Gallup Sun • January 29, 2021

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VOL 7 | ISSUE 305 | JANUARY 29, 2021

FULL ENGAGEMENT, ALMOST From SCHOOLS TO REOPEN TO 50 PERCENT CAPACITY IN FEBRUARY

criticism to praise GALLUP SENATOR CHEERS VACCINATION DISTRIBUTION By Kevin Opsahl Sun Correspondent

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By Beth Blakeman Associate Editor “Every school district in the state will be able to welcome all ages of students safely back to the classroom on Feb. 8,” New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said in her 2021 State of the State address, Jan. 26. She spoke on the issues of grief, funding, economic growth, solar energy, recreational cannabis, and public education. Proclaiming that there is no substitute for in-person learning, she said, her administration

has worked with teachers, school support staff, superintendents, charter leaders, the department of health, the medical advisory team, and National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers to enhance the safety of school buildings and expand surveillance testing. “Our state has developed a solid and epidemiologically-sound plan for a safe expansion of in-person learning for all age groups supported by union leadership,” the governor said. What that means for the Ga l lup -McK i n ley Cou nt y Schools District is that 50

percent of the students will be eligible to return to the classroom. Superintendent Mike Hyatt says some students are already in GMCS classrooms, but beginning Feb. 9, he expects more. “We’re excited that parents and students have more options to attend school. Our schools are safe and ready for students to reenter,” he emphasized. “Our staff has done a good job at getting schools ready for kids.” The current plan is for children to attend classes in-person Monday through Thursday and spend Friday mornings online.

The AFT and AFT New Mexico responded to the gover nor’s announcement by crediting science and the prioritization of educator and student health and safety. “We are extremely pleased to see this plan’s embrace of continued COVID-safe practices, among them the strong efforts to safely accommodate high-risk educators, ventilation and classroom air filtration, on-going surveillance testing, sanitation protocols, adequate personal protective equipment,

SCHOOL’S IN | SEE PAGE 9

fter publicly decrying Gov. Michelle Lynn Lujan Grisham for her coronavirus vaccine strategy, a local lawmaker now says the state is doing a much better job getting the shots to one of the cities hit hardest by the pandemic. Sen. George K. Muñoz, D-Gallup, made the comments to the Gallup Sun earlier this week, saying the situation has “immensely improved.” “Our death rate was actually triple what it was of everybody else,” Muñoz said. “They were giving out vaccines based on population, so it wasn’t quite fair. We were more vulnerable than other people. That’s why, I think, we needed to get it there.” When he became aware of the discrepancy, Muñoz asked Grisham’s office for help. But he claims he got the runaround. “Everyone said, ‘I’ll call you back.’ Nobody did,” Muñoz said. “At some point, you have to make sure they realize what you’re talking about, a nd

VACCINE DISTRIBUTION | SEE PAGE 6

How S H School h l Counselors C l Help H l x

They are good listeners, and students can talk to them about almost anything, without judgement.

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They strive to maintain confidentiality as much as possible, while following their code of ethics, as well as all pertinent federal, state, and school district regulations.

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They help students with anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction.

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They work with students to develop strategies to deal with anger.

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They are a good sounding board for family issues.

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They help students navigate relationship issues.

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They advocate on students’ behalf.

The work of today’s school counselor is multifaceted and can vary from career development to supporting students who are experiencing emotional and academic challenges. As trained mental health professionals, school counselors strive to build safe, positive, and trusting relationships with their students. American Counselor Association

www.gmcs.org 2

Friday January 29, 2021 • Gallup Sun

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Gallup Sun • Friday January 29, 2021

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NEWS

LOCAL NEWS

Local jail not immune from pandemic TWO COVID WAVES LATER, CASES DECREASE AT COUNTY DETENTION CENTER By Kevin Opsahl Sun Correspondent

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cK inley County Adult Detention Center in Gallup has experienced two “waves” of coronavirus infections even as it enlists the help of its inmates to do deep cleanings, according to Tony Boyd, warden of the facility. The waves occurred in April / May of 2020 and in November/December, but Boyd said as of Jan. 25, there are only two asymptomatic cases and no confirmed symptomatic ones. Fourteen inmates are in isolation “as a precaution,” he added, while three are awaiting coronavirus test results. That all comes after one inmate tested positive for the virus and another died — but only after transferring to another correctional facility while hospitalized, according to Boyd. “It defi nitely puts the dangers of the virus in perspective,” he wrote in an email. Coronav ir us ca ses a re down from the first wave, which resulted in 16 inmates and 10 staff members becoming infected, as well as the second, which resulted in 24 inmates and 14 staffers getting infected (including Boyd).

There are 82 offenders and 48 staff at the detention center. Boyd sa id the facility, which has not had any visitors since March, has undertaken a rigorous prevention plan for COVID-19. CorrHealth, a Texas-based company, is responsible for offenders’ screenings, including for COVID-19, when they enter the detention center and throughout their stay, according to Victor Hutchinson, company co-founder and president of operations. Inmates’ coronavirus tests are sent to the lab and they are placed away from one another in separate cells while inmates await results of the test, he wrote in an email. Only a second negative test allows inmates back into the general population, while those with positive results are placed in another unit. If no symptoms are apparent by the eleventh day, those inmates can go back into the general population. CorrHealth is also responsible for daily temperature check s a nd i nqu i r ie s on COVID symptom checks for all inmates, Hutchinson wrote. Twenty-five percent of the inmate population is re-tested weekly. All offenders are issued a

to the British variant identified as B.1.1.7, a “more highly tra nsmissible” version of coronavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The variant, which originated in the United Kingdom, has taken hold in 12 U.S. states, the agency says. “I worry about that all the time,” Boyd said. “But we do everything we can to keep it out.” Boyd believes that 60 perVictor Hutchinson, co-founder of cent of inmates at the detenCORRHealth. Photo Credit: Courtesy tion center would choose to CORRHealth get vaccinated if the shots were offered to them, while 40 percloth mask when they come cent would. into the detention center and “They have the right to are asked to clean their own receive it and a lot of them just cells. don’t trust the vaccine because Offenders that have caught it was rushed so fast,” Boyd COVID-19 have been “mostly” said. asymptomatic, Boyd said. A That is strikingly similar few had minor symptoms. Only to a study the Pew Research one had major symptoms. Center conducted in December, Cases of coronavirus could around the time the Pfizerhave come from i n mates BioNTech and Moderna vacalready infected when they ci nes were sh ipped. T he were arrested or from staff Pew study said 60 percent of members who had the virus Americans would get a vacbefore getting a test or showing cine, while about 39 percent symptoms, according to Boyd. said they would not get it. “It could have come from But it’s not just inmates anywhere,” he said. who are skeptical of the two Asked whether he was vaccines — it’s the staff at the worried about a third wave detention center, Boyd added. of infections, Boyd pointed Inmate advocates,

Cathy Betrus, health services administrator with the Texas-based company CorrHealth, conducted a COVID-19 test on an inmate at McKinley County Detention Center on Jan. 27. Photo Credit: Xavier Chavez, CORRHealth i nc lud i n g t he A me r ic a n Medical Association, have pushed hard for states to grant early access for offenders to get the vaccines. According to the COVID-19 Prison Project, over 350,000 of those incarcerated have tested positive and more than 2,000 have died, while some 84,000 staffers tested positive and over 100 died. Steve Allen, director of the N.M. Jail and Prison Project

