Gallup Sun ● March 8, 2024 by gallupsun

Changes made to Ceremonial board LOCAL NEWS, A3

Gallup Sun VOL 10 | ISSUE 467

www.gallupsun.com

March 8, 2024

High school wastewater testing results released to the public SUPERINTENDENT NOT SURPRISED BY DRUGS IN COMMUNITY

By Molly Ann Howell Managing Editor

ov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declared substance misuse a public health emergency in September. In response, the New Mexico Department of Health issued a public health order. As a part of that public health order, the NMDOH decided to do wastewater testing for drugs at public high schools, and the results are now available to the public. The New Mexico Environment Department oversaw the testing. In an interview with the Sun, Jonas Armstrong, the director of NMED’s Office of Strategic Initiatives, said that testing at Gallup-McKinley County Schools high schools was completed on Dec. 12, 13, 14, and 19. WHAT THE RESULTS MEAN Results were broken up into two categories: opioids (and their metabolites) and stimulants (and their metabolites). Metabolites are the chemical compounds that drugs break down into after they are consumed. The human body metabolizes some of the drugs included in this effort very quickly, making them difficult to detect in wastewater unless they are flushed directly or consumed within a short period of time. Measuring both drugs and their metabolites provides additional evidence as to whether a drug has been consumed. According to a press release published by the governor’s office on Dec. 13, wastewater testing is a science-based, proven method of gathering baselines and spotting trends in data around a variety of public health issues. Testing wastewater at schools for illicit drugs provides a clear snapshot of drug use in a campus population on the date that samples were taken. Results do not indicate how many individuals used drugs, the quantity of drugs consumed, where drugs were consumed (i.e. on or off school property), or whether the drugs were used by students, staff, or visitors. Schools where drugs were not detected could still have drug use within the campus community that were consumed on another day when testing did not occur. “The Wastewater Testing Dashboard sheds light on a complex challenge facing our schools. Of particular note was the pervasive presence of cocaine in the sampling. That’s one area where we can improve communications with students right now as parents, school leaders and public health experts,” Health Secretary Patrick Allen said. “On the other hand, it’s clear that prevention efforts work: heroin was not detected in any of the schools so far. These results emphasize the importance of proactive measures, open communication with parents, and a united effort to safeguard our students.” Environment Secretary James Kenney explained how this data can help the state stop illicit drug use. “While these results show widespread use of illicit drugs in our high schools, they also provide us with a vital baseline to measure progress in addressing this issue,” he said. “As we continue to receive results from public schools around the state, we will better understand the geographic differences in substance misuse within communities and develop strategies accordingly.”

WHAT WAS FOUND AT GMCS Traces of methamphetamine were found in the wastewater systems at Gallup High, Miyamura High, and Thoreau High. Traces of cocaine were found at Gallup High, Miyamura High, and Ramah High. Benzoylecgonine, which is a metabolite that is only created when someone uses cocaine, was found in the sewer systems of Gallup High, Miyamura High, and Ramah High. Traces of amphetamines were found at Ramah High. As for opioids, both hydromorphone and hydrocodone were found at Crownpoint High and Ramah High. No drugs were detected at Tohatchi High School on the day of testing. At the Feb. 26 GMCS school board meeting, Superintendent Mike Hyatt addressed the testing’s findings, saying that the findings don’t necessarily reflect a drug problem in the district’s schools, but rather in the local community as a whole. He also pointed out some possible flaws in the testing. “I don’t think it’s surprising that there are people who might have drugs in their systems in our communities, but you can’t really narrow it down to where it came from [with this testing],” Hyatt said. He argued that with basketball season going on in December, many different people visited the school campuses around the time of the testing. “It could be one person who took the drug over the weekend and went to the bathroom [at one of the GMCS schools]. It could be an adult at a game. You can’t narrow this down. It’s not like this was just students,” Hyatt said. Hyatt also denounced the testing method. “They tried to tell me that the wastewater all clears out all the time and I asked them if they had ever opened up a sewer and seen that wastewater doesn’t always necessarily replace itself...,” Hyatt said. Overall, Hyatt said he was not surprised by the test results. He noted that the district does frequent anonymous surveys asking the students about their drug use. Ultimately, he suggested that the state decided to do this testing now because they’re trying to get federal funding for drug treatment in the state. HOW MUCH DID THIS COST? State funding for the testing totaled $758 million. Armstrong said each sample cost about $2,000 to $3,000 depending on the school. He said no further testing is planned for GMCS, partly because the funds have been depleted.

However, he explained that NMED did find the testing useful in general. “The wastewater testing is helpful to inform strategies at every level of government going forward. Our schools are microcosms of the communities that they are in, so it’s key to bring stakeholders together in implementing effective strategies and just knowing now that we’re getting the data, that’s the start of this process and not the end of it,” he said. NMED Commun ic at io ns Director Matt Maez agreed with Armstrong, calling the data tangible. “A lot of school leaders in New Mexico state that they already knew that there’s a drug problem in their schools, but I do think this project is bringing a science-based approach and providing us with tangible data that can be used to look at what’s working and what needs to be tweaked, and identify other potential ways of addressing this,” he said.

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A2 Friday, March 8, 2024 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

Gallup Sun • Friday, March 8, 2024

NEWS

LOCAL NEWS

New process slows selection of Ceremonial board meeting. They a l so hea rd comments The ceremonial is f r o m To m still rebounding from a nd a new two years of sharing board applicontrol of the event with c a nt , song the state tourism departa nd d a nce ment. Former Ceremonial coordinator Director Dudley Byerley, J.T Willie. who worked hard to “We had reclaim the Ceremonial’s three that independence, resigned at were able to the beginning of January Deputy County Manager show up,” Tom having accomplished that Brian Money is one of two said. “We did goal. He said he’ll still new Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian explain that help from the sidelines as Ceremonial board members. the ones that a volunteer but won’t have had day jobs an official role. weren’t able to make it that day.” Other board members have He, Joyce Graves and Hilda been serving month-to-month Bowman had spoken with the since last year’s event to keep panel at a Feb. 20 work session the ball rolling, and nonprofit when they were quizzed about president Kyle Tom is angling their roles. First-timer Dennis for the director job. Lorenzo has also thrown his The same bill from last hat into the ring. year’s state legislative session With multiple candidates that returned the Ceremonial unable to attend the daytime to local control also gave the meeting, commissioners put McKinley County Commission the remaining appointments the power to appoint the direc- in County Manager Anthony tor and board members. Dimas’s hands, noting that the Commissioners approved decision needed to be made by two new board members – the next commission meeting Deputy County Manager Brian March 19. He said he hopes to Money and Finance Director have a list sooner. Sara Keeler – at their Feb. 27 “It’s a big responsibility for By Holly J. Wagner Sun Correspondent

Dancers, like this one seen during a parade in 2017, lining the streets in and around downtown Gallup is a common sight during the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial. File Photo By Holly J. Wagner Sun Correspondent Artists and other participants eager to get their entries in for the 102nd Gallup InterTr iba l India n Ceremonia l this year will have to wait a little longer as the new process for appointing the GITIC

association board plays out. A lt hou g h boa rd members who have been serving in recent years are eager to get premium books and entry schedules out, the board is in a holding pattern until midMarch because there are more candidates than seats and a new selection process.

the county,” Dimas said. “We want to make sure we turn over every rock we can.” The county serves as the fiscal agent for state funding for the Ceremonial, and in most years kicks in between $25,000 and $40,000 of its own for operating expenses. The GITIC board is statutorily required to have nine members, with the director serving in a nonvoting role. The new appointments mean that not all the former members will have board seats. The authorizing bill also requires that a majority of board members be Native American. T he rema i n i ng for mer board members in contention are Daisy Arsenault, Deisha Holyan, Mar vina Pete and Francine Thompson, with Willie and Lorenzo seeking first appointments. ‘We need to look at this a little bit closer. I want better checks and balances,” Dist. 3 Commissioner Robert Baca said after the meeting. “I just want to make sure that the funding that is coming from the state goes where it’s supposed to go.” This year’s event is scheduled for Aug. 2-11 at Red Rock Park.

