Report

S Dr. MacBride

June 17. “Providing care for all patients in different circumstances is very important. I’m pleased that I was selected for the positions and will do everything possible to make improvements.” Even the nurses at the College Clinic agreed that MacBride is deserving of these appointments and that he is very capable of handling the new assignments. Tom Hartsock contributed to this report.

ANTA FE – Attorney General Hector Balderas sent a letter to Secretary of State Dianna J. Duran June 17 making recommendations for increasing transparency and accountability in the campaign finance reporting process. “When dealing with millions of dollars of campaign donations, candidates should strictly comply with the law and not violate transparency standards,” Balderas said in describing shortcomings in the current system of campaign finance reporting. “We need to put teeth back into the law, which is why I’ll be supporting the reinstatement of mandatory fines for violation of the Campaign Reporting Act during the upcoming legislative session.” In addition to legislative reform, t he AG recom mended t h a t t he Secretary of State establish a robust notification system to better track enforcement of campaign reporting legal requirements and that she

Attorney General Hector Balderas

employ a dedicated training officer to conduct statewide trainings to increase understanding of the Campaign Reporting Act. To view a copy of the AG’s letter, visit: www.nmag.gov

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AM Gallup Sun • Friday June 19,6/10/15 201510:095

A beating at the gas pumps Kimberly A. Gaona Sun Correspondent

onathan Yazzie, 24, of Gallup probably didn’t e x p e c t t he v iole nt reaction to his alleged actions that resulted in his beating June 14 at Allsups on Arnold Street. According to the police report, filed by Gallup Police Department Lt. Edwin Yazzie, it was a female’s screams which brought him to the gas station at 1:12 am that Sunday morning. GPD officers were already in the area handling another call. “Upon my arrival, I saw several individuals running in all directions away from the parking lot by the gas pumps,” Lt. Yazzie said in his report. That’s when Lt. Yazzie saw Jonathan, aka John Charley, who was displaying signs of intoxication and was bleeding from a laceration to his left eyelid, his arm and his mouth. Several witnesses told Lt.

Yazzie that Jonathan had been hitting vehicles in the parking lot and yelling at customers, appearing ready to fight. When Jonathan tried that with some people that were walking to Allsups, he did end up in a fight. Witnesses told police that several men, possibly four or five, beat Jonathan. He was immedia t ely t r a n s ported to the hospital for his injuries. Officers were later told that he had some serious injuries and trauma to the face and head, but would m o s t l i ke l y recover. Witnesses could only ident i f y t he men as Gabriel, Ramon, Timo and Rudy at the time. A nother w itness ca me

Friday June 19, 2015 • Gallup Sun

for wa rd a nd said metal crutches were u sed du r i ng the attack and were broken. GPD of f icers located Gabriel Monroe as well as Ramon and Rudy Garcia and placed them under arrest. Ramon and Rudy told police that Jonathan Yazzie had pushed their friend, Monroe, down first and that he was on crutches, so they pushed him back. None of them admitted to hitting Jonathan. Monroe, of 18, Medford, OR was arrested for the aggravated battery as well as resisting, evading or obstructing an officer. Rudy Garcia, 28, of Churchrock was arrested for the same charges. Ramon Garcia, 26, of Pinedale, Ariz. was arrested for resisting, evading, obstructing an officer. Timo wasn’t mentioned again in the report.

MAJOR PROJECTS | FROM PAGE 3 congestion would reportedly benefit emergency ser vice response and help to ease local traffic. Rep. Patty Lundstrom, D-Gallup, who has pushed to move the Allison project forward, was predictably pleased with the governor’s stamp of approval. “The money is great for the projects, but it also helps the local economy immediately,” she said. “All projects approved for capital outlay are required to be shovel ready.” In recent years, McKinley County has received between $6 million to $7 million in capital outlay funding. Cit y Cou nci lor F ra n Pa locha k, whose d istr ict includes the Allison Road corridor, praised local lawmakers. “I’m rea lly excited a nd

thrilled about it,” she said. “I appreciate Representative Lu nd st rom’s a nd Senator Munoz’ efforts on this project and the governor’s approval of this action. I think it is going to open up the west side.” Martinez will be in Gallup June 23 for the Allison Road groundbreaking ceremony. McKinley County Manager Bill Lee said the millions of dollars in requests slated for allocation to the county will not only serve to improve and build needed infrastructure, but to also make it possible for the county to purchase heavy equipment for the roads department. “I want to thank our legislators and the governor for working hard to come together and finding common ground during the special session that will prove to be a benefit to not only our county but the entire state,” he said.

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Gallup Sun Publishing, LLC Publisher/Editor Babette Herrmann Correspondents Kim Gaona Tom Hartsock Melinda Sanchez Marley Shebala Rachael Merilatt Design David Tsigelman 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. PO Box 1212 Gallup, NM 87305 www.gallupsun.com Find us on Facebook and Twitter Phone: (505) 728-1640 Fax: (505) 212-0391 gallupsun@gmail.com Letter to the editor/guest column ACCEPTED BY EMAIL ONLY. State full name and city/town. No pen names. ID required. All submissions subjected to editor’s approval. Guest columnists, email Sun for submission requirements.

NEWS

Felon arrested after Stabbing suspect caught shots fired By Kimberly A. Gaona Sun Correspondent

saiah Martinez, 19, of Gallup was arrested two days after he stabbed his 17-year-old girlfriend, her brother and their dad June 14. According to Officer Justin Benally’s report, the ex-girlfriend was taking out the trash

outside their residence, when Martinez grabbed her arm and dragged her to a dirt lot on West Aztec. The girl’s brother w itnessed the attack and called for their dad. When the men approached Ma r ti nez, he responded by pulling out a small pocket knife. The girl was stabbed on the left side of her torso. Her

brother was stabbed in his left hand and received nine stitches, according to the report. The father also had a laceration on his left torso from Martinez’s blade. Almost three hours later, GPD officers thought they spotted Martinez at Ford Canyon Park. The individual would not adhere to police commands, and after a short chase, police lost site of him. T he a rea wa s f u r t her searched and Martinez was not located. GPD i s sued a wa r r a nt for h i s a r re s t for a g g r a vated battery with a deadly weapon a ga i n st a hou se hold member, two charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and false imprisonment. GPD Capt. Rick White said that McKinley County Sheriff’s Of f ice deput ies a r rested Martinez at one of the local hospitals June 16. Police are not clear on why he was at the hospital, but deputies spotted him while there on other business. Martinez is being held at the McKinley County Adult Detention Center on a $15,000 cash bond.

By Kimberly A. Gaona Sun Correspondent

a nce Or t i z , 2 8, of Iya nbito, N M, wa s arrested June 11 after three people told police that he fired shots at them. According to the report, f i l e d b y G a l l u p Po l i c e Department Officer DeWayne Holder, Jasmine Hopkins, 25, Shirley Suina, 39, and Kenneth Martinez Jr., 37, all of Brimhall, NM were at Duke City Gas Station on East Highway 66 when a white car pulled up to them, and Ortiz had made threatening gestures that seem directed toward Martinez. T he t r io wa l ked ont o Walgreen’s, stopped to purchase tamales from a street vendor and were indulging in the tamales when the white car pulled up again. According to the report, Ortiz had a handgun in his waistband when he

exited the vehicle. “[Hopkins] stated the male pulled the handgun out of his waistband as he got out of the white car,” Holder stated in his report. The three could not agree on how ma ny shots were fired, between two and three, but said that Ortiz pushed Hopkins and Suina and yelled out threats. Martinez also told officers that Ortiz had shot at him a

little over a month ago at the food stamp office. More than six hours after the alleged incident took place, GPD Sgt. Billy Padavich pulled over a white vehicle at Lowe’s on Marguerite. Ortiz was found to be inside. “Based upon statements given by Jasmine Hopkins, Shirley Suina, and Kenneth Martinez Jr., I believe probable cause exists for the arrest of Lance C. Ortiz for three counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon,” Holder said in his report. “Also during the investigation, I learned that Lance C. Ortiz is a convicted felon prohibited from possession of a firearm.” Or tiz wa s booked into the McKinley County Adult Detention Center for three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.