COVID BEHIND BARS | SEE PAGE 11

Gov’s statement on Impact Aid means $24 million for GMCS By Beth Blakeman Associate Editor

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a llup McK inley S c ho ol s D i s t r ic t Superintendent M i ke Hy a t t s ay s Impact Aid funds for the 20192020 School Year could soon

be part of an effort to repair and replace school buildings, increase technology access and assist in fulfi lling needs in Indian education. The long-sought funds may be within sight as Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a statement Jan. 22 saying the state

must return roughly $60 million in Impact Aid credits that were deducted in Fiscal Year 2020. About $24 million of that would go to GMCS. The governor called on Rep. Patty Lundstrom, D-McKinley, San Juan, and Sen. George Muñoz, D-Cibola, McKinley,

San Juan, to craft a solution for the longstanding issue and fix the formula funding gap without forcing the Public Education Department to pull resources from other programs. Hyat t told t he G a l lup Sun that the issue remains

open, despite the governor’s statement. “We’re still challenging the next year, 2020-2021,” he said. Hyatt said he hopes the current legislature will allow McKinley County to keep all of its Impact Aid funding for the future.

WHAT’S INSIDE …

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ARE YOU READY FOR SOME SPORTS? NMAA is talking athletics for February

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TERM TWO AS SPEAKER Seth Damon sworn in to 24th Navajo Nation Council

Friday January 29, 2021 • Gallup Sun

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ABORTION BAN REPEAL Community leaders hash it out

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A BIRD NAMED JOE Saved by a sharp-eyed racing expert

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DREAM COMES TRUE Navajo woman heads to Johns Hopkins

NEWS

Gallup schools praise sports February restart By Kevin Opsahl Sun Correspondent

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tudent athletes and coaches in Gallup and throughout McKinley County have not played any sports this academic year due to coronavirus, but that’s about to change now that in-person instruction can begin again Feb. 8. G o v. M i c h e l l e L u j a n

Gallup Sun Publishing, LLC Publisher/Editor Babette Herrmann Accounts Representative Sherry Kauzlarich Associate Editor Beth Blakeman Circulation Manager Mandy Marks Editorial Asst./ Correspondent Kevin Opsahl Correspondent Dominic Aragon Photography Knifewing Segura Ana Hudgeons Ryan Hudgeons Cable Hoover On the Cover Rocky Point Elementary School teacher Brooke Menapace has everyone’s attention in class. Photo by C. Begaye 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: 1983 State Rd. 602 Gallup, NM 87301 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Gallup Sun, PO Box 1212, Gallup, NM. Mailing Address: PO Box 1212 Gallup, NM 87305 www.gallupsun.com Phone: (505) 722-8994 Fax: (505) 212-0391 gallupsun@gmail.com Letter to the editor/guest column ACCEPTED BY EMAIL ONLY. State full name and city/town. No pen names. ID required. All submissions subjected to editor’s approval. Guest columnists, email Sun for submission requirements.

NEWS

Grisham made the announcement in her virtual State of the State address on Jan. 26. That was the same day, the N.M. Activities Association, the nonprofit responsible for regulation of all state athletics, said in a news release that it learned from the Public Education Department that interscholastic athletics/activities can resume Feb. 22. A two-week monitoring period will be required to prove that expansion is not leading to significant increases in the spread of COVID-19. Sally Marquez, the executive director of the NMAA, heralded the recent developments. “The NMAA is extremely excited about the return of athletics and activities and the opportunity for our students to compete,” Marquez said. “We are very thankful for the hard work and consideration of the

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Sally Marquez, executive director of the New Mexico Activities Association. Photo Credit: Courtesy NMAA

Ben Chavez, director of athletics and security for the Gallup-McKinley County School District. Photo Credit: Courtesy GMCS

Governor’s Office, Department of Hea lth a nd the Public Education Department.” Ben Chavez, director of athletics and security for the Gallup-McKinley County Schools District, said he was “thrilled” to learn that athletics could start again. “The students and the athletes and the coaches have been waiting just to hear something. I think this is the fi rst bit of positive news they’ve received in a long time,” Chavez said.

He said the district has been working hard to put all the safety measures in place to be able to play sports so it can be a “great and safe experience.” “I’m looking forward to this for our students and our community again,” Chavez said. “There’s light at the end of the tunnel,” he said. We’ll worry about details in the next couple of weeks.” T he N M A A B o a r d of Directors met Jan. 27 and tabled the adoption of a proposed modified sports calendar

while superintendents await further clarification from the Public Education Department about the expansion of in-person learning and how that may impact each school’s ability to participate in NMAAsanctioned competitions. The Board plans to hold another meeting Feb. 1 to revisit the proposed calendar. Last year, Lujan Grisham ordered high school sports shuttered for the fall and winter seasons. In conjunction, the NMAA postponed games, dashing hopes that 4,000 of GMCS’ 11,000 students participating in athletics or extracurricular activities, could continue to do so. I n a Q& A l a s t we ek , Marquez noted NMAA has not canceled any games. “We do not know when we’re going to be able to start, we have so many unknowns still,” she said. Marquez made similar comments in a new video posted on Jan. 26.

NM ATHLETICS | SEE PAGE 11

Gallup Sun • Friday January 29, 2021

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VACCINE DISTRIBUTION | FROM PAGE 1 that’s when the press release went out.” His office sent out a statement to the media and he was interviewed by print and television outlets about his concerns. But Muñoz told the Gallup Sun that he learned soon after that one of the reasons vaccine supply in his area was low, was because Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital lacked the ultra-low temperature storage needed to store the shots. According to the FDA, the Pfi zer BioNTech vaccine must be stored in a freezer between -80 degrees and -60 degrees Celsius. If the freezer is not available, the thermal dry ice containers the vaccines come in may be used as temporary storage. “The freezers that they had weren’t going to the 80 below temperatures,” Muñoz said, referring to RMCH. “Once they admitted the freezers weren’t working, then that explains why we weren’t getting enough shots.” Hospita l spokeswoma n Ina Burmeister disputed the

Sen. George Muñoz, D-Gallup claims. “Before the vaccine, we didn’t have that [ultra-cold] refrigerator, but ordered it as soon as we knew that’s what was needed.” RMCH ordered the freezer back in October, due to “high demand,” and it arrived at the hospital on Jan. 5, she said. Officials tested the freezer for seven days before storing the vaccines. But that’s where Muñoz’s claim about the hospital not getting enough vaccines falls fl at, Burmeister said. “When we got the vaccine, we had initially ordered a large amount. However, we changed that to a smaller amount, because we were testing the

freezer to make sure that the temperature would stay the same,” she said. “Our pharmacist did not want to waste any vaccine; he wanted to make sure the fridge was staying at the temperature it needed to stay at before we ordered a big dose.” The pharmacist called the state and changed the vaccine order to a smaller amount — from 975 doses to 450, according to Burmeister. “Which we used up within the timeframe you could use it, because these were doses that were thawed,” she said. The Gallup Sun reached out to Muñoz and his office about the hospital’s response to his claims, but the senator did not immediately respond. Ba sed on what Mu ñoz observed in the community over the weekend, vaccine distribution and clinics have increased. “This weekend, they had mass vaccinations all over Gallup and [McKinley] County and they began to roll them out,” he said. Muñoz emphasized the disparity between the number of

VACCINE DISTRIBUTION | SEE PAGE 9

Navajo Nation Speaker re-elected

Seth Damon is sworn in to his second term as Speaker of the 24th Navajo Nation Council. Photo Credit: OPVP Staff Reports

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eth Damon was re-elected to a second term as Speaker of the 24th Navajo Nation Council, according to a statement released by tribe leadership. Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer were on hand to congratulate him during the

opening day of the Winter Council Session. They both watched Chief Justice JoAnn B. Jayne administer the oath of office to Damon outside of the Council Chamber Jan. 25. “The Nez-Lizer Administration looks forward to continue working with Speaker Damon and the 24th Navajo Nation Council! Ahe’hee,’” the statement said.