More shade, shorter restroom lines coming for Red Rock visitors the men’s will have 10 urinals, two standard and one accessible stall; the ladies’ will have 16 standard and two accessior any woman who’s ever had ble stalls. to wait in a long line to use the McKinley County took over park restroom at a local rodeo event, operations from the City of Gallup in some relief is on the way. August 2022 and has since The first part of a projdemolished the uninhabect to replace the 1970s itable dancers’ quarters, restrooms at Red Rock Park replaced multiple roofs is under way. The “main” and replaced the climate restroom on the west side system in the exhibit hall, of the arena is expected to where the kitchen was also be finished in time for most being renovated. Restrooms summer events. are the next step in a long Besides being shiny, process. modern and new, a major “This is the first time in component of the renova50 years anything has been tions is changing the baldone on that park,” Mayor Anthony Dimas ance of stalls, which has L ou ie Bonag u id i sa id. favored men, so there are “Potty parity wasn’t part of more stalls available for women. [design] in 1973.” The west arena men’s room had The county initially planned to do all seven urinals, four standard stalls and of the park’s restrooms at once, but bids one stall with disabled access; the wom- came in double the expected amount, en’s room had six standard stalls and County Manager Anthony Dimas said. one accessible stall. In the new facility, Instead, they went ahead with the By Holly J. Wagner Sun Correspondent

largest restroom with a goal of having it open in late May, and will continue with others as funding allows. The extra restrooms should be done in time for Wild Thing in June and the 102nd Gallup I nter-T r iba l I nd ia n Ceremonial Aug. 2-11, Dimas said. “Best of the Best will have to get by with Porta Potties until they get the facility built,” Bonaguidi said. Many improvements, including bathroom upgrades and a shelter that will The improvement provide some shade, are in store for Red Rock Park. File Photo will benefit attendees the most, as many of the rodeo contes- setup will let them enjoy events from tants arrive in motorhomes that have under cover. their own restrooms. If everything works out exactly Also in the works is a shelter for the right, the shade might be in by late south side of the arena. The present sit- summer, Dimas said, noting that supuation leaves many spectators sitting ply chain issues have put drag on some in the sun for much of the day; the new other projects.

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A4 Friday, March 8, 2024 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

Gallup Sun Publishing, LLC Publisher Babette Herrmann Managing Editor Molly Ann Howell Executive Director Mandy Marks Design Oksana Terpak-Malenka Contributing Editor Cody Begaye Correspondents Dee Velasco Holly J. Wagner Photography Kimberley Helfenbein Merrisha Livingston Jenny Pond 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.

STATE & REGION

State health department announces first pediatric flu death of the season Staff Reports

A N TA F E — The New Mexico Depa r tment of Health announced the state’s first reported influenza-associated pediatric death for the 2023-2024 flu season on Feb. 28. A child (5-12 years old) in Bernalillo County died from complications associated with inf luenza. To protect the family’s privacy, NMDOH will not provide any further information regarding this death. “ We a t t h e N e w Mexico Department of Health express our condolences to the child’s family,” Sec. Patrick Allen

said.“The flu is common but can cause serious illness and even death. I urge everyone who is eligible to get their flu shot to protect themselves and those around them.” Since the start of the flu season, NMDOH has identified 94 pneumonia and flu-related deaths among adults. Influenza, RSV, COVID-19, and other respiratory illness activity remain elevated in the state and can cause hospitalizations and death throughout the year. “Vaccination is the best way to prevent severe infection with respiratory viruses, and ma ny New Mex ica ns are unvaccinated this

season,” Dr. Miranda Durham, chief medical officer for NMDOH, said. “It’s not too late to get vaccinated, and it can be a lifesaver: the more people vaccinated, the lower the chance of serious illness at any age.” The NMDOH recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older receive the flu vaccine each season. The f lu season typically runs from October to April. Flu vaccination is especially important for the following groups of people, either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care

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frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, pa r ticularly after contact with others and before meals. • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve. • C le a n you r h a nd s with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing, even if you use a tissue. • Maintain distance from other people and wear a face covering when possible in public. • Stay home if you have fever and/or respiratory symptoms. • Consult your doctor about antiviral medicines if you seek medical care for the flu. These medicines are most effective when administered within two days of symptom onset but may still provide assistance even after two days. Vaccinations offer protection, even if you have already encount e r e d a r e s pi r a t o r y infection this season. Consu lt you r hea lthcare provider regarding vaccines for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. F o r i n fo r m a t i o n on vaccination clinics across New Mexico, visit HealthMap Vaccine Finder at https://vaccinefinder.org/ or check the NMDOH website: h t t p://n m h e a l t h .o r g / about/phd/idb/imp/fluv/.

Governor signs landmark bills to improve healthcare affordability, access

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for people at high risk of developing flu-related complications: • Children ages 6 months to 5 years old. • Children aged 6 months to 8 years old who have never been vaccinated against influenza, or have an unknown vaccination history, should receive two doses of the influenza vaccine, administered at least four weeks apart. • P reg na nt women (all trimesters), and u p t o t wo we ek s post-partum. • People aged 50 years and older. • People of any age with medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, lung or heart disease, and those with weakened immune systems. • People who live in nursing homes a nd other long-term care facilities. • People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from f lu, including hea lt hca re per sonnel and caregivers of babies younger than 6 months. • American Indians and Alaskan Natives. • People who are morbidly obese. In addition to vaccination, NMDOH recommends the following measures to help prevent the contraction and transmission of respiratory viruses: • Wash your hands and your children’s hands

Staff Reports

2024 The ﬁrst Arts Crawl event of the 2024 season will be held on West Coal Avenue in Historic Downtown Gallup on Saturday, April 13th, from 7 - 9 PM Arts Crawl events are sponsored and managed by Gallup Business Improvement District with support from City of Gallup

gogallup.com

TRUTH OR CONSEQ UENCES, New Mexico — Gov. M ichel le Lu ja n Grisham signed into law legislation that builds on the administration’s work to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for every New Mexican on March 1. “D el i ver i n g q u a l ity healthcare to New Mex ico’s popu l at ion r e q u i r e s a t a i lor e d approach that takes into account rural communities, New Mexicans benefiting from Medicaid, and the tens of thousands of public employees in our state,” Lujan Grisham said. “These are bills that are going to positively impact a vast swath of New Mexicans.” The governor signed these important healthcare bills during a ceremony at Sierra Vista Hospital in Truth or Consequences. “The signing of this legislation brings immediate assistance to our community by helping us meet the needs of our residents and the thousands of New Mexicans who frequent Elephant Butte State Park and Lake annually,” Frank Cochran, CEO of Sierra Vista Hospital. “Furthermore, the funds allocated through this legislation will stabilize our current operations and allow us to expand our much-needed behavioral health capacity, surgical services, and establish additional services.” House Bill 7, Health care Affordability Fund, reduces insurance costs

for small businesses, employees, and low-to moderate-income indiv idua l s t h roug h t he state’s health insurance e xc h a n g e p r o g r a m , beWellnm. Since its creation in 2021, the Health Care Affordability Fund programs have saved New Mexicans approximately $45 million on health insurance premiums, offering relief to over 6,000 small businesses and 41,000 employees. The bill maintains a 55% premium surtax distribution to the fund ensuring ongoing future support for the program. The bill is sponsored by Reps. Reena Szczepanski and Meredith Dixon and Sen. Siah Correa Hemphill. “Since it was created in 2021, the Healthcare Affordability Fund has made our state healthier by helping tens of thousands of New Mexicans attain affordable health insurance,” lead sponsor House Majority Whip Szczepanski said. “House Bill 7 will sustain the Healthcare Affordability Fund so that workers continue to get the coverage they need, small businesses can offer the benefits their employees deserve, and we can keep cutting New Mexico’s uninsured rate, which will reduce costs for everyone.” Senate Bill 14, Health Care Authority, finalizes the establishment of a single unified department responsible for health care purchasing, oversight, and policy.