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Gallup Sun • Friday June 19, 2015

WEEKLY DWI REPORT By Kimberly A. Gaona It was ladies week in this latest round up of DWI reports. Bertha Blackgoat, 55, Mentmore, NM Blackgoat w a s arrested for Aggravated DWI and driving on divided streets June 13 a f t e r a crash involving her vehicle took place on Rocco Circle. Gallup Police Depar tment Officer Jessie Diaz stated in his report that Blackgoat was arrested after failing several field sobriety tests. She told Diaz that she had one margarita with dinner and was driving to her friend’s house. She blew a .16, twice the legal driving blood alcohol limit, on a breath test and was booked on the charges. Topaz Hammitt, 26, P.O. Box Gallup Hammitt was arrested May 22, on her second DWI, this one a g g r avated for a refusal to t a ke a breathalyzer test. Gallup Police Department officers responded to the area of North Strong and Vista Avenue in reference to residents hearing voices from a nearby hill. Officer Matthew Ashley states in his report that officers did hear someone saying “Don’t Jump.” While some officers went up the hill to check the area, other officers waited

at the bottom of the hill in case a vehicle left. A gray passenger car did leave the area. Officers were finally able to stop the vehicle in the area of North Cliff and Curtis Avenue. The man threatening to jump, Richard Pete, was a passenger in the vehicle, was placed under arrest for an outstanding warrant. Ha mmitt wa s a r rested for DW I a nd booked for Aggravated DWI and for drivers license required. Lucille Long-Yazzie, 46, Gallup Long-Yazzie wa s a r rested on her second DWI, this one aggravated, after she ran into a power pole on Aztec near El Rancho Motel. She was evaluated at Gallup Indian Medical Center, where her blood was drawn to establish blood alcohol level. L ong-Ya z z ie wa s lat er booked into McKinley County Adult Detention Center for the DWI charge, driving on streets “laned” for traffic, mandatory financial responsibility and driving on a license which is suspended/revoked. Rigina T. Johns, 44, P.O. Box Gallup Johns, already a felony DWI

offender, was picked up on her sevent h DWI offense June 8. Johns wa s ca lled into Metro Dispatch, along with her truck full of occupants, as intoxicated and throwing out empty liquor bottles in the Rio West Mall parking lot. Gallup Police Department Officer Valerie Wilson stopped the vehicle and placed Johns under arrest. A blood draw was completed at the hospital. Johns was booked for the DWI charge as well as driving on a license which is suspended/ revoked, open container in a motor vehicle and not having proof of insurance. The other five occupants were taken to Gallup Detox. Rosalinda Billie, 34, P.O. Box Gallup Bi l l ie wa s arrested on her second DWI on June 9 after crashing her vehicle on South Second Street. She was also charged with careless driving. After failing several field sobriety tests, Billie was taken for a breathalyzer test, her results were .29.

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www.gallupsun.com Friday June 19, 2015 • Gallup Sun

By Kimberly A. Gaona In order to better serve our readers, this section is broken up by area/neighborhood.

SOUTH SECOND STREET BUSINESS DISTRICT Gallup Fire Department and Police Department discovered the body of Albert Hunt, 48, of Breadsprings, NM June 11, laying in the area of the Pepsi Cola Plant on Apache Circle. Capt. Rick White said that they are awaiting the results of the toxicology report and that there were no signs of foul play. McKinley County Sheri O f f i c e assisted GPD on a fight call June 12 in the area of 1502 South Second Street. Tracey Begaye, 27, of Brea d s pr i ng s a nd Ramsey Lee, 36, of Blackhat told officers that they had been beaten up for their “drinks.” Begaye was taken to Gallup Detox, Lee to the hospital to be checked on for his injuries. The reported suspects were not located.

EAST SIDE RESIDENTIAL AREA Rhotania Yellowhorse, 42, of Gallup was arrested June 11 for scratching her 17-yearold son during a struggle for the car keys. Yellowhorse was booked on charges of child abuse.

NORTH SIDE

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WEEKLY CRIME BLOTTER

Auto recovery Da r rel l Tsosie, 48, of Ga llup wa s arrested and the reported stolen vehicle he was in possession of was recovered June 8 from the American Heritage Giant Gas station. Brazen act backfires John Cordova told police his barking dogs alerted him to a theft in progress, at his own residence. He witnessed Genevieve King, 55, of Gallup leaving his home with his wife’s jewelry box June 6. The property, which

was estimated at approximately $300, was returned to Cordova. King was arrested and charged with burglary, larceny, receiving stolen property and two warrants for failure to appear in court. Flea Market groper A woman was assaulted at the Gallup Flea Market June 13. According to the report, filed by McKinley County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Merlin Benally, the female victim was walking with her boyfriend when another man ran into her and groped her back and buttocks area. Undersheriff Lucero said that MCSO is definitely investigating the incident. If you must drink, leave the kids at home M C S O Deputy Gabrielle Puhuyesva a r r e s t e d Vanessa Dale, 27, of Ganado, Ariz. for child abuse and disorderly conduct June 13. Dale was found to be intoxicated, with her 8-year-old son in tow, at the Gas Max convenience store in Yahtahey, NM. After being placed in custody, Dale threatened to kill Puhuyesva’s family and called her various names. Undersheriff Lucero said that more charges could possibly be filed on Dale by investigators and/or the District Attorney’s Office. Wannabe fight club MCSO re sponded t o Gamerco June 15 in reference to an 11-year-old boy who was allegedly forced to fight other boys by some older boys. The instigators of this pseudo fight club are described as 12 and 14-year-old boys, while the victims are 10 to 11-year-olds. The younger boys are reportedly told to fight or that they will get beat up themselves. This particular fight was recorded on a cell phone and shown to deputies.

THOREAU, NM A homeowner repor ted a shattered window to her spare bedroom on Windsong Avenue. June 13, no items were taken from the residence. McKinley County Sheriff’s Office wrote the incident up as criminal damage to property. Undersheriff Paul Lucero said that MCSO has increased patrols through the area. NEWS

Stealing from the youth of Gallup THIEVES TARGET PARK CONCESSION STANDS

By Kimberly A. Gaona Sun Correspondent

etween a new board, trouble f inding coaches, disruptive pa rent s a nd poor sportsmanship, it has been a tumultuous year for the Gallup Amateur Baseball Softball Association. However, the most heart wrenching part of the season

they could go to the Community Pantry and do it the right way,” Menapace said. Menapace also said that this has occurred at least six times at various concessions stands throughout the city. He estimates the damage and the loss to be between $5,000 - $7,000. “It seems to be happening during the weekends,” he said. He added that the City of

last few weeks of the season, and they are no longer leaving products at the stands. “They are hurting their community,” Kendall said. “For us, this was about our community, this was not a fundraiser.” The Community Pantr y received a $100 donation from Dr. Lawrence Andrade, who serves as Vice President of the GABSA board. They also received three bags of donated candy from an unnamed parent of a player. Anyone wanting to make a cash donation can take it to the Community Pantry. Checks and money orders can be mailed to P.O. Box 520, Gallup, NM 87305. Candy donations can be taken to the concession stand at Father Dunston Park at Park Avenue and Fourth Street for one more week. A nother sad v ictim of these burglaries is Raye Ann Wicketts, the sole proprietor of three of the concession stands. The cost and profit are her sole responsibility and income. Wicketts said that she has operated various concession stands for 19 years and after the burglaries she is not

ABSA President Kevin Menapace. Photo Credit: Tom Hartsock

sure if she wants to continue. She has suffered a loss of almost $2,000. “I don’t know if I’ll ever do it again,” she said. She has even gone as far as staying in her vehicle all night long to watch various concession stands and hopes to catch the culprits and help bring them to justice. “I’m going to catch them,” she said adamantly. She also said that there is no one to blame, and that the city is doing their part to replace damaged doors quickly. She also said the police

collected evidence at at least one burglary that will help to prosecute the burglars once caught. She now removes all of her inventory out of the concession stands, as the Community Pantry does. Wicketts sa id that the thieves have a tool/saw that they are using to gain access to the structures and are using it again and again, which makes her believe that it is the same people committing the burglary at each stand. Gallup Police Department Capt. Rick White said the police are watching the areas more closely. “We’re patrolling the area more often,” he said. “But we need the citizens eyes and ears. Call us if you see anything.” Crimestoppers is offering a reward up to $1,000 for information on the suspects. Anonymous tips can be called into (505) 722-6161. In progress crimes should be reported to 911 or Metro Dispatch (505) 722-2231. Anyone having information on the people responsible should contact GPD Detectives at (505) 863-9365.

