Gallup Sun ● Feb. 23, 2024 by gallupsun

UNM-Gallup expands mental health services EDUCATION, A3

Gallup Sun VOL 10 | ISSUE 465

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February 23, 2024

The square root of fun Graduation REHOBOTH CHRISTIAN STUDENTS RAISE ALMOST $12,000 FOR PET PROJECT By Holly J. Wagner Sun Correspondent

ot all of life’s lessons can be learned in a classroom, but there is often overlap. A perfect example is a student project at Rehoboth Christian High School to build a community common area for the campus. The idea started with geometry teacher Emily Wuestwald. She made a point of taking her classes outside “to look at what’s been given to us and [how to] bring beauty to it, but also fi nd beauty in what’s there.” “This is something I have been dreaming up for the past five years, fi nding a space for the high school students, just giving them a place to enjoy and a place to be during lunch break, before school and after school as well,“ she said. Jonathan Zylstra, a sophomore who’s working on the project, put it another way. “A lot of us were kind of bored and didn’t have anything to do other than be on our phones during lunch or during breaks,” he said. “We were trying to fi nd a way to get outside and be more active rather than just sitting around. We designed this kind of project for things we would enjoy doing at lunch if we had the opportunity.” At the top of their list is a 9-square, a game that’s sort of a mashup of foursquare and volleyball. Players in squares in a cagelike frame bounce a ball through the air and try to keep it from touching the ground without leaving their squares. About the recreational opportunities available for students on campus currently are ping pong and a donated golf simulator. “Only a couple of kids can use it. You have to prove you can hit the ball straight,” junior Morgan Arsenault said. Looking for a more inclusive option that didn’t require special skills, the students turned to something they’d had before: a portable 9-square setup the school has that became popular with students and helped them fi nd new friends. “All of our students really love the 9-square. We’ll get mostly all the high schoolers out,” Zylstra said. Irelynn Delgado, 14, agreed. Freshman Irelynn Delgado said the portable 9-square has helped build a lot of friendships. It helped with communication between peers who wouldn’t usually talk to each other and interact,” Delgado said. “It brings a lot of unlikely friendships.When we play we have a lot of teamwork happen and a lot of just fun to bring up student morale.” The teachers get a kick out of it, too, Wuestwald said, because it lets them interact with students in a fun, low-pressure way. The permanent setup will take up 25 sq. ft. of a planned 50-ft.-by100-ft. space that will eventually also have shade structures, trees and more. At some point that might include a giant outdoor chess board. “We’re hoping to make [the space] grow over the yea rs,” Wuestwald said. But let ’s not for get t h a t Wuestwald teaches geometry,

requirments changed for ﬁ rst time in 10 years Staff Reports

S From left: Teacher Emily Wuestewald with students Irelynn Delgado, Morgan Aresenault, and Jonathan Zylstra. The three students are part of Wuestewald’s geometry class that is raising money for an outdoor recreational space that both Rehoboth Christian middle schoolers and high schoolers can share. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Rehoboth Christian High School

Rehoboth Christian High School students have a dream of what they want an open space community common area to look like. So far, they’ve raised almost $12,000 of their $30,000 goal. Image Credit: Courtesy of Rehoboth Christian High School

Image Credit: Courtesy of Castle Sports not recess, so bringing the project into the classroom was also important. Her geometry class started the project by looking at blueprints of the high school. Then she challenged students to use their math skills to fi nd the dimensions of their classroom and use different ratios and similar fi gures to fi nd how to cover the ground with various materials. They discussed logical thinking and budgeting. They had a landscape engineer come in to talk about planning, what types of plants would work best and issues like drainage, erosion, sustainability and maintenance. When it’s ready, the space will be there for middle and high school students, whose classrooms are on either side of the chosen space, and for the resident campus community. “We have a big community of people who live on campus as well, so their children and adults will be able to use the space,” Delgado said. The church community can also use the space after services

or for socia l events a nd for Wednesday after-school meetings of Gems and Cadets, scout-like youth ministry programs. Like almost any project, part of getting it up and running is money. The group has raised almost $12,000 but that’s been donations from Wuestwa ld’s parents’ congregation, Shalom Chr istia n Refor m Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, who chipped in after she brought it up on a visit home. Some of the donors are planning a trip to Gallup in April to help start building what their donations were made for. “They will come and help us build this space, and create a community and connection with Shalom in different ways,” Wuestwald said, “Whether it’s this project, student tuition aid, or just having them come out and be part of our community for a week.” The budget goal is $30,000 a nd the school is gratefully accepting donations at https:// factsmgt admin.com/give/appeal/ sX5k6FAav.

ANTA FE — Gov. M ichel le L u ja n Grisha m signed H B 171 i nt o l aw, a bill that updates high school g raduation requirements in New Mex ico for the f irst time in over a decade, on Feb. 10. “High school should be about prepa r i ng st udent s for the real world while providing more opport u n it ie s to pu r sue their unique interests a nd future ca reers,” t he go v e r no r s a i d . “These changes will lead to more you ng New Mexica ns staying engaged in school, graduating, and continuing that success in their adult lives.” The requirements outlined in HB 171 will impact students entering the ninth grade in the 2025-2026 school year. The bill makes key changes to graduation requirements that better align with New Mexico’s workforce and higher education la ndscape. T hese i nclude t he addition of two units decided on by loca l school boards or charter school governing bodies, as long as they meet Public Education Department academic content a nd per formance standards. “This allows f lexibi l it y for d i s t r ic t s to tailor the requirements to the needs of their communities and allows students to gain

Public Education Department Secretary Dr. Arsenio Romero

Gallup-McKinley County Schools Superintendent Mike Hyatt va luable ex per ience a nd receive cred it a t t he s a me t i me,” Public Education Department Secretary Dr. A rsenio Romero said. “A modern, flexi ble , for w a r d - lo oki ng cu r r icu lu m w i l l help engage students, address chronic absences and improve student achievement.” HB 171 would keep a requ i rement for a minimum of 24 credits to graduate, remove the Algebra II requirement for graduation (wh i le s t i l l r e q u i ri n g t h a t A lgebr a I I be offered), increase flexibility for electives which could be used for Career Technical Education or foreign

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A2 Friday, February 23, 2024 • Gallup Sun

EDUCATION

NEWS

Gallup Sun • Friday, February 23, 2024

EDUCATION

UNM-Gallup expands mental health services TIMELYCARE APP AVAILABLE FOR FREE TO IMPROVE STUDENT WELL-BEING By Richard Reyes UNM-Gallup’s Senior Public Relations Specialist

new partnership between The University of New Mexico and TimelyCare, a virtual health and well-being provider used by many higher education facillites, is giving students at the Gallup branch campus access to free and equitable mental health support, medical care and basic needs assistance. The partnership with TimelyCare is an extension of campus health and counseling center resources offered by UNM Student Health and Counseling, with a goal of improving student well-being, engagement and retention. “Mental health has a direct impact on the well-being and safety of students, which ultimately impacts their educational success,” UNM-Gallup Student Affairs Director Jayme McMahon said. “Prioritizing and increasing student access to mental health support is pivotal in supporting students overall. Implementation of TimelyCare helps remove the barrier of access for students seeking help while

also destigmatizing the need for these types of services on college campuses.” UNM-Gallup Chancellor Sabrina Ezzell said the arrival of the new telehealth service is well timed based on feedback from the 2023 UNM Basic Needs Survey, which found high levels of food insecurity and housing insecurity among the students, staff and faculty at the Gallup campus. “TimelyCare will help us meet the mental health needs of our students so they can be successful in their academic pursuits as we continue to work on other avenues and resources within our own campus community,” Ezzell said. The need for 24/7 access to high-quality care has never been more important. According to the American Council on Education, student mental health is the top concern of college and university presidents. It’s also the number one reason students leave college. A recent report by Gallup and the Lumina Foundation found that 69% of students in bachelor’s degree programs who considered dropping out cited emotional stress as their reason. Through TimelyCare on their phone or other

UNM-Gallup Chancellor Sabrina Ezzell device, UNM-Gallup students can now select from a wide-ranging menu of virtual care options from licensed physicians and counselors in all 50 states — at no cost and without the barrier of traditional insurance — including: • O n - de m a nd a nd appointment-based medical care. • On-demand mental health and emotional support (TalkNow). • Appointment-based mental health counseling (up to 12 sessions each academic year). • Psychiatric support. • Health coaching. • Basic Needs assistance. • Care navigation. • Peer support community. • Dig it a l sel f- ca re content.

