Gallup Sun • October 30, 2020

E FRE

VOL 6 | ISSUE 292 | OCTOBER 30, 2020

School board skips agenda item

Making Halloween Spooktacular Pumpkin carving at Gallup’s best

By Dee Velasco For the Sun etting ready for the upcoming Halloween h o l i d a y, O n e 8 0 Productions, a side

treats for everyone.

T he O ne 8 0 hold s l ive music, skits, and activities every Saturday night for the whole community. This was their way of showing people that they can still have

activities for kids with a lot of prizes.” “ [O f ] C o u r s e w e a r e screening people, making sure we are safe and keeping under our limit in the building, hand sanitizing, and hav-

Most kids were in line simply to get more candy and hoping to win prizes. Little boys and ghouls were signed up for the pumpkin carving contest in an effort to take the title for best pumpkin carver.

project of The Door Gallup Christian Fellowship Church, held a Fall Festival downtown Oct. 24 with a night full of spooky fun.

Fa m i l ie s got t o enjoy numerous activities including face painting, a monster cake walk, and a pumpkin carving contest with prizes and sweet

fun and stay safe, according to Concert Director Paul Heimberg.

“We realize that there’s probably not a lot of trick-ortreating that is going to be on, so we want to do something for the families, so they can dress up and bring their kids,” he said. “All it is, is games and

ing separate entrance and exit ways. At the same time we don’t want to stop serving the community,” Heimberg explained.

Ghoulish music was played over the speakers, kids with costumes and even adults were having fun and trying to win at some of the booths.

Church youth workers participated. One of them, Austin Wilson, tried to avoid getting his face hit with whipped cream.

“We’re doing a game called Your Toss Our Loss,” Wilson

G

By Cody Begaye Sun Correspondent

M

issing from the Oct. 26 GallupM c K i n l e y County Schools Board of Education meeting agenda was an item about a joint lawsuit GMCS and 16 other state school and one cha r ter school district fi led against the New Mexico Public Education Depa r tment, ca lling the actions of the department secretary “unlawful.”

Super i ntendent M i ke Hyatt explained the suit to the Sun Oct. 27.

“The lawsuit is about the secretary of education overreaching his authority and marginalizing citizens and their elected board members across the state,” Hyatt said. “The suit also contains action against the state for taking dollars from schools that were supposed to be for COVID-related expenses.”

According to the suit, while the governor and the secretary of health have legal authority to take action in a public health emergency, no such lega l author it y exists for the secretary of education to supersede the

SCHOOL SUIT | SEE PAGE 4

SPOOKTACULAR | SEE PAGE 17

2

Friday October 30, 2020 • Gallup Sun

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Mexican Springs Chapter House Tohatchi Elementary School Twin Lakes Elementary School Coyote Canyon Chapter House Standing Rock Chapter House

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Rock Springs Chapter House Manuelito Chapter House Pinedale Chapter House Breadsprings Chapter House David Skeet Elementary School Ramah Fire Station Mariano Lake Admin. Building Whispering Cedars Fire Station

53 Iyanbito Chapter House 57 Tsayatoh Multi-Complex Building 60 Becenti Chapter House 61 Dalton Pass (Nahodishgish) Chapter House 62 Tse Yi Gai High School

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Gallup Sun • Friday October 30, 2020

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NEWS

SCHOOL SUIT | FROM PAGE 1 roles of local school boards or local superintendents.

There are no public health orders issued by the governor or the secretary of health declaring public schools to be unsafe as of Oct. 23. In the absence of any such declaration, the local authorities retain the right to determine the best method to deliver educational services, so long as they are delivered in accordance with properly-issued public health orders.

Schools were closed on March 13 by an order from the governor. This order was followed by “countless directives” from the PED secretary. The lawsuit alleges that these directives amount to unpublished PED regulations in accordance with the State Rules Act, thus having no legal effect.

The suit further alleges other PED directives mandate school leaders take actions which violate state law and the state constitution, including a requirement that schools pay employees and contractors for services not rendered during school closures and turn over

LOCAL NEWS cleaning supplies and paper goods to private child-care centers, both of which are violations of the constitution’s Anti-Donation Clause.

By implementing these directives, the suit also alleges the PED amended the General Appropriations Act adopted in this summer’s special legislative session, which reduced state funding to schools by taking a portion of this direct federal funding in violation of federal law.

Ultimately, the districts fi ling the suit are asking the court void any PED directives not backed by statutory or constitutional authority.

The court is also asked to recognize and reaffirm the local authority that rests with local school boards and superintendents, including the power to design and implement a safe and efficient educational system that addresses community expectations.

Lastly, the court is asked to require that PED restore funding that was unlawfully diverted from schools.

The item about the su it aga i nst NMPED wa s removed f rom t he meet ing agenda because GMCS school district’s attorney was

Gallup McKinley County Schools Superintendent Michael Hyatt. File Photo unavailable.

“As far as I know, there have not been any updates [or progress made] on the suit,” Dist. 1 Board Member Kevin Mitchell told the Sun Oct. 29.

“Right now, we’re just hoping to hear about a court date.”

Other items on the agenda included an increase in enrollment, and credits earned by McKinley Academy students.

Hyatt told those in attendance that there is a 19 percent increase in the online studies program, “It was great to see enrollment in this program increase from 360 students last spring to 429 students this fall.”

Hyat t s a id 18 0 of t he enrolled students requested

Wi-fi hotspots, which the district was able to provide. There are currently no open requests for hotspots.

Another highlight was the number of credits earned by McKinley Academy students.

In the spring, there were 2,130 credits earned, whereas this fall there is potential for up to 3,746 credits to be earned.

“What that number shows is students are likely taking more online courses, maybe because they have the time and capacity to now,” Hyatt said. “That is a significant increase in credits, given only the 19 percent increase in students.”

Hyatt said this is the fi rst year students will be able to graduate with an associate’s degree. Fourteen students will receive two associate’s degrees, which is the result of students being enrolled for three years.

Mitchell shared his excitement for t he g r a du at i ng students.

“This is something that’s been a long time coming, and I’m ecstatic that we’re fi nally going to get some graduates their high school diplomas along with their associate’s, and a couple with double degrees,” he said.

Goodbye Allen Theatres, for a while Staff Reports

T

he Las Cruces SunNews reported Oct. 26 that Allen Theatres will be closing across New Mexico.

The 13 locations in New Mexico and those in Arizona and Colorado will go into hibernation until further notice because of COVID-19, which has affected about 450 employees.

McKinley County Commissioner and GallupMcKinley County Chamber of Commerce CEO Bill Lee

District 3 McKinley County Commissioner and Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce CEO Bill Lee

told the Gallup Sun Oct. 28 that the company had done a remarkable job of pivoting to keep operating as an outdoor drive-in theater.

“With the PPP [Paycheck Protection Progra m] a nd CARES Act funds running out ... without the second bill out of Congress, I believe we’re going to see more and more of these kinds of closures,” he said.

“The Allen people have been invested in the Gallup community for a long time,” he added.

“Right now they’re saying that it’s not a permanent closure.”

But Lee pointed out that since Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham doesn’t see the business restrictions lifting for another nine months or at least until a vaccine is on scene, these lockdowns will continue to have real consequences in New Mexico, especially to the hospitality and entertainment industries.

Lee took the news of the closings as an opportunity to remind Gallupians that the holidays are on the way and they can help the community economy by “turning their attention

The enthusiasm was shared

by Dist. 3 Boa rd Member Priscilla Manuelito.

“With this program, we’re covering a vast number of students and reaching more of them in the rural areas,” she said. “I want to continue to support them as much as we can and provide the resources they need to make this program a success.”

Hyatt also shared other s t a t i s t ic s a b ou t g r ow t h across GMCS. Namely, the district, for the fi rst time in years, exceeded enrollment of 13,000 students in the district, making GMCS the fi fth largest district in the state in terms of student population.

“Some of that number came from students coming back to the district, and then because of New Mexico Destinations Career Academy that attracted 1,400 more students to our district,” he pointed out.

He a lso mentioned the district is providing between 10-to-11,000 meals a day for students, which are being delivered to bus stops along with a weekend food program.

The meals are for students who are learning from home or who are able to take a meal home for the weekend.

away from the Amazons of the world and buying gift cards from local and small businesses.”

“The more that we can help them out, the more we can ensure their future will be strong enough to get through this,” he said.

He pointed out that local businesses support the quality of life in McKinley County, things like the Community Pantry.

“We wish the Allen family and all of their employees the best and hope that we’re going to be enjoying movies in their theatres again very soon,” Lee stated.

WHAT’S INSIDE …

6 4

NEW MEDICAL CLINIC Bringing speciality treatments to Gallup

10 14 20 22 HIGHWAY COLLISIONS Semi truck fails to stop, resulting in two deaths

Friday October 30, 2020 • Gallup Sun

HARDSHIP ASSISTANCE Application available online in November

MEXICAN SPOTTED OWLS Landmark out-ofcourt negotiations makes everyone happy

OUR OWN DECISIONS Native woman talks about reproductive freedom NEWS

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Gallup Sun • Friday October 30, 2020

5

Gallup to get new medical clinic TWO PHASE PROJECT FOR 2021

By Beth Blakeman Associate Editor University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center is opening a medical clinic in Gallup with the first phase focused largely on women’s specialties.

The clinic will be located at 205 E. Nizhoni Ave., Suite 3 in the same building as HME

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 On the Cover Landon McCurtain competes in a pumpkin carving contest during the Spooktacular Fall Festival at the The Door’s One80 space in downtown Gallup Oct. 24. Photo

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

Office: 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.

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Specialists LLC. Cynde Tagg, the executive director of Ambulatory Care Services at University of New Mexico Hospitals, who has been at UNM for 31 years, described it as a “cavernous office space with a cement floor.”

She told the Gallup Sun Oct. 27 that this “fi rst clinic of its kind in the state” will have its ceiling lowered and flooring added before the New Mexico Department of Health does its inspection. Paperwork is set to be submitted within the next few days.

The clinic will have four exam rooms, a procedure room and a telemedicine room.

The anchor clinic, which is expected to open in mid-January, is called an mfm clinic, for maternal fetal medicine, specializing in complicated pregnancies.

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Friday October 30, 2020 • Gallup Sun

The building at 205 E. Nizhoni Ave. in Gallup will house a new University of New Mexico medical clinic in 2021. Photo Credit: Cable Hoover

Cynde Tagg, executive director of Ambulatorn Care Services at University of New Mexico Hospitals. Photo Credit: UNMH Tagg says mfm is a sub-specialty of obstetrics-gynecology and this clinic will include adult cardiology, pediatric cardiology, and pediatric gastrointestinal services, as well as uro-gynecology and gyn-oncology, but there will be no chemo given at the clinic.

“We come to Gallup already, one to two times a week. So we know that there’s a need there,”

she said.

“We have a person who is our business development officer. We knew there was an mfm need. We had this officer look at data to see what other specialty areas [we might address],” she explained.

Tagg said the clinic will use the same COVID-safe practices and guidelines as other medical establishments.

“All of our employees are screened every day before coming through the doors,” she said.

The only visitors will be people offering ambulatory or cognitive help to patients.

As for the hospitals in the area, Tagg said UNM is not looking to poach employees, but is interested in working together.

“Last week we contacted radiology [departments] of both hospitals and discussed how they do referrals. That’s one collaboration I can think of,” she said.

Phase two of the clinic is on the calendar to open in July, at the start of the hospital’s fiscal year. It will offer treatment of

UNM MEDICAL CLINIC | SEE PAGE 12

NEWS

Gallup Sun • Friday October 30, 2020

7

City motions for intragovernmental agreement for wellness hotels COUNTY WILLING TO FUND THE PROGRAM

By Cody Begaye Sun Correspondent

A

s a result of the COVID pandemic, congregate shelters around Gallup have had to operate in a reduced capacity or close entirely. The city is now in dire need of shelter for people who are at risk as the pandemic continues, even more so with the cold weather quickly approaching.

This situation was brought before the Gallup City Council during their Oct. 27 meeting by City Manager Maryann Ustick. “The city is not doing this for the administrative funds.

We’re doing it because it’s a need for our community and it needs to be met,� she said.

Ustick said the city received about $900,000 in federal CARES Act funding from the state, which was not sufficient to fund the Wellness Hotel

Program for which the city applied. McKinley County received significantly more federal funding from the state, about $16 million, and she said the county is willing to fund the Wellness Hotel Program provided the city administers the program.

Specifically, the county has agreed during their Oct. 27 meeting to fund the Wellness Hotel Program up to $350,000 through Dec. 30, the current end date for CARES Act funding.

