Gallup Sun . October 23, 2020

Page 1

E FRE

VOL 6 | ISSUE 291 | OCTOBER 23, 2020

CARES ACT GIVES BUSINESSES A BOOST

N.M. has the combination

By Cody Begaye Sun Correspondent Beth Blakeman Associate Editor

G

allup businesses that are feeling the pinch of t he COV I D -19 pandemic now have another avenue for relief. The city announced a number of changes to its Small Business Continuity Grant Program on Oct. 19, including changes to eligibility requirements and reimbursable expenses. The changes are the result of new information from the State of New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration. On that same day the cap on the awards for small business grants for Gallup applicants went up by 200 percent to $30,000. For those businesses that already applied, there will be no need to resubmit. Applicants will receive forms from the city allowing them to increase their budgets and application requests. As of Oct. 21, Javier Sanchez, Gallup Chamber of Commercemembership and program services director told the Gallup Sun there have been 185 applicants for the city grant. Sanchez said it’s not the only grant available. Sanchez explained that businesses in McKinley County can also apply for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES Act funding. McKinley County businesses have a cap of $50,000 on their CARES Act applications.. So far

83 businesses have applied for that funding. Sanchez said it is possible to apply for both the city and the county funding. But, he said, “You can’t use the money to pay [for] the same thing twice.” One example he gave was of a business that received both grants. They could use the city grant to pay for payroll in April, May, and June and use the county grant for the remaining months. “You eventually will have to provide receipts and justification on how you spent that money,” he pointed out. The updated eligibility requirements for the city CARES Act grants are as follows: • The business must have a current business registration and have been in business since before Feb. 1. Businesses that have been open less than 12 months are required to submit all CRS statements from their opening date to the present. • Funds must be used toward overhead costs incurred or estimated as a result of required closures, provided those costs are not paid by insurance or by any other federal, state, or local program. Such costs may include employee wages, rent, or other organizational expenses. These costs must be from March through December 2020. A maximum of $30,000 may be requested by the applicant. • The business revenues can

CARES ACT BIZ GRANTS | SEE PAGE 6

The Gallup Sun pays tribute to Martha Zollinger SEE PAGE 4


What you should do to help the spread

Wash your hands with soap and water Cover your cough or sneeze with at often tissue Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and Disinfect frequently touched objects mouth and surfaces Stay home except for necessary outings Maintain Social Distancing of at least 6 feet with anyone outside your home

Symptoms of Covid-19

for more info visit www.cdc.gov

x Fever x Cough x Shortness of Breath If you have any of these symptoms please seek medical help. x Follow the care instructions from your healthcare provider and local health department. Your local health authorities may give you instructions on checking your symptoms and reporting information.

2

Friday October 23, 2020 • Gallup Sun

NEWS


SIGNATURE BY ASHLEY

BENCHCRAFT BY ASHLEY

Castle Furniture’s

MILLENNIUM BY ASHLEY

Fall Fashion

ASHLEY

ASHLEY

ASHLEY FURNITURE

MILLENNIUM

BY

FURNITURE BY

ASHLEY

SIGNATURE

BY BENCHCRAFT

ASHLEY

Now in Progress! FINANCING AVAILABLE

A Dinette Sure to Fit Any Home -

BY SIGNATURE

We have a Selection of Recliners Ready to TAKE HOME

ASHLEY

4L[YV (]L .HSS\W 54 ‹ ASHLEY FURNITURE

NEWS

SIGNATURE BY ASHLEY

ASHLEY

TAKE ONE HOME TODAY! Over 55,000 sq ft of Furniture in Two Showrooms! ^^^ JHZ[SLM\YUP[\YLNHSS\W JVT

BY

FURNITURE

Large Selection of Living Room Groups in Stock!

MILLENNIUM

TODAY!

ASHLEY

TAKE ONE HOME TODAY!

BY

ASHLEY

Over 40 Bedroom Groups in Stock!

BENCHCRAFT

TAKE IT HOME TODAY!

BENCHCRAFT BY ASHLEY MILLENNIUM BY ASHLEY Gallup Sun • Friday October 23, 2020 3


Obituary A WOMAN WHO MADE TIME FOR OTHERS Staff Reports

M

artha Zollinger, who for the past half century has been one of the best ambassadors Gallup has ever seen, passed away of natural causes just a few days before her 98th birthday. After spending most of her early life in Ohio and Louisiana, she moved to Gallup in 1964 with her husband, John, and three children Jack Bob and Mary Ann. Her husband had just purchased the town’s newspaper, the Gallup Independent. F rom the moment she came to town, she began making friends with her cheerful attitude and a desire to make the city a better place for all who lived here. She did this by becoming a lifelong volunteer. During the next 50 years or so, she donated more than

25,000 hours of her time to a wide variety of programs and organizations in the area. If there was a need, she was more than willing to step up and volunteer her time. A number of years ago, the Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce recognized her for her many hours of helping out. She was also a member for years on the Chamber’s Yeis. Former Gallup mayor John Peña remembered a time in 2002 when he was mayor and the Navajo Tribal government asked the city to help run an exhibit it was sponsoring at the Winter Olympics then being held in Utah. He put out a call for volunteers to travel to Utah to help the tribe and one of the first people to respond was Martha Zollinger. “What a great ambassador for Gallup she was,” Gallup’s

current mayor Louis Bonaguidi said. The board for the Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital agreed, giving her a “Citizen of the Year” award for her many years of service as a volunteer at the hospital and for her dedication to patients. For many years, she would go around Gallup collecting books she would then give to patients. In 1999, the University of New Mexico Gallup Branch gave her its Distinguished Citizen award for her “extraordinary service to the campus.” She and her husband also made a sizable contribution to help fund the construction of the school’s library. To show its appreciation, the college named it the Mary Ann Zollinger Memorial Library. This was in honor of her daughter who died while she was a student. She had gone

Martha Zollinger, a woman who made a lot of time for others is pictured here in the 2019 Gallup Visitors’ Guide. Photo Credit: Gallup Chamber of Commerce

In this undated photo, Martha Zollinger visits friends from inside of an assisted living facility. Photo Credit: Courtesy

running after lunch one day and collapsed. Her death had a major effect on members, but none more than Martha. Her friends would say she went into mourning for several years and they believed that her decision to spend a lot of her waking hours volunteering was an effort to not have to think about her daughter’s death. She and her husband would take a number of trips to Mexico and Panama to help out with charitable efforts there. She also acted as an ambassador for the Independent, often going to people who came under attack on the paper’s editorial page. Peña, who came under severe criticism during the time he was mayor, said the attacks on him by the paper had no effect on their relationship. “We

have always had a good relationship,” he said. For decades, it was common to see her in her red Mustang around noontime with a pile of newspapers in her hand, taking them to the senior citizen centers and other locations to sell no matter what the weather was. She loved playing bridge holding regular bridge dates with her friends. She and her husband, who died in 2007, were active members of the Plateau Sciences Society, attending the regular monthly meetings and going on trips with the other members. As for a hobby, she said when she had time, she would create stuffed animals which she would. give to children at the hospital and the battered women’s center.

WHAT’S INSIDE …

12 20 23 27 30 HARDSHIP ASSISTANCE Navajo Nation Council finalizing criteria, application

4

QUARANTINE ORDER A list of over 40 high-risk states

Friday October 23, 2020 • Gallup Sun

NURSING HOME A lack of transparency leads to tragedy

TAKING ROLL Tracking down chronically absent students

LAND WITNESSES New Mexicans share the impact of climate change NEWS


7+( *$//83 +286,1* $87+25,7< %2$5' 2) &200,66,21(56 ©(YHU\WKLQJ 5HYROYHV DURXQG /HDGHUVKLSª

*5($7 /($'(56

+DYH FOHDU YLVLRQ 0RWLYDWH SHRSOH WR DFWLRQ $UH GHFLVLYH ZKHQ QHHGHG +DQGOH FULVLV DQG FKDRV ZHOO +DYH KRQHVW\ DQG LQWHJULW\

ůĨƌĞĚ ďĞŝƚĂ͕ ^ƌ͘ ŚĂŝƌŵĂŶ

:ĂŵĞƐ Z͘ DŽƌƌŝƐ͕ sŝĐĞͲ ŚĂŝƌŵĂŶ

0,66,21 67$7(0(17

7R SURYLGH VDIH GHFHQW DQG DIIRUGDEOH KRXVLQJ WR LQFRPH TXDOLILHG IDPLOLHV DV VWULYH WR DFKLHYH HFRQRPLF VHOI WKH\ VXIILFLHQF\ DQG LPSURYH WKH TXDOLW\ RI WKHLU OLYHV 7R VHHN SDUWQHUVKLSV ZLWK FRPPXQLW\ UHVRXUFHV WR FUHDWH MRE RSSRUWXQLWLHV ZLWKLQ WKH ORFDO FRPPXQLW\ IRU UHVLGHQWV DQG WR LQFUHDVH WKHLU ILQDQFLDO OLWHUDF\ DQG OLIH PDQDJHPHQW VNLOOV :ŝŵ ^ĂƵĐĞĚŽ͕ ŽĂƌĚ DĞŵďĞƌ

:ŽŚŶ ,ĂƌƚŽŐ͕ ŽĂƌĚ DĞŵďĞƌ

dŚĞ ŽĂƌĚ ŽĨ ŽŵŵŝƐƐŝŽŶĞƌƐ ĂƌĞ ĂƉƉŽŝŶƚĞĚ ďLJ ƚŚĞ DĂLJŽƌ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝƚLJ ŽĨ 'ĂůůƵƉ ƐƵďũĞĐƚ ƚŽ ĐŽŶĮƌŵĂƟŽŶ ďLJ ƚŚĞ ŝƚLJ ŽƵŶĐŝů͘ Ɛ Ă ďŽĂƌĚ͕ ƚŚĞLJ ĂƌĞ ƚŚĞ ŐŽǀĞƌŶŝŶŐ ŽĸĐĞƌƐ ŽĨ Ă ƉƵďůŝĐͲĐŽƌƉŽƌĂƚĞ ĞŶƟƚLJ ƚŚĂƚ ĨƵŶĐƟŽŶƐ ĂƐ Ă ΀ƉŽƐƐŝďůĞ΁ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉĞƌ͕ ůĂŶĚůŽƌĚ͕ ĂŶĚ ĂĚŵŝŶŝƐƚƌĂƚŽƌ ŽĨ ůŽĐĂů ůŽǁͲŝŶĐŽŵĞ ŚŽƵƐŝŶŐ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵƐ͘ dŚĞŝƌ ƌŽůĞ ŝƐ ůŝŬĞ ƚŚĂƚ ŽĨ Ă ƉƌŝǀĂƚĞ ĐŽƌƉŽƌĂƟŽŶΖƐ ďŽĂƌĚ ŽĨ ĚŝƌĞĐƚŽƌƐ͘ ^ŽŵĞ ΀ďƵƚ ŶŽƚ Ăůů΁ ŽĨ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƉƌŝŵĂƌŝůLJ ĚƵƟĞƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞ͗ ƚŽ ŚŝƌĞ Ă ƋƵĂůŝĮĞĚ džĞĐƵƟǀĞ ƚŽ ŵĂŶĂŐĞ ĂŐĞŶĐLJ ŽƉĞƌĂƟŽŶƐ ŽŶ Ă ĚĂŝůLJ ďĂƐŝƐ͖ ƚŽ ƌĞǀŝĞǁ ĂŶĚ ĂƉƉƌŽǀĞ ĂŶ ĂŶŶƵĂů ďƵĚŐĞƚ͖ ƚŽ ŚŽůĚ ŵŽŶƚŚůLJ ďŽĂƌĚ ŵĞĞƟŶŐƐ ƚŽ ƌĞǀŝĞǁ ƌĞƉŽƌƚƐ ŽŶ ŽƉĞƌĂƟŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ŵĂŬĞ ĂŐĞŶĐLJ ĚĞĐŝƐŝŽŶƐ͖ ƚŽ ĂĚŽƉƚ ĂŐĞŶĐLJ ƉŽůŝĐŝĞƐ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽĐĞĚƵƌĞƐ ƚŚĂƚ ĞŶƐƵƌĞ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĂů ĐŽŶƚƌŽůƐ ŽŶ ĮŶĂŶĐŝĂů ƚƌĂŶƐĂĐƟŽŶƐ ĂƌĞ ŝŶ ƉůĂĐĞ͖ ƚŽ ĞŶƐƵƌĞ ĂŶ ĂŶŶƵĂů ĂƵĚŝƚ ŝƐ ƉƌŽĐƵƌĞĚ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŵƉůĞƚĞĚ ŝŶ Ă ƟŵĞůLJ ŵĂŶŶĞƌ͖ ĂŶĚ ƚŽ ĂĚŽƉƚ ƉŽůŝĐLJ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽĐĞĚƵƌĞƐ ĨŽƌ ƉƌŽƉĞƌ ƉĞƌƐŽŶŶĞů ŵĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽƉĞƌ ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƚ ďŝĚĚŝŶŐ ĂƐ ǁĞůů ĂƐ ƉƌŽĐƵƌĞŵĞŶƚ ŽĨ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ŝŶ ĂĐĐŽƌĚĂŶĐĞ ǁŝƚŚ ƐƚĂƚĞ ĂŶĚ ĨĞĚĞƌĂů ůĂǁƐ͕ ƌƵůĞƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ƌĞŐƵůĂƟŽŶƐ͘

NEWS

DĂŝŶ ŽĸĐĞ ůŽĐĂƚĞĚ Ăƚ ϮϬϯ ĞďƌĂ ƌŝǀĞ ŝŶ 'ĂůůƵƉ͕ ED͘ WŚŽŶĞ͗ ;ϱϬϱͿ ϳϮϮͲϰϯϴϴ͘ ,ŽƵƐŝŶŐ ƉƉůŝĐĂƟŽŶƐ ŵĂLJ ďĞ ƌĞƋƵĞƐƚĞĚ ďLJ ĞŵĂŝů Ăƚ͗ ŐŚĂ͘ŵĂŝŶΛŐĂůůƵƉŚŽƵƐŝŶŐ͘ĐŽŵ

Gallup Sun • Friday October 23, 2020

5


NEWS

CARES ACT BIZ GRANTS | FROM PAGE 1 not exceed $2 million in 2019 or anticipated revenues in 2020 will not exceed $2 million. • Nonprofits that apply will be required to submit an addendum explaining the impact of COVID-19 on their organizations and whether or not they have seen

Gallup Sun Publishing, LLC Publisher/Editor Babette Herrmann Accounts Representative Sherry Kauzlarich Associate Editor Beth Blakeman Photography Knifewing Segura Ana Hudgeons Ryan Hudgeons Cable Hoover Correspondent/Editorial Asst. Cody Begaye Dominic Aragon Circulation Manager Mandy Marks The Gallup Sun, published Fridays, is not responsible or liable for any claims or offerings, nor responsible for availability of products advertised. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Gallup Sun distributes newspapers in McKinley, Cibola and Apache counties. Office: 102 S. Second St., Gallup, NM 87301 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Gallup Sun, PO Box 1212, Gallup, NM. Mailing Address: PO Box 1212 Gallup, NM 87305 www.gallupsun.com Phone: (505) 722-8994 Fax: (505) 212-0391 gallupsun@gmail.com Letter to the editor/guest column ACCEPTED BY EMAIL ONLY. State full name and city/town. No pen names. ID required. All submissions subjected to editor’s approval. Guest columnists, email Sun for submission requirements.

6

LOCAL NEWS an increase in operations or have remained closed. The list of eligible CARES Act expenses was updated to include: • Rent/mortgage • Insurance • Non- ow ner employee payroll • Marketing • Utilities • Personal protective equipment for employees • Space Reconfiguration, which can include temporary or permanent physical changes to work space in order to separate customers and employees directly related to COVID safety

purposes. • Temporary structures to mitigate the spread of COVID such as tents or outdoor seating areas. • Technology, including purchasing web conferencing or other technology to enable COVID safety social distancing and reduced physical contact. • Loss of food product as a result of closures. The applications for the city and county grants are vetted by different committees, before they go to the state for a determination on who will receive the federal monies.

Help local kids by moving Staff Reports

B

ig Brothers Big Sisters is hosting its first-ever Move For Kids’ Sake event in the final half

THANK YOU ADVERTISERS AARP - 8 All Island Mortgage - 37 AJ Tires & Auto Center - 12 Amazing Grace Personal Care - 23 Bubany Insurance Agency - 21 Bubany Supply - 24 Butler’s Office City - 23 Castle Furniture - 3 Crime Stoppers - 10 CWA Strategic - 22 The Door - 17 Edwin Begay - 27 First Baptist Church - 14 505 Burger and Wings - 32 Gallup Housing Authority - 5 Gallup McKinley County Schools - 2 Gallup Quick Clinic - 16 Genaro’s Cafe - 32 Grandpa’s Grill - 32 Gurley Motor Company - 11 Keller Williams Realty - 1 Maria’s Restaurant - 32 McKinley County Bureau of Elections - 19 McKinley County CARES - 9 McKinley County SNAPS - 7 New Mexico Credit Corp - 31 NMDH $ 13, 25 NMHU - 34 Octavia Fellin Public Library - 18 Peace NM Cannabis - 30 Pinnacle Bank - 28 Political Ad - 40 Railway Cafe - 32 Ramah Care - 29 Rollie Mortuary - 20 Route 66 Diner - 32 Strengthening Nations $ 15 SWDC Bio Sanitizing - 10 Thunderbird Supply Co. - 6 Valley Fence - 26 Virgie’s Restaurant & Lounge $ 32

Friday October 23, 2020 • Gallup Sun

of October. To pa r ticipate, for m a QuaranTeam and fundraise. Teams can sign up at https:// www.bbbsmountainregion.org/ mfks Run, walk, hike, bike, jump rope, even click the tv remote. Keep an eye on Big Brothers Big Sisters social media pages for special challenges and awards for team efforts.

It’s possible to get all the way through the process and receive your funds within a couple of weeks, Sanchez said. Sanchez told the Sun that some businesses have already received their awards. He added that not everyone asks for the maximum amount. The timeline begins March 1 and continues until the end of the year. There is no deadline to apply. Money will be granted until it runs out. The application is available at.gallupnm.gov and thegallupchamber.com.

Javier Sanchez Gallup Chamber of Commerce membership and program services director Photo Credit: Gallup Chamber of Commerce

Raise $100 per person/$500 per team. Anyone who raises $100 or more will receive an event T-shirt. Top fundraisers will be eligible for special prizes. Remain socially distanced while moving and proving. Participants can post themselves participating on their social media channels and tag Big Brothers Big Sisters @bbbsmountainregion and use the hashtags #milesformatches and

#keepkidsconnected. Big Brothers Big Sisters Mountain Region appreciates the ongoing support of all participants in the Move for Kids’ Sake event. This event is meant to make a difference in the lives of children in McKinley County and the Window Rock, Saint Michael’s, Ariz. region. For more infor mation, cont a c t S a r a h P i a no a t 505-726-4285.