Additionally, UNMGallup faculty and staff have access to support that empowers them to guide students to TimelyCare resources to help students achieve a sense of well-being, live healthier lifestyles and improve their mental health. Benefits to students include: • Convenient 24/7 care — Physical and mental health issues often present themselves outside regular business hours, and TimelyCare makes seeking support or treatment as easy and convenient as making a video or phone call. Nationally, more than 40% of mental health care visits through TimelyCare occur after regular business hours or on weekends. • Reduced wait times — Many campus counseling centers often have a twothree week wait time for appointments, whereas students can typically connect with a TimelyCare provider in less than five minutes. • Diverse prov ider network — TimelyCare’s diverse and culturally responsive provider network reflects and is proud to serve students who embody diversity in race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, age, religion

and worldview, language, health, ability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic and immigration status, and more. More than half of mental health providers identify as people of color. The platform also offers professionals who identify as LGBTQIA+, speak multiple languages, and translation services to support more than 240 languages. Students scheduling services can choose to meet with a specific provider or select the first available. • Peace of mind – TimelyCare is a safe, secure, URAC-accredited and HIPAA-compliant platform that follows campus-specific protocols to facilitate care coordination and follow-up to ensure continuity of care. Integrations with leading learning management systems ensure students have even more on-ramps to in-the-moment support whenever they need it. Three-quarters of college students who accessed virtual mental health and well-being interventions through TimelyCare reported mental health improvements — including 100% of those who presented as a potential suicide risk. More than half of all students who have sought mental health support through

TimelyCare said they would have done nothing if the service were not available. “When it comes to supporting student outcomes, the need for equitable, on-demand access to care has never been more important,” TimelyCare CEO and co-founder Luke Hejl said. “TimelyCare enables colleges and universities to expand on-campus resources and transform the way students receive care through agency, speed, and freedom of choice that they’ve come to expect in their everyday lives. TimelyCare is proud to serve as an extension of Student Health and Counseling Center resources to create a comprehensive, whole-student care solution that empowers students to seek care in a way that feels comfortable and convenient for them.” To a c c e s s TimelyCare, students can go to timelycare.com/ unm or download the TimelyCare app (iOS or Android) to register with their name and UNM email address. Students can then have visits from any web-enabled device: smartphone, laptop or desktop. TimelyCare is available from anywhere in the U.S.

Teacher of the Month

Jefferson Elementary teacher continues line of family education By Molly Ann Howell Managing Editor

ach month, the Sun recognizes a local teacher for his or her determination to help students go above and beyond. Anyone can nominate a teacher by emailing the Sun at gallupsunreporters@gmail. com and providing the teacher’s name, where they teach, and why they should be selected as that month’s winner. This month’s award went to Makena Wenning,

a kindergarten teacher at Jefferson Elementary. This is Wenning’s first year teaching, although she is no stranger to the Gallup area or teaching. R O A D T O TEACHING She grew up in Gallup, with her mom teaching preschool at Jefferson and her dad teaching at Hozho Academy. Despite growing up surrounded by teachers – her grandparents and two of her aunts were also teachers – Wenning said she initially wanted to go into

speech therapy after having gone through it herself in elementary school. However, that dream changed after she got the chance to job shadow a speech therapist during her t i me a t M idd le College High School. The job shadowing just happened to be at Jefferson, so she was able to run to her mom’s room and cry about the awful experience there. She spent the rest of the day in her mom’s preschool classroom, and she fell in love with teaching Makena Wenning orginially thought she wanted to be a physical therapist when she was growing up, but she eventually learned she wanted to interact with kids on a deeper level, so she became a teacher. Photo Credit: Kim Helfenbein that day. “[I realized] I wanted to be more with the kids instead of just like a pullout,” Wenning explained. A fter that realization, Wenning went off to Western New Mexico University to study early

childhood education. While she was there, she worked at the university’s preschool as an assistant. But when the pandemic hit, she decided to return home. She became a pres c ho ol a s s i s t a nt a t

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Jefferson, and after doing that for two years she completed her student teaching requirements in a first-grade classroom at the school. She fi nished her degree in May. W O R K I N G OVERTIME Jefferson Elementary principal Sasha BlancoRamirez said in an interview with the Sun it was an easy decision to bring Wenning on as a full-time kindergar ten teacher after she saw what she did with the preschoolers and first graders, calling her a blessing for the school. “I knew from there that she was meant for this school and she was just the right fit,” BlancoRamirez said.

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A4 Friday, February 23, 2024 • Gallup Sun

EDUCATION

GMCS CONNECT E F MPOWERING OUR UTURE

February 2024

Revolutionizing Education: Why GMCS Is investing in Modern and Sustainable School structures Construction New school buildings are much more than just structures; they are designed to create an environment that supports creativity, collaboration, and innovation. With their modern designs and advanced amenities, these buildings provide students with the perfect setting for exploring their interests, expanding their knowledge, and preparing for a bright future. With a focus on functionality, GMCS is constructing school buildings that offer a wide range of amenities to enhance the learning experience. These state-of-the-art facilities will be equipped with the latest technology, allowing for interactive and dynamic lessons. Students will enjoy classrooms with smart boards, high-speed internet connectivity, and other technological advances. These new schools will ensure that students have access to every resource they need for a well-rounded education. Meeting ever-evolving needs: In this digital age, schools are transforming into innovation hubs, where technology permeates every aspect of learning. New structures allow for seamlessly integrated technology, providing students with effective and up-to-date learning tools. Additionally, flexible classroom designs can accommodate changing teaching methods, encouraging collaboration and creativity. Say goodbye to rigid rows of desks and hello to versatile spaces that facilitate dynamic learning! Enhanced safety and security measures: Recent times have highlighted the necessity for robust security measures within educational institutions. When constructing new buildings, GMCS is incorporating cutting-edge security systems and layouts right from the start. These advancements promote a safer environment, instilling confidence in students, parents, and faculty. Increasingly, the design of school buildings goes beyond functionality—it prioritizes psychological well-being, fostering an atmosphere of trust for everyone who walks through the doors. Improved infrastructure and longevity: Modern constructions embrace energy efficiency, which

helps reduce utility expenses and ensures a greener future. GMCS structures are designed to withstand the test of time, often requiring less maintenance and repairs compared to aging buildings. Think of it as an investment that pays off in the form of savings down the line!

Construction Currently in Progress: Red Rock Elementary: Projected Completion Fall 2025 Tohatchi High: Broke Ground January 2024 Up and Coming New School Construction Projects: Ctech/Central High: Estimated Start Winter 2025 David Skeet Elementary: Estimated Start Spring 2025 Thoreau High: Estimated Start Fall 2024 Crownpoint High: Estimated Start Winter 2026 Crownpoint Middle: Estimated Start Spring 2026 Navajo Pine High: Estimated Start Winter 2025 Gallup High: Estimated Start Spring 2026

UPCOMING EVENTS Spring Break

March 11th - March 15th

GMCS School Board Meeting March 18th

St. Patrick’s Day March 17th

Parent Teacher Conferences March 25th

For more information on our upcoming events please follow us on Facebook @Gallup-McKinley County Schools or Instagram @GMCSNews.

EDUCATION

by Kathy Polich The landscape of Gallup and the surrounding area is as diverse as the people that reside here. Picturesque views of Red Rocks, Pinon trees, and puffy white clouds put a southwestern stamp on the community. The town is known for murals and Native American jewelry. Beautiful school buildings are emerging throughout the county. Esthetically pleasing and functional, these new buildings are replacing the older buildings. It is often problematic for all involved to say goodbye to an old school building. It is like saying goodbye to an old friend or neighbor's house. Nostalgia is hard to overcome. Childhood memories, dreams, and laughter linger in a building long after the kids have moved on. The new generation begins the cycle again after the old buildings come down and the dust settles. Before you know it, the new buildings are the hub of the community. GMCS is constantly working towards improving the structures the students are learning in. Deputy Superintendent Jvanna Hanks II is passionate about this. "Students deserve a beautiful and functional place to learn," Hanks said. Getting new construction is lengthy and complicated, but she and her team strive to get projects approved. Red Rock Elementary is currently in the phase of new building construction. While the students remain in the old building, they watch as the new building comes along. Before long, the new halls will ring with laughter and learning. Jefferson Elementary is one of the newer

“S tudents deserve a beautiful and functional place to learn ” buildings in Gallup. As you drive into the parking lot, the enormous structure sits on a hill surrounded by trees and natural landscaping. Sasha Blanco is the current Principal at Jefferson. Her roots as a Jefferson Jet run back to the old building. As a child, she ate in the cafeteria, read books in the library, and made lifelong friends like most typical students. As a Mossman neighborhood kid, she skinned her knee on the playground more than once. As fate would have it, she returned to that old building as a teacher and added more memories. "I loved that old building and was sad to see it go. It was a huge part of my childhood and teaching." She has worked diligently as an administrator to bring that small school feeling into

Gallup Sun • Friday, February 23, 2024

a large building. It is a challenging task, considering the size of the building. A one-hallway school, the town's trademark, is becoming a thing of the past. Constructed in pods, the new schools are hubs of learning. At Jefferson, each pod consists of two grade levels. The pod staff and students see each other daily but only mingle with the other pods a little. Blanco stated that connection is the key to a cohesive and productive school. By utilizing the gym for incentive days and other gatherings, she has found a way to bring everyone together. You get that old-school feeling when you enter Jefferson and start seeing the students interacting with each other and the staff! Susan Blomquist is the Pre-K teacher. After she wrangles four- and five-year-olds during the day, she becomes the After School Program Coordinator. One of her favorite things about the new building is the natural light. "Students with sensory sensitivity issues do much better with natural light than fluorescent lighting," she stated. As we chatted about the lighting and the windows, she opened the shades to a beautiful view of a snow-covered hill full of trees. She also relayed that playground equipment was more developmentally appropriate now for the younger students. Another bonus she spoke about is the stem lab the afterschool program utilizes, complete with 3D printers and robots. Sammy Sandoval is one of the custodians. He transferred from Rocky View when that school closed. He likes that the newer building has fewer maintenance issues, and he can focus on cleaning his areas and keeping the school looking nice. Home School Liaison Lucinda White chimed in and said, " I like that this school has a lot of space, so it isn't as cluttered as the old building. Each of the areas or pods has its teacher workspace and lounge. It makes it easier for teachers than going to the office." Shelby Clark and Elaine Martinez have been the first faces greeting you in the office since the old building. Joined by Rebecca Martinez, the trio agrees that the new building's best feature is safety. You have to be buzzed into the building; the way the office window sits, you can see who is approaching, giving the office staff a sense of security that was missing before. As Deputy Superintendent Jvanna Hanks II envisions, Jefferson Elementary's building and the staff entrusted with it make a beautiful place for our community children to learn.