See HEALTHCARE, Page A5

Gallup Sun • Friday, March 8, 2024

PUBLIC SAFETY

NEWS

Weekly DWI Report

Woman stabs her fiancé after argument

Staff Reports

Featured DWI Nathaniel Able Yazzie Feb. 16, 11:17 pm DWI (Third) New Mex ico State Pol ice pu l led over a vehicle dr iv ing westbound in the eastbound l a ne a nd event u a l ly arrested a Ganado, Arizona man, Nathaniel Able, 36, for his third DWI. Officer Merlin Benally was patrolling on Highway 118 near the onramp to Interstate 40 when he saw a gray passenger car driving in the wrong lane. He turned onto the interstate and began following the vehicle before conducting a traffic stop near mile marker 33. Benally met the driver, Yazzie, who was unable to provide the requested documentation. Yazzie reportedly showed signs of intoxication including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and had a strong smell of alcohol on his breath. He also had a streak of blood on his face, which he said was the result of getting “jumped” by a hitchhiker he picked up near Grants. Yazzie admitted he consumed one pint of Fireball liquor prior to driving. A search of the vehicle revealed six empty bottles of Fireball. Based on his appearance and condition, Benally advised Medstar to transport Yazzie to a local hospital for evaluation and clearance. After Yazzie was cleared, he agreed to take the Standard Field Sobriety Tests. However, he performed poorly on the tests and was placed under arrest. He agreed to take the breath test and was transported to the local state police office, where he posted two samples of .14. Bena lly then tra nspor ted Ya zzie to McKinley County Adult Detention Center, where he was booked for DWI (third), no passing zone, careless driving, open container, and no license. His pretrial hearing is set for March 19.

Name: Dewayne Jay Wilson Staff Reports The victim said Long Age: 27 broke his phone and she had Arrested: Feb. 24 An officer was called to no way to contact him while Charge: DWI the I Knead Sugar Bakery he was gone. He said he left Status: Pretrial hearing on March 19 on Feb. 25 around 8 pm for about six hours. after someone called Metro When he arrived back at Dispatch about a domestic the camp, Long reportedly dispute in which a woman, attacked him and began chokwho was identiing him. The victim Name: Michael Andrew Zetina fied as Thomasina lost consciousness Age: 59 Long, stabbed her at one point, and Arrested: Feb. 24 fiancé after an said he was probaCharge: Aggravated DWI argument. bly out for about 15 Status: Pretrial hearing on March 28 When Gallup to 20 seconds. Police Officer Kyle The victim also Delgai arrived at noted that Long the scene, he met tried to gouge his Name: Lewis Randolph Peshlakai with another offileft eye out. Thomasina Long Age: 32 cer who said Long, In his report Arrested: Feb. 23 37, left the area heading south Delgai stated that the victim Charge: DWI on Aztec Avenue. She was did have injuries, including Status: Pretrial hearing on March 28 allegedly wearing a sweat- scratches on his face. He was shirt and blue pants. transported to a local hospiDelgai searched the tal for further treatment. area, including a ditch on A judge signed a warrant the west side of the bakery. for Long’s arrest on Feb. Name: Cassie Janae Pat He couldn’t find Long, so he 26, and she was found and Age: 35 headed back to the business arrested on Feb. 28. She was Arrested: Feb. 23 to interview the victim. charged with aggravated Charge: DWI Medical staff was treating battery against a household Status: Pretrial hearing on March 26 the victim, but he was able to member and deprivation of speak to Delgai. He explained the property of a household that he and Long had been member since she took the sleeping in a nearby home- victim’s phone. Name: Skyler Holmes Hardy less camp. They had allegedly Judge Virgina Yazzie Age: 23 had an encounter with law signed a no contact order Arrested: Feb. 22 enforcement earlier that day, for the victim and Long on Charge: Aggravated DWI and the incident upset Long. March 1. Long’s pretrial Status: Pretrial hearing on March 26 She began arguing with him, examination is scheduled for and he decided to leave. March 20.

Name: Byron Begaye Age: 32 Arrested: Nov. 12 Charge: Aggravated DWI Status: Jury trial set for April 5

1. 2.

HEALTHCARE | FROM A4 The Health Care Authority will enhance coordination in the purchasing of health care for the state’s 180,000 public employees with a focus on improving plan design and affordability. The bill is sponsored by Sens. Elizabeth Stefanics, Mimi Stewart, Michael Padilla and Peter Wirth. “Every New Mexican deserves to have access to health care. Building off our efforts last year to establish the Health Care Authority, this measure will now help in streamlining the collaboration between the Department of Health and the Health Care Authority in the sharing of data, and ultimately improve health care access and affordability across the state,” Stefanics said. Senate Bill 17, Health Care Delivery and Access Act, supports access to care in rural New Mexico by establishing a Medicaid Directed Payment Program. By leveraging hospital assessments, the program will generate $1.3 billion in federal funds for hospitals in the state. This landmark legislation supports long-term financial stability and access to hospitals statewide, ensuring continued healthcare services in rural New Mexico, where rural hospitals often struggle to stay above the bottom line. The bill is sponsored by Sens. Stefanics, Padilla and Martin Hickey and Reps. Doreen Gallegos and Jason Harper. “Nearly a third of rural hospitals in New Mexico are at risk of closure due to financial challenges,” Stefanics said. “This new opportunity allowed in federal regulation to increase Medicaid payments to hospitals is a game-changer that will give New Mexico the resources we sorely need to provide better care in New Mexico. I want to thank Governor Lujan Grisham for her commitment to improving health care across the state but especially for her continued support for our rural communities.” Senate Bill 161, Acute Care Facilities Subsidies, creates a temporary financial assistance grant program for independent rural hospitals until long-term support from SB 17 is enacted in early 2025. Recognizing the immediate challenges faced by these hospitals, the program aims to prevent any closures and further reductions in services. The bill is sponsored by Sens. George Muñoz and Pat Woods. “Rural and regional hospitals are the heart of our communities and many of them are hanging on by a

3. thread. Passing this measure and providing this funding is critical to their operations and will help ease some of the very real financial pressures they are facing, allowing them to stay open and prioritize the health and well-being of local residents,” Muñoz said. “Thank you to Governor Lujan Grisham for signing this bill and looking out for our rural hospitals.” The governor also signed the following health care bills on March 1: • House Bill 33, Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act, sponsored by Reps. Pamelya Herndon, Cristina Parajon, Sens. Bill Tallman and Stefanics. • House Bill 165, Pharmacy Provider Reimbursement, sponsored by Reps. Gail Armstrong, Tara Jaramillo, Sens. Crystal R. Diamond and Pete Campos. • Senate Bill 135, Step Therapy Guidelines, sponsored by Sens. Craig W. Brandt, Siah Correa Hemphill, Antonio Maestas, Daniel A. Ivey-Soto, and Stefanics.

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A6 Friday, March 8, 2024 • Gallup Sun

GALLUP FUN!

March 4, 2024 Posting Date

Answers 1. Portland, Oregon. 2. “Mean Girls.” 3. Reykjavik, Iceland. 4. “Modern Family.” 5. Two. 6. Volcanic eruption. 7. Six. 8. Nirvana. 9. A congregation. 10. Rabbit.

OLIVE

1. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Which large U.S. city is nicknamed Rip City? 2. MOVIES: Which movie features the quote, "She doesn't even go here!" 3. GEOGRAPHY: Which national capital city is the northernmost in the world? 4. TELEVISION: Which long-running sitcom features a dad named Phil Dunphy? 5. GAMES: In chess, how many knights does each player have at the beginning? 6. GEOLOGY: What natural phenomenon is associated with igneous rock? 7. LANGUAGE: How many official languages are in the United Nations? 8. MUSIC: David Grohl was a drummer in which band before he became the frontman for the Foo Fighters? 9. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a group of alligators called? 10. FOOD & DRINK: What kind of meat is used in Hasenpfeffer, a traditional German stew?

Gallup Sun • Friday, March 8, 2024 B1

SPORTS

Bengals beat the Broncos

ews Dreylon Matth t while Bronco ur co s e co th on n Br w the es do ngals defeated gay (10) dribbl Be Be e on Th e. nd m La ga al Beng Feb. 29 h up during the (24) tries to catc nbein fe el H Credit: Kim 66-49. Photo

Bronco Devin Ramone (1) dribbles for a layup while Bengal Lydell Be during the Feb. 29 ga gay (3) tries to block me. Photo Credit: Kim him Helfenbein

Bengal Jayson Bruner (1) passes the ball to an open teammate while Bronco Devin Ramone (1) tries to block him during the Feb. 29 game. Pho to Credit: Kim Helfenbein

the ball to an open teammate Bengal Sage Livingston (5) heaves . tries to block him during the Feb while Bronco Mallaki Atcitty (3) fenbein 29 game. Photo Credit: Kim Hel

Bengal Joshua Keeto (21) races toward the basket while Bronco Osai Garcia (12) tries to stop him during the Feb. 29 game. Photo Credit: Kim Helfenbein

STAR ATHLETES OF THE WEEK School: Gallup High Name: Mykeia Vicenti Sport: Basketball Grade: Freshman Mykeia is a great teammate and is ver y coachable. Mykeia only knows one speed, and that is fast. She plays with great passion and effort.