NEWS


PUBLIC SAFETY

Gallup Sun • Friday October 23, 2020

7


NEWS

PUBLIC SAFETY

Navajo man charged in Indian Country stabbing Staff Reports

A

LBUQUERQUE. – Ja m ieson C. Mason, 28, of Upper F r u it l a nd, N.M .,

and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, waived his preliminary hearing in federal court Oct. 20 on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting

New Mexico

Your Vote. Your Voice. Our Fight. As our nation battles a pandemic and economic downturn, the health and financial security of voters over 50 are on the line. That’s why AARP New Mexico is fighting for your voice to be heard. AARP New Mexico wants to make sure that you know all of your voting options and that all Americans—from working parents to family caregivers to seniors in nursing homes—can vote safely whether they choose to vote from home or in-person. For more information on how you can vote safely and make your voice heard, visit aarp.org/NMvotes facebook.com/AARPNM | @AARPNM | aarp.org/NM PAID POLITICAL AD BY AARP

in serious bodily injury. Mason will remain in custody pending trial. According to a criminal complaint, on Oct. 8, Mason allegedly was present at a residence for a birthday party, remaining mostly outside, while others were inside preparing food. Mason allegedly entered the residence, approached the victim, who

was sitting on a couch, pushed her torso forward and stabbed her in the back multiple times. Mason then reportedly fled. The assault took place on the Navajo Nation. The victim, who is also an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, required treatment for her wounds at San Juan Regional Medical Center. If convicted, Mason faces

up to 10 years in prison for each charge. A criminal complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The Farmington Office of the FBI and the Navajo Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander F. Flores is prosecuting the case.

State Police involved in Cibola County shooting DRIVER DIED AT THE SCENE Staff Reports

used by a State Police officer in an attempt to bring the vehiI B O L A C O U N T Y, cle to a safe stop. The vehicle N.M. - A call to assist continued to travel east on the led New Mexico State interstate toward milepost exit Police officers into an 126. It exited onto the off ramp, extended chase on I-40 for a turned around and merged number of state police officers. back onto I-40 westbound. New Mexico State Police A State Police officer assistre s ponded t o a s si st t he ing in the pursuit deployed stop Va lencia County Sher iff ’s sticks at milepost 120. The Office with a vehicle pursuit vehicle continued to travel on State Road 6, west of Los westbound and another state Lunas, N.M. at about 10:50 am police officer deployed more on Oct. 17. stop sticks at milepost 116. Valencia County Sheriff’s The pursuit ended when a deputies pursued the vehicle PIT maneuver was utilized on on State Road 6 to I-40. The the suspect’s vehicle. The vehivehicle merged onto I-40 and cle came to a stop after crashproceeded to travel westbound. ing into a cable barrier in the A New Mexico State Police median near milepost 114. officer located the vehicle New Mexico State Police matching the description of officers with the assistance of the vehicle that was pursued by Laguna Tribal Police officers the Valencia County Sheriff’s gave numerous verbal comOffice near the off ramp at mands to the sole occupant to milepost 108. surrender peacefully. The male The New Mexico State driver ignored commands and Police Officer attempted to refused to exit the vehicle. initiate a high-risk felony trafA Laguna Tribal Police offific stop. The male driver of cer deployed a less-lethal bean the vehicle sped off and a pur- bag round into a window of suit was initiated. The vehicle the vehicle after officers visumerged onto I-40 eastbound ally observed the male driver and proceeded to travel east. continue to move around inside A Pursuit Inter vention the vehicle. At some point the Technique ma neuver wa s driver produced a firearm

C

and shot toward the officers through the front windshield of the vehicle. A New Mexico State Police officer returned fi re. Officers continued to give verbal commands to the driver to exit the vehicle. The driver continued to ignore the commands. Officers observed the man holding a rifle in his lap. A Laguna Tribal Police officer deployed another bean bag round toward the driver after there was no response. Officers approached the vehicle in an attempt to make contact with the driver and observed he was unresponsive. A Laguna Tribal officer grabbed the rifle, and other officers on scene attempted to render aid. Emergency Medical Personnel were directed to the scene to help. But the driver died at the scene. The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was requested to investigate the incident. The identification of the officers and male subjects will not be released at this time. No officers were injured during the incident. This information is preliminary, and the investigation is still active and ongoing.

GALLUP SUN ARCHIVES Effective June 24, 2016, ALL Gallup Sun *archives (past issues) will be mailed. Must provide exact release date and mailing address. Send info. and check or money order for $2.00 to: Gallup Sun PO Box 1212 Gallup, NM 87305 *Based on availability.

8

Friday October 23, 2020 • Gallup Sun

PUBLIC SAFETY


Apply Now! McKinley County CARES Act Small Business Grant Eligible businesses can qualify for up to $50,000.00 in funding. Funding is first-come, first-serve. Any business within McKinley County or the City of Gallup that meets the following criteria are eligible: ¾ Business must have a physical location in McKinley County or the City of Gallup. ¾ No more than 1-50 full-time employees, or equivalent part-time employees, including the owner. ¾ The business is headquartered in the McKinley County or the City of Gallup. ¾ The business has a current business registration and has been in business prior to March 1, 2019. ¾ Restaurants, bars, short-term lodging, and other non-essential organizations impacted by the local or state stay-at-home orders. ¾ McKinley County or City of Gallup residents who engage in 1099 contract work must have a County or City business license. ¾ Funds must be used toward overhead costs incurred or estimated as a result of required closures, provided those costs are not paid by insurance or by any other federal, state, or local program. Such costs may include employee wages, rent, or other operational expenses. These costs must be from March 2020- December 2020. A maximum of $50,000 may be requested by the applicant. ¾ Business revenues must not exceed 2 million dollars. Note: Businesses who have already applied to the CARES Act Small Business Grant through the City of Gallup, and have been approved, cannot apply through the McKinley County CARES Act Small Business Grant for the same funding/expenses. For example, if grant funding received from the City of Gallup was used to cover payroll expenses for March, the business cannot apply to the County seeking funding for March payroll expenses. Each business will need to be prepared to submit specific business information and forms related to the cost of these closures when applying online for assistance. The link to the application is https://tinyurl.com/McKinleyCountySB The application can also be found on www.co.mckinley.nm.us and www.thegallupchamber.com. For More Information call (505) 722-2228

INDIAN COUNTRY

Gallup Sun • Friday October 23, 2020

9


Navajo police ofďŹ cer involved in shooting Staff Reports

W

INDOW ROCK , Ariz. - A call for service led to a search and eventual shooting on the Navajo Nation. The Nava jo Police Department - Window Rock District was dispatched to a disturbance call within the

Hu nters Point com mu nit y south of St. Michaels, Ariz. about 6:46 pm on Oct. 17. Upon their a r r iva l, the su s pec t wa s repor t ed t o have left the residence possibly armed with a handgun and rif le. While conducting a search of the area, an officer made contact with the suspect, who pointed a rifle at the officer. In response to

the threat, the officer discharged several rounds at the suspect, who then f led the area. At the time, it was unclear if the suspect was struck by any of the rounds fired by the officer and a thorough search for the suspect was conducted. The suspect was found responsive, but suffering from a gunshot wound.

The officers administered first-aid to the subject prior to the arrival of emergency medical personnel. The subject was transported to the hospital by ambulance and was later flown to Flagstaff Medical Center. The condition of the suspect is not known as of Oct. 21. Officers involved in this incident were unharmed and

placed on standard administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The name of the officer and the individual involved in this incident will not be relea sed at this time. The investigation into this incident will be conducted by the Nava jo Depa r tment of Criminal Investigations and the FBI.

DEA announces launch of Project Safeguard COMBATS DRUG-RELATED CRIME Staff Reports

W

ASHINGTON, D.C. Drug Enforcement Ad ministration A c t i n g Administrator Timothy J. Shea announced on Oct. 21 that the DEA will direct resources to help reduce violent crime in communities throughout the country. Und e r t h i s i n it i a t i v e , called Project Safeguard, the

DEA will identify and prioritize ongoing drug trafficking investigations with a nexus to violent crime. “Drug trafficking and violent crime are inextricably linked,â€? Shea said. â€œFrom the extreme levels of violence in Mexican cartels, to the open air drug markets in American cities, drug traffickers employ violence, fear, and intimidation to ply their trade. “Neighborhoods across

our country are terrorized by violent drug trafficking organizations that have little regard for human life, and profit from the pain and suffering of our people. Along with our law enforcement partners, DEA is committed to safeguarding the health and safety of our communities,� he said. “There is no doubt that d r ug tra f f ick i ng a nd v io lent crime are linked,� Kyle

7KH *DOOXS 3ROLFH 'HSDUWPHQW :$176 <285 +(/3 :+2

-XDQ $QJHO \HDUV ROG

:+$7 6XVSHFW ZDV LQYROYHG LQ D *DOOXS VKRRWLQJ :+(5( 6KRRWLQJ RFFXUUHG LQ *DOOXS :+(1 0RQGD\ 2FWREHU &5,0(

FDOO OHDGV WR DQ DUUHVW

<RX &DQ &DOO 7KLV 1XPEHU IRU )UHH

W. W i l l i a m s o n , S p e c i a l Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division, said. “We’ve seen firsthand how Mexican cartels and local street gangs have created a dangerous alliance to distribute some of the deadliest drugs on the planet to every corner of our nation. That is why we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to deliver a swift, calculated, intel-driven response.â€? Working in collaboration with our federal, state, and local partners, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Marshals Ser vice, DEA’s Project Safeguard will be comprised of three focus areas to address the growing violent crime threat in many cities across the United States: • Disrupting, dismantling, and destroying the most significant violent drug trafficking organizations throughout the United States; • Increasing collaboration with ATF to ensure effective federal prosecution of firearms traffickers associated with drug trafficking organizations; and • Prioritizing the capture

of DEA fugitives who employ v iolence a s pa r t of d r u g trafficking. The traffickers that flood com mu n ities w it h dead ly d r ugs, i nclud i ng opioid s, heroin, fentanyl, meth and cocaine, are often the same criminals responsible for the high rates of assault, murder, and gang activity in American cities. These criminals employ fear, v iolence, and intimidation to traffic drugs, and in doing so, exacerbate a drug crisis that claims more than 70,000 American lives every year. The DEA is comm it t ed t o t re a t i n g t he s e crimes as homicides, where appropriate. In recent months, violent crime has spiked in numerous cities and regions around the country, and drug trafficking is responsible, in part, for this violence. Si nce it bega n i n Aug. 2020, Project Safeguard has resulted in nearly 12 cases, more than 29 arrests – including one DEA fugitive, more t h a n 3 9 sei zed f i rea r m s, nea rly $467,536 i n seized assets, and 514.21 kilograms of seized cont rol led sub stances in the El Paso Field Division.

OH J [ J U J O B 4 P J # 48%$ UJOH

JHI ' P J # F W J U D " 1SP SVT J W B O P S P $ T M M J , DI F U P J C D E X T XXX .JDIBFM $IBWF[ u $FSUJGJFE -PDBMMZ 0XOFE 0QFSBUFE

10

Friday October 23, 2020 • Gallup Sun

PUBLIC SAFETY


Gallup Sun • Friday October 23, 2020

11


NEWS

INDIAN COUNTRY

Hardship Assistance program approved Staff Reports

W

INDOW ROCK , Ariz. — Nearly $50 million was added t o t he Nav a jo Nation CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic S t i mu lu s) Ac t H a r d s h ip Assistance Expenditure Plan through Navajo Nation Council Resolution No. CS-74-20. After the Navajo Nation Council considers and then approves an application process it will give the Office of the Controller all necessary approvals to implement the hardship assistance program. “With the enactment of the CARES Fund Hardship Assistance Expenditure Plan, the Navajo people will receive add itiona l a ssista nce for the hardships brought on by the coronavirus pandemic,” Speaker Seth Damon (Bááhaal, Chichiltah, Manuelito, Red Rock, Rock Springs, Tséyatoh) said.

The hardship assistance program will provide up to $1,500 per eligible enrolled Navajo tribal member who was over the age of 18 as of March 1 and $500 per eligible enrolled Navajo tribal member who was under the age of 18 as of the same date. The program was established previously under Navajo Nation Council Resolution No. CJY-67-20 and then further funded through Resolution No. CS-74-20. The Office of the Controller reported to the Office of the Speaker that the online portal to accept hardship assistance applications is currently under development. The final website will be based on the criteria and application process approved by the Council. L e g i s l a t io n No. 0 2 5120, sponsored by Council Delegate Carl Roessel Slater (Round Rock, Rock Point, Tséch’izí, Lukachugai, TsaileWheatfields), addresses the

Navajo Nation Speaker Seth Damon hardship assistance program’s eligibility criteria and application process. It will need the recommendation of the Health, Education, and Human Services Committee before it is fi nalized by the Budget and Finance Committee through its vote of approval. Broadly, the purpose of the hardship assistance program is to provide emergency fi nancial assistance for purchasing personal protective equipment, paying past due utility bills, rent, mortgages, isolation expenses, livestock-related expenses, education-related expenses incurred due to the

Covid-19 pandemic and other financial burdens caused by the pandemic since March 1. The draft hardship assistance program application was created to ensure all applicants provided enough information to ensure payments comply with the federal CARES Act. Council Delegate Eugenia Charles-Newton of Shiprock t h a n ke d Na v a j o Na t i o n President Jonathan Nez for enacting the hardship expenditure plan. “Leadership has taken a step in the right direction helping the Diné people across the globe,” she said. “Stories were shared by many Diné people who were affected by COVID19. Working together, putting politics aside and putting the people fi rst is always good for the people. “We will fight this monster that has taken so many of our Diné people and survive it together, helping each other along the way,” she said. Delegate Charles-Newton added that the approved funds will assist Navajo people with past due rent, food, wood, pellets, hand sanitizer, masks and related supplies needed to help protect against the coronavirus during the winter. Also enacted was Resolut ion No. CS -73 -20, t he Chapter Dist r ibut ion Expenditure Plan. That program will provide further assistance on a local Chapter community level and will be administered through the Office of the Controller and the Division of Community Development

Council Delegate Mark Freeland (Becenti, Lake Valley, Náhodishgish, Standing Rock, Whiterock, Huerfano, Nageezi, Crownpoint) said, on the enactment of CS-72-20, “Our local Navajo Chapter communities have shown a great amount of leadership during this pandemic.” Council Delegate Mark Freeland (Becenti, Lake Valley, Náhodishgish, Standing Rock, Whiterock, Huerfano, Nageezi, Crownpoint) said about the enactment of CS-72-20, “This funding doesn’t just support government operations. The law that was signed by President Nez acknowledges the short time we have left to provide this relief to the Navajo People. “We have local champions, and we ask for their help in spreading the word that assistance is available at the Window Rock level and the local level. Even those living beyond the borders of the Navajo Nation, our relatives and family members experiencing a prolonged period of travel restrictions and self-quarantine. There is help being made available,” he declared. The Office of the Controller received added administrative support through the resolution to support the further development of an online portal and to ensure all expenditures are carried out in compliance with the federal CARES Act. Legi slation can be a c c e s s e d th r ou gh th e Navajo Nation Council’s legislative tracking system, Diné Bibeehaz’áanii Binaaltsoos at: http://dibb. nnols.org

STAY UPDATED FIND US ON FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/Gallupsun 12

Friday October 23, 2020 • Gallup Sun

INDIAN COUNTRY


An Open Letter f rom Health Care Professionals, We are your doctors, nurses, health care practitioners, providers, and professionals. We have worked tirelessly throughout this crisis to help keep you safe. We’ve seen COVID-19 illnesses and deaths firsthand. And right now we need your help.

COVID-19 is surging throughout New Mexico. Infections are growing faster than ever before. The public health data are clear: The pandemic and the grave risk posed to our state’s public health have never been more dangerous than right now.

We know what happens when COVID-19 infections continue to spread at this rate. Hospitals will begin to fill up—indeed, our state’s health care system is already experiencing strain. More New Mexicans will lose their lives. More families will lose loved ones. And because of the terribly infectious nature of this virus, those New Mexicans who lose their lives, and those New Mexicans who lose a loved one, will not get to say goodbye. These will be lonely deaths. And they are preventable.

Even those who are fortunate enough to recover f rom the illness caused by the novel coronavirus can face significant and debilitating long-term adverse health effects. No one is immune f rom the consequences of this public health emergency. This is serious. This is life-and-death.

This is the greatest emergency the state of New Mexico has ever faced. But we can absolutely beat back the virus and crush its opportunities to spread. We all have a role to play to protect New Mexicans.

Please stay home as much as you can. Limit your travel outside the home.

If you must go out, please wear a face mask. Make sure it covers your nose and mouth.

Please avoid gatherings with other people, especially those you don’t live with.

Wash your hands thoroughly and f requently with soap and water.

And we encourage everyone to continue to seek medical care when needed. Medical facilities have very strict COVID-Safe Practices and the benefits of getting medical care outweigh any risks.

Please make the commitment to protect yourselves, your families, and your communities. Please be cautious and smart. Please help health care professionals help you. Help us protect you. Help us ensure that we have the resources to treat the sick and care for the dying.

Together, we can keep New Mexicans healthy and safe.

Alemayehu G. Biffa, MD

Lawrence Andrade, MD

Andrea DeMeter, MD

Leslie Hayes, MD

Bridget N. Fahy, MD FACS

Luis Constantin, MD

Carolyn M. Waldo, MD

Naomi Kistin, MD, MPH

Catherine G. Hawthorne, MD

Nicolette McDermott-Ketchum, PA-C

Christopher Hoover, MD

Rachel B. Cain, MD

David Durham, MD

Rebecca Bak , MD

Dr. Yoania Quintana Garcia

Rick Madden, MD

Holly Abernethy, MD

Roberto Gomez, MD

Isabel Lopez-Colberg , MD, Ph.D

Susan A. Seedman, MD

J Dayton Voorhees, MD

Teresa K.E. Smith de Cherif, MD

Jeremy Durling, MD

Warner Anderson, MD FACP

Jorge Requena-Penenori, MD Lance Chilton, MD

For a full list of medical professionals endorsing this letter, visit TogetherNM.org

Gallup Sun • Friday October 23, 2020

13


Nez presents tribal priorities to Biden, Harris Staff Reports

P

HOENIX, A r iz. – Na v a j o Na t io n President Jonathan Nez was among several Arizona tribal leaders who met with presidential ca nd idate Joe Biden a nd vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris, during a visit held at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Ariz. to discuss t r iba l pr ior it ie s a nd t he Biden-Harris Plan for Tribal Nations. Cindy McCain, wife of the late U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., was also in attendance. “Today’s meeting sends a message to all of Indian Cou nt r y t h a t t he Biden Harris team is ready to work t oget her w it h a l l t r ibe s, including the Navajo Nation,” Nez announced. “As the fi rst people of this country, we have to let our voices be heard at the highest levels of government when it comes to issues that impact our people and our communities. “With the previous ObamaBiden Administration, tribal

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez nations had a seat at the table throughout their two terms in office and that’s what the Biden-Harris team is willing to restore if elected to office. Today was a great opportunity to engage with former Vice President Biden and Senator Harris, to let them know our priorities based on the special government-to-government relation that tribes have with the federal government,” Nez said. Du r i ng t he d i scu s sion with Biden and Harris, Nez highlighted the need for federal partners to work with

Joseph Biden, candidate for U. S. President 2020

Senator and 2020 vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris

the Navajo Nation to move forward with infrastructure development projects to provide clean water, electricity, broadba nd, a nd roads for more Navajo people. Among other priorities, he also spoke about the need to improve the health care system for tribes to improve health disparities, and support economic development. O t her concer n s i ncluded educational priorities, remediating uranium mining sites, water r ig ht s set tlement s, solid waste management, and

improving public safety. The Biden-Ha r r is ca mpaign also released its Plan for Tribal Nations which states, “Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are committed to upholding the U.S.’s trust responsibility to tribal nations, strengthening the Nation-to-Nation relationship between the United States and Indian tribes, and working to empower tribal nations to govern their own communities and make their own decisions.” T he Biden-Ha r r is ca mpaign engaged tribal leaders during the development of t he pla n, a nd i ncluded their input and recommendations. The plan states if they win the election, the BidenHarris team will reinstate t he a n nu a l W h it e Hou s e

It’s time to come back to Church!