If the ordinance for the agreement is adopted, the county would be responsible for administering contracts, troubleshooting, and reporting with community partners to make the program successful, Ustick added.

Debor a h M a r t i nez , of the city’s Behavioral Health Investment Zone, gave more

information about how the program would work.

She reiterated the shelter program will be for people who are homeless and at-risk of catching COVID. “We usually see those people through the hospital or NCI, but we have provided an online form which [health care] providers can access and submit to us,� Martinez said.

Potential patients have to be screened for medical conditions to reduce the liability, Martinez continued, which will determine if the patient is admitted. As a result, those patients will have to contact the program through their health care provider, like Na Nizhoozhi Center. “We’re going to make the program more accessible to people who need it and make the community and providers aware so they can access these services, because we want

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these people safe and in secure housing,� Martinez said.

Dist. 4 City Councilor Fran Palochak voiced her appreciation for the agreement with the county. “With all the COVID restrictions we have in place, there are limited places for homeless

people to go, so this is most needed, and I really want to thank the county for doing this,� she said.

The motion to pick up the intragovernmental agreement with McKinley County for the Wellness Hotel Program was approved with a 5-0 vote.

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Gallup City Manager Maryann Ustick

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NEWS

Economic assistance boosts McKinley paper mill MAJOR EMPLOYER WILL RETAIN 125 JOBS WITH LEDA INVESTMENT Staff Reports

M

c K I N L E Y C O U N T Y — Cabinet Secretary A l icia J. Keyes announced Oct. 27 that a longtime paper factory in McKinley County will receive economic assistance from the state so it can install new equipment and remain in business for the next decade, retaining at least 125

NEWS

well-paying jobs.

McKinley Paper has been rel ia nt on t he E sca la nte Generating Station for steam power. The 253-megawatt, coal-fired power plant near Prewitt, operated by Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, closed at the end of August as the facility exhausted its remaining on-site fuel supply.

Through the Economic

Development Depar tment, the State of New Mexico, has pledged to invest $5 million from the Local Economic Development Act, to sustain long-term operations at McKinley Paper. The LEDA grant will go toward construction of a new boiler and associated equipment, as well as inbound water systems and wastewater treatment. The company also recycles water

to use within its system. “ T h is is about bu siness retention,” Rep. Patty Lundstrom, D-Gallup, said. “It’s critical that McKinley Paper remains open. It is companies like this that help us grow our manufacturing base. This investment is foundational for continuing to build the economies of McKinley and Cibola counties.”

“The $5 million dollar LEDA

Rep. Patty Lundstrom, D-McKinley, San Juan

PAPER MILL | SEE PAGE 28

Gallup Sun • Friday October 30, 2020

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PUBLIC SAFETY

NEWS

Speeding semi-truck leads to four-vehicle collision, two fatalities Staff Reports

A

semi-truck failed to stop as it traveled east t h roug h a construction zone on Interstate-40 near Gallup Oct. 23, according to McKinley County Sheriff’s Office.

A s a resu lt , t he wh ite Volvo semi truck driven by Paramveer Singh, of Ceres, Calif. crashed into three other vehicles — a blue Kenworth semi-tr uck, a blue Toyota Tacoma towing a trailer, and and a silver Chevy Tahoe.

The two people that died at t he scene were i n t he Tahoe and were identified as identified as Michael Lee Rathbun, 63, of Centennial, Colo, a nd K i mberly A n n Cloud, 61, of unidentified city in Colo.

MCSO Sg t. Ta mmy Houghtaling arrived at the

scene of the collision near the 4 mile marker after 2 pm.

Houghtaling made contact with several people who were helping to put out the fire inside the Tahoe. A f t e r a d v i s i n g Me t r o Di s pat ch a bout t he f i re, Houghtaling retrieved her fi re extinguisher in an attempt to extinguish the fl ames in the burning vehicle.

McK i n ley Cou nt y F i re assisted with putting out the fl ames.

Houghtaling then checked the cab of the Volvo, where Singh was trapped inside with an injury to his left forearm.

As EMTs tended to Paramveer Singh, she went to check on the passenger, who was complaining of back pain.

As county fire fighters were trying to get the trapped d r iver out of t he Ta hoe, Houghtaling requested two

These two semi trucks are traveling on I-40 near mile marker 5, near the entry to a single lane construction zone and the onramp to the freeway. It is in the vicinity of the double fatal crash between two semis and two passenger vehicles on Oct. 23. Photo Credit: Babette Herrmann

112 th Annual New Mexico Press Association Better Newspaper Contest

‘Newspapers Rising to the Challenge’

Beth Blakeman News Writing

Congratulations to the 9ÂžÄ˜Ä˜Ĺ“ÄżÎ&#x;„œÄ&#x;Î&#x;Â„ĹŽÂžĆ Î&#x; Ć for your award winning work in 2019-2020!

9 Cody Begaye

Obituary News

Glenn Kay Review

Cable Hoover

Feature Photo & Photo Series

tow trucks with sliders.

Next, she spoke with two witnesses at the scene. The first witness, Mar vin, who told her he was behind the vehicles when they crashed, said Paramveer Singh was traveling over 60 mph and did not appear to slow down before the construction zone where both lanes merge into one.

Paramveer Singh allegedly struck the Tacoma that was pulling an enclosed trailer, and did not stop. The report states that Marvin said, “the semi did not stop and kept hitting vehicles.�

The second witness at the scene, identified as Kristen, wa s t ravel i ng westbou nd when she saw the vehicles crash and stopped to help

because she is an EMT. She was able to tend to Paramveer Singh, and then went to check on the passengers of the other vehicles. While most of them seemed okay, the passenger in the Tahoe died at the scene.

A third witness, Mark, told Houghtaling he was traveling east and also saw the Volvo fail to slow even as other vehicles did to merge near the 5 mile marker.

Houghtaling then spoke with Jaden, of La Pine, Ore., the driver of the Tacoma, who stated he had slowed down to about 40 mph in the construction zone. The Tahoe and the Kenworth were in front of him as he slowed.

DOUBLE FATALITY | SEE PAGE 31

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Friday October 30, 2020 • Gallup Sun

PUBLIC SAFETY

Gallup Sun • Friday October 30, 2020

11

FBI/DOJ Briefs Staff Reports

FBI investigating officer-involved shooting on Laguna Pueblo The FBI is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Laguna Pueblo, N.M., on Oct. 23.

Details are sparse, but in its Oct. 27 release, the FBI said an adult has been taken to University of New Mexico Hospital but their condition was not made available as of Oct. 28.

The Cibola County Sheriff’s Office deputy who was involved was not hurt.

T he Bu reau of I nd i a n Affairs and New Mexico State

Police are assisting with the investigation.

Mescalero man charged with aggravated sexual abuse of a child ALBUQUERQUE — Troy Dougla s Blaylock, Sr., 57, of Me s c a lero, N.M ., a nd an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, was charged in federal court Sept.

22 with aggravated sexual abuse of a child and sexual abuse of a minor. The Court ordered Blaylock detained pending trial.

A c r i m i n a l compl a i nt alleges that from late 2019 u nt i l Aug. 2020 Blaylock repeatedly sexually abused

a minor victim, who is also an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe and was eight-and nine-years old at the time of the abuse. The alleged abuse took place in the defenda nt’s residence within the external borders of the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation.

I f conv icted, Blaylock faces up to 15 years in prison for sexual abuse of a minor and a minimum of 30 years and up to life in prison for aggravated sexual abuse of a child.

A criminal complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

A s s i s t a nt U. S . A t t o r ne y Marisa A. Ong is prosecuting the case.

Two Navajo men charged with sexual abuse of a minor ALBUQUERQUE—Jeremiah Elijah Jim, 40, of Teec Nos Pos, Ariz., was arraigned in federal court on Oct. 6 on an indictment charging him with aggravated sexual abuse of a minor and abusive sexual contact of a minor in Indian Country.

His co-defendant, Bryan Bull, 39, of Shiprock, N.M., appeared in federal court on Sept. 21 for arraignment on the same charges. Both men are enrolled members of the Navajo Nation.

A federal grand jury charged Jim and Bull on Sept. 10 with four counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor and two counts of abusive sexual contact of a minor. The men are further charged in each count

with aiding and abetting in the abuse.

According to the indictment, between June 3 and June 4, 2019, Jim and Bull allegedly threatened the then-14-year-old victim with serious bodily injury and sexually assaulted him.

The offenses they are charged with took place in Shiprock, in San Juan County on the Navajo Nation.

Bull and Jim are currently in custody pending trial. If convicted, they both face up to life in prison.

An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Farmington Office of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer M. Rozzoni is prosecuting the case.

State Police announce checkpoints, saturation patrols for November Staff Reports

S

TAT E W I DE - Ne w Mexico State Police will be conducting sobriety checkpoints; saturation

patrols; a nd registration, insurance and driver’s license checkpoints in all New Mexico counties during the month of November.

“We are bringing awareness

to these events in an effort to reduce alcohol-related fatalities through continued media attention and intensive advertising. These checkpoints are helping to change society’s

attitude about drinking and driving,” an NMSP release stated.

“Hundreds of lives could be saved each year if every driver had the courage to make the

right decision not to drink and drive,” the release continued.

The relea se states the checkpoints are being conducted “so we can ENDWI in New Mexico.”

UNM MEDICAL CLINIC | FROM PAGE 6

The clinic will bring its own physicians over from the Albuquerque area, and will create eight Gallup area positions from entry level clerk to nurses and medical assistants.

Already hired are a nursing supervisor, and an office supervisor who is fluent in Navajo.

“We are looking forward to this being an improvement of healthcare services for the people of Gallup,” Tagg stated.

dermatology, adult nephrology and vascular conditions.

Tagg says the clinic is not coming to the area to compete with other health facilities, but to offer specialties and provide services that will offset the need for driving from Gallup to Albuquerque.

12

Friday October 30, 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

Gallup Sun • Friday October 30, 2020

13

INDIAN COUNTRY

NEWS

Navajo transportation department asks for federal funding Staff Reports

T

SE BONITO, N.M.— Nava jo Division of Transportation Executive Director Garret Silversmith advocated before a Resource and Development Committee Breakout Session Oct. 27 for increased federal funding in support of Navajo Nation transportation infrastructure projects.

“We appreciate the consistent support of our Navajo Nat ion P resident , Vice President and Council for advocating and allocating funds on behalf of Navajo D O T,” S i l v e r s m i t h s a i d .

“However, our transportation inventory is huge and there’s not enough money to address the needs of our Nation.”

The RDC Breakout Session was a part of the White House Administration’s visit to the Navajo Nation, in which White

House staff met with all committees of the 24th Navajo Nation Council and representatives from the Office of the Navajo Nation President and Vice President.

As one of the largest Native A mer ica n nat ion s i n t he country, Silversmith said the Navajo Nation encompasses over 27,000 square miles and has a vast transportation system inventory that includes 9,500 miles of earth roads, 1,700 miles of paved highways, approximately 178 bridges and five airports.

“Ou r d iv ision receives roughly $62 million ever y yea r t h roug h a l locat ion s from the Federal Highway Administration, Navajo Fuel Excise Tax Funds, Navajo Nation General Funds and through collaborative projects with New Mexico Capital Outlay,” he said. “This might seem like a lot, but at a minimum, we estimate it will take

$2.5 billion to comprehensively meet our current transportation infrastructure needs.”

According to Silversmith, the Nation faces pavement deficiencies, needed repairs and upgrades to the remaining roadway system which includes unpaved, earthen roads, bridges and airports.

“At the rate of our current funding level, it would take approximately 15 years to meet our transportation infrastructure needs,” he told the committee.

Silversmith said his division is currently engaged in 45 different projects with costs ranging from $30,000 to $33 million each.

“The Navajo Nation’s transportation network is critical in supporting economic development, agriculture and developing various energy commodities. Yet, our Nation faces unique challenges in resource disparities, safety

It’s time to come back to Church!

Navajo DOT Executive Director Garret Silversmith emphasized the need for increased federal funding during the RDC Breakout session. Photo Credit: OPVP assurances and infrastructure conditions,” he said. “We seek financial assistance in the amount of $2.5 billion to bridge the gap that exists in funding projects that will improve the livelihood of our people.”

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said he appreciated the visit by the White House Administration staff.

“We’ll continue to emphasize the disparities that exist between Native A merican nations a nd states in the broader scope of the United States,” Nez said. “Whether we’re talking about lack of infrastructure, broadband

coverage, or improvements to health care or education systems, these are the issues we face on a daily basis. We need our federal counterparts to step up and recognize their treaty responsibilities a s they relate to supporting and engaging with tribal nations.

