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VOL 1 | ISSUE 4 | MAY 1, 2015
Introducing GALLUP FUN! Arts & Entertainment Runs first Friday of the month!
Featuring ‘Artisan of the Month’ Angeline Touchine melds tradition with style.3 Film Review: New ‘Avengers’ flick to awe action buffs.6
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Friday May 1, 2015 • Gallup Sun
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Gallup FUN CARRYING ON A FATHER’S LEGACY: MOTHER, DAUGHTER CRAFT EXQUISITE JEWELRY Story and Photos by Babette Herrmann Post Editor
F
or about three decades, Angeline Touchine stood along side her jeweler husband Ben, watching him mold silver and join precious stones together to create beautiful bracelets, rings, earrings, necklaces and more.
“burnt” the piece. “If you’re not patient or you hurry it’s going to ruin it,” she said. So, a slow, careful hand and persistence helps her to stay focused while sitting at the crafting table. While she works with different color stones, from emerald valley turquoise to opal, when it comes to working with blue turquoise, she prefers the bright Sleeping
Angeline and Vangie Touchine stand in front of Angeline’s collection of handcrafted pieces.
Angeline presents bracelets made by both her and late husband Ben. To honor her husband’s design, she stamps both of their names on jewelry. She would soon join in the business, helping him to polish and clean one-of-a-kind pieces, which give a contemporary feel to traditional Navajo jewelry. More than a decade ago, that apprenticeship soon lead to Touchine crafting her own pieces. And she would be completely on her own when Ben passed away in 2013. “I was there everyday from 1970,” she said. However, breaking out on her own actually began when Ben’s health started to decline, giving her the opportunity to work on refining her craft, shaping the signature pieces that he taught her to make. “He always encouraged me,” she said. It wasn’t easy finding her way after spending 47 years with her beloved partner. With her rich jewelry collection sprawled across the table atop black velvet, she addressed a heavy silver bracelet with a gold overlay. She pointed to a slight flaw on the inside of the bracelet, saying that she had GALLUP FUN!
Beauty-mined stone to craft her squash blossom-style pieces. And she’s not alone in her passion for designing jewelry. Her daughter Vangie assists Touchine and even makes boutique pieces of her own. “She’s the one the does the shining, the cleaning,” Touchine said. “She’s the finisher-upper.” Vangie is honing her skills,
perfecting the geometric shapes that are part of the Touchine signature style. “I work four days out of the week, and on Thursday and Friday I help my mom,” she said. Together, both of them take on the challenge of multiple orders. Most pieces, especially the larger orders are hand-delivered directly to customers. This sometimes entails a road trip to Arizona, and in some cases to California, to drop off handmade treasures. “I like to do that,” she said. “They need to know their artist.”
Vangie Touchine has taken on the geometric pieces, carving her niche in the family business.
And just how does a jeweler continue to find inspiration? For Angeline, who lives in Churchrock, it’s about the challenge each piece presents to her along with continuing the tradition of her late husband. “To me, I am amazing myself,” she said. “But all along I have been sitting by the master, who kicked it into my brain. He always encouraged me.” While many artists of this caliber showcase their pieces to local traders, both mother and daughter frequent the Gallup flea mart on Saturday and get other business by word of mouth. Touchine shunned the idea of building a website, worried that she may get bombarded with orders that she’ll be unable to fill. Vangie, on the other hand, is looking to spread her wings and to try selling her pieces in Santa Fe. Touchine said that if Gallup wants to help grow tourism they need to embrace local artisans and have booths set up in Courthouse Square, especially during the Nightly Indian Dance season. “I wish they would think about the artists and have a place,” she said.
But for now, she is flush with new and repeat business. While this may be the case, Touchine is not one to take any kind of shortcut, using only the finest gems and silver jewelry that’s heavy enough to stand the test of time. “You have to stand behind your pieces as quality and we have people coming back all the time,” she said. To contact Angeline and daughter Vangie, call (505) 9050644 or (505) 879-6331.
An example of Angeline Touchine’s craftmanship.