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Friday January 29, 2021 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

Community leaders support abortion law repeal HB 7 PASSES HOUSE HEALTH COMMITTEE 8-3 Staff Reports

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o r w a r d To ge t h e r Action commun it y leaders f r om around the state on Wednesday testified before the House Health and Human Services Committee in support of HB 7, a bill, which passed the committee 8-3, to repeal an outdated abortion ban still on the books in New Mexico. “In my culture we believe

that our women are capable of making decisions for themselves, their family and their community,” Krystal Curley, a Navajo leader from Chichiltah in McK inley County, said. “ Si nce colon i z a t ion , ou r indigenous women have been targeted by patriarchal policies that have taken away our autonomy. To this day, my community experiences many barriers accessing abortion and reproductive healthcare. Families across New Mexico

s t a nd t oget her t o repea l this outdated abortion ban. We respect our women and families. We must pass HB7 because this bill reflects the values of our communities.” R e s p e c t fo r f a m i l ie s’ abi l it y to ma ke t he decisions that are best for them was also a key point from

ABORTION BAN REPEAL | SEE PAGE 11

Krystal Curley, Navajo leader from Chichiltah spoke about indigenous women’s autonomy while supporting HB 7 Jan. 27. Photo Credit: Courtesy of hbstrategiesnm

Adriann Barboa is the New Mexico Policy Director for Forward Together Action, a civic-engagement and advocacy group. Photo Credit: Forward Together

Seeking passage of Rx Drug Affordability Act HEALTH COALITION MAKES ITS CASE TO PRESCRIPTION PRICES Staff Reports

reasonable rates for consumers to pay. With the establishment of the Prescription Drug A ffordability Boa rd, New Mexicans will have an advocate to ensure they are not being taken advantage of by drug companies.” According to the data fi rm,

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LBUQUERQUE — Citing data that big d r u g c om p a n ie s have taken advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to raise prices on hundreds of medications, AARP New Mexico, Health Action New Mexico and a statewide coalition of health experts, patient advocates and consumers lauded the introduction of the Prescription Drug Affordability Act (House Bill 154) on Jan. 27 and called on legislators to act quickly to ensure all New Mexicans have access to affordable drugs. “New Mexicans continue to struggle to afford the medications they need,” Barbara Webber, Executive Director of Health Action New Mexico, said. “The Prescription Drug Affordability Act will hold drug companies accountable and set reasonable rates for consumers to pay. I want to thank Representative Angelica Rubio for her leadership bringing this important bill forward.” A P rescr iption Dr ug Affordability Board would be designed to regulate prescription drugs with costs that greatly impact New Mexicans, including high-cost, brand name medications. High costs can prevent patients from accessing the prescription drugs they need, cause significant affordability issues for the state, and threaten public health. The board would be tasked with considering a broad range NEWS

Analysource, pharmaceutical companies have taken advantage of the pandemic to raise prices on 645 brands almost six percent in the first eight months of 2020. On average, Americans pay four times as much for the same medicines as people in

other countries. T h e Jour n a l of th e American Medical Association reports 35 big drug companies raked in $8.6 billion in profits between 2000

RX PRICES | SEE PAGE 10

Joseph P. Sanchez state director AARP N.M. Photo Credit: Courtesy AARP NM

Four Corners Detox

Barbara K. Webber, executive director Health Action N.M. Photo Credit: Courtesy Health Action N.M.

of economic factors when setting appropriate payment rates for reviewed drugs, allowing pharmaceutical manufacturers the opportunity to justify existing drug costs. Once a fair payment rate is determined, the board sets an upper payment limit that applies to all purchasers and payor reimbursements in New Mexico, ensuring that lower costs benefit consumers. Staffi ng of the board would be funded by a fee on pharmaceutical manufacturers. “Even before COVID-19, Americans were paying the highest drug prices in the world,” Joseph P. Sanchez, AARP New Mexico state director said. “New Mexico needs an independent body that can evaluate drug costs and set

Open Now NEW DETOX PROGRAM IN GALLUP Accepting New Clients Learn more at our website:

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For job opportunities, visit the careers page on our website. Gallup Sun • Friday January 29, 2021

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HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

Earthweek: Diary of a Changing World

By Steve Newman

Week ending Friday, January 22, 2021 AI Dog Training C olor a do S t a t e University scientists say they are working to use artificial intelligence (AI) to train pet dogs. Jason Stock and Tom Cavey programmed an AI to recognize when dogs were sitting, lying down or standing. After achieving 92 percent accuracy, they created an automated trainer by combining a movable camera to observe the dogs, a speaker to bark out commands and a treat delivery tube to reward good behavior. But some animal experts caution that computers can’t recognize and promote the welfare of dogs or encourage their positive emotional state like humans can.

Earthquakes At least 90 people perished and 932 others were injured when a magnitude 6.5 temblor struck Indonesia’s Sulawesi Island.

seemingly bypassed the country’s strict quarantine regulation forbidding the importation of live animals or birds, plans were made to euthanize it. But sharp eyes from racing experts saw that the tag, allegedly from a U.S. bird organization, was not authentic. So “Joe,” named after new U.S. President Joe Biden, was found innocent and will be given the chance to fly freely around the neighborhood where it was first spotted.

-72° Shologontsy, Siberia

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Eloise

6.4

• Earth movements were also felt in Taiwan, India’s western state of Maharashtra a nd nor ther n terr itor y of Jammu and Kashmir, southern Iran, southwestern Turkey, northwestern Argentina and Los Angeles.

Carbon Capture Researchers are urging governments and industry to develop systems to collect carbon dioxide pollution at

power plants and factories, condense it and then pump it into deep wells to prevent the greenhouse gas from worsening climate change. They say it needs to be a priority to meet the goals of the Paris climate accord. “Carbon capture and storage is going to be the only effective way we have in the short term to prevent our steel industry, cement manufacture and many other processes from continuing to pour emissions into the atmosphere,” said

First Baptist Church 2112 College Drive, Gallup, NM

5.4 6.5

Kimi

+113° Learmonth, W. Australia

Stuart Haszeldine of Edinburgh University. Research is also underway to remove CO2 from the atmosphere, but the process is expensive and would require an enormous investment to curb global heating.