“These are not handouts.

They are federal responsibilities,” he pointed out.

The RDC Breakout Session was attended by representatives of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Navajo Region, federal and regional Indian Health Ser v ices a nd Sea n Poole from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Online hardship assistance applications available to Navajo Nation on Nov. 2 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 30, 2020 • Gallup Sun

INDOW ROCK, A riz. – The Nava jo Nat ion O f f ic e of t h e Controller opened the applic a t ion for t he H a rd sh ip A s s i s t a nce P rog r a m for enrolled members of the Navajo Nation who are 65-years or older and to special needs individuals.

The office acknowledged that there is a shortage of hard copy applications that were provided to the Nation’s 110 chapters, and says it is working quickly to provide additional hard copies.

On Oct. 9, Navajo Nation

Pearline Kirk, controller for the Navajo Nation. Photo Credit: OPVP

HARDSHIP ASSISTANCE | SEE PAGE 28 INDIAN COUNTRY

STATE & REGION

Gallup Sun • Friday October 30, 2020

15

President Nez discusses CARES Act deadline, other concerns with Rep. O’Halleran Staff Reports

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A Z L I N I , A r iz.— Nava jo Nat ion P re sident Jonathan Nez met with Arizona Congressman Tom O’Ha l lera n, D -A r i z., Oct. 23, to talk about ongoing CARES Act projects and the pending Dec. 30, deadline to expend funds, infrastructure needs and initiatives on the Navajo Nation, and efforts of the Nez-Lizer Administration to work with federal agencies to move projects forward.

The two leaders met in the community of Nazlini, Ariz., as the Nez-Lizer Administration held a food and care package distribution to help local residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. O’Halleran and his staff members also assisted

“We appreciate the leadership of Congressman Tom O’Halleran and for his advocacy for the Navajo people on many issues at the federal level. The Congressman supported tribes with CARES Act funds and continues to advocate for an extension to the CARES Act funds deadline.,” Nez said. “The residents of Nazlini also appreciated h i s v i sit a nd a s si s t a nce dur ing the food a nd ca re package distribution.”

Representative Tom O’Halleran, D-Ariz., They focused on the need formerly a Republican Arizona State for more federal funding and Senator representing District One. He support for infrastructure switched parties in 2016 and was elected project s i nclud i ng roads, the policy co-chairman of the Blue Dog water resources, and electric Coalition in Nov. 2018. Photo Credit: lines. On Oct. 1, Congressman ballotpedia.org O’Halleran voted in support of a bill entitled, the “Heroes Act,” with the distribution of food which, if passed by the Senate, and supplies to local families. would provide $9.5 billion for

tribes to further assist with the response to COVID-19.

“I always value the opportunity to hear directly from President Nez as we work to understand what federal assistance and resources are needed to support families on [the] Navajo [Nation], especially as the coronavirus pandemic continues to hit Navajo communities hard,” O’Halleran said. “I was glad to be able to lend a hand in distributing supplies to help keep Navajo families safe, and I look forward to continuing to work with President Nez to make the voices of tribal communities heard in Washington.”

Nez also spoke about his administration’s work with federal agencies to address and expedite federal regulations in order to process

and complete infrastructure projects, in accordance with Executive Order No. 13924 issued by the White House on May 19. In June, Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer issued letters and a “white paper” to several federal agencies, outlining recommendations to implement measures to make the Executive Order beneficial and effective for the Navajo Nation.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Cong. O’Halleran and the rest of our congressional delegation to complete CARES Act projects, to advocate for the extension of the Dec. 30 CARES Act deadline, and to work with our federal partners to move forward with infrastructure projects and initiatives,” Nez added.

Gov. lowers flags in recognition of Rep. Salazar Staff Reports

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A N TA F E – G o v.

Michelle Lujan Grisham ordered state flags to half-staff through sundown Oct. 28 in recognition of the late state Rep. Nick Salazar of Ohkay Owingeh.

On Oct. 23 the governor issued the following statement upon news of the death of Salazar: “Representative Salazar was an exemplary public servant.

He represented Northern New Mexico, but all New Mexicans benefited from his service.

Whether it was through his advocacy for New Mexico seniors and their well-being, his support for our national laboratories or the resources he delivered for Native American communities, he demonstrated over the course of more than 40 years as a member of the Legislature that he understood the needs of workers and families in our state.

“Personally I considered Nick to be something of a father figure. He believed in me and mentored me and so many others. He was instrumental in establishing the Indian Area Agency on Aging and he sponsored the creation of the

16

Friday October 30, 2020 • Gallup Sun

Representative Nick Salazar, D- Ohkay Owingeh, represented District 40 from 1974 to 2019. He died Oct. 23 at the age of 91. Photo Credit: nmlegis.gov Aging and Long-Term Services Department.

“As its first secretary, when I thought I knew everything there was to know about New Mexico seniors, he generously guided me, helped me grow and find new ways to deliver for them. He knew innately how to reach people. He was kind, he was tenacious, and he was a gentleman.

“I will miss him so very much, and I know his colleagues in the legislature will, too. My thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones, and I pray that his memory is a blessing for them.”

INDIAN COUNTRY

SPOOKTACULAR | FROM PAGE 1

explained, “where you throw ping pong ba lls a nd I get

James Heimberg flinches as a contest participant tosses a pie at his face during the Spooktacular Fall Festival at the The Door’s One80 space in downtown Gallup, Oct. 24.

Photo Credit: Cable Hoover

Kithdesia Hosteen, center, has her face painted by Becca Vitali during the Spooktacular Fall Festival at the The Door’s One80 space in downtown Gallup, Oct. 24. Hicks won second place. Photo Credit: Cable Hoover

slapped in the face with some whipped cream.

“Everything’s free and we get to tell them about Jesus at the end. It’s a really good time,” he said.

The fall festival also featured Halloween bingo, pumpkin bag toss, and of course, the pumpkin carving contest.

Participants stood by their pumpkins, ready to show off their carving skills, as the contest was announced.

One fa mily ca me in from Page, Ariz. to join the festivities.

Michael Yazzie, brought his family after he learned about the festival from a flyer he picked up earlier that day, while doing some shopping in Gallup.

“It’s pretty good and it gets you into the Halloween spirit and my daughter is having a good time,” Yazzie said as the music and games circled around him.

Then the contest a nnouncement wa s made, and the pumpkin carving got underway with children setting about their work.

Along with family members, everyone cheered the little ones as their pumpkins began to take shape. Prizes

Waiting for the announcement of the pumpking carving winners are, from left: Shylynne Henry, Jordyn Manning, Christian Henry and Deeliah Nez (first place winner in the pumpkin carving contest at the Spooktacular Fall Festival at the The Door’s One80 space in downtown Gallup, Oct. 24. Photo Credit: Cable Hoover for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, included gift cards from area businesses including Panda Express, and Sonic.

As the time for the carving came to an end, there was suspense in the air. Who won fi rst place?

Deeliah Nez of Gallup was the big winner.

W hen a sked wh at she attributed her pumpkin carving skills to, she said she was inspired by the prize of a $25 gift card to Applebee’s.

“It wa s fun, a nd I like food,” she said.

S econd pl a ce went t o

L ovelee H ick s, w it h L e s Hosteen coming in third.

One80 Productions will be having another Halloween Spookfest on Halloween night Oct. 31, starting at 7 pm. The community is invited.

Winners of the Oct. 31 spookfest Halloween concert a nd costume contest will receive prizes that include a one-year subscription to Spotify & a $25 Amazon gift card.

For more information on activities by One80 Production s call (505) 399-8323.

''A Tradition''

Lovelee Hicks competes in a pumpkin carving contest during the Spooktacular Fall Festival at the The Door’s One80 space in downtown Gallup, Oct. 24. Photo Credit: Cable Hoover

• 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.

Cameron Cheromiah and other contestants carve their pumpkins in a carving contest during the Spooktacular Fall Festival at the The Door’s One80 space in downtown Gallup, Oct. 24. Photo Credit: Cable Hoover NEWS

401 E. Nizhoni Blvd.

Gallup, NM 87301 (505) 863-4452 Gallup Sun • Friday October 30, 2020

17

STATE & REGION

NEWS

29 new positive cases across New Mexico’s public schools 19 STAFF MEMBERS, 10 STUDENTS TESTED POSITIVE. Staff Reports

S

ANTA FE— The Public Education Department on Oct. 29 announced 29 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:  Four cases in McKinley County. All of the infected individuals are staff members who were last on school property Oct. 27 and 28.  Five cases in Bernalillo County. All of the infected individuals are staff members who were last on school property

Oct. 28.  One case in Chaves County. The infected individual is a student who was last on school property Oct. 28.  Four cases in Doña Ana County. Two of the infected individuals are staff members who were last on school property Oct. 28. The other two infected individuals are students who were last on campus Oct. 20 and 28.  Five cases in Eddy County.

Two of the infected individuals are staff members who were last on school property Oct. 28.

Three of the infected individuals are students who were last on campus Oct. 28.  One case in Lea County.

The infected individual is a staff

member who was last on school property Oct. 28.  One case in Rio Arriba County. The infected individual is a staff member who was last on school property Oct. 28.  Two cases in Roosevelt County. One of the infected individuals is a staff member who was last on school property Oct. 28. The other infected individual is a student who was last on school property Oct. 28.  One case in Sandoval County. The infected individual is a student who was last on school property Oct. 28.  Two cases in San Juan County. Both of the infected individuals are students who were last on campus Oct. 27.  Two cases in Santa Fe

County. The infected individuals are staff members who were last on campus Oct. 28.  One case in Valencia County. The infected individual is a staff member who was last on campus Oct. 28.

All “close contacts” will be informed of the positive case(s) and instructed to quarantine for 14 days. Symptomatic staff may return to work after 10 days plus 24 hours after the fever is gone and COVID-19 symptoms have improved. Asymptomatic staff who have been “close contacts” may return to work after a 14-day quarantine.

The PED has collected this data since Aug. 17; since then, 662 total cases have been reported in 321 schools,

Deborah Martinez, Media Relations Coordinator, New Mexico Public Education Department. Photo Credit: o-agency.com including 458 staff members and 204 students.

COVID IN SCHOOLS | SEE PAGE 25

Call for transparency regarding stockpiled personal protective equipment STATE DELEGATION REQUESTS A FULL ACCOUNTING OF FEDERAL PPE DISTRIBUTION March after the state only received 25 percent of the total equipment it requested.

As flu season approaches and the COVID-19 infection rate continues to hit record highs in New Mexico, the state

and Tribal governments combating the simultaneous spikes in flu and COVID-19 cases will require a significantly greater

PPE STOCKPILE | SEE PAGE 19

Senator Tom Udall, D-N.M. Senator Martin Heinrich, D-N.M.

Congressman Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M.

Representative Deb Haaland, D-N.M.

Representative Xochitl Torres Small, D-N.M.

in COVID-19 infections, as its rate of new infections is one of the highest in the country.

In a joint letter, the New Mexico delegation emphasized the need to provide personal protective equipment for the 23 Tribes and Pueblos across New

Mexico that have been hit disproportionately hard by the coronavirus.

The New Mexico dele gation previously called on the Trump Administration to release the state of New Mexico’s full allotment in

Staff Reports

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A S H I NGT ON — U.S. Senators Tom Ud a l l , D - N . M . and Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. and U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., Deb Haaland, D-N.M. and Xochitl Torres Small, D-N.M. urged officials in the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to distribute adequate supplies of personal protective equipment from the Strategic National Stockpile to New Mexico so the state and its Native communities may properly prepare for the coming winter months. New Mexico is currently experiencing a spike

18

Friday October 30, 2020 • Gallup Sun

STATE & REGION

Reducing stress during the pandemic Staff Reports

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A N TA F E – G o v.

Michelle Lu jan Gr i sha m a nd st ate behavioral health offi cials highlighted resources Oct . 27 to suppor t New Mexicans during the ongoing health emergency.

“For many, the pandemic i s a sou rce of fea r, a n x iety, a nd uncer ta inty – but there is plenty we can do to take care of ourselves and our loved ones,” the governor said. “And it’s essential that we take time for genuine self- ca re. That’s how we’ll find the calm and stability to weather this time – together.”

“Even when we’re quara nt i n i n g , we’r e s t i l l a l l i n t h i s t o g e t h e r,” N e w Mexico Behav ioral Health Col laborative CEO Br yce Pittenger said. “Please reach out to mental health providers, faith or community leaders, and other people you trust during this time. When we stay connected, we stay strong.”

H E A LT H Y DA I LY your children allows you to young adults, and free HABITS know what they understand tutoring for students K-12, Key tips include: and what they might not. It also visit PullTogether.org.

