Gallup Sun ● Feb. 9, 2024 by gallupsun

Valetine’s Day Tributes COMMUNITY, B2

Gallup Sun VOL 10 | ISSUE 463

www.gallupsun.com

February 9, 2024

Bills aim to help rural hospitals hang on

Current legislative bills are in the works to help struggling New Mexico hospitals, including the Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital. By Holly J. Wagner Sun Correspondent

t’s not just Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital that’s struggling to stay afloat. Small, rural hospitals across the state and the country are in the same boat, trying to keep up financially with their metro counterparts. To try to fill the gap in New Mexico, legislators have introduced some bills this legislative session that would primarily help the state’s seven smallest hospitals, including RMCH. Some offer short-term relief; at least one could improve the financial footing for small hospitals for the long term. Local officials are holding their collective breath to see which bills will pass. What follows is a roundup of hospital

rescue bills and their status at press time. SENATE BILL 52 - EMERGENCY RURAL & FRONTIER HOSPITAL FUNDS Senate Bill 52, titled Emergency Rural & Frontier Hospital Funds, would set aside $51 million from the general fund to give hospitals with fewer than 35 beds a onetime emergency infusion of $3 million each. The bill was introduced Jan. 17 and sent to the Senate Indian, Rural and Cultural Affairs Committee Jan. 18 and reported with a Do Pass recommendation Jan. 25. Bill sponsors are Sens. Pat Woods (R) and Randall Pettigrew (R). SENATE BILL 161 - ACUTE CARE FACILITIES SUBSIDES Senate Bill 161, titled Acute Care Facilities Subsidies, would create a fund

for state - or county - owned hospitals and independent not-for-profit hospitals with fewer than 30 beds to tap to cover losses incurred from providing emergency medical care; inpatient services related to maternity, child and family health; increased costs of medical malpractice and property insurance premiums; inpatient acute care; and Medicare spending reductions known as sequestration. The fund would get $50 million from the general fund, to be allocated over the next two fiscal years. To access funding of up to $3 million per year, the hospital applicants would have to have debt of more than $1 million – far below what most of the targeted rural hospitals are carrying – and less than 100 days of cash on hand. They would have to provide the Health Care Authority Department with a plan

to have 100 days cash on hand within five years without reducing services; and quarterly progress updates through 2026. The bill was introduced Jan. 22, passed the Senate on a 37-0 vote and sent to the House Health and Human Services committee Feb. 7 before going to the House Appropriations and Finance Committee. Bill sponsors are state Sens. Roberto Gonzales (D) and Siah Correa Hemphill (D); cosponsors are Sens. George Muñoz (D), Woods, and Nancy Rodriguez (D). SENATE BILL 17 - HEALTH CARE DELIVERY & ACCESS ACT Senate Bill 17, dubbed the Health Care Delivery & Access Act, was introduced Feb. 5 and has the backing of the New Mexico Hospital Association. It would

See LEGISLATIVE HELP, Page A4

RMCH gets on the road to break even By Holly J. Wagner Sun Correspondent

This is what the new Regional Senior Center could look like. File Image

City receives funding for regional senior center

he road back to financial and operational health for Rehoboth McKinley Chr istia n Hospital is long and fi led with challenges, but management is taking steps on a path of incremental change that will affect staffi ng, vendor contracts and eventually management. I nt er i m CEO Bi l l Patten is excited about measures the hospital’s board approved in its Jan. 31 meeting. Adding those to his ongoing efforts to reduce supply and service costs – which he has so far done to the tune of $38,000 a month – he hopes to get the hospital operating at break even on a day-today basis by May or June. T he ho s pit a l w i l l begin a search for a Chief Operations Officer, a new position. The sea rch will include internal and ex ter na l ca nd idates. Patten has asked staff to develop the job description, create a compensation package and develop the recruitment process in the hope of having the position fi lled within about six months. The changes patients are most likely to see are merging the MedicalSurgical Unit with the I nten sive Ca re Un it , which allows nurses to serve both patient categories more efficiently, Patten said; as well as some staffing changes t hat shou ld open up

By Molly Ann Howell Managing Editor Urologist Dr. Christopher Hoover mor e a pp oi nt me nt s . That’s good for patients and for the bottom line, as RMCH works to keep patients, and the revenue they generate, local. The board approved cont r a ct s w it h H ig h Deser t Physician Ma nagement for two loc a l prov ider s who already work at the hospital: RMCH’s only pediatrician, Dr. Michelle A. Stam-McLaren, and podiatrist Dr. Matthew Spiva , who also specializes in wound care. Under the new contract a r r a n gement s , mor e appointments shou ld be available with both doctors. “[Dr. Spiva is] very busy. From a production perspective, he is our number two physician,” Patten said. The demand stems from the high number of diabetes patients in the a rea. Because of the associated numbness and neuropathy in lower extremities, diabetes patients may injure themselves without even knowing it. “It makes what would

Podiatrist Dr. Matthew Spiva be simple wounds for you and I into complex wou nd s for d iabet ic patients … that wound t u r n s i nto a n i nju r y that just doesn’t want to heal,” Patten said. The board approved hiring a physician assista nt or nurse practitioner to help urologist Dr. Christopher Hoover, who works half-time and is booked out for four months, Patten sa id. The assistant will help ex pa nd the practice, which w ill a lso sup port surgical referrals. Hoover will move to a five-day-a-week contract to deal with the backlog. J-1 VISAS Another change is a plan to hire two or three physicia ns under the J-1 visa program, which gives doctors who want to emigrate to the U.S. preferential treatment when they commit to work in a rural or underser ved area for three years. The first new hire u nd e r t he e f fo r t i s expected to be addiction medicine and preventative medicine specialist

Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital’s only pediatrician Dr. Michelle A. Stam-McLaren Dr. Sher-Ali Kahn, who’s been in A lbuquerque wh i le h i s r e s idenc y papers are processed. Patten hopes to have him on board within a couple of months. “The addiction medicine will be such an important new element for ou r com mu n it y. We’re rea l ly excited about it,” Patten said. A cardiologist – or two, or three – is also on the RMCH wish list. “It would enhance ability in the emergency department, for hospitalists and surgeons,” Patten said. “They could get a local consult to determine that [patients] are OK for surgery.” Another high priority is a gastroenterologist, Patten said, because cu r rently a ma jor it y of G.I. work has to be transferred out of town. FLEX NURSES A mong t he mea sures is a plan to offer voluntary flex positions for three nurses, who would work in whatever

See RMCH, Page A4

new senior center has been on the Gallup City Council’s priority list for a while now, but things are fi nally moving in the right direction. At the Jan. 16 and 30 city council meetings, the council accepted large amounts of funding from

See SENIOR CENTER , Page A4

Keller Williams Realty NEW LISTING! 1003 Yei Avenue Call Mike (505) 519-6715 309 E. Nizhoni Blvd, Gallup NM 87301 Office (505) 488-2344

A2 Friday, February 9, 2024 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

PUBLIC SAFETY

NEWS

Gallup Sun • Friday, February 9, 2024

PUBLIC SAFETY

Tohatchi man sentenced to federal prison CHARGES INCLUDE REPEATED ASSAULT, HARASSMENT Staff Reports

man from Tohatchi is facing 37 months in prison after he allegedly t r ied to st ra ng le h is girlfriend. According to court record s, on Aug. 13, 2022, Anthony Joe, 38, assaulted the victim as she was trying to leave his residence. Joe, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, punched the woman with a closed fist in the back of her head a nd in her side

while she was holding their child, then kicked her i n t he ba ck a nd pulled her away from the door by her hair. The victim eventually escaped from the residence without her child and ran to a nearby gas station where she called law enforcement. When the victim was later i nter v iewed by the FBI regarding the incident, she reported that Joe used his arm to choke her from behind a s she tr ied to leave their bed room a nd

knocked her to the floor. As she tried to get away, Joe used his hands to choke her twice, causing her to see black and go limp both times. The victim reported needing time after being choked to catch her breath. She received medical treatment for her injuries and was diagnosed with contusion and soft tissue injury for the bruising to her neck, back, and face. Over the next month, Joe harassed the victim, her family, and her co-workers. On Sept. 6,

2022, Joe set fireworks off in front of the victim’s home, then f led f r o m of f ic e r s w h e n they approached him. On Sept. 12, 2022, Joe vandalized the victim’s car and threw rocks at the residence where she was staying with her relative, and through the window of a residence where she prev iously lived. Joe also vandalized the victim’s workplace by spray-painting the victim’s name and “you meth w****” on the building. On Sept.

Weekly DWI Report Staff Reports Featured DWI

Morgan Sterling Jan. 27, 3:19 pm A g g r av at e d DW I (Third) Sta ff at a Thoreau gas station called and repor ted a suspected drunk driver, leading to Thoreau man, Morgan Sterling, 48, being arrested and charged with his third DWI. McK i n le y C o u n t y Sheriff’s Deputy Miguel Bittony was dispatched t o Sh a m rock Ga s i n T horeau a f ter Met ro Dispatch advised of a driver and passenger of a white Ford Expedition appearing intoxicated at the gas pump. Bittony arrived at the scene and found a vehicle matching the caller description about to pull out of the station. Bittony pulled the vehicle over and conducted a traffic stop. He met the driver, Sterling, and asked for his inform a t io n . Howe ve r, Sterling was reportedly uncooperative with his command, repeatedly stating he “pleads the fifth” when asked for his full name. Sterling also showed signs of intoxication including smell of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, and appearing to urinate on himself. Sterling exited the vehicle and reportedly had trouble maintaini n g h i s ba l a nce. He initially agreed to take t he St a nda rd F ield Sobriety Tests but then refused, during which he stated he drank two 12-oz. Hurricanes and a half-pint of Importers Vodka. A search of his person also revealed a pipe with marijuana. A fter being placed under arrest, Sterling refused to give a breath

13, 2022, the FBI found i ncend ia r y dev ices k n ow n a s “ Molo t o v Cocktails” around the t ra i ler of a ma n Joe believed the victim was in a relationship with. A lexa nder M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mex ico, a nd Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Anthony Joe was sentenced to 37 months in prison on Jan. 31. Joe pled guilty to assault of

a spouse, intimate partner, or dating partner by strangling last year on Feb. 22. Up o n h i s r ele a s e from prison, Joe will be subject to three years of supervised release. The Gallup Resident A genc y of t he F BI A lbuquerque F ield Office investigated this ca se w ith a ssista nce from the Navajo Nation Po l i c e D e p a r t m e n t . Assistant United States Attor ney Br itta ny DuChaussee is prosecuting the case.

Zuni man charged with stabbing Staff Reports

s a m ple a nd s a i d t o just take him to ja il. He was transported to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked for aggravated DWI (third), suspended/ revoked license, and no insurance or registration. His pretrial heari ng i s schedu led for March 12.

Name: David Guillermo Age: 47 Arrested: Jan. 23 Charge: DWI Status: Pretrial hearing on Feb. 22

Zuni man has been cha rged w ith a ssau lt a f ter he repor ted ly stabbed a man in the throat. Accord ing to the criminal complaint, on Feb. 4, Joey Luarkie, 23, was at a woman’s home when her boyfriend knocked on the door. The couple went outside and argued for a short time before the man came back inside to get his stuff. Lu a rk ie, a member of the Zuni Pueblo,

Name: Lerando Shorty Age: 31 Arrested: Jan. 25 Charge: Aggravated DWI (Second) Status: Pretrial hearing on Feb. 29

followed the couple into the woman’s bedroom, where a physical altercation allegedly ensued, and the boyfriend was stabbed in the throat. The victim left the house and collapsed in the front yard, where respond i ng of f icer s from the Zuni Police Department found the wom a n p er for m i n g CPR on him. The victim was transported to Zuni Health Center before being life-f lighted to the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque where he underwent two emergency surgeries.