Tropical Cyclones S o u t h e r n Mozambique, Zimbabwe and northeastern South Africa were on alert late in the week for strengthening Cyclone Eloise, which earlier soaked the northern third of Madagascar. The storm appeared to be taking a course that could be unprecedented in modern tropical cyclone history. • Queensland’s Coral Sea coast was lashed by Tropical Storm Kimi, which spun up just offshore. • Tropical Storm Joshua churned the central Indian Ocean and was a threat only to shipping lanes in the remote region.

Plausible Alibi

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Friday January 29, 2021 • Gallup Sun

A tagged racing pigeon once believed to have flown from a competition in the United States to the Australian city of Melbourne, 8,000 miles away, briefly faced a death sentence as officials deemed it a foreign biohazard. Since the bird had

Tropical Shift Earth’s tropical rain belt is being significantly shifted by climate change, which a NASANational Science Foundation team says will eventually lead to profound but uneven changes in the planet’s weather patterns. Writing in the journal Nature Climate Change, the researchers say the rain belt will move north in parts of the Eastern Hemisphere but will move south in areas in the Western Hemisphere because of the different and complex regiona l consequences of global warming. Lead author Antonios Mamalakis says the shifts will have “cascading effects” on water resources and agriculture. The team calls for future studies to pinpoint what those effects will be and where they will occur.

Java Blast Indonesia’s Mount Semer u volca no spewed vapor a nd ash almost 3 miles above the island of Java as clouds of superheated debris cascaded down from its summit crater. No damage or injuries were reported. Dist. by: Andrews McMeel Syndication ©MMXXI Earth Environment Service

Joe the pigeon still sports the bogus U.S. racing band that nearly got him euthanized by Australian authorities. Photo Credit: Kevin Chelli-Bird HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

SCHOOL’S IN | FROM PAGE 1 and transportation and isolation protocols. Coupled with local control, [there are now more] options for families to choose what is best for their student.” OTHER EDUCATIONRELATED ISSUES The governor announced plans to enact an equity-first budget for public education. This budget will ensure that money reaches students and schools in proportion to the

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham at her 2021 State of the State address. Photo Credit: Courtesy socio-economic needs of families and the community. She

Gallup Middle School (1001 S. Grandview Dr.) closed during the pandemic, will soon open to in-classroom learning. Photo Credit: Knifewing Segura

VACCINE DISTRIBUTION | FROM PAGE 6 shots given to his community vs. the actual death rate. “If we’re dying at a higher rate, and they’re saying, ‘oh, because they have more population, we’re giving them more doses — don’t you want to split some of that off and get your death rate lower?” the senator said. “I’m not a physician or anything, but it seems to me …. If you have the

highest death rate in the state, that’s where you would target [the vaccines] and not say, ‘well, it’s population-based, so you’re not going to get as many.’” In response to questions from the Gallup Sun, Matt Bieber, a spokesman for the New Mexico Department of Health, wrote in an email his agency is “working to onboard providers into the state’s vaccination distribution system as quickly as possible.” “ The goa l rema i ns the same: to distribute vaccines to

said this work will create a path to a public education system that truly delivers for students now and a hundred years from now, no matter their zip code, their family’s circumstances, or the color of their skin. “We will tackle reforms in and special education beginning with a new ombudsman office, focused squarely on the needs of differently-abled New Mexico students and their families,” she said. Lujan Grisham said this year New Mexico will move forward with a constitutional amendment to invest a portion of the state’s wealth in early childhood education and wellbeing. This will be the opportunity to make a generational investment in New Mexico’s children. We will deploy funding to realize free higher education for all New Mexicans. With seed money from the legislature in 2020, Lujan Grisham said it was possible to reach almost 5,000 students with the Opportunity Scholarship, fully covering

their tuition costs and fees at two-year institutions. She went on to call on the New Mexico Legislature to commit the full $22 million in funding she is requesting this year, which she believes will allow 30,000 more New Mexicans access to higher education in two-year institutions, without worrying about tuition and fees. “New Mexico institutions of higher learning had the nation’s largest decrease in returning

students last year,” she said. “New Mexico should once again lead the nation in college opportunity.” “This funding is a vote of confidence in New Mexicans — a proclamation of faith in their potential. In colleges all across N. M., we must enact any and every strategy to improve educational outcomes for New Mexicans, particularly those that connect young learners and adults directly to the workforce.”

those who are most exposed to COVID and most vulnerable to its effects,” Bieber wrote. “Doing so involves working closely with providers and weighing a range of factors.” Those factors include population size in New Mexico’s cities and counties, provider capacity, ultra-low temperature storage capacity and the number of orders placed for vaccines. Pressed specifically by the Gallup Sun on whether it was

contradictory to have a strategy that targeted both population size and need, Bieber said no. “We’re distributing vaccines to those who are at greatest risk of COVID-related disease and death – but of course, we have to ensure that we have providers capable of distributing those doses, cold storage facilities capable of storing them, etc.,” he wrote. According to the NMDOH’s “vaccine dashboard,” which

provides up-to-date statistics on the vaccines and the locations where people can get them, there are 530,124 people who have registered, 266,025 doses received and 225,496 doses given as of the evening of Jan. 27. Local vaccine providers in Gallup/McKinley County include Walmart, RMCH, and the DOH Public Health Office. DOH also administers clinics in partnership with other organizations, Bieber said.

Brook Menapace has the attention of most of her students at Rocky View Elementary School (345 Basilo Dr.). This picture was taken pre-COVID in Nov. 2019. Photo Credit: Cody Begaye

A ention Medicare Beneficiaries Did your Medicare plan change this year? Call us now to make sure you are in the right plan. We also help beneficiaries who are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, such as new to Medicare, Medicare with Medicaid, Medicare with Low Income Subsidy (Extra Help), and those with Medicare who just moved into the area. You can also visit us online at www.ourmedicarestore.com or call 505-609-8226 to see if you qualify for extra benefits such as DENTAL, VISION, HEARING, FITNESS, TRANSPORTATION, AND OVER THE COUNTER PRODUCTS at li le or no cost to you! NEWS

Gallup Sun • Friday January 29, 2021

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COMMUNITY

Navajo woman headed to Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Staff Reports

E

l i s h a S ne ddy i s a member of t he Navajo Nation who will soon be studying social and behavioral sciences

at what she describes as her dream school: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She introduces herself this way: Shí éí Elisha Sneddy yinishyé. Kinyaa’aanii nishłi,

Tó’aheedliinii báshíshchíín, Bít’a hnii da schicheii dóó, Deeshchii’ni dashinalí. Hello, my name is Elisha Sneddy and I am a proud member of the Navajo Nation. I am Towering House clan, born

A fairytale look at downtown while the storms are pushing through. Gallup expects more snow showers Friday, Jan. 29 and Tues. Feb. 2. Photo Credit: Ryan Hudgeons RAH Photography