• Limit your viewing of repetitive news media; consider setting one or two times during the day to check media, and then take a break for more positive thoughts and activities.

• Help children stay connected with friends through virtual means.

• View news on prevention and treatment efforts by visiting New Mexico’s COVID-19 webpage (cv.nmhealth.org) or the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov).

• Find time and space to talk about your fears and concerns with other adults.

• Exercise (in a COVID-safe manner).

• Read with children, help them write letters to family or friends they miss.

• Plan unstructured time to relax, talk, and play with family members.

TA L K TO YOU R CHILDREN ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS To make them feel safe

helps them develop a deeper understanding of the situation through questions and open dialogue, so everyone can be on the same page.

To know the crisis’ impact on them

The coronavirus pandemic is an unprecedented and traumatic event that affects everyone – but it doesn’t affect us all the same way. It’s important to understand what your child is feeling and thinking.

To help them understand what is happening

Ask your children what they know, what they think, what they feel about the situation. If a child asks, “Are people dying?” say yes. Don’t lie, but remember to tell them that most people recover – and that very smart people are working on developing medicines (vaccines) that will keep us safe.

For more resources including tips for parents, behavioral health support, easy ways to explain COVID to children and

SELF-CARE Self-care is not selfi sh, nor is it an emergency response plan to be activated when stress becomes overwhelming.

Instead, healthy self-care can renew our spirits and help us become more resilient. Think of self-care as having three basic aspects:

Awareness

The first step is to seek awareness. This requires us to slow down and focus inwardly to determine how we are feeling, what our stress level is, what types of thoughts are going through our minds, and whether our behaviors and actions are consistent with who we want to be.

Balance

The second step is to seek balance in all areas of life including work, personal and family life, rest, and leisure. We are more productive when we have had opportunities to rest and relax. Becoming aware of when we are losing balance

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham gives us an opportunity to change.

Connection

The final step is connection.

It involves building connections and supportive relationships with co-workers, friends, family, and community. One of the most powerful stress-reducers is social connection.

REACH OUT FOR HELP If you need to talk, please reach out – call (855) NMCRISIS or (855) 6627474. If you want to text with a peer support worker use the NMCONNECT app available on smartphones. And if you’re considering taking drastic steps, please call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255; (888) 6289454 para Español).

Having conversations with

PPE STOCKPILE | FROM PAGE 18 amount of equipment to protect frontline health care workers and essential workers as they care for hospitalized patients.

“While access to PPE has stabilized somewhat over the past several months, we remain concerned that these early failures of the SNS to meet New Mexico’s needs will repeat themselves as case numbers once again begin to spike,” the delegation wrote. “New Mexico is already experiencing a troubling spike in new COVID-19 infections and has set a new daily record for infections three times in the past week [week of Oct. 19].

Hospitalizations are up 74 percent, and some of our hospitals are beginning to reach capacity. The rate of new infections is now among the highest in the country and coincides with the first report of confirmed flu cases in the state on Oct. 15, 2020.”

“As the U.S. enters ‘Flu Season,’ states and Tribes will need to deal with an anticipated rise of COVID-19 STATE & REGION

and seasonal influenza cases peaking at the same time as cold weather forces more people indoors,” the delegation continued. “Combatting both illnesses will require a more significant amount of PPE and coordination than what we have seen to date. Given the current situation, our state and Tribal communities will need to leverage every resource to ensure that patients and our front line health workers are protected.

“As such, it is essential to our constituents’ public health that the State of New Mexico and the twenty-three Tribes and Pueblos in New Mexico can rely on sufficient amounts of PPE from the SNS to deal with a surge in both COVID-19 and seasonal influenza cases in the coming months,” the delegation concluded.

The delegation fur ther requested that FEMA and HHS provide answers about the quantity of PPE allocated for New Mexico’s state and Tribal governments and the federal agencies’ plan to distribute the necessary equipment if New Mexico experiences a surge in cases.

Gallup Sun • Friday October 30, 2020

19

NEWS

HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

Earthweek: Diary of a Changing World

By Steve Newman

Week ending Friday, October 23, 2020 Pre Dust Bowl?

A new study finds dust levels are rising in the American Great Pla ins due to farming practices and climate trends that scientists say are reminiscent of the lead-up to the 1930s Dust Bowl period. The University of Utah research fi nds that the amount of dust has risen up to 5percent per year, which coincides with the expansion of cropland and seasonal crop cycles. Writing in Geophysical Research Letters, the scientists suggest farming practices could now be exposing more soil to wind erosion, albeit much less than when 1920s Midwestern farmers were tilling the topsoil with mechanical plows. This led to the Dust Bowl after severe drought struck.

Earthquakes A temblor near the Alaska Peninsula triggered small tsunami waves.

• Sout hwest Iceland’s strongest quake in 17 years was the latest in a series of tremors in recent months.

• Earth movements were also felt in the northwestern Philippines and along the California-Mexico border.

Fracking Fallout A new Har vard study fi nds that there are significantly elevated levels of airborne radioactive particles up to 31 miles

AFP as hippos wallowed in his submerged hotel on Lake Naivasha. Meteorologists say seasonal rains predicted for the weeks ahead threaten further inundation.

5.6 7.5 3.5 Epsilon

Saudel

5.4

+113° Rivadavia, Salta, Argentina

downwind of U.S. fracking sites. Using 16 years of data from 157 federal radiation monitoring stations, researchers found that sites with 100 fracking wells within 12 miles upwind had an average of about 7percent more radiation in the air. The highest contamination was near the Marcellus and Utica shale fields in Ohio a nd Pen n sylva n ia , where r a d ioa c t iv it y wa s 40 percent h igher tha n nor ma l.

While conventional oil and gas drilling doesn’t result in much impact on underground rocks that contain uranium isotopes, hydraulic fracturing blasts through shale and other layers containing them.

Scientists say the resulting radioactive particles are carried downwind.

and tests have yet to determine why the miscarriages occurred on such a massive scale. Experts from Ocean Conser vation Namibia say similar events happen every few years, but never before on such a large scale. They add that the mothers often sit beside their aborted pups, or carry them around for a few days in grief. It’s believed that starvation, disease or pollution could be behind the disaster.

Drone Recovery

A leading international conservation group has come up with a novel plan to regenerate the vast tracts Rift Valley of Australian bushland blackFloods ened by recent fi restorms. The Lakes in the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) hear t of Kenya says it is urgent to restore the -90° have risen to lev- South Pole, habitats of koalas and other els not seen in at Antarctica wildlife lost in the confl agraleast a half-centions. It suggests that specialt u r y ized drones could plant up to a f t e r m o n t h s o f 40,000 gum trees per day in extreme rainfall sci- inaccessible areas to create entists say is linked green corridors that wildlife to climate change. The rising can feed on, live in and migrate waters have swamped villages through. Gum trees are the and pastures, forcing tens of koalas’ main food source. thousands of people to move WWF Australia wants to raise to higher ground. “It’s been $210 million to fund the initiaphenomenal,” Guy Erskine told tive and double koala numbers along the country’s eastern coast.

Tropical Cyclones Ber muda wa s pou nded by la rge w a v e s a s n e a r by Hurricane Epsilon churned the Atlantic.

• The northern Philippines was drenched by strengthening Typhoon Saudel before it took aim on central Vietnam late in the week.

Seal Tragedy More than 5,000 seal mothers have aborted their pups at a key breeding colony along the coast of Namibia since early September, worrying marine scientists. Biopsies

Seal mothers have been seen trying to care for their aborted pups for days at Namibia’s Walvis Bay. Photo Credit: Naude Dreyer-Ocean Conservation Namibia

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

New model, historic agreement for managing national forests PATH TO RECOVERY FOR MEXICAN SPOTTED OWLS Staff Reports

E

verybody’s smiling, even the Mex ica n spotted owls, after WildEarth Guardians, the U. S. Forest Service and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service reached an out-of-court agreement Oct. 27 to resolve a major legal dispute over the threatened owls and national forest

protection in New Mexico and Arizona.

A federal cour t issued an injunction on tree cutting in national forests in the Southwest in response to a lawsuit originally filed by WildEarth Guardians in 2013. It has been in place since Sept. 2019.

This agreement requires the USFS to comply with the Endangered Species Act by

20 Friday October 30, 2020 • Gallup Sun

conducting annual population trend monitoring of the Mexican spotted owl population through 2025. “ T h i s a g r e ement pr o vides a framework for the Forest Service to better protect nationa l forests a nd Mexican spotted owls,” John Horning, Executive Director of WildEarth Guardians, said.

The key legal dispute at

issue and the legal basis for the federal judge’s order was that the agency had violated the Act. “By agreeing to rigorously monitor species and track habitats, this management framework could be a national model for the Forest Service to protect and recover threatened and endangered species,” Horning said.

The agreement a lso

contemplates that the Forest Service will comply with the requirements of the Fish and Wildlife Ser v ice’s spotted owl recovery plan by identifying and protecting owls by surveying for owls prior to ground-disturbing activities

MEXICAN SPOTTED OWLS | SEE PAGE 21

HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

MEXICAN SPOTTED OWLS | FROM PAGE 20 and protecting those areas where owls are found and tracking long-term trends in the owl’s habitat. The agreement also establishes a Mexican spotted owl leadership forum, something the agency recently created. The agreement applies to all 11 national forests in Arizona and New Mexico, which cover over 20 million acres.

The agreement fur ther requires the Forest Service to assess the effects of timber management activities such as logging, thinning, and prescribed burning on the owls and their habitat. The Forest Service will then use its monitoring data and assessments of effects, along with up-to-date scientific studies, to inform, constrain, and modify ongoing and future timber management in owl habitat.

The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department’s Forestry Division’s Cabinet Secretary Sarah Cottrell Propst said the agreement between WildEar th Guardians and USFWS will be reviewed by a U. S. District Court judge in the coming weeks. “Thankfully, our Forestry

In 1993 Mexican spotted owls were listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Photo Credit: USFWS Forest thinning in the Zuni Mountains achieved forest restoration goals and generated wood for local businesses. Photo Credit: Courtesy EMNRD-FD Division was able to fi nd some interim solutions to help keep local companies afloat, prevent long-term layoffs, and save jobs,� Propst said. “The relationships born during the MSO [Mexican spotted owl] injunction are now a solid foundation for New Mexico to build upon to respond to the escalating threat of catastrophic wildfire.�

Meeting twice monthly for a full year, partners from local communities, agencies, and nongovernmental organizations worked together to fi nd alternative projects for 80 percent of thinning contractors

affected by the MSO injunction and to find alternative wood supply for 75 percent of the wood-products manufacturers and 100 percent of commercial firewood operators. This unprecedented level of cooperation kept the MSO injunction from devastating New Mexico’s forest sector and restoration economy while the parties negotiated.

EMNRD Forestry Division State Forester Laura McCarthy said, “The community of people who work on forest restoration came together like never before while the MSO injunction was

Log by-products of forest thinning in the Zuni Mountains helped businesses in Milan and Reserve avoid layos while the MSO injunction was in place. Photo Credit: Courtesy: EMNRD-FD in place to make sure that communities had access to

MEXICAN SPOTTED OWLS | SEE PAGE 28

This lizard doesn’t need legs, it needs land Staff Reports

T

he Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the S e c r e t a r y of t he Interior for protection for the Temblor legless lizard on Oct.

20. The lizard, which swims through sand, only survives in four places, one of them is central California’s Kern County, more than 98 percent of which is open to oil and gas development. “Rampant oil drilling is

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HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

California legless lizard, Anniella pulchra, has moveable eyelids and can purposely detach the end of its tail to trick predators. Photo Credit: Gary NaďŹ s. Courtesy Californiaherps.com, Los Padres Fish and Wildlife.org causing double damage to the legless lizard by destroying habitat and accelerating climate change,â€? Center conservation advocate Jeff Miller said. “We can’t continue to allow habitat loss and increased wildfi re risk at the hands of fossil fuel developers whose sole concern is profit.â€?

The entire range of the Temblor legless lizard is a narrow strip of habitat on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley in western Kern and Fresno counties, between the Temblor

The Temblor lizard is endangered by oil and gas drilling and development and climate change. Photo Credit: Alez Krohn Range and Highway 33, from McKittrick to Coalinga. This lizard species has only been found at four sites, two located southea st of the Temblor Mountains and another two in Antelope Plain and Pleasant Valley.

The lizards live mostly underground, but come to the surface to feed on insects.

Being legless is an adaptation that allows them to swim through loose, sandy soils.

Their preferred habitat is sandy soils in alkali desert scrub or annual grasslands.