This concession stand located at Father Dunston Park has been the target of vandals and thieves. Photo Credit: Tom Hartsock

has been the half dozen concession stand burglaries that have hurt the league, the youth, the Community Pantry and the various groups using the stands as a way to raise funds for their own youth groups. Kevin Menapace, president of the league, said thieves are stealing from the kids. He explained that the league was renting the concession stands in order to have money to pay umpires and to pay for tournaments and other things for the youth of the community. For the past three weeks, t he leag ue ha s not been charging rent in order to help the various organizations with the loss that they have sustained. He said that the suspects are damaging the concession stands, breaking doors or other entryways in order to get into the structures and steal the food as well as pots and pans and popcorn machines. “If they are in need of food, NEWS

Gallup has been extremely helpful and expedient in getting new doors and security gates on the structure. Hilda Kendall, of the Jim Harlin Community Pantry, said that the new security measures have not stopped the break-ins and that the thieves are quick and are getting good at the burglaries. “We’ve been broken into twice and they have taken inventory, the third time they weren’t successful, but they did heavy damage to the door,” she said. “We’ve lost about $800 in inventory.” Because the Pantry part icipates i n t he prog ra m Eat Healthy, Play Hard, the employees are passionate about the youth of the community, offering their concession stand products at cost and free healthy snacks to the players. The pantry has resigned themselves to hauling all of their inventory to and from the concession stands for the Gallup Sun • Friday June 19, 2015

New Land Withdrawal Designation Regulations Approved Staff Report

I N D OW R O CK , A r i z . – T he Resou rces a nd Development Committee of the Navajo Nation Council passed a resolution on Tuesday, June 16th approving the Land Withdrawal Designation Regulation to designate land for future development. The Navajo Land Department has been working diligently to amend regulations to clarify and expedite the land withdrawal designation process, which was causing a little confusion among the chapters and making project time lines longer. These regulations will enhance the chapter Land Use Plans. Navajo Nation Land Department Director Mike Halona, stated, “We’re trying to

clarify the difference between a land withdrawal designation process and land conveyance process. We hope the passage of these new regulations will help clarify and streamline the land withdrawal process for the Navajo chapters to develop their community land use plans. Without recording chapter land use plan land designation, we could be adversely developing within an area planned for other use.” The purpose of a land withdrawal designation is to designate an area of land for future development by ensuring that the rights of grazing permittees, who are in compliance with their grazing permits are properly addressed as applicable and as required under 16 N.N.C. SS 1401 et seq. and to prevent any subsequent claims to the land and ensuring that the affected chapter supports the land withdrawal

designation and use of the land. Halona added, “With the approval of t he Nav a jo Na t ion G ener a l Leasing Regulations of 2013, which gave the Navajo Nation authority to approve leases; this Land Withdrawal Designation Regulation is step one in the Land Use Planning process. The Navajo Land Department is in the process of establishing a Navajo General Leasing Office, where all leases and permits will be administered by the Navajo Nation. Land Withdrawal Designation Regulations was just one among other regulations that are being developed.” T he R e sou rce s Development Committee within approval of this legislation also included that “the Nava jo Nat ion gover n ment may develop on land designated by the Land Withdrawal Designation without a lease

for government purposes only.” The Resources and Development Committee authorized the Navajo Land Department director the power and authority to give final approval of all land withdrawal designations on the Navajo Nation. For more information about how to acquire a land withdrawal, contact the Nava jo Nation La nd Department at (928) 871-6401. A land withdrawal designation does not authorize development or disturbance on Navajo Nation land. Moreover, it does not apply to how to get a lease. Prior to any development on the land, a lease must be obtained in addition to the withdrawal. Navajo Nation Division of Natural Resources P.O. Box 9000 Window Rock, Arizona 86515 (928) 871-6592 & 6593 Fax# (928) 871-7040 dnrpr@navajo-nsn.gov

Vice President Nez attends agency council, Coyote Canyon building dedication Staff Report

I N DOW ROCK , Ariz.— On June 13, Navajo Nation V ice P r e sident Jonathan Nez was in attendance at the Northern Agency Council meeting at Sanostee, N.M. The meeting was scheduled during the same time President Begaye was at the funeral services for Navajo Code Talker Ba he Ketchu m at Nava jo Mountain. Vice President Nez provided an update on the

Executive Branch issues he and President Russell Begaye have addressed since taking the oath of office on May 12. I n fo r m a t io n i n c lu d e d details of meetings with congressmen, congresswomen and senators on Capitol Hill, Navajo Nation Treaty Day, the Tódínéeshzheé Public Safety Complex, San Juan County fire support services, Birdsprings Memorial Day, Tsayatoh power line extension, graduation message for students, and cabinet appointments from the BegayeNez administration.

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Navajo Nation Vice President Jonathan Nez speaks during the dedication of Marshall Plummer Memorial Hall at the Coyote Canyon Chapter June 13. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Rob Joe

“We are working together and opening the door for our educated Navajos to walk through and return home to help the nation,” he said. More than 100 people were in attendance for the meeting, a similar crowd as the Eastern Agency Council meeting that was held the week before at Nahodishgish, NM. Same as the previous meeting, the chapter officials were eager to begin

working with the administration and meet the new leaders of the Navajo Nation. Later in the morning, Vice President Nez attended the building dedication ceremony at Coyote Canyon. The chapter house was renamed the Marshall Plummer Memorial Hall. A traditional blessing began the festivities, which included members of the Plummer family, Vice President Nez, Dr.

Peterson Zah, Office of the President and Vice President Chief of Staff Robert Joe, Sen. John Pinto (D-NM), Rep. Patty Lundstrom (D-NM), former vice chairman Ed T. Begay and others. “We appreciate the Plummer family and realize the sacrifice

BUILDING DEDICATION | SEE PAGE 13 NEWS

Governor signs bipartisan jobs package in the legislature, and passed with strong bipartisan support during the recent special session. Its components have been supported and sponsored by Republicans and Democrats a like in the New Mex ico Legislature. The legislation will expand t he New Me x ic o A n gel Investment Credit, allowing people who are interested in providing start-up funding to help innovative small businesses get off the ground to invest a greater amount of money in these projects, as well as increasing the number of eligible businesses that can receive this help in their early stages. Additionally, the legislation provides for a more robust technology jobs credit that provides more of an incentive for the expansion and location of technology-related companies in New Mexico; this particular provision also offers a new, more useful benefit for companies that engage in research and development activities that often result in innovative ideas and products. The jobs package a lso levels the playing field with other states, such that more of the money spent by the U.S. Department of Defense on a myriad of technology-related

Staff Report

LBUQUERQUE — Gover nor Su sa na Ma r ti nez sig ned into law a bipartisan jobs package designed to recruit new businesses to New Mexico June 15, make it easier for small businesses to get off the ground and grow, expand trade and commerce along our southern border, and increase employment in the technology sector of New Mexico’s economy. “This jobs package provides us with additional tools to help us compete for new jobs, new investment, and new businesses,” Martinez said. “We must diversify our economy and grow our private sector, and that requires us to make it easier for those with great ideas to start a new business in New Mexico. We also need to ensure that investments in technology businesses, high-tech start-ups, and new innovations happen right here in our state. With this jobs package, we can better accomplish these goals, while also building upon the substantial gains we have made in our trade economy along the border.” The jobs package wa s ne got i a t e d by G over nor Martinez with leaders from both chambers and parties

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that choose to locate their headquarters in New Mexico, as well as a five-year period of gross receipts tax deductions for businesses that locate within 20 miles of our southern border. The U.S. Department of Commerce recently announced that New Mexico is the top state in the nation for export-related job growth, due in large part to the substantial boom in our border economy and increased trade with other countries from more New Mexico businesses than ever before. “This is a jobs package that every New Mexican can be proud of because it is the direct

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result of lawmakers from both parties and chambers working together to put our families first,” Speaker of the House Don Tripp said. “New Mexico recently completed its 32nd consecutive month of overthe-year job growth. We’ve got momentum and need to continue moving New Mexico’s economy forward, and this jobs package will help us do that.” The legislation will also extend the tax deduction utilized by roughly 300,000 mostly low-income and elderly New Mexicans relating to unreimbursed medical costs; had the jobs package not been passed this year, this deduction would have expired and led to a health care tax increase for all those who utilize it. Wo r k i n g i n a b i p a r t i s a n m a n ner, G over nor Martinez and the New Mexico Legislature have passed other major tax reforms, including the reduction of New Mexico’s business tax rate by 22 percent, the enactment of a single-sales factor for manufacturing, and the curbing of tax pyramiding for construction contractors and manufacturers. In 2014, New Mexico’s tax burden on manufacturing investment improved from the third highest in the region to the best in the west, according to Ernst and Young.