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

401 E. Nizhoni Blvd. Gallup, NM 87301 (505) 863-4452 10

Friday January 29, 2021 • Gallup Sun

for Water Flows Together cla n. My mater na l gra ndfather is Folded Arms clan and my paternal grandfather is Star t of the Red Streak People clan. I am the daughter of Lisa Tolth and Cameron Sneddy. I am the granddaughter of T heresa a nd A mos Tolth. Sneddy is 24, originally from Na hodishgish, N.M., a small community on the Navajo Nation reservation. She is the oldest of six. She graduated in May 2019 with a B.A in Native American studies and psychology, with a concentration in leadership and building Native Nations. Sneddy told the Gallup Sun that while she now lives in Albuquerque, in her early years on the Navajo reservation she witnessed and experienced the harsh realities of disparities that exist among many communities. “Per son a l ex per ience s with these challenges have encouraged me to become a public health leader for my community so my siblings, grandparents, relatives, and all Native people can heal and achieve long-term wellness,” she explained in an autobiographical email. “At an early age, my family instilled in me the knowledge, importance, and beauty of my Navajo culture and traditional values. Our traditional and cultural ways continue to guide us, as they have for many generations and have helped ma ny cont i nue to live in peace and harmony. Therefore, I plan to develop community-driven and culturally informed programs

RX PRICES | FROM PAGE 7 and 2018. Nine of the top ten companies spend more money on marketing and advertising than they do on researching new drugs. Nea rly ha l f of New Mexicans have skipped taking medication or not fi lled a prescription because of cost concerns. Advocates have launched a website, www.newmexicocap.

Elisha Shanise Sneddy is a graduate of the University of New Mexico, who will be joining the Master of Public Health Class of 2022 at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health this summer. Photo Credit: Courtesy Elisha Sneddy and services. My dream is to return to my home community and honor the past, current, and future generations by dedicating my life to giving back to this that made me who I am today.” Sneddy, who grew up in a single-parent household, thanks her mother for paving the way for her and her siblings. “I believe in the words of Chief Manuelito, “use education like a ladder”. It is a privilege to achieve higher education and I made it this far from all the sacrifices and prayers from my ancestors and those who believe in me. My pa ssion for Native hea lth stems from the love I have for my family, the land, and my cultural teachings. I strive to give back to Native communities because I believe we should be receiving help and care from our own people.”

org, with information about drug pricing and state policy options to reduce drug costs. “Prescription drug companies are the only businesses in the health care industry whose rates are not regulated. It’s time to hold them to the same standard as all other health care providers. Creating a Prescription Drug Affordability Board is a commonsense solution to hold big drug companies accountable and drive down the cost of prescription drugs,” Webber stated. COMMUNITY

COVID BEHIND BARS | FROM PAGE 4

people who are incarcerated for vaccination, it is a smart way to help protect all New Mexicans,â€? he wrote in an email. Ga l lup at tor ney Ba r r y K lopfer s a id coron av irus and the law are almost synonymous. â€œIf you have any volume in clients, you’re going to have

people that have gotten sick in the jail,â€? Klopfer said. He believes jails could improve their coronavirus prevention practices — though he did give the local detention center some praise. â€œOur jail is learning from this experience to continua lly improve [its effor ts t ow a r d] ge t t i n g a lower

COVID-positive rate,â€? Klopfer said. He later added that he had not heard of the detention center’s second wave or the jail transfer death. Klopfer stressed police “can and should be using more discretionâ€? with people who are arrested. â€œ T he r e a r e ple nt y of offenses in which they [the

courts] could simply be issuing a summons right now ‌ rather than arresting them [lawbreakers],â€? he said. “The jail is just too dangerous to presume there’s not a high risk of infection. The best way is to respond by using it [the jail system] for only the most violent people that society believes need to be locked up.â€?

“It’s just a start, just the beginning,� Marquez said. “Now, it’s like, where do we fi nish? We need to make sure we do things right so we have a finish line. We need to mask wear, social distance, and follow the governor’s public health order.

It’s been a long haul ‌ but here we are, ready to begin.â€? In an earlier inter view, Chavez said GMCS officials said they hoped winter sports would start “the first or second weekâ€? of February. The situation presented serious challenges to the district’s athletics schedule. Though competitions have not been allowed because of

the pandemic, student athletes and coaches have been able to participate in “non-sport specific workouts,â€? according to Chavez. â€œLet’s say we have a group of kids that goes out to softball fields — obviously socially distant, wearing their masks — just to get some cardiovascular stuff done,â€? he said. “That’s what we’ve been allowed by

the governor this year.� Chavez said the district, like Marquez, is frustrated that games have yet to be played. GMCS officials believe a balance can be struck between protecting players, coaches, parents and staffers and continuing to play games. “The reason I believe it’s frustrating [not to be able to conduct athletics] is because

the data has shown across the United States that the younger age groups are less affected [by COVID-19],� Chavez said. “We just see a lot of the social and emotional trauma that this virus has caused to our students as far as missing out on a lot of the opportunities being in school, being in shape [provide]. We try to look at the whole child.�

ABORTION BAN REPEAL | FROM PAGE 7

ha r m patients. Respected medical organizations such a s t he A mer ica n Med ica l

Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gy necologists have made

public statements supporting safe abortion access, Barboa said.

ABORTION BAN REPEAL | SEE PAGE 15

nonprofit, said he agrees with the state’s depa r tment of health that correctional facilities should be prioritized for vaccinations. “Although it may not be politically popular to prioritize

NM ATHLETICS | FROM PAGE 5

Socorro Linden from DoĂąa Ana County. “All people deserve access to safe and legal abor tion care if they need it,â€? Linden said. “In the ‘70s my mother had an abortion without any healthcare or assistance. She had just had a baby and did not have the means to get birth control. She was forced behind closed doors and [to] put her health and life at risk. She had complications after the abortion and could not seek out healthcare because it was illegal. “I speak in support of this bill for my mother and for all future generations,â€? Linden concluded. HB 7 is a straightforward bill that simply repeals an outdated law that makes it a crime for a doctor to perform an abortion in New Mexico. “Abortion is health care,â€? For wa rd Toget her Action New Mexico Policy Director Adriann Barboa said. “Putting a doctor in jail for providing needed health care goes against our New Mexico values. We trust women and families to make the decisions that are best for them.â€? “We applaud the House Health & Human Ser v ices Committee for passing this important legislation today [Jan. 27].â€? Ba rboa fur ther sa id that medica l ex per ts a nd prov iders agree that laws restricting abortion access NEWS

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Gallup Sun • Friday January 29, 2021

11

CLASSIFIEDS

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

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.