School: Miyamura High Name: Kaytonnette Ross Sport: Basketball Grade: Junior Kay is a guard and all-around player. She is currently leading the team in points, rebounds, and assists, averaging around 12.4 points a game, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. Kay brings great leadership to the team. She is versatile, always brings great teamwork play. She has been a key source for the Lady Patriots basketball team.

School: Tohatchi High Name: Talan Long Sport: Basketball Grade: Senior With Talan being a senior, he’s been work ing ha rd to ach ieve h is ba sketba l l goa ls (both individually and team wise), he shows up to practice and works hard every day.

Sports Quiz 1. How many points did ba sketba ll sta r Epipha n ny P r i nce score i n Mu r r y Bergtraum High School’s 137-32 win over Brandeis High School in 2006? 2. W hat racehorse won 1. What Hockey Hall of Famer the won1981 Kentucky Derby and Stakes but finished four consecutive Selke TrophiesPreaknes for third in the Belmont Stakes? best defensive forward as a mem-

3. A 1958 plane crash at Germany’s Munich-Riem Airport killed 23 people, including players, staff and supporters of what English football team? 4. T h e N H L’s A d a m s Division (1974-93) was named in honor of Charles Francis Adams, founder of what NHL franchise? 5. What WNBA franchise, one of the league’s original eight teams in 1997, ceased operations

ber of the Montreal Canadiens from 1978-81? 2. Bill Vukovich, winner of the Indianapolis Sports 500 in 1953 and 1954, died scores for Feb. 29 – March 6 in a crash while leading what race in 1955? Girls Basketball Boys Basketball 3. Name the 1990 sports comedy/ drama film 2/29 that66-49 starred Thomas (W) C. Gallup v. Kirtland 3/1 61-59 (L) Gallup v. Kirtland Howell and Peter Horton as beach Central Central volleyball players. 2/29 52-45 (L) Navajo Pine v. Dulce 3/2 44-35 (L) Tohatchi v. Navajo Prep 4. What British swimmer, bornv. with 2/29 64-52 (L) Ramah To’hajiilee cerebral palsy, won (L) 13Tohatchi medals v.inNavajo six Prep 3/1 60-50 3/2 51-44 (L) Gallup v. Bloomfield Summer Paralympic Games? 51-39 (W) Rehoboth v. 5. Who was3/2 interim head coach ofChristian the Dulce Nebraska Cornhuskers football team when they beat the Michigan State Spartans 17-3 in the 2003 MasterCard Alamo Bowl? (Hint: He was Nebraska’s head coach from 2008-14.) 6. On July 5, 1947, Larry Doby Sports became the first Blackschedule player in the for week of March 8 American League as a member of what MLB team? Girls Basketball Boys Basketball 7. Scott Zolak was the backup quarGallup v. Albuquerque Academy March 8 Crownpoint @ Tohatchi terback for 3/9what NFL team from 6 pm Away (State) (State) 1991-98? 3/9 Tohatchi v. West Las Vegas 6 pm March 8 Gallup v. Pojoaque Valley 6 Answers Home (State) pm Home (State) 3/9 Thoreau v. Hot Springs 5 pm March 8 Thoreau v. West Las Vegas 1. Bob Gainey. Away (State) 500. 6 pm Away (State) 2. The Indianapolis 3. “Side Out.” 4. Sascha Kindred. 5. Bo Pelini. 6. The Cleveland Indians. 7. The New England Patriots. © 2024 King Features Syndicate, Inc.

in November 2009? 6. Na me t he A mer ica n brothers who won gold and bronze medals in figure skating at the 1956 Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics. 7. First presented in 2002, the Ted Hendricks Award honors the year’s top college football player in what position?

Answers 1. 113. 2. Pleasant Colony. 3. Manchester United. 4. The Boston Bruins. 5. The Sacramento Monarchs. 6. Hayes Alan Jenkins (gold) and David Jenkins (bronze). 7. Defensive end.

By Ryan A. Berenz

Kids coloring & drawing contest! Rules:

Happy

Easter CONTEST!

• Kids 4-7 color the bunny on page B3! • Kids 8-10 create Easter-themed artwork on 8.5 x 11 paper! • 1st, 2nd, 3rd place prizes for each age group! • Parents send pic/scan of artwork to: gallupsuncirculation@gmail.com

Prize Winners Announced on March 29, 2024 in the Gallup Sun * Winners must come to Gallup Sun Office with original artwork to claim prizes. * Photo will be taken.

Gallup Sun Publishing, LLC 1983 State Road 602, Gallup, NM Phone: (505) 722-8994 FAX: (505) 212-0391

B2 Friday, March 8, 2024 • Gallup Sun

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State wrestling champion caps off high school career FOUR TITLES IN FOUR YEARS FOR MIYAMURA HIGH WRESTLER By Molly Ann Howell Managing Editor Lorianna Piestewa grew up watching her dad and brother wrestle, and in an interview with the Sun she said they inspired her to get into the sport. “Watching your role models growing up, you really want to be like them, so I got into wrestling,” she said. PATH TO WRESTLING Lorianna started wrestling in the eighth grade, and with 2024 Wrestling State Championships taking place on Feb. 23 and 24, she has officially finished her high school wrestling career. In her four years at Hiroshi Miyamura High School, Lorianna won the state champion title four times. This time around Lorianna said her competition was tough, but she went out on the mat with a lot of confidence. “The girls wrestled really well. I kind of just went out there trusting my training and how hard I’ve worked. So I went out there with a lot of confidence,” she said. She said all of her success comes from the support she receives. “It took a lot of hard work, a lot of support from my family and the coaches, they really helped me out. It’s hard working going out there every day giving it my best,” she said. Adam Piestewa, Lorianna’s father, said his daughter’s dedication is what makes her a winner. He explained that during the winter he barely sees Lorianna, because she wakes up at 3:30 am to go to the weight room, comes home to get ready for her work study program which goes from 7:30 am to 11 am, then she’s off to school. Wrestling practice starts at 3:30 after school, and she stays behind after practice to help with the youth program. Adam said she usually gets home around 8:30 pm on weekdays. “It’s a lifestyle that she chose, and I’m hoping that it carries her a long, long way,” the proud dad said. Both Adam and Lorianna spoke about the mental and physical demands of wrestling, saying that it’s not just about the time on the mat but also the time spent training and thinking. “A lot of people think you just go out there for six minutes and six minutes isn’t all that long, but really it’s what you do in those six minutes that’s really the hardest thing you could do, because you could be up by 10 points and then be put on your back and get pinned with 10 seconds left,” Lorianna said of the sport. After her successful high school career, Lorianna is planning on wrestling at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction University. She plans on studying exercise science whe she’s not on the mat. “When I went to visit [the college], it really felt like

home,” Lorianna said. Miyamura wrestling coach Nate Sellers has been with Lorianna for all five years of her official wrestling career. He spoke about his working relationship with Lorianna, and what he hopes to see from her in the future. “I give her advice daily, we’re constantly in the room in-season, off-season. There is no out of season for us. Having her over the last six years, I think she knows what’s expected and her capabilities. I’m looking forward to her wrestling at Colorado-Mason and making an impact at the college level,” he said. Sellers also had high praise for the star athlete. “It’s been great [coaching Lorianna]. She’s one of those athletes you get every few years who just has a natural work ethic,” he said. THE HISTORY OF WOMEN’S WRESTLING Wrestling wasn’t always an available opportunity for women athletes like Lorianna. In 1989, Afsoon Roshanzamirwon the first World medal for USA Wrestling i n t he 1989 Su m mer Oly mpics. Roshanzamirwon was born in Iran, and grew up with her father teaching her wrestling. When the family moved to the U.S. in 1983, Roshanzamirwon went out for high school wrestling as a freshman, but she had to join the boys’ team. Six years later, Roshanzamirwon’s high school wrestling coach David Chaid approached her about doing the U.S. Olympic trials. The wrestling portion of the trials was run by Lee Allen, a pioneer in women’s wrestling. The winners of the trial would go on to compete in the 1989 Olympics. It would be the first year the U.S. would have a women’s freestlye wrestling team. Roshanzamirwon was placed on a five-woman team, and she ended up winning a bronze medal, becoming the first U.S. medalist at the Women’s World Championships. A year later, in 1990, the National Federation of State High School Association began tracking girls who participated in wrestling, and reported that were 112 girls competeing on 102 teams nationwide. These girls were members of the boys’ teams.