A lexa nder M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced on Feb. 6 that Luarkie appea red in federa l cour t on a criminal compla i nt ch a rg i ng him with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian County. Luarkie rema ined in tempo rar y custody until a

See ZUNI MAN, Page A6

COULD BE YOUR REWARD IF YOUR CALL LEADS TO AN ARREST!

Name: Jeffrey Sakasitz Age: 44 Arrested: Jan. 22 Charge: DWI Status: Pretrial hearing on Feb. 22

WHO:

Unidentified male victim

WHAT:

Died at Gallup Indian Medical Center (PHS Hospital)

WHEN:

Thursday-December 28,2023

WHERE:

Was found in area of Aztec and William Streets, Gallup

Name: Carlton Sandoval Age: 42 Arrested: Jan. 25 Charge: DWI Status: Pretrial hearing on Feb. 27

Medicaid & SNAP Customers Name: Timothy David Yazzie Age: 25 Arrested: Sept. 11 Charge: Aggravated DWI (Second) Status: Sentenced to community service, fines, DWI school, interlock device on Jan. 18

Don’t Let Your Beneﬁts Expire!

Visit yes.state.nm.us to Update Your Contact Information in the Chat

Watch For Your Turquoise Envelope Notifying You That It’s Time to Renew Name: Katarina Rochelle Plummer Age: 29 Arrested: Jan. 25 Charge: Aggravated DWI Status: Pretrial hearing on Feb. 13

When Notiﬁed, Renew Online at yes.state.nm.us Learn more at renew.hsd.nm.gov

Questions? Call 1-800-283-4465

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Mostly Cloudy Winds SW 5-10

Snow Winds W 5-10

AM Clouds PM Sun Winds NNW 5-10

Mostly Sunny Light Winds

Sunny Winds SW 5-10

AM Clouds PM Sun Winds WSW 5-10

Sunny Winds N 5-10

High 36o Low 21o

High 35o Low 10o

High 36o Low 4o

High 42o Low 11o

High 48o Low 14o

High 49o Low 15o

High 51o Low 16o

A4 Friday, February 9, 2024 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

Gallup Sun Publishing, LLC Publisher Babette Herrmann Managing Editor Molly Ann Howell Executive Director Mandy Marks Design Volodymyr Lotysh Contributing Editor Cody Begaye Correspondents Dee Velasco Holly J. Wagner Photography Kimberley Helfenbein Merrisha Livingston Jenny Pond The Gallup Sun, published Fridays, is not responsible or liable for any claims or offerings, nor responsible for availability of products advertised. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Gallup Sun distributes newspapers in McKinley, Cibola and Apache counties. 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.

THANK YOU ADVERTISERS Amazing Grace Insurance - B3 Amigo Automotive Group - A1 505 Burgers and Wings - B2 Bubany Insurance Agency - A7 Butler’s Office City - B1 Community Outreach & Patient Empowerment B8 Crime Stoppers - A3 Gallup Housing Authority - B3 Gallup McKinley County Schools - A2 Genaro’s Cafe - B2 Human Services Department - A3 Keller Williams Realty - A1 McKinley County Clerks - A5 New Mexico Environment Department - B4 Pinnacle Bank - B6 Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services - B6 Rollie Mortuary - B4 Route 66 Diner - B2 Westend Donut & Deli - A4 , B1 Western New Mexico University - A6

STATE & REGION

Chippewa woman named Secretary of Indian Affairs Staff Reports

ANTA FE — The New Mexico Senate unanimously confirmed Josett Monette as the Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department on Feb. 5. “Secretary Monette’s extensive background in serving Indigenous people uniquely positions her to address the challenges facing our tribal communities and realize the opportunities,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “I thank the New Mexico Senate for their unanimous support in confirming Secretar y Monette, reflecting the widespread recognition of her qualifications and leadership.” Monette is a member of the Turtle Mountain

Ba nd of Ch ippewa Indians. Prior to joining the state, Monette was the New Mexico Legal A id Native A mer ica n Program Director. She is an Adjunct Professor for the Universit y of New Mexico School of L aw Nat iona l Nat ive American Law Student Association Moot Court Team. She recently served as a Commissioner for the Pueblo of Tesuque Ga ming Commission. Previously, she worked as a Staff Attorney at NMLA Native American Program, an Associate General Counsel for the Pueblo of Isleta, and as an Associate Attorney with Barnhouse, Ke eg a n , S ol i mon , & West, LLP, a n India n law firm in Albuquerque which provides

Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department Josett Monette representation to tribes and tribal businesses throughout the country. Monette served on the Board of Directors for the New Mexico State Bar Indian Law Section for seven yea r s a nd sits as an Attorney Bar Exam Coach. She holds a JD with a certificate in Indian Law from the UNM School of Law, as well as a master’s in educational leadership,

bachelor of science in seconda r y educat ion and bachelor of arts in American Indian Studies from the University of North Dakota. P r ior to her lega l c a r e e r, S e c r e t a r y Monette wa s a n educator a nd worked i n educat ion most ly on her home reser vation in the Turtle Mountain Community. She raised three children as a single mother. “I am beyond humbled, honored and appreciative of the governor and the Legislature placing their trust in me,” Monette said. “I am committed to advancing the priorities of this administration in support of the 23 Nations, Tribes and Pueblos, and all of New Mex ico’s nat ive people and fostering a

respectful and productive dialogue between the state and sovereign nations.” Sen. Benny Shendo Jr. sponsored Monette for the secretary role. “It was an honor to bring the confirmation of Secretar y Monette before my Senate colleagues. …,” he sa id. “It’s important that we entrust this role with someone who k nows and advocates for all the needs of our tribal nations, tribal communities and Indigenous people throughout the state. Secretary Monette has proven over the last 11 months that she has the talent, commitment a nd compa ssion to lead the Indian Affairs Department and I look forward to supporting her continued success.”

Lujan Grisham appoints new Secretary for the Dept. of Veterans’ Services Staff Reports

ANTA FE — Gov. M ichelle Lu ja n Grisham appointed B r i g . G e n . Ja m i s o n He r r e r a a s C a bi ne t Secretary of the New Me x ic o D e p a r t me nt of Veterans’ Ser vices on Feb. 6. Herrera has ser ved as the Acting Secretary of the department since September, while concurrently holding the position of Deputy Adjutant General for the New Mexico National Guard. “Secretary-designate Her rera ha s a l rea dy

LEGISLATIVE HELP | FROM COVER create a Medicaid-Directed Payment Program – an assessment on hospitals, based on inpatient days and outpatient billing. Whatever the assessment rates are determined to be each year, larger hospitals would pay 100%, rural and “special” hospitals would pay 50% and small urban hospitals would pay 10% of the full assessment. A Medicaid-Directed

RMCH | FROM COVER department has the most need instead of the same department every shift. They would be guaranteed pay for 36 hours – three shifts – per week, whether they work them or not . Ex t r a sh i f t s would carry overtime wages after 40 hours. For each pay period, two of the nurses would

SENIOR CENTER | FROM COVER the State of New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department. Both amounts came from a Capital Appropriation Project Grant, with the first amount coming out to just over $4.5 million. The council approved that on Jan. 16, and another grant that

proven his dedication t o m i l i t a r y s e r v ic e throughout his more than 34 years in the New Mexico National Guard,” Lu ja n Gr isha m sa id. “With his extensive military experience, he is well-positioned to advocate for and address the challenges faced by veterans and their families and make sure they receive the services they deserve.” Her rera ha s completed 34.5 years of service to New Mexico and the U.S. He enlisted as a Private First Class in 1989 as a member of

the 515th Maintenance Battalion in Santa Fe and went on to receive his commission through the Officer Candidate School class 33-91. He is

currently assigned as the Deputy Adjutant General and the Land Component Commander of the New Mexico National Guard. He is a native of New Mexico whose parents both served in the U.S. Navy. His father was a Vietnam veteran. Her rera holds a Bachelor’s of University Studies w ith emphasis in Education from the University of New Mexico and a Master’s in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. He was awarded an Executive Certificate for completing

the General and Flag Officer Homela nd Secu r it y Execut ive Seminar in May 2023 at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. “I am grateful to the governor for the opport u n it y to ser ve New Mexico’s veterans, and I’m committed to maintaining the same dedication I’ve had working with ser v icemen and women,” Herrera said. “I eagerly a nticipate building relationships to expand and synchronize veterans’ services across the state.”

Payment Program creates a match that opens the door to more federal funding. Forty other states have approved similar programs. The bill requires that 90% of the fund go to hospitals, setting aside 10% for the state to administer the fund. Hospitals would be required to spend 75% of money they receive from the fund on delivering health care, including hospital operational costs, workforce recruitment and retention, staff and provider compensation

increases, on-call physician coverage, ongoing training incentives, creation or expansion of services, community benefit activities or capital investments. Once the bill wins approval in the state Legislature, it will have to pass muster with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which sets payment rates and access rules for those two programs. It was introduced Jan. 26 and won Do Pass recommendations from the

Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee Feb. 5 and the Senate Finance Committee Feb. 7. Bill sponsors are state Reps. Doreen Gallegos (D) and Jason Harper (D); joint sponsor Rep. Cristina Parajon (D); co-sponsors are Sens. Michael Padilla (D) and Elizabeth Stefanics (D). RMCH Interim CEO Bill Patten, who testified Jan. 29 in favor of SB 161, urged legislators not to see the bills as either/or but a continuum, as if the financially

strapped hospitals were patients. “We have emergency, then we would have intermediate, then long-term [care],” he said. “This would be like someone is having a heart attack. We need to deal with the heart attack [SB 52]. Intermediate is, after they’ve survived the heart attack they need open heart surgery [SB 161]. Once they survive that, we need to get them in cardiac rehabilitation and diet and weight loss programs. That’s what SB 17 is.”

work day shifts and the third would commit to working night shifts, so nobody would be stuck working back-to-back shifts or switching shifts during a pay period. Nurses who are qualified to float among medical surgery, the ICU and emergency departments will be eligible for an extra $7.50 per hour; for adding a fourth department, that could go up

to an extra $10 per hour. “What we are hoping is that some of our current nurses want these positions and then we can recruit for regular schedule nurses. We are very competitive on our salary and benefit structure,” Patten said. “It’s another way to reduce ou r dependence on travelers.” Traveling nurses are more expensive tha n

permanent staff. During the pandemic RMCH had as many as 47 traveling nurses, which added up to $1 million a month. “When you have 47 traveling nurses and it’s costing you a quarter of a million a week, that adds up pretty quick,” Patten said. Now that number is down to eight: Five in the emergency department, one in the operating

room and one or two in ICU. LOOKING AHEAD In the months ahead, Patten wants to do a staff needs assessment, and develop a recruitment strategy for all levels of employees. “Across the country, 9% to 15% of the population wants to live in rural America,” he said. “We need to make ourselves attractive to them.”

totaled almost $7.5 million on Jan. 30. During the meetings the city’s Planning and Development Manager C.B. Strain said that the money is meant to help plan, design, construct, equip, and furnish the senior center. Per the agreement, the city has to use the $4.5 million by June 30, 2026. The $7.5 million has to be spent

by June 30, 2027. In total, Strain estimated that the senior center would end up with a price tag of $20 million when the project is completely finished. He said that once Phase 1, which is just the design phase of the project, is done, the city will go to the state legislation and ask for more money. “Our seniors desperately need and deserve a

new senior center, and we owe it to them to do the best we can to make sure that happens,” Strain said. “With this [funding] we’ll be well on our way to getting that accomplished.” Now that the council approved the funding, a bid for the design can go out. Once an interested designer makes a bid, Strain will come back

to the council so they can approve the designer’s contract.

Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ ServicesBrig. Gen. Jamison Herrera

NEWS

Gallup Sun • Friday, February 9, 2024

Valentine's Day Wedding February 14, 2024 at McKinley County courthouse.

Call 505-863-6866 207 West Hill Avenue, Gallup NM 87301

A6 Friday, February 9, 2024 • Gallup Sun

OPINIONS

Five steps to get more humanitarian aid into Gaza SEN. HEINRICH URGES BIDEN ADMINISTRATION TO WORK WITH ISRAEL By Sen. Martin Heinrich

A SH I NGT ON D.C . — U. S . Senator Martin Hei n r ich, D -N.M., joi ned U.S. Senator s Chris Murphy, D-Conn., Chairman of the U.S. S en a t e Foreig n Relations Subcommittee on Nea r Ea st, South A sia , Centra l A sia , and Counterterrorism, Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Chris Coons, D-Del., Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and 20 colleagues in a letter to President Joe Biden urging the administration to encourage Israeli officials to take five specific steps to significantly increase urgently needed huma nitar ia n a id for civilians in Gaza.

“The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is dire and the civilian suffering is at an unacceptable a nd stagger ing level. Ninety-three percent of Palestinians in Gaza are facing crisis levels of hunger. Eighty-five percent of the population is displaced. Seventy percent of those killed a re women a nd child r e n ,” t he s e n a t or s wrote. “While the scale of the crisis is massive, the humanitarian assistance that is entering Gaza is just a fraction of what is needed to save lives. Since aid operations resumed on Oct. 21, delivery of lifesaving assistance to Gaza continues to be hampered, despite no evidence of Hamas theft or diversion

Sen. Martin Heinrich of humanitarian assistance provided via the United Nations or international non-governmental organizations.” In order to signific a nt ly i nc r e a s e t he amount of humanitarian aid entering Gaza, the senators recommended the administration work with Israeli officials to take five specific steps:

1. Repair and open a third border crossing at Erez to provide additional aid to north Gaza. Planned missions by humanitarian actors to reach north Gaza from the south have repeatedly not been allowed to proceed by the Israeli Defense Forces due to cited security concerns, leav i ng hu nd red s of thousands living there stranded without enough food, water, and medical supplies and equipment. 2. Streamline the convoluted inspections process for aid entering via the Rafah and Kerem Shalom border crossings, and issue a pre-approved list of items for entry. 3. E s t a b l i s h a c le a r, e n fo r c e a b le

deconfl iction process inside Gaza to ensure humanitarian organizations can operate s a fely. Hu nd red s of health and humanitarian workers have died in Gaza, including humanitarian aid workers who have been killed in areas deemed “safe zones” by the IDF. Israeli authorities should establish a direct line of contact for the humanitarian community to the IDF, as well as hold regular meetings to review incidents and make improvements. 4. Increase capacity for processing humanitarian aid and restart the import of commercial goods via the border crossing at Kerem Shalom. Before Oct. 7, hundreds of trucks fi lled

with commercial goods crossed through Kerem Shalom into Gaza every day. The current humanitarian trucking operation can help reduce the suffering, but it cannot substitute for a functioning commercial sector. 5. O p e n additional supply routes for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. Every option must be explored to increase the amount of huma nita r ia n a nd commercial goods going in, including via Jordan, the West Bank, Ashdod, and maritime routes. To the extent feasible, we also encourage you to explore whether U.S. military assets could help support humanitarian deliveries, via maritime or air routes.

Letter to the Editor HB 41 WOULD IMPROVE AIR QUALITY Dear Editor, Since progress on the federal level has been lagging, it has led more states to try and do their part to reduce both air pollution and cut carbon emissions. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has made improving New Mexico’s air quality an increasingly high priority and is positioning New Mexico to become a leader in clean

energy. This year, the governor might have the chance to sign a bill into a law which will both improve New Mexico’s air quality and reduce the effects of climate change. This Clean Transportation Fuels Standard (HB 41) incentivizes companies to produce cleaner transportation fuels, which will reduce greenhouse gas

emissions and improve New Mexico’s air quality. Production of cleaner fuels means less air pollution, and less air pollution means better chronic respiratory health for the citizens of New Mexico. Accord i n g t o t he U. S. Depa r t ment of T r a n s p or t a t ion , t he transportation sector is the largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions

in the country. These emissions directly worsen our air quality. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that carbon dioxide makes up almost 80% of all greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, the transportation sector, encompassing cars, buses, fleets of trucks, and planes, is an enormous producer of carbon dioxide.

This is why I support the Clean Transportation Fuels Standard. It will reduce the carbon emissions of the largest carbon-emitting sector in the U.S., and the cost savings and positive results for public health will be felt by all. Sincerely, Shelley Mann-lev Executive Director, Ne w Me x i c o He a lt h

New Mexico Health Professionals for Climate Action Executive Director Shelley Mann-lev Professionals for Climate Action

New Mexico needs a strong match fund to unlock rural opportunities By Mayor Louis Bonaguidi

ou ld n’t it be wonderful if we cou ld u n lock new job opportunities, investments in wind and solar energy projects, improving internet connectivity, better roads

and bridges, and access to clean water in rural homes, communities, and businesses across New Mexico? As the Mayor of Gallup, this vision is a long time in the making. A nd now, the New Mexico Match Fund or House Bill 177, backed by Governor Michelle

Lu jan Grisham, State Representative Meredith Dixon, and many others, could bring this vision to fruition and help us access ma jor federal investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inf lation Reduction Act. This will help my community, as

well as every corner of our state. Smaller municipalities, counties, and tribal Governments stand to benefit the most from a strong New Mexico Match Fund. A nd we’re well on our way to making this a reality. On Feb. 5, the

Fund passed the state House unanimously. In order to get the most bang for the buck, the state Senate should do what they can to increase the Match Fund to the $100 million level originally proposed and get this once-in-a lifetime opportunity on the governor’s desk, soon. In doing so, we can help leverage federal investments to create good-paying jobs and help t he st at e d r aw federal investments in energy, infrastructure, transportation, water in fra str uctu re, a nd access to broadba nd internet. T y pic a l ly, feder a l funds and programs, like those in the IRA and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, require a non federal match for a project to get off the ground, anywhere from 10 - 50%. The bill will also allow using 5% of awa rded funds to help hire grant writers, project managers, and other specialists. These experts will support rural communities, tribes, local governments, wastewater officials, and community organizations as they seek to qualify for federal grants, working hand in glove with them through project development and construction.

ZUNI MAN | FROM A3 detention hearing which was scheduled for Feb. 8. A criminal complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed i n nocent u n les s a nd until proven guilty. If convicted of the current charge, Luarkie faces up

Studies show that often one of the biggest barriers in securing federal funding is matching fund requirements. These requirements are a special challenge for rural communities, disadvantaged communities, communities with predominantly low to moderate income earners, and communities in states with limited philanthropic investment. Let’s unlock opportunities for ever yone. A state matching fund means small and rural communities can also thrive, breaking down financial hurdles and fo s t e r i n g e q u i t y i n growth. I hope other Mayors, City Administrators, and my fellow New Mexicans will join me in supporting the Match Fund as it now hits a cr itica l juncture - where more funding can be infused by our esteemed State Senators.

to 10 years in prison per count. The Gallup Resident A gency of t he F BI A lbuquerque F ield Office investigated this ca se w ith a ssista nce from the Zu ni Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Marshall is prosecuting the case.

Gallup Sun • Friday, February 9, 2024

OPINIONS

Pet of the Week

Cat’s scratching may be allergies, or something more By Sam Mazzota King Syndicate

E A R PAW ’ S C OR N E R : M y cat, Buster, has been scratching under his chin for days, and the skin underneath the fur there is getting raw. What is causing this, and how do I stop the scratching and treat the injured skin? — David G., Buffalo, New York DEAR DAVID: It’s clear that something is aggravating your cat and causing him to scratch in just one spot. The problem could be dry skin — not unusual for pets or humans in the middle of winter — or allergies. It may also be an infection, a parasite (mites or ringworm) or an allergic reaction to fleas. I f t he a r e a t h a t

Buster is scratching is not infected, you can try a few home remedies to try to relieve the itching. Oatmeal, cooked and then cooled, is one option. Plain yogurt is another. And coconut oil may help moisturize and protect the skin. Dab one of these gently onto the itchy area. (Just a very thin coat; don’t pile it on.) Repeat as needed. If fleas are an issue, treat both your cat and your home to reduce and eliminate these little pests. Vacuum carpets thoroughly. Sweep a ll the cor ner s a nd

underneath furniture to remove dust bunnies, where fleas and their eggs can hide. If these remedies don’t work within a couple of days, or if your cat exhibits signs of infection or illness, contact the veterinarian. They need to take a look and see what exactly is causing the itching. They’ll also have medication on hand to combat the itch (hydrocor tisone, for one) and treat infection. If Buster is scratching compulsively, they may put him into an E-collar (aka the “Cone of Shame”) for a few days to let the spot heal fully. Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com. © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

Conservative investors’ approach to retirement planning By Al Martinez Guest Columnist

o n ge v i t y r i s k , the possibility of out l iv i ng one’s fi nancial resources, is a significant concern for conservative investors, particularly those nearing or at retirement age. As a retirement planner, addressing this risk is vital to ensuring my clients a secure and comfortable retirement. The concept of longevity risk is rooted in the unpredictability of life expectancy. With advancements in healthcare and living standards, people live longer than ever. While this is a positive development, it poses a financial challenge: sustaining income over a potentially longer-tha n- ex pected retirement period. This is where annuities come into play, serving as a tool to mitigate the longevity risk. Annuities are fi nancial instruments that offer a steady flow of income for a set duration or throughout the annuitant’s life. Certain annuities can benefit conservative investors, especially those already in retirement or close to it. •Im med iate Annuities: Upon retirement, one can invest a lump sum into an immediate annuity to start receiving regular payments almost immediately. This is ideal for retirees who need a steady income source right away. •D e f e r r e d Annuities: For those still a few years away from retirement, deferred annuities allow the investment to grow tax-deferred before the income phase begins. It’s a way to ensure that a part of the retirement portfolio is dedicated to providing a stable income later. • Fixed Annuities: These annuities offer a g u a r a nt eed f i xed income, shielding retirees from market volatility. This is particularly appealing to conservative investors who prioritize stability over high returns. •I n f l at ion -

Adjusted Annuities: Since retirement can last several decades, inflation can significantly erode purchasing power. Inflation-adjusted annuities increase payments over time, helping maintain the income’s actual value. •L o n g e v i t y Annuities: These are deferred annuities that start paying out at a later stage, for example, at age 80 or 85. They serve as a hedge against outliving other retirement savings. Each of these annuity types has its advantages a nd con siderat ion s. Immediate and fixed annuities provide security and simplicity but may offer lower returns than more aggressive investment strategies. Deferred and longevity annuities provide higher potential income but require one to be comfortable with the lack of liquidity for a part of their portfolio. Inflationadjusted annuities protect against the cost of living increases but start with lower initial payments. In choosing the right a n nu it y, it’s cr ucia l to consider the investor’s overall financial situation, health status, risk tolerance, and retirement goals. For instance, someone with a family history of longevity might prioritize a longevity annuity, while another with immediate income needs might opt for an immediate fi xed annuity. A s a reti rement planner, I help clients navigate these options, balancing the need for immediate income, the desire for investment growth, and the necessity of managing longevity risk. By integrating annuities into a comprehensive retirement plan, we can offer peace of mind to conservative investors, ensuring that their retirement income sustains them throughout their golden years. A l Ma r t i nez i s a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management. S y n d i c a t e d Columnists is the sole

Al Martinez provider of this material, both written and conceptual, for this colu mn. A ll rights reserved.