Gallup Sun • Friday May 1, 2015
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GALLUP’S PIANO MAN: RAMON CHAVEZ SPOTLIGHTS LOCAL TALENT By Melinda Russell Sun Correspondent
I
t’s Saturday night at Coal Street Pub. There’s live music being played by the local folk band, 10 Minutes Max. Ramon Chavez, Coal Street owner, is a musician who plays drums, piano and vocals. His love for music is obvious in his support of local acts that entertain the patrons of his pub. “I star ted playing snare drum at Washington Elementary with Ken Holloway. He was my music teacher almost every year until he retired,” Chavez said, as he reminisced about his formative years in music. He remembered a time when
Mr. Holloway threw a chair across the room. It reminded him of the movie “Whiplash,” a story about a tumultuous relationship between a student drummer and his director. “His class was almost like boot camp.” Chavez was awarded AllState drummer his junior year in high school, in 1985 under Holloway’s direction. Chavez didn’t start playing piano until he joined the Navy. “I had to play some kind of music and I couldn’t take my drum set on the ship with me.” So he bought a small keyboa rd a nd st a r ted tea ching himself how to play. He never learned how to read music so everything he plays is by ear.
Gallup’s Piano Man, Ramon Chavez, sits at his piano while members of 10 Minute Max, Don Taminga and Jim Sayers entertain the Coal Street Pub audience with folk music. Photo Credit: Melinda Russell
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Friday May 1, 2015 • Gallup Sun
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The best gig he ever played was a concert on his ship, the USS Constellation during Desert Storm. Their down time was billed as a “steel beach picnic.” He and five other guys were a 1980s rock band playing covers for Van Halen among others. The guys on the ship, all 6,000 of them, were thrilled to listen to a rock band where all the members had the same haircuts as they did. They also played at many ports including Australia, Thailand and the Philippines. The worst gig he ever played was in the Gallup High School marching band. “We marched form the East Y to Rio West Mall, Chavez said. It was during the balloon fiesta, wet and freezing. Chavez played about 10 years with his dad’s band, Dick ie Chavez a nd t he Gallupenos, after coming home from the Navy. They played Tejano music from Grants to Window Rock and everywhere in between. Now, he says, the piano is his favorite. He plays with several groups at the pub, including 505 Blues Band and Benny an the Jets. Tanya Gomez, half of the singing duo Dey & Nite
sings with the band once each month. As for his favorite artist, Chavez says, without question, it’s Billy Joel. “Close your eyes and listen to the words and there’s a movie already going in your mind.” That’s how Joel writes. Nobody writes like that anymore. Everything today is about the beat. But Chavez says, Joel was all about the story. Coal Street Pub allows locals to showcase their talents every Wednesday during Open-Mic-Night. Fridays and Saturdays it features a range of local talent from the rock variety group 3 Blind Mice to 505 Blues Band. “ My f a v o r i t e i s T h e Bi l lyhawk s Ba nd from Ramah,” says Brittany Lujan, server at Coal Street. “They have a drummer, guitars and a banjo.” Besides the music, Coal Street Pub and Chavez are probably best k now n for their Crab Boil. Served every Saturday night, patrons are encouraged to roll up their sleeves and dig in. Combine that with live local talent, it’s a recipe for success. GALLUP FUN!
ROAD TRIP: TRANQUILITY CLOSE TO HOME
By Melinda Russell Sun Correspondent
H
idden behind the buildings that make up UNM Gallup lies a trail that seemingly takes me nowhere. It goes up and down and winds around but every time I walk it I end up where I started. Or do I? On this trail, magic can happen. Often my journey begins with consternation or even depres sion. But soon after I start, my senses take over and the beauty of this hidden natural treasure creeps into my soul. I feel the release of tension in my Just over the hills are homes, cars and busy lives. But, while walking on the UNM track, I lose sight of the distractions and enjoy fresh air, color and life. Photo Credit: Melinda Sanchez
Gallup Sun Publishing, LLC Publisher/Editor Babette Herrmann Correspondents Kim Gaona Tom Hartsock Melinda Sanchez Marley Shebala Design David Tsigelman 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. PO Box 1212 Gallup, NM 87305 www.gallupsun.com Find us on Facebook and Twitter Phone: (505) 728-1640 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.