They require loose, moist soil for burrowing and need plant cover and a layer of leaf litter

Red marks the area where the Temblor lizard lives in California. Map Credit: lpfw. org

for feeding and protection from predators.

Most suitable habitat is privately owned and often developed for oil and gas drilling in Kern County, California’s largest oil-producing county.

Six new California state permits issued the week of Oct. 12, for up to 47 new fracking incidents, are all in the

TEMBLOR LIZARD | SEE PAGE 28

Gallup Sun • Friday October 30, 2020

21

OPINIONS

Letter from hundreds of N.M. health care practitioners ‘HELP US PROTECT YOU’

By New Mexico health care providers

S

ANTA FE — More than 350 doctors, nurses and health care practitioners and providers from all across New Mexico signed an open letter the week of Oct. 26 urging New Mexicans to double down on safe practices and personal caution to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect the state’s health care and hospital resources.

“We a re you r doctor s, 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 fi rsthand.

And right now we need your help.

C OV I D -19 i s s u r g i n g t h roug hout New Mex ico.

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 fi ll 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 from the illness caused by the novel coronavirus can face signifi cant and debilitating long-term adverse health effects. No one is immune from 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 frequently with

soap and water.

And we encourage everyone to continue to seek medical care when needed. Medical facilities have ver y 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.”

Native women make their own decisions

By Krystal Curley Executive Director Indigenous Lifeways Chichiltah, New Mexico

T

he voices and experiences of Native communities have been missing from federal, state and local conversations about reproductive health.

That has never been more true than on Monday {Oct. 26] when another conservative anti-abortion justice was confi rmed to the Supreme Court-even though ground-breaking research shows that Native Americans, like the majority of all Americans, support reproductive freedom.

Native Americans believe in the reproductive justice values of self-determination and body sovereignty, respect in healthcare decision making, and reproductive healthcare access for all people. We deserve a Supreme Court that’s not in confl ict with our values.

According to the recently relea sed “R oa d to Re productive Ju stice: Indigenous Communities,” [research conducted by Bold Futures, Latino Decisions, and Forward Together with rural New Mexican communities], 89 percent of Native Americans agree that women and families deserve to make their own healthcare decisions without

Krystal Curley, executive director, Indigenous Lifeways. Photo Credit: Courtesy Krystal Curley government interference.

Seventy-two percent say that they can hold their own moral views about abortion and still trust a woman and her family to make this decision for themselves.

But I didn’t need research to know our communities’ values.

As a Navajo woman and the mother of three young daughters, I have always known that our families care for and respect one another—even when those outside our communities do not.

Myths about Native views on abortion and reproductive health care have been used by some politicians as arguments against access to abortion care.

22 Friday October 30, 2020 • Gallup Sun

People outside our communities impose their disrespectful views on us. Enough is enough.

While colonization, genocide and under-funded health care have allowed for forced contraception and forced sterilization in Native communities, families have not wavered from their belief in individual decision making.

We know the true power over our lives belongs to us.

Further, with Roe v. Wade, the legal case that nearly 50 years ago made safe abortion care legal in the United States, now expected to face dire challenges and potentially be reversed by the Supreme Court, Native American voices must

be heard. We cannot let reproductive health care become illegal on our lands.

Indigenous people, other people of color and people struggling financially will bear the brunt of abortion restrictions. But our voices go unheard in the national conversation on abortion. New Mexico leaders and federal leaders need to know that Native people support the rights of people to make their own health care decisions—without government interference.

Our community faces health challenges that stem from the federal government’s not listening to us and not keeping its promises. Our people know too well what happens when the federal government interferes

in health care decisions.

We must use our voices— and the data of this groundbrea k i ng new repor t — to protect our families. We are the ones—not politicians in Santa Fe or Washington, D.C.— who know what is best for our families. We insist on freedom and sovereignty both for our communities and our bodies.

Our Indigenous communities have been used as guinea pigs. We can fl ip that dynamic of being tested on without our knowledge or consent, and give decision-making power about reproductive choices back to our women and our communities where it belongs.

My grandma always said, ‘Us women make the decisions for our families.’”

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OPINIONS

Joe Biden had plenty of chances to deliver prosperity, and he failed repeatedly

By David Gallegos Rep.,R-NM, District 61

I

f Joe Biden was actually going to do something to improve our standard of living, he would have done it already. In less than one-tenth the time that Biden has spent in Washington, President Trump has delivered extraordinary prosperity and a viable path for a quick return to our pre-COVID peak. Biden, on the other hand, has left a trail of human misery in his wake throughout his decades in the Senate and his eight years as Vice President of the United States.

In just his first three years in office, Donald Trump delivered a drop in New Mexico’s unemployment rate from 6.3 percent to 4.8 percent, the lowest figure since before the 2008 financial crisis.

Unlike the discouragingly slow decline in joblessness during the tepid Obama-Biden “recovery,� when falling labor force participation — people dropping out of the job market — distorted the data, the Trump boom was fueled by the creation of more than 40,000 new jobs in our state, including more than 3,000 manufacturing jobs.

New Mexico’s economic growth rate in 2019 was a stellar 3.7 percent, more than double the growth during the ObamaBiden administration. Better yet, this growth is partially backed by middle-income tax cuts worth an average of nearly $1,400 per year for New Mexico workers.

This has a demonstrably positive impact on the most vulnerable members of our society. Homelessness in New Mexico has fallen 43 percent under President Trump, something that would have been a pipe dream under the previous administration.

When the coronavirus pandemic hit and the Trump administration imposed life-saving travel restrictions on foreign hot spots, Joe Biden loudly complained about “xenophobia.�

President Trump, meanwhile, took unprecedented measures to ensure the “v-shaped� economic recovery we’re seeing now.

The Sma ll Business Administration implemented the highly successful Paycheck Protection Program, which provided tens of thousands of New Mexico businesses with a financial lifeline, allowing them to pay their bills and keep their staff on payroll while they lay dormant OPINIONS

Rep. David Gallegos, R-N.M., District 61.

Photo Credit: nmlegis.gov during the lockdown. That made bouncing back dramatically

easier. Nearly 21,000 PPP loans were approved for businesses statewide, distributing $2.21 billion in funding. Estimates show that PPP assistance is now protecting at least 140,000 New Mexico jobs.

Direct individual and family relief payments also provided vital financial security to New Mexicans who otherwise would have been cash strapped aftering (sic) weathering an extended period of uncertainty, fueling a record-setting month in retail

sales increase this May. That was possible because nearly a million New Mexicans have received almost $1.7 billion in direct payments, in addition to the $600 per week in supplemental unemployment benefits that the federal government provided for temporarily displaced workers.

T he pa ndem ic- created slack in the job market is being rapidly picked up. The latest jobs report, from June, once again smashed expectations, showing the creation of 4.8

million new jobs and upwardly revising May’s historic numbers by about 200,000 new jobs. The data confirm what the polling has shown for years: the American people, with good reason, trust Donald Trump to deliver an economic recovery.

He’s done it before, and he’s already showing that he can pull off the feat a second time.

Joe Biden has had plenty of chances to do the same, and all he could produce was the slowest recovery since World War II.

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(505) 722-8994 Gallup Sun • Friday October 30, 2020

23

COMMUNITY

‘Finding Home’ through oil painting SECOND PART OF SHARED EXHIBIT AT ART123

By Cody Begaye Sun Correspondent

T

beaten up by the weather and winds, and yet they’re resilient,� she said. “It’s a metaphor about the culture out here, which is they’re strong, they have deep roots, and they manage to bend and still survive.�

The last painting Aldis shared was a larger piece of several chickens, which she said is not technically finished, but is a study of her skills and figuring out her next move. “What I like to do with paintings is have a reference photograph, and then I paint it,� Aldis said, adding it is quick and dirty.

But the large chicken portrait required several photos for each chicken and the background. “It’s trying to encompass a

he Sun ran a story on a shared exhibit at the ART123 gallery in its Oct. 16 issue. After learning about one medium and subject in one exhibit, the gallery chose to inform visitors of more techniques through the second part of that exhibit, entitled Finding Home.

In Finding Home, painter Dana Aldis captures the Gallup Artist Dana Aldis gave a talk at ART123 landscape and the various tex- Gallery Oct. 20. Photo Credit: Courtesy tures, characters and charm she has found there. Aldis has “This is one of the quintesbeen exploring the region’s back sential structures we can see out This painting, titled “Henrietta Stands Alone,â€? was inspired by a ock of chickens that Dana roads for unfamiliar vistas and here,â€? Aldis said. “The hogan is Aldis once saw. She said the idea of a monumental chicken on the left being on its own was to document abandoned build- one of the more traditional ways fascinating to her. Photo Credit: Courtesy ings, historic mine shafts, and more hidden gems which reveal the complexity of the landscape’s beauty.

Ga llup A r ts Executive Director Rose Eason hosted a virtual artist talk with Aldis on Oct. 20 about the exhibit, which runs through Nov. 7.

A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE Aldis showed viewers of the virtual talk several of her paintings on display at ART123, the first of which was of a decrepit building on Highway 264 between Window Rock and This painting by Dana Aldis entitled “Old Gentleman’s Clubâ€? is of a structure that exists o Gallup. She said she heard some “Hogan on the Rangeâ€? is the title of this work by Dana Aldis, who said this structure is a Highway 264. Aldis said while some people dismiss the building, the painting is a way of people call the building the “Old quintessential sight of the Southwest and makes for an interesting juxtaposition against documenting something that may be gone in the future. Photo Credit: Courtesy Gentleman’s Club.â€? The painting nature. Photo Credit: Courtesy was posted for a show last year, and one viewer at the time com- of living here.â€? states of decay across the mented that the building was an She noted even though the terrain. eyesore. structure, as her friend pointed “I wanted to showcase a But Aldis did not agree with out, was not actually a hogan variety of relics, which all have 9DOOH\ )HQFH &RPSDQ\ DQG 1HZ 0H[LFR this viewpoint. because it had a porch, Aldis that juxtaposition of a manmade 'HSDUWPHQW RI 7UDQVSRUWDWLRQ ZLOO KDYH IRXU “And I thought, ‘well that was still intent on painting it. structure against nature,â€? she DFWLYH PLOH &RQVWUXFWLRQ =RQHV ZLWK /DQH depends on how you look at What struck her about the said. “Nature is functioning as, it,’â€? Aldis said. “It’s something home was the juxtaposition what we call in art, the sublime, &ORVXUHV RQ , IRU WKH QH[W WZR ZHHNV we can consider as a work that between it and the rocks that which is the idea that nature is (DVWERXQG ULJKW ODQH ZLOO EH FORVHG DW PLOH PDUNHU changes and evolves over time. were visible behind it. That this fantastic thing that is so big One day, the structure will even- juxtaposition also existed with and grand, but can kill you at the DQG PLOH PDUNHU PLOH ZRUN ]RQHV , tually be gone, so this [painting] the Old Gentleman’s Club, she same time.â€? :HVWERXQG 5,*+7 ODQH FORVXUH DW PLOH PDUNHU is a way to document something added.

The idea that nature is IRU JXDUGUDLO LQVWDOODWLRQV that is visible through our eyes, “I just thought it was so inter- reclaiming the land where these and to view it as a conceptual art esting to see two things that structures were made fascinates 7KHUH LV D ZLGWK UHVWULFWLRQ LQ SODFH 6SHHG LV piece.â€? work quite well together [be Aldis, which she calls a beautiful UHGXFHG WR PSK WKURXJK WKH PLOH ZRUN ]RQHV The second piece Aldis close to each other],â€? she said. harshness. shared was called Hogan on I M PORTA NCE OF That theme carries into a 3OHDVH GULYH ZLWK FDXWLRQ UHGXFH VSHHG DQG REH\ the Range, which showed a lone JUXTAPOSITION set of tree portraits that Aldis DOO SRVWHG WUDŕľśF VLJQV 10'27 DQG 9DOOH\ )HQFH hogan off the beaten path that A ldis sa id she a ims to showed off. &RPSDQ\ DSSUHFLDWH \RXU FRRSHUDWLRQ Aldis saw when she was driv- work on multiple sets of paint“These paintings are based ing a friend to Mariano Lake ings at a time, each with dif- on shrub junipers that are 'ULYHV FDQ H[SHFW PLQRU GHOD\V last year. The pair drove closer ferent subjects and settings.

IURP $0 WR 30 0RQGD\ )ULGD\ to the hogan and found no one Several paintings she showed ARTIST TALK lived there. also had various buildings in | SEE PAGE 25

24 Friday October 30, 2020 • Gallup Sun

COMMUNITY

The joys, trials, sorrows of reservation life set to music RAZOR SALTBOY TO RELEASE HIS FOURTH ALBUM ON PINELAND RECORDS Staff Reports

experiences, suggestions from people, experiences of other people or things he has heard in conversations. Saltboy sings about the joys, trials, and sorrows of reservation life.