Meet Nugget! She is a 1.5-year-old spayed Retriever mix. This baby is pretty shy at fi rst but is a sweetheart once she can trust people. She is pretty scared being in the shelter but she gets along with other dogs. Anyone interested in Nugget can visit her at rants Animal Care the Grants Center er at 722 Red Redondo Rd. in Grants, New Mexi Mexico. They hey are open MondayFriday from 8 am to 4 pm.

Nugget is currently under the care of the Grants Animal Care Center.

A guide to patriarchal preﬁ xes By Curtis Honeycutt Guest Columnist

r. Bean. Mr. T. Mr. Pibb. Mr. Mister. These four “misters” didn’t keep the produce section at the grocery store moist — they were indicative of men. That’s right — men. A sister is not a mister and a brother is unlike any other. A female is referred to as a Ms., Miss or Mrs. That sounds needlessly confusing, doesn’t it? Today, we’ll stick to the much easier-to-understand “Mr.” We get the manly prefix “Mr.” from the old term “Master.” In the Middle Ages, “Master” was a term of respect used for men with authority or expertise, like knights, craftsmen or guild leaders. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the first written example of “mister” came in 1642 to distinguish men of expertise from generic respectable men. The reason for this split of master and mister comes from saying

“master” quickly or carelessly. Gradually, “master” became “mister,” and the “master” term was reserved for more specific meanings, like teacher or owner. Most mussed the term because they couldn’t muster the effort to murmur “master.” The origin of master comes from the Latin word “magister,” meaning teacher or master. This term was adopted directly into Old English as “magister,” while in Anglo-Norman, it became “maistre” and “mastre.” From “magister,” we get the words magistrate and maestro, among others. Today in the UK, a boy is referred to as “master” (often “young master”) until around age twelve, at which point he can be considered “mister.” Interestingly, in the U.S., we add a period after the abbreviated “Mr.” while in the UK, they prefer the dotless “Mr” title. T he a bbr ev i a t ion “Messrs.” comes from the plural form of the French “Monsieur.” This term refers to multiple men, especially

in business contexts. Modern applications of the term master can still be found. My son has a green belt from Master Yoo’s World-Class Taekwondo. An artist can produce a masterpiece. A person can serve as a headmaster, a postmaster or a taskmaster. A ringmaster, the person who introduced a performer into the circus ring, was referred to as the “master of ceremonies.” This was shortened to “MC” or “emcee.” Be careful not to see “Mr.” and say (aloud or in your head) “myrrh.” To this day, most people do not know what myrrh is, nor do I care for its disturbing, vowelless spelling. Next time, I’ll tread into the murky mess of “Miss,” “Mrs.” and “Ms.,” but until then, may you masterfully use the term “mister.” —Curtis Honeycutt is an award-winning syndicated humor columnist. Connect with him on Twitter (@curtishoneycutt) or at curtishoneycutt.com.

WE HAVE OVER

200 YEARS OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE!

AUTO • HOME COMMERCIAL MOBILE HOME • MOTORCYCLE BOAT • RV • BONDS Make your payment and get service at one great location!

CALL (505) 863-3836 311 South 3rd Street, Gallup, NM / Fax: (505) 863-6310

OLIVE

GALLUP FUN!

1. MOVIES: Which movie has the tagline, "May the odds be ever in your favor"? 2. GEOGRAPHY: Which country possesses Baffin Island? 3. AD SLOGANS: Which company's slogan is, "You're in good hands"? 4. LANGUAGE: What is a common saying for the Latin phrase "lapsus linguae"? 5. MUSIC: What country was home to reggae singer Bob Marley? 6. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is an example of a macropod? 7. TELEVISION: Gordon, Percy, James, Toby and Emily are characters on which children's show? 8. MATH: What is 1/60 of a degree? 9. LITERATURE: Who wrote the book series "The Chronicles of Narnia"? 10. ACRONYMS: What does the acronym SPF stand for? © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

Answers 1. “The Hunger Games.” 2. Canada. 3. Allstate. 4. A slip of the tongue. 5. Jamaica. 6. Kangaroo. 7. “Thomas the Tank Engine.” 8. A minute. 9. C.S. Lewis. 10. Sun Protection Factor.

A8 Friday, February 9, 2024 • Gallup Sun

Gallup Sun • Friday, February 9, 2024 B1

COMMUNITY

The history behind Valentine’s Day Staff Reports

o w a d a y s , Valentine’s Day is full of flowers, cards, and heart-shaped candies. But before all of that, it may have been a Paga n holiday that was then “stolen” by the Christians. A PAGAN HOLIDAY Some histor ia ns believe that Valentine’s Day was placed in the middle of February in an effort to “Christianize” the Pagan celebration of Lupercalia. Celebrated at the Ides of February, or Feb. 15, Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus. To begin the festival, members of the Luperci, a n or der of R om a n priests, would gather at a sacred cave where the infants Romulus and Remus were believed to have been cared for by a she-wolf or lupa. The pr iests would sa cr i f ice a goat , for

fertility, and a dog, for purification. They would then divide the goat’s hide into strips, dip them into the sacrificial blood and take to the streets, gently slappi ng bot h women and crop fields with the goat hide. Far from being fearful, Roman women welcomed the touch of the hides because it was believed to make them more fertile in the coming year. L a t er i n t he d ay, according to legend, all the young women in the city would place their names in a big urn. The city’s bachelors would each choose a name and become paired for the year with his chosen woman. These matches often ended in marriage. Lupercalia survived the initial rise of Ch r istia nit y but wa s out lawed — a s it wa s deemed “un-Christian”—at the end of the fi fth century, when Pope Gelasius declared Feb. 14 St. Valentine’s Day. It was not until much later, however, that the

day became defi nitively associated with love. During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that Feb. 14 was the beginning of birds’ mating season, which added to the idea that Valentine’s Day should be a day for romance. T he E n g l i sh poet Geoffery Chaucer was the first to record St. Valentine’s Day as a day of roma ntic celebra tion in his 1375 poem Parliament of Foules, writing, “For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne’s day / Whan every foul cometh ther to choose his mate.” Va l e n t i n e g r e e t ings were popular as far back as the Middle A ges, t houg h w r itten Valentine’s didn’t begin to appear until a f t er 140 0. T he oldest k now n va lent i ne still in existence today was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his

capture at the Battle of Agnicourt. (The greeting is now part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London. Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois. W H O WA S S T. VALENTINE? The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, a l l of whom were martyred. One legend contend s t hat Va lent i ne was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. W he n Va le nt i ne’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Still others insist that it was Saint Valentine of Terni, a bishop, who was the true namesake of the holiday. He, too, was beheaded by Claudius II

A painting of Saint Valentine baptizing people. Image Credit: Courtesy of Wikicommons outside Rome. Before his death, it Other stories suggest is alleged that he wrote that Valentine may have her a letter signed “From been killed for attempt- you r Va le nt i ne ,” a n ing to help Christians expression that is still escape ha rsh Roma n in use today. pr i son s, where t hey Although the truth were often beaten and behind the Va lentine tortured. legends is murky, the Accord i ng t o one stories all emphasize legend, an imprisoned his appeal as a sympaValentine actually sent thetic, heroic and—most t he f i r st “ va lent i ne” importantly—romantic greeting himself after figure. By the Middle he fell in love with a Ages, perhaps thanks to young girl—possibly his this reputation, Valentine jailor’s daughter—who would become one of the visited him during his most popular saints in confi nement. England and France.

36 questions designed to help you fall in love Staff Reports

ost people may think falling in love is a complicated, and time-consuming thing to do. You have to go on at least a couple dates before you know if you’re falling in love, right? Well, in 1997 a psycholog i st na med Dr. Arthur Aron at Stony Brook University in New York tried to debunk that thought. He aimed to show that two people could develop intimacy at a much faster rate. A ron conducted a s t udy t it le d T h e r E x p e r i m e n t a l Generation of Int e r pe r so n a l Closeness: A Procedure and Some Preliminary Findings in which he took one heterosexual ma n a nd one heterosexual woman and gave them a list of 36 increasingly personal questions to ask each other, all finished off with four minutes of sustained eye contact. T h e c o u ple f r o m Aron’s experiment married each other, and in 2015 a writer from the New York Times did the experiment and also got married the man she did it with. The idea is that mut u a l v u l ner a bi l it y t h r o u g h s e l f- d i s c lo sure fosters closeness a nd ha s a n impact on t he proce s s of bu i ldi ng a relat ion sh ip. T he 36 quest ion s a re broken up i nt o t h ree s e t s , w it h a g r a du a l increa se in the intensity of self-disclosure. The couple takes turns asking questions over a period of 90 minutes. So, without further ado, here a re the 36 questions to help you fall in love with anyone. Try them out on your partner! Set 1 1. Given the choice of anyone in the world, dead or a live, whom would you want as a dinner guest?

2. Would you like to be famous? In what way? 3. Before making a telephone call, do you ever rehearse what you are going to say? Why? 4. What would constitute a “perfect” day for you? 5. When did you last si ng to you r sel f ? To someone else? 6. If you were able to live to the age of 90 and retain either the mind or body of a 30-year-old for the last 60 years of your life, which would you want? 7. Do you h ave a secret hunch about how you will die? 8. Name three things you and your partner (the person you are dating) appear to have in common? 9. For what in your life do you feel most

grateful? 10. I f y o u c o u l d change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be? 11. Take four minutes and tell your par tner your life story in as much detail as possible. 12. I f y o u c o u l d wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be? Set 2 1. If a cr ystal ball

I Do

Bryson Bobelu married Michela Gwyn Bowekaty on Jan. 26

could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future, or anything else what would you want to know? 2. Is there something that you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven’t you done it? 3. What is the greatest accomplishment of your life? 4. What do you value most in a friendship? 5. What is your most treasured memory? 6. What is your most terrible memory? 7. If you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living? Why? 8. What does friendship mean to you? 9. What roles do love

and affection play in your life? 10. Alternate sharing something you consider a positive characteristic of your partner (the person you are dating). Sha re a tota l of f ive items. 11. How clo s e a nd warm is your family? Do you feel your childhood was happier than most other people’s? 12. How do you feel about your relationship with your mother? Set 3 1. Make three true ‘we’ statements each. For instance, “We are both in this room feeling…” 2. C o m p l e t e t h i s sentence: “I wish I had someone with whom I could share...” 3. If you were going to become a close friend with your partner, please share what would be important for him or her to know. 4. Tel l you r pa r t ner what you like about them; be ver y honest this time saying things that you might not say to someone you’ve just met. 5. Share with your partner an embarrassing

Herman Lee Sangster Jr. married Janevie Lee on Jan. 31

Send wedding announcements and birth and death notices to gallupsuncirculation@gmail.com

moment in your life. 6. When did you last cry in front of another person? By yourself? 7. Tell your partner something that you love about them already? 8. What if anything, is too serious to be joked about? 9. If you were to die this evening with no opportunity to communicate with anyone, what would you most regret not having told someone? What haven’t you told them yet? 10. Yo u r h o u s e , containing everything you own, catches fire. After saving your loved ones and pets, you have time to safely make a final dash to save any one item. What would it be? Why? 11. Of all the people in your family, whose death would you fi nd most disturbing? Why? 12. Share a personal problem and ask your partner’s advice on how he or she might handle it. Also, ask your partner to reflect back to you how you seem to be feeling about the problem you have chosen.