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Gallup Sun • Friday June 19, 2015

Bad Grades: Reading teacher wonders about low evaluation score By Joey Peters NM Political Report

ritics of New Mexico’s teacher evaluation model often point to an unfairness in letting a teacher’s job performance weigh so heavily on standardized test scores. Now, several questions are being raised about whether this testing material has anything to do with subjects many instructors actually teach, or even the students in their classroom. In most cases across the state, the New Mexico Public Education Department bases half of a teacher’s yearly evaluation on standardized test scores results. A bad evaluation, ultimately marked as “ineffective,” means that teachers in some cases can’t advance up to a higher teacher license level, which would bring a higher salary. At worst, some teachers may lose their license and be out of a job. Janet Trump-Bowers has been a teacher for four decades in New Mexico, mostly in

Albuquerque. Currently, she teaches reading intervention at Hawthorne Elementar y School to grades 1 through 5 at a learning level just above special education. She also teaches English as a Second Language to a handful of second- and third-graders for 45 minutes each school day. It’s test scores from these students that she sees for less than five hours a week, not the ones learning reading intervention, that make up Trump-Bowers’ student achievement score on her teacher evaluation. That’s because the ESL students took the Standards Based Assessment, which was the state’s flagship standardized test until it was replaced by PARCC this year, while the bulk of her other students didn’t. “My reading classes, they didn’t know how to evaluate them,” Trump-Bowers said. “So, I didn’t get any credit for them.” Yet when she got her student achievement score this year, which ranked a low 42.65 out of 100 possible points, her

evaluation sheet showed that this was based off of standardized test scores from 15 fourth graders and 12 third graders. The problem? “I had at most, 10 fourth graders and 12 third graders” in ESL for the year the scores are based from, Trump-Bowers said. She isn’t sure who the other kids are, and even if she was evaluated on test scores solely for the ESL students she did teach, she still argued that the setup isn’t fair. “What kind of impact do you think I had on those kids for 45 minutes a day?” she asked. “I had some, but I wasn’t their primary teacher.” The state a lso docked Trump-Bowers four out of a possible 20 points from the teacher attendance portion of her evaluation for taking four sick days that year. One of them involved routine medical testing for Trump-Bowers, who at 64 is a breast cancer survivor. In other words, she lost 20 percent of her attendance grade for missing four of the 180 school days, each of which she said were granted to her

Janet Trump-Bowers explores low test scores with how it impacts teachers. Photo Credit: Courtesy of NM Political Report

by school administration. The strictness of this policy, she argued, is ridiculous. “We’re with kids,” she said. “We’re going to get sick. That’s part of the job.” In total, Trump-Bowers scored 117.5 out of 200 possible points for her evaluation, marking her as “minimally effective”—less than two points away from being considered “effective.” I n Fe b r u a r y, t h e Albuquerque Federation of Teachers filed suit against the state Public Education Department partly over this issue. In a section of the lawsuit labeled “Widespread Errors” in the teacher evaluations, the lawsuit alleges that many teacher evaluations relied on wrong student test scores, incorrect teacher absences and “missing data from student surveys.” “That’s the whole flaw of the system,” Ed Monjaras,

an AFT staff representative, told New Mexico Political Reportin a recent interview. “ Te a c h e r s a r e r a t e d o n things that are out of their control.” The lawsuit currently sits before First Judicial District Court, where a hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17. Public Education Department spokesman Robert McEntyre did not return New Mexico Political Report’s requests for comment. At a minimum, TrumpBowers said she wants her evaluations to be based on test results from students she actually teaches. “The biggest thing for teachers is the mystery,” she said. “We really don’t know what we need to do to do well on the evaluation. Then we find out after the fact.” Visit: www.nmpoliticalreport.com

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NEWS

AG wants New Mexico residents to stay in their homes By Attorney General Hector Baldares

s the first person in my family to qualify for a mortgage, I know how vital it is to get and keep a home. Buying a home is part of the American Dream and one of the best ways for families to find stability that builds communities, neighborhoods— and safety. I n keepi ng w it h my commitment to protect the safety of all New Mexico fa m ilies, I encou rage a ll New Mexica ns str uggling with mortgage foreclosure to contact our “Keep Your Home New Mexico” program immediately. Through the program, I have dedicated the resources of my office in partnership with agencies a rou nd the state to help homeowners preserve their part of the American Dream— and the roof over their heads. Our “Keep Your Home New Mexico” program is helping to prevent foreclosures across the state through maintaining our foreclosure hotline and,

in addition, working with courts to provide resources for foreclosure mediation programs in some of the state’s most hard-hit counties. These mediation programs bring homeowners and banks faceto-face to discuss alternatives to foreclosure and often help homeowners get their loans back on track. Senator Michael Padilla’s leadership and support in getting his constituents to use the services and call the Attorney General to report

BUILDING DEDICATION | FROM PAGE 10 their father, uncle, brother and nalí made serving in a leadership capacity,” Nez said. “He was out there serving the community.” While serving as vice president, Plummer was not home very much, Nez explained, offering gratitude for the family’s understanding and support. He also acknowledged the service and dedication of Navajo veterans and first responders, including police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians. Nez also said it was appropriate for the community celebrate the legacy of Marshall Plummer by naming the building after him. Speak ing in Nava jo, Vice President Nez said he is standing beside President Begaye and not “sitting behind him,” which is the literal translation for vice president in Navajo. “That is what Vice President Plummer did for President Zah, he stood beside him and supported him,” Dr. Peterson Zah spoke of NEWS

The “Keep Your Home New Mexico” program can help you find alternatives to foreclosure, including principal forgiveness, mod i f ic a t ion of i nt ere s t rates and payment terms, or refinance. Even if you can no longer afford to stay in your home, we can help find a more graceful exit than foreclosure, such as with a short sale or the “cash for keys” program which can give you some time to transition to a new home. According to the a 2015 National Foreclosure Report, t he nu mber of homes i n foreclosu re ha s decl i ned problems has been invaluable. nationally by 27% since this I encourage all legislators to time last year, but New Mexico work with us to get the word still ranks seventh highest in out that our office can help the country in the percentage New Mexicans keep their of homes that a re in the homes. foreclosure process. Here, Our “Keep Your Home New approximately 1 out of every Mexico” program works with 47 homes is in some stage of nonprofit partners to provide foreclosure and 1 out of 23 housing counseling and legal homes has a serious mortgage foreclosure defense. We also delinquency. Over 1,600 homes monitor bank compliance were lost to foreclosure over a w it h nat iona l set t lement recent 12 month period. agreements to give assistance Since the housing crisis to homeowners taken in by bega n i n 2 0 0 8, we h ave foreclosure rescue scams. found that most New Mexico

the time in office he shared with Plummer, who served as Navajo Nation Vice President during their administration from 1991-1994. He said it was a privilege and an honor to serve with Plummer. “As a show of respect, the residents Coyote Canyon are renaming the chapter house after Mr. Plummer for his many years of service to their community and the Navajo Nation,” Zah said. “Thank you.” Plummer was a true statesman for the Navajo people, Zah said, and had a unique ability to remain calm and collected during times of crises. Zah recalled a time in 2006, when the city of Farmington called upon Plummer to quell racial tensions that were growing after an Anglo police officer shot and killed a Navajo man. During that time, three Anglo kids were also charged with severely beating a Navajo. “Marshall Plummer was a Navajo leader with the innate ability of protecting his Navajo people, which shouldn’t be surprising when you consider his service to

h o m e ow n e r s a t r i s k of foreclo su re m a de t i mely mortgage payments for years before an economic setback– job loss, illness or other unexpected event—caused them to fall behind. The “Keep Your Home New Mexico” program can often help prevent the loss of homes, safety and stability that can result from a foreclosure. I wa nt New Mex ico homeowners to know that my office may be able to help you save your home. Don’t give up on your American Dream without first finding out what those options are. I urge New Mexican’s who are struggling with their mortgage and facing foreclosure not to wait to contact our “Keep Your Home New Mexico” hotline or website. We can help. T h e “ Ke e p You r Hom e New Me x i c o” foreclosure prevention hotline is available tollfree throughout the state at 1-855-664-6630. O ur web site i s: www. KeepYourHomeNewMexico. com.

his country as a former Vietnam veteran,” said Zah. Before serving as the first vice president of the Navajo Nation, Plummer served as a council delegate for Coyote Canyon from 1988 to 1991. During that time, he was a member of the 49ers, a minority group of council delegates that fought against former chairman Peter MacDonald after federal crimes were filed against him. Subsequently, the tribal council voted in Plummer to serve as interim chairman. “Ever the statesman, [Plummer] stepped down when Johnny R. Thompson, former vice chairman, argued he had legal title to the chairmanship,” Zah said. “That’s the kind of man he was, diplomatic. “Thank you for honoring Marshall Plummer in this manner. It shows the character and commitment he had to the Navajo Nation,” Joe said, “Marshall Plummer was a passionate leader that influenced communities and diverse cultures to work toward a common vision. His legacy is honored by the chapter.” Gallup Sun • Friday June 19, 2015

COMMUNITY El Morro Theatre unveils new event center By Dee Velasco Sun Correspondent

n the evening of the Ju ne A r ts Crawl, de spit e t he da rk looming rain clouds above and the wind kicking up now and then, Second Street was seated with anxious people awaiting a ribbon cutting ceremony. This ceremony, held June 13, debuted the new El Morro Second Street Events Center while giving a nod to the technological upgrades made to the historic El Morro Theatre. Master of Ceremony and Gallup’s General Ser v ices Director Rick Snider welcomed everyone to the event, and local singer and artist Tawnya Gomez sa ng the nationa l anthem. Mayor Jackie McKinney gave a short speech and lauded those involved with the project. “Gallup residents can be proud of how the city is growing and how everyone can enjoy this addition to Second street.” he said. Councilor Allan Landavazo also praised the new events center. “A lot of history is here in Gallup and with this new events center, only more can be

added to it,” he said. “This has been in the planning for quite some time and we are thrilled that this has finally come to life.”