Only 48,000 miles! TRD 4WD Ready for Off-Road! Including Lift Kit, Wheels, Tires, Tonneau Cover Priced at $36,850

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AUTO SALES HELP WANTED

2020 Toyota Prius Only 600 miles! Hybrid Priced at $25,525 Will Match up to $800 on your Down Payment! Gurley Motor Co. 701 W. Coal Ave, Gallup, NM (505) 722-6621 www.gurleymotorford.com FOR SALE

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Established property management corporation seeking an experienced full time Maintenance Technician position and full time manager’s position for a Gallup apartment community. Interested applicants send resumes to shannon@kay-kay.biz. *** Part time position in optometric office. Must be reliable and a quick learner. Will train. Apply at Vision Clinic 1300 S. 2nd St. *** DELIVERY DRIVER

EMAIL: GALLUPSUNLEGALS@GMAIL.COM DUE: TUESDAYS 5 PM The Gallup Sun is hiring an independent contractor delivery driver. You must have a vehicle, valid driver’s license, registration, and insurance. Email resume or work history to gallupsuncirculation@ gmail.com

have a job located in Gallup, NM starting in February. Hourly wages DOE. Email resume to trina@slc307.com

*** WRITERS WANTED The Gallup Sun seeks area talent to write articles for our paper. We’re seeking freelance correspondents, and one fulltime local reporter. Training provided. Send cover letter and resume to: gallupsun@ gmail.com

Public Notice is hereby provided that the GallupMcKinley County Schools is accepting competitive sealed bids for: PLAYGROUNDS INSTALLED AT SPECIFIC SITES MULTI-STEP BID METHOD – PHASE I ITB-2021-28MA

*** Silverline Construction is currently seeking great people to join our FAST growing concrete construction company. Current openings include: concrete laborers. We

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Friday January 29, 2021 • Gallup Sun

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES Legal Notice Invitation To Bid

Commodity Code(s): 98873 As more particularly set out in the BID documents, copies

CLASSIFIEDS | SEE PAGE 13

CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIEDS | FROM PAGE 12 of which may be obtained by downloading from the GallupMcKinley County Schools eBidding platform website https://gmcs.bonfirehub.com Sealed TECHNICAL OFFERS for such will be received until 2:00 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on, February 10, 2021. FAX and HARDCOPY PROPOSALS will NOT be accepted. Bidders will not be able to upload bids or documents after the specified CLOSING date and time. The Gallup-McKinley County School Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive any formalities or minor inconsistencies, and/or cancel this solicitation in its entirety. Dated this 22nd Day of January 2021 By: /S/ Charles Long, President Board of Education Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 BID ISSUE DATE: January 22, 2021 PUBLICATION DATES: January 22 & 29, 2021 (Gallup Sun) *** 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, February 10th, 2021. Item Three will go before the City Council for final approval at its regular meeting to be held on February 23rd, 2021. Both meetings will be held at 6 p.m. ITEM ONE: CASE # 2000300009: Request by

Gallup Housing Authority, property owner, for Final Plat approval of a Minor Subdivision; Romero Development Subdivision an Unplatted Tract of Land situated in the NE ¼ of Section 20, T15N, R18W, N.M.P.M. Also dedicating Romero Circle to reflect the existing fifty foot (50’) street right-of-way (R.O.W.). The property is generally located immediately south of Copper Avenue & north of Dani Drive and east & west of Clark Street; subdivision contains 4.4357 acres M/L which includes the dedicated R.O.W. of 0.5819 acres. ITEM TWO: CASE # 2000300010: Request by Gallup Housing Authority, property owner, for Final Plat approval of a Minor Subdivision; Marce Development Subdivision an Unplatted Tract of Land situated in the SW ¼ of Section 22, T15N, R18W, N.M.P.M. Also dedicating Marce Lane, Marce Way and Marce Place to reflect the existing fifty foot (50’) street right-of-way (R.O.W.). Rename Marce Circle to Marce Way and Marce Court to Marce Place. The property is generally located immediately south & adjacent to Trade Mart Square and west of South Second Street; subdivision contains 5.7042 acres M/L which includes the dedicated R.O.W.’s of 0.9851 acres. ITEM THREE: CASE # 21-01000001: Request by Butler Brothers, LLC property owner, for the City of Gallup to vacate a twenty foot (20’) wide public utility easement located on an Unplatted Tract of Land in order to allow for the construction of a new self-storage 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, Annexed-Rolling Hills #9.

ITEM FOUR: CASE # 2101100001: Annual Open Meetings Act, Resolution # RP2021-01. The Open Meetings Act requires that the Planning and Zoning Commission (at least) annually review what constitutes reasonable notice to the public of its meetings. Accordingly, the resolution is presented to the Board for consideration and approval. 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: 29 January 2021 *** NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Qualifications-based competitive sealed proposals for RFP No. 2021-01

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

www.nmhu.edu CLASSIFIEDS

ON-CALL ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN SERVICES FOR MCKINLEY COUNTY – NEW ADULT DETENTION CENTER will be received by McKinley County, 207 West Hill Avenue, Gallup, New Mexico 87301 until Tuesday, February 23,

2021 2:00 p.m. local time. Proposals will be received in the County Manager’s Office. Copies of the Request for Proposals can be obtained in person at the Office of the Manager at 207 West Hill Ave., Third Floor, Gallup, NM 87301, be mailed upon written request to Hugo G. Cano, Procurement Manager (505) 722-3868, Ext. 1010, or may be obtained from McKinley County Website: www.co.mckinley.nm.us/212/ Bids-RFPs-Solicitations. McKinley County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals and to waive all formalities. The Procurement Code, Sections 13-1-28 Through 13-1-199, NMSA, 1978 imposes civil and criminal penalties for code violations. In addition the New Mexico criminal statutes impose felony/ penalties for illegal bribes, gratuities and kickbacks. DATED this 29th day of January 2021 BY: /s/ Billy Moore Chairman, Board of Commissioners Publish: Gallup Sun January 29, 2021 ***

units and site. Site review is required. BID must be submitted with all the required documents in a sealed envelope with the words “BID Documents – Remodel Project”, and your company name on the front. Your BID must arrive no later than 3:00 PM, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021, at the Gallup Housing Authority, Main Office, or emailed to Mike.Burnside@ galluphousing.com. BIDs received after this date and time will not be accepted. A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held Thursday, February 4, 2021 at 11:00 AM, in the GHA Conference Room. The Gallup Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all BIDs or any part thereof and to waive any informality in any BID not deemed in the best interest of the Housing Authority. Please refer any questions regarding this Invitation for Bid in writing (via e-mail) to: Mike.Burnside@ galluphousing.com Publish: Gallup Sun January 29, 2021 February 5, 2021

INVITATION FOR BID *** REMODEL PROJECT – ONE (1) RESIDENTIAL UNIT MARCE Site GALLUP HOUSING AUTHORITY January 20, 2020 The Gallup Housing Authority is requesting qualified GB98 licensed Contractors provide a written BID for REMODEL PROJECT – ONE (1) RESIDENTIAL UNIT as described in the package. You are invited to submit a delivered or emailed BID to be received by Mike Burnside, Project Coordinator, for the Gallup Housing Authority. The Housing Authority Main office is located at 203 Debra Drive, Gallup, NM 87301, phone number (505) 7224388. Contact Mike Burnside to receive a Bid Package and to make an appointment if you wish to see the housing

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the McKinley County Board of Commissioners will hold a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, February 02, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. Adhering to the Social Distancing Protocols, issued by the Governor’s Office; and the requirements of the Open Meetings Act allowing members of the public to attend and listen to meetings of the quorum of the governing body, this meeting will be physically closed to the public but open to the public via technology services. Members of the public may view the live stream feeds offered on the approved Facebook account of the McKinley County Office of Emergency Management. Members of the public are welcome to call in with comments