We would like to thank all our customers for their patronage for the past 43 years. Without you, Westend Donut & Deli would not have been successful. We will be expanding our business and as well as our hours to a Pizzeria to add to the deli. Once we get the equipment that we need, we will be closing periodically. We will keep you informed of the hours that we will be closed until the renovation is complete. We thank you once again for your patience and we look forward to continue serving you.

Westend Deli 3030 West Hwy. 66 Gallup NM, 87301

(505) 722-3233

B2 Friday, February 9, 2024 • Gallup Sun

COMMUNITY

Readers Share Messages of Love Happy St. Valentine’s Day 2024!

Wishing my husband, my kids & my momma a Happy Valentine’s Day I love you, Mom aka Brendee Kindly, Brendee Kee

I love yyou Lional!!

“Is there a Chance you wanna be my Valentine?” Patricia happy Valentine’s Day I love you …

I first asked Lia out on Valentine’s Day 2010 and we’ve been together ever since! Every year on our anniversary we like to travel and spend our time together. Thanks for being my Valentine!

Dine Local Restaurant Guide Please Support Local Businesses We have the best Burgers & Wings in Gallup!

Offering DINE-IN & TAKE-OUT! Give Us A Call!

(505) 722-9311

1981 NM-602, Gallup, NM 87301

Hours:

Tuesday- Friday 11 am to 7 pm Saturday 11 am to 5 pm

Always in my heart, forever in my thoughts! Love you both my babygirls, my Marines, my Heros! Happy Valentine’s Day! -love Mom & Dad.

Happy Valentine’s day my loves Itchy, Redd and T. I love you three so much. Thank you for making me proud. Love mom

5RXWĠ 'LQHU %JOF *O BOE 1BUJP 4JUUJOH JT OPX PQFO 0S $BMM GPS 1JDL VQ PS %FMJWFSZ .PO 4BU BN QN & )JTU )XZ (BMMVQ /. 4VOEBZ $MPTFE ȩ ȩyȩ ȩ

Moogie man you’re my precious boy! Happy VD baby

Happy Valentine’s Day Nala girl!

SPORTS

Gallup Sun • Friday, February 9, 2024 B3

SPORTS

Lady Bengals overpower Lady Patriots

court ) maneuvers the ball down the Lady Bengal Mykeia Vicenti (10 Feb. 6 the ing dur te (30) tries to keep up while Lady Patriot Mia Cooeya Patriots y Lad the t ins their home game aga game. The Lady Bengals won n bei Credit: Kim Helfen with a score of 67 to 17. Photo

during n (12) races down the court Lady Bengal Payton Johnso : Kim dit Cre Lady Patriots. Photo the Feb. 6 game against the Helfenbein

Sports scores for Jan. 25 - Feb. 7 Boys Basketball 1/25 46-37 (L) Crownpoint v. Zuni 1/25 67-59 (W) Gallup v. Bloomfield 1/25 72-64 (L) Miyamura v. Kirtland Central 1/25 64-43 (L) Ramah v. To’hajiilee 1/25 67-41 (L) Rehoboth Christian @ Thoreau 1/25 76-45 (W) Tohatchi v. Newcomb 1/27 58-38 (L) Crownpoint v. Newcomb 1/27 71-62 (L) Gallup v. Shiprock 1/27 48-43 (L) Miyamura v. Bloomfield 1/27 70-52 (W) Ramah @ Navajo Pine 1/27 96-71 (W) Thoreau v. Zuni 1/27 58-44 (W) Tohatchi v. Fort Wingate 1/27 74-26 (L) Tse’ Yi’ Gai v. Pine Hill 1/29 63-51 (L) Rehoboth Christian v. Shiprock 1/30 88-16 (L) Crownpoint v. Navajo Prep 1/30 67-48 (W) Ramah v. Northwest 1/30 60-59 (W) Thoreau v. Fort Wingate 1/30 78-73 (L) Tohatchi v. Socorro 1/30 48-25 (L) Tse’ Yi’ Gai v. To’hajiilee 2/1 82-57 (W) Crownpoint @ Thoreau 2/1 86-66 (W) Gallup v. Aztec 2/1 60-46 (L) Miyamura v. Shiprock

2/1 79-40 (W) Navajo Pine v. Northwest 2/1 63-62 (L, OT) Rehoboth Christian v. Bosque 2/1 80-68 (W) Tohatchi v. Zuni Feb. 3 50-48 (L) Crownpoint @ Navajo Pine Feb. 3 74-71 (W) Gallup v. Kirtland Central Feb. 3 71-67 (L) Miyamura v. Aztec Feb. 3 54-48 (L) Ramah @ Tse’ Yi’ Gai 2/6 49-43 (L) Crownpoint v. Fort Wingate 2/6 75-32 (L) Ramah v. Pine Hill 2/6 67-41 (L) Rehoboth Christian @ Navajo Pine 2/6 57-55 (W) Thoreau v. Newcomb 2/6 81-61 (L) Tohatchi v. Navajo Prep Girls Basketball 1/25 50-41 (L) Ramah v. To’hajiilee 1/25 35-21 (W) Rehoboth Christian v. Hot Springs (Tournament) 1/26 35-31 (L) Crownpoint v. Newcomb 1/26 45-35 (L) Miyamura v. Bloomfield 1/26 48-26 (L) Rehoboth Christian v. Tularosa (Tournament) 1/26 61-44 (L) Thoreau v. Zuni

Lady Patriot Laurn Begay (42) dribbles the ball down the court while Lady Bengal Paisley Coho (3) attempts to block her during the Feb. 6 game at Gallup High. Photo Credit: Kim Helfenbein

1/26 70-32 (W) Tohatchi v. Fort Wingate 1/27 60-37 (L) Rehoboth Christian v. Silver (Tournament) 1/27 60-59 (W) Tse’ Yi’ Gai v. Pine Hill 1/30 61-31 (W) Gallup v. Aztec 1/30 60-36 (W) Miyamura v. Shiprock 1/30 45-42 (L) Ramah v. Northwest 1/30 51-26 (W) Rehoboth Christian @ Thoreau 1/30 55-36 (L) Tse’ Yi’ Gai v. To’hajiilee 1/31 66-43 (L) Crownpoint v. Navajo Prep 1/31 65-23 (W) Thoreau v. Fort Wingate 2/1 42-39 (L) Navajo Pine v. Northwest 2/1 53-48 (W) Tse’ Yi’ Gai v. Legacy Academy 2/2 78-45 (L) Gallup v. Kirtland Central 2/2 38-35 (L) Miyamura v. Aztec 2/2 54-42 (L) Thoreau @ Crownpoint 2/2 60-45 (W) Tohatchi v. Zuni Feb. 3 65-19 (W) Ramah @ Tse’ Yi’ Gai Feb. 3 49-31 (L) Thoreau vs. Belen Feb. 5 65-47 (L) Crownpoint v. Laguna Acoma 2/6 67-17 (W) Miyamura @ Gallup 2/6 42-35 (L) Ramah v. Pine Hill 2/6 52-17 (L) Rehoboth Christian @ Navajo Pine 2/6 57-34 (W) Tse’ Yi’ Gai v. Northwest

Sports schedule for week of Feb. 9 Boys Basketball 2/9 Rehoboth Christian v. Laguna Acoma 7:30 pm Home 2/10 Gallup v. Bloomfield 4 pm Away 2/10 Miyamura v. Kirtland Central 4 pm Home 2/10 Thoreau @ Tohatchi 4 pm 2/13 Crownpoint v. Zuni 7 pm Home 2/13 Navajo Pine @ Rehoboth Christian 7 pm 2/13 Tohatchi v. Newcomb 7 pm Home 2/14 Ramah v. To’hajiilee 6 pm Away 2/15 Crownpoint v. Newcomb 7 pm Away 2/15 Gallup v. Shiprock 7 pm Away

2/15 Miyamura v. Bloomfield 7 pm Away 2/15 Navajo Pine v. Laguna Acoma 7:30 pm Home 2/15 Thoreau v. Zuni 7 pm Home 2/15 Tohatchi v. Fort Wingate 7 pm Away 2/15 Tse’ Yi’ Gai v. To’hajiilee 6:30 pm Home Girls Basketball 2/9 Crownpoint @ Tohatchi 7 pm 2/9 Gallup v. Bloomfield 7 pm Home 2/9 Miyamura v. Kirtland Central 7 pm Away 2/9 Rehoboth Christian v. Laguna Acoma 5:30 pm Home

Sports Quiz 1. What Hockey Hall of Famer won four consecutive Selke Trophies for best defensive forward as a member of the Montreal Canadiens from 1978-81? 2. Bill Vukovich, winner of the Indianapolis 500 in 1953 and 1954, died in a crash while leading what race in 1955? 3. Na m e t h e 19 9 0 sports comedy/drama f i l m t hat st a r red C. Thomas Howell and Peter Horton as beach volleyball players. 4. What British swimmer, born with cerebral

palsy, won 13 medals in six Summer Paralympic Games? 5. Who was interim hea d coa ch of t he Nebraska Cornhuskers football team when they beat the Michigan State Spartans 17-3 in the 2003 MasterCard Alamo Bowl? (Hint: He was Nebraska’s head coach from 2008-14.) 6. On Ju ly 5, 1947, Larry Doby became the fi rst Black player in the American League as a member of what MLB team? 7. Scot t Zola k wa s the backup quarterback for what NFL team from 1991-98?

By Ryan A. Berenz

Josie J Paiz John P. Paiz

With 47 years of experience we are here to serve your Insurance needs, providing friendly customer care with many companies to choose from …

A FEW OF THE POLICIES WE OFFER INCLUDE: • Life, Auto, home/mobile home, and businesses • Liability and Worker's Comp. & Collector Autos • Medicare Supplements

COME BY OUR OFFICE

AND LET US ASSIST YOU WITH YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS.