The event center will offer modern technological amenities and can seat up to120 people. The two rooms of the events center offer a flexible

take advantage of all that this center will offer.” After all speeches were completed, the ribbon was cut and the El Morro Second Street

From left, Councilor Allan Landavazo, Councilor Linda Garcia, Mayor Jackie McKinney, Councilor Yogash Kumar, El Morro Theatre Manager Frank Bosler, City Attorney George Kozeliski and City Manager Maryann Ustick participate in the El Morro Theatre ribbon cutting ceremony June 13. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Delray Damon

Mayor Jackie McKinney addresses the audience during the El Morro Second Street Events Center grand opening ceremony June 13. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Delray Damon

venue for activities. In addition, the center offers two new dressing rooms for men and women, complete with restrooms and shower

Friday June 19, 2015 • Gallup Sun

facilities to support entertainers that perform at the historic theater. Upgrades were also done to the inside of the El Morro Theatre, which includes a state-of-the-art Christie Digital projector and an all-new Dolby Surround 7.1 audio system capable of showing the latest major studio feature films with brilliant images and crystal clear sound. Also, a new loading dock offers improved access for load-in of performance equipment. A kitchenette is also on hand to easily serve beverages, appetizers and other food options. “With this new events center, we are capable of having live music, meetings, exhibits, and much more, El Morro Theatre Manager Frank Bosler said. “We invite the public to

Event Center was officially open. Exhibits featured the Navajo Nation Museum; Navajo Weavers Marlowe Ketoney, Genevieve Hardy, Tahnibaa Naatanni, Phil Singer and Jay Begay; and Eric Manuelito played traditional Navajo flute. Michaela Martinez, a resident of Gallup said, “This is really nice, and the workers are so friendly and the whole place is awesome!” The crowd was also treated to films, including “Men Who Weave,” a documentary that features Nava jo men who weave traditional rugs. The film, “Delivery from Earth,”featured a Q&A with film writer, producer,and director Michael Becker. Snider said the addition of the event center and interior upgrades to the El Morro Theatre cost nearly $1.7 million. COMMUNITY

Furrball: unofficial, official Navajo Nation Office of the Speaker Mouse Killer BATES SHARES STORY ABOUT HIS FELINE OFFICE COMPANION By Marley Shebala Sun correspondent

I N DOW ROCK , Ariz. – If Furrball w a s a Na v a j o Nat ion gover nment, she would have received a raise for outstanding work. But she does have the unofficial, official title of Navajo Nation Office of the Speaker Mouse Catcher. Or maybe it should be Mouse Killer. Speaker LoRenzo Bates said Furrball came to his office when he was speaker pro tem. Bates became pro tem in April 2014, after the council placed then Speaker Johnny Naize on administrative leave with pay for not maintaining his “good standing” qualification to be speaker. Naize’s good standing came into question after the tribal Special Prosecutors filed criminal charges of bribery and conspiracy to commit bribery involving tribal discretionary funds against him. In September 2014, Naize pleaded guilty and resigned. The Council voted to have Bates continue as pro tem because a new Council was being inaugurated in January. In January, after a tie-vote by the Council, Bates became speaker. His opponent for s p e a ker, Delega t e A lt on Shepherd handed the speakership to Bates because he wanted unity in the Council and among the people.

MOUSE KILLER Bates recalled that when he was speaker pro tem that legislative staff complained about “mouse problems” in the two legislative buildings. “Employees would come to work and find mouse droppings in their coffee cups and everywhere,” he said. Bates said his office tried getting rid of the mice through the tribal policies and procedures for mice removal but that didn’t work. He recalled, “We were all talking one morning about the mouse problem and I said, ‘I’ll get a cat. A cat will take care of it.’’ Bates said that one of his COMMUNITY

Navajo Nation Office of the Speaker LoRenzo Bates

employees k new a not her employee that had a cat that just had a litter of kittens. “Furrball came on board when she was six weeks old,” he remembered. Bates said that legislative staff contributed money for her litter and food. The contributions are now made on a monthly basis, he said. “As she got older, the mice issues started to go away in both buildings,” he said. “As of today, we have not heard an employee report mouse droppings or sightings of mice.”

CAT PROBLEMS Bates explained that the only problem that the legislative office has had is “issues with the cleaning crew.” Bates also said that one of the tribal government custodians was allergic to cats and so she refused to clean the legislative buildings. He tried to resolve the allergy problem by suggesting that the custodian with the allergy clean another building. But instead the cleaning crew quit cleaning the legislative buildings, which resulted in Bates hiring a Navajo-owned cleaning company to clean the legislatives buildings. And then Bates said they had problems with the Navajo Office of Safety and Health Administration. “They wanted to take her away,” he recalled. “I was in a meeting and the staff interrupted my meeting to tell me, ‘They’re taking Furrball.’ So I had to leave my meeting and deal with NOSHA.” When Bates came out of his meeting, he saw a NOSHA worker with Furrball in his arms.

Bates also noticed that the worker had his protective clothing on, which included a thick jacket. He stopped the worker and tried talking to him but the worker’s response was to cite NOSHA rules and regulations, apologize and say that his bosses sent him. After Bates politely asked the worker to have his bosses come and meet with him, the worker released Furrball, who ran down the hallway. “She used one of her nine lives that day,” Bates said. After the incident with NOSHA, Bates decided to get legal counsel.

DOMESTIC ANIMAL IN BUILDING Bates told the legislative attorneys about NOSHA and Furrball and asked them to research domestic animals in public buildings. Bates then invited the tribal management department to meet with him about Furrball. “All they asked, after we described the mice issue, was for us to post a notice at the front office door that there was a domestic animal in the

building,” he explained. “So that notice is up and she’s been with us for a year now.” Bates laughed as he talked about Furrball’s behavior after a three-day tribal holiday and she’s been in the office by herself for that amount of time. “We come back to work and she just terrorizes,” he said laughing. “She’s just upset because she’s been alone for three days.” So how does F u r rba l l terrorize? Bates said she walks in front of staff to get attention but when they try to pet her, she’ll use her paw to push away their hands. “After she get over her attitude, she’s alright,” he said. “I tell employees she has a permanent PAF as long as she takes care of mice issue. She does her job.” A PAF is the acronym for personnel action form or document showing that an individual is a tribal government employee.

BRINGS CALMNESS Bates noted that Furrball has been fixed or spayed and has all of her shots. “We get her claws filed down,” he said. “We thought

It’s obvious from this warning sign that Furrball is second in command. Photo Credit: Marley Shebala

Furrball the queen sits on her throne. Photo Credit: Marley Shebala

about declawing her but if she goes outside, she’ll have no way of protecting herself. The employees feel that declawing is cruel. So we decided to just her nails taken care of.” Bates said that when the office is open, Furrball will sit by the door and look outside but she never goes outside. “She’s great for the office,” he said. “She brings calmness. Delegates come into the office and they pet her. Everybody that comes to office pets her. She’s pretty famous. Kids come in and the first thing they ask is ‘Where’s Furrball?’ “She had the run of the office,” Bates added. “But I don’t let her come into meetings in the conference room because she’ll interrupt and disturb folks in the meeting.”

CAT SPACE He said that her space is a wooden filing box that sits at the corner of the secretary’s desk. “That’s her space,” Bates said. “Ever since she was a kitten, she wandered around the office until she found that space.” He remembered that the first file box was plastic. “As she grew, she broke that one,” Bates said. “We ended up going to wood. We tried a metal filing box but she didn’t like that.” He said that his staff got the wooden filing box and even reinforced it. “Documents are supposed to go in there,” Bates said. There were times that someone did put a document in the wooden filing box but that didn’t stop Furrball from laying on it and going to sleep. Bates said Furrball is real playful and knows when an unfamiliar person is walking down the office hall. “She’ll hide in a doorway and when that individual walks by, she’ll jump out at them and scare them,” he said laughing. If it was obvious from the stories that Bates told about his Furrball and his laughter as he talked about Furrball that Furrball was more than a mouse killer for him and his staff.