CLASSIFIEDS | SEE PAGE 14

Gallup Sun • Friday January 29, 2021

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CLASSIFIEDS | FROM PAGE 13 about any of the items on the agenda and comment for the public hearing. The comment call in number (505.863.1400) will be monitored beginning at 8:45 am on the day of the meeting; and it will stop being monitored at 9:50 am on the day of the meeting. Please give your name, and the Agenda Item Number you desire to comment on, and a return phone number. When, at the appropriate time for making comments on the agenda items, (beginning at approximately 9:01 am) the Commission Chair will call you on your return number so you can make your comment. The Commission Chair pursuant to state law and county policy can limit the time of comments and reduce common or cumulative comments as needed; comments will be limited to 3 minutes. The members of the County Commission at their option can participate by phone or other technological participation methods. A copy of the agenda will be available 72 hours prior to the meeting in the Manager’s Office and the County Clerk’s Office and can be sent electronically upon request. Auxiliary aides for the disabled are available upon request; please contact Shawna Garnenez at (505) 863-1400 ext. 1053 at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting to make any necessary arrangements. All interested parties are invited to attend via the live stream mentioned herein. Done this 26th day of January 2021 McKINLEY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS /S/ Billy Moore, Chairperson Publication by posting date: January 27th, 2021 before 3:00 pm. Publication date: Gallup Sun January 29th, 2021 *** Legal Notice Request for Proposals Public Notice is hereby provided that the GallupMcKinley County Schools is accepting competitive sealed

14

proposals for: CONSTRUCTION OF RAMAH TEACHER HOUSING RFP-2021-29MA Commodity Code(s): 90923 & 90924 As more particularly set out in the RFP documents, copies of which may be obtained by downloading from the Gallup-McKinley County Schools eBidding platform website https://gmcs. bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab= openOpportunities A MANDATORY Pre Proposal Conference will be held VIRTUALLY on February 9, 2021 at 1:30 PM (MST) via Go To Meeting at: https://global.gotomeeting. com/join/499294373 Sealed proposals for such will be received until 2:00 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on March 2, 2021. FAX and HARDCOPY PROPOSALS will NOT be accepted. Offerors will not be able to upload proposals or documents after the specified CLOSING date and time. The Gallup-McKinley County School Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive any formalities or minor inconsistencies, and/or cancel this solicitation in its entirety. Dated the 1st Day of February 2021 By: /S/ Charles Long, President Board of Education Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 RFP ISSUE DATE: February 1, 2021 PUBLICATION DATES: January 29, 2021 & February 5, 2021 (Gallup Sun) *** ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF GALLUP, NEW MEXICO FORMAL BID NO. 2102

Supporting Steel H-Frame Structure Allison Substation-City of Gallup As more particularly set out in the Bid documents, copies of which may be obtained from the City of Gallup Purchasing Division, 110 W. Aztec Ave., Gallup, New Mexico 87301; or contact Frances Rodriguez, Purchasing Director at (505) 863-1334. Copies are available for viewing or can be downloaded from: https://app. negometrix.com/buyer/3226 Electronically submitted bids for such will be received at the Office of the Purchasing Department until 2:00 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on February 11, 2021 when bids will be opened and read aloud in the City Hall Purchasing Conference Room via virtual conference/video calls or through other virtual means. The City of Gallup has transitioned to a new e-Bid/ RFP software system powered by Negometrix. 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 PROPOSALS will now be accepted; system will not accept bids submitted AFTER due date and time. Dated this 27th day of January, 2021 By: /S/ Louie Bonaguidi, Mayor Classified Legal Column: Gallup Sun Publishing Date: Friday, January 29, 2021

Public notice is hereby given that the City of Gallup, New Mexico, will receive sealed bids for the following:

Legal Notice

Fabrication of Self

Invitation To Bid

Friday January 29, 2021 • Gallup Sun

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Public Notice is hereby provided that the GallupMcKinley County Schools is accepting competitive sealed bids for: NAVAJO ELEMENTARY ROOF REPLACEMENT MULTI-STEP BID METHOD – PHASE I ITB-2021-21KC NIGP Commodity Code(s): 90966, 91473 As more particularly set out in the BID documents, copies of which may be obtained by downloading from the GallupMcKinley County Schools Bonfire eBidding website: https://gmcs.bonfirehub.com/ portal/ A MANDATORY Pre-Bid Conference will be held at 10:00am on February 9, 2021. Sealed TECHNICAL OFFERS for such will be received at the Procurement Office until 2:00 PM (LOCAL TIME) on February 16, 2021. FAX and HARDCOPY PROPOSALS will NOT be accepted. Offerors will not be able to upload proposals or documents after the specified CLOSING date and time. Dated the 29th Day of January, 2021 By: /S/Charles Long, President Board of Education Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 BID ISSUE DATE: January 29, 2021 Publish: Gallup Sun January 29, 2021 *** MCKINLEY COUNTY ELECTRIC GENERATING FACILITY ECONOMIC DISTRICT

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 a quorum of the Authority, this meeting will be physically closed to the public but open to the public via technology services. Members of the public may view the live stream feed offered on the approved Facebook account of the McKinley County Office of Emergency Management. Members of the public are welcome to call in with comments about any of the items on the agenda. The comment call in number (505.863.1400) will be monitored beginning at 1:15 pm on the day of the meeting; and it will stop being monitored at 2:00 pm on the day of the meeting. Please give your name, and the Agenda Item Number you desire to comment on, and a return phone number. When, at the appropriate time for making comments on the agenda items, (beginning at approximately 1:03 pm) the Authority Acting Chair will call you on your return number so you can make your comment. The Authority Acting Chair pursuant to state law can limit the time of comments and reduce common or cumulative comments as needed. The members of the Authority at their option can participate by phone or other technological participation methods. A copy of the agenda will be available at the McKinley County Managers office 72 hours prior to the meeting and will be posted for the MCEGFED on the McKinley County Website until an alternate web site is contracted for or established by the Authority.

PUBLIC NOTICE

All interested parties are invited to attend via live stream mentioned herein.

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the McKinley County Electric Generating Facility Economic District Authority (the “Authority”), the governing body of the McKinley County Electric Generating Facility Economic District (MCEGFED), will hold a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, February 2, 2020 at 1:30 p.m.

Done on behalf of the McKinley County Electric Generating Facility Economic District Authority this 27th day of January 2021 Publication by posting date: January 27, 2021 before 3:00 pm. Published in Gallup Sun January 29, 2021.

CLASSIFIEDS

COMMUNITY CALENDAR JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 4, 20211 FRIDAY, January 29

VIRTUAL FUN FRIDAYS

4 PM @galluplibrary. This week we will focus on Harry Potter Divination.

CHILDREN’S LIBRARY EVENT – TOTALLY TRUE, NON-FICTION IN THE NEW YEAR

Visit YouTube @galluplibrary to view episodes of the OFPL “Totally True” series where we’re exploring the OFPL non-fiction collections in books and online. “Gale in Context” is the topic. Videos are posted Wed., Fri a@ 11 am Ben’s Guide to the U. S. Government. SATURDAY, January 30

VIRTUAL ZUMBA FITNESS CLASS

12 pm OFPL’s own Zumba Fitness instructor Joshua Whitman with special guest Zumba Fitness instructors including Alicia Santiago, Becky Paquin and Kelvin Gleason of Gallup. Visit ofpl.online to register to participate virtually from home as we sweat up a New Year’s storm. Registration is limited to 100 participants. Email jwhitman@gallupnm. gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information. MONDAY, February 1

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

1 pm-2 pm @ Student Support Center Board Room (640 Sl Boardman)

SELF-CARE MONDAYS

Busy day working or taking care of the family? Join us on OFPL’s Facebook or YouTube, @galluplibrary to make DIY self-care products. This week we will create a DIY Stress Relief Ball. Ingredient lists for each product are available at ofpl.online. Email jwhitman@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

CREATIVE CORNER

4 pm @ YouTube @gallup library. Create your own art using materials found around your home! Courses are geared towards individuals approximately 15-years of age and older. Supply kits are available at OFPL on a first-come, first-served basis and to request supplies go through the Online

ABORTION BAN REPEAL | FROM PAGE 11 She also cited recent surveys that show that 77 percent CALENDAR

Request Form. This week we will recycle old glass jars to create terrariums in this hands-on workshop. Creative Corner Episodes are available for viewing after the premiere event on YouTube, @galluplibrary. For more information: jwhitman@gallupnm.gov; (505) 863-1291. TUESDAY, February 2

REGULAR COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

9 am-10 am Agenda Item Request Packets are due no later than Jan. 28.