He includes a reflection of his experiences with his father playing guitar and singing one

summer night, about wanting to go to Montana while under the influence of alcohol. Included on the album is a “girl-daddy” song about a father going fishing with his little daughter when everybody else is headed to town.

A Nava jo gra ndmother

suggested Saltboy write a song for young present-day veterans who have returned from recent military confl icts who are dealing with PTSD. A young Zuni girl also suggested that Saltboy write a song about her Pueblo people and he was able to paint pictures for listeners through his lyrical style.

Saltboy handles all the lead voca ls w ith suppor t vocals and harmonies provided by his sons, grandsons, granddaughters and a special appearance by Haylei Redhouse of Tsaile, A r iz.

Saltboy plays rhythm guitar on most of the songs and back-up is provided by Revolver Band, including rhythm guitar, lead guitar, bass guitar, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, harmonica, keyboard, piano, drums, and percussions.

“This album has been a

Mexico’s Department of Health has advised the PED to cancel certain cases previously reported because of insufficient details.

For additional information about COVID-19 safety in schools, please visit: https://bit. ly/SafeSchoolsNM. All “close contacts” 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;” however, staff members will not be required to present a negative test result in order to return to work. Symptomatic staff may return to work after 10 days plus 24 hours after the fever is gone and COVID-19 symptoms have improved. Asymptomatic staff who have been “close contacts” may return to work after a 14-day quarantine.

The PED has collected this

data since Aug. 17; since then, 638 total cases have been reported in 310 schools, including 441 staff members and 197 students.

Since schools began operating in the hybrid mode on Sept.

8, a total of 568 cases have been reported in 285 schools, including 389 staff members and 179 students.

New Me x ic o’s P u bl ic Education Department rapid response team has removed

duplicate records in case counts as of Oct. 19, and as a result, the cumulative case count has been reduced. In addition, New Mexico’s Department of Health has advised the PED to cancel certain cases previously reported because of insufficient details.

For additional inform at i on a b out COV I D 19 safet y in sch o ol s, please visit: https://bit.ly/ SafeSchoolsNM.

ARTIST TALK | FROM PAGE 24

Unfortunately, that would be the only time she saw her friend’s chickens as most of them were killed some time later by a pack of dogs.

“This painting was something I’d been thinking about for a long time, making a monumental painting about a chicken who stood on her own,” Aldis said.

Aldis also touched on the subject of the Southwest in her paintings, and how the environments can be more striking than a viewer may think at fi rst glance. She mentioned how parts of the United States are known for terrain like forests and large fields, but then the various desert landscapes of the Southwest are unique in their own way.

“The Pacific Northwest and east coast, you think about them and it’s all green. What we have in the Southwest is the other side of the balance, the red rocks and various browns. You may think it takes an artist’s eye to see the colors, but it actually takes just a moment of looking. You’ll see there are all kinds of browns and greens [out here], and it is really worth visiting and looking at,” Aldis said.

A RT12 3 i s open by appointment Tuesday through Saturday from 1 - 5 pm each day. Call (505) 4882136 to schedule.

To see more of Dana Aldis’ work, visit https:// www.in sta gram .com / danaaldisstudio/.

C

RYSTAL, N.M.—Razor Saltboy has fi nished recording 12 songs for his new album, Love Me (Now Until Forever), his fourth release on Pineland Records. The album is now in the mixing stage and will be mastered prior to the release of a compact disc later this fall.

“I’m really excited about this album and the work of love that we put into it. I am looking forward to the release of the CD. I hope the songs on the album will touch people.

Maybe someone somewhere will identify with a story, a message, or the lyrics of one of the songs that it will mean something to that person,” Saltboy said.

The album contains 12 songs all written by Saltboy a nd i nspired by h is ow n

COVID IN SCHOOLS | FROM PAGE 18 Since schools began operating in the hybrid mode on Sept.

8, a total of 601 cases have been reported in 298 schools, including 413 staff members and 188 students.

Ne w Me x ic o’s P ubl ic Education Department rapid response team has removed duplicate records in case counts as of Oct. 19. In addition, New

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COMMUNITY

Razor Saltboy performs his songs about life on the reservation for his fourth album on Pineland Records. Photo Credit: Courtesy

bunch of different elements that make up my life in New Mexico versus just my observations in New Mexico,” Aldis said.

A question viewers might have about the painting, Aldis noted, is “Why chickens?” She said she has a friend who had a dozen chickens she got to meet, and noted one that was always by itself. Her friend said the chicken was named Henrietta, and she had come from a different flock and so was not keen on gathering with the others.

“The lone chicken against a group that usually stays together was an interesting idea,” she said.

long time coming,” Aanor Louis, producer and engineer at Prehelion Studio said. “We have worked very hard to complete it and we are proud of the fi nal product.

“With this album we were fi nally able to transfer what sounds we heard in our heads to the recordings. We paid homage to our many inf luences; from musicians, to fi lmmakers, to authors, and studio engineers we all admire and respect,” he added.

“There are some beautiful songs on the album and we hope people respond to them the way we have,” Louis said.

This will be the four th album by Saltboy on Pineland Records. Saltboy has been popular with Navajo listeners with some of his songs sung both in English and Navajo with a smooth transition from one language to the other.

Gallup Sun • Friday October 30, 2020

25

‘The Witches’ plays it safe

By Glenn Kay For the Sun

RATING:  OUT OF  RUNNING TIME: 106 MINUTES

F

or most kids, reading a book by Roald Dahl is a rite of passage.

He has entertained generations of kids with titles like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The BFG, and Matilda among many others. As a reader, the author was anything but patronizing to youngsters and it didn’t matter if his characters were children or adults … if you were rude and/or selfi sh, you were likely going to get a darkly humorous comeuppance. His book The Witches was expertly translated to screen once already in 1990 (Dahl reportedly disliked it, but hated most adaptations of his work).

This new update on the story is technically accomplished and may entertain youngsters unfamiliar with the tale. However, it’s a far safer and blander take on the material than its cinematic predecessor.

Narrated by Chris Rock, t h i s ver s ion fol low s a n unnamed boy (Jahzir Bruno) who loses his parents in a car accident and is sent to Alabama to live with his kindly grandmother (Octavia Spencer). She

The Grand High Witch (Anne Hathaway) dressed to the nines in the lobby of a fancy resort where she plans to use tainted chocolate to transform all children into rodents in “The Witches.”

Photo Credit: Warner Brothers Pictures tries to cheer the lonesome child and even gives him some pet mice, but soon realizes that they may be under threat from sinister witches. Knowing a great deal about sorceresses and their evil ways, Grandma whisks the boy away to a fancy resort where she believes they will both be safe. However, the boy quickly realizes that there is a witch convention taking place at the hotel.

He overhears the Grand High Witch (Anne Hathaway) and unveils her plan to use

chocolate tainted with a secret formula to transform all children into rodents. The boy immediately becomes a target and must survive many trials (including being turned into a mouse) to foil their plan.

Admittedly, this reviewer is a fan of the original film and it’s a little unfair to compare this version to an older one which was perfect in many respects (especially in its specific tone and humor). One interesting alteration this time out, is a change in setting from Europe

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to the U.S., which initially allows this film an opportunity to distinguish itself. The Alabama backdrop allows for the witches to pull some unique and different spells on victims early on. Visual effects are also updated and the computer-generated transformations from person to mouse are more elaborate.

There are also some impressive shots that follow the little heroes around as they try to move through the hotel without getting caught.

However, not all of the alterations work. A new character has been wedged into the story to assist the boy on his magical journey. The explanation for some of this person’s behavior early in the fi lm doesn’t make sense, seeing as the figure could have helped the protagonist out earlier. Truthfully, the same can be said of Grandma, who is overly sweet and holds off explaining the world of witches for far too long.

Even the villains could do with a little more subtlety.

They’re outspoken and blunt about their ulterior motives of wiping out kids, even while in public in the hotel’s lobby.

And despite the best efforts of Hathaway, the Grand High Witch is over-the-top. In fact, the character rages and causes destruction during the conference itself that is never

addressed (one imagines the staff of this hoity-toity establishment would be furious).

It’s all done to be funny, but the behavior doesn’t garner many yuks.

To some degree, this is a story that could have dealt with issues like grief, mortality and metaphorical threats to children, using a dose of dark humor to do so in a way that isn’t overly downbeat. This particular adaptation wants to avoid handling these concepts, merely hinting at them in the background. And while the fi lm’s fi nale is, in fact, closer to the original book than the previous version, it somehow manages to feel more like a set-up for a sequel than an opportunity to tackle these themes.

This is a lavish adaptation that looks slick and will be reasonably entertaining to kids without scaring them. Sadly, in doing so, it skirts around the complex story elements.

The Witches ultimately starts lagging and ends up being an unadventurous and middle-ofthe-road fantasy fl ick. If you don’t mind a family fi lm with a bit more edge and bite, you are better off visiting Netfl ix and streaming the 1990 feature.

Those witches may have been crueler, but they’re a lot more entertaining to watch.

V ISIT: W W W. CINEMASTANCE.COM COMMUNITY

Blu-ray/DVD Roundup for October 30, 2020

By Glenn Kay For the Sun

I

t’s time once again for a nother look at h ig hl ig hts com i ng to Blur a y a n d DV D. W i t h H a l lowe e n a p p r o a c h i n g , there aren’t quite as ma ny new releases as usual, but there is still plenty of interesti ng mater ia l to choose from. So, since you can’t or shou ld n’t head out to t he movies this week, be sure to give one of these titles a try!

BIG NEW RELEASES! BLOODY NOSE, EMPTY POCK ETS: According to the filmmaker s , t h i s mov ie r e volve s around a place called The Roaring 20s, a Las Ve g a s d i v e ba r k now n for it s u n u s u a l a ssor tment of customers. The c a m e r a s p e nd s a n i g ht w it h t he e m ploye e s a n d d r i n ke r s during the establishment’s f i n a l n i g ht i n op er a t ion , forci ng at tendees to consider what t hey w i l l do next. Apparently, this feature has been promoted as a docu ment a r y, but i s a s much of a narrative feature as a non-fiction film. In fact, it wa s shot i n a d i f ferent state and bar with customers being told to follow the directions given to them.

The movie has played at various film festivals where it h a s won some awa rd s.

Rea ct ion towa rd t he f i l m wa s genera l ly posit ive. A g roup fou nd t he exerci se d i shone s t a nd d id n’t buy into what they were watching. Still, just as many called it a curious experiment that featured plenty of fascinating people. Peter Elwell and Michael Martin appear.

FISHBOWL: This independent d r a m a fol low s a fa mily a fter a persona l tragedy. Three teenage girls are forced to not only contend with the death of their mother, but a griev ing dad who loses touch with realit y. Desperate to joi n h i s COMMUNITY

w i fe i n t he afterlife, the m a n b eg i n s to assert that The Rapture is coming.

He forces h is k id s to pr e p a r e for the event.

O n e of t h e d a u g h t e r s falls for a nother teen who may know something more about the death of the family matriarch. This title has played at film festivals over t he pa st t wo yea r s a nd is now m a k i ng it s debut on s t re a m i n g pl a t for m s a nd on disc. There aren’t many r e v iew s av a i l a ble for it , a lt houg h t hose t h at h ave popped up suggest that the f lick features strong performances. The cast includes Connie Bowma n, Caroline Coleman, Belle Shickle and Ken Arnold.

FRIENDSGIVING: Set du r i n g t he T h a n k sg iv i n g hol id ay, t h i s comedy follows two friends who decide to avoid family and enjoy a quiet and relaxing weekend i n ea ch ot her’s compa ny.

Things cha nge rapidly when a new boy f r iend i s a l s o i nv it e d t o t he sh i n dig. He extends his inv itation to a mother and before long word s prea d s a bout the event. After an ex-boyfriend and other unexpected g ue s t s a pp e a r, t he le a d s mu s t endu re a com ic a l ly tense evening.

Cr it ics d id not t a ke to t h is i nd ie pictu re. One or t wo compl i mented t he ca st member s a nd st ated t h a t t he i r p e r fo r m a nc e s carried the film. However, most com mented t hat t he tone was off the mark and t hat t he end resu lt s were neit her a s f u n ny, nor a s inspirationa l a s intended.