GALLUP FUN!
mu scle s. T he su n sh i ne s down upon me and warms my body. My hea r t sta r ts pumping with intentionality, working to get me where I need to be. I see the colors of the red rocks in front of me: red, brown, yellow, and purple. Pyramid rock sits empirically as the focal point of the scene. The clouds are sparse but elegantly white and flowing. They are nestled in a blue sky
that smiles at me as the sun twinkles through it. I smell sage wafting from the evergreens. Sweet lavender hangs in the air. The air itself is
fresh and crisp. I hear sparrows tweeting in the distance. A rooster crows. There is rustling under a rock, then suddenly a lizard runs to
another safe place. Bunnies frolic under the shrubs. B y t he t i me t he w a l k is over I am out of breath. My body is ti red. But, my head is clear. I have worked through my frustrations. My thoug hts a re positive a nd hopeful. Others walk and run on this trail. They use it to maintain their weight and strengthen their body. Children run ahead of their guardians, laughing and playing, then waiting for them to catch up. I use it to maintain my sanity. It is a life-saving gift. It is seldom crowded and often sparsely occupied. I think it is the best kept secret in Gallup. I am happy to share it with all of you but, I won’t mind if it stays a secret. Road Trip will be featured in the Gallup FUN! section at the top of the month. Have an idea or contribution? Send to: gallupsun@gmail.com
THANK YOU ADVERTISERS TravelCenters of America – 16 UNM-G – 2 Cash Cow – 15 First American Credit Union – 6 McKinley County Fire & Rescue – 4 Thunderbird Supply Co. – 5 Butler’s Office Equipment & Supply – 7 Cowtown Feed & Livestock – 11 Rosebrough Law Firm – 7 Richardson’s Trading – 11 Cocina de Domiguez – 7 Pee Wee’s Kitchen – 7 Coal Street Pub – 7 Rocket Cafe – 7 Sammy C’s – 7 Gallup Sun • Friday May 1, 2015
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FILM REVIEW: AVENGERS AGE OF ULTRON RATED: PG-13
RUNNING TIME: 142 MINUTES RATING ««« OUT OF 4 STARS
Y
ou w i l l no doubt find Avengers Age of Ultron delivers the rush and rampage of a typical mega-massive-blockbuster. This is celluloid that is stuffed with stupendous spectacle, every second of action obviously costing millions of dollars to render and will easily gather a cool couple of billions worldwide. Yet while the film provides proper entertainment there is something a bit flat about the second installment of everyone’s favorite clump of champions. It’s more than a genre getting too much attention. Let’s call it Superhero Saturation. Even though there are a little quality issues, this marks the 11th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that has been shot out of the Hollywood
cannon since 2008. That is crazy pace to keep up and fatigue is inevitable. Not all of these films have been fantastic but Marvel has been stunningly successful at producing quality films during this run. But Age of Ultron has an unwelcomed repetitive quality and the freshness has waned. This is not the end of the Cinematic Universe but there is a crack in the veneer. The repetition comes from visiting the same themes, the same conflicts. We find our heroes are still battling the evil Hydra which is now S.H.I.E.L.D if you haven’t been keeping up. Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) decides that they will never win the war unless they can provide the world with an undefeatable defender. Without the knowledge of the rest of the team (here comes more trust issues) Stark and Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) create an artificially intelligent being named Ultron (James Spader). Have they not read Frankenstein? This never goes well. As Ultron decides that the
only way to save the world is to rid it of mankind, the team has its normal internal struggles and has to decide-again-if they are able to work together for the greater good. They do add a little love interest action between Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Banner but it doesn’t quite gel. We also learn a little more about the “real” Hawkeye (Jeremey Renner) which provides the movie with its most boring, lifeless moments. Now some positive because there are plenty of reasons to like this movie once you get past the rust. Writer/Director Joss Whedon once again captures the chemistry of the crew which is no small feat considering there are six main characters. He also introduces even MORE villains and superheroes and is able to balance the storytelling where you still feel connected to everyone on screen. There is plenty of humor in the film and you will laugh just as much as you gasp from the explosions. In fact it is this humor that gives the film
Robert Downy, Jr. comes to the rescue as Ironman in Avengers Age of Ultron, which opens in theaters May 1. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Marvel
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heart and keeps you invested despite the flaws. In Ultron, Spader gives us a layered and hilarious villain. The robot provides many of the best one-liners while capturing a sense of innocence of a child with too much power. Imagine a monster with the sensibility of a pubescent teenager. Wicked stuff. There are little in the way of surprises that we have grown accustomed to with these films and while there is a brief scene right after the beginning of the credits, THERE IS NOT A SCENE AT THE END OF THE CREDITS SO DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME. So everyone is a little tired
at this point. A little lazy. In nearly all the coverage of the film, director Whedon has really said nothing more than after working on these two Avengers films for the past four years he is done and needs a break. That comes across in the final product. The worry is they have these movies slated out until 2020 (!) and they need to breathe some new life into it or the bubble will burst. If you are a fan, you will cheer and get your money’s worth. But you may also feel just a little duped. David Pinson writes for the entertainment website www.cinemastance.com. Go check it out!