A6 Friday, February 23, 2024 • Gallup Sun

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY Gallup Sun Publishing, LLC Publisher Babette Herrmann Managing Editor Molly Ann Howell

Local celebrity brings fellow stars to Gallup COLT BALOK HOSTING ‘A NIGHT WITH THE STARS’ ON FEB. 24

Executive Director Mandy Marks

By Molly Ann Howell

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.

ocal celebrity Colt Ba lok, who ha s hosted his talk show The Colt Balok Show for five years, is returning to his hometown of Gallup to kick off his new A Night with the Stars segment on Feb. 24. With 1.3 million followers on Facebook, The Colt Balok Show is now the fastest growing talk show on the platform on an international level. Balok started the show in Albuquerque but chose to set the show’s new live event premiere in Gallup. “This is a way to honor where I came from and look to the future,” Balok said. Unlike his pre-taped show, A Night with the

Stars will allow Balok to take a more GrahamNorton-like approach by bringing all three of his celebrity guests on stage at once. One of his guests is from Farmington: Chevel Shepard, who previously won The Voice in 2018 when she was 16. Another guest, Jeremiah Bitsui, has New Mexico ties because of the roles he’s played. He starred as Victor in AMC’s Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. The final guest for the night is Drew Seely, who provided the singing voice for Zac Efron’s character Troy Bolton in High School Musical. He’s also starred in other Disney Channel and Hallmark movies.

Colt Balok grew up in Gallup, and now he’s coming back home on Feb. 24 to host his show “A Night with the Stars.” Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Colt Balok As for what the show will actually look like, Balok said he plans on asking deep, personal questions. “I don’t like superficial conversations, I love to get

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watching, the heart of each of these people who are coming on,” Balok said. At the end of the night, Balok and the guests will do a meet and greet afterparty where people will have the chance to meet and talk with the stars. The event will be held at the El Morro Theatre. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Tickets are $7 each and will be available at coltbalok.com. Cocktail attire is required. Balok and his team want to see how this event goes before they plan anymore A Night with the Stars events across the state. Each event would have a different panel of stars, so interested guests are advised to follow Balok’s website for updates.

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people to the core, so I am genuinely going to ask very deep personal questions with these guests,” Balok said. “When I do interviews with people you can tell that I ask questions they don’t usually get or think about. … I’m not afraid to ask those challenging questions.” Balok plans to ask the three guests about any current projects they have going on. The second part of the show is where he’ll go a bit deeper; asking them questions that really get to the core of who they are, such as what some misconceptions people are may have about them, or if they’re at a crossroads in their career. “I want to know their heart. I want to show the audience, anyone

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ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Stop being the wool-gathering Lamb and start turning that dream project into a reality. You have the ideas, drive and charisma to persuade others to follow your lead, so do it. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You’ve scored some big successes. But remember that all hard working Ferdinands and Ferdinandas need some time to restore their energies and refresh their spirits. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You’re gaining a stronger mental image of what you’re trying to achieve. Now look for the facts that will help get this to develop from a concept into a solid proposal. CANCER: (June 21 to July 22) Some of you eagerto-please Moon Children might want to delay some decisions until midweek, when you can again think more with your head than your heart. LEO: (July 23 to

August 22) A new business venture seems to offer everything you’ve been looking for. But be careful that this rosy picture doesn’t betray traces of red ink under the surface. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A volatile situation needs the kind of thoughtful and considerate care you can provide right now. There’ll be plenty of time later to analyze what might have gone wrong. LIBRA: (September 23 to October 22) Your loyalty to a friend in a tough situation earns you respect from the people you care about. Those who criticize you don’t understand what friendship is all about. SCORPIO: (October 23 to November 21) Your strong work ethic is rewarded with the kind of challenging opportunity you love to tackle. Now go ahead and celebrate with family and/or close friends. SAGI T TA R I US: (November 22 to December 21) A legal matter you thought had finally been resolved could require a second look. But don’t make any moves yet without consulting your lawyer. CAPRICORN: (December 22 to January 19) Taking charge is what you like to do, and since you do it so well, expect to be asked to lead a special group. This could open up an exciting new vista for you. AQUARIUS: (January 20 to February 18) An important matter might wind up being entrusted to you for handling. The responsibility is heavy, but you’ll have support from people who are able and eager to help. PISCES: (February 19 to March 20) Avoid getting lost in your thoughts early on in the week. Stay grounded until the week’s end, when the aspects will give you a stroke of luck that can spur powerful action. BORN THIS WEEK: You always try to do the right thing — and for the right reasons. No wonder people have come to depend on you. © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

Gallup Sun • Friday, February 23, 2024

COMMUNITY

GRADUATION | FROM COVER language arts, and create more opportunities for offer ing f ina ncia l literacy, without mandat i ng it a s requ i red class. The updated requirements prov ide a greater level of student choice while keepi ng t he tot a l nu mber of cred it s needed t o

TEACHER OF THE MONTH | FROM A3 She cont i nued by praising Wenning for her hard work and dedication. “She puts in extra hours; I see her car here all the time on the weekend getting ready for the

graduate at 24. In a n inter v iew with the Sun, GallupMcKinley County Schools Superintendent Mike Hyatt explained that the bill was introduced during last year’s leg islative session, but the school district opposed that version. “We understood and thought that the idea of cha nging the graduation requirements was

good, [but] we needed to make sure there was local f lexibility in the graduation requirement language,” Hyatt said. “This year they listened t o a lot of concer n s a nd were able to put together a pretty good bill in regards to graduation requirements.” Hyat t noted t hat the new requirements would allow more flexibility with the district’s

Career Pathways prog r a m . Now, s ome of those courses ca n be tailored to fit in with the core curriculum. He did see the A lgebr a sit u a t ion a s being a potential problem . Cu r rent ly, h ig h school students have to take an assessment in their junior year that Hy a t t s ay s i nc lu d e s some Algebra II skills. Those questions would

ne e d t o be r emove d from the test since the course will no longer be required. Rep. G. A nd rés Romero was one of the s p on s or s of H B 171, and he is excited about what the bill mean for New Mexico students. “By prov id i ng ou r students with greater f lex ibi l it y a nd control over their course lo a d , we c a n b e t t e r

engage them, increase their graduation rates, a nd more ef fect ively prepa re t hem for l i fe a f t e r h i g h s c h o o l ,” he s a id . “Hou s e Bi l l 171 w i l l h e l p c h a r t t he pat h for wa rd for students interested i n t he t r a de s, g iv i ng them a head start to a successful career and helpi n g New Mex ico st a f f up t he se i n- de mand fields.»

students. … She puts in all this extra time to make sure that her classroom is prepared,” the principal said. “She always goes above and beyond to make sure her students’ lessons and resources are ready to go for the week.” Wenning admitted t h a t she s omet i me s

struggles with creating a work/life balance for herself. “The hardest part is letting things go at the end of the day. … I’m a worrier, I tend to worry a lot, so I’ve really been trying to work on my school/ life balance,” she said. When she does have

some free time, she likes to clear her mind by knitting. She even recently attended a knitting retreat in Winslow, A rizona. She also makes T-shirts, and often gives them to her fellow teachers. Her T-shirt designs can be found on Facebook at Kena’s Kreations.

ADVICE FOR NEW TEACHERS Coming from a family chock-full of teachers, Wennings knew what she was getting into when she decided to become a teacher. But she advises anyone who’s considering the profession to do their research.

“I would just know what you’re signing up for. Being a child of teachers, I knew what I was signing up for,” she said. “… Just make sure you’re going into the right profession for the right reasons because these kids need us and if we’re not in it it’s going to affect them.”

Sports Quiz By Ryan A. Berenz

strategy. Give the command “heel” and have Trey walk calmly beside you, with the leash slack. Whenever he gets ahead of you (before the tug of war starts), stop and change direction. He’ll turn to go in the direction you’re heading, and when he does, give him lots of praise and maybe (at fi rst) a little treat. Do this every time he tries to move ahead of you. If Trey tends to pull rea l ly ha rd, cha nge from a collar and leash to a chest harness. This prevents injury and can make it easier to control him. Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com. © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

I Do

Ervin Joe married Valicia Ann Marie Ayze on Feb. 9 Bruce Wesley Bomer married Margie Rosa Upshaw on Feb. 9 Brandon Poblano married Shenel Robyn Comosona on Feb. 13 U’Ryan Tanner Goatson married Leeona Maegon Boone on Feb. 14 Harry Johnson married Marie Leo on Feb. 15

Netball Takeo Spikes Beach volleyball

E A R PAW ’ S C OR N E R : My dog T rey is a 3-year-old mixed breed, mostly Lab, who pulls at his leash every time we go out for a walk. I don’t want to use a choke collar, because it seems painful and counterproductive to punish him every time he tries to pull ahead. How can I get Trey to walk next to me and not tug all the time? — Bill in New Orleans DEAR BILL: Dogs love being outside and exploring. That’s a big reason why Trey is tugging at his leash — he wants to run and explore everything in the world.