The latest Navajo COVID-19 numbers Staff Reports

W First Baptist Church

2112 College Drive, Gallup, NM Sunday Services at 8:30 am and 11:00 am (505) 722-4401 • www.fbcgallup.com 14

Friday October 23, 2020 • Gallup Sun

Tribal Nations Conference, appoint Native A mer ica ns t o h ig h-level gover n ment posit ion s, appoi nt judges w h o u n d e r s t a n d fe d e r a l India n law, ensure fulf illment of federa l tr ust a nd treaty obligations, promote meaningful tribal consultation, defend the Indian Child Welfare Act, and strengthen self-governance. “Early voting has begun a nd we u rge ever yone t o c a st a ba l lot a nd exercise their right to vote. We appreciate the Biden-Harris tea m’s inv itation to tr iba l leaders a nd their commitment t o meet i ng w it h u s fa ce - t o -fa ce t o bu i ld a nd strengthen that relationship with tribes and the Navajo people,” Nez said. “We encourage all Navajo people, living on and off the Navajo Nation, to let their voices be heard by voting in the upcoming Navajo Nation, state, and federal elections,” he stated. Other tr iba l leaders in attendance included Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Ned Norris Jr., Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Roe Lew is, Hopi Tr iba l Cha ir ma n Timothy Nuvangyaoma, and San Carlos Apa che T r iba l Ch a i r m a n Terry Rambler.

INDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The Navajo Depa r tment of Health, in coordination with the Nava jo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Ser v ice, repor ted 29 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and no deaths on Oct. 21. T he tot a l nu mber of d e a t h s r e m a i n s a t 574 . Reports indicate that 7,403 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 118,092 COVID-19 tests have been

a d m i n i s t e r e d . T he t o t a l number of positive COVID19 c a s e s i s now 11,0 3 0, which includes two delayed reported cases. The Navajo Nation will have a 56-hour weekend lockdown beginning on Oct. 23 at 9 pm until Oct. 26 at 5 am, and another from Oct. 30 until Nov. 2. The daily curfew remains in effect from 9 pm to 5 am on weekdays. The state of New Mexico reported a record-high of 827 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 975 new cases, and Utah reported 1,363 on Oct. 21. INDIAN COUNTRY


1 Annual

st Strengthening

Nations

Telethon

W ALL P NE R R ROCEEDS U O WILL GO TO EM LTE

E ERGENC Y TRANSITION SH

OCTOBER 24,, 2020 6-8PM

Join us via Facebook Live at

facebook.com/quintanasmusiccenter f facebook.com/sninc505 b k / i 505

featuring live entertainment

KEELEY K EELEY Y JOHNS JOHNS | JP VAN DERDYS DERD VIDAL IRV WAUNEKA | TESTIFY | AND MORE! DONATIONS OF $25 OR MORE WILL BE ENTERED IN A RAFFLE OF OVER

$1000

WORTH OF MERCHANDISE

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

CC Homestore STATE & REGION

Gallup Sun • Friday October 23, 2020

15


NTUA connects 260 families to electric grid with CARES Act funds Staff Reports

W

INDOW ROCK , Ariz. — Navajo Nation President Jo n a t h a n N e z and Vice President Myron Lizer received an update report from Navajo Tribal Utility Authority regarding the use of CARES Act funds, which indicates that NTUA has now connected 260 homes to the electric grid, upgraded 32 water wells, continues to install up to 150 water cisterns systems in the first third of October, and continues to make progress using CARES Act funds. NTUA utility crews continue to work 10-hour days, weekends, and holidays to complete projects. NTUA is planning to extend electricity to 510 families, which includes over 350 families that were identified during the 2020 LIGHT UP NAVAJO II application process. In addition, NTUA continues to accept applications from

16

residents for its residential solar program, which was allocated $35.1 million in CARES Act funds. Nez expressed mixed emotions about the CARES Act funds. “On behalf of the Navajo Nation, we thank NTUA for being an example for all of us in terms of working through the red tape to expedite projects for the benefit of the Navajo people,” he said. “It’s unfortunate that NTUA has not received all its CARES Act dollars from the Office of the Controller, but they have stepped up to use their own funds to front the cost of these projects. “We’ve met with the Office of the Controller and indicated the need to transfer those funds immediately. To all of the men and women working long hours, seven days a week, to move these projects forward, we thank you and we want you to know that you are making a lasting impact on your

Friday October 23, 2020 • Gallup Sun

Workers for the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority connect families on the Nation to the electric grid. Photo Credit: OPVP communities and Navajo people,” he stated. In August, the 24th Navajo Na t ion Cou nc i l a nd t he

Nez-L izer Ad m i n istrat ion approved $13.8 million for power line projects, $24.7 million to increase overall electric grid capacity, $20.9 million for cisterns systems, $18.6 million for wastewater systems, and $32.8 million for wireless and broadband expansion for NTUA from the Navajo Nation’s CARES Act funds. “Two-hundred-sixty Navajo families now have electricity and there is more to come! We are very excited about the progress that NTUA is making by working in partnership with the Navajo Nation and others,” Lizer exclaimed. “When we work together, we can accomplish anything and NTUA is proving that. Thank you to General Manager Walter Haase, their management team, and all the boots on the ground for the tremendous progress being made.” Among numerous water projects, NTUA utility crews renovated, upgraded, and/or installed six regional watering loading stations in the communities of Bodaway-Gap, Leupp, Lupton, Torreon, Lake Valley, and Wide Ruins, which are now open for public use. Renovations and upgrades are also in progress in Chilchinbeto, Inscription House, Whitecone, Kin Dah Lichíí, and Pueblo Pintado. The work includes replacement of motors and pumps for up to 42 targeted water wells, a nd work ing

w it h Nava jo Eng i neer i ng and Construction Authority to install 150 water cisterns systems where there is no water available for household drinking, and bathroom and kitchen usage. Other projects include renovations and upgrades of regional water stations, construction of several new watering points, converting off-line-wells to watering loading stations for livestock, water well renovations, replacement of exposed water lines, and more. NTUA has also established 33 free wifi hotspots in various communities across the Navajo Nation to help students, parents, and teachers with online learning. NTUA and NTUA Choice Wireless are assessing the possibility of installing additional wifi hotspots due to increased demand and usage. NTUA is also awaiting the arrival of new materials and equipment to construct new towers in several communities. One wifi hotspot to go live recently is located at the Shiprock fairgrounds. Overall, the Navajo Nation received over $714 million in CARES Act funds: $600 million on May 6, $86 million on June 16, and $27 million on June 18. For more information about eligibility for the solar program, please visit www. ntua.com under CARES ActNTUA Projects. INDIAN COUNTRY


STATE & REGION

Gallup Sun • Friday October 23, 2020

17


NTEC kicks off anuual free coal program COMMUNITY HEATING RESOURCE PROGRAM FUELS 110 NAVAJO CHAPTERS Staff Reports

N

AVAJO MINE, N.M. — Navajo Transitional Energ y Compa ny w i l l k ick of f it s annual Community Heating Resource Program, which provides free coal to all 110 Navajo Chapters on Oct. 28. Since 2017, NTEC has provided over 15,000 tons of coal to help keep Navajo families warm during the winter months. “NTEC’s core value is to do the right thing. Part of doing the right thing is providing for our shareholder. Coal continues to be a critical heating resource for many Navajo

families and we are happy to be able to offer it free of charge to help the elderly, children and families stay warm this winter,” NTEC CEO Clark Moseley said. T he CHRP prog ra m is administered through Navajo chapters. A community member interested in receiving coal can contact their chapter to receive a coal ticket. One coal ticket equals one ton of free coal from the Navajo Mine, located on the Navajo Nation, south of Farmington. Chapters can either ask for tickets to distribute to their community members or can receive coal in bulk. Individuals are loaded one ton

Pickup truck being loaded with coal from Navajo Mine. Photo Credit: NTEC of coal, bulk pickups will vary depending on the needs of the chapter.

To ensure safety, Navajo Mine personnel will load the coal onto the vehicles for

FREE COAL PROGRAM | SEE PAGE 20

Progress continues on Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project PROVIDING CLEAN WATER TO NAVAJO COMMUNITIES Staff Reports

D

ZIL NA OODIL II, N.M. – A new water treatment plant will facilitate the delivery

of clean water to rural Navajo communities and the Jicarilla Apache Nation. along the Cutter Lateral, which is one of two major water pipelines being developed as a result

of the San Juan River Water Rights Settlement between the

WATER SUPPLY PROJECT | SEE PAGE 20

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Brenda Burman, Gallup Mayor Louis Bonaguidi, Navajo Tribal Utility Authority officials and contractors conducted a site inspection of the Cutter Lateral Water Treatment Plant in Dzil Na Oodilii, N.M. within the Nageezi Chapter boundaries on Oct. 19. Photo Credit: OPVP

Progress is being made on the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project’s Cutter Lateral Water Treatment Plant in Dzil Na Oodilii, N.M. It is one of two water pipelines being developed as a result of the San Juan River Water Rights Settlement between the Navajo Nation and the State of New Mexico. Photo Credit: OPVP

18

Friday October 23, 2020 • Gallup Sun

INDIAN COUNTRY


Gallup Sun • Friday October 23, 2020

19


FREE COAL PROGRAM | FROM PAGE 18 participants—reducing strain on the elderly and adhering to the social distancing protocol. Participants must travel to

WATER SUPPLY PROJECT | FROM PAGE 18 Navajo Nation and the State of New Mexico. The other major pipeline, the San Juan Lateral, is also under construction along U.S. Highway 491. “We owe a lot of gratitude to our past Navajo leaders who helped negotiate and finalize the San Juan River Water Rights Settlement, which provided the funds and water allocations to construct these two major water pipelines and water treatment sites to help build our communities in the

Navajo Mine, in northwest New Mexico, Wednesday through Saturday from 8am to 4pm to receive the coal. Saturdays will follow Navajo Nation Public Health Orders: For the first weekend they will not be open Oct. 31. Consult the Bisti Fuels

Hotline at (505) 258-7782 for any changes. CHRP is entering its second year of providing free coal to the entire Navajo Nation. Since its inception in 2018, Navajo Mine provided coal to the chapters surrounding the

mine site. Seeing an extreme need for heating resources across the Nation, NTEC expanded the program in 2019. “NTEC and BISTI Fuels implemented a contactless program to address this pandemic and to keep our employees and

visitors safe when they come to Navajo Mine to receive their coal. Our ultimate goal is to assist as many Navajo chapters and communities as we can in a responsible manner,” Cortasha Upshaw, NTEC Community Affairs Coordinator, stated.

state of New Mexico,” Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said. “They had a vision and the foresight to help bring muchneeded water infrastructure for many communities in the eastern portion of our Nation. “We also thank the 24th Navajo Nation Council for their support as we move forward. Many families will soon have access to clean water thanks to the work being done with our federal partners under the leadership of Commissioner [Brenda] Burman,” he said. Nez previously supported the project as a former member of the Nava jo Nation Council and as the former Vice

President of the Navajo Nation. During the visit, Nez was joined by Office of the President and Vice President executive staff assistant Leonard Tsosie, who played an instrumental role in fi nalizing the San Juan River Water Rights Settlement as a former member of the New Mexico State Senate. Nez also stated that the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project could serve as a model for water projects in other areas of the Navajo Nation, including the Western Navajo Agency. The Office of the President and Vice President and the 24th Navajo Nation Council continue to advocate for the

Navajo Utah Water Rights Settlement Act, which is awaiting consideration by Congress. “The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the need for clean running water for all Navajo people living on the Navajo Nation. In the most powerful country in the world, the first people of this land should not be living without running water and electricity.,” Nez pointed out. “We have to continue moving forward through partnerships with state and federal partners to build more infrastructure to meet the needs of our Navajo people.” The new water treatment plant will remove contaminants

and other materials from water that will be pumped from the Navajo Reservoir and eventually diverted to over 40 communities in the eastern part of the Navajo Nation and Jicarilla Apache Nation in New Mexico. Now that the construction of the Nava jo-Gallup Water Supply Project’s Cutter Lateral Water Treatment Plant is completed, the Bureau of Reclamation and Navajo Tribal Utility Authority will monitor the operation of the plant for a 6-month period. NTUA will eventually assume full operations of the water treatment plant following the 6-week testing and monitoring period.

State updates list of high-risk states under quarantine order Staff Reports

S

ANTA FE – New Mexico has updated its list of high-risk states based on Gov. Michelle Lujan

Grisham’s executive order requiring quarantine for outof-state visitors. Residents arriving from these states must

''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 20 Friday October 23, 2020 • Gallup Sun

also quarantine to minimize the risk of spread from out-ofstate travel. Washington has been added to the list of high-risk states as of Oct. 21. The negative test quarantine exemption is no longer in effect. Anyone arriving in New Mexico from a high-risk state is required to quarantine for a period of 14 days or for the duration of their stay in the state, whichever is shorter, regardless of any negative COVID-19 test. As of Oct. 21, the list of high-risk states is as follow s: A l a b a m a , A l a sk a , Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Con nect icut , Delawa re, F lor id a , G eor g i a , Id a ho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Ma ssachusetts, Michiga n, M i n nesot a , M is sis sippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, North Ca rol i n a , Nor t h Da kot a , Ohio, Okla homa , Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Tex a s , Ut a h , V i r g i n i a , Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. The state amends the list weekly according to the stateby-state health conditions as defi ned in the executive order; the updated information is

maintained on the cv.nmhealth. org homepage and is disseminated each week in English and Spanish to city and county officials who manage airports within the state. I n for mat ion rega rd i ng travel can also be found on the New Mexico Tour ism Department’s website. STATE QUARANTINE ORDER People who arrive in New Mexico from states with a five percent positivity rate or greater over a seven-day rolling average, or a positive test rate greater than 80 per 1 million residents, must physically separate from others in a residence or place of lodging for at least 14 days from the date of their entry into New Mexico, or for the duration of their presence in the state, whichever is shorter. Pe o ple e n t e r i n g New Mexico from states with a five percent positivity rate or lower over a seven-day rolling average, or a positive test rate lower than 80 per 1 million residents, are not required to self-quarantine. Self-quarantine is still advised for people arriving from these states, and those arriving from these lower-risk states are advised to be tested for COVID-19 within five to seven days of their arrival in New Mexico. INDIAN COUNTRY


STATE & REGION

NEWS

Governor announces new business regulations SCHOOLS CONTINUE TO OPERATE USING HYBRID MODELS By Dominic Aragon Sun Correspondent

S

ANTA FE — Governor Michelle Lu janGrisham announced changes to the current public health order in a news conference Oct. 20. Among the changes, food and drink establishments will be able to offer indoor dining to a maximum of 25 percent occupancy. The food and drink businesses will have to consent to spot testing of employees. “If you don’t complete the New Mexico Safe Certification program … you cannot continue to offer indoor dining at 25 percent,” the governor said. The businesses will have until the end of the month to complete the certification. Additionally, to aid in contact tracing, food and drink establishments will have to keep a logbook of all customers who dine on-site for three

weeks. The new changes will go into effect Oct. 23. BY THE NUMBERS COVID-19 cases are on the rise across New Mexico, with 599 new cases reported on Oct. 20. The total count of positive cases is nearly 38,000. Locally, the gover nor’s office reports that McKinley County has seen 4,492 total cases. Neighboring Cibola County hit the 500-mark of confi rmed cases the same day. The state reported a single-day record of 819 new COVID-19 cases on Oct. 16. Overall, Bernalillo County leads the state’s 33 counties with over 9,200 cases. OTHER CHANGES Museums and historical sites operated by the state will close Oct. 23. A date for reopening was not mentioned. All retail locations will have to close by 10 pm nightly. Businesses will be added to the Environment Department’s

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham watch list if they report two rapid responses to the state in a 14 -day period. Rapid responses occur when an employer reports an incidence of COVID-19 in the workplace. If a business has four such responses in the 14-day period, it will have to close for two weeks. The order applies to restaurants, retail spaces, lodging and places of business that have close contact like gyms

and salons. “We believe this one effort is significant enough that we will be focusing on locations and high risk communities so that we can get folks back to managing the virus and limiting the spread,” the governor said. THE SPREAD T he rate of COV ID -19 spread in New Mexico is one of the highest in the United States, Dr. David Scrase said. “We’re seeing 26 counties reporting new cases every single day which is another indication that spread is actually widespread throughout the state,” Scrase added. Scrase said the 18-to-34 age group is seeing the largest number of cases per day. PUBLIC SCHOOLS EXEMPT In an Oct. 16 news conference, New Mexico Public

Education Depa r tment Secretary Dr. Ryan Stewart said schools who were currently operating in a hybrid mo del , a r e exempt f r om t he Oct . 16 publ ic hea lt h order, limiting groups to five people. The PED, Governor’s Office and the Department of Health said they are continuing to review data and will make determinations based on the spread of COVID-19. “Right now, we have not set a timetable on schools having to close. We’re working with DOH to determine if they feel like we’ve reached a point where we think we need to do that, we will solidify that shortly and be able to come back to you,” Stewart told The Gallup Sun. “We will continue with our rapid response process as cases are identified.”