It features Malin Akerman, Kat Dennings, Aisha Tyler, C h r i s t i n e T a y l o r, J a n e Sey mour, Chelsea Peretti, Rya n Ha n sen, For t u ne Feimster, Wanda Sykes and Margaret Cho. I WAS AT HOME, BUT … A 13 -ye a r- old s t udent disappears without a trace in this drama. A week later, he reappears at home, leavi ng h is mother a nd teacher s comple t ely con f u s e d

about what happened.

A s ever yone t r ie s t o ge t to the bottom of the myster y, they are confronted w ith existentia l questions that begin to cha nge their ent i re v iews on l i fe. T h i s for ei g n - l a n g u a ge fe a t u r e from Germany was well-received by the press.

A small contingent found some of the cha ract er s d i f f icu lt t o rel a t e t o a nd de scr ibed t he event s depicted a s tir ing a nd con fou nd i n g. T he m a jorit y were intr igued by t he on s c r e en d r a m a a nd thought that the mov ie challenged viewers to interpr et wh a t w a s goi n g on , keepi ng t hem ent h r a l led.

T he c a s t i nclude s M a r en Eg ger t , F r a n z R ogow sk i, L i l it h Sta ngenberg a nd Jakob Lassalle.

since gained a l a r ge cu lt following.

This documentary explains the i mpa c t t h a t the movie made on fans, as well as the effect it had on the careers of cast and crew members.

It fe a t u r e s i nt er v iew s w it h ju st about ever yone who worked on it, includi ng d i rector F red Dek ker (who recent ly w rot e T h e Predator) and screenwriter Shane Black (who went on to write and direct Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Iron Man 3 and T h e Ni ce G uys). Rev iews for this doc have been solid, a s ser t i ng t hat it not on ly sha res interesting stor ies about the production, but prov ides a det a i led reap praisal and serves as a nice tribute to the filmmakers as well as fandom in general.

MIGHTY IR A: This documentar y tells the s t or y of I r a Gl a s s er, t he man who led the A merican Civil Liber ties Union for 23 yea r s. A f ter t a k i ng a role w it h t he orga n i zat ion, he helped the group stave off ba n k r uptcy a nd t u r ned it into a successful outfit with a $30 million dollar endowm e n t . Gl a s s e r go e s o v e r h i s l i fe st or y a nd rel at e s h i s e x p e r ie nc e s , a s wel l a s tel l i ng t a le s about t he ma ny impor ta nt events he became involved in over the years. So far, write-ups for the movie have been decent but unspectacular.

Some of the more upbeat c r i t i q u e s c a l l i t a s we e t por t r a it of a n a d m i r a ble ma n that deta ils his ma ny a ccompl i sh ment s. O t her s s ay t h a t w h i le Gl a s s e r ’s work was remarkable, this documentar y didn’t tell his stor y w it h much g u sto or g ive a ny i n sig ht or dept h into his real personality.

BL A STS FROM TH E PAST! A r row Video is get ti ng the week off to a n appro priately chilly star t with a Specia l Edition Blu-ray of t he U K produc t ion, C o l d Light of Day (1989). This feature is loosely based on the life of Des Nilsen, often dubbed the British Jeffer y D a h m e r. T h e m o v ie h a s been given a 2K remastering from the original 16mm camera negative. It comes with a director commentary track and a second with film historians.

There are also interviews with cast members, a promo film that was used to secure financing for the feature, a pair of shorts from the filmmaker and other extras.

WOLFM A N’S GOT NA RDS: In 1987, a PG -13 f l ick ca l led T h e Mo n st e r Squad was released in cinemas. It told the stor y of a group of kids squaring off a ga i n st fa mou s mon ster s like Count Dracula. The feature was a big f lop, but has

W h e n S t a r Wa r s w a s released in 1977, its success spaw ned a series of science -f ict ion features. One of the best of t he lot w a s The Last Starfighter (1984), a tale of a teenager from a trailer park who is recr uited for intergalactic bat tle ba sed on h is sk ills with an arcade game on the

property. The film, starring Lance Guest, Catherine Mary Stewart, Robert Preston and Da n O’Herl i hy i s a rea l ly well-written and charming effort. It also boasted some very early computer-generated effects work.

Kino has a Special Edition Blu-ray of the classic Michael Caine spy thr iller, T h e Ipc ress File (19 6 5 ). T h e a c t o r pl a y s an agent t a sked w it h investigating a ser ies of kidnappings involv ing scientists who suddenly return to work brainwashed. The movie has been given a 2K restoration for this release, and comes with a director com menta r y, a s well a s a film historian audio track, an interview with Caine himself and production designed by Ken Adams (who worked on several James Bond f licks), as well as several trailers for the film.

YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS! You’ll find plenty of kidfriendly titles listed below.

Ben 10 vs. The Universe: The Movie (TV-movie) T h e F l i n t s t o n e s : T he Complete Series Gar fiel d an d F r ie n d s: Season 3 Tom an d Je r r y: A N u t c r a c k e r Ta l e (2 0 0 7 ) Special Edition ON THE TUBE! And here are the week’s TV-themed releases.

Babylon Berlin: Seasons 1&2 Ben 10 vs. The Universe: The Movie (TV-movie) Black Lightning: Season 2 (Warner Archive) Black Lightning: Season 3 (Warner Archive) A Christmas Love Story (Hallmark) Dynasty: Season 3 Fleabag: Season 2 F leabag: The Complete Series T h e F l i n t s t o n e s : T he Complete Series Gar fiel d an d F r ie n d s: Season 3 Head of the Class: Season 2 (Warner Archive) Hidden: Series 2 V ISI T: W W W. CINEMASTANCE.COM

Gallup Sun • Friday October 30, 2020

27

PAPER MILL | FROM PAGE 9 appropriation to McKinley Paper is one of the largest awards made in N.M.,” she added.

“My administration has always been committed to preserving jobs in the northwestern part of our state,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said.

“This project and this funding was a priority -- and I’m thrilled to see it come to fruition. We will continue to invest in, and support, manufacturing jobs in our state.”

The LEDA investment flows from a special appropriation in House Bill 8, a measure backed by lawmakers for emergency economic assistance to McKinley and Cibola counties as a result of the shutdown of the Escalante Generating Station. The LEDA project agreement between McKinley Paper and the EDD is for 10 years.

McK i n ley Paper ha s

HARDSHIP ASSISTANCE | FROM PAGE 14 President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer approved the hardship assistance expenditure plan to provide $49 million in CARES Act funds for emergency financial assistance for enrolled members of the Navajo Nation through an application and approval process administered by the Office of the Controller.

Enrolled Navajo Nation

TEMBLOR LIZARD | FROM PAGE 21 imperiled lizard’s range. The Bureau of Land Management recently approved the fi rst oil and gas lease sale of federal public lands in California in eight years, covering 4,000 acres in Kern County, including one large parcel at the southern end of the Temblor legless lizard’s range.

In 2015 Kern County began issuing over 1,000 oil and gas

MEXICAN SPOTTED OWLS | FROM PAGE 21 fi rewood, forest workers had jobs, and small sawmills and wood-products manufacturers had a wood supply.”

operated in New Mexico for 27 years and is the economic base anchor for eastern McKinley County and western Cibola County. The company has 125 employees with salaries and benefits up to $100,000 a year.

The plant reprocesses recyclable paper and cardboard into packaging containers for appliances, food and beverages, and e-commerce shippers.

“The LEDA assistance is an investment in high-paying jobs and an investment in this community,” Cabinet Secretary Keyes said. “The new infrastructure will help sustain McKinley Paper so it can maintain, and even grow, the manufacturing workforce in northwest New Mexico.”

The McKinley-New Mexico plant’s capacity is 250,000 tons a year with customer markets in California, Colorado, Arizona, and the rest of the Southwest U.S. Region, and as far east as Illinois and Indiana.

The New Mexico plant also exports paper products to

Canada and Mexico.

“Protecting and growing jobs in McKinley County has been a priority for me,” New Mexico State Sen. George Mu ñoz, D - Ga l lup sa id.

“McKinley Paper’s $5 million in state funding from LEDA to purchase equipment for the plant will ensure that 125 jobs will be protected and will allow the hiring of 10 additional jobs.

This is a huge win for Senate District 4, the city of Gallup, McKinley County, and the state of New Mexico.”

The plant needs a constant supply of steam, water, and power to operate 24 hours a day to be cost efficient. “The main reason McKinley was situated here was because of the resources that Escalante Generating Station managed and supplied to the paper mill. Without that, we are at a very high risk to cease operations,” Wilfrido Rincon, COO of McKinley Paper said.

“Now, with LEDA, we feel we are in a very good position

to maintain operations and even hire additional people. We can invest in additional assets and equipment and guarantee a steady supply of steam, water, and energy, vital to our longterm operation in the state.”

McKinley and Tri-State are negotiating the terms to provide short-term services, and for the purchase and transfer of equipment and facilities.

Following the transaction, some of the Tri-State workers who currently operate that machinery will be hired by McKinley Paper.

Tri-State is also working to support the region with $5 million in economic development assistance and by partnering with Turning Point Energy for a 200-megawatt, $200 million solar project, set to be operational by 2024.

“Tri-State is investing significant time and resources to negotiate an agreement that can help keep McKinley Paper operating once Escala nte Station is decommissioned,”

Duane Highley, CEO for TriState, said. “We are proud to work with McKinley Paper and leaders in the region to support investment and jobs” Eileen Yarborough of the Cibloa Communities Economic Development Foundation said the majority of workers at McKinley Paper live in Cibola County. “It’s very significant that McKinley Paper will be able to maintain operations, keep people employed, and even add employees. We are very excited to see McKinley Paper awarded this LEDA grant.”

McKinley County is the fiscal agent for the LEDA assistance. “McKinley County is excited to partner with McKinley Paper Co. to help retain these important jobs in our region; as these jobs not only help the property tax base in McKinley County, but also help to keep jobs in Cibola County and the economy flowing,” County Manager Anthony Dimas said.

members who were at least 18-years-old or older as of March 1, may receive up to $1,500 based on eligibility criteria determined by the Office of the Controller, and up to $500 per person for individuals who were under the age of 18-yearsold as of March 1.

The application is not based on first come, first served.

The online application for hardship assistance will become available to all enrolled members of the Navajo Nation Nov. 2, according to the Office

of the Controller, which was tasked with overseeing and administering the hardship applications in accordance with legislation approved by the Council.

“Additional hardcopy applications are on their way— 200,000 applications will be made available to chapters. … Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time,” Controller Pearline Kirk said. “ The Off ice of the President and Vice President,

working in collaboration with the Controller’s Office, will be assisting with application outreach efforts once more application forms are available, to help ensure that our Navajo elders and special needs citizens are provided the opportunity to ask questions and apply for the hardship assistance,” Nez said.

“This is the fi rst time that the Navajo Nation has had funds for this specific purpose. With any initiative of this magnitude, there will be minor issues that arise and we have to continue

working together to resolve the issues and move forward,” he continued.

Navajo Nation Chapters that have questions relative to the Hardship Assistance Program, email nncareshelp@ nnooc.org and do not contact the Navajo Division of Community Development.

For more information about the Hardship Assistance Program or the Chapter Di stribution Program, v i s i t w w w. n n o o c . o r g / CARESHelp.html.

permits each year without environmental review after it adopted an ordinance to streamline oil and gas permitting for up to 72,000 wells.

This year a court invalidated the ordinance and its supporting “environmental impact report” for failing to fully evaluate a nd disclose the environmental damage that would occur. But the county plans to readopt the measure, aiming to bypass environmental review for future oil and

gas projects.

Oil and gas development damages lizard habitat by compacting the soil, changing soil moisture levels, removing plant cover and the leaf-litter layer, and releasing spills of oil and chemicals. Legless lizards are also highly sensitive to the noise and light generated by drilling operations, climate change, wildfires, invasive species and by habitat loss from urban development and the construction of

large-scale solar projects.

The Los Padres Forestwatch says the lizard is dependent on a litter layer for moisture a nd is likely vulnerable to wildland fi re.

Off-highway vehicle use can tra mple liza rds a nd their burrows. Additional threats to the lizard’s habitat include de velo pme nt , r e c r e a t io n (especially in coastal dune areas), and the introduction of nonnative plants (such as the ice plant).

To h e l p p r o t e c t t h e California legless lizard and its habitat, ForestWatch is working to protect the chaparral ecosystems on which the lizard depends for survival.

ForestWatch also supports efforts to control and manage the spread of invasive nonnative plants, to maintain the habitat condition of riparian areas and restore damaged areas, and to provide linkages to open space reserves outside national forests.

The parties negotiated the agreement over a six-month period and the ultimate product reflects the efforts of all of the parties to create a new paradigm for forest protection that will ensure that the agency funds, creates, and abides by

the latest and best available science.