But that’s not possible in the city. And for the sake of your leash-holding arm, getting Trey to relax is a big deal. You’re probably saying, “Oh, this is where Sam tells us to reinforce basic obedience training.” And you’re right. It’s important for Trey to follow your commands, especially if he pulls the leash out of your hand. But that’s just one element to leash training a dog. When you pull on the leash to slow Trey down, he will automatically pull in the opposite direction. This is a reflex action. The more you pull, the more they dig in. So instead, tr y a misdirection-rewa rd

• On Feb. 26, 1917, the Original Dixieland Jass (later Jazz) Band recorded “Livery Stable Blues,” the world’s first ja z z record, for t he Victor Talking Machine Company in New York. That sa me yea r, the group also made the first appearance of a jazz band in a motion picture, a silent film titled “The Good for Nothing.” • On Feb. 27, 1938, a new mascot design was created by Chris Klein and C. Karnstadt for use by the Pontiac car brand, in the form of an Indian maiden. The theme was inspired by connections with the General Motors war chief who was employed in the GM manufacturing division. • On Feb. 28, 1983,

5. 6. 7.

By Sam Mazzota King Syndicate

Lightning or the Adelaide Thunderbirds vs. the Melbour ne Vixens, what sport are you watching? 6. Na me the line backer who played 219 r e g u l a r- s e a s o n N F L games from 1998-2012 but never appeared in the playoffs. 7. W hat spor t did the duo of Randy Stoklos and Sinjin Smith dominate through the 1980s and ‘90s? Answers 1. A golf swing 2. A quadruple Axel 3. Muhammad Ali 4. Marcus Camby

When dog walking is a tug of war

1. W h a t a c t i o n did T.V. talk show host Johnny Carson mimic after every monologue? 2. I n S e p t e m b e r 2022, U.S. fi gure skater Ilia Malinin became the fi rst to land what jump in competition? 3. Bi l led a s “ T he Wa r of t he World s,” a 1976 fight in Tokyo featured Japanese pro wrestler Antonio Inoki vs. what A mer ica n boxer? 4. W h a t U M a s s Minutemen defensive standout was drafted No. 2 overa l l by t he Toronto Raptors in the 1996 NBA Draft? 5. I f y o u h a v e t icket s to see t he Strathclyde Sirens vs. the Loughborough

t he f i na l episode of “M*A*S*H,” a series about the staff of an Army hospital during the Korean War, titled “Goodbye, Farewell and A men,” became the most watched television episode in U.S. history, with an estimated 106 million American viewers. • On Feb. 29, 2012, Davy Jones, a former teen idol and singer for The Monkees, died of a heart attack at the age of 66. Jones starred with his bandmates in a popular TV series and a few other shows during his career, later returning to his first passion of horses and becoming a jockey. • On March 1, 2008, Britain’s Prince Harry, who h a d be en s ent secretly to Afghanistan

with his regiment in December at his request, was forced to return to Br it a i n a f ter t he American website the Drudge Report made his deployment public. • On March 2, 1969, the supersonic airliner and joint British/French project Concorde set off on its maiden flight, reaching 10,000 feet and 300 mph. It would be another seven years before the plane began commercial fl ights, which continued until 2003, when it was retired from service. • On March 3, 2005, Steve Fossett became the first person to fly a plane solo and nonstop around the globe without refueling, landing his Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer in Salina, Kansas, after a 67-hour journey. Two years later, he would disappear while flying over the Great Basin Desert, with his wrecked aircraft discovered in 2008. (c) 2 0 2 4 K i n g Features Synd., Inc.

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GALLUP FUN!

1. GEOGRAPHY: What is the capital of Canada? 2. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What was the first animal to be cloned? 3. LITERATURE: In the children's book series "The Bobbsey Twins," what are the names of the two sets of twins? 4. CHEMISTRY: What is the symbol for the chemical element platinum? 5. MUSIC: What is the title of Elvis Presley's first commercial single? 6. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What is the first U.S. national park? 7. MEDICAL: What is a common name for xerosis? 8. FOOD & DRINK: What is a sommelier? 9. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Who was the first president to visit all 50 states? 10. HISTORY: What were the principal powers of the Axis in WWII? © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

Answers 1. Ottawa. 2. A sheep. 3. Nan, Bert, Flossie and Freddie. 4. Pt. 5. “That’s All Right.” 6. Yellowstone National Park. 7. Dry skin. 8. Wine expert. 9. Richard Nixon. 10. Nazi Germany, Italy and Japan.

A8 Friday, February 23, 2024 • Gallup Sun

PUBLIC SAFETY

NEWS

Gallup Sun • Friday, February 23, 2024 B1

PUBLIC SAFETY

NMSP, MCSO collaborate in successful warrant operation

Phoenix man faces charges after motel ﬁght Staff Reports

Phoenix man is facing multiple charges after a fi ght with his girlfriend led to property damage at a Gallup motel. On Feb. 16, around 9:30 pm, Gallup Police Officer Kyle Delgai was dispatched to the Motel 6 at 3306 W. Hwy. 66 after a caller claimed a domestic dispute was taking place. According to his report, when Delgai arrived at Room 242 at the motel, he noticed a broken window with glass on the floor. The front door had also allegedly been kicked. Delgai spoke to the victim, who said she’d gotten into an argument with her boyfriend, who was later identified as Tyrell Chee. She said she didn’t want Chee, 25, in the room with her, so she asked him to get some items from her truck. The victim said she was scared and she locked the door behind Chee. When Chee came back to the room and found himself locked out, he allegedly became angry, and tried to kick the door in. The victim said she tried talking to him, but she eventually called the motel lobby and asked for Chee to be escorted off the property. After talking to motel employees the victim reportedly ran to the motel room’s bathroom. She allegedly heard Chee break a window, but she wasn’t sure how he did it. Chee entered the motel room and grabbed the victim by the sweater she was wearing. The victim said he grabbed her by the arm and was able to pull the sweater off her because it was loose. He then grabbed her head and began pulling her by the ear. He reportedly threw the victim to the ground and a bystander saw the incident and yelled at Chee. Chee then

Staff Reports

T Tyrell Chee grabbed some items from the room and fled the scene. According to Delgai’s report, the victim had some scratches on her ear and it was red. The victim said Chee took her cellphone and some of her children’s belongings. When Delgai spoke to the motel manager she said that the property damage caused by Chee would cost about $1,000 to fi x. After Delgai fi nished talking to the victim and the motel manager, he met with Chee, whose right hand was swollen and bruised. Delgai arrested Chee for battery upon a household member and criminal damage to property. Chee had to be restrained during the car ride to the Gallup Police Department because he kept kicking Delgai’s seat. He also banged his head on the patrol car’s divider glass multiple times, and Delgai had to pull over to further restrain him so he wouldn’t keep hurting himself. His preliminary hearing for the aforementioned charges is scheduled for March 6.

he New Mexico State Police D i s t r ic t 6, i n conju nc t ion w it h t he McK i n ley Cou nt y Sheriff ’s Office, executed a succes sf u l wa r ra nt operat ion i n McKinley County on Feb. 15. The operation resulted in the arrest of seven individuals. O ne of t he felony a r re s t s i nc lu d e d t he a p pr e he n s io n of S a muel S a ndov a l, 3 9. W h i le at a re sidence on T h i rd St reet i n Gallup, which belonged to a relative of Sandoval, officers and deputies saw a man moving around a pop -up ca mper on the proper ty. T he y a p pr o a c h e d t he c a m p e r, identified themselves and a tense standoff ensued as Sandoval brandished a firearm and pointed it at law enforcement. Sa ndova l a lso c l a i me d t o h a ve a n e x plo s i ve device with him inside the camper. In response to the escalating sit uat ion NMSP Tact ica l Tea m, Explosive Ordinance Disposal and Crisis Negotiation Team were dispatched to the scene. A short time later, Sandoval surrendered peacefully and was taken into custody without further incident. A s e a rch of t he c a mper led to the discover y of a .50 caliber muzzleloader rif le. Sandoval was arrested for two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon

Samuel Sandoval on a peace officer and felon in possession charges. Additionally, he wa s wa nted on two felony wa rrants for trafficking narcotics. Sa ndova l’s a r rest culminates with a lengthy legal process that bega n w it h h is eva sion f rom authorities following a jur y trial where he was found guilty. I nclud i ng Sa ndova l’s a r re st , MCSO and NMSP’s efforts on Feb. 15 led to the arrests of seven people a nd f ive misdemea nor wa rr a nt s a nd t wo felony wa r r a nt s were ser ved.