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Lorianna Piestewa waves at her family after pinning Afrisco Heritage Academy’s Sophia Rimbert for her fourth consecutive State Championship on Feb. 24. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Anthony Griego XL Photography Kent Bailo founded the U.S. Girls Wrestling Association, an organization which ran all-girl high school folkstyle national tournaments, and a series of state or regional events leading up to an annual national championship, in 1997.

For over two decades, the USGWA provided girls an opportunity to compete against other girls in folkstyle. In 1998 Hawaii held the first official girls state high school wrestling competition.

Pet of the Week Meet Mia! Mia loves everything. She loves meeting new people, especially the ones who give her treats. She had 5 puppies when she came in and she was the best mamma but now all her babies have left on transport and it’s her turn to find a home of her own. A nyone interested in Mia can visit her at the Grants Animal Care Center at 722 Redondo R d. i n Gr a nt s, New Mexico. They are open Monday-Friday from 8 am to 4 pm.

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Gallup Sun • Friday, March 8, 2024 B3

Diné radio station KTNN celebrates 38 years of radio broadcasting By Dee Velasco For the Sun

ach morning across the Navajo Nation, a familiar sound can be heard on radios reverberating across the airwaves. With this sound AM 660 KTNN The Voice of the Navajo Nation begins yet another day, and this year marks 38 years in radio broadcasting for this little 50,000 watt station. KTNN began its history of broadcasting on Feb. 28, 1986, in a modular building in Window Rock, Arizona. Today the station is located at 178 W. Hwy. 264 in St. Michaels, Arizona., still on the air and still expanding its audience. Listeners can enjoy KTNN on FM 101.5, KKNS AM 1310 - Corrales/ Albuquerque, as well as online at www. ktnnonline.com. A GLOBAL AUDIENCE With the Navajo Nation makes up its Diné audience, the online outlet for KTNN draws listeners not only from across the U.S. but literally “all over the world” as those comment on how they’re listening in from Hawaii, Germany, and France. Last year, the little 50,000 watt “all Navajo speaking” station claimed yet another year of being the #1 radio station for the demographic area. Even beating out several 100,000 watt commercial stations including IHeart affiliates. General Manager Cisco Benally

• On March 18, 1971, a 100-foot tsunami, • On 4, 1933, in the midst caused byMarch a massive rock avalanche that of the Great Depression, D. crashed into Lake YanahuaniFranklin from a height Roosevelt was inaugurated as the 32nd of 1,300 feet, destroyed a Peruvian mining U.S. president. He would later notably camp hundreds of people. leadand thekilled country out of the Depression and to March victory19, in1954, World War Mosconi, II. Willie aka • On • On March 5, 1963, beloved AmerMr. Pocket Billiards, set a new world record country western singerpool Patsy forican running the most consecutive balls Cline, whose rich, soulful voice made without a miss — 526, in fact! — during an her one of the genre’s classic performexhibition in Springfield, A handwriters of such ballads as “IOhio. Fall to Pieces” tenand and“Crazy,” notarized affidavit with thecrash signadied in an airplane at age 30. than 35 eyewitnesses served tures of more • Onof March 6, 2018, the world’s oldas proof his feat. est known message in a bottle was dis• On March 20, 1648, KinginCharles covered by Tonya Illman WesternI of England attempted initial on escape from his Australia as shean walked the beach

said this is just the beginning. “Turning 38-years-old for our station is just the beginning, we look forward to many more years and being the number one Navajo station for the past 18 years is a great feeling,” he said. Benally gave kudos to his staff of 16 who provide not only the different genres of Native American music, but also inform the listeners of local community news on a daily basis. “I want to thank my staff for all that they do and especially the listeners for being there all these years and I’m sure they’ll be there in the coming future,”

‘JB,’ one of the KTNN radio personalities can be heard Monday through Friday from 12 pm to 6 pm entertaining the Navajo Nation. Photo Credit: Dee Velasco

captivity at Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight by climbing out of a window, but the effort proved fruitless when he got stuck between its frame and an iron bar, and had to retreat to his room. • On March 21, 1984, New York City’s Central Park designated a section of its grounds as “Strawberry Fields” to commemorate former Beatle John Lennon, who was shot dead in front of his nearby residence by Mark David Chapman. • On March 22, 1946, the United States Army made its first successful launch of an American-built rocket out of the atmosphere, using a combination of American and German scientists in adapting the German V-2 rockets seized after the Allied victory in World War II. The rocket reached an altitude of about 50 miles. © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

Benally said. Long-time listeners Rosita Clark and Lula Joe, both from Greasewood Springs, Arizona, came out to the celebration and gave their own congratulations as they enjoyed some cake and punch. “I like when they pass on the local news, announcements, KTNN celebrating 38 years of Broadcasting, with a ‘Nizhoni’ cake and chapter news,” Clark said. (meaning ‘Beautiful’ in Diné language), ready to be served. Photo Joe felt the sa me way, Credit: Dee Velasco chuckling as she recalled how she listened “back in the day.” The main genre of this station is “It’s very informative when they country music, which mixes Classic [deejays] tell you about the happenings Country with New Country. Blending around the area. I’ve been listening in with this format is traditional Diné since KTNN went live, when at the time music depending on the time of the you would put batteries in your radio,” year. This could include Winter songs, she said. Summer songs, and others. Not only K TNN P rog ra m Di r ector L ee is Diné music played, but other songs Michaels, who has been with the station from different Indigenous tribes such for the past 25 years, also remembers as Southern Pueblo’s, Hopi, Apache, etc. when the station first came on. Midday Diné jock “JB,” who does the “I was just a kid back then waiting 12 pm- 6 pm Monday through Friday up all night for the station to hit the air- shift, said he really enjoys playing the waves for the very first time,” he said. music. Being with the station for 20 Michaels says he’s glad the station is years, he says it’s indeed a milestone still going while keeping the Diné lan- for this Navajo radio station. guage alive. He adds that it would be “I enjoy it here, it’s very laid back, great if young people would catch the and just being here for the people makes “radio bug” and work for the station to this job that more enjoyable,” JB said. “I keep it going – not letting the language like relaying the news and playing songs fade away. that can change a life – hopefully in a “I enjoy my work and working with positive way.” interesting people, thus the music we For more information on KTNN, call play makes us all the more enjoyable,” (928) 871-3553 or stop by 178 W. Hwy. he said. 264 in St. Michaels, Arizona.

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with her husband, Kym. The bottle had been thrown overboard from the German sailing ship Paula in 1886 as it crossed the Indian Ocean, and said only, “Could the finder please plot the coordinates it was found, and the date it was found, and send it back?” • On March 7, 1965, up to 600 nonviolent activists marched to help African American citizens obtain the right to vote. Despite the peacefulness of their actions, the protesters were brutally attacked, with one woman, Amelia Boynton, beaten to the point of unconsciousness. • On March 8, 1986, 29-year-old tennis star Martina Navratilova became the first in her sport to earn more than $10 million in prize money when she won the U.S. Women’s Indoor Championships in New Jersey. • On March 9, 1611, Dutch astronomer Johannes Fabricius and his father, David, first observed sunspots, which are areas of reduced surface temperature. Johannes wrote and published a 22-page pamphlet on their findings, “Account of Spots Observed on the Sun and of Their Apparent Rotation with the Sun,” though his father initially disagreed with his son’s conclusion. • On March 10, 1949, Mildred Gillars, aka “Axis Sally,” became the first woman in American history to be convicted of treason. Gillars worked for Nazi Germany’s state radio program during World War II, and from 1942 to the end of the war broadcasted Nazi propaganda in an effort to convince U.S. soldiers to give up the fight. Records of the broadcasts eventually convicted her when she was later arrested and returned to the States.

Coloring and Drawing Contest

COLORING CONTEST RULES

My NAME: Age: Phone Number:

(4 - 7 only!)