Opportunity for public comment Staff Reports

N

otice is hereby given that the FHWA will now accept comments on the proposed draft Section 106 PA through Nov. 21. As an applicant for federa l fu nd i ng a nd per m itting, the Federal Highway Administration, New Mexico Division, must comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (as amended). Section 106 requires federal agencies to consider the effects of their actions upon historic resources listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places when planning projects. Since the NHPA was passed, t he F H WA , New Mex ico Department of Transportation, and the New Mexico State Historic Preservation Officer have developed policies and procedures to facilitate the Section 106 review of transportation projects in New Mexico. STATE & REGION

These policies and procedures have been memorialized in a variety of agreement documents over these years. To create a more streamlined process for consultation, review and compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA, FHWA, NMDOT, NM SHPO, a nd Adv isor y Cou ncil on Historic Preservation have collaborated over the past year to consolidate past agreement documents and processes into one Programmatic Agreement. To access the proposed draf t S ect i on 10 6 PA , plea se visit https: // bit. ly / 2TdQY4 x. All com ments should be emailed or mailed to the attention of the following representative: Greg Heitmann, Environmental / Realty Specialist, Federal Highway Administration, New Mexico Division, 4001 Of f ice Court Dr., Suite 801, Santa Fe, NM 87507 or emailed to: greg.heitm ann@ d ot .gov. Ph on e: (505) 660-7626 Gallup Sun • Friday October 23, 2020

21


As expanded early voting starts, turnout flies past 265,000 By Matthew Reichbach NM Political Report

O

ver 80,000 voters c a s t b a l lo t s o n Friday or Saturday [Oct. 16, 17], either through early in-person or absentee voting, bringing the total number of votes cast to 266,522, far outpacing voting at the same time in 2016 according to numbers released by the Secretary of State on Monday morning. The numbers represent the first day of expanded early voting, where county clerks opened more voting locations. As of Monday morning, 124,910 voters have cast ballots with early in-person voting and 141,612 voters have returned absentee ballots. The expansion of early voting on Saturday contributed to the rise in early in-person voting, with 43,643 voters casting ballots in-person since the

Vote here sign. Photo Credit: commons.wikimedia.org release on Oct. 16. And voters who returned absentee ballots nearly matched that, with

39,608 returned ballots in the same time period. Early in-person voting has

exceeded the number in 2016, and absentee voting is nearly six times more than at the same time that year. In 2016, as of the Monday after the opening of expanded voting, 138,391 voters had cast ballots, with 115,110 through early in-person votes and 23,281 voting through absentee ballots. The number of absentee ballots is now nearly double what it was in 2016, when 76,476 voters returned absentee ballots. Twenty one counties have already exceeded the total number of returned absentee ballots cast in 2016, while just one county— Roosevelt—has exceeded the total number of in-person votes cast in 2016. In 2016, a record number of voters statewide cast early in-person ballots. Three counties—Doña Ana, Luna and Otero—have already exceeded 2008’s total number of returned absentee ballots. Two counties—Eddy and Union— have exceeded 2008’s total number of early in-person votes. In 2008, 172,136 voters cast votes by absentee ballot, [is] still the record for the most absentee ballots in any New Mexico election. Democrats continued to enjoy a large advantage among votes that have been cast so far, with 53.73 percent of all votes cast. Party

Early InPerson

Absentee

Total

Percent of total

Democrats

50,647

92,561

143,208

53.73%

Republicans

59,553

28,499

88,052

33.04%

Decline to State

13,431

19,043

32,474

12.18%

Libertarian

687

775

1,462

0.55%

Other

592

734

1,326

0.5%

Total

124,910

141,612

266,522

n/a

F rom the New Mex ico Secretary of State’s office, as of the morning of Oct. 19, Republicans maintain an edge in early in-person votes over Democrats, though Democrats have returned nearly 65 percent of all absentee ballots. Democrats have requested 61.83 percent of all absentee ballots so far. County clerks have received 371,159 absentee ballot requests this year, by far a record. Of those, 141,612

22 Friday October 23, 2020 • Gallup Sun

(38.15 percent) have already returned their ballots. In 2016, over 97 percent of those who requested absentee ballots returned them. Tuesday [Oct. 20] was the fi nal day for voters to request absentee ballots. All absentee ballots in New Mexico must be received by 7 pm on Nov. 3, which is Election Day. The Secretary of State’s office advises anyone who opts to mail back absentee ballots to do so by Oct. 27 to make sure they arrive in time. Absentee ballots can also be dropped off in-person at polling locations. Bernalillo County has both the most votes cast by early in-person voting (18,994) and by absentee ballots (62,644), unsurprising since the county is by far the most populous in the state. T here were si x ot her counties with 8,000 or more early in-person votes so far: Sandoval (11,192), Doña Ana (11,121), Eddy (9,712), Santa Fe (9,214), Chaves (8,417) and San Juan (8,188). Among absentee ballots, just three other counties had 5,000 or more returned absentee ballots: Santa Fe (15,046), Sandoval (14,320) and Doña Ana (12,921). Counties that have sent out 10,000 or more ballots can begin processing absentee ballots tomorrow [Oct. 20], while

those who sent out less can start processing them four days ahead of the election. In addition to the above four counties, Valencia and San Juan counties have sent out 10,000 or more absentee ballots. Eligible New Mexicans can still register to vote in-person until the end of early voting, on Oct. 31. According to the Secretary of State’s office, 1,674 have done so since Oct. 6, the close of online voter registration. STATE & REGION


Nursing home secrecy compounded pain of COVID-19 death By Bryant Furlow New Mexico In Depth

R

oslyn K. Pulitzer drew her fi nal breath holding the ungloved hand of Kay Lockridge, her partner of 36 years, on the morning of Thursday, April 30, at the University of New Mexico Hospital’s intensive care unit in Albuquerque. “Roz knew I was there, although she couldn’t talk because of her breathing apparatus and mask,” Lockridge said. “She winked at me and squeezed my hand.” Pulitzer was the fi rst Santa Fe resident to die of COVID-19, according to the New Mexico Department of Health. She had turned 90 years old the previous Saturday but Lockridge couldn’t celebrate with her in person because Pulitzer was in quarantine for COVID-19 at the Advanced Healthcare Center of Albuquerque. In February, Pulitzer fell and fractured several ribs. At Christus St. Vincent hospital, in Santa Fe, clinicians discovered a previous vascular bypass surgery had begun to fail and she needed a new surgery to avoid losing her leg. On April 7, Christus St. Vi ncent sent P u l it zer t o AHC, a skilled nursing and

STATE & REGION

rehabilitation center, for postsurgical physical rehabilitation therapy. The two would have chosen a different place had they known COVID-19 was lurking there, Lockridge said. At least one case had already been identified at the facility by then — but that simple, crucial fact wasn’t conveyed to Lockridge and Pulitzer. And they were not the only ones initially kept in the dark about AHC’s COVID-19 outbreak. People like Pulitzer — elderly and over 80 years old — have accounted for four of every 10 people who have died of COVID-19 in New Mexico, according to daily numbers released by the state. As of July 28 in New Mexico, according to data provided by the Health Department: • Nearly two thirds of the elderly over 80 to die lived in nursing homes or assisted living centers (149 of 238 deaths in this age group); • More than a third of all deaths in New Mexico, regardless of patient age, had occurred among people living in nursing homes and assisted living centers (229 of 619 total deaths); • T h ree nu r si ng home employees had died; • And at least 788 residents

and 565 employees had fallen ill with the novel coronavirus in those facilities. Nationwide, the New York Times reported last month that at least 55,000 nursing home residents and employees had died of COVID-19, of nearly 300,000 infected at 14,000 congregate living centers for the elderly. In short, the nursing home and long-term care industry has been the center of a viral tidal wave of death. To hear some in the industry tell it, it was inevitable, unavoidable. Few are willing to discuss their own failures to plan — or their industry’s lobbying, exposed by New Mexico In Depth, the Raleigh, N.C. News & Observer, and ProPublica, to block and roll back federal requirements that elder care facilities prepare pandemic response plans. Many of the affected facilities, including AHC, had histories of infection control lapses and safety violations, detailed in the arcane language of regulatory surveyors’ reports, but rarely if ever disclosed in facilities’ websites and marketing materials. (A database analysis by ProPublica suggested that New Mexico is second only to Arkansas for the proportion of nursing homes with serious deficiencies, and N.M. is ranked the 12th worst state

for the proportion of nursing homes with serious infection-related deficiencies.) And the industry’s and state governments’ secrecy about COVID-19 outbreaks and patient deaths has made headlines across the Women’s rights activist and photographer Roslyn K. “Roz” country. We’ll never Pulitzer holding a T-shirt with text from the proposed know how many of Equal Rights Amendment. Pulitzer died of COVID-19 in the people killed by April. Photo Credit: Shelly Moore COVID-19 at nursing homes could have been saved had approaches to and worked as clinical superplanning, prevention, or trans- visor of social workers at Beth parency been different. Israel Hospital’s substance abuse program. *** “She also developed a partPulitzer was a native New time private psychotherapy Yorker. Born in the Bronx practice,” Lockridge said – and raised in Queens, she work she continued until the spent most of her adult life in couple moved to Santa Fe. Manhattan, until she moved The two had met at a nonwith Lockridge to Santa Fe in profit community group in early 1997. 1983 and became partners in As a young woman, Pulitzer early 1984. They married in was a nightclub photographer in Vancouver, British Columbia Greenwich Village and worked during an Alaskan cruise but as a medical lab technician at were married a second time in the VA hospitals in Brooklyn Santa Fe, by a municipal court and, later, in Manhattan. In the judge in August 2013. 1960s and 1970s, Pulitzer was When they moved to Santa involved in New York’s wom- Fe in 1997, Pulitzer considered en’s rights movement, working continuing her psychotherapy with Gloria Steinem and other practice. “But the wonderful feminist leaders, according light and beauty of Santa Fe to Lockridge. She earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) NURSING HOME degree at Fordham University | SEE PAGE 24

Gallup Sun • Friday October 23, 2020

23


NURSING HOME | FROM PAGE 23 stirred Pulitzer’s old interest in photography and she became a fi ne art (landscape) photographer,â€? Lockridge said in an email. â€œâ€Śshe traveled extensively throughout Africa, Europe and the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska, always with a camera in hand and usually processed and developed her own photos,â€? Lockridge said. “[O]ne of her photographs graced the cover of the book, Visions of Santa Fe, and another was published in the book in 2005—and had works shown at the former LewAllen Gallery [in Santa Fe] and the Harwood Museum of Art in Taos.â€? But worsening lifelong osteoarthritis eventually cut short Pulitzer’s photography, Lockridge said. â€œShe was always in some level of pain and could endure way more than I ever could,â€? Lockridge said. *** Lockridge said she and Pulitzer had been assured that AHC had no COVID-19 cases prior to Pulitizer being

admitted. In reality, however, an outbreak was by then already under way at AHC, according to current and former employees and records obtained by New Mexico In Depth. Like dozens of other nursing facilities overtaken by the virus, AHC has a coveted “5-starâ€? rating by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Ser v ices (CMS). The star rating uses a secretive scoring algorithm meant to reflect things like quality of patient care, staffing levels, infection rates and recent inspection fi ndings. Five-star ratings figure prominently in nursing homes’ marketing materials, and they reassured patients and their loved ones. AHC had struggled with infection control in the past, including outbreaks of norovirus and Clostridium difficile gut bacteria, according to current and former employees and government inspection reports. But regulators did little to hold the facility accountable. A review of a decade’s worth of those records revealed no fines levied by regulators, even for violations inspectors believed to have placed dozens

Kay Lockridge and Roslyn K. “Rozâ€? Pulitzer in 2004, at the Santa Fe Animal Shelter’s annual Barkin’ Ball fundraiser. Pulitzer died of COVID19 on April 2. Photo Credit: Kate Rindy. of patients at risk. AHC’s emergency response plan and training prepared staff to handle the evacuation of residents during a building fire. But it did not have a pandemic preparedness plan when the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 began its rapid spread around the globe. On April 3 and 4, an elderly patient had coughing fits and developed a fever. Staff quarantined him in his room and

#VCBOZ 4VQQMZ / SE 4U (BMMVQ /. (17(5 72 :,1 285 &86720(5 $335(&,$7,21 *,)7 &$5' :( 5( *,9,1* $:$< $ *,)7 &$5' 72 21( /8&.< :,11(5 -867 ),// 287 7+( (175< )250 %(/2: $1' %5,1* ,7 72 #6#"/: 4611-: EVSJOH #VTJOFTT )PVST . Ä´ ' BN Ä´ QN 4BU Ä´ BN Ä´ QN 4VO $MPTFE

E D Í—ͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺ Z ^^Í—ͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺ W,KE Í—ͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺ D />Í—ͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺ 0OMZ 0OF &OUSZ 1FS 1FSTPO Ä´ &NQMPZFFT PG #VCBOZ 4VQQMZ 5IFJS 'BNJMZ NFNCFST BSF JOFMJHJCMF UP FOUFS

%3"8*/( *4 /07&.#&3 /FFE OPU CF QSFTFOU UP XJO

24 Friday October 23, 2020 • Gallup Sun

tested him for COVID-19. His positive test result came back April 5, Palm Sunday, according to staff. A second patient was tested Sunday or Monday as well, with a positive test result coming back Tuesday, April 7, records show – the day Pulitzer arrived from Christus St. Vincent. Christus told Pulitzer and Lockridge repeatedly between April 5 and April 7 that AHC had no COVID-19 cases, according to Lockridge — and AHC did not alert her or Pulitzer to the presence of COVID-19 cases when Pulitzer arrived at their facility, she said. â€œâ€Ś[W ]e h a d on ly one question of Advanced Health Care of ABQ: Was the facility COVID-19-free as of April 7, when Roslyn would arrive,â€? Lockridge wrote in a June 1 letter to the AHC parent company, complaining about the facility’s lack of transparency. “Discharge personnel at Christus St. Vincent Medical Center in Sa nta Fe were assured by a representative of AHC that the facility had NO cases of COVID-19 both before and at the time of Roslyn’s admission. The assertion from your facility that it was virusfree before and on April 7 was false.â€? Ultimately, the lack of that information led to Pulitzer’s death, Lockridge contended in her letter to the company. “[W] e would never have sent her to AHC if we had known the truth,â€? she wrote. A HC administrator Edwardo Rivera did not return phone calls for comment for this story. An email and calls to the parent company received no reply. April 7, the day Pulitzer

arrived at AHC, was also the day nurse Carole Welch, having grown suspicious that administrators were not reporting the facility’s recently detected COVID-19 cases to the state, called the DOH herself, to tell them what was going on. A DOH representative confirmed they did receive a whistleblower complaint, and that they first confirmed COVIDpositive test results at AHC on April 10. (The DOH didn’t begin publicly announcing which facilities had positive cases until April 10.) Lockridge herself didn’t learn of the outbreak until Monday, April 13, she said. That’s when Rivera finally called to say nine patients and two employees had tested positive and that Pulitzer would be tested. It was the last time Rivera and Lockridge would speak, despite Lockridge’s subsequent calls and voice messages, she said. Waiting to share information is not unusual for nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry’s secretiveness and lack of accountability made headlines. Ultimately, 24 AHC employees would test positive in the spring. Eighteen residents caught COVID-19 and eight died. Pulitzer was the fi rst. Other patients’ loved ones told New Mexico In Depth they had not been immediately informed of the AHC outbreak, either. At least two families fi rst learned of the outbreak from news reports. Susan Carswell,

NURSING HOME | SEE PAGE 25 STATE & REGION


NURSING HOME | FROM PAGE 24 whose mother was at the facility, had been checking the state DOH COVID-19 website and was distraught to see AHC mentioned there over the Easter weekend. “I immediately emailed corporate, but got no response,” she said. A few days later, Carswell’s brother texted to tell her their mother was COVID-positive. No b o d y f r o m A HC h a d informed the family. On April 14, AHC nursing

STATE & REGION

director Jennifer Ward called to tell Lockridge that Pulitzer had again tested negative for COVID-19. But on April 22, Ward called back. Pulitzer had tested positive for the coronavirus and had been moved to the facility’s “pure positive” COVID wing. “It was really difficult,” Lockridge said. “We’d been together for 36 years and this was the longest we’d ever been apart.” Un able t o celebr at e Pulitzer’s 90th birthday together, they spoke by phone instead.

“I told her all about the sna il-ma il ca rds she had received at home, plus a bouquet of beautiful flowers for her from my nephew,” Lockridge recalled. “Roz told me about all the emails and another bouquet she had received at AHC.” They spoke again the next day, Sunday, April 26. But Lockridge could not reach Pulitzer on Monday. Or Monday night. Or Tuesday morning. Then, at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, Lockridge’s call t o P u l it zer’s phone wa s

answered by an AHC staffer, who said Pulitzer was being transferred by ambulance to UNM Hospital’s emergency department. Nobody from AHC had called to tell her, Lockridge said. Lockridge spoke with UNM physicians repeatedly that Tuesday afternoon and evening. She conveyed Pulitzer’s wish not to undergo “extreme mea sures.” They told her Pulitzer was being admitted to the ICU. At 9:30 pm, Pulitzer had called to tell Lockridge

she was okay and they were “working on her breathing,” Lockridge recalled. Two days later, Pulitzer died, Lockridge holding her hand. “If we had known they had a case, Roz wouldn’t have gone there,” Lockridge said. “I wish we’d known.” Lockridge wants to hold a memorial service at some point after COVID-19 travel and social distancing restrictions are lifted. “I think it will be a while,” she said, “perhaps a long while.”

Gallup Sun • Friday October 23, 2020

25


25 new positive cases across New Mexico’s public schools 18 STAFF MEMBERS, SEVEN STUDENTS TESTED POSITIVE. Staff Reports

S

ANTA FE — The Public Education Department on Oct. 22 announced 25 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours. Rapid response has been initiated, and all pertinent information has been verified with the schools and school districts. The following new cases have been reported: • Two cases in McKinley County. The infected individuals are staff members who were last on campus Oct. 16 and Oct. 19. • Five cases in Bernalillo County. Four of the infected individuals are staff members who were last on school property Oct. 16. The other infected individual is a student who was last on campus Oct. 13. • One ca se in Cu r r y County. The infected individual is a student who was last on school property Oct. 8. •  Three cases in Doùa Ana County. All of the infected

individuals are staff members who were last on school property Sept. 15, Oct. 6 and Oct. 20. • T wo c a s e s i n E d d y County. The infected individuals are staff members who were last on school property Oct. 9 and Oct. 15. • One case in Lea County. The infected individual is a staff member who was last on campus Oct. 12. • One ca se i n L i ncol n County. The infected individual is a student who was last on campus Oct. 15. • One ca se in Otero County. The infected individual is a staff member who was last on campus Oct. 13. • One case in Quay County. The infected individual is a student who was last on campus Oct. 13. • One case in Roosevelt County. The infected individual is a student who was last on campus Oct. 20 • One case in Sandoval C o u n t y. T h e i n f e c t e d

individual is a student who was last on school property Oct. 16. • Three cases in San Juan County. Two of the infected individuals are staff members who were last on school property Oct. 2 and Oct. 18. The third infected individual is a student who was last on campus Oct. 13. •  One case in Torrance County. The infected individual is a staff member who was last on campus Oct. 15. • Two cases in Valencia County. The infected individuals are staff members who were last on school property Oct. 13 and Oct. 15. In each of the schools and campuses, all staff members and the parents and guardians of all students in the affected school have been notified of the positive cases. All “close contactsâ€? will be informed of the positive case(s) and instructed to quarantine for 14 days. Affected classrooms and facilities will

be cleaned and disinfected. Staff must be tested if symptomatic or a “close contact;â€? however, staff members will not be required to present a negative test result in order to return to work. Symptomatic sta ff may retur n to work after 10 days plus 24 hours after the fever is gone and COV ID -19 symptoms have i mproved. A sy mpt om at ic staff who have been “close contactsâ€? may return to work after a 14-day quarantine. The PED has collected this data since Aug. 17; since then, 435 total cases have been reported in 238 schools, including 280 staff members and 155 students. Since schools began operating in the hybrid mode on Sept. 8, a total of 397 cases have been reported in 216 schools, including 258 staff members and 139 students. Ne w M e x i c o’s P u bl ic Education Department rapid response team has removed

Deborah Martinez, Media Relations Coordinator, New Mexico Public Education Department. Photo Credit: o-agency.com duplicate records in case counts as of Oct. 19, and as a result, the cumulative case count has been reduced. In a d d i t io n , Ne w M e x ic o’s Department of Health has advised the PED to cancel certain cases previously reported because of insufficient details. For additional inform a t i on a b ou t C OV I D 19 s a fe t y i n s c h o o l s , please visit: https://bit.ly/ SafeSchoolsNM.