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Friday May 1, 2015 • Gallup Sun
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REHOBOTH TEACHER RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION
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Staff Report DeLyssa Begay , a local teacher from Rehoboth Christian High School, has been selected a s a n NEH Su m mer S chol a r f r om a national applicant pool to attend one of 25 semina rs a nd instit u t e s s u p p or t e d by t he National Endowment for the Humanities. The Endowment is a federal agency that, each summer, supports these enrichment opportunities at colleges, universities, and cultural institutions so that teachers can study with experts in humanities disciplines. Begay will participate in an institute entitled «Scholarship and Performance: A Combined Approach to Teaching Shakespeare’s Plays.» The 2-week program will be held at GALLUP FUN!
Have you put your agreement in writing? Photo Credit: Courtesy T heat re for a New Aud ience’s Polon sk y Sha ke spea re Center i n Brooklyn, NY and directed by Katie Miler, Education Director at Theatre for a New Audience. The 25 teachers selected to participate in the program each receive a stipend of $2,100 to cover their travel, study, and living expenses.
The Rosebrough Law Firm, P.C. Bob Rosebrough • Jennifer Henry
(505) 722-9121 Gallup Sun • Friday May 1, 2015
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR MAY 1-31, 2015 SATURDAY MAY 2 RMCHCS COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR 9 am-1 pm at the Rio West Mall.
FIRST SATURDAY HEALING PRAYER AND SONG Come to Holy Spirit Church for a casual and comfortable service devoted to healing of mind, body, & spirit, including music, scripture, and prayer. Everyone is very welcome indeed! The Church of the Holy Spirit is located at 1334 Country Club Drive, Gallup, just 1 block west of Red Rock Elementary School. Phone (505) 863-4695.
EL MORRO THEATRE SHOWING ‘INTERSTELLAR’ (2014) Starring Matthew M c C o n a u g h e y, A n n e Hathaway, Jessica Chastain and Michael Caine. Rated RG-13. 207 West Coal Ave. Showings at 2 pm, 6 pm and 9:30 pm. $2 per ticket.
COMMUNITY CLEAN-UPAREA 2 8 am - 5 pm Locations: Includes Arnold Cir., Viro Cir., Chapa r ra l MHP, Stagecoach, Chiquita MHP, Mendoza Rd., Western Skies MHP, Skywest, Augies MHP, A ll A merican MHP, Trails West MHP, Mentmore Neighborhood *Chaparral MHP & Western Skies MHP will have a designated area for drop. Information: (505) 863-1212
MCKINLEY CITIZENS’ RECYCLING COUNCIL MONTHLY MEETING First Saturdays 2 pm Saturday, May 2 Red Mesa Center - 105 W. Hill Ave
SUNDAY MAY 3 The 8th Annual Birdhouse Auction for Relay For Life will take place at Sammy C’s Pub & Grill on Coal Avenue in Gallup.
MONDAY MAY 4 SUSTAINABLE GALLUP BOARD MEETING The Sustainable Gallup Board will meet on the first Monday of each month at 3 pm at City Hall. For more
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information, please contact Elizabeth Barriga at (505) 863-1293.
TUESDAY MAY 5 EL MORRO THEATRE SHOWING ‘CANTINFLAS’ (2014) Based on the life of actor and comedian Cantinflas, the film stars Óscar Jaenada as Cantinflas, Michael Imperioli, Ilse Salas, Bárbara Mori, Ana Layevska and Adal Ramones. Rated PG. 207 West Coal Ave. Showings at 6 pm, 8:30 pm, May 5-7. $5 per ticket (cash only).