Kids: 4 - 7 color this hatched egg! Kids: 8 - 10 create Easter- themed artwork on 8.5 x 11 paper. 1st, 2nd, 3rd place prizes for each age group! See submission guidelines below.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT: March 18, 2024. Send image of coloring page or your child's original Easter artwork on 8.5 x 11" paper to: gallupsuncirculation@gmail.com. Winners muct come to Gallup Sun ofﬁce with original artwork to claim prizes. A photo will be taken. Info: (505) 722-8994

B4 Friday, March 8, 2024 • Gallup Sun

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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 Amigo Automotive Center

2022 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 St# U23003 Only 13,869 miles NOW $51,988 Amigo Chevrolet 1900 S 2nd St, Gallup, NM (505) 726-4329 https://www.amigoautomotive.com

1 – Case Manager Performs case management services of individuals with Developmental Disabilities. Work closely with families in development of Individualized Service Plans. Must have 2-years’ experience in implementation of ISP and IDT Mtgs. Must be Proficient in computers with Microsoft Office family and software is required. Strong Mgmt/ Supervisor skill DSP Workers – (Direct Support Staff) $13 p/h Provide direct support and care to Individuals with disabilities, assist in activities of daily living and documentation of services. EEO / NNPE Positions OUF. For more Info call 505-488-2691 or P/U Apps @ TAOS, Inc., Gallup HR Office at 122 Boardman – Across East McDonald’s ***

Pre-Owned 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Custom 4X4 Engine: 2.7L I4 Transmission: Automatic Mileage: 5,232 Stock#: R24010A Amigo Dodge/Jeep/ Ram 2010 S 2nd St, Gallup, NM (505) 979-7500

2021 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited Engine: 3.0L V6 Transmission: Automatic Mileage: 34,723 Stock#: J23316A1 Amigo Toyota 2000 S. Second St. Gallup, NM (505) 722-3881 AmigoToyota.com HELP WANTED TAOS (Tohatchi Area of Opportunity &amp; Services, Inc.) JOB VACANCIES We are looking for sincere and dedicated Staff to work with DD Individuals 1 – REGISTERED Nurse or LPN (Full-Time) Provide medical support services, safe, efficient, therapeutic nursing care for Individuals with disabilities per the standards of funding sources. Work M-F / 8a-5p. Range $40-$50 p/h 1 – ISC Coordinator (State DDW) Performs support services of DDW individuals. Knowledge of DDW standards and 2-years’ in implementation of ISP and IDT Mtgs.

GerminatorUSA Janitorial Services. Hiring full or Part time Handy Man & Housekeepers. Hiring Immediately. Call 505.906.3171- located in Gallup. LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES Legal Notice Request for Proposals Public Notice is hereby provided that the Gallup-McKinley County Schools is accepting competitive sealed proposals for: Re-Publish Construction Services Modular Residential Buildings Multi-Story No. RFP-2024-30KC Commodity Code(s): 90923, 90925 As more particularly set out in the RFP documents, copies of which may be obtained by downloading from the eBidding platform website https://gmcs.bonfirehub.com/ Sealed proposals for such will be received until 2:00 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on, March 28, 2024. FAX, EMAIL and HARDCOPY PROPOSALS will NOT be accepted. Offerors will not be able to upload proposals or documents after the specified CLOSING date and time. The Gallup-McKinley County School Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive any formalities or minor inconsistencies, and/or cancel this solicitation in its entirety. Dated the 8th Day of March 2024 By: /S/ Chris Mortensen, President Board of Education Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1

RFP ISSUE DATE: March 8, 2024 PUBLICATION: March 8 & 15, 2024 Gallup Sun *** LEGAL NOTICE

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25 WORD OR LESS: $20 26-50 WORDS: $40 51-75 WORDS: $60 76-100 WORDS: $80 $20 FOR EACH ADD’L 25 WORDS EXTRAS - $10 PER WEEK, PER ITEM: TEXT BOX, YELLOW HIGHLIGHT, PIC, AND/OR LOGO Newspaper published Fridays. Prepayment required. Classifieds due Wednesday Noon. Deadline subject to change Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Email: gallupsunlegals@gmail.com Office (505) 722-8994

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Public Notice is hereby provided that the Gallup-McKinley County Schools is accepting competitive sealed proposals for: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES RFP-2024-29HC Commodity Code(s): 95826 As more particularly set out in the RFP documents, copies of which may be obtained by downloading from the Gallup-McKinley County Schools eBidding platform website https:// gmcs.bonfirehub.com Sealed proposals for such will be received until 2:00 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on, Thursday, April 4, 2024. FAX and HARDCOPY PROPOSALS WILL NOT be accepted. Offerors will not be able to upload proposals or documents after the specified CLOSING date and time. The Gallup-McKinley County School Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive any formalities or minor inconsistencies, and/or cancel this solicitation in its entirety. Dated the 8th Day March 2024 By: /S/ Chris Mortensen, President Board of Education Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 RFP ISSUE DATE: March 8, 2024 PUBLICATION DATES: March 8, 2024 (Gallup Sun) *** Public Notice Public Notice is hereby given that Gallup Business Improvement District, Inc. will conduct its regular monthly Board of Directors Meeting to be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 3 PM at Rico Motors. The agenda will be available 72 hours prior to the meeting from fb.gallupbid@mailfence. com and on City of Gallup website. Published: Gallup Sun March 8, 2024 *** LEGAL NOTICE

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PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Gallup Housing Authority has canceled its monthly Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for March 15, 2024. Gallup Housing Authority will resume its regular Board of Commissioners meeting in April 2024. Meetings are conducted at the Gallup Housing Authority, 203 Debra Dr. Gallup, New Mexico 87301. A copy of the agenda and/or specific agenda items may be obtained at the Gallup Housing Authority office 3 days prior to regularly scheduled meetings. Gallup Housing Authority Gallup, McKinley County, New Mexico By:/S/ Alfred Abeita, Chairman of the Board Published: Gallup Sun March 8, 2024 *** STATE OF NEW MEXICO COUNTY OF CIBOLA THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT JUANITA CHAVEZ REVOCABLE TRUST, Plaintiff, Vs. No. D-1333CV-2024-00038 GARY W. EVANS, BOYD STANLEY FOSTER, ALEXIA FOSTER, SHIRLEY K. CHAVEZ a/k/a SHIRLEY K. CORTEZ, ESTATE OF EDDIE CHAVEZ HIS HEIRS, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS & UNKNOWN CLAIMANTS OF INTEREST IN THE PREMISES ADVERSE TO THE PLAINTIFF, Defendants, NOTICE OF PENDENCY OF SUIT

plaint to Quiet Title on file herein on or before 20 days from the date of the last publication of the Notice in the Office of the Clerks of the District Court, Thirteenth Judicial District of the State of New Mexico, sitting within and for the County of Cibola, that being the Court in which said Complaint is filed, and to serve a copy of the same pleading or motion upon Plaintiff or Plaintiff’s attorneys, Mason & Isaacson, P.A., 104 East Aztec, P.O. Box 1772, Gallup, New Mexico 87305, (505-7224463). Unless a responsive pleading or motion is entered by you in this cause on or before the above date, judgment will be rendered against you by default. The general object of said actions is to quiet the title of the following-described property in Cibola County, New Mexico: Lot Ten (10) in Block Twenty-Four (24) of the MILAN TOWNSITE, Cibola County, New Mexico. SUBJECT TO all legally existing easements, restrictions and reservations. WITNESS the District Judge of the Thirteenth Judicial District Court of the State of New Mexico, and the seal of said Court this ___ day of February, 2024. Clerk of District Court By: ____________ Deputy Published: Gallup Sun February 23, 2024 March 1, 2024 March 8, 2024 ***

TO: GARY W. EVANS, BOYD STANLEY FOSTER, ALEXIA FOSTER, SHIRLEY K. CHAVEZ a/k/a SHIRLEY K. CORTEZ, ESTATE OF EDDIE CHAVEZ, his heirs, Successors, assigns and “Unknown Claimants in Interest Adverse to Plaintiff.” You or your attorney are hereby directed to file a pleading or motion in response to the com-

STATE OF NEW MEXICO COUNTY OF MCKINLEY ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT LUPTON PLANT PROPERTY, LLC Plaintiff, v. No. D-1113CV-2023-00537 MARK U. NICHOLSON, as Trustee of the DALE