NM teacher vacancy numbers drop 23% in two years MORE EDUCATORS STAYING ON THE JOB Staff Reports

And I’m grateful to them every single day – and I will never, ever stop fighting to make New Mexico the greatest state in the country to be an educator.�

S

A N TA F E - New Me x ic o’s t e a c he r vacancy numbers have dropped for the second straight year as more teachers choose to stay in the classroom now that the education ecosystem has changed to one of respect and support. New Mexico had 571 teacher vacancies as of Sept. 25 compared to 644 at the same time last year and 740 in September 2018, according to the 2020 New Mexico Educator Vacancy Report published Oct. 13 by the Southwest Outreach Academic Research Evaluation & Policy Center at New Mexico State University. That is an improvement of 11 percent since last year and 23 percent since the 2018 study. The study also found that enrollment in and graduation from higher education teacher programs has increased, which

New Mexico Public Education Secretary Ryan Stewart means more future teachers are in the pipeline. In both her 2019 and 2020 executive budget recommendation, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham moved aggressively to rebuild educator support systems, rapidly increase educator pay and improve recruitment and retention. Those measures and others were designed to address the state’s teacher shortage. “New Mexico educators are

26 Friday October 23, 2020 • Gallup Sun

Gwen Perea Warniment, Public Education Department deputy secretary for teaching, learning and assessment the finest in the entire country,� Lujan Grisham said. “They are tireless advocates for their students, for their communities and indeed for our state. There is no question this is a challenging environment for educators and school communities – perhaps the most challenging of our lifetimes. “But educators step up. They give their all for their students.

One of the first and most significant changes the governor

TEACHER VACANCY | SEE PAGE 28

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ŕľśF VLJQV 10'27 DQG 9DOOH\ )HQFH &RPSDQ\ DSSUHFLDWH \RXU FRRSHUDWLRQ 'ULYHV FDQ H[SHFW PLQRU GHOD\V IURP $0 WR 30 0RQGD\ )ULGD\ STATE & REGION


State agencies collaborate to ‘Take the roll’ SOME STUDENTS ARE NOT ON SCHOOL ROSTERS, OTHERS ARE CHRONICALLY ABSENT Staff Reports

S

ANTA FE - Three state agencies are joining forces with local school districts and charter schools to track down students who have dropped off school rosters or who are chronically absent from remote classes. T he P ubl ic Educ at ion Depar tment is par tner ing with the Children, Youth and Families and Indian Affairs depa r t ment s t o ident i f y, locate, contact and intervene to get students back in school to ensure their safety, and to provide for their continued learning opportunities and well-being. “This has been an impossibly difficult year for all of us, no doubt about it,” Gov. Michelle Lu jan Grisham said. “The

only thing that could make it tougher is an educational setback for a child, or a risk to their safety or well-being, that could’ve been avoided. The state of New Mexico is committed, fi rst and foremost, to the welfare of its children.” “School attendance is not optional, even amid a global pandemic,” PED Secretary Ryan Stewart said. “The whole machinery of state government is working to ensure that New Mexico children are enrolled, engaged and learning.” School attendance data, which identifies students who are chronically absent, is not reported to PED until the 40th day of the academic year, which was Oct. 14 for GallupMcKinley County Schools. Anecdotal reports from some state districts suggest high

absenteeism among remote learners. D i s t r ic t s a nd ch a r t er schools determine for themselves what constitutes attendance in the remote learning mode — whether it is being present for an online lesson, checking in by email, or some other method. “We know many districts and charters have put systems in place to identify and support disengaged students, but there are still far too many gaps and needs,” Stewart said. “We are putting all resources at our disposal toward connecting students with inadequate internet and providing disengaged students with academic coaching or social and emotional supports. While we continue to hope that additional federal resources for schools will be

forthcoming, we’re prepared to support our students with the full range of state resources available.” Enrollment is also a concern. The department previously had no way to count or track students who are simply dropped from a school’s roster after 10 consecutive days of absence. “These are the students we’re most concerned about because we don’t have information on their learning or, more importantly, on their well-being during the pandemic,” Stewart said. “We’re standing up a new, parallel reporting process now that will collect that data, along with new partnerships with CYFD and IAD to quickly mobilize to support these students,” Stewart said. “ The Ind ia n A ffa irs

A chart to keep track of school attendance. Stock Photo

Department is working in collaboration with our sister agencies to ensure that tribal

ABSENT STUDENTS | SEE PAGE 31

Delegation calls for oversight of Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program WANT DROUGHT CONSIDERED AS ELIGIBLE FOR RELIEF Staff Reports

S

ANTA FE — Congressman Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., along w it h U.S. Senator s Tom Ud a l l, D -N.M ., a nd Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., and U.S. Representatives Xochitl Torres Small, D-N.M. and Deb Haaland, D-N.M. called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide robust oversight of the New Mexico Farm Service

STATE & REGION

Senator Tom Udall, D-N.M

Senator Martin Heinrich, D-N.M.

Congressman Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M.

Agency’s management of the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program program. In a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, the members of New Mexico’s congressional delegation raised concerns about NM FSA’s actions to limit Rio Arriba farmers and ranchers’ access to disaster assistance. I n Au g u s t , t he USDA National Appeals Division affirmed recent decisions that found that FSA erred by improperly adjusting county expected yields retroactively to reduce payouts for disaster relief. Instead of rectifying its error and paying the local farmers and ranchers what they were promised, the agency has taken further steps to reduce

relief by deeming drought conditions on farms and ranches irrigated by acequias ineligible under NAP. These decisions shortchange New Mexico’s farmers who have sustainably grown crops and managed water via acequias for centuries. “New Mexico farmers and ranchers are facing a difficult year due to COVID-19 and drought conditions across the state. Most of the state has been designated by the USDA as experiencing either severe or extreme drought,” the delegation said in its letter. “Given these circumstances, it is particularly concerning that New Mexico FSA has been communicating to farmers and ranchers that drought is

Representative Xochitl Torres Small, D-N.M.

Representative Deb Haaland, D-N.M. not an eligible cause of loss on irrigated lands for disaster assistance programs like NAP.” “As you are aware, New Mexico FSA’s mismanagement of the NAP program in

CROP ASSISTANCE | SEE PAGE 31

Gallup Sun • Friday October 23, 2020

27


NEWS

HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

Earthweek: Diary of a Changing World

By Steve Newman

Week ending Friday, October 16, 2020 ‘Dying’ Arctic R e s e a rcher s retu r n ing from the world’s most ambitious study ever of the North Pole say they found proof that the Arctic Ocean “is dying,” due to unprecedented warming and the melting of the polar ice cap. A team of several hundred scientists from 20 countries say they found during their 389-day Arctic mission that the North Pole is surrounded by “badly eroded, melted, thin and brittle ice.” The mountain of data they collected will take up to two years to analyze and may help to predict conditions up to 100 years in the future. The team from the German Alfred Wegener Institute’s Polarstern ship says the results will also help them understand how dwindling sea ice influences the Arctic’s climate system and how it’s felt around the world.

Earthquakes Much of northern Taiwan, including the capital of Taipei, was jolted by a magnitude 4.9 quake. • A rare but mild tremor shook northern Arizona.

Micro Fliers U.S. researchers have developed a sensor so tiny that it

3.3

Ser vice, said. He added that it’s proof nations need to continue enforcing the Montreal Protocol, which bans emissions of ozone-depleting chemicals.

Nangka Delta +112° Aqaba, Jordan

can be deployed on insects or mini drones to reach places too small or dangerous for humans to go. The University of Washington invention can be released from its tiny airborne transports by a Bluetooth command, then drop up to 72 feet when it has reached its desired location. Once on the ground, it can measure things like temperature, humidity or other factors for almost three years. The sensor weighs only about one-tenth the weight of a jellybean, or one-hundredth of an ounce. It is designed to spin as it falls, with its low weight and rotation keeping its maximum falling speed at around 11 mph. Scientists say a network of the sensors could monitor an entire forest or farm.

cl i mate cr isis have r isen at a “staggering” rate since the sta r t of this centur y. The World Meteorological Orga n i z at ion publ ic at ion says this is in shar p contrast to the far fewer disasters during the previous two decades. “This is clear evidence that in a world where the global average temperature in 2019 was 1.1 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial period, the impacts are being felt in the increased frequency of extreme weather events, including heat waves, droughts, f looding, winter storms, hurricanes and wildfi res,” the report says.

4.9

Tropical Cyclones

Linfa

Massive Ozone Hole T h e ozone hole in the stratosphere above Antarctica -90° r e a c h e d i t s South Pole, a n nu a l pe a k Antarctica on Oct. 1, which scientists say was the largest and deepest in 15 years. This was in contrast to an unusually small and short-lived ozone hole in 2019 caused by unusual weather conditions. “There is much variability in how far ozone hole events develop each year,” Vincent-Henri Peuch, director of Europe’s Copernicus At mosphere Mon itor i ng

Climate Disasters A new report says disasters triggered by t he deepen i ng

The 2020 ozone hole over Antarctic is one of the largest in recent years.

TEACHER VACANCY | FROM PAGE 26

Service is your way of life, and our way of doing business. GALLUP 107 E. Aztec Ave., 505.722.4411 Walmart: 1650 W. Maloney Ave., 505.863.3442 1804 E. Aztec Ave., 505.722.0300

28 Friday October 23, 2020 • Gallup Sun

spearheaded was doing away with the high-stakes standardized exam used to evaluate both teachers and students. The new teacher evaluation system, Elevate NM, which is being rolled out this year, is designed to support teachers and keep them on a path toward improvement. Those changes and others renewed a sense of respect and appreciation for the teaching profession in New Mexico. “The people who are drawn

into teaching are people who care about making a difference. This administration has worked hard to tell them we appreciate them and we want to reward them for helping New Mexico’s children succeed,” Public Education Secretary Ryan Stewart said. “We’ve given teachers a much friendlier environment to work in, and that’s paying off,” Gwen Perea Warniment, the Public Education Department’s deputy secretary for teaching, learning and assessment, said. “We’ve moved away from high-stakes assessments, and we’re investing

China’s Heibei Island and the northern half of Vietnam were drenched by tropical storms Nangka and Linfa, which struck the region in rapid succession. • At least four people were left dead in the wake of Hurricane Delta’s fury along the Louisiana coast. Power was knocked out and lowla nd s i nu ndated i n a region still recovering from disastrous Hurricane Laura in August.

Lava Hazard Lava, which during a 2002 eruption killed about 250 people and destroyed parts of a major East African city, is once again rising into Mount Nyiragongo’s lava lake in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Re sea rcher s f rom It a ly’s University of Campania predict the threat from the accumulating lava will peak in about four years, but a quake could unleash it at any time. The volcano has the world’s largest lava lake, which drained in a matter of hours after a 2002 temblor, releasing low-silica and runny lava that cascaded into the eastern Congolese city of Goma at nearly 40 mph. Dist. by: Andrews McMeel Syndication ©MMXX Earth Environment Service

in professional development for educators. We want to take care of our educators,” she said. In addition to hiring and keeping talented teachers, New Mexico is cultivating new ones. The Teacher Affordability Act provides scholarships to help college education majors complete degrees of study and become teachers. The Grow Your Own Teachers Act provides scholarships and leave time to complete coursework and student teaching requirements for educational assistants to help ease their path to becoming licensed teachers.

HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT


Animals need protection NOTICE OF INTENT TO SUE FOR GIRAFFES; SUIT PLANNED FOR WOLVERINES Staff Reports

T

he Center for Biological Diversity has fi led a notice of intent to sue the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to act after announcing that giraffes may deserve protection from extinction under the Endangered Species Act. According to the Center, giraffe populations are down 40 percent due to habitat loss, civ il unrest and poaching

for the international trade in bone carvings, skins, and trophies. The U. S is a top importer of those trophies a nd products. The Center and its allies pet it ioned for protect ion under the Endangered Species Act in 2017 and followed up in 2019 with a lawsuit.

ANIMAL PROTECTION | SEE PAGE 39

Giraffes Photo Courtesy Andrea L. P. Astier, Center for Biological Diversity

American wolverine. Photo Courtesy Audrey Magoun USFWS

State water restoration projects approved Staff Reports

“For 32 yea r s, A m igos Bravos’ mission ha s been to protect and restore the w a t e r s of New Me x ic o,” Jo s eph Zupa n, exec ut ive director of funding recipient A migos Bravos, sa id. “We a re plea sed to once again

W

atersheds around New Mexico will benefit from f ive new proj ects approved for funding t h roug h t he New Mex ico Environment Department’s nonpoint source pollution program. The majority of surface water quality problems identified in New Mexico are caused by nonpoint source water pollution, such as rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground and depositing pollutants into rivers, lakes, and wetlands. More information on these projects is available below and at env.nm.gov. These projects are federally funded through the Clean Water Act and require at least a 40 percent match of

Rio Chama watershed near Abiquiu, N.M. Photo Credit: The MountainPact.org the total project cost, either as cash or in-kind services, at the state or local level. Besides producing important env ironmenta l a nd public health results, these projects also infuse funds into local economies and boost

RCS is looking for Long Term Care RN’s Current NM RN license required. Recent grads and new nurses encouraged to apply. Must be 21 and pass a criminal background check. $50-$70K annually DOE. Signing bonus possible. Visit ramahcare.com or call (505) 488-2178 for an application. HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

local businesses — all significant priorities of the Lujan Gr i sh a m Ad m i n i st r at ion. These five projects represent an investment of $557,538 in federal dollars and $412,018 in local matching funds. During a public hearing on Oct. 15, NMED presented its request for continued state funding in F isca l Yea r 22 for the Department’s River Stewardship Program as part of the Infrastructure Capital Improvement Planning process. Funding for the River Stewardship Program will go toward projects that improve surface water quality or river habitat statewide and provide state matching funds for up to $2.5 million in federal grants. More information about the hearing on Oct. 15 is available at nmdfa.state.nm.us. “The Legislature’s support of these projects has a direct and positive impact on the health of our precious surface water resources,” NMED Cabi net Secret a r y Ja me s Kenney said.

be working with NMED to fulfill this mission by protect i ng t he wet la nd s a nd wet meadows at the top of the watershed system that feed our streams and rivers and nourish our farms and communities.”

The Environment Department’s mission is to protect and restore the environment and to foster a healthy and prosperous New Mexico for present and future generations. Rincon Arroyo Watershed –Doña Ana County

New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute

Reduce E. coli bacteria transport from the Rincon Arroyo into the Rio Grande by constructing stone lines, native grass seeding and other methods to reduce storm runoff on 180 acres in the watershed.

Mora River, Upper Canadian Plateau –Mora County

Hermit’s Peak Watershed Alliance

Reduce E. coli bacteria and excess nutrients delivered to the Mora River by implementing wetland and stream restoration, road decommissioning, creating near-stream buffer zones, education and outreach and other activities.

Pecos River, lower Cow Creek – San Miguel County

Upper Pecos Watershed Association

Reduce water temperatures for aquatic life by planting native vegetation along the banks of the Pecos River to increase shade, improving river-floodplain connection for enhanced recharge in the dry season and modifying the channel to create pool and riffle habitat.

Rio Quemado Riverine Wetland – Santa Fe County

Ecotone Landscape Planning

Reduce channelization of the Rio Quemado on the Los Potreros Open Space, near Chimayó, and restore and protect native riparian and wetland vegetation and its associated aquatic and wildlife habitat.

Rio Fernando de Taos – Taos County

Amigos Bravos

Reduce fecal waste and E. coli bacteria levels in the Rio Fernando de Taos by installing a portable toilet and pet waste disposal stations, organizing backyard waste management workshops and other activities.

Gallup Sun • Friday October 23, 2020

29


New Mexicans share their stories as Land Witnesses THE IMPACT OF THE CHANGING CLIMATE ON LIVES AND LIVELIHOODS ON YOUTUBE Staff Reports

A

LBUQUERQUE — The Land Witness Project was conceived from a desire to learn about the ways the changing climate is affecting New Mexico’s lands and people now and in the future. It seeks to deepen scientific understanding with stories that clarify what is at stake for us as individuals and communities. The purpose of the project is to illuminate neglected personal accounts of rural New Mexicans facing challenges and how they are responding with positive individual and community actions. “It is our hope the stories will stimulate meaningful conversations and reimagine how we live and work, free from blame or shame, and provide resources and opportunities for all New Mexicans to protect our home,” Delese Dellios, project director of the Land Witness Project, said. The project is a collection of land witnesses sharing their stories from Mesilla Park to Española, Jemez Springs to Hatch, Albuquerque’s South Valley to Mosquero. The stories are about families and traditions, doubt and worry,

Beata Tsosie-Peña, Environmental Health and Justice program coordinator at Tewa Women United. Photo Credit: Christi Bode land and water, and love and commitment. The stories and videos feature farmers, ranchers, conservationists, scientists, outdoor-recreation professionals & business owners, land managers and environmental justice advocates. They express a living relationship to the land that seeks to protect and restore it. They all love this land deeply, and are keen observers of our diverse ecosystems. “ The seeds a re strong like the people. They’ve gone through colonization alongside us. They’ve gone through droughts before. Unlike western cultures, which view seeds as property and patents to be fought over in a legal system, seeds are Indigenous relations to the land in accordance with natural law and

Kevin Cobble, former manager of the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Photo Credit: Christi Bode

spiritual and cultural beliefs. They are key to adapting to climate change,” Beata TsosiePeña, Environmental Health and Justice program coordinator at Tewa Women United, said. She is also the manager of the Española Healing Foods Oasis demonstration garden project. Each person has special ties to their particular region, and each is a steadfast defender, protector, leader, and educator on behalf of the land. The focus areas include: • Water • Temperature • Snowfall • Fire “There used to be major fires here every 10-20 years along the Bosque. But in the last three years, we had three major fires in or near the Refuge,” Kevin Cobble, former

Lorenzo Candelaria, a farmer for Cornelio Candelaria Organics in Albuquerque’s South Valley. Photo Credit: Christi Bode

manager of the Bosque Del Apache Nationa l Wildlife Refuge, said. Numerous scientific reports indicate New Mexico is one of the most climate change vulnerable states in the U.S. and the most water vulnerable state in the U.S. but graphs, charts and predictions, though essential, form only a partial understanding. The stories underscore the impacts on agriculture and local food systems, individual, community and ecosystem hea lt h, econom ic well-being and environmental racism suffered by low-income and Indigenous communities. “Food is a gift and we can’t take it for granted. [The Earth] is a living creature, not just dirt that we stand on. We are dependent on her for everything and if we don’t have the gratitude and

appreciation for that, we are all doomed,” Lorenzo Candelaria, a farmer for Cornelio Candelaria Organics in Albuquerque’s South Valley, said. “It is a pleasure and a privilege for me to contribute to this project. Meeting New Mexicans of diverse backgrounds who are observing the effects of increasing heat a nd diminishing water in their everyday work, and who are taking specific, practical steps to both slow the change and rebuild in a better way is inspiring,” Nancy Singham, writer for the Land Witness Project, said. “It is an honor to learn from these leaders who are seeking solutions based on fairness and community, on tradition as well as technology.” Find the stories at: https://bit.ly/34nKhDz

Officials from Western states call on Congress ADD A ‘GATEWAY COMMUNITY DIVIDEND’ TO THE PILT PROGRAM Staff Reports

N

early 70 county commissioners, mayors, and council member s from publ ic land gateway communities in 11 western states sent a letter Oct. 21 to their congressional offices asking them to add a Gateway Community Dividend to the Payments in Lieu of Taxes program. In 1976 Congress created the PILT progra m, which requires the federal government to make annual payments to local governments to compensate them for property taxes not collected on lands owned by the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service and some military installations within their jurisdictions.