Bringing a gun to a cake ﬁght Staff Reports

Ga llup ma n is facing multiple assault charges after he brandished a gun during an argument with his fiancé. On Feb. 15, around 3 am, Gallup Police Officer Charlie Watkins was dispatched to 1200 E. Aztec Ave. a f t er a wom a n called saying a man, who was later identified as Buddy Jeffries, was fighting with her son. The woman said Jeffries, 57, had a fi rearm. When Watkins arrived at the scene, he met with the woma n who had called Metro Dispatch. She led him to the room where the two men were fi ghting. Watkins found the younger man standing in the room’s doorway and Jeffries on the floor. The two men handed the firearm over to the police officers, and then Watkins spoke to the victim, who explained that he was woken up by his mother and Jefferies fighting. He allegedly separated the two of them, and afterward Jeffries came to his bedroom and asked, “Are you gone yet?” while holding a .32 caliber pistol. The victim said he and his mom were able to disarm Jeffries, and that’s when his mom called the police. When Watkins asked Jeffries what happened, he said he and his fiancé

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Buddy Jeffries had gotten into an argument in which he told her to leave and get out of his house. Jeffries said he didn’t know when he brought the pistol out, but he said he usually carries it in his back pocket. T h e wo m a n w h o called Metro Dispatch, Jeffries’s fiancé, said he’d come home mad and that they got into an argument. During the argument the woman allegedly grabbed some cake they’d been eating and threw it at Jeffries. The woman admitted that she tackled Jeffries when he pulled the gun out, fearful of what he would end up doing to himself or her and her son. She said Jeffries had never pulled out his pistol during an argument. Jeffries was charged with aggravated assault a ga i n st a hou sehold member (use of a deadly weapon), agg ravated assault (use of a deadly weapon), and receiving stolen property (fi rearm). His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 28.

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B2 Friday, February 23, 2024 • Gallup Sun

PUBLIC SAFETY

Weekly DWI Report Staff Reports Featured DWI

Tishanna Judge Feb. 10, 12:34 am A g g ravated DW I (Third) Gallup Police met a Church Rock woman, Tishanna Judge, 31, who parked her vehicle in the middle of the road and eventually arrested and charged her with her third DWI. P a t r o l m a n Ky l e Delgai was dispatched to Casamera Apartments at 350 Basilio Dr., where he saw a white GMC Sierra parked at the scene. He met the driver, Judge, and began questioning her. Judge reportedly did not respond to commands to lower the window at fi rst. When she did open the window, Judge displayed signs of intoxication including bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and trouble talking to Delgai, who also noted a strong smell of alcohol coming from inside the vehicle. Delga i questioned Judge further, who reportedly stated she was not the driver and did not carry any of the requested documentation. Judge also refused to take the Standard Field Sobriety Tests and was placed under arrest. She also refused to give a breath sample. Judge was taken to

McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked for aggravated DWI (third), parking in prohibited spaces, driving on side of roadway, and having no license. Her pretrial hearing is set for March 12.

Name: Monisha Smith Age: 25 Arrested: Feb. 17 Charge: Aggravated DWI Status: Pretrial hearing on March 19

Name: Thurman Billy Age: 27 Arrested: Feb. 14 Charge: Aggravated DWI Status: Pretrial hearing on March 12

Name: Priscilla Wilson Age: 47 Arrested: Dec. 11 Charge: Aggravated DWI (Second) Status: Failed to appear at Jan. 23 hearing, warrant issued

City joins 988 Crisis Lifeline program Staff Reports

G Name: Shanna Cadman Age: 43 Arrested: Nov. 25 Charge: DWI Status: Jury trial scheduled for April 5

Name: Autumn Gray Age: 20 Arrested: Nov. 23 Charge: Aggravated DWI Status: Jury trial scheduled for March 15

Name: Lurleen Lynette Eriacho Age: 34 Arrested: Oct. 19 Charge: Aggravated DWI St at u s: Bench t r ia l scheduled for May 2

a l lup of f icia ls have joined the st ate Hu ma n Services Department’s 9 8 8 C r i s i s L i fel i ne prog ra m for ment a l wel l ne s s . T he pr o gram provides mental health resources which are easily accessible through calling or texting the number 988. There are three ways to connect to the support services, either by calling or texting 988 or chatting with a crisis center by visiting https://988lifeline.org/ chat/. The 988 Crisis Line also has a Veterans Crisis Line and Spanish subnet work. Ga l lup Po l i c e D e p a r t m e n t Chief Erin ToadlenaPablo believes this is a great tool to add to the array of strategies her department uses to address mental health crises. “We believe this is a great tool for commu n it y member s to access mental health support before the situation escalates into something more dire,” Toadlena-Pablo said. “Our officers receive training on how to deal with these matters, but it is better to be proactive and address a situation amongst friends, family, and your medical providers.” T he 988 prog ra m w ill connect people with “one-on-one suppor t from a ca r i ng, understanding and non

judgmental person to help you get through the moment,” according to 988nm.org. Common issues discussed on the line include family or relationship issues, work or school stress, a n xiety about housing or money, alcohol or drug misuse, grief, loss, loneliness, and self-har m. Since the program’s inception, approximately 43,000 New Mexicans have gotten help. There is no cost to participate in the program. All communications with the program are private, confidential and available 24/7. The City also plans to launch an informat ion a l c a mpa ig n t o promote the program. T h i s ca mpa ig n w i l l include social media p o s t s , a bi l l b o a r d , radio ads, and flyers. The City’s Behavioral Health Division also hosts an annual event

to recognize Suicide Sur v ivors Day in November. “We will work with community pa r tners to distribute the 988 information and make sure that the community is aware of the services available,” Debra Martinez, City of Gallup Behav iora l Hea lth Division, added. The Behav iora l Health Division works with Evaluator Sindy Bolaños-Sacoman to organize and promote the program. Sacoman has provided 988 training across the state and t r iba l com mu n it ies. She encourages anyone to contact 988 for “anything that is worrying them” before a situation gets worse. For more information about the program, visit the 988 website or contact Martinez at (505) 726-2604 or dmartinez@gallupnm.gov.

Resources, Development Committee approve historic burial, cemetery regulations Staff Reports

SE BONITO, New Mex ico — T he Na v a jo Nat ion Council Resources and Development Committee passed Legislation 002924, historically approving the Navajo Nation Burial and Cemetery Regulations on Feb. 14. The pa ssage of Legislation 0029-24 signifies a profound step forward in the governance of burial procedures for the Navajo people, giving regulations for actions surrounding burials and cemeteries. “This is a sensitive topic that is both personal and critical to our people. In formalizing these regulations, the Committee had to acknowledge the importance of applying and incorporating traditional principles,” RDC Chairwoman Brenda Jesus (Oaksprings, St. Michaels) said. “We also had to apply regulations and guidance to current burial practices

to empower our chapters when assisting our community members during these times of need.” L eg i sl a t ion 0 0 2 9 24 addresses general provisions, definitions, designation of sites and expansion, maintenance standards, Chapter burial and cemetery policies, roadside memorials, cremation, prohibited behaviors, and penalties among other areas of burials and cemeteries. Notable regulations include: Regarding burial and cemetery expansion, any Navajo Nation lands used for burial must be properly authorized. All new cemeteries and expansions of existing cemeteries must be approved by the Navajo Land Withdrawal Designation Regulations and/or an approved lease. • Family plot cemeteries are prohibited on Navajo Nation Trust Land but pre-existing burials will be grandfathered to not violate regulations.

While these pre-existing burial plots will be grandfathered in, future burials at pre-existing Family Plot Cemeteries shall be prohibited. • All cemeteries must be maintained through efficient management. All cemeteries must have adequate roadway and entrance for vehicles, such as a funeral hearse. Cemeteries must have defined times where no individuals are permitted to enter the cemetery grounds. • Cremation and the spreading of cremated remains/human ashes anywhere on the Navajo Nation is prohibited. Cremated remains can be buried in a durable urn. • There shall be no possession of firearms, except for military services approved by the Navajo Division of Veteran Affairs. • Chapters are responsible for developing burial plots through their Community Land

Rodgerick T. Begay and legislation sponsor Council Delegate Casey Allen Johnson presented the Navajo Nation Burial and Cemetery Regulations before the Resources and Development Committee on Feb. 14. Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Navajo Nation Council Use Plans for approval by the RDC. Chapters can choose to charge a fee for cemetery plots but the fees cannot exceed $150. For any fees collected, the Chapter must create a fund management plan and revenue shall be used to maintain the Chapter cemetery. • Roadside memorials are prohibited, and all pre-existing roadside memorials shall be removed. T h e i m pl e m e n t a tion of Legislation 002924 sets the stage for a

comprehensive approach to addressing the diverse needs of the Nava jo people. “This regulation is a good beginning. There is an amendment clause at Section 14, so we can amend this at any time in the future. The legislation reflects our dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of the Navajo people while adapting to the needs of our community,” Assistant Attorney General in the Chapter Unit Rodgerick T. Begay said.

The Resources and Development Committee expressed their gratitude for the collaborative efforts of past committee members and prior Navajo Nation Council that led to the passage of this legislation. “This legislation is the culmination of long hours spent by the RDC, the Navajo Nation Land Department, the General La nd Development Department, the Navajo Nation Her itage a nd Historic Preser vation Depar tment, and the Department of Justice,” RDC Vice-Chair Casey Allen Johnson said. “I applaud my colleagues on the RDC for assessing, streamlining, and removing red tape to help facilitate the approval of these regulations.” Legislation 0029-24 was approved unanimously with a vote of 5-0, with the Resources and Development Committee being the fi nal authority for the legislation.