Gallup Sun • Friday June 19, 2015

A personal sojourn: Man walks across country to lose weight, gain insight By Melinda Russell Sun Correspondent

s in many journeys, the story lies within the steps and not within the destination. John Higgins, dressed in a Rio West Mall T-shirt and a Buffalo Bills cap, left Gallup June 9 determined to accomplish his goal. This was day 100 on the road and about 250 miles was all that was between him and his destination. But, before he left Gallup he shared what prompted him to walk across the country. Higgins, 34, started his journey in Tampa, FL, and will finish at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon after walking more than 2,500 miles through 11 states. Higgins said he has traveled to other countries but has never seen the United States. “I wanted to see America at three miles per hour,” he said.

A s he moved t h roug h Florida and Georgia he felt it was urban and less personable, but once we started to cross through Arkansas he began to see a positive change. “People are more caring than the world would perceive,” Higgins said. He has been helped along the way by truly, nice people. One of the most caring places he found is Gallup. A few days before reaching Gallup, Higgins met David Addington, owner of the Rio West Mall at a Pit Stop outside of Albuquerque. Addington asked Higgins about his story and finished the conversation by telling Higgins if he needed anything while in Gallup to look him up at the Rio West Mall. Higgins uses a stroller to store and transport his necessities. When he made it to Gallup, the stroller’s wheels were bald and thin and Higgins was

Higgins referred to the Rio West Mall Staff as angels. Pictured left to right: Anita Artelejo, Shawna Norton, Jerrold Kirk, John Higgins and Ida Mangum. Photo Credit: Courtesy

hungry and tired. O f f ice M a n a ger A n it a A r telejo said each of the office staff had something

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to offer. Leasing/Marketing Manager Ida Mangum and Ad m i n i st rat ive A s si st a nt Shawna Norton made arrangements for him to eat at the Food Court, and Jerrold Kirk from maintenance replaced the tires on his stroller. Artelejo put him up in a hotel for the evening, giving him much needed piece of mind for his rest. “We were very touched by his story. We felt it in our hearts to help him,” Artelejo said. Higgins voice became shaky while telling this part of his story, referring to the staff at the mall as the Rio West angels. At the beginning of his journey Higgins said it was unsettling to sleep in a strange places. He said that one night he set up camp next to a railroad and was awakened at 3:30 am when a train screamed by. That was one the scariest moments he experienced. From this experience he chose campsites wisely. When possible, he stayed at campgrounds. His second choice was behind churches. Some people offered him shelter and others offered him food. Mission Possible in Thoreau, NM was one of the places that opened their doors for him. “ Their hospita lit y wa s amazing,” he said. So, why would a young man take leave from his job, son and fiancé to make a trip like this?

His answer: he wanted to see America and to connect with people. In addition, he was extremely overweight and tied to his job. It was also important to set an example for his son so he will know that nothing is impossible. He talked about his faith and how this trek has strengthened his relationship with God. “The spirit is like a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it gets,” he said. Outside of Gallup, Higgins saw a woman on the side of the road with a sign on her truck that read “free puppies.” Higgins stopped and talked with the woman and examined the puppies. He decided to take one of the German Shepherd mixes to keep him company on the last stretch of his journey. “He definitely brightens things up.” Durvan, the puppy, also hears people and notices things in the brush before Higgins does. Before getting the dog, Higgins was talking to his stroller, Allen. Now Durban the dog is the object of Higgins conversations. Higgins son, Calvin, named the dog. “Now I think the dog is more popular than me,” he quipped. Higgins is scheduled to reach the Grand Canyon June 19. COMMUNITY

DVD/Blu-ray Roundup June 19, 2015 By Glenn Kay For the Sun

elcome back to another roundup of highlights on Blu-ray and DVD. It’s a busy edition with a lot of films arriving in a variety of genres. So, if you can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure and give some of these titles a try!

BIG NEW RELEASES! Bolger and Ray Wise headline the film. Run Al l Night - Lia m Neeson plays yet another tough guy in this hard-boiled action

was aiming for something a bit different than the typical gross-out comedy. However, it does boast an impressive cast, including Vince Vaughn, Tom Wilkinson, Dave Franco, James Marsden, Sienna Miller and Nick Frost.

of older flicks being introduced into high definition. These include The Boys in the Band (1970), a Golden Globe nominated, gay-themed drama from director William Friedkin (who would later helm The French Connection and Sorcerer). I f you’re i nt r ig ued by Tentacles and Reptilicus or goofy Saturday matinee science-fiction flicks in general, you may find the Blu-ray of The Land That Time Forgot (1975) to your liking. It involves a submarine that gets lost and finds itself docked at an island filled with dinosaurs and Neanderthals.

BLASTS FROM THE PAST!

Chappie - A robot with AI is kidnapped by a gang and learns important life lessons in this science-fiction effort from director Neill Blomkamp (District 9, Elysium). The title character also must hide from a company employee out to destroy him because of the societal implications of a free-thinking robot. The press were not taken with this effort - they claimed that it looked great but suffered from a heavyhanded approach, numerous plot holes and bad dialogue. Cast members include Hugh Jackman, Dev Patel, Ninja, Yolandi Visser and Sigourney Weaver. T h e L a za r u s Ef fe ct Frankenstein and Carrie get mashed together in this story about a group of scientists who figure out how to resurrect the dead. When they raise one of their own, they suddenly find that the person isn’t the same, possessing psychokinetic abilities and a very nasty steak. It received terrible notices. Most write-ups suggested that it was far sillier than it was scary, going through the horror movie motions and lacking any credible scare sequences. Olivia Wilde, Mark Duplass, Donald Glover, Evan Peters, Sarah COMMUNITY

B-movie enthusiasts can pick up a Shout! Factor y Double Feature Blu-ray of t he not- so -g reat monster movies Tentacles (1977) and

picture about an ex-enforcer who becomes the target of his mobster boss after rescuing his son from a gangland hit. Reaction was mixed for this effort, although there were a few more positive write-ups than negative. While some felt the story was too familiar and the tone overly dark and gritty, others claimed that it added more weight and depth to the characters. The supporting roles are played by Joel Kinnaman, Ed Harris, Common, Bruce McGill and Vincent D’Onofrio. Unfinished Business - A trio of misfits are forced out of their jobs and form their own company. They travel to Germany to try and land a client that will save their business, but are forced to deal with an assortment of bizarre personal and professional issues. Most reviews were awful, claiming that the movie was unfunny and didn’t deliver on its premise. Still, there were a scant few reviewers who through that his comedy

Reptilicus (1961). Tentacles is a Jaws knock-off that deals with a seaside town (actually, La Jolla, CA) facing off against a large rampaging octopus craving human blood. Acting veterans John Huston, Shelley Winters and Henry Fonda pay the rent by appearing in this very cheesy effort from the director of the so-bad-it’s-good cult flick, The Visitor (1979). Reptilicus features a lizard fossil that grows into a giant monster and rampages through the streets of Copenhagen, Demark. The Blu-ray features trailers for both films. Kino Lorber has a big group

The Onion Field (1979) is a true crime drama that received a Golden Globe nomination upon its theatrical release. It’s based on a true story about a violent crime and features performances from James Woods, Ted Danson, Ronny Cox and Christopher Lloyd. Any Chuck Norris fans out there? Then you’ll be happy to see Kino Blu-rays for the films An Eye For an Eye (1981) and Hero and the Terror (1988). The first involves a cop who

as a detective and father-to-be hunting down a dangerous and monstrously huge serial killer. Finally, there’s the thriller Malice (1993), which stars Nicole Kidman, Alec Baldwin and Bill Pullman. Its about a couple trying desperately to have children, only to learn that an acquaintance (a doctor renting a space in their house) might be a psychopath manipulating them to his own gains. Disney are releasing Blurays of two Japanese animated films. These include the Oscarwinning Hayao Miyazaki effort Spirited Away (2001) and The Cat Returns (2002). Perhaps to tie in with their release of A Master Builder, Criterion are also debuting the Wallace Shawn arthouse classic from Louis Malle, My Dinner With Andre (1981). It is exactly as it sounds, with Shawn and theater director Andre Gregory discussing their lives as well as love, death and money. The Blu-ray features a new restoration, an interview with the participants and TV show episode dissecting the film. Finally, MGM are making some old, lesser known titles available as part of their DVD-R burning on demand series. These include Fearless Frank (1967) and the Frank Zappa flick 200 Motels (1971) (which is inspired by the musician’s many escapades while on tour). Finally, they’re also making the Joseph Bologna comedy Mixed Company (1974) available for order.

YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS! It’s a lean week for kids, but here’s what is being made available.

goes over the edge and vows to take down a drug kingpin any way he can. It co-stars Mako, Richard Roundtree and the late, great Christopher Lee. The latter features Norris

Caillou: Caillou Helps Out (PBS Kids) Littlest Pet Shop: Paws For Applause

Gallup Sun • Friday June 19, 2015

Pixar back to its roots with ‘Inside Out’ By David Pinson For the Sun

««« OUT OF FOUR STARS

IXAR has had a tough time since they were enveloped by Disney. The compa ny that used to stand as the pinnacle of quality for American animation has fallen victim to the Hollywood repetition virus for last five years. Cars 2??? Not necessary. A Monsters Inc. prequel that focuses on the college years of Mike and Sully and devolves into Revenge of the Nerds rip-off? Who cares???? T hen t hey a n nou nced Finding Dory and Toy Story 4 and I figured it was the end of days. PIXAR looked as if it had become a money printing machine more focused on selling toys than providing quality product. Some of that still remains true but their latest f lick, Inside Out gives me hope. It is a return to form for the studio that provides an ORIGINAL story with heart and warmth. So rejoice!!! PIXAR is back! Inside Out takes us into the mind of an 11-year-old girl, Riley (Kaitlyn Dias), and introduces us to her emotions who take a physical form and flips the switches and knobs

Pixar’s ‘Inside Out’ takes viewers into a little girl’s mind and emotions. Opens in theaters June 19. Photo Credit: Disney Movies ©

on her emotional control panel. The mind of an 11-year-old is the perfect place to set up this scenario. Riley is a pretty happy kid so Joy (Amy Poehler) runs the show and has the controls most of the time. Joy is joined by four others, Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith). As Riley is transplanted with her parents from her life

in the Midwest and plopped down in San Francisco the other emotions take charge. Especially Sadness who can’t seem to keep her blues to herself. Joy and Sadness get lost in the intricacies of Riley’s mind and have a Wizard of Oz type of adventure that fully explores the concept. Plenty of laughs and a couple of tears mixed with a fully realized world makes Inside Out the

best PIXAR film in the last five years. Easy. Director Pete Doctor gave us Up and has proven to be a master at providing a rich emotional landscape in his films. A perfect fit for this project. He weaves a detailed tapestry that sends the story on some unique and inventive twists and turns. You will travel on the Train of Thought and meet forgotten imaginary

friends made mostly of cotton candy. Of all the emotions, Disgust is the only one that isn’t fleshed out. All of the others are perfectly cast and used to their full potential. We take brief trips into other people’s minds and these interludes provide some of the best moments in the film. W hat happens here in Inside Out is that PIXAR has given us a family film that truly has something to offer anyone, regardless of age. This is the return to form that I’m talking about. A four year old can be thoroughly entertained sitting next to their grandparents wearing a grin just as big as theirs. This is the magic that has been missing. This is what makes a great family film. It does not talk down to its audience. With The Good Dinosaur next on the PIXAR docket, I’m hoping for more ingenuity to come. You can keep your endless sequels. We want new stories or at least we should. Jurassic Park 4 just made more money than any movie in a three day span than anything else in history. And I’m sure if Inside Out makes its millions there will be more to come. Regardless, it is nice to see that we can still see something new every once in a while. It makes me full of Joy. Visit:www. cinemastance.com

PETS OF THE WEEK DENNY AND SPOT 6646 Denny is a lovely and sweet female Shepard mix who loves to wag her tail. Cute little Spot, featured last week (6582), is still waiting on his forever home! Come see our fabulous selection of puppies and grown dogs in need of a new lease on life. Adoption fee for puppies is $100. Visit Us!

MIDNIGHT 6762 Midnight, a spayed female kitty, is waiting patiently for someone to take her home. Come and meet Midnight and meet our other fine selection of felines looking for a second chance at life. Special: Adoption fee for cats and kittens is just $25! Ready to go!

Visit and adopt one of these deserving furry friends at Gallup-McKinley County Humane Society: 1315 Hamilton Rd #B, Gallup, NM. Information: (505) 863-2616. 18

Friday June 19, 2015 • Gallup Sun

COMMUNITY

‘Arts Crawl Moments’

THE JUNE 13 ARTS CRAWL WAS BUSTLING WITH ARTISTIC AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES PHOTOS BY TOM HARTSOCK

The NiteRyderz played on the corner of Second and Coal last Saturday as part of the entertainment for Arts Crawl.

A Christian Rock Band, Kleensl8, performed in the walkway during Arts Crawl. The sibling trio, from left is Josiah, Jake, and Jamie Brown. The band is from Michigan and was here to perform at eight other locations in the Gallup area.

A young Eagle Dancer performed to the beat of a drum at the Arts Crawl last Saturday night.

Marla Chavez explained to a couple of her customers about the jewelry she has made, and did it inside the Coal Street Pub during Arts Crawl last Saturday night.

Even some adults took advantage and got their faces painted last Saturday night.

No one had to look very far for art last Saturday. It was everywhere during Arts Crawl.

COMMUNITY

Little ones got their faces painted last Saturday during Arts Crawl. This boy had his favorite character put on his face, Spiderman.

Gallup Sun • Friday June 19, 2015

SPORTS 360 Fox Run is Open for Play

Story and Photos by Tom Hartsock Sun Correspondent

or those who are tired of the Gallup to Grants commute on a regular basis, or even farther, the news about Fox Run Golf Course is good, and getting better. Although not up to the highest standards, or even to previous ones, the work at Fox Run is improving and laying a solid foundation for future years. It has taken months of planning

and preparation, but just in the month Max Johnson and Troy Kyle have been in Gallup, the course has improved. Water pumps in the lake areas are working well, the greens are growing back in, and contours and bunkers have been adjusted to provide a more playable course. “We started on the back side, making the greens more receptive,” said Kyle, a senior in NMSU’s Professional Golf Management course and a 25-year Army veteran. “As the top dressing continues with

The grass is growing into the green on #10, with only a small, burned portion still evident in yellow. The pitch has also been altered and a bunker will be re-installed on the far side of the green in this shot.

A bunker is in place on #15.

Troy Kyle, left, and Max Johnson pose outside of the equipment shop at Fox Run Golf Course.

20 Friday June 19, 2015 • Gallup Sun

adequate aeration, the greens will slowly grow better grass. We still have some artificial greens, but hope to have most of them in order by August 15.” The greens will be softer, too, so the ball will not continue running as some golfers

have experienced. At the same time, the surface will provide a quicker run for the putts. The effect will be similar on all greens so the player does not have to drastically change his putt on every hole. The course is a work in

progress after several years of trying to patch the problems as they occurred. “It’s a great experience for us,” said Johnson, who was a

FOX RUN | SEE PAGE 21 SPORTS

The approach to 15 will be a soft pitch either out of the bunker or just over it, which could land a golfer near the hole.

The green on number 8 will also feature two bunkers in the rear to warn the golfers they have gone too far.

FOX RUN | FROM PAGE 20

approach, but balls have a tendency to bounce higher and run longer on that surface. That is not a good thing in golf.” Fresh water supply is not at maximum for now and will not be until the pipeline in finished in several years. Effluent water will necessarily be used in the meanwhile, but if tender care is given to the course, it may not make much of a difference. Both Kyle and Johnson work under the direction of their individual directors, Pat Gavin

kicker for the Aggie football team. “The practice area has improved and lessons are available. The Free Kids Camp is scheduled for August 3-6, but if demand warrants it, another will be scheduled for July.” The main concerns for a total approach to are drainage and irrigation of the course. The money for the front nine has already been allocated by

the City Council for 2016 at a cost of over a million dollars. The total cost could be almost $2.5 million, if not more due to unforeseen problems or inflation. Discussion with Johnson about the use of Astro-turf brought him quickly back into the conversation. “There is no benefit to the use of Astro-turf on a golf course,” said the tall blonde senior in Turfgrass Science. “Some golfers can stick the

of the PGA Golf Management P rog r a m, a nd T u r g f r a s s Program Director Ryan Goss. Minimal wages to these directors are paid by the city with per diems and expenses attached. Johnson and Kyle receive $17 per hour and are provided with housing adjacent to the course, with utilities paid. Kyle mentioned that interest is picking up and wanted everyone to know the pro shop stll offers club repairs and grip replacents, and has been

bringing in the latest gear from Callaway, Titleist and Taylor Made. He’s also selling older merchandise at discount prices to make room for new inventory. Monthly fees for golfers have also been reduced in order to entice them to play Fox Run with quite a few others that have opted for a local course, regardless of the less than standard conditions. When you consider the price charged in Grants, the cost of driving over and back, and the almost two additional hours of lost work time for the trip, only the pro golfer would reasonably choose that hardship. Even Tiger Woods, in his early days on the pro circuit, admitted playing on some truly terrible courses to make his game better. It seemed to have worked! There are no bleachers at Fox Run, but I will be around for the Big Brothers Big Sisters tournament in August, so I will have to sign off on this column with, I’ll see you at Fox Run and we’ll talk. For more info: www. gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-9224.