SPANISH SPEAKING STAFF AVAILABLE Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:30 am to 4:00 pm

Friday 9:30am to 3:00pm | Closed Weekends 102 E. Aztec | Office: 505-863-8086

2/9 Thoreau v. Navajo Prep 7 pm Home 2/10 Navajo Pine v. Dulce 5:30 pm Away 2/12 Gallup v. Shiprock 7 pm Away 2/13 Gallup v. Shiprock 7 pm Home 2/13 Miyamura v. Bloomfield 7 pm Home 2/13 Navajo Pine @ Rehoboth Christian 5:30 pm 2/14 Ramah v. To’hajiilee 5 pm Away 2/14 Tohatchi @ Thoreau 7 pm 2/15 Navajo Pine v. Laguna Acoma 6 pm Home 2/15 Tse’ Yi’ Gai v. To’hajiilee 5 pm Home

B4 Friday, February 9, 2024 • Gallup Sun

SPORTS

Gallup, Kirtland go down to the wire

Devin Ramone (1) es for a layup while Bronco Bengal Trelin Bruner (14) rac Credit: Kim oto during the Feb. 3 game. Ph tries to keep pace with him Helfenbein

Bengal Trelin Bruner (14) shoots a basket while Bronco Tyler Joe (11) attempts to block him during the Feb. 3 game. Photo Credit: Kim Helfenbein

Kirtland Central Bronco Osai Gar cia (12) tries to block Gallup Ben gal Tavian Joe (11) from making a layup during the Feb. 3 game. The Bengals def eated the Broncos 74-71. Photo Credit: Kim Helfenbein

Bengal Quincy Spencer (20) races down the court while Bronco Tyler Joe (11) tries to block him. Photo Credit: Kim Helfenbein

Tyler Joe (11) ock from Bronco fenbein bl a es ad ev 4) rner (1 Kim Hel Bengal Trelin Bu me in Gallup. Photo Credit: ga 3 b. during the Fe

Bronco Osai Garcia (12) attempts to block Bengal Trelin Bruner (14) from advancing down the court during the Feb. 3 game in Gallup. Photo Credit: Kim Helfenbein

Bronco Deronte Tso (20) attempts to block Bengal Trelin Bruner (14) from scoring a layup during the Feb. 3 game. Photo Credit: Kim Helfenbein

STAR ATHLETES OF THE WEEK nco Mallaki Atcitty (3) bles down the court while Bro Bengal Jayson Bruner (1) drib Credit: Kim Helfenbein during the Feb 3. game. Photo

attempts to block him

School: Crownpoint High Name: Delicate Manuelito Sport: Basketball Grade: Sophomore Del icate is ver y coachable and eager to learn. Her coach says she has become an important contributor to the Crownpoint Lady Eagles’ program.

School: Gallup High Name: Jazmine Marrufo Sport: Swimming Grade: Senior Jazmine Marrufo is an excellent athlete and

student. She works hard towards her goals and helps her teammates a ch ieve t hei r goa l s. Jazmine has leadership qualities and has become a role model for her fellow swimmers. Even when she was injured, she came to practice helping others the best she could.

School: Tohatchi High Name: Damian Begay Sport: Basketball Grade: Freshman Damian consistently demonstrates leadership for his team, whether he’s on the C team or JV. His skills are evident through his dedicated effort, positive attitude, and hard work during the initial phase of district play.

School: Miyamura High Name: Liduvina Tolentino Sport: Dance Grade: Senior This is Liduvina’s fi rst year dancing, last year she was the manager. Her coach said she really pushed herself at a recent competition, and that the whole team is very proud of her.

''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

CLASSIFIEDS

Gallup Sun • Friday, February 9, 2024 B5

CLASSIFIEDS

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

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

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee St# J23089A Was $50,995 NOW $42,888 Amigo Dodge/Jeep/ Ram 2010 S 2nd St, Gallup, NM (505) 979-7500 No Photo Available 2021 Chevrolet Blazer LT w/1LT SUV 32,732 miles Final price: $36,988 Condition: Used 21/27 mpg City/Hwy 2.5L i-4 Engine Automatic FWD Red Hot Exterior/ Jet Black Interior Stock #: TP22115 Amigo Toyota 2000 S. Second St. Gallup, NM (505) 722-3881 AmigoToyota.com FOR RENT Mobile Home 2 bdrm, 1 bath. $700.00 per month, $600.00 security deposit + $150.00 water deposit. Must fill out an application and qualify. NO PETS For more info call 505726-9288 HELP WANTED February 6, 2024 McKinley County is now accepting applications for the following positions: POSITION Heavy Equipment Operator DEPARTMENT Roads FOR BEST CONSIDERATION DATE February 20, 2024

Farmington Divisional Office. View announcement and application instructions at: https:// www.nmpp.uscourts. gov/career-opportunities. *** ACCOUNTS EXECUTIVE The Gallup Sun is looking to fill the Accounts Executive position. If you have 1 year of inbound or outbound sales experience, we would love to hear from you! This is a full-time, career track position with room for advancement. Responsibilities: - Develop and maintain relationships with new and existing advertising clients - Conduct market research and analyze industry trends - Collaborate with internal team to develop effective sales strategies - Meet or exceed sales targets and goals - Prepare and deliver sales presentations to potential clients - Negotiate contracts and pricing agreements - Provide exceptional customer service and support throughout the sales process Experience: - Proven experience in sales, account management, or business development - Strong communication and interpersonal skills - Ability to analyze market data and identify sales opportunities - Demonstrated ability to negotiate and close deals - Proficient grammar and computer skills - Familiarity with CRM software is a plus We offer competitive compensation, including a starting base salary, commission, and bonus program with room for advancement. Additionally, we provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities to help you succeed in your role as an Account Executive. Join our team and contribute to our continued growth in the industry. Sorry, no relocation packages offered. Qualified candidates within 1 hour of Gallup, NM are encouraged to apply. To apply, send cover letter, resume, including three professional references to: gallupsun@ gmail.com Closing date: Feb. 23, 2024 LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES Legal Notice Request for Proposals

***

Public Notice is hereby provided that the Gallup-McKinley County Schools is accepting competitive sealed proposals for: JOB ORDER CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR RFP-2024-15KC Commodity Codes – 909, 910, 912, 914, 968

The United States Probation and Pretrial Services Office, District of New Mexico, is accepting applications for a UNITED STATES PROBATION OFFICER for either the Gallup or

As more particularly set out in the RFP documents, copies of which may be obtained by downloading from the eBidding platform website https://gmcs. bonfirehub.com/

Applications and additional information regarding positions can be found on the County web site www.co.mckinley.nm.us McKinley County Human Resources (505) 863-1400

A MANDATORY, online Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024 at 10:00 AM (MDT), through the Microsoft Teams platform. Meeting details and links to be posted in the RFP documents. Attendance is required to submit a responsive proposal. Sealed proposals for such will be received until 2:00 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on, March 12, 2024. FAX, EMAIL and HARDCOPY PROPOSALS will NOT be accepted. Offerors will not be able to upload proposals or documents after the specified CLOSING date and time. The Gallup-McKinley County School Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive any formalities or minor inconsistencies, and/or cancel this solicitation in its entirety. Dated the 8th Day of February 2024 By: /S/ Chris Mortensen, President Board of Education Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 RFP ISSUE DATE: February 8, 2024 PUBLICATION: February 9 & 16, 2024 ***

WEEKLY RATES

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

New Mexico will receive sealed proposals for BEST OF THE BEST RODEO MANAGEMENT SERVICES until the hour of 2:00 pm, local time, on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at https:// procurement.opengov. com/portal/gallupnm/ projects/79237 As more particularly set out in the RFP documents, copies of which also may be obtained from the City of Gallup Purchasing Division, 110 Aztec Avenue, Gallup, New Mexico 87301; or contact Frances Rodriguez, Purchasing Director at (505) 863-1334. Only ELECTRONICALLY SUBMITTED PROPOSALS will be accepted; online solicitation system will not accept proposals after due date and time. OpenGov is a completely free service for all respondents.

By: /S/: Louis Bonaguidi, Mayor Classified Legal Column: Gallup Sun Publishing Date: Friday-February 9, 2024

INDUSTRIAL WORKFORCE PROGRAM, GALLUP NM

LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that The Gallup Housing Authority will conduct its monthly Board of Commissioners meeting and public audit presentation to be held on Friday February 16, 2024, at 9:00 am MST. Meeting will be conducted at the Gallup Housing Authority, 203 Debra Dr. Gallup, New Mexico 87301. A copy of the agenda and/ or specific agenda items may be obtained at the Gallup Housing Authority office. This is a public meeting except for items to be considered in closed session.

Only ELECTRONICALLY SUBMITTED PROPOSALS will be accepted; online solicitation system will not accept proposals after due date and time. OpenGov is a completely free service for all respondents.

Gallup Housing Authority Gallup, McKinley County, New Mexico By:/S/ Alfred Abeita, Chairman of the Board Published: Gallup Sun February 9, 2024 *** LEGAL NOTICE

Dated this day 6th day of February 2024

CITY OF GALLUP CITY OF GALLUP, NEW MEXICO REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NO.2024RFP-002

Notice is hereby given that the City of Gallup, New Mexico will receive sealed proposals for BEST OF THE BEST RODEO MANAGEMENT SERVICES until the hour of 2:00 pm, local time, on March 5, 2024 at https://procurement. opengov.com/portal/ gallupnm/projects/79237 As more particularly set out in the RFP documents, copies of which also may be obtained from the City of Gallup Purchasing Division, 110 Aztec Avenue, Gallup, New Mexico 87301; or contact Frances Rodriguez, Purchasing Director at (505) 863-1334.

interpreter, or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the meeting, please contact the Gallup Housing Authority at (505) 722-4388, at least (1) week prior to the meeting or as soon as possible. Public documents, including the agenda and minutes, can be provided in various accessible formats. Contact the Gallup Housing Authority if a summary or other type of accessible format is needed.

***

Documents are available in various accessible formats and interested parties may also participate by phone. If you are an individual with a disability who needs a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language

INVITATION TO BID Public Notice is hereby provided that the Gallup-McKinley County Schools is accepting competitive sealed proposals for: RE-SOLICIT CUSTOM APPAREL & SPIRIT WEAR ITB-2024-26GH Commodity Code(s): 20074 As more particularly set out in the ITB documents, copies of which may be obtained by downloading from the Gallup-McKinley County Schools eBidding platform website https:// gmcs.bonfirehub.com Sealed proposals for such will be received until 2:00 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on, February 29, 2024. FAX and HARDCOPY PROPOSALS will NOT be accepted. Offerors will not be able to upload proposals or documents after the specified CLOSING date and time. The Gallup-McKinley County School Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive

any formalities or minor inconsistencies, and/or cancel this solicitation in its Entirety. Dated the 9th Day of February 2024 By: /S/ Chris Mortensen, President Board of Education Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 ITB ISSUE DATE: February 09, 2024 PUBLICATION DATES: February 09, 2024 (Gallup Sun) *** TowerCom XI-B, LLC is proposing to build a 199foot Lattice (Self-Support) Communications Tower with a future extension to an overall height of 260 feet. Anticipated lighting application is medium intensity dual red/white strobes. The site location is County Road 43, Church Rock, McKinley County, New Mexico 87311, lat/ long: 35° 35’ 53.509” N, 108° 38’ 14.699” W. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Antenna Structure Registration (ASR, Form 854) filing number is A1275431. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS – Interested persons may review the application (www.fcc.gov/asr/applications) by entering the filing number. Environmental concerns may be raised by filing a Request for Environmental Review (www.fcc.gov/ asr/environmentalrequest) and online filings are strongly encouraged. The mailing address to file a paper copy is: FCC Requests for Environmental Review, Attn: Ramon Williams, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554. HISTORIC PROPERTIES EFFECTS ‐ Public comments regarding potential effects on historic properties may be submitted within 30 days from the date of this publication to: Nadima Jones, 4685 South Ash Avenue, Suite H-4,

CLASSIFIEDS | SEE PAGE B6

Dated this day 6th day of February 2024 By: /S/: Louis Bonaguidi, Mayor Classified Legal Column: Gallup Sun Publishing Date: Friday-February 9, 2024 *** CITY OF GALLUP CITY OF GALLUP, NEW MEXICO REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NO.2024RFP-001 BEST OF THE BEST RODEO MANAGEMENT SERVICES, GALLUP NM Notice is hereby given that the City of Gallup,

OBITUARIES

Honor your loved one in the Gallup Sun for FREE. One headshot allowed! Download form: gallupsun.com (obituaries page) or stop by oﬃce at 1983 State Rd. 602. Let us design a custom tribute at an aﬀordable rate! All obituaries are posted in our print and web editions!