WE READ, WE TALK BOOK CLUB

We are reading Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse for our January session. Discussions Jan. 30 at 3:00 pm. Session will take place via Zoom. For more information childlib@ gallupnm.gov; call (505) 863-1291.

EVERYBODY IS TALKING TUESDAYS!

4 pm YouTube, @galluplibrary. , let’s talk about showing love. Tell us your love stories. Do you love a person, a pet, your community, your library? Tell us about it or anything else you may love by submitting a 3 - 5 minute video and join the creative genius of OFPL. Watch out for talks about books, authors, movies, food, making, and technology from our talented neighbors. Join us on YouTube, @ galluplibrary. Submissions can be sent to libtrain@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 8631291 for more information.

TECH SHORT TUESDAYS

5 pm @galluplibrary. for “How to” tech shorts. This month we are are looking at ways to clean up your act. Discover technology tips, apps, and more as we clean up our devices. For more information: libtrain@ gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291.

DRIVE-UP COVID-19 TESTING

1:30 pm-2:30 pm @ UNM Gallup Lions Hall parking lot (705 Gurley Ave.). Pre-registration is preferred, but not required at cvtestreg. nmhealth.org NM Dept of Health 1919 College Drive WEDNESDAY, February 3

TECH TIME EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

of rural New Mexicans believe that women should be able to make their own decisions about abortion care. Similar surveys show that 89 percent of Indigenous New Mexicans

CALENDAR

TECH TIME ONLINE: COMMUNITY COMPUTER TRAINING CLASSES

4 pm Basic Instagram: Learn about the basics of Instagram. We will cover how to create an account, link to Facebook, and how to post.

CHILDREN’S LIBRARY BRANCH WEEKLY EVENTS TOTALLY TRUE, NON-FICTION IN THE NEW YEAR

Visit YouTube @galluplibrary to view episodes of the OFPL “Totally True” series where we’re exploring the OFPL non-fiction collections in books and online. We Say #neveragain is the topic. Videos are posted Wed., Fri a@ 11 am

OFPL EVERY CHILD READY 2 READ

11 AM Visit You Tube, @ gallup library to view episodes of OFPL’s Every Child Ready to Read where we focus on the five practices of early literacy: talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing. This week we will focus on sequence songs. THURSDAY, February 4

DRIVE-UP COVID-19 TESTING

1:30 pm-2:30 pm @ UNM Gallup Lions Hall parking lot (705 Gurley Ave.). Pre-registration is preferred, but not required at cvtestreg.nmhealth.org NM Dept of Health 1919 College Drive

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 create colored salt jars. ONGOING

OFPL VIRTUAL JURIED ART SHOWCASE

Call to Artists! OFPL is seeking visual art from community artists in the first OFPL Virtual Juried Art Showcase. 2021 Virtual Theme: “Art for ArtSake.”. Submit 1-3 high quality image(s) of 2D or 3D medium visual arts for OFPL’s Virtual Juried Art Showcase. Visual art may include drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, weaving, and more. Juried art showcase

b e l ie v e t h a t I n d i ge n o u s women and families deserve to make their own healthcare decisions without government interference. “The 1969 Abortion Ban

is divided into the following age categories: 0-4, 5-7, 8-12, 13-17, and 18+. Please see showcase requirements below: Submission deadline: Feb. 28 by 11:59 pm. Send all submissions to jwhitman@ gallupnm.gov by deadline. For more information: jwhitman@gallupnm.gov; (505) 863-1291.

WE READ, WE TALK BOOK CLUB

Register at ofpl.online for a copy of The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones now through Feb. 15. The story follows four American Indian men after a disturbing event from their youth puts them in a desperate struggle for their lives. Zoom discussions will be held in March. Email bmartin@ gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

BLIND DATE WITH A BOOK

The Library is celebrating Valentine’s Day by playing matchmaker! You shouldn’t always judge a book by its cover. Put your trust in fate and choose a book without knowing the title. Requests for blind dates can be made using the Supply Request Form at ofpl.online. Maybe you will fall in love! Place a request for a blind date with a book starting Feb. 1 and then rate it by filling out the “Rate the Date” card included with each book. Return the card to the book drop by March 15 and be entered in a drawing to win a prize. Post a picture with your blind date on our Facebook or Instagram pages @ galluplibrary for a second entry into the drawing. Email bmartin@gallupnm. gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

VALENTINE ART SWAP

Show a little love for your neighbors with an art swap. Pick up a 6”x6” canvas board using the library’s Supply Request Form and return with your completed artwork by Feb. 19 at 5 p.m. Pieces will then be redistributed and you will receive an original work from a fellow neighbor. All mediums welcome. Email childlib@gallupnm. gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

is an old, outdated law that is out of step with our values today, a nd it must be repealed,” Barboa said. HB 7 now goes to t he House Judiciary Committee

TOGETHER WE READ

Borrow the featured title ‘Love Lettering” by Kate Clayborn with no waitlists or holds from our digital collection Feb. 10-24 by visiting http://nm.lib.overdrive.com or downloading the Libby app. Enjoy this witty romance about Meg, whose hand-lettering skill has made her famous by designing custom journals for her New York City clientele. She has another skill too: reading signs that other people miss. Readers can then participate in the online discussion. OFPL joins nearly 16,000 public libraries and tens of thousands of readers across the United States in offering the latest Together We Read: US digital book club selection. Email bmartin@ gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

OFPL VIRTUAL JURIED ART SHOWCASE

Call to Artists! During the month of February, OFPL is seeking visual art from community artists in the first OFPL Virtual Juried Art Showcase, 2021 Virtual Theme: Art for ArtSake. Submit 1-3 high quality image(s) of 2D or 3D medium visual arts which may include drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, weaving, and more. Visit ofpl.online to view age categories, requirements, and important dates. Email jwhitman@ gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

VIRTUAL ZUMBA CLASS

Join us on OFPL’s YouTube channel @galluplibrary weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays at 6:00 p.m. for an evening workout with OFPL’s own Zumba Fitness instructor. Bring down your house with salsa flavors, booty shaking, and heart racing songs. Email jwhitman@ gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information. 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.

for consideration. A n identical bill in the Senate, SB 10, passed its first committee earlier this week and will next be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Gallup Sun • Friday January 29, 2021

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