NICHOLSON TRUST; MARK U. NICHOLSON, as Trustee of THE NICHOLSON CHILDREN TRUST; VENDOIL HOLDINGS, LLC; and ALL UNKNOWN PERSONS who may have an interest in the real property which is the subject of this lawsuit, Defendants. NOTICE OF PENDENCY OF ACTION TO ALL UNKNOWN PERSONS WHO MAY HAVE AN INTEREST IN THE REAL PROPERTY WHICH IS THE SUBJECT OF THIS LAWSUIT: PLEASE BE ADVISED that a Verified Complaint to Quiet Title and for Declaratory Judgment (“Complaint”) has been filed in the Eleventh Judicial District Court, McKinley County, New Mexico, Cause No. D-1113-CV-2023-00537, by Plaintiff Lupton Plant Property, LLC (“Plaintiff”). A copy of the Complaint may be obtained from Plaintiff’s attorneys, Jennings Haug Keleher McLeod LLP (Cassandra R. Malone and Isaac J. Lopez), P.O. Box AA, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103, 201 Third St. NW, 12th floor, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102, (505) 346-4646. The real property which is the subject of this action is located in McKinley County, New Mexico, and is more particularly described as: That portion of the following described tract of land located in Section 15, Township 13 North, Range 21 West, New Mexico Prime Meridian, McKinley County, State of New Mexico, to-wit: Beginning at the point of intersection of the Northerly line of the said right-of-way of U.S. Highway 66, as it existed in the month of July 1945, with the line between the State of New Mexico and the State of Arizona and Run: Thence in a Northeasterly direction along the

CLASSIFIEDS | SEE PAGE B5

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Gallup Sun • Friday, March 8, 2024 B5

Community Calendar March 8 — March 14 FRIDAY, MARCH 8

INTERNATIONAL URANIUM FLIM FESTIVAL

@ The Navajo Nation Musuem in Window Rock, Arizona. Watch Atomic films, meet personalities, filmmakers & actors. There will also be Q&A sessions on uranium.

movie is Moana (2016). Email bmartin@gallupnm. gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

GALLUP 9TH ST. FLEA MARKET

9 am – 5 pm @ 340 9th Street. The Gallup 9th Street Flea Market is one of the largest Native American markets in the United States. SUNDAY, MARCH 10

tration at ofpl.online is required. Email ctatsukawa@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

SPRING BREAK STREAM WITH EXPLORA!

1 pm – 3 pm @ OFPL’s Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec Ave.). Join OFPL and Explora! for some open-ended STREAM activities.

MONDAY, MARCH 11 -

CHESS CLUB

4:30 pm @ OFPL’s Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec Ave.). Join the chess club at OFPL! Email pneilson@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

GET UP AND GAME

3 pm – 5 pm @ OFPL’s Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec Ave.). Every Friday, come to the children’s library to unwind from a busy week! Email pneilson@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information. SATURDAY, MARCH 9

SECOND SATURDAY FAMILY CRAFT

2 pm – 4 pm @ ART123 Gallery (123 W. Coal Ave.). Drop-in any time between 2 pm and 4 pm to make a spring-themed take-home family craft. FREE!

SHOW OPENING: 10TH ANNUAL YOUTH ART SHOW

4 pm – 6 pm @ ART123 Gallery (123 W. Coal Ave.). Over 200 students from eight local schools participated this year.

KIDZ CINEMA

FRIDAY, MARCH 15

GMCS SPRING BREAK SPRING BREAK ART CAMP

9 am – 3 pm (each day) @ ART123 Gallery (123 W. Coal Ave.).Play art games, learn to weave with everything from yarn to straws, make dolls, bracelets, a masterpiece basket, and new friends! Registration is $150 per camper, and it ends on March 6. MONDAY, MARCH 11

FAMILY STORYTIME

11 am @ the Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec Ave.). Join OFPL for Storytime activities, songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and read-aloud stories!Email bmartin@ gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

EUREKA!

4 pm @ OFPL’s Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec Ave.). Make your own ice cream! Email pneilson@gallupnm. gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information. TUESDAY, MARCH 12

CRICUT WORKSHOP

2 pm every Saturday @ OFPL’s Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec. Ave.) for weekly family oriented film screenings. This week’s

4 pm @ OFPL’s Main Library (115 W. Hill Ave.). Create a mini journal cover and customize the cover using the iron on vinyl. Advance regis-

CLASSIFIEDS | FROM PAGE B4

laneous, Page 372, on September 11, 1964 and on March 22, 1965 in Book 51 Miscellaneous, Page 45, in the records of McKinley County, State of New Mexico.

said Northerly line of said right-of-way, a distance of 600 feet, to the most Easterly Corner of this tract; Thence in a Northwesterly direction at right angles to said Northerly line of said right-of-way a distance of 600 feet, to the most Northerly Corner of this tract. Thence in a Southwesterly direction, along a line parallel with the said Northerly line of U.S. Highway 66, 1200 feet, more or less, to a point which is 600 feet Northwesterly from and at right angles to said Northerly line of said right-of-way, at a point thereon which is 600 feet Southwesterly, measured along said Northerly right-of-way line from its intersection with the said line between New Mexico and Arizona, to the most Westerly Corner of this tract; Thence in a Southeasterly direction, at right angles to said Northerly right-of-way line, 600 feet to a point on the Northerly line of said right-of-way which is 600 feet in a Southwesterly, measured along said Northerly line, from the said point of intersection with the line between New Mexico and Arizona, to the most Southerly Corner of this tract; Thence in a Northeasterly direction along said Northerly line of said Highway 600 feet to the point of beginning; LESS the following two tracts of land lying within McKinley County, State of New Mexico, condemned for right-ofway purposes pursuant to Judgment in McKinley County District Court, No. 10,968, recorded in Book 49 of Miscel-

More particularly described as follows, to-wit: Beginning at a point on the Arizona New Mexico State Line distant 825.45 feet southerly from Closing Corner of Sections 10 and 15, a point on the present Northerly right-of-way line of U.S. Highway 66; Thence North 30 degrees, 42 minutes East along said Northerly right-ofway line distance of 477.8 feet to a point on the Easterly line of the property of defendants; Thence North 59 degrees, 18 minutes West along said Easterly property line a distance of 103.1 feet to a point on the Northwesterly right-of-way line of NMP I 040-1 (11) 0, County of McKinley, State of New Mexico, point on curve; Thence Southwesterly on a 1 degree 30 minute curve (radius – 3820 feet) thru an arc of 5.253 degrees to the right a distance of 350.22 feet to a point on the Arizona New Mexico State line; Thence Southerly along said State line a distance

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

6 pm @ City Council Chambers, 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.

CHESS CLUB

4:30 pm @ OFPL’s Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec Ave.). Join the chess club at OFPL! Email pneilson@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13

OPEN MAKERSPACE TIME

4 pm – 6 pm @ the Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec Ave.). OFPL’s MakerSpace is a collaborative work space for making, learning, and exploring. Participants ages 5 and up can come in to create their own design for the 3D printers or explore the many engineering activities and equipment!

MIDWEEK MATINEE AT OFPL

4 pm every Wednesday @ OFPL’s main library (115 W. Hill Ave.). This week’s film is She Said. of 150.38 feet to the Point and place of Beginning. AND Beginning at a point on the Southerly line of Section 10 distant 548.83 feet Westerly from the Southeasterly Corner of said Section 10, a point on the Northerly line of U.S. Highway 66;

CALENDAR

FAMILY STORYTIME

11 am @ the Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec Ave.). Join OFPL for Storytime activities, songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and read-aloud stories!Email bmartin@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 8631291 for more information. THURSDAY, MARCH 14

RELAY FOR LIFE PI DAY SALE

10 am – 2 pm @ Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe (306 S. Second St.). Come eat pie and support the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Pies cost $3 a slice or $15 for a whole pie. Intown deliveries of whole pies will be available. Call (505) 297-9515 on March 13 to reserve a pie.

HELLOTECH- HELP WITH YOUR TECHNOLOGY

1 pm – 5 pm @ OFPL’s Main Library (115 W. Hill Ave.). OFPL staff will be available to provide individual technology assistance. There will be a job search and resume writing workshop from 1 pm to 2 pm.

SPRING BREAK STREAM WITH EXPLORA!

1 pm – 3 pm @ OFPL’s Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec Ave.). Join OFPL and Explora! for some open-ended STREAM activities.

REZ-SOLUTIONS PET EXAMS

10 am – 2 pm @ Window Rock Flea Market. The exams are by appointment only. To make an appointment, text (928) 730-8262.