Phone: (505) 722-8994 Fax: (505) 212-0391 Email: gallupsun@gmail.com

B6 Friday, February 9, 2024 • Gallup Sun

CLASSIFIEDS | FROM PAGE B5 Tempe, Arizona 85282, 602.239.4899, Nadima. Jones@Terracon.com. Published: Gallup Sun February 9, 2024 *** Public Notice Public Notice is hereby given that Gallup Business Improvement District, Inc. will conduct its regular monthly Board of Directors Meeting to be held on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 3 PM at Rico Motors and via Zoom. The agenda and log-in information will be available 72 hours prior to the meeting from fb.gallupbid@ mailfence.com and on City of Gallup website. Published: Gallup Sun February 9, 2024 *** LEGAL NOTICE

CLASSIFIEDS

https://gmcs.bonfirehub. com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities

Commodity Code(s): 440, 44030, 55740, 63075, 91447, 93638

Sealed bids for such will be received until 2:00 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on, February 20, 2024. FAX and HARDCOPY BIDS will NOT be accepted. Offerors will not be able to upload proposals or documents after the specified CLOSING date and time.

As more particularly set out in the ITB 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

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.

Sealed bids for such will be received until 2:00 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on, February 26, 2024. FAX and HARDCOPY BIDS will NOT be accepted. Offerors will not be able to upload proposals or documents after the specified CLOSING date and time.

Dated the 5th day of February, 2024 By: /S/ Chris Mortenson, President Board of Education Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 ITB ISSUE DATE: February 5, 2024

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.

INVITATION TO BID Public Notice is hereby provided that the Gallup-McKinley County Schools is accepting competitive sealed bids for:

PUBLICATION DATES: February 9, 2024 (Gallup Sun) February 16, 2024 (Gallup Sun) ***

Bus Yard Rental – Ramah NM Price Agreement

LEGAL NOTICE

No. ITB-2024-24BK Commodity Code(s): 971, 975

Public Notice is hereby provided that the Gallup-McKinley County Schools is accepting competitive sealed bids for:

As more particularly set out in the ITB documents, copies of which may be obtained by downloading from the Gallup-McKinley County Schools eBidding platform website:

INVITATION TO BID

Dated the 5th day of February, 2024 By: /S/ Chris Mortenson, President Board of Education Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 ITB ISSUE DATE: February 5, 2024 PUBLICATION DATES: February 9, 2024 (Gallup Sun) February 16, 2024 (Gallup Sun) ***

Glass and Glazing Services Price Agreement No. ITB-2024-22BK

STATE OF NEW MEXICO IN THE PROBATE COURT McKINLEY COUNTY

INFORMATION COLLEGE CLINIC RELOCATING PUBLIC INFORMATION IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT RMCHCS is pleased to announce that College Clinic will be relocating to 1900 Red Rock Drive, Gallup, NM 87301 effective 12/11/2023. Our telephone and fax numbers will remain the same. Medical records will continue to be maintained by RMCHCS HIM Department at 1901 Red Rock Drive, Gallup, NM 87301. Should you have any questions on the relocation, please feel free to contact us at (505)863-1820. We look forward to seeing and serving you at our new location.

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF No. 002580 ADELINA LEONA SANCHEZ, DECEASED. CORDELIA GUERRERO, Personal Representative. NOTICE TO HEIRS AND CREDITORS YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT: CORDELIA GUERRERO has been appointed Personal Representative of the Estate of ADELINA LEONA SANCHEZ, 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 forever be barred. Claims must be presented to either the Personal Representative at the office of Laguna Community Legal Advocate, at P.O. Box 194, 11 Rodeo Drive, Laguna NM 87206 or filed with the Probate Court of McKinley County, New Mexico. Date: Joel Cruz-Esparza, Attorney at law On behalf of: Cordelia Guerrero, Personal Representative of the Estate of Adelina Leona Sanchez P.O. Box 194 Laguna, NM 87026 (505) 259-3613 jcruz@pol-nsn.gov Dated: January 25, 2024 Published: Gallup Sun February 2, 2024 February 9, 2024 February 16, 2024

center, mattress, bed frame, gas can, TV, misc. The sale will be held February 28th 2024 at 9 am at Smith’s Mini Storage 1001 E. Hwy. 66, Gallup, NM 87301. The property is located at above address. The name and last known address of the occupant is: Lisa Clark 219 E. Montoya Blvd #92 Gallup, NM 87301. The sale will be sold by open bid to the highest bidder. Smith’s Mini Storage reserves the right to bid at said sale. Smith’s Mini Storage

February 28th 2024 at 9 am at Smith’s Mini Storage 1001 E. Hwy. 66 Gallup, NM 87301. The property is located at above address. The name and last known occupant is Derek Tolino #37 Red Canyon Rd. Churchrock, NM 87311 The sale will be sold by open bid to the highest bidder. Smith’s Mini Storage reserves the right to bid at said sale. Smith’s Mini Storage Published: Gallup Sun February 2, 2024 February 9, 2024 ***

Published: Gallup Sun February 2, 2024 February 9, 2024 *** NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given to the New Mexico Self Storage Lien Act that Smith’s Mini Storage will sell for purposes of satisfying its lien and all costs. The following described items: bed frames, ext. cords, misc. The sale will be held February 28th 2024 at 9 am at Smith’s Mini Storage 1001 E. Hwy. 66, Gallup, NM 87301. The property is located at above address. The name and last known address of the occupant is: Adina Brown P.O. Box 64 Window Rock, AZ 86515 The sale will be sold to the highest bidder. Smith’s Mini Storage reserves the right to bid at said sale. Smith’s Mini Storage Published: Gallup Sun February 2, 2024 February 9, 2024

NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given pursuant to the New Mexico Self-Storage Lien Act that Smith’s Mini Storage will sell for the purposes of satisfying its lien and all costs. The following described property: tv, table, desk, sewing machine, cabinet, misc. The Sale will be held February 28th at 9 am at Smith’s Mini Storage 1001 E. Hwy. 66, Gallup, N.M. 87301 The property is located at above address. The name and last known address of the occupant is; Melvin Jim 440C Crestview Rd. Mentmore, N.M. 87319 The sale will be sold by open bid to the highest bidder. Smith’s Mini Storage reserves the right to bid at said sale. Smith’s Mini Storage Published: Gallup Sun February 2, 2024 February 9, 2024 ***

*** *** NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given to the New Mexico Self Storage Lien Act that Smith’s Mini Storage will sell for purposes of satisfying its lien and all costs. The following described property: VCR, tapes, dresser, tools, book shelf, misc. The sale will be held February 28th 2024 at 9 am at Smith’s Mini Storage 1001 E. Hwy. 66, Gallup, NM 87301. The property is located at above address. The name and last known address of the occupant is: Cynthia Fletcher 806 E. Aztec Gallup, NM 87301. The sale will be sold by open bid to the highest bidder. Smith’s Mini Storage reserves the right to bid at said sale. Smith’s Mini Storage Published: Gallup Sun February 2, 2024 February 9, 2024 *** NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given to the New Mexico Self Storage Lien Act that Smith’s Mini Storage will sell for purposes of satisfying its lien and all costs. The following property: entertainment

NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given to the New Mexico Self Storage Lien Act that Smith’s Mini Storage will sell for purposes of satisfying its lien and all costs. The following described property: table, wheelchair, TV, misc. The sale will be held February 28th 2024 at 9 am at Smith’s Mini Storage 1001 E. Hwy. 66, Gallup, NM 87301. The name and last known address of the occupant is: Nicole Denet 603 S. 2nd St. Gallup, NM 87301 The sale will be sold by open bid to the highest bidder. Smith’s Mini Storage reserves the right to bid at said sale. Smith’s Mini Storage Published: Gallup Sun February 2, 2024 February 9, 2024 *** NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given to the New Mexico Self Storage Lien Act that Smith’s Mini Storage will sell for purposes of satisfying its lien and all costs. The following described property: blinds, bicycles, shelf, desk, misc. The sale will be held

NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to the Self-Storage Lien Act of the State of New Mexico, Section 48-11-7, that the following personal property will be sold or otherwise disposed of in order to satisfy a lien for delinquent rent and other related charges. The personal property is located at ADOBE STORAGE, 1708 South Second Street, Gallup, New Mexico. Unit Number: 102 Name and Last Known Address of Occupant: Teresa Bellfont 1574 B State Hwy. 264 Tse Bonito, NM 87301 Description of Personal Property: Miscellaneous equipment, & numerous bags & boxes of items unknown. Unit Number: 103 Name and Last Known Address of Occupant: Ryan McCray 702 W. Hill Ave., Apt. A Gallup, NM 87301 Description of Personal Property: Chain saw, weed eater, axe, rake, toys, stroller, blue plastic bin, & numerous bags of items unknown. Unit Number: 309 Name and Last Known Address of Occupant: Melody West 3205 Ciniza Dr. Gallup, NM 87301

CLASSIFIEDS | SEE PAGE B7

Gallup Sun • Friday, February 9, 2024 B7

CALENDAR

Community Calendar February 9 - February 15, 2024 FRIDAY, FEB. 9

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

12 pm @ the UNM-Gallup Zollinger Library (705 Gurley Ave.). View documentaries to learn more about the cultures that celebrate the Lunar New Year, and listen to some music from those regions.

CHESS CLUB

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

GET UP AND GAME

3 pm - 5 pm @ OFPL’s Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec Ave.). Every Friday, come to the children’s library to unwind from a busy week! Email pneilson@ gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information. SATURDAY, FEB. 10

GALLUPARTS ANNUAL ARTIST CHALLENGE

make some adorable love bugs!

(505) 863-1291 for more information.

SUGAR COOKIE DECORATING WORKSHOP

FAMILY STORYTIME

1 pm @ OFPL’s main library (115 W. Hill Ave.). Join OFPL and Chef Sheila Begay of the NTU Culinary Department for a sugar cookie decorating workshop. Learn decorating techniques and make your own delicious Conversation Sugar cookies to celebrate Valentine’s Day! The class is limited to 20 people.

GALLUP 9TH ST. FLEA MARKET

9 am - 5 pm @ 340 9th Street. The Gallup 9th Street Flea Market is one of the largest Native American markets in the United States. SUNDAY, FEB. 11

@ the UNM-Gallup Zollinger Library (705 Gurley Ave.). Come to the library and make your own Valentine’s Day card for that special someone.

VALENTINE’S DAY CRAFTS

EUREKA!

CLASSIFIEDS | FROM PAGE B6 Description of Personal Property:

MONDAY, FEB. 12

MAKE YOUR OWN VALENTINES

4 pm @ OFPL’s Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec Ave.). Design your own DIY water gun!Email pneilson@ gallupnm.gov or call

Vs. No. D-1113CV-2023-00495

Bedding, coolers, stroller, exercise equipment, household items, & numerous bags & boxes of items unknown.