Councilors approve new liquor license for King Dragon Staff Reports

new owner has taken over the K i ng Dragon Chinese restaurant at 1212 U.S. Hwy. 491, and he had to come in front of the city council for approva l of a liquor license. A public hearing was held on Feb. 13, and

during it the council congratulated the restaurant’s new owner Zhen Yang Chen. Chen comes from New York City, and he’s been in the restaurant business for almost 20 years. He and his family moved to Gallup in January 2023. He bought the King Dragon from the

prev iou s ow ner i n October, and he submitted his liquor license t o t he New Mex ico A lc o hol ic B e v e r a ge Control Division on Nov. 17. The ABC gave Chen preliminary approval on Dec. 22, and submitted the request to the city on Jan. 2. In 2021, a New Mexico St at e St at ut e broke

the restaurant liquor license into three categories: Restaurant A for beer and wine only, Restaurant A+ for New Mexico-produced spirits only, and Restaurant B, which includes beer, wine, and any type of spirit. Chen applied for a Restaurant A license. Before the council voted on whether or not

to approve the license, Councilor Ron Molina spoke about the previous owner of the King Dragon. “M ike, t he ow ner before, always ran a class act. I’m sure you’re following those same steps,” he said to Chen. “I don’t know of any problems we’ve ever had with liquor or anything

like that in that area. …” All the councilors approved the license, and said they were excited to see Chen’s success. Cou ncilor L i nda Garcia, who oversees District 1, which is where King Dragon is located, gave Chen warm wishes. “Welcome to Gallup, I wish you great success,” she said.

SPORTS

Gallup Sun • Friday, February 23, 2024 B3

SPORTS

Lady Diné Warriors topple the Lady Mustangs Mustang Penelope Marias (13) looks for an opportunity to give Ramah a home court advantage during the game against the Tse’ Yi’ Gai Lady Diné Warriors on Feb. 20. PHoto Credit: Jenny Pond

Lady Mustang Geneva Nabours looks for a teammate to throw the ball to during the Feb. 20 game against the Tse’ Yi’ Gai Lady Diné Warrirors. The Lady Diné Warriros won the game 49-30. Photo Credit: Jenny Pond

Mustang Penelope Marias (13) ponders her next move against the Tse’ Yi’ Gai Lady Diné Warriors on Feb. 20. Photo Credit: Jenny Pond

Mustang Haley Malani (14) tries to turn her team’s effort into a gain during the game against the Tse’ Yi’ Gai Lady Diné Warriors. Photo Credit: Jenny Pond

Ramah boys squeeze past Tse’ Yi’ Gai Mustang Jayden Blea (24) turning up on the heat on the Tse’ Yi’ Gai Diné Warriors as teammate Isaac Vicente (20) looks on. Photo Crredit: Jenny Pond

Ramah Mustang Preston Curley (14) looking for the play versus Tse’ Yi’ Gai Diné Warrior Trevor Negale (10) during the game on Feb. 20. The Mustangs won 47-43. Photo Credit: Jenny Pond

Mustang Preston Curley (14) takes a mid-court shot against oncoming Tse’ Yi’ Gai Diné Warriors hoping to score some points. Photo Credit: Jenny Pond

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.

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B4 Friday, February 23, 2024 • Gallup Sun

OPINIONS

STAR ATHLETES OF THE WEEK School: Crownpoint High Name: Courtney Craig Sport: Basketball Grade: Sophomore Courtney practices every day with strong consistency. She will be working the free throw line extent, elbow, and short corner. Courtney is developing into a great forward position for the Crownpoint Lady Eagles.

School: Thoreau High Name: Damien Yazzie Sport: Basketball Grade: Senior Damien is a senior who has played basketball at THS for three years. He is a dedicated and hard-working player, and he is also an Honor Roll student. Damien is a great student-athlete.

School: Tse’ Yi’ Gai Mid-High School Name: Samantha Ramon Sport: Basketball Grade: 8th Grade Sam is the team manager for the girls’ varsity team and is responsible and reliable. She does an excellent job keeping the scorebook and informing the coach of foul trouble and free throw attempts. As a scholar, Sam excels in all her classes and is an asset to the classroom.

OPINIONS

Order in the coffee shop By Curtis Honeycutt Guest Columnist

love listening to other people’s coffee shop orders. It seems there is no limit to human creativity when it comes to curating the best bespoke beverage. With so many milk choices, coffee combinations and sweetener options, the possibilities are endless. And, as long as I get that caffeine in me, it’s all good.

Have you noticed what people say before they list their litany of whipped whimsies? Increasingly, I hear these coffee connoisseurs begin with, “I’ll do…” No, I didn’t say “I do.” Although, if they love their six-dollar coffees so much, they might as well marry them, am I right? I wouldn’t know — I’m more of a chai guy. That’s right — people start their orders

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with “I’ll do.” “I’ll do a 16-ounce flat white with whip.” “I’ll do a medium lavender macchiato with oat milk.” “I’ll do a triple-shot mini espresso frappe sprinkled with non-dairy pumpkin unicorn dust — light foam.” What does “I’ll do” me a n? T he ba r i s t a s make the drinks. The customers pay for the drinks. They’re not doing anything except swiping their cards and pretending to tip well on the second screen. You’re not fooling anyone, by the way; rounding up twelve cents doesn’t really count

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as a tip. T here a re severa l ways to start an order that make more sense. “I’ll have a,” “I’d like a,” “May I please have a” or “Whip me up a” are perfectly fine alternatives. “I’ll do a” really grates my grounds. If you pay attention, you’ll notice people ordering at restaurants this way as well. I think it’s obligatory for every, “I’ll just do the chicken tenders with a side of ranch,” the waiter will come by at some point in the meal to quip, “You still working on those?” Eating is not

work, and you can not “do” a food. “Yes, waiter, I’d like to shove the entire basket of chicken tenders in my face” is a better way to order (in my opinion). I’m afraid the “I’ll do” train has already left the station; however, I think baristas should have an “I’ll do” jar next to the register. Every time someone begins his order with “I’ll do,” they have to put a dollar in the jar. That would solve the non-tipping situation. Until then, I’ll do another column on the unraveling downward

Curtis Honeycutt s pi r a l of A mer ic a n English. Wow, that got negative at the end … my apologies, I haven’t had my caffeine yet this morning. —Curtis Honeycutt is an award-winning syndicated humor columnist. Connect with h i m on T w itter (@ curtishoneycutt) or at curtishoneycutt.com.

Check out our FREE access community website! www.gallupsun.com

Hours:

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

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Pet of the Week ''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

Meet Venus! She is a 2-year-old spayed Retriever-mix. T he Gr a nt s A n i m a l Shelter says she is the most calm dog they currently have. She gets along with everyone and loves having any attention. She came from a hoarding situation and is one of the last ones left through no fault of her own. People seem to overlook her because she stays to the back of the kennels when people come to the shelter. sh A nyone interested in Venus can n visit her at the Grants Animal Care Center at 722 Redondo R d. i n Gr a nt s, New Mexico. They are open Monday-Friday Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. Venus is currently under u the care of the Grants Animal Care Center.

Gallup Sun • Friday, February 23, 2024 B5

OPINIONS

WELCOME TO THE NOMINATION PHASE OF MCKINLEY COUNTY READERS' CHOICE AWARDS! Best of McKinley! • ¨ǼƺƏɀƺ ˡǼǼ ǣȇ ɵȒɖȸ ȅȒɀɎ ǔƏɮȒȸǣɎƺ ƫɖɀǣȇƺɀɀƺɀ ǣȇ JƏǼǼɖȵٍ

• Áǝƺ ɎȒȵ ˡɮƺ ƫɖɀǣȇƺɀɀƺɀ ٢ɎɯȒ ȅǣȇǣȅɖȅ ɎȒ ȷɖƏǼǣǔɵ٣ ǔȒȸ ƺƏƬǝ ƬƏɎƺǕȒȸɵ ɯǣǼǼ ƏƳɮƏȇƬƺ ɎȒ Ɏǝƺ IǣȇƏǼǣɀɎɀ ȵǝƏɀƺ ƫƏǼǼȒɎِ Áǝƺȸƺ ɯǣǼǼ ƫƺ Ȓȇƺ áǣȇȇƺȸ ȵƺȸ ƬƏɎƺǕȒȸɵ ƏȇƳ RȒȇȒȸƏƫǼƺ xƺȇɎǣȒȇ ǔȒȸ ɀƺƬȒȇƳ ȵǼƏƬƺِ

• ³ƺǼƺƬɎ ȒȇǼɵ Ȓȇƺ ƫɖɀǣȇƺɀɀ ȵƺȸ ƬƏɎƺǕȒȸɵ ɯǣɎǝǣȇ Ɏǝƺ ƫȒȸƳƺȸɀ Ȓǔ xƬkǣȇǼƺɵ !ȒɖȇɎɵِ ȇǼɵ Ȓȇƺ ƺȇɎȸɵ ȵƺȸ ȵƺȸɀȒȇ ƏǼǼȒɯƺƳ ɯǝƺɎǝƺȸ ɵȒɖ ɮȒɎƺ ƏɎ ǕƏǼǼɖȵɀɖȇِƬȒȅ Ȓȸ ˡǼǼ ȒɖɎ Ɏǝǣɀ ƫƏǼǼȒɎِ