Congress generally funds PILT for only one year at a time, which makes budget planning difficult for counties because they don’t know how much the payments will be from year to year. In 2019, counties across the country received more than $514 million in PILT payments. Based on estimates, a new Gateway Community D iv idend wou ld prov ide an additional $207 million annually to counties - funds that will help communities maintain critical infrastructure and provide essential services for both residents and visitors. “Our beautiful protected public lands are tremendous assets to our communities and support our outdoor recreation economies. However, increased visitation and years of deferred maintenance on our public

30 Friday October 23, 2020 • Gallup Sun

lands has strained the infrastructure that accommodates our visitors. These legislative changes would mean more consistent and predictable revenues for counties, and more support for more improvements and access to public lands and waters,” Supervisor Liz Archuleta, Chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors in Coconino County, Ariz. said. T he let ter st ates: “ To help gateway communities deal with additional costs, Cong re s s shou ld ex pa nd the PILT Program to include a ‘Gateway Com mu n it y Dividend,’ which would add a 50 percent premium for every acre of permanently protected federal public lands to the current PILT formula. This dividend would be paid to counties with federally protected public lands within their jurisdiction,

particularly lands that restrict extractive activity, such as wild and scenic rivers, wilderness areas, and national parks.” “Our mountain communities have been hit hard by the economic downturn brought

on by COVID-19. While some federal funding has been made available to state and local governments as part of the large

GATEWAY DIVIDEND | SEE PAGE 38

Call for Availability or for a Free Consultation

(505) 247-3223

Marijuana Card Doctor now Serving Gallup, NM Bring in this ad and receive 10% off! HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT


OPINIONS

Letter to the Editor EVERY DAY IS INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY Editor, In Jan. 2019, “Indigenous Peoples Dayâ€? was declared an official New Mexico state holiday. In 2019, it was truly historic in the fact that (former) Mayor Jackie McKinney and Navajo Nation Council delegate Edmund Yazzie both took time to acknowledge the place we have in this world-wide movement at our Celebration Site in Gallup. With 574 federally recognized “American India n a nd A la ska Native tribes and villages in the U.S.â€? it is a fitting role for Gallup, the “Indian Capital of the World.â€? On Sept. 27, 2016, the City of Gallup passed Resolution/ P r o c l a m a t io n R 2 016 – 4 0, declaring the second Monday of October as “Indigenous Peoples’ Dayâ€? into perpetuity. Accordingly, the McKinley Cou nt y Com m is sion a lso approved Resolution / Proclamation No. OCT-17–085

on Oct. 17, 2017 designating the second Monday in October of each year as “Indigenous Peoples’ Day.â€? M a y o r M c K i n n e y (a t t h e t i m e) s t a t e d t h a t the Resolution/Proclamation R2016–40 would have a place in City Hall on display. That never happened. Mayor Louie Bonaguidi now has the opportunity to officially celebrate the state holiday and prepare for November, “Native American Heritage Monthâ€? in full public display. The Year 1992, Congress, by Public Law 102-188, was designated as the â€œYear of the American Indian.â€? But to me, every day is Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This year, the restrictions of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic put a stop to the annual event, so I did something different. I accepted an invitation to assist in the development and construction of a Lakota “Moon Lodgeâ€? and Inipi on

the undisclosed property of a Safe House for Women with Children who need to escape the dangerous settings of domestic violence. Twelve years under the guidance of two Sundance Chiefs gave me the opportunity as well. An honor indeed, but not without first dedicating the work to my mother, who raised me to never give up, always take a stand for our DinĂŠ (Navajo) people, do the right thing and help in every way I can with whatever I have. Be sure to thank her for the lifelong lessons she taught me as they connect to the years of celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the fi rst five of which I stood alone. Now it is a state holiday thanks to the citizens of Gallup, McKinley County, and New Mexico. The next objective is to make this a federal holiday and the Great Navajo Nation is invited to join this effort

and make it a reality. That is what “sovereignty� is about, the recognition of our Nation and perhaps one day, if it is the will of the Navajo People, a state within the United States of America. We already exist with a government-to-government relationship with Uncle Sam and statehood would add representation in Congress and make more federal dollars available. The leadership who takes

us to that ju nctu re must understand that this work is the foundation for the next Seven Generations to come. That is Indigenous history in the making. Our Stor y. That is our right as the First Nations of the United States of America. We will not rest until we are at the forefront of this global Celebration of “Indigenous Peoples’ Day�... Mervyn Tilden Gallup, New Mexico

ABSENT STUDENTS | FROM PAGE 27

to identify, locate and provide support to get students back in school as well as assistance to their families.� Once the agencies have identified the missing students, the PED and CYFD will contact families to determine if their students are enrolled in private school, being home-schooled or

need an intervention to return them to the classroom. More than 13,000 students are being home-schooled this fall, about 5,000 more than last year. CYFD also responds to phoned-in reports of educational neglect. When the agency’s screening process determines a case does not meet the threshold for abuse or neglect, it is referred to Family Resource Connection Lite, a team of workers who reach out to families to fi nd out what services and supports they need to get their children to school. As of Oct. 21, this program has connected with approximately 200 families. An additional 71 families with existing relationships with the department have been contacted by

their field workers for support. This non-punitive approach focuses on child well-being and connects families with resources and schools, Secretary Brian Blalock said. “The pandemic has forced thousands of New Mexico families and educators to adjust to changing conditions quickly, and we’re responding on many levels to help support families during this uncertain and often frustrating time,� Blalock said. “We encourage anyone in need of assistance getting their children connected to their schooling to call our Statewide Central Intake at (855) 333-SAFE or #SAFE from a cell phone, or reach out directly to your child’s school for assistance.�

CYFD is also capitalizing on longstanding relationships with school districts and law enforcement agencies across the state - for example, by assigning liaisons to specific schools to give them a single point of contact to report concerns of truancy or educational neglect. Teachers - along with doctors, police, social workers and other professionals who come in contact with children - are required by law to report suspected child abuse, and when schools fi rst closed to in-person learning in the spring, CYFD saw a dip in those reports. However, the volume of reports has since returned to normal, beginning in June.

CROP ASSISTANCE | FROM PAGE 27

reminded FSA that it ‘must comply with its regulations and the procedures specified in its handbook, Provisions,’� they added. “We are deeply concerned that New Mexico FSA appears to be circumventing its own rules at the expense of New

Mexico’s farmers and ranchers ... We respectfully request that you clarify FSA’s position on drought as a cause of loss on acequia-irrigated lands a nd i m med iately prov ide oversight over NM FSA’s mismanagement of the NAP program,� they concluded.

communities have access to the resources they need to get children connected and engaged,� Secretar y Lynn Trujillo said. “Our department will work with tribal leaders and tribal education directors

$"-- 03 $0.& */ 50%":

-0"/4 '30. 61 50 /FX .FYJDP $SFEJU $PSQPSBUJPO & )JHIXBZ (BMMVQ /. ] XXX OFXNFYJDPDSFEJUDPSQ DPN "-- -0"/4 46#+&$5 50 063 /03."- -*#&3"- $3&%*5 10-*$*&4 -JDFOTFE CZ UIF 4UBUF PG /FX .FYJDP

OPINIONS

recent years was the subject of a USDA National Appeals Div ision NA D Di rector Rev iew Deter mination on Aug. 4, 2020, in which NAD Director Frank Wood

Local Navajo activist Mervyn Tilden holds up a sign during 2018 peaceful demonstration on what is now recognized as “Indigenous Peoples’ Day,� known in some states as Columbus Day. Tilden was instrumental in persuading local lawmakers to stop recognizing the holiday as Columbus Day. File Photo

Gallup Sun • Friday October 23, 2020

31


Letter to the editor:

RMCHCS gets CARF accreditation CONEJO CONTINUES TO BRING BENEFITS TO GALLUP?

D

espite the spr ing departures of former CEO David Conejo a nd 10 d i rector s, Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hea lt hca re Ser v ices continues to benefit from the foresight, w inning strate gies and business acumen of Conejo’s prev ious leadership as the hospital was awarded with a three year Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities accreditation Oct. 12. One of the most complex a nd f ina ncia lly benef icia l pr og r a m s for b eh av ior a l hea lt h ca re ser v ices i n t h e wo r l d , t h e a c c r e d i t a t ion of t he Wel l S pr i n g Rehabilitation Center was based on surveys conducted by its gover n i ng boa rd of commissioners. In addition to the accreditation, the hospital reached the highest level with triple compliments for its greenhouse, sweat lodge and hogan which ref lect the cultural amenities of its many Native American constituents. The CARF analysts also noted the center’s corn fields, wellness center and Healing Hands Art Studio. “We value working with partners like David Conejo a n d h i s s t a f f ,� M i c h a e l Johnson, CA RF Ma naging Di rector of Behav iora l Health said. “His leadership a nd v ision brought CA RF accreditation to RMCHCS so Gallup and McKinley County residents can benefit from enhanced behavioral healthcare for many years through CARF accreditation.� In order for the hospital to achieve this award, Conejo and his team had to meet 300 points of care to achieve cer tification. The program was implemented by former CEO David Conejo in 2015. Conejo was assisted by Executive Director Anita Alaniz, Executive Program Director Bernice Martinez a nd A f terca re Progra m Director William Camarota. Some members of the staff involved with applying for the awa rd were f ired a nd

have filed lawsuits against the hospital. CA R F i s a n i n d e p e n dent , nonprof it orga n i za tion focused on advancing the qua lit y of ser v ices to

meet the needs for the best possible outcomes. It provides accreditation services worldwide at the request of health and human ser v ice prov iders who administer

rehabilitation for a disability, treatment for substance abuse, home and community services, retirement living, or other health and human s er v ice s . P r ov ider s t h a t

meet their standards have demonstrated their commitment to being among the best available. William Madaras Toms River, N.J.

Dine Local Restaurant Guide Please Support Local Businesses &RPÄ MRLŨ XĆ– IRU EUHDNIDVĆœ OXQFĹŠ RU GLQQHU

@aV_ EfVd  DRe *+!! R^  (+!! a^ Ȋ% !ZTECȊ!VENUE

'ALLUP ČŠ.-ČŠČŠ

.OWČŠ/FFERINGČŠ0ATIOČŠ$ININGČŠINČŠADDITIONČŠ TOČŠ#URBSIDEČŠANDČŠ#ARRY /UT

5RXWÄ 'LQHU 0Ĺ˜FSJOH *OTJEF BOE 1BUJP %JOJOH BOE PVS %SJWF 5ISPVHI JT 0QFO 0S $BMM GPS 1JDL VQ PS %FMJWFSZ .PO 4BU BN QN 4VOEBZ $MPTFE

Now Offering Patio Dining! Come on by, or call for Carry-Out!

& )JTU )XZ (BMMVQ /.

Now Offering Inside dining, Delivery, Take Out and Curbside! Give Us a Call!

(505) 722-9311 1981 NM-602, Gallup, NM 87301

Hours: Monday - Friday 11 am to 7 pm

Railway Cafe on Route 66 Summer is Here! Stop in for a piece of homemade cobbler!

M - Sat 7 AM -6 PM

Now Offering Inside Dining, Take-Out and Curbside!

Sun. Closed

.OWç/FFERINGç)NSIDEç$ININGç ç0ATIOç$INING 3TOPçBYçORçCALLçFORç$ELIVERY ç #ARRY /UTçORç#URBSIDEç0ICK 5P

(505)863-2535 Gallup, NM

32 Friday October 23, 2020 • Gallup Sun

2IIHULQJ %UHDNIDVW /XQFK 'LQQHU : &RDO *DOOXS 10 -ONČŠnČŠ3ATČŠČŠ ČŠAMČŠnČŠ ČŠPM

&DOO IRU &DUU\ 2XW 2IIHULQJ 2XWGRRU 'LQLQJ

Advertise in the Sun! Call for Great Rates & Ad Specials today. (505) 722-8994 OPINIONS


Report shows oil, gas industry in decline in New Mexico RESPONSE TO NEW MEXICO OIL, GAS INDUSTRY OCT. 20 OUTLOOK REPORT By James Jimenez Executive director N.M. Voices for Children

“F

or too long New Mexico has been whipsawed by volatile oil and natural gas markets that our policymakers have no power to control. Once again low oil and gas prices are causing shortfalls in dollars needed in the state budget for our schools, public safety, health care, and more. The Institute for Energy Economics a nd Fina ncia l Analysis report released today [Oct. 20] makes it clear that we cannot simply blame COVID-19 for our revenue shortfall and expect New Mexico to recover

when the pandemic subsides. The signs that the oil and gas industry is in decline go back almost a decade. “New Mexico needs to diversify its economy in order to reduce our reliance on a declining industry now. “This industry-wide decline also points to the need for the state to stop allowing millions of dollars to be wasted. Our schools and hospitals lose millions of dollars in revenue every year thanks to inadequate regulations on the venting, flaring, and leaking of methane. The federal government also needs to increase its decades-old lease rates, as well as improve bonding requirements so New Mexicans aren’t stuck with the

Top 10 Signs New Mexico’s Oil and Gas Industry Won’t Save our State Budget 1.

O&G Prices are Down. Prices for New Mexico’s oil and gas have been declining since 2014. From 2015 to 2019, prices fell an average of 44% – and that was before the COVID-19 pandemic.

associated with each dollar of U.S. economic growth will be less than half of what it was in 2005, according to the Energy Information Administration.

2. With Low Prices, Profits are Plummeting. The

*UHHQ &DUV DUH 'ULYLQJ 'RZQ 'HPDQG The growth in electric vehicles is among the reasons that demand for gasoline is down. A new report predicts that the electric vehicle share of passenger vehicle sales will rise to 10% in just five years and reach more than 50% by 2040. It concludes that oil demand from passenger vehicles will never recover to 2019 levels.

top oil companies have faced declining profits for most of the past ten years, even as production has increased. A ramp-up in drilling and oil well activity in fiscal year 2019 resulted in a 47% increase in production of oil in New Mexico over FY 18. But it didn’t lead to an increase in profits.

3. Plastics Prices and Profits are Down Too. Even

prices for plastics – a byproduct of crude oil – are now far below what they were ten years ago. What’s more, most of the growth in the plastics market through 2030 is expected to be from recycled plastics.

4.

7KH\·UH +DYLQJ WR %RUURZ IURP 3HWHU WR 3D\ Paul. With profits down, cash is scarce. The five largest publicly traded oil and gas companies – ExxonMobil, BP, Chevron, Total, and Royal Dutch Shell – have failed to generate enough cash from the sales of their oil, gas, and related products to cover the payments made to their shareholders. Since 2010 they have funded shareholder dividends by selling off assets and taking on new debt.

5. O&G is Losing its (Wall) Street Cred. For most of the past 10 years the energy sector lagged in the S&P’s 500 Index and placed at or near the bottom in stock market performance. While there once were seven oil and gas companies in the S&P’s 500 Index top ten, today there are none.

James Jimenez, Executive Director New Mexico Voices for Children clean-up costs when wells are inevitably abandoned. “We need bold and innovative solutions from our policymakers to accelerate the diversification of our state’s economy, create a more equitable and transparent tax system, and strategically invest in proven programs that deliver better outcomes for our children. We need them ready to

6.

Energy is Losing its Economic Muscle. It’s predicted that, by 2050, the domestic energy use

7.

8. Natural Gas is Getting a Cold Shoulder. Several

major utilities and energy planners have rejected natural gas as a “bridge fuel” to cover their switch from carbon-intensive fuels like oil and coal to green energy. In June 2020, utilities in Arizona, Colorado, and Florida announced plans to close coal plants and build renewable energy facilities, skipping the use of gas as an interim measure.

9.

O&G Companies are Jumping Ship. Companies are writing down their oil and gas inventories, expecting lower profits and less investment. ExxonMobil, the industry leader doing business in New Mexico under its XTO brand, announced last month that if prices remain the same for the rest of the year it could have to write off 20% of its current reserves because they are no longer extractable.

10.

The Writing is on the Wall. Fundamental changes in the economy now support growth strategies that require less dependence on fossil fuels. Major oil and gas companies acknowledge that future economic growth will require less energy. Energy experts now chart corporate strategies to address the decoupling of economic growth from fossil fuel growth.