THURSDAY MAY 7 NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING WITH COUNCILOR FRAN PALOCHAK, DISTRICT 4 We i nv ite residents of Cedar Hills, Debra Drive, Elva Drive and Chihuahita to meet with Councilor Fran Palochak at our neighborhood meeting beginning at 6 pm. Councilor Palochak will be there to listen to your concerns. It’s a great opportunity to share ideas and we welcome your compliments and complaints. Please join us and feel free to bring a friend or two. Gallup Fire Department Station #1, 1800 South Second St.
SATURDAY MAY 9 ARTS CRAWL Come to downtown’s Arts Crawl to listen to live music, see street performances and to shop till you drop! 7 - 9 pm.
CINCO DE MAYO EXTRAVAGANZA, PRESENTED BY SAMMY C’S More details coming soon! El Morro Theatre, 207 West Coal Ave.
SUNDAY MAY 10 MOTHER’S DAY DOUBLE FEATURE: PADDINGTON BEAR / DISNEYNATURE ‘BEARS’ Joi n u s for a s peci a l Mother’s Day presentation. Paddington is a 2015 animation comedy based on the famous literary character. Rated PG. This will be followed by a Disney nature feature, “Bears.” Rated G. Showing at 2 PM. 207 West Coal Ave. $5 (cash only).
Friday May 1, 2015 • Gallup Sun
CALENDAR
MONDAY MAY 11 EL MORRO THEATRE PRESENTS ‘INTO THE WOODS’ (2014) Into the Woods is a modern twist on the beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tales, intertwining the plots of a few choice stories and exploring the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests. Rated PG. 207 West Coal Ave. Showings at 6 pm and 8:30 pm. May 11-14. $5 per ticket (cash only).
TUESDAY MAY 12 CITY COUNCIL 6 PM Agendas will be available at least seventy-two (72) hours prior to each meeting. 110 West Aztec Ave.
THURSDAY MAY 14 SECOND THURSDAY DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP Name: Second Thursday Diabetes Support Group Time: 5:30 pm - 7 pm For all people who suffer from Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes.
FRIDAY MAY 15 RUN FOR THE WALL A n nua l cros s cou nt r y motorcycle ride arrives in Gallup towards the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Mall in Washington, DC.
SATURDAY MAY 16 PIPES AND BRASS JUBILATION: BACH TO BRITTEN A classical music concert featuring organ and trumpet, with Julia Thom and Mick Hesse of Farmington, NM. Included will be works by J.S. Bach, Vivaldi, Charpantier and Hovanhess. Donations will go to local ministries for the homeless. Time: 4 pm-5 pm.
DAWN ‘TIL DUSK 2 015 Daw n ‘ t i l D u sk 12-Hour Mountain Bike Race! Registration is capped at 600 racers and solos capped at 150, so register early to guarantee your slot! http://www.ziarides.com
THURSDAY MAY 21 NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING WITH COUNCILOR FRAN PALOCHAK, DISTRICT 4 We i nv it e re sident s of the Western Skies and Sky
We st a rea s t o meet w it h Cou nci lor F ra n Pa locha k at our neighborhood meeting begin ning at 6 pm. Councilor Palochak will be there to listen to your concerns. It’s a great opportunity to share ideas and we welcome your compliments and complaints. Please join us and feel free to bring a fr iend or two. Gallup Fire Department Station #4, 707 Rico Street.
FRIDAY MAY 22 EL MORRO PRESENTS: ‘LAWRENCE OF ARABIA’ (1962) Lawrence of Arabia is a 1962 British epic adventure drama film based on the life of T. E. Lawrence. It was directed by David Lean and produced by Sa m Spiegel through his British company, Horizon Pictures, with the screenplay by Robert Bolt and Michael Wilson. The film stars Peter O’Toole in the title role. It is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential films in the history of cinema. Rated PG. 207 West Coal Ave, 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm. May 22-24. $5 (cash only).
SATURDAY MAY 23 EL MORRO THEATRE PRESENTS ‘MARY POPPINS’ Mar y Poppins is a kind of Super-na n ny who f l ies i n w it h he r u m br el l a i n r e s p o n s e t o t he r e q ue s t of the Banks children and proceeds to put things right w ith the a id of her rather extraordinary magical powers. Starring Julie Andrews a nd D ick Va n D yke. 2 07 West Coal Ave. Showing 2 pm. May 23 -24. $5 (ca sh only).