• zȒȅǣȇƏɎǣȒȇ ȵǝƏɀƺ ƫƏǼǼȒɎ ƳƺƏƳǼǣȇƺ ǔȒȸ ƺȇɎȸǣƺɀ‫ ي‬xƏȸƬǝ ‫ ד ًגא׎א ً׏׏‬ȵȅ

ɖɀǣȇƺɀɀƺɀ ƬƏȇ ɀȵȒȇɀȒȸ Ɏǝƺ ǕƺȇƺȸƏǼ ƬƏɎƺǕȒȸɵ Ȓȸ ɀȵƺƬǣˡƬ ƬƏɎƺǕȒȸɵِ ɖɎً ȒȇǼɵ Ȓȇƺ ƏƳɮƺȸɎǣɀƺȅƺȇɎ ƏǼǼȒɯƺƳ ȵƺȸ ƬƏɎƺǕȒȸɵً ˡȸɀɎ ƬȒȅƺً ˡȸɀɎ ɀƺȸɮƺِ BEST OVERALL

BEST FOOD & BEVERAGE

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Best Business in Vanderwagen-Ramah-Zuni

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Best Bakery and Dessert

Best Barbershop/Salon

Best Business in Tse Bonito-Yatahey

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ƺɀɎ ɖɎƳȒȒȸ 0ɮƺȇɎ

Best Photographer

ƺɀɎ !ȒȇɮƺȇǣƺȇƬƺ ³ɎȒȸƺ ٢ɀȵƺƬǣˡƬ٣

Best Electrical Company

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ƺɀɎ ¨ǣɿɿƏ

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ƺɀɎ zȒȇ‫¨ٮ‬ȸȒˡɎ ȸǕƏȇǣɿƏɎǣȒȇ

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ƺɀɎ ǣǼ !ǝƏȇǕƺ

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REQUIRED (not for publication): Car Dealer - Best Sales Team

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ƺɀɎ RƺƏǼɎǝ‫ ٮ‬ȸǣƺȇɎƺƳ ɖɀǣȇƺɀɀ

Best Medical Practice

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

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ȇǼɵ ‫ ׏‬ƺȇɎȸɵ ȵƺȸ ȵƺȸɀȒȇ ƏǼǼȒɯƺƳِ (ɖȵǼǣƬƏɎƺɀ ɯǣǼǼ ƫƺ ƳǣɀȷɖƏǼǣˡƺƳِ IǣǼǼ ȒɖɎ ȵȸǣȇɎ Ȓȸ ȒȇǼǣȇƺ ɮƺȸɀǣȒȇ ƏȇƳ ȸƺɎɖȸȇ ɎȒ JƏǼǼɖȵ ³ɖȇ ƫƺǔȒȸƺ ‫ ד‬ȵȅ Ȓȇ xƏȸƬǝ ‫ ِ׏׏‬ xƏǣǼ‫ٮ‬ǣȇ ƺȇɎȸǣƺɀ ȅɖɀɎ ƫƺ ȵȒɀɎȅƏȸǸƺƳ ƫɵ xƏȸƬǝ ‫ ِ׏׏‬

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

B6 Friday, February 23, 2024 • Gallup Sun

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

The Gallup Sun is looking to fill the Accounts Executive position. If you have 1 year of inbound or outbound sales experience or face to face customer service 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

2021 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited Engine: 3.0L V6 Transmission: Automatic Mileage: 34,723 Stock#: J23316A1

We offer competitive compensation, including a starting base salary, commission, and bonus program with room for advancement.

Amigo Toyota 2000 S. Second St. Gallup, NM (505) 722-3881 AmigoToyota.com

Additionally, we provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities to help you succeed in your role as an Account Executive.

HELP WANTED McKinley County is now accepting applications for the following positions: POSITION Administrative Assistant Appraiser DEPARTMENT Assessor’s Assessor’s Office FOR BEST CONSIDERATION DATE February 21, 2024 March 4, 2024 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 *** ACCOUNTS 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. There’s a $500 sign on bonus for our selected candidate. (Conditions apply) To apply, send cover letter, resume, including three professional references to: gallupsun@ gmail.com Closing date: Feb. 23, 2024 LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES STATE OF NEW MEXICO COUNTY OF CIBOLA THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT JUANITA CHAVEZ REVOCABLE TRUST, Plaintiff,

Vs. No. D-1333CV-2024-00038 GARY W. EVANS, BOYD STANLEY FOSTER, ALEXIA FOSTER, SHIRLEY K. CHAVEZ a/k/a SHIRLEY K. CORTEZ, ESTATE OF EDDIE CHAVEZ HIS HEIRS, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS & UNKNOWN CLAIMANTS OF INTEREST IN THE PREMISES ADVERSE TO THE PLAINTIFF,

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

Defendants, NOTICE OF PENDENCY OF SUIT TO: GARY W. EVANS, BOYD STANLEY FOSTER, ALEXIA FOSTER, SHIRLEY K. CHAVEZ a/k/a SHIRLEY K. CORTEZ, ESTATE OF EDDIE CHAVEZ, his heirs, Successors, assigns and “Unknown Claimants in Interest Adverse to Plaintiff.” You or your attorney are hereby directed to file a pleading or motion in response to the complaint to Quiet Title on file herein on or before 20 days from the date of the last publication of the Notice in the Office of the Clerks of the District Court, Thirteenth Judicial District of the State of New Mexico, sitting within and for the County of Cibola, that being the Court in which said Complaint is filed, and to serve a copy of the same pleading or motion upon Plaintiff or Plaintiff’s attorneys, Mason & Isaacson, P.A., 104 East Aztec, P.O. Box 1772, Gallup, New Mexico 87305, (505-7224463). Unless a responsive pleading or motion is entered by you in this cause on or before the above date, judgment will be rendered against you by default. The general object of said actions is to quiet the title of the following-described property in Cibola County, New Mexico: Lot Ten (10) in Block Twenty-Four (24) of the MILAN TOWNSITE, Cibola County, New Mexico. SUBJECT TO all legally existing easements, restrictions and reservations. WITNESS the District Judge of the Thirteenth Judicial District Court of the State of New Mexico, and the seal of said Court this ___ day of February, 2024.

CLASSIFIEDS Read online at gallupsun.com Fixed Price Agreement COMMODITY CODES: 20422, 20832 As more particularly set out in the bid documents, copies of which may be obtained by downloading from the Gallup-McKinley County Schools eBidding platform website https:// gmcs.bonfirehub.com/ portal Sealed bids for such will be received until 2:00 PM (LOCAL TIME) on March 7, 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. Dated the 23rd Day of February 2024 By: /S/Chris Mortensen, President Board of Education Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 BID ISSUE DATE: February 23, 2024 PUBLICATION DATES: February 23, 2024 *** PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the

McKinley County Board of Commissioners will hold a Regular Meeting on Tuesday February 27, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. This meeting will be held in the Commission Chambers, Third Floor of the McKinley County Courthouse, 207 West Hill, Gallup, New Mexico. A copy of the agenda will be available 72 hours prior to the meeting in the Manager’s Office and the County Clerk’s Office. The agenda can be sent electronically upon request. Auxiliary aides for the disabled are available upon request; please contact Shawna Garnenez at (505) 863-1400 at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting to make any necessary arrangements. All interested parties are invited to attend. Done this 20th of February 2023 McKINLEY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS /S/ Robert Baca, Chairperson Publication date: February 23, 2024 *** CITY OF GALLUP CITY OF GALLUP, NEW MEXICO REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NO.2024-RFP-002

FORCE PROGRAM, GALLUP NM Notice is hereby given that the City of Gallup, New Mexico will receive sealed proposals for INDUSTRIAL WORKFORCE PROGRAM 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. 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. Dated this day 21st day of February 2024 By: /S/: Louis Bonaguidi, Mayor Classified Legal Column: Gallup Sun Publishing Date: Friday-February 23, 2024

INDUSTRIAL WORK-

Clerk of District Court By: ____________ Deputy Published: Gallup Sun February 23, 2024 March 1, 2024 March 8, 2024 *** ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS NOTICE TO BIDDERS Public notice is hereby given that the Gallup-McKinley County Schools, Gallup New Mexico, desires to purchase the following: CUSTOMER SERVICE KIOSKS AND SOFTWARE SYSTEM No. ITB-2024-28RB

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

Gallup Sun • Friday, February 23, 2024 B7

CALENDAR

Savor the spice A CULINARY JOURNEY WITH RED LENTIL DAL

re you ready to ta nt a l i ze you r taste buds with a culinary adventure? While we might not be jetting off to dista nt lands anytime soon, we can certainly embark on a delicious journey right from our own kitchens. So, let’s fasten our apron strings and take a fl avorful trip to India with a classic dish: Red Lentil Dal.

feel free to use any color of lentils you may have. If you don’t often cook w it h f re sh g i n ger, I urge you to try it. You just need a little knob, enough to fill a tablespoon. Peel it with a spoon and mince as you would garlic. The difference is amazing for mere pennies. Also, this dish is very mild. If you enjoy your Indian food spicy, add some jalapeno.