This Week in Sports Saturday, June 20 Willie Mays League (Stafie Field) 6pm Giants vs White Sox 8pm Pirates vs Rangers Monday, June 22 Rod Carew T-Ball (T-Ball Field) 6pm Yankees vs. Rockies

8pm Reds vs. Tigers

7pm D-Backs vs. Tigers

Roberto Clemente League (Indian Hills Field) 6pm Padres vs. Angels

8pm Cubs vs. Indians Roberto Clemente League (Indian Hills Field) 6pm Marlins vs. Dodgers 8pm Mets vs. Cardinals U-8 Softball League (Father Dunstan Park) 6pm Rockies at D-Backs 8pm Nationals at Padres Willie Mays League (Stafie Field) 6pm Nationals vs A’s 8pm Dodgers vs Rangers PeeWee Reese League (PeeWee Reese Field) 6pm Dodgers vs. Yankees 8pm Braves vs. A’s U-12 Softball League (FC Softball Field) 6pm Braves vs. Yankees 8pm Pirates vs. D-Backs Sandy Koufax League (Mickey Mantle Field) 6pm Giants vs. Yankees SPORTS

Tuesday, June 23 Rod Carew T-Ball (T-Ball Field) 6pm Dodgers vs. Cardinals 7pm Giants vs. Braves 8pm White Sox vs. A’s

8pm Red Sox vs. Twins Willie Mays League (Stafie Field) 6pm D-Backs vs White Sox 8pm Giants vs Yankees U-10 Softball League (Father Dunstan Park) 6pm Wildcats vs. G. Hounds 8pm Bruins vs. Ducks PeeWee Reese League (PeeWee Reese Field) 6pm Rangers vs. Braves 8pm Yankees vs. Red Sox U-14 Softball League (F.C. Softball Field) 6pm Giants vs. Yankees 8pm D-Backs vs. Trojans Mickey Mantle League (Mickey Mantle Field) 6pm Dodgers vs. Yankees 8pm Pirates vs. A’s Wednesday, June 24

Rod Carew T-Ball (T-Ball Field) 6pm Astros vs. Angels 7pm Yankees vs. Red Sox 8pm Rockies vs. Pirates Roberto Clemente League (Indian Hills Field) 6pm Reds vs. Tigers 8pm Marlins vs. Yankees U-8 Softball League (Father Dunstan Park) 6pm D-Backs at Angels 8pm Dodgers at Giants Willie Mays League (Stafie Field) 6pm Angels vs Pirates 8pm Rangers vs D-Backs PeeWee Reese League (PeeWee Reese Field) 6pm Dodgers vs. Rangers 8pm Red Sox vs. Braves U-12 Softball League (FC Softball Field) 6pm Yankees vs. Giants 8pm Braves vs. Pirates Sandy Koufax League (Mickey Mantle Field) 6pm Reds vs. Yankees 8pm Tigers vs. Giants Thursday, June 25 Rod Carew T-Ball (T-Ball Field)

6pm Cubs vs. Tigers

8pm Yankees vs. A’s

7pm Dodgers vs. D-Backs

Roberto Clemente League (Indian Hills Field) 6pm Red Sox vs. Cardinals

8pm Giants vs. Indians Roberto Clemente League (Indian Hills Field) 6pm Mets vs. Indians 8pm Padres vs. Dodgers Willie Mays League (Stafie Field) 6pm Pirates vs Nationals 8pm A’s vs Giants U-10 Softball League (Father Dunstan Park) 6pm Mustangs vs. H. Frogs 8pm Ducks vs. Seminoles PeeWee Reese League (PeeWee Reese Field) 6pm A’s vs. Yankees 8pm Red Sox vs. Dodgers U-14 Softball League (F.C. Softball Field) 6pm Yankees vs. D-Backs 8pm Giants vs. Trojans Mickey Mantle League (Mickey Mantle Field) 6pm A’s vs. Dodgers 8pm Yankees vs. Pirates Friday, June 26 Rod Carew T-Ball (T-Ball Field) 6pm White Sox vs. Cardinals 7pm Astros vs. Braves

8pm Reds vs. Angels U-8 Softball League (Father Dunstan Park) 6pm Rockies at Nationals Willie Mays League (Stafie Field) 6pm Dodgers vs Angels 8pm Yankees vs White Sox U-10 Softball League (Father Dunstan Park) 8pm Horned Frogs vs. Bruins U-12 Softball League (FC Softball Field) 6pm D-Backs vs. Yankees 8pm Giants vs. Braves Sandy Koufax League (Mickey Mantle Field) 6pm Tigers vs. Yankees 8pm Giants vs. Reds Schedules ae only for one week at a time. Times and locations may change for a variety of reasons. Please contact your school to confirm the dates and times. ONLY the four schools from our coverage area appear in this schedule: Gallup, Miyamura, Rehoboth Christian, and Wingate, and these are color-coded for easier reference. The summer league games are included by age groupings, in red.

Gallup Sun • Friday June 19, 2015

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR JUNE 19 – 25, 2015 FRIDAY JUNE 19 FREE COMPUTER CLASS! The Octavia Fellin Public Library is offering free computer training, 115 W. Hill. Class size is limited to 10 participants per session. Registration is required, to register call (505) 863-1291 or email: libtrain@gallupnm.gov or visit the front desk of the library. Today’s class: Microsoft Word 2010: An Intermediate Course from 2-4 pm. 67TH ANNUAL LION’S CLUB RODEO Championship rodeo Friday and Saturday night! Starts at 7 pm, Red Rock Park, Gallup. Adults $10 (advance), $15 (at gate); Children under 10 and Senior Citizens (65+) $5 (advance), $10 (at gate). www. galluplionsclubrodeo.com MONDAY JUNE 22 FREE COMPUTER CLASS! The Octavia Fellin Public Library is offering free computer training, 115 W. Hill. Class size is limited to 10 participants per session. Registration is required, to register call

(505) 863-1291 or email: libtrain@gallupnm.gov or visit the front desk of the library. Today’s class: Introduction to Excel from 5:30-7:30 pm. TUESDAY JUNE 23 MCKINLEY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSION MEETING McKinley County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting at 9 am. This meeting will be held in the Commissioner Chambers, third floor of the McKinley County Courthouse, 207 West Hill. A copy of the agenda will be available 72 hours prior to the meeting in the Manager’s Office and the County Clerk’s Office. CITY COUNCIL MEETING City Council meeting takes place at 6 pm this evening. Agenda will be available at the City Clerk’s office at least 72 hours prior to meeting. 110 W. Aztec Ave. (505) 863-1254. WEDNESDAY JUNE 24 NORTHSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETING We invite you to meet with Councilor

22 Friday June 19, 2015 • Gallup Sun

CALENDAR

Linda Garcia at the Northside Neighborhood Association monthly meeting beginning at 6:30 pm at the Northside Senior Center, 607 N Fourth. Councilor Garcia will be there to listen to your concerns. It’s a great opportunity to share ideas and we welcome your compliments and complaints. Please join us and feel free to bring a friend or two. If you have any questions, please call Linda at (505) 879-4176. THURSDAY JUNE 25 NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING WITH COUNCILOR FRAN PALOCHAK We invite residents of the Mentor neighborhood to meet with Councilor Fran Palochak at our meeting beginning at 6 pm at Tobe Turpen Elementary School, 3310 Manuelito Drive. Councilor Palochak will be there to listen to your concerns. It’s a great opportunity to share ideas and we welcome your compliments and complaints. Please join us and feel free to bring a friend or two.

ONGOING BEDTIME STORIES On Wednesdays at 6 pm end the day with an amusing and entertaining story time. This interactive program includes a puppet show, stories, and songs for the whole family. A craft or activity will also be included. Children’s Branch library, 200 W. Aztec. GALLUP SOLAR MEETINGS Interested in learning more about solar energy? Come to a Gallup Solar meeting, held the first three Wednesdays of the month from 6-8 pm, East Logan Ave. Email: gallupsolar@gmail.com or call (505) 726-2497. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Habitat for Humanity is in need of volunteers for one or more part day construction or support sessions. No experience required. Yard Sales are closed for Winter. If you have household items to donate or wish to volunteer, call Bill Bright at (505) 722-4226.

SUMMER NIGHTLY INDIAN DANCES Dances take place every night through Labor Day, from 7 pm to 8 pm, at the Courthouse Square, located on Aztec between 2nd and 3rd streets. Free admission. (505) 7222228. SUMMER READING PROGRAM The Octavia Fellin Public Library’s Summer Reading Program kicks off in June at the Children’s Branch. Children who register for the Summer Reading Program may earn prizes by reading books and engaging in educational activities. The Children’s Branch will also host programs daily throughout the summer, including special performances and events each Saturday. This year’s Summer Reading theme is “Every Hero Has a Story.” 200 W. Aztec. To post a non-profit or civic event in the calendar section, please email: gallupsunevents@gmail.com or fax: (505) 212-0391. Deadline: Monday 5 pm.

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