MARGARET W. JONES, KYMBERLEE K. JONES, & UNKNOWN CLAIMANTS OF INTEREST IN THE PREMISES ADVERSE TO THE PLAINTIFF,

Unit Number: 706

Defendants.

Name and Last Known Address of Occupant:

NOTICE OF PENDENCY OF SUIT

Teresa Bellfont 1574 B State Hwy. 264 Tse Bonito, NM 87301

TO: Margaret W. Jones, Kymerlee K. Jones, their heirs, successors and assigns and “Unknown Claimants in Interest Adverse to Plaintiff.”

Description of Personal Property: Miscellaneous equipment and desk parts. The sale or disposition of the above property will be held on Tuesday, the 20th day of February, 2024, at the hour of 10:00 a.m., at ADOBE STORAGE, 1708 South Second Street, Gallup, New Mexico. The property can be viewed at 9:00 a.m. the day of the sale. The property is subject to the Occupant redeeming the lien prior to the sale. This Notice is being published once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks. 1st Publication: Friday, February 2, 2024 2nd Publication: Friday, February 9, 2024 *** STATE OF NEW MEXICO COUNTY OF MCKINLEY ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT JOHN CAPONETTO and ELIZA CAPONETTO, Husband and wife, Plaintiff,

TUESDAY, FEB. 13

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

You or your attorney are hereby directed to file a pleading or motion in response to the Complaint to Quiet Title on file herein on or before 20 days from the date of the last publication of this Notice in the Office of the Clerk of the District Court, Eleventh Judicial District of the State of New Mexico, sitting within and for the County of McKinley, that being the Court in which said Complaint is filed, and to serve a copy of the same pleading or motion upon Plaintiffs or Plaintiffs’ attorneys, Mason & Isaacson, P.A., 104 East Aztec, P.O. Box 1772, Gallup, New Mexico 87305, (505-7224463). Unless a responsive pleading or motion is entered by you in this cause on or before the above date, judgment will be rendered against you by default. The general object of said action is to quiet the title of the following-described property in McKinley County, New Mexico: The West Half (W1/2) of the East Half (1/2) of Section Eight (8), Township Thirteen (13) North, Range Twelve (12) West, N.M.P.M., McKinley County, New

making, learning, and exploring. Participants ages 5 and up can come in to create their own design for the 3D printers or explore the many engineering activities and equipment! This week, from 5 pm - 6 pm, learn how to use the button maker to create your own wearable conversation hearts.

collage art inspired by your pets or favorite animals by using newspapers and magazines. For more information email: bmartin@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291.

MIDWEEK MATINEE AT OFPL

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

4 pm every Wednesday @ OFPL’s main library (115 W. Hill Ave.). This week’s film is Till.

FAMILY STORYTIME

KIDZ CINEMA

2 pm every Saturday @ OFPL’s Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec. Ave.) for weekly family oriented film screenings. This week’s movie is The Princess and the Frog (2009). Email bmartin@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

@ ART123 Gallery (123 W. Coal Ave.).Starting Feb. 10, see gallupARTS Artist Challenge “6-78” showcase. Nineteen local artists accepted the mission of creating six 8» x 8» square works over the course of six weeks, responding to a different theme each week. 12 pm - 4 pm @ Rio West Mall (1300 W. Maloney Ave.) Spell out any message you like with customized yarnwrapped wire words or

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

CALENDAR

6 pm @ City Council Chambers, Gallup City Hall (110 W. Aztec Ave.). The meeting will also be streamed on the City of Gallup’s Facebook page at City of Gallup, New Mexico Government.

CHESS CLUB

4:30 pm @ OFPL’s Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec Ave.). Join the chess club at OFPL! Email pneilson@ gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information. WEDNESDAY, FEB. 14

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! VALENTINE’S CRAFT-TEA

4 pm - 5:30 pm @ ART123 Gallery (123 W. Coal Ave.). Join gallupARTS for tea and cookies and make a sequined or beaded love pin.

OPEN MAKERSPACE TIME

4 pm - 6 pm @ the Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec Ave.). OFPL’s MakerSpace is a collaborative work space for

VALENTINE’S MOVIE MARATHON

@ the UNM-Gallup Zollinger Library (705 Gurley Ave.). Zollinger Library will be showing America’s Sweethearts on Feb. 14 and Punch Drunk Love on Feb. 15. THURSDAY, FEB. 15

HELLOTECH- HELP WITH YOUR TECHNOLOGY

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

CRAFTY KIDS

4 pm @ OFPL’s Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec Ave.). In honor of National Love Your Pet Day, join OFPL to create

Mexico. Dated: ____________ SUBJECT TO all legally existing easements, restrictions and reservations. WITNESS the District Judge of the Eleventh Judicial District Court of the State of New Mexico, and the seal of said Court this ___ day of January, 2024. Clerk of the District Court By _______________ Deputy Published: Gallup Sun January 19, 2024 January 26, 2024 February 2, 2024 *** ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF McKINLEY STATE OF NEW MEXICO In the Matter of the Estate Of No. D-1113PB-2022-00047 MAURICE DARNELL JOHN, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS RYAN JOHN has been appointed Personal Representative of the Estate of MAURICE DARNELL JOHN, 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.

RYAN JOHN, Personal Representative MASON & ISAACSON, P.A. James J. Mason Attorneys for Personal Representative 104 East Aztec Avenue Gallup, New Mexico 87301 (505) 722-4463 Published: Gallup Sun January 26, 2024 February 2, 2024 February 9, 2024 *** ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT STATE OF NEW MEXICO COUNTY OF McKINLEY AURA GREIG, Personal Representative of THE ESTATE OF JAMES ASHTON GREIG, III a/k/a JAMES GREIG, Plaintiff, vs. No. D-1113CV-2023-00478 DANIEL A. CHRISTENSEN; AUDREY RUTH ASHCROFT, if living; if deceased, the Estate of AUDREY RUTH ASHCROFT; the unknown heirs of AUDREY RUTH ASHCROFT; NORMAN ASHCROFT; MARY JANE ASHCROFT; THE NORMAN G. ASHCROFT AND MARY JANE ASHCROFT REVOCABLE TRUST; DOUGLAS W. HARDING; LEILA M. HARDING; STATE OF NEW MEXICO; THE ESTATE

SAVE THE DATE FRIDAY, FEB. 16

HELLOTECH- HELP WITH YOUR TECHNOLOGY

MONDAY, FEB. 19

GMCS CLOSED FOR PRESIDENT’S DAY OFPL CLOSED FOR PRESIDENT’S DAY TUESDAY, FEB. 20

UNDERSTANDING THE LAW

5 pm @ OFPL’s Main Library (115 W. Hill Ave.). Attorney David Eason presents the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution, aka the Bill of Rights. Email tmoe@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information. FRIDAY, FEB. 23

NAVAJO RUG WEAVING

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

OF CATHY LOUISE GREIG; and ANY UNKNOWN CLAIMANTS OF INTEREST IN THE PREMISES ADVERSE TO THE PLAINTIFF, Defendants. NOTICE OF PENDENCY OF ACTION THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO TO: DANIEL A. CHRISTENSEN; AUDREY RUTH ASHCROFT, if living; if deceased, the ESTATE OF AUDREY RUTH ASHCROFT; the Unknown Heirs of AUDREY RUTH ASHCROFT; NORMAN ASHCROFT; MARY JANE ASHCROFT; THE NORMAN G. ASHCROFT AND MARY JANE ASHCROFT REVOCABLE TRUST; DOUGLAS W. HARDING; LEILA M. HARDING; STATE OF NEW MEXICO; THE ESTATE OF CATHY LOUISE GREIG; and ANY KNOWN CLAIMANTS OF INTEREST IN THE PREMISES ADVERSE TO THE PLAINTIFF. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Plaintiff AURA GREIG, Personal Representative of THE ESTATE OF JAMES ASHTON GREIG, III a/k/a JAMES GREIG has commenced an action to quiet title to the premises described below: A tract of land in the SE1/4 of Section 16, T16N, R14W, N.M.P.M., McKinley County, New Mexico and being described as follows: Commencing at the southeast corner of Section 16, THENCE N

SATURDAY, FEB. 24

JUNK JOURNALING WORKSHOP

1 pm @ OFPL’s Main Library (115 W. Hill Ave.). A junk journal is a handmade book made up of recycled items such as pages from magazines, brochures, patterned paper, music sheets, envelopes, packaging, and more. Insignificant scraps are given new life and become a source of creativity Learn how to get started making your very own! ONGOING

FREE HIV, SYPHILIS, AND HEPATITIS C TESTING

@ First Nations Community HealthSource-Gallup (1630 S. Second St.). First Nations Community HealthSource-Gallup offers Free Rapid HIV, Syphilis and Hep C Testing, Monday – Friday from 1 pm to 6:30 pm by appointment. Get your results within minutes. To schedule an appointment call (505) 863-8827.

BUILD-YOUR-OWN-BUNDLE

OFPL staff who will create a bundle of material specially for you! Let them know what type of materials and genres you are interested in, and they’ll browse for you and create a custom bundle of material for you to pick-up curbside. Email bmartin@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) 2120391. Deadline: Monday at 5 pm.

89° 36’ 13” along section line a distance of 1460.1’ to the southeast corner and the REAL POINT OF BEGINNING: THENCE N 89° 36’ 13” along section line 466.7’ to the southwest corner; THENCE N 00° 20’ E, 466.7’ to the northwest corner; THENCE S 89° 36’ 13” E 466.7’ to the northeast corner; THENCE S 00° 20’ W, 466.7’ to the Real Point of Beginning. Containing 5.0 acres more or less. The above described property is located in the Borrego Pass Area in McKinley County, New Mexico. You are hereby notified that unless you file a responsive pleading thirty (30) days after the last date of publication with the above Court, the Judgment or other appropriate relief will be rendered against you by default. You are further notified that the name of Plaintiffs’ attorney is Douglas W. Fowles, Rosebrough, Fowles & Foutz, P.C., 101 West Aztec Ave., Gallup, New Mexico 87301, (505) 722-9121. /s/ Douglas W. Fowles Rosebrough, Fowles & Foutz, P.C. Attorney for Plaintiff P.O. Box 1027 Gallup, New Mexico 87305 (505) 722-9121 Published: Gallup Sun January 26, 2024 February 2, 2024 February 9, 2024

B8 Friday, February 9, 2024 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

³ɖȵȵȒȸɎƺƳ ƫɵ !(! ɯƏȸƳ zÈ‫ גחדה׎׎¨(זד‬ƏȇƳ Ɏǝƺ zƏɮƏǴȒ zƏɎǣȒȇ àƏƬƬǣȇƺ ɎƺƏȅِ

MAKE THE COVID-19 VACCINE A PRIORITY FOR THE

WHOLE FAMILY! The vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect family members six months and older, as well as our community. Just one shot can reduce risk of severe symptoms and hospitalization. The current vaccine ˡǕǝɎɀ ȇƺɯ ɀɎȸƏǣȇɀ Ȓǔ ! àX(‫ ًח׏ٮ‬ɯǝǣƬǝ means faster recovery and milder symptoms. Contact your healthcare provider for more information and to schedule your shot. The vaccine is recommended ɎǝȸȒɖǕǝ ɯǣȇɎƺȸ ‫ ِגא׎א‬

CENTER FOR INDIGENOUS HEALTH

Remember, we're stronger together!