D a l (a l s o s p el le d “dahl,” “daal” or “dhal,” but I’m sticking with “dal”) is the Indian name for dried, split pulses (like lentils, peas and beans) that don’t require pre-soaking. Dal, in its various forms, is a global nutritional powerhouse, transcending cultural boundaries and culinary preferences. Whether it’s the comforting Indian da l, hea r t y M idd le Ea ster n mu jada ra or s avor y Et h iopi a n misir wat, these dishes showcase lentils’ versatility across diverse cuisines. Embraced by vegetarians, vegans and meat-eaters alike, dal stands as a testament to the universal appeal of plant-based foods, addressing food security challenges and promoting healthier diets globally.

EASY RED LENTIL DAL

Here’s how to make something as simple as a cupful of lentils, some spices and aromatics into a hearty stew that’s both delicious and nutritious. The stew is earthy and satisfying; the curry, garlic and ginger fl avors are warm and soothing. This is comfort food at its fi nest. A few thoughts: If you can’t fi nd red lentils,

1 tablespoon olive oil 1 1/2 cups onion, chopped 4 to 6 cloves garlic, minced 1 heaping tablespoon fresh ginger, minced 1 tablespoon curry powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin 3 cups water or vegetable stock 1 1 / 2 c up s red lentils 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 (14 . 5 ou nc e) ca n pet ite d iced tomatoes, undrained Cilantro and cooked rice, to serve 1 (10 ounce) box frozen spinach, thawed and drained 2 cups cauliflower, chopped 1 cup carrot, diced

curry and cumin, stirring to coat the onions with spices, and cook for 1-2 minutes, until everything is spectacularly fragrant. Isn’t that wonderful? Add around 1 cup of water or stock, using a spatula to scrape any bits off the bottom of the pan. Add the rest of the water or stock, the lentils and any optional veget able s, i f u si ng, and stir. Bring to a boil,

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.

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. 24

A NIGHT WITH THE STARS

5:30 pm @ El Morro Theater (207 W. Coal Ave.) Global media influencer and talk show host Colt Balok is returning to his hometown of Gallup to kick off his new “A Night with the Stars” segment. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased at coltbalok.com.

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,

months.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for up to four

*** L i fe st yle ex per t Patti Dia mond is the

Sheldon coming back with new episodes? Is it true that this will be the final season? — A.M. A: By the time you’re reading this,you might have noticed that Young Sheldon returned to CBS with all new episodes on Feb. 15. Delayed by the writers’ and actors’ strikes, the seventh and final season will only consist of 14 episodes, with its hour-long series fi nale airing on May 16. It was inevitable that the show would end, since the title character was getting closer to the age of his future self in The Big Bang Theory, the hit sitcom that preceded Young Sheldon.

However, there is a bit of good news on the horizon. According to The Hollywood R e p o r t e r, C B S i s “reteaming with exec producers Chuck Lorre, Steve Holland and Steve Mola ro t o develop a spinoff of their prequel series ‘Young Sheldon.” Although nothing official has been announced, word is that the new show will focus on Sheldon’s brother, Georgie (Monta na Jordan), and his fiancee, Mandy (Emily Osment). It will debut as early as the 2024 -25 telev ision season. Hopefully, Ia i n A r m it a ge w i l l pop in occasionally as Sheldon.

So, whether you spell it “dal,” “dahl,” “daal” or “dhal,” one thing’s for sure: This dish is a testament to the incredible versatility and f lavor of lentils. Join the millions of dal enthusiasts around the world and treat yourself to a bowl of this savory delight.

pen ny-pi nch i ng, pa rt y-pla n n i ng, recipe developer and content creator of the website Diva s On A Di me — W here F r uga l, Meets Fabulous! Visit Patti at www.divasonadime. com and join the conversation on Facebook at DivasOnADimeDotCom. Em a i l Pat t i at d iva pat t i@d iva sona d i me. com

Celebrity Extra By Dana Jackson Q: I remember when singer Usher used to be on the soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful. Has he done any acting since?— S.L. A: Born Usher Raymond IV, superstar Usher was born in Dallas and sang in the church choir that was directed by his mother. The family later moved to Atlanta and then Los Angeles, where Usher released his first album in 1994 at the age of 16 and also hit it big with his second album, “My Way,” in 1997. He flexed his talents even more by branching out into acting — fi rst in the sitcom The Parent ’Hood

on The WB network, then in recurring roles on The Bold and the Beautiful and Moesha. More recently, he’s just played himself in several T.V. shows like Dave and The Lonely Island movie Popstar. However, being selected to headline the Super Bowl halftime show is a high honor for any recording artist, so I doubt he has any regrets about not having a hit acting career. He also just released his ninth album, “Coming Home,” so perhaps he’ll be adding his ninth Grammy to his mantle during the next award season. *** Q: When is Young

In a medium-size p o t ove r me d iu m heat, heat the oil. Add the onion, and cook until soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and a bit of extra oil, if ne e de d . C o ok for 1 m i nute, st i r r i ng occ a sion a l ly. Add

Community Calendar February 23 - February 29, 2024 FRIDAY, FEB. 23

then reduce heat to a bare simmer, cooking covered for 30 minutes. Stir this occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of t he pa n. A f ter 30 minutes, add the diced tomatoes and salt, stir and heat through. Serve with r ice, ga r n i shed w it h cilantro.

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!

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.

KIDZ CINEMA

12 pm @ OFPL’s main library (115 W. Hill Ave.). A paramedic and a case manager from the First Responders Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Act will present available resources and Narcan training. Each individual will get a box of Narcan. A Q&A to follow. Email bmartin@ gallupnm.gov, or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

2 pm every Saturday @ OFPL’s Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec. Ave.) for weekly family oriented film screenings. This week’s movie is Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie (2023). Email bmartin@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

GALLUP 9TH ST. FLEA MARKET

9 am - 5 pm @ 340 9th Street. The Gallup 9th Street Flea Market is one of the largest Native American markets in the United States. MONDAY, FEB. 26

EUREKA!

4 pm @ OFPL’s Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec Ave.). Design and build your own space capsules that are capable of safely landing a pair of astronauts. Email pneilson@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information. TUESDAY, FEB. 27

REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING

9 am @ 207 W. Hill Ave.

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

FREE NARCAN TRAINING

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. 28

SPORTS COMMISSION MEETING

5:30 pm @ Gallup City Hall, City Manager’s Conference Room (110 W. Aztec Ave.).

OPEN MAKERSPACE TIME

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

MIDWEEK MATINEE AT OFPL

4 pm every Wednesday @ OFPL’s main library

CALENDAR (115 W W. Hill Ave.). A ) This Thi week’s film is Ali.

FAMILY STORYTIME

11 am @ the Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec Ave.). Join OFPL for Storytime activities, songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and read-aloud stories!Email bmartin@ gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information. THURSDAY, FEB. 29

WE READ, WE TALK BOOK CLUB

6 pm @ OFPL’s Main Library (115 W. Hill Ave.). In collaboration with the City of Gallup Behavioral Health, SBS Evaluation and Program Development Specialist and the University of New Mexico, the We READ, We TALK Book Club is currently reading What Happened To You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey. Email bmartin@gallupnm.gov or call 505-863-1291 for more information.

FEBRUARY FILMS: AFRICAN AMERICAN FILMS

4 pm @ the UNM-Gallup Zollinger Library (705 Gurley Ave.). This month, Zollinger Library is celebrating African American films. This week’s film is Moonlight.

CRAFTY KIDS

4 pm @ OFPL’s Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec Ave.). Create self-portraits using recycled materials like yarn scraps, foam sheet scrapes, crafty sticks, buttons and construction paper. For more information email: bmartin@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291.

SAVE THE DATE FRIDAY, MARCH 1

NEW MEXICO GROWN: GARDENING SERIES

4 pm - 6 pm @ OFPL’s Main Library (115 W. Hill Ave.). Join OFPL and Master Gardeners from Tumbleweed Farms for a gardening series. Get tips and instructions to plan a space for your garden and manage your crops from Master Gardeners Jason Elliott and Natalja Varezkina Elliot. SATURDAY, MARCH 2

DR. SEUSS DAY

12 pm - 5 pm @ OFPL’s Children’s Branch (200 W. Aztec Ave.). Share a Dr. Seuss book together in the Dr. Seuss Reading Corner; make yourself a healthy Dr. Seuss-themed snack; get folding with an Dr. Seuss-themed origami craft; get your picture taken in the Dr. Seuss photo booth; and finally, enjoy an interactive viewing of The Lorax.

INDOOR FLEA MARKET

8 am - 4 pm Gallup Community Service Center (410 Bataan Veterans St.)

LAST DAY TO SEE GALLUPARTS ANNUAL ARTIST CHALLENGE THURSDAY, MARCH 7

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) 8631291 for more information.

THURSDAY, MARCH 7 AND FRIDAY, MARCH 8

INTERNATIONAL URANIUM FLIM FESTIVAL

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

WE READ, WE TALK BOOK CLUB

OFPL’S book club book for the month of March is “Blood Sisters” by Vanessa Lillie. Discussions will be held in April.

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.

B8 Friday, February 23, 2024 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

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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!