MONDAY MAY 25 VFW MEMORIAL DAY PARADE AND CEREMONY. You can pick up a parade entry form at the Gallup McKinley County Chamber of Commerce. Contact: (505) 722-2228. SUMMER NIGHTLY INDIAN DANCES Runs Memorial Day thru Labor Day: Contact number: (505) 722-2228
TUESDAY MAY 26 CITY COUNCIL 6 PM Agendas will be available at least seventy-two (72) hours prior to each meeting. 110 West Aztec Ave.
WEDNESDAY MAY 27 MONTHLY MEETING WITH COUNCILOR LINDA GARCIA, DISTRICT 1 We invite you to meet with Councilor Linda Garcia at the Northside Neighborhood Association monthly meeting beginning at 6:30 pm at the Northside Senior Center, 607 N Fourth. Councilor Garcia will be there to listen to your concerns. It’s a great opportunity to share ideas and we welcome your compliments and complaints. Please join us and feel free to bring a friend or two. If you have any questions, please call Linda at (505) 879-4176.
THURSDAY MAY 28 NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING WITH COUNCILOR FRAN PALOCHAK, DISTRICT 4 We invite residents of the Mentor neighborhood to meet with Councilor Fran Palochak at our meeting beginning at 6 pm. Councilor Palochak will be there to listen to your concerns. It’s a great opportunity to share ideas and we welcome your compliments and complaints. Please join us and feel free to bring a friend or two. Tobe Turpen Elementary School, 3310 Manuelito Dr.
FRIDAY MAY 29 USTRC TEAM ROPING MAY 29-31. More to be announced!
SATURDAY MAY 30 2015 COMMUNITY CLEANUP - AREA 3 / SOUTHWEST West of 2nd St. to Munoz Overpass, South of Hwy. 66 to Nizhoni Blvd., South of NM 564 & West of NM 602. Includes Chihuahuita, Elva Dr., Gallup Housing, Cedar Hills, Cipriano St., UNM College. 8 am-5 pm. (505) 863-1212
COMMUNITY COFFEEHOUSE Community members are invited to come and share their talents--sing, play an instrument, share a poem or joke, puppets, whatever! Church of the Holy Spirit 1334 Country Club Drive in Gallup 6:30 pm – 9 pm. (505) 722-7206. GALLUP FUN!
NEWS MCKINLEY COUNTY DWI TASK FORCE HARD AT WORK CURBING POTENTIAL TRAGEDIES ON THE ROADS AND HIGHWAYS
By Kimberly Gaona Sun Correspondent
B
et we en McK i n ley C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’s Office and Gallup Police Officers, over a dozen dangerous people were taken off of the streets of McKinley County. The following arrests are a result of the hard work of patrol officers, saturation patrols and the McKinley County DWI Task Force. Lieutenant James Maiorano, MCSO Spokesperson, said that DWI is a trend and it is a problem and they will continue to combat it. “Whether it is [DWI] grant or just patrol, DWI is always going to be a priority for McKinley County until we address it on all sides, the legal side and the educational side,” Maiorano said. Captain Rick White, GPD, had a warning those deciding to drink and then get behind the wheel and endanger the lives of the public. “During the month of May, Gallup Police will be conducting checkpoints and saturation patrols throughout the month,” he said. Tyler Yazzie, 21, Fort Defiance, Ariz. T i m ot h y B e g ay, 27, Yahtahey, N.M. Yazzie and Begay both found themselves incarcerated after a night of partying April 19 ended with them being pursued through Gallup by McKinley County Sheriff’s Office deputies and crashing at North 3rd Street and Lincoln. Several open containers of alcohol as well as a pipe, mostly used for smoking marijuana, with “residue of what is believed to be marijuana” were found inside the vehicle. Yazzie, the driver was arrested and charged with Aggravated fleeing a law enforcement officer, DWI, Careless Driving, Resisting, evading or obstructing an officer, Open Container, Possession of drug paraphernalia, required position and method of turning and Driver’s must be licensed. Begay was arrested on two outstanding bench warrants, he was a passenger in the vehicle. A NEWS