CRAFTY KIDS

4 pm @ OFPL’s Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec Ave.). In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, create a lucky craft! For more information email: bmartin@gallupnm. gov or call (505) 863-1291. SAVE THE DATE SATURDAY, MARCH 16

PROSPECTIVE DINÉ LANGUAGE TEACHERS INFO SESSION

8:30 am – 12 pm @ UNM-Gallup Campus’s Calvin Hall. Learn how to get certified as a Diné language teacher in New Mexico through the Diné Bizaad Bee Na’nitin Yi’hoot’aah program. The registration deadline is March 6. For information call (505) 803-7360 or email chael@nacainspiredschoolsnetwork.org MONDAY, MARCH 18

FORT WINGATE DOCUMENTARY AND DISCUSSION

5 pm @ the UNM-Gallup Zollinger Library (705 Gurley Ave.). Join Zollinger Library for a viewing and discussion of Fort Wingate Looking Forward. Some of the people who were featured in the documentary will be present. TUESDAY, MARCH 19

Thence North 57 degrees, 28 minutes West a distance of 370.95 feet to a point on curve; Thence Southwesterly on a 1.961 degree curve (radius – 2913 feet) thru an arc of 3 degrees, 28 minutes, 21 seconds to the left a distance of 176.54 feet to a point of tangent; Thence South 18 degrees, 36 minutes West a distance of 887.88 feet to a point of curve; Thence Southwesterly on a 1 degree 30 minute curve (radius – 3820 feet) thru an arc 5 degrees 18 minutes 09 seconds to the right a distance of 353.51 feet; Thence South 59 degrees, 18 minutes North a distance of 103.01 feet to a point on the Northerly right-of-way line of U.S.

THURSDAY, MARCH 21

UNDERSTANDING THE LAW

5 pm @ OFPL’s Main Library (115 W. Hill Ave.). Attorney David Eason discusses the 13, 14, and 15 amendments, which were created after the Civil War. Email tmoe@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information. FRIDAY, MARCH 22

NAVAJO RUG WEAVING

10 am – 2 pm @ OFPL’s Main Library (115 W. Hill Ave.). Learn the fundamentals and techniques of rug weaving in traditional Diné style, including warping, carding and spinning. Please bring your own weaving materials and/or projects. Email bmartin@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

NEW MEXICO GROWN: GARDENING SERIES

4 pm – 6 pm @ OFPL’s Main Library (115 W. Hill Ave.). Join OFPL and Master Gardeners from Tumbleweed Farms for a gardening series. Get tips and instructions to plan a space for your garden and manage your crops from Master Gardeners Jason Elliott and Natalja Varezkina – Elliot.

UNDERSTANDING THE LAW

5 pm @ OFPL’s Main Library (115 W. Hill Ave.). Attorney David Eason presents the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution, aka the Bill of Rights. Email tmoe@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

Highway 66; Thence North 30 degrees, 42 minutes East along said right-of-way line a distance of 483 feet to the point and place of beginning. The Complaint seeks the following relief: quiet title and declaratory judgment.

REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING

9 am @ 207 W. Hill Ave.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20

POKÉMON GO NIGHT

5 pm @ the UNM-Gallup Zollinger Library (705 Gur-

Answer may result in a Default Judgment being entered against you and in favor of Plaintiff granting Plaintiff the relief requested in the Complaint. Published: Gallup Sun March 1, 2024 March 8, 2024 March 15, 2024 ***

Thence North 30 degrees, 42 minutes East along said right-of-way line a distance of 896.49 feet;

ley Ave.). Join Zollinger Library for their monthly gathering of trainers. For questions please call 505863-7531 or email markos@unm.edu.

If you claim any right to, or interest in, the property, you must file an Answer to the Complaint with the Office of the Clerk of the Eleventh Judicial District Court at 207 W. Hill Ave. 2nd Floor, Room 200, Gallup, New Mexico 87301, and mail a copy of your Answer to Plaintiff’s counsel at Jennings Haug Keleher McLeod LLP, Cassandra R. Malone and Isaac J. Lopez, P.O. Box AA, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103, within thirty (30) days of the completion of service by publication of this Notice of Pendency of Action. Failure to timely file and serve an

STATE OF NEW MEXICO IN THE PROBATE COURT MCKINLEY COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOY LUENNE ECKENRAD DECEASED. No. 002620 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of the estate of the decedent. All persons having

To post a nonprofit or civic event in the calendar section, please email: gallupsunevents@gmail. com or fax: (505) 2120391. Deadline: Monday at 5 pm.

claims against the estate of the decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of any published notice to creditors or sixty (60) days after the date of mailing or other delivery of this notice, whichever is later, or the claims will be forever barred. Claims must be presented either to the undersigned personal representative at the address listed below, or filed with the Probate Court of Mckinley County, New Mexico, located at the following address: 207 W Hill Ave, Gallup NM 87301. Dated: January 15, 2024. Mary Bennett Signature of personal representative Mary Bennett 27024 Russ Rol Huson MT 59 GAL (907) 764-6117 ShaseneR@hotmail.com Published: Gallup Sun March 1, 2024 March 8, 2024 March 15, 2024

''A Tradition'' • A Gallup tradition with over 100 years of dedicated service. Now under new ownership, the Rollie legacy continues; providing the facilities and conveniences that serve families best with dignity, integrity and understanding. • Rollie Mortuary offers package pricing, accepts Navajo Nation Social Service packages and can assist families with pre-need planning and set up. • Rollie Mortuary offers a genuine desire to be of assistance to you and your family in this time of need.

401 E. Nizhoni Blvd. Gallup, NM 87301 (505) 863-4452

B6 Friday, March 8, 2024 • Gallup Sun

CLASSIFIEDS

WELCOME TO THE NOMINATION PHASE OF MCKINLEY COUNTY READERS' CHOICE AWARDS! Best of McKinley! • Please ﬁll in your most favorite businesses in Gallup!

• The top ﬁve businesses (two minimum to qualify) for each category will advance to the Finalists phase ballot. There will be one Winner per category and Honorable Mention for second place.

• Select only one business per category within the borders of McKinley County. Only one entry per person allowed whether you vote at gallupsun.com or ﬁll out this ballot.

• Nomination phase ballot deadline for entries: March 11, 2024, 5 pm

Businesses can sponsor the general category or specific category. But, only one advertisement allowed per category, first come, first serve. BEST OVERALL

BEST FOOD & BEVERAGE

BEST SHOPPING & SERVICES

Best Business in Vanderwagen-Ramah-Zuni

Best Bar

Best Barber

Best Breakfast

Best Beautician

Best Business in Gallup

Best Bakery and Dessert

Best Barbershop/Salon

Best Business in Tse Bonito-Yatahey Best Burger

BEST ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Best Art Gallery

Best Clothing Store

Best Chile

Best General Contractor

Best Convenience Store (speciﬁc) Best Artist Best Dinner

Best Electrical Company

Best Florist

Best Family Entertainment Best Enchiladas

Best Furniture Store

Best Jewelry Maker Best Fast Food Best Outdoor Event

Best Photographer

Best Heating & Cooling Company Best Lunch Best Hotel Best Mexican Best Insurance Agency/Agent

Best Videographer

Best Pizza Best Jewelry Supply Best Restaurant

BEST AUTOMOTIVE Best Auto Detailer

Best Auto Glass

Best Nail Technician Best Sandwich Best Non-Proﬁt Organization

Best Server

Best Auto Supply

Best Tacos

Best Automotive repair

Best Wings

Best Oil Change

Best Coffee

Best Pet Service

Best Plumbing Company

Best Real Estate Agent

Best Specialty Service Best Tire Store

BEST HEALTH & FITNESS Best Cannabis

Best Specialty Supply Store

Car Dealer - Best Customer Service Best Dentist Car Dealer - Best Sales Associate

Car Dealer - Best Sales Team

Best Trading Company/Pawn

Best Doctor

REQUIRED (not for publication):

Best Eyeglass Store

Full Name:

Car Dealer - Best Service Department

Best Health-Oriented Business

Email or phone #:

Car Dealer - Best Used Cars

Best Medical Practice

Only 1 entry per person allowed. Duplicates will be disqualiﬁed. Fill out print or online version and return to Gallup Sun before 5 pm on March 11. Mail-in entries must be postmarked by March 11.

Gallup Sun PO Box 1212, Gallup, NM 87305 (505) 722-8994

Or drop in person @ 1983 State Road 602, Gallup, NM 87301 Your information will remain private