“The agreement’s greatest significance is that it brings citizens, science, and the law together in the way that the framers of environmental laws intended,” Horning stated. “The

foundational principle of environmental laws is that citizens uphold the laws. This is the core principle of healthy, functioning, and effective democracy, and one that is currently under direct threat.”

Once a final ruling is in

place, the Forestry Division, the Forest Service, and partners will work together to decide when and where forest restoration projects on the Carson, Cibola, Gila, Lincoln, and Santa Fe National Forests will resume.

28 Friday October 30, 2020 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

9 to 5

CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIEDS

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

AUTO SALES Gurley Motor Company

SE FWD SunRoof and XM Radio Only 25K Miles Priced at $20,900 Ask about Down Payment Match Cash!

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ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT

October 20, 2020 McKinley County is now accepting applications for the following positions: POSITION & DEPARTMENT:

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT

*** Hiring Silversmiths Mon-Fri

NEED VOTER INFO???

See what’s on your ballot and more!

GO TO: Vote411.org or Vote411.org/es (para español) Brought to you by

STATE OF NEW MEXICO

COUNTY OF McKINLEY

In the Matter of the Estate

STATE OF NEW MEXICO

of

In the Matter of the Estate

RHONDA TORREZ, Deceased.

JERALD T. NELSON, Deceased.

No. D-1113-PB-2020-00033

No. D-1113-PB-2020-00032

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.

In the Matter of the Estate of

No. D-1113-PB-2020-00034

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

COUNTY OF McKINLEY

STATE OF NEW MEXICO

Facilities Department Administrative Assistant & Maintenance Worker

Maintenance Worker October 30, 2020

ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT

of

RAYMOND BECENTI, Deceased.

Finance Analyst & Administrative Assistant October 25, 2020

***

***

COUNTY OF MCKINLEY

Finance Office - Finance Analyst

Dezirie Gomez, CPO Human Resource Director

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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.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS 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.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

DAVID TORREZ MASON & ISAACSON, P.A.

Date: September 25, 2020

By: James J. Mason

PHILLIP L. NELSON

KRYSTAL RAE BECENTI

MASON & ISAACSON, P.A.

Attorneys for Personal Representative

MASON & ISAACSON, P.A.

BY: James J. Mason

104 East Aztec Avenue

By: James J. Mason

Attorneys for Personal Representative

Gallup, New Mexico 87301

Attorneys for personal Representative

104 East Aztec Avenue

(505)722-4463

104 East Aztec Avenue

Gallup, New Mexico 87301

PUBLISH: The Gallup Sun

Gallup, New Mexico 87301

(505)722-4463

October 23, 2020

PUBLISH: The Gallup Sun

October 30, 2020

(505)722-4463

October 16, 2020

November 6, 2020

PUBLISH: Gallup Sun

October 23, 2020

October 23, 2020

October 30, 2020

CLASSIFIEDS | SEE PAGE 30

Gallup Sun • Friday October 30, 2020

29

CLASSIFIEDS | FROM PAGE 29 *** LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Gallup Planning and Zoning Commission will consider the following action at its regular meeting to be held virtually on Wednesday, November 11th, 2020 at 6 p.m.

ITEM ONE: CASE # 20-00800002: Request

by Butler Brothers, LLC, property owner for a Variance granting relief from a code requirement pertaining to required surfacing material in parking areas for a new selfstorage facility. The property is located at 226 Dee Ann Avenue; more particularly described as 2.64 acres M/L in SW ¼ of 27 15 18, AnnexedRolling Hills #9.

ITEM TWO: CASE # 20-00600005: Request

by McKinley County New Mexico, property owner for the Rezoning of 15 acres M/L FROM Industrial (I) Zone District TO General Commercial (GC) Zone District. The property is located at 2105 and 2109 Hasler Valley Road; more particularly described as Tract 14, Gallup Northeast Annex-Phase 1, Block 3, being in the NE ¼ of Section 14 T15N R18W containing 15.0 acres M/L. In accordance with the public health order issued by the New Mexico Department of Health, the meeting will be physically closed to the public; however, it will be accessible to the public via the following technology service: Facebook Live Stream through the City of Gallup’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ CityOfGallup

Members of the public may call in with questions and/or comments before or during the meeting at (505) 863-1240.

Please leave your name and a return phone number.

Copies of the Agenda are available on the City of Gallup’s website at: https://www.gallupnm.gov/ agendacenter.

City of Gallup, McKinley County, New Mexico By: /S/ Alfred Abeita, City Clerk PUBLISH: 30 October 2020 (Gallup Sun)

CLASSIFIEDS Read online at gallupsun.com

*** PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the McKinley County Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting on Friday, November 6, 2020 at 9:00 a.m., Sitting as the Election Canvassing Board to canvass the November 3, 2020 General Election.

The Canvassing will begin and it is anticipated to be recessed until the next week to make the appropriate certifications as required by Election Law. 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 Election Canvassing Board, this meeting will be physically closed to the public but open to attend and listen by 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.

The members of the County Commission Sitting as the Election Canvassing Board 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 26th day of October 2020 McKINLEY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS /S/ Billy Moore, Chairperson Publication date: Gallup Sun October 30, 2020 ***

We believe in ideas.

We believe in passion.

We believe in dreams.

We believe in you.

www.nmhu.edu 30 Friday October 30, 2020 • Gallup Sun

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FORD DRIVE RESURFACE CITY OF GALLUP Formal Bid No. 2034 Notice is hereby given that the City of Gallup, New Mexico will receive ELECTRONICALLY submitted bids for construction of CITY OF GALLUP FORD DRIVE

RE-SURFACE until the hour of 2:00 p.m., local time, Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at https://app.negometrix. com/buyer/3226. Bids will be electronically opened, and publicly read aloud at the Office of the Procurement Manager via virtual conference/video calls or through other virtual means.

This project is located along Ford Drive between Aztec Avenue and NM 118 (aka Highway Route 66) within the City of Gallup, New Mexico. The project consists of removing the existing asphalt surface and replacing with a new 8” thick concrete surface with 8” thick base course subsurface. It includes concrete accessories, such as dowels into existing concrete and construction joints with caulking at expansion joints. Asphalt, curb, gutter, sidewalk and drive pad shall also be removed and replaced.

Plans, Specifications and Bidding Documents may be obtained from DePauli Engineering and Surveying, LLC, 307 S. 4th Street, Gallup, New Mexico 87301, (505) 8635440, upon deposit of $250.00, all of which will be refunded upon return of the documents within ten (10) days after bid opening. Plans, Specifications and Bidding Documents may also be examined and/or downloaded at https://app. negometrix.com/buyer/3226 NOTE: 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 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.

Pre-Bid/Pre-Proposal Conferences, Bid Openings, and Pre-Construction Conferences will be held via conference/video calls or other virtual means until further notice. Details regarding virtual bid opening are provided within bid documents.

Dated this 28th day of October, 2020 By: /S/ Louie Bonaguidi, Mayor Classified Legal Column: Gallup Sun Publishing Date: Friday October 30, 2020 CLASSIFIEDS

COMMUNITY CALENDAR OCTOBER 30 – NOVEMBER 5, 2020 FRIDAY, October 30

VIRTUAL HALLOWEEN TRIVIA

4 pm Live on Facebook @ galluplibrary for Virtual Halloween Trivia to win some great prizes! They’ll be quizzing YOU on the quirky facts, myths and legends that embody Halloween in the Southwest--from local ghost towns to La Llorona and beyond. Don’t forget to wear your Halloween costume! For more information: jwhitman@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 session: Dancing Worms.

SATURDAY, October 31

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

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 more information: jwhit-

DOUBLE FATALITY | FROM PAGE 10 Next thing he knew, he was struck from behind and the trailer he was towing pulled him sideways and wrapped around his cabin. He could not see what was happening, but felt another vehicle slam into his truck. Neither he nor his passenger were injured.

The driver of the Kenworth, identified as Gurpartap Singh CALENDAR

man@gallupnm.gov; (505) 863-1291.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

10 am via Zoom Westminster Presbyterian Church is holding a grief support group Oct. 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.

SUNDAY, November 1

CROP HUNGER WALK

12 pm-2 pm @ The Community Pantry (1130 Hasler Valley Road) you can pick up CROP donation envelopes, posters, pamphlets, 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, November 2

BIG LIBRARY READ

Borrow the featured title Reverie by Ryan La Sala with no waitlists or holds from our digital collection. OFPL is connecting its patrons with millions of readers and a compelling young adult ebook during the next Big Library Read, the world’s largest digital book club.

From through 17. Card holders can borrow the ebook or audiobook without waiting by visiting http://nm.lib. overdrive.com or downloading the Libby app. Readers can then discuss online at https://discuss.biglibraryread. com/. For more information: bmartin@gallupnm.gov;(505)63-1291.

CALENDAR

ons to make a unique piece of art). For more information: jwhitman@galllupnm. gov; (505) 863-1291

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

1 pm-2 pm @ Sutdent Support Center Board Room (640 S. Boardman).

TUESDAY, November 3

DRIVE-UP COVID-19 TESTING

1:30 pm-2:30 pm @ UNM Gallup Lions Hall parking lot (705 Gurley Ave.).

EVERYBODY IS TALKING TUESDAYS! – INDIGENOUS MOVERS AND SHAKERS

4 pm YouTube, @galluplibrary on Tuesdays. Join the creative genius of the Octavia Fellin Public Library and our unusually talented neighbors for book-talks, author-talks, movie-talks, poptalks, food-talks, maker-talks, tech-talks.

WEDNESDAY, November 4

TECH TIME EDUCATION AND TRAINING MAKE MONEY ONLINE

4 pm @ YouTube @galluplibrary. Want to make some extra holiday cash? Choosing the right online platform to market and sell your retail goods. For more information: libtrain@gallupnm.gov; (505) 863-1291.

OFPL NATIVE SPEAKERS SERIES

11 am YouTube @gallup library. Introductions to the Zuni and Navajo Languages during the month of November. Videos are posted Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:00 a.m. Today’s subject is: Greetings in Zuni.

THURSDAY, November 5

DRIVE-UP COVID-19 TESTING

1:30 pm-2:30 pm @ UNM Gallup Lions Hall parking lot (705 Gurley Ave.).

VIRTUAL CONCERT WITH JAMES MECALE

4 pm @ ofpl.online/programs/#makerspace Wax painting (using melted cray-

7 pm @gallupmainstreet The first in a series of virtual concerts hosted by local businesses for DOWNTOWN GALLUP ROCKS!

of Bakersfield, Calif., said he was traveling in the left lane and slowed down to merge when he was str uck from behind and pushed into the guardrail. He said it was the Volvo driven by Paramveer Si ng h t h at h it h i m f rom behind, coming “fa st a nd hard,” the report states. The guardrail, he mentioned, had been embedded into the passenger side of the truck.

Houghtaling spoke with

Paramveer Singh and he said was “okay,” but stated “he did not know what happened.”

Houghtaling had a hard time communicating w ith Paramveer Singh, noting in the report there was a language barrier between the two. Gurpartap Singh translated on Paramveer Singh’s behalf, and Paramveer Singh said he had been transporting household items.

As the tow trucks arrived

CREATIVE CORNER

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 Cardboard Weaving Craft.

ONGOING

FLU SHOTS

8:30 am- 4 pm throughout November by appointment.

M, W, F offering flu shots out of McKinley County public health office (1919 College Drive). Call for an appointment. Please bring insurance information.

MCKINLEY COUNTY IMMUNIZATION CLINICS

8:30 am – 4 pm Mon., Wed., Fri. continues through November. @ 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.

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.

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.

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

at the scene, Houghtaling noted the driver’s door on Paramveer Singh’s Volvo had been stripped in the collision.

The truck was also missing a bumper, had a smashed windshield and an exposed engine.

The three other vehicles sustained extensive damage as well.

Coroner Richard Malone, of the Offi ce of the Medical Investigator, arrived to assist

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:// 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.

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.

with transporting Rathbun and Cloud, both of whom died at the scene.

Based on the investigation, witness accounts, a nd cr ime scene, Houghta ling determined Paramveer Singh wa s t r avel i n g a bove t he speed limit in a construction zone and caused the crash, resulting in the two fatalities.

As of Oct. 28, Paramveer Singh is facing two counts of vehicular homicide.

Gallup Sun • Friday October 30, 2020

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TRUMP P E N C E

KEEP AMERICA GREAT!

2020 PROMISES MADE PROMISES KEPT

Election Day is November 3rd! Make Your Vote Count!

This is a Paid Advertisement 32 Friday October 30, 2020 • Gallup Sun

OPINIONS