third person in the vehicle, Trie A lexandir Nakai, 23, the distinct odor of alcohol, he Ernest Pahe, 72, Window Hicks, 22 of Yahtahey, N.M., was Window Rock, Ariz. gave Begay field sobriety tests. Rock, Ariz. taken to Gallup Detox and given Nakai was arrested after Begay was arrested and given Pa he wa s a r re sted by a citation for Open Container in being transported to the hos- a breathalyzer which she blew MCSO Deputy Merle Bates a motor vehicle. pital due to crashing his Silver .32 and a .30. after he was seen speeding on Carson Lee Becenti, 24, Toyota Camry on April 19 near B o b b y G o r m a n I I I , Highway 491. Pahe failed sevGallup, N.M. Speedy’s Convenience Store on 32,Gallup, N.M. eral field sobriety tests and Becenti was arrested for Highway 264 near Tse Bonito. Gorman was seen hitting a registered at a .16 on a portable DWI and for Stop Yield at Nakai was reported by a wit- stop sign in the area of Hassler breathalyzer. Pahe was taken Intersection by Gallup Police ness to have been traveling Valley Road and Superman to the jail were the breathaOfficer Dewayne Holder on at a very high Canyon Road lyzer results were .17. He was April 20. Holder witnessed r a t e o f April 17, charged with Aggravated DWI Becenti drive straight through h e and speeding. the intersection of Jefferson M ic h a el Ts o s ie, 4 3, and US Highway 491 when the Brimhall, N.M. arrow, not the light, turned Tsosie was taken into green. This was a first custody on April 18 at offense for Becenti. the Gas Max station on Kendrick J. Boyd, Highway 491 after being 22, Mentmore, N.M. called in as a possible Kendrick J. Brian Boyd was arrested intoxicated dr iver Boyd Carson Lee Hoskie by Ga llup Police leaving after being Becenti O f f icer H a rl a nd r ef u s e d a lcohol Alexandir Soseeah, April 21, sales at Sagebrush Nakai after he was spoton Highway 264. ted traveling at a DWI Task Force high rate of speed Supervisor Tammy on West Highway Houghtaling 66. Soseeah a r rested Tsosie observed Boyd’s and charged him Debbie Tyler Yazzie vehicle veer off of with DWI, turning Begay the roadway twice movement s, d is narrowly missing play of valid regisa guardrail. Boyd tration, driving on a wa s cha rged w it h suspended /revoked Aggravated DWI for driver’s license and no refusing to take a breathainsurance. Rueben Alexander lyzer test as well as Careless Rueben Begay, 63, Begay Laweka Driving. Yahtahey, N.M. Brian Hoskie, 26, In another instance of good Bobby Michael Brimhall, N.M. community employees, Begay Gorman III Tsosie Ernest Pahe Hoskie was taken into the then was also refused sale of alcohol custody of the Navajo Police s p e e d , h i t t h e from Giant on North 491. The Department, April 16, after a h i t t i n g t h e curb and got employee waved down Gallup domestic dispute, a vehicle median twice and then losstuck at the turn into Police Officer Luke Martin and pursuit and a short foot pursuit ing control and crashing into a New Mexico Human Services. pointed out Begay leaving the which took McKinley County concrete pillar. Nakai told dep- MCSO Deputy Nocona Clark area. Martin stopped Begay Sheriff’s Office deputies onto uties that he was trying to pass approached Gorman, who and transported him to the Tohlakai Rd. Hoskie was report- another vehicle and he remem- was “not cooperating” and hospital for a blood draw. He edly fighting with his girlfriend bered losing control, not rolling kept reaching into his vehicle. was charged with DWI, driving and left her behind at a Shell his vehicle. Nakai was charged He was soon handcuffed and on a suspended/revoked drivstation on North Highway 491, with DWI and Careless Driving. booked into the jail for his third er’s license and improper used he was reported to be highly D e b b i e B e g a y, 2 7, DWI arrest, this one aggravated of evidence of registration. intoxicated and possibly unco- Crownpoint, N.M. for refusing to take a breath Begay was also charged with operative. Hoskie failed to stop Begay was arrested on April test. He was also charged with an equipment violation for his for Deputy Monty Yazzie and 15 and charged with Aggravated leaving the scene of an acci- front windshield being cracked traveled away at a high rate of DWI, vehicles to be insured, dent, failure to give immediate to the point of being unsafe. speed onto the dirt road, kick- vehicles to be registered, open notice of an accident, careless Alexander Laweka, 32, ing up dust and causing Yazzie container in a motor vehicle driving, open container, display Zuni, N.M. to slow down. Hoskie crashed and roadways laned for traffic. of valid registration, driving on Laweka was arrested for on a one way bridge and took Begay’s erratic driving behavior a suspended/revoked driver’s his first DWI and following too off on foot where he was soon attracted the attention of MCSO license and proof of insurance. closely after he was involved located, telling the deputies that Deputy Merlin Benally. After His other three passengers were in a vehicle crash on Munoz he ran because he was drunk. stopping the vehicle on Highway reportedly highly intoxicated Overpass which caused traffic Hoskie was turned over to NPD. 371 in Thoreau and smelling and were taken to Gallup Detox. to back up April 3. Gallup Sun • Friday May 1, 2015