New Mexico Needs to Diversify its Revenue Streams Now Source: New Mexico’s Risky Reliance on Oil Revenue Must Change: Industry Fundamentals Point to Long-term Decline, Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, October 2020

Chart Courtesy New Mexico Voices for Children help build a more sustainable, prosperous future for our state.” IEEFA’s report, New Mexico’s Risky Reliance on

Oil Revenue Must Change: Industry Fundamentals Point to Long-term Decline, is available https: // bit. ly/2HqANy0at

Factory doors open virtually for Manufacturing Day By Holly Bradshaw-Eakes Sandy Nelson Finance New Mexico project

W

hen students from University High and Early College Hig h schools toured Roswell manufacturer AerSale in Oct. 2019, it was the first time many of them had seen an Airbus jetliner, let alone boarded an aircraft. Students viewed the jet’s cockpit, talked with maintenance professionals and learned about careers in the aviation industry, including high-paying jobs then available at AerSale, which specializes in the sale, lease and exchange of used aircraft, engines and components a nd offers a broad range of engineering services to commercial aircraft companies. The students’ visit was part of Manufacturing Day, a monthlong national effort to introduce teenagers and young adults to careers in manufacturing. The annual event continues this October, but without OPINIONS

the in-person facility tours that have historically been the heart of Manufacturing Day activities. Because the ongoing coronavirus pandemic makes such large-group activities risky, involvement this year will be virtual — through the social distance of cyberspace. Participating New Mexico manufacturers have created short, informative videos that focus on the skills and aptitudes required in modern manufacturing and dispel the misconception that manufacturing involves repetitive, unskilled tasks performed in dark, dingy factories. These videos will be released throughout the month on a variety of youth-friendly web-based platforms, including Facebook and YouTube. Manufacturing Day events aim to excite young people about engineering, design and production jobs carried out in exciting and innovative environments. These jobs will be an integral part of COVID-19 economic recover y ef for t s, i ncluding in rural areas, according to organizations such as

Forward Cities and the Urban Manufacturing Alliance. These groups are advocating placebased strategies that include converting commercial properties to multitenant manufacturing centers, maker spaces that activate youth pipelines for business development, and community-embedded workforce development programs. One barrier to manufacturing growth is awareness, according to Erica Staley of the Manufacturing Renaissance of Chicago. Orga n izer s of Manufacturing Day 2020 in New Mexico believe they can clear that hurdle this year with video outreach and expose even more people to manufacturing than they could through limited-space facility tours. St atew ide event s a re sponsored by New Mexico Ma nufactur ing Ex tension Partnership, a nonprofit organization that offers manufacturers training and expertise in efficient production and administrative practices that allow them to transform their operations and maximize their

University High and early College High students at Aersale in Roswell. Photo Credit: Finance NM competitive edge. This is the eighth year New Mexico MEP has sponsored the initiative. Last year, 25 companies in 13 New Mexico communities hosted tours, and 13 proclamations were issued by mayors and the governor. Legislators and other decision makers joined the activities, and students saw designs turned into products and products repurposed into other products. Video events are hosted at http://newmexicomep.org/ mfgday, where each company has its own page. A link to available jobs will be provided if the company has openings.

Participation is open to all manufacturers in New Mexico, including food and beverage producers, manufacturers of solar and medical devices, and craft artisans. Manufacturers interested in participating can send an email to mfgday@newmexicomep.org. New Mexico MEP will send tips and guidelines, along with a participation invitation, to the company. The Finance New Mexico project connects individuals and businesses with skills and funding resources for their business or idea. To learn more, go to www. FinanceNewMexico.org.

Gallup Sun • Friday October 23, 2020

33


COMMUNITY

‘On the Rocks’ draws viewers in with engaging characters

Laura (Rashida Jones) and her father Felix (Bill Murray) keep the comebacks lively on a stakeout in “On the Rocks.” Photo Credit: Apple Original Films

By Glenn Kay For the Sun

RATING:  OUT OF  RUNNING TIME: 97 MINUTES “On the Rocks,” an Apple Original Films and A24 release, is now playing in select theaters. Available on Apple TV+ Oct. 23. Director Sofia Coppola has a history of working with actor Bill Murray, teaming up with the performer on the brilliant Lost in Translation as well as the Netfl ix special, A Very Murray Christmas. Their latest collaboration comes in the form of the comedy/drama, On the Rocks. After fi rst viewing, I’m not certain that this follow-up is quite as moving and meaningful as their fi rst pairing, but it still provides great entertainment and allows the filmmaker and her star to shine brightly.

Laura (Rashida Jones) is a New York writer struggling to get started on her new manuscript. She isn’t helped by having to take care of her young kids while her husband, Dean (Marlon Wayans), spends much of his time away from home on various business trips. Completely worn down and feeling insecure, she begins to suspect that her spouse might be cheating on her. After briefly mentioning these concerns in passing to her playboy father Felix (Murray), he does little to assuage her fears. In fact, Felix shares his views on infidelity, prompting her to take extreme measures. Laura and her dad end up tailing Dean in order to fi nd out the truth. It’s all really just an excuse to team Rashida Jones with Bill Murray and watch some hilarious bickering between father and daughter. Felix is an eccentric charmer who loves telling stories to his daughter (or literally anyone who will listen) and the character is a

34 Friday October 23, 2020 • Gallup Sun

blast to watch, whether he’s giving questionable advice about relationships, explaining the significance and meaning behind gifts like broaches, chatting up servers at restaurants, or talking his way out of a traffic ticket in Manhattan. What Felix says on various occasions may not be sound guidance, but the character is a complete blast to watch from beginning to end. Of course, Laura serves as a relatable lead to anyone who has ever felt down about themselves or self-conscious. The story seems to ultimately be about a woman learning to trust in her own choices and instincts, while in the process learning to keep a friendly, but reasonable emotional distance from her wilder and more impulsive pop. Over the course of the running time, her retorts and critical comments toward her father are equally amusing as they traipse across the city on stakeouts (which at times look amusingly absurd). The success of the movie depends

entirely on the two leads and they’re appealing and charismatic throughout. The only place where the movie may not make as big an imprint as it could is during its fi nal act. This is a low-key affair and one that speaks more about the minor frictions between a father and his adult daughter. It doesn’t have a particularly potent or powerful emotional climax, only some small acknowledgements and understandings about their relationship and how it needs to change over time (signified in part by using one of Laura’s

personal accessories that is referred to a few times during the fi lm). Despite the movie not closing with a more powerful and poignant revelation, On the Rocks still ably addresses personal issues between family members, while providing a great many comedic moments and observations along the way. In a period of time where laughs seem hard to come by in general, this well-meaning title will engage most viewers with a pleasant escape for a couple of hours. V ISIT: W W W. CINEMASTANCE.COM

We believe in ideas. We believe in passion. We believe in dreams. We believe in you.

www.nmhu.edu COMMUNITY


Blu-ray/DVD Roundup for October 23, 2020 By Glenn Kay For the Sun

W

elcome back to another look at highlights arrivi ng on Blu-ray and DVD. It’s another interesting edition with plenty of fascinating fl icks being made available in a wide variety of genres. So, since you can’t or likely shouldn’t head out to the movies this week, be sure to give one of these titles a try! BIG NEW RELEASES! 5 YEARS APART: The plot of this independent comedy involves two brothers who were bor n on the same day exactly f ive yea rs apa r t . Now adu lts a nd completely estranged from one another, they cross paths once again after both of them head out to the family vacation home to celebrate their birthdays. Comic chaos ensues as they are forced into changing their plans, spending time together and reconnecting. This little title played at a few fi lm festivals last year. It won a prize or two and has now been picked up for distribution on disc, as well as through streaming platforms. However, there aren’t any reviews available for the feature, so interested parties won’t be certain of what they’re getting until they put it on. It features Scott Michael Foster, Chloe Bennet, Ally Maki and Michael Vlamis. AFTER SO MANY DAYS: This documentary follows two recently married Los Angeles musicians. A fter ma ny yea r s of struggling to get their break in the business, the husband and wife duo decide to embark on a crazy idea ... to go on a lengthy tour and play a show a day for an entire year. The camera follows the highs and lows they experience over 365 days of stressful traveling, promotional COMMUNITY

appearances and shows in over 14 different countries. This feature won the Grand Jury Prize at this year’s Nashville Film Festival. Alas, there aren’t a great many write-ups for it just yet, but the few that have appeared online are upbeat. They state that the pair and their tireless efforts are interesting and engaging to watch, giving an idea to viewers of what life on the road is like. CUT THROAT CITY: The latest movie from musician/producer/director RZA (The Man with the Iron F i s t s) i s a crime thriller s et i n New Orlea ns i n the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Four friends return home to fi nd their homes decimated. With little support from FEMA and no jobs to fall back on, they reluctantly agree to attempt a dangerous heist for a local gangster. Things don’t go according to plan and the group ends up on the run from the mob and the law. Response toward this crime thriller was generally strong. A group of critics did suggest that the movie dragged a bit and that the story was too familiar and needed a sharper focus. However, the majority stated that the movie’s cast was excellent and the high-energy approach employed by the filmmaker invigorated this tale and made it entertaining. It stars Shameik Moore, T.I., Demetrius Shipp Jr., Kat Graham, Denzel Whitaker, Keean Johnson, Wesley Snipes, Ethan Hawke, Eiza Gonzalez, Rob Morgan, Isaiah Washington and Terrence Howard. DROWNING: This independent feature follows a middle-aged woman dealing with several troubles in her life. Her estranged daughter has left home to st udy i n another city, while her son sets off to join the militar y and serve in Iraq. Feeling lonely as well as guilt-ridden over the difficulties and challenges facing her children, the lead

attempts to deal with her personal issues on two fronts. The first is by taking up swimming and the second visiting mental health professionals. While there are no critic reviews or notices currently available, it is described as an interpretive and introspective look at the anguish of a mother. Those curious about this little feature should note that it does have a familiar cast that includes Melora Walters, Gil Bellows, Mira Sorvino, Jay Mohr and Steven Swadling. HOW TO FIX A PRIMARY: This documentary focuses specifically on the political campaign of Muslim Rhodes scholar, Ivy League professor and doctor, Abdul El-Sayed. In 2018, he challenged the Democratic frontrunner as a Progressive in the hopes of taking the party nomination and fighting for the position of Governor of Michigan. This documentary goes behind the scenes and focuses on everything that went on behind the scenes, including attempts by competitors to undermine his grassroots campaign. The release of this title on disc and online has been timed to correspond with the election. No reviews available right now to describe how effective it is. However, the ones that have been posted suggest that this is an interesting and enlightening documentary about the bizarre and hectic process of running for office. THE OWNERS: Set in the 1990s, this British thriller focuses an elderly couple who decides to head out of their house for the day. A group in the neighborhood sees this as an opportunity to break in and raid the large safe inside the dwelling. When the couple returns home unexpectedly, the robbers are surprised but unconcerned, thinking that they can handle the old fogies. They’re very wrong, as the owners turn the situation into a game of cat and mouse and begin wiping the unwanted visitors out. Respon se towa rd t h i s picture was upbeat. A small number of write-ups found the violence on display disturbing and thought the story became more and more ridiculous as it progressed. However, most critics thought that the movie

featured enjoyably sinister performances from its senior leads and delivered the B-movie goods. The cast includes Maisie Williams, Sylvester McCoy, Rita Tushingham and Jake Curran.

digital restoration of the picture, there’s an interview about the movie’s director, audio excerpts with him recorded in 1970 and 1971, a video essay on the film and plenty more.

SPREE: This dark comedy/ thriller involves an unhinged individual who works as a driver for a rideshare program. D e t e r m i ne d to make his mark on the world v ia social media, he comes up with a violent and disturbi ng pla n t o make himself a viral sensation while he is on the job. One expects that his behavior ends up terrifying several passengers as they get caught in the backseat in his videos. Overall, critics were slightly more positive than negative about this eccentric, low-budget movie. Around a third of them said that the message was obvious and that the film itself was more awkward than exciting in execution. However, more admitted that the fi lm was high energy and criticized our obsession with technology in a new way. It features Joe Keery, Sasheer Zamata, David Arquette, Kyle Mooney and Mischa Barton.

T h e Hit (198 4) i s a n early gem from filmmaker Stephen Frears (My Beautiful L aun drett e, Dan ge rou s Liaisons, The Grifters, P h i l o m e n a) about the lives of a gangster’s henchmen. It stars Terence Stamp, John Hurt and Tim Roth. The disc provides a 2K restored digital transfer, a 2009 audio commentary with Frears and crew members, a 1988 interview with Stamp and a trailer. Just in time for Halloween, Kino is presenting a Double Feature Blu-ray release of the occult thrillers, Fear No Evil (1969) and Ritual of Evil (1970). Both fl icks have been given 2K restorations and fi lm expert commentaries. If you’re excited about horror movies involving possession, you’ll likely be taken by the Blu-ray of Killdozer (1974), a TV-movie starring Clint Walker, Robert Urich and Neville Brand that made an impression back in the day for its over-the-top craziness.

BL ASTS FROM THE PAST! Shout! Factory has some great Blu-rays arriving this week. The first is for the eccentric Nicolas Cage film, Adaptation (2002). Directed by Spike Jonze (Being John Malkovich), it’s about an aspiring, but awkward and shy writer trying to pen a script for a book adaptation while also dealing with his twin brother. As the story progresses, the various plot threads begin to intersect with one another. The movie is a darkly funny mindbender for those who enjoy something off the beaten path. This disc includes an original featurette, still gallery, and trailer. Criterion has some arthouse Blu-ray titles that should appeal to many. The Gunfighter (1950) is a classic, Oscar-nominated western starring Gregory Peck about a figure with a shadowy past who can’t help but get himself into trouble wherever he goes. Besides a 4K

Warner Archive has some new made-to-order discs coming your way. You can pick up a Blu-ray of the Franklin D. Roosevelt biopic, Sunrise at Campobello (1960). They also have DVDs of the Yul Brynner western, Catlow (1971) and the Errol Flynn title, Adventures of Don Juan (1948). YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS! If you’re looking for something new for a child, then it looks like Rainbow Rangers is going to be the one. Rainbow Rangers: Rangers to the Rescue! ON THE TUBE! And here are the TV-themed highlights coming your way. The Great: Season 1 Masterpiece: Flesh and Blood (PBS) NOS4A2: Season 2 The Plot Against America: An HBO Limited Series (Warner Archive)

Gallup Sun • Friday October 23, 2020

35


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

Gurley Motor Co. 701 W. Coal Ave, Gallup, NM (505) 722-6621 www. gurleymotorford. com HELP WANTED October 20, 2020

Gurley Motor Company McKinley County is now accepting applications for the following positions: POSITION & DEPARTMENT:

Double Wide Mobile Home for rent 2 bedrooms/ 2 bath $800.00 Monthly Call Liz 505-879-1807 LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF MCKINLEY STATE OF NEW MEXICO

2017 Ford Focus SE 25100 miles $14,995.00 $500 Match Cash on Down Payment

D SOL 2017 Ford Edge SEL AWD LOADED! 33,350 miles $24,350.00 $1000 Match Cash on your Down Payment

Facilities Department Administrative Assistant & Maintenance Worker FOR BEST CONSIDERATION DATE: Finance Analyst & Administrative Assistant October 25, 2020 Maintenance Worker October 30, 2020 Applications and additional information regarding positions can be found on the County web site www. co.mckinley.nm.us Dezirie Gomez, CPO Human Resource Director ***

2017 Ford F150 XL Supercab 2WD Certified Pre-Owned with 12k/12mo warranty included! 21,550 miles $30,225.00 $3000 match cash available on down payment

Hiring Silversmiths Mon-Fri 9 to 5 Thunderbird Jewelry 1923 W. Hwy 66 Ask for Gerald Please, no phone calls HOUSE RENTALS

REVERSE MORTGAGES Draw cash from your home & eliminate monthly mortgage payments. All Island Mortgage • • • • • •

www.allislandmortgage.com Since 1989 NMLS # 3740 FHA insured In-home service Call or email for our 28 page catalog 1-888-660-3033 Aimfc@aol.com

496 Smithtown BY-Pass Smithtown NY 11787. New Mexico Financial Institutions Division. Loans arranged through third party providers.

36 Friday October 23, 2020 • Gallup Sun

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

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

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

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF R. GRANT CLAWSON, Deceased D-1113-PB-2020-00028 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Finance Office - Finance Analyst

CLASSIFIEDS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Blanche E. Clawson has been appointed as the Personal Representative of the Estate of R. Grant Clawson, deceased. All persons having claims against the Estate are required to present their claims within four (4) months of the date of the first publication of this Notice or their claims will be forever barred. Claims must be presented either to the undersigned Personal Representative in care of Hinkle Shanor LLP (Chelsea R. Green and Ann Cox Tripp), P.O. Box 10, Roswell, New Mexico 88202-0010 or filed with the Eleventh Judicial District Court, County of McKinley, State of New Mexico. Dated this __6th__ day of October, 2020 HINKLE SHANOR LLP

Ann Cox Tripp, Esq. P.O. Box 10 Roswell, NM 88202-0010 575-622-6510/575-623-9332 Fax cgreen@hinklelawfirm.com atripp@hinklelawfirm.com Attorneys for Blanche E. Clawson, Personal Representative Publish: Gallup Sun October 9, 2020 October 16, 2020 October 23, 2020 *** Legal Notice

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

Invitation To Bid

9, 2020

Public Notice is hereby provided that the GallupMcKinley County Schools is accepting competitive sealed bids for:

PUBLICATION DATES: October 16 & 23, 2020 (Gallup Sun)

Controls

Legal Notice Request for Proposals

***

Price Agreement ITB-2021-14MA Commodity Code(s): 03125, 28030, 74059, and 82040 As more particularly set out in the BID documents, copies of which may be obtained by downloading from the Gallup-McKinley County Schools eBidding platform website https://gmcs. bonfirehub.com Sealed bids for such will be received until 2:00 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on, October 28, 2020. 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 9th Day of October 2020 By: /S/ Charles Long, President Board of Education Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 BID ISSUE DATE: October

Public Notice is hereby provided that the GallupMcKinley County Schools is accepting competitive sealed proposals for: GAS PIPELINE SAFETY INSPECTION & CATHODIC PROTECTION SERVICES (Re-Issue) RFP-2021-15MA Commodity Code(s): 94130 & 96191 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/portal Sealed proposals for such will be received until 2:00 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on, November 3, 2020. 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

CLASSIFIEDS | SEE PAGE 37 CLASSIFIEDS


CLASSIFIEDS | FROM PAGE 36

By: /S/ Charles Long, President Board of Education

any formalities or minor inconsistencies, and/or cancel this solicitation in its entirety.

Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1

Dated the 13th Day of October 2020 By: /S/ Charles Long, President Board of Education

BID ISSUE DATE: October 15, 2020 PUBLICATION DATES: October 16 & 23, 2020 (Gallup Sun) ***

Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 RFP ISSUE DATE: October 13, 2020 PUBLICATION DATES: October 16 & 23, 2020 (Gallup Sun) *** Legal Notice Invitation To Bid Public Notice is hereby provided that the GallupMcKinley County Schools is accepting competitive sealed bids for: Sale of Surplus Mobile Homes ITB-2021-16MA Commodity Code(s): 99894 As more particularly set out in the BID documents, copies of which may be obtained by downloading from the Gallup-McKinley County Schools eBidding platform website https://gmcs. bonfirehub.com/portal Sealed bids for such will be received until 2:00 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on, November 4, 2020. FAX PROPOSALS will NOT be accepted. Bidders will not be able to upload proposals or documents after the specified CLOSING date and time. The District will NOT accept late bid proposals. 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. th

Dated the 15 Day of October 2020 CLASSIFIEDS

PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the McKinley County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. Among other items, the County Commission will have the second reading after publication, with the proposed adoption of Ordinance No. 2020-OCT-004 Authorizing the Execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement and a Project Participation Agreement to Accept as Fiscal Agent without an Administrative Fee, a Grant of up to $5,000,000.00 from the New Mexico Economic Development Department for the Renovation to the McKinley Paper Company Facility located in McKinley County, New Mexico. Adhering to the Social Distancing Protocols, issued by the Governor’s Office; and the requirements of the Open Meetings Act allowing members of the public to attend and listen to meetings of the quorum of the governing body, this meeting will be physically closed to the public but open to the public via technology services. Members of the public may view the live stream feeds offered on the approved Facebook account of the McKinley County Office of Emergency Management. Members of the public are welcome to call in with comments about any of the items on the agenda. The comment call in number (505.863.1400) will be monitored beginning at 8:45 am on the day of the meeting; and, it will stop being monitored at 9:10 am on the day of the meeting. Please give your name, and the Agenda Item Number you desire to comment on, and a

CLASSIFIEDS Read online at gallupsun.com return phone number. When, at the appropriate time for making comments on the agenda items, (beginning at approximately 9:10 am) the Commission Chair will call you on your return number so you can make your comment. The Commission Chair pursuant to state law and county policy can limit the time of comments and reduce common or cumulative comments as needed; comments will be limited to 3 minutes. The members of the County Commission at their option can participate by phone or other technological participation methods. 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 and can be sent electronically upon request. All interested parties are invited to attend via the live stream mentioned herein. Done this 19th day of October 2020 McKINLEY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS /S/ Billy Moore, Chairperson Publication date: Gallup Sun October 23, 2020 *** ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby

given that the County of McKinley will receive competitive sealed bids for IFB 2020-13 Internet Access for County Fire Stations until Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at 2:00 P.M., Local Time, at which time bids will be opened and publicly read aloud in the County Commission Chambers, and as more particularly set out in the specifications, copies for such may be obtained from the Purchasing Department, 207 West Hill Street, Gallup, New Mexico, 87301, or McKinley County website: www.co.mckinley.nm.us . McKinley County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids and to waive informalities. For more information please contact Hugo G. Cano, Procurement Manager at (505) 722-3868, Ext. 1010. The Procurement Code, Sections 13-1-28 Through 13-1-199, NMSA, 1978 imposes civil and criminal penalties for code violations. In addition the New Mexico criminal statutes impose felony/ penalties for illegal bribes, gratuities and kickbacks. DATED this 23rd day of October 2020 BY:/s/ Billy Moore. Chairman, Board of Commissioners

*** ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF MCKINLEY STATE OF NEW MEXICO In the Matter of the Estate of RAYMOND BECENTI, Deceased. No. D-1113-PB-2020-00034 NOTICE TO CREDITORS KRYSTAL RAE BECENTI has been appointed Personal Representative of the Estate of RAYMOND BECENTI, deceased. All persons having claims against this estate are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the first publication of this Notice or the claims will be forever barred. Claims must be presented either to the Personal Representative at the office of Mason & Isaacson, P.A., East Aztec Avenue, Gallup, New Mexico, 87301, attorneys for the Personal Representative, or filled with the District Court of McKinley County, New Mexico. KRYSTAL RAE BECENTI MASON & ISAACSON, P.A. By: James J. Mason

PUBLISHED: Friday, October 23, 2020, The Gallup Sun

CLASSIFIEDS | SEE PAGE 38

Gallup Sun • Friday October 23, 2020

37


Representative

104 East Aztec Avenue

104 East Aztec Avenue

Gallup, New Mexico 87301

STATE OF NEW MEXICO

PHILLIP L. NELSON has been appointed Personal Representative of the Estate of JERALD T. NELSON, deceased. All persons having claims against this estate are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice or the claims will be forever barred. Claims must be presented either to the Personal Representative at the offices of Mason & Isaacson, P.A., 104 East Aztec Avenue, Gallup, New Mexico, 87301, attorneys for the Personal Representative, or filed with the District Court of McKinley County, New Mexico.

In the Matter of the Estate

Date: September 25, 2020

In the Matter of the Estate

of

PHILLIP L. NELSON

of

JERALD T. NELSON, Deceased.

MASON & ISAACSON, P.A.

RHONDA TORREZ, Deceased.

CLASSIFIEDS | FROM PAGE 37 Attorneys for personal Representative 104 East Aztec Avenue Gallup, New Mexico 87301 (505)722-4463 PUBLISH: Gallup Sun October 23 & 30, 2020 *** ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF McKINLEY

No. D-1113-PB-2020-00032 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

BY: James J. Mason Attorneys for Personal

Gallup, New Mexico 87301 (505)722-4463

PUBLISH: The Gallup Sun

PUBLISH: The Gallup Sun

October 23, 2020

October 16, 2020

October 30, 2020

October 23, 2020

November 6, 2020

October 30, 2020 *** ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF McKINLEY STATE OF NEW MEXICO

No. D-1113-PB-2020-00033 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

• Fax: (505) 212-0391 • Email: gallupsun@gmail.com

DAVID TORREZ has been appointed Personal Representative of the Estate of RHONDA TORREZ, deceased. All persons having claims against this estate are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of the Notice or the claims will be forever barred. Claims must be presented either to the Personal Representative at the offices of Mason & Isaacson, P.A., 104 East Aztec Avenue, Gallup, New Mexico, 87301, attorneys for the Personal Representative, or filed with the District Court of McKinley County, New Mexico.

Credit Card #: _________________ Exp: _______

DAVID TORREZ

3-4 digit code: _________ Billing zip: _________

MASON & ISAACSON, P.A.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE

GALLUP SUN! Three Convenient Delivery Options Snail Mail: __ 1 yr. $62.95 __ 6 mo. $32.95

*Home Delivery: __ 1 yr. $45 __ 6 mo. $25

Digital (Email): __ 1 yr. $35 __ 6 mo. $20

*Gallup metro area only

Name: ___________________________________ Address: _________________________________ City/State/Zip: ____________________________ Phone: ________________ (for billing purposes only) Mail Check to: Gallup Sun, PO Box 1212, Gallup, NM 87305

Pay By Phone: (505) 722-8994 The Gallup Sun is distributed weekly, on Fridays. Forms received after Wednesday, the subscription will start the following Friday.

GATEWAY DIVIDEND | FROM PAGE 30 spending package Congress passed earlier in the spring, our community will need help through this second wave and there are community members we can help if we continue to get support. A Gateway Community Dividend could

help,” County Commissioner Jacob Greenberg, of Blaine County, Idaho said. “PILT payments are a critical revenue source for local government budgets, funding vital services such as firefighting and police protection, public school and road construction, and search-and-rescue operations. A Gateway Community

38 Friday October 23, 2020 • Gallup Sun

(505)722-4463

By: James J. Mason Attorneys for Personal Representative

Dividend could really help communities like ours pay for the added infrastructure costs that comes with having well used, beautiful public lands in our county,” County Commissioner Tim Corrigan of Routt County, Colo. said. LETTER SIGNERS County Commissioner Lynn Ellins, Doña Ana County

*** RE-ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF GALLUP, NEW MEXICO FORMAL BID NO. 2027 Public notice is hereby given that the City of Gallup, New Mexico, will receive sealed bids for the following: Construction Contract for Allison Substation City of Gallup As more particularly set out in the Bid documents, copies of which may be obtained from the City of Gallup Purchasing Division, 110 W. Aztec Ave., Gallup, New Mexico 87301; or contact Frances Rodriguez, Purchasing Director at (505) 863-1334. Copies are available for viewing or can be downloaded from: https://app.negometrix.com/ buyer/3226 Electronically submitted bids for such will be received at the Office of the Purchasing Department until 2:00 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on November 25, 2020 when bids will be opened and read aloud in the City Hall Purchasing Conference Room via virtual conference/ video calls or through other virtual means. The City of Gallup has transitioned to a new e-Bid/ RFx software powered by Negrometrix. All solicitations will be released electronically through Negometrix and responses from bidders must be submitted electronically through this

Council Member Gabriel Vasquez, City of Las Cruces Mayor Pro Tem Emeritus Gill M Sorg, City of Las Cruces Council Member Yvonne Flores, City of Las Cruces Mayor Linda Calhoun, Town of Red River Council Member Renee Villarreal, City of Santa Fe County Commissioner Anna

online platform. By using Negometrix, prospective bidders will be provided with all information regarding a bid including addendums and changes to the project requirements. Negometrix is a completely free service for all respondents. Prior to submitting a proposal, respondents are required to set up their free account with Negometrix. Register your company at Negometrix.com. Only ELECTRONICALLY SUBMITTED BIDS will now be accepted; system will not accept bids submitted after due date and time. Dated this 21st day of October, 2020 By: /S/ Louie Bonaguidi, Mayor Classified Legal Column: Gallup Sun Publishing Date: Friday, October 23, 2020 *** NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Jail Authority Board has scheduled their meeting for Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 1:30 pm. This meeting will be open to the public via technology services to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 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. Auxiliary aides for the disabled are available upon request. Please contact Elvera Grey at Elvera. Grey@co.mckinley.nm.us, at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting to make any necessary arrangements to join the meeting. All interested parties are invited to attend. Done this 21st day of October 2020 JAIL AUTHORITY BOARD /S/ Billy Moore, Chairperson Publication date: October 23, 2020

Hansen, Santa Fe County Council Member Darien Fernandez, Town of Taos Council Member Nathaniel Evans, Town of Taos all signed the letter as well as local government officials from Arizona, Colorado, California, Ida ho, Mont a na , Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Washington State, and Wyoming. CLASSIFIEDS


CALENDAR

COMMUNITY CALENDAR OCTOBER 23 - OCTOBER 29, 2020 FRIDAY, October 23

CLUE TRIVIA

4 pm Live on Facebook @ galluplibrary for a chance to win prizes. Email childlib@gallupnm.gov; (505) 863-1291 or to learn how to sign up for a free Kanopy account to stream movies.

SCIENCE AND STORIES

11 am Join us Live on Facebook and YouTube, @ galluplibrary for beginning Spanish lessons and silly spooky science experiments this month. Videos are posted Wednesdays and Fridays at 11 am. This week: Ooblek. SATURDAY, October 24

DEA DRUG TAKE BACK DAY

10 am-2 pm @ various locations including: Gallup PD; Rio West Mall; Thoreau substation of MCSO; and Zuni Tribal Building at Zuni Police Dept.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

10 am via Zoom Westminster Presbyterian Church is holding a four-week grief support group Oct. 24, 31`, Nov. 7, 14. You must pre-register to receive an invitation to the group. Please download Zoom to your computer. Contact Pastor Lorelei by email at wpcgallup@gmail.com and write Grief Group in the subject line. Include a phone number in the email.

SELF-CARE SATURDAY

1 pm on Facebook@galluplibrary. to make your DIY cosmetics from items around your home. We will focus on avocado face masks, whipped body lotion and caffeine eye serum. Each ingredient list will be available in advance on our website, ofpl.online/ programs/#makerspace under the MakerSpace Classes and Workshops section. For more information: jwhitman@gallupnm.gov; (505) 863-1291.

RMCHCS CHILDREN’S FLU VACCINATIONS

9 am - 1 pm @ College Clinic ( 2111 College Dr.) Pre-register one day in advance. Children’s flu vaccinations for

ANIMAL PROTECTION | FROM PAGE 29 When USFWS said giraffes may deserve protection but took no action, the Center fi led a notice of intent to sue the Service Oct. 14 to force USFWS to act. The agency has 60 days to pursue protections for giraffes. L a s t ye a r, t he T r u mp CALENDAR

six months and older. (505) 863-1820. SUNDAY, October 25

CROP HUNGER WALK

12 pm-2 pm @ The Community Pantry (1130 Hasler Valley Road) you can pick up CROP donation envelopes, posters, phamphlets, orange vests and other materials for your neighborhood walks to raise funds and awareness for local and global food insecurity and emergency disaster needs. The CROP Hunger Walk contunes through Dec. 1. For more information, contact Hilda at the Community Pantry (505) 726-8068 or email betsywindisch@yahoo. com MONDAY, October 26

CREATIVE CORNER

4 pm @ ofpl.online/programs/#makerspace Photo transfer will be this week’s focus. (Learn the basics and practice photo transfer on canvas, wood, metal, and more). For more information: jwhitman@galllupnm.gov; (505) 863-1291

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

1 pm-2 pm @ Student Support Center Board Room (640 S. Boardman). TUESDAY, October 27

ONE-2-ONE VIRTUAL TECHNOLOGY HELP

5 pm. The Library will offer one-2-one technology assistance online on Facebook Live and through Zoom. Ask technology questions and get assistance during the live one-hour sessions. Please email libtrain@gallupnm.gov to get access to the zoom link, or join us on Facebook live at one of the scheduled times. For more information: (505) 863-1291.

REGULAR COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

9 am-12 pm Members of the public may view the live stream feeds offered on the approved Facebook account of the McKinley County Office of Emergency Management. Members of the public are welcome to call in with comments about any

Administration rolled back protections for endangered species. ACTION ON BEHALF OF WOLVERINES The largest land-dwelling species in the mustelid family, the wolverine, is barely holding on in the U. S. due to trapping and habitat loss which have been dramatically shrinking its populations for

of the items on the agenda. The comment call in number (505) 863-1400) will be monitored beginning at 8:45 am on the day of the meeting; and, it will stop being monitored at 9:10 am on the day of the meeting.

DRIVE-UP COVID-19 TESTING

10 am-11 am @ UNM Gallup Lions Hall parking lot (705 Gurley Ave.). WEDNESDAY, October 28

JOB SEARCHING AND RESUME WRITING

4 pm (Live) @galluplibrary. Virtual job hunting can be a challenge. Learn how to navigate the internet and make the most of your online search. We will also look at ways to access resume help from home. For more information: libtrain@gallupnm. gov or call 505-863-1291.

SCIENCE AND STORIES

11 am Join us Live on Facebook and YouTube, @ galluplibrary for beginning Spanish lessons and silly spooky science experiments this month. Videos are posted Wednesdays and Fridays at 11 am. This week: Self-Inflating Jack O’Lanterns. THURSDAY, October 29

DRIVE-UP COVID-19 TESTING

10 am-11 am @ UNM Gallup Lions Hall parking lot (705 Gurley Ave.).

CRAFTY KIDS

4 pm on Facebook and Youtube @galluplibrary (all ages) for family-friendly crafts and step-by-step tutorials for all skill levels. This week we will focus on Day of the Dead. ONGOING

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY REGISTRATION

Through Oct. 31. OFPL is recruiting volunteers to create a Friends of the Library Group. To register visit https://ofpl.online/partners-of-ofpl/#friends and you will be contacted. For more information: childlib@gallupnm.gov; (505) 863-1291.

LIBRARY CARD REGISTRATION ONLINE

more than a century. With human threats such a s s now mo bi le s t e a r i n g through its habitat and global warming threatening the deep snow it relies on for activities from traveling to denning and raising kits, the American wolverine is in danger. The USFWS denied prot ec t ion t o t he wolver i ne Oct. 8 prompting a coalition

Through Oct. 31. To explore all the library has to offer, visit your library at ofpl.online to register for a free library card. For more information: bmartin@gallupnm.gov; (505) 863-1291.

MINI HORROR STORY ART CHALLENGE

Read the story in the free book from Oct. 8 and transform it into a dark or terrifying themed work of art. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 31 and can be emailed to jwhitman@gallupnm.gov in a .pdf, .jpg, or .png file format. For moer information: jwhitman@gallupnm.gov; (505) 863-1291.

2021 WINTER TALK

Art work request for one original piece of two-dimensional art (mixed media, watercolor, acrylic, oil, print, charcoal) suitable for scanning size 16”x 24” for a commission of $500 to an Indigenous artist (18 years and older with a CDIB), to be completed and delivered to the New Mexico Conference of Churches by Nov. 30.

FINDING HOME AND NATIVE BEAUTY

Through Nov. 7 gallupARTS Facebook and Instagram pages. Two local artists Dana Aldis and Shannon Gurley O’Donnell explore concepts of people and place, one in oil and one in watercolor. Virtual show opening. Follow @ gallupARTS on Facebook and Instagram for virtual events.

RMCHCS FLU VACCINES (ADULTS ONLY)

Urgent Care Clinic (520 Hwy. 564). Walk-ins 5 pm- 9 pm, Sat., 9 am - 9 pm and 12 pm-5 pm Sun. Please bring insurance information. For those with no health insurance there will be a $25 fee. Pre-registration can be done during hours of operation, 9 am-9 pm. For more information: (505) 863-2273.

GIRL SCOUTS ROBOT BUILDING PARTY

Times will be scheduled based on demand. This free ongoing activity continues until Nov. 30. For more information: https://

of conser vation groups to announce their intention to fi le a notice of intent to sue as soon as the fi nal rule is published in the Federal Register. “Recent scientific informat ion ma ke s clea r t h at wol v e r i ne s f a c e t h r e a t s from destr uction of their snowy habitat due to climate change,” Earthjustice attorney Timothy Preso said. “We

wwwnmgirlscounts.org/en/ about-girl-scouts/join/robot-building-party.html; (505) 343-1040.

VIRTUAL TUTORING AND HOMEWORK HELP

Beginning Sept. 8, The Boys & Girls Club of Gallup has been offering virtual tutoring and homework help with trained mentors using Zoom calls. Club members with a 2020 membership can attend for free after they fill out a virtual permission form on the club website. To get a 2020 membership, fill out an online application and permission form. It’s free. The help will be available until Dec. 31. For more information: bgcgallup.com; (505) 488-2378; Facebook@ BoysandGirlsClubGallup

RMCHCS COVID-19 DRIVE-UP TESTING

9 am-5 pm Mon.-Fri. @ Urgent Care Center (520 NM Hwy 564, north of the New Mexico Cancer Center). Closed weekends.

MCKINLEY COUNTY BACK TO SCHOOL IMMUNIZATION CLINICS

8:30 am – 4 pm Mon., Wed., Fri. continues through October. @ McKinley Public Health Office, (1919 College Dr.) Call (505) 722-4391 to schedule an appointment. Vaccines provided at no cost for children through 18 years of age. Bring your child’s shot record.

TALKING TUESDAYS

4 pm on Facebook and YouTube @galluplibrary for book, author, movie, tech talks and more.

DIAL-A-STORY

Storytime anytime, call (505) 862-9177 to hear a story any time of the day or night. Stories will change daily, at the end feel free to leave us a message to let us know what stories you want to hear. For more information: childlib@ gallupnm.gov; (505) 863-1291. To post a nonprofit or civic event in the calendar section, please email: gallupsunevents@gmail.com or fax: (505) 212-0391. Deadline: Monday at 5 pm.

intend to take action to make sure that the administration’s disregard of the real impacts of climate change does not doom the wolverine to extinction in the lower-48 states.” There are now fewer than 300 wolver ines left in the U. S. Listing wolverines as threatened or enda ngered would trigger new efforts to save them.

Gallup Sun • Friday October 23, 2020

39


7KLV LV D 3DLG $GYHUWLVHPHQW

40 Friday October 23, 2020 • Gallup Sun


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.