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DON’T TEEN TALK TO STRANGERS MOLESTED BY VANDERWAGON MAN By Kimberly Gaona Gallup Sun Correspondent
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young teenage boy is waiting for the school bus at his usual stop when a 66-year-old man pulls up and offers him a ride. No, this is not the beginning of a camp fire horror story, not even the story of elementary school staff teaching “Stranger Danger.” This is actually the beginning of a horrific incident that occurred to a local high school student April 21, here in Gallup. The teenager, whose identity will not be released, later told police that he had accepted rides in the past from different individuals and did not think any harm would come to him. However, William Detwiler of Vanderwagon, NM had different plans for this young man. Detwiler started asking the young man a lot of questions, according to the affidavit for arrest warrant filed by Gallup Police Department Detective Tasheena Wilson. After reportedly
asking numerous personal questions, Detwiler asked the teen to remove his pants. The teen refused several times. But Detwiler persisted, the teen told police, and he got so scared he removed his pants. He fondled the boy throughout the rest of the drive to the high school, an estimated four to five mile drive, and continued until they parked in the high school parking lot. In respect of the teenager’s identity, the Gallup Sun will not disclose the bus stop location or the school. The unidentified teen did manage to take out his phone and record the abuse. GPD Capt. Ricky White gave high praise for the act. “It was awful brave of the young child to videotape the incident, it took a lot of courage, that’s what helped us with this case is what the child did,” White said. “And it was good investigative work by the Gallup Detectives.” The teen was able to get out of Detwiler’s White Toyota SUV and go
into the school where he informed the principal of what had happened. After police were called, Detwiler was called to return to the school. When he arrived at the school, he was wearing clothes that matched the video the teen had taken and he was a driving a vehicle that matched surveillance video that had been obtained by GPD Detectives. Detwiler was taken to the Gallup Police Department and interviewed, to which he denied all of the accusations. When confronted with the video evidence, Detwiler admitted that it was him but that he didn’t remember “doing that.” He was arrested and booked into the jail for Criminal Sexual Contact of a Minor and for false imprisonment. He was held on a $10,000 cash or surety bond. According to the New Mexico courts website, Detwiler was released on April 22, the following day. A preliminary examination hearing is scheduled at Magistrate Court on May 6 at 8:30 am, in Judge Cynthia Sanders courtroom.
William Detwiler was arrested April 21 for allegedly fondling a local teenager. He’s currently out on bond. Photo Credit: Courtesy
MYSTERY AT FROM DETOX COLONIAL MOTEL TO JAIL By Kimberly Gaona Gallup Sun Correspondent
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allup Police Department is seek i ng i n form a t ion f rom t he public regarding a possible homicide. On April 25, GPD was called to Gallup Indian Medical Center for a possible rape. Once they arrived, there were more questions than answers on how a 39-year-old woman died. The cause of death for Dione Thomas of Ft. Wingate, NM is unknown at this time, according to GPD Capt. Rick White. “We are actively investigating this as a homicide,” White said. According to the police repor t , f i led by Of f icer Va le r ie W i l s o n , A nt ho ny R ay a nd M i lt o n G a r a ne z ca l led a n a mbu la nce to Colonial Motel on West Coal Av e n u e t o h e l p T h o m a s who was bleeding from the forehead. Ray and Garanez were at the hospital when Officers a r r ived. According to the
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two men, Ray, Garanez and Thomas had all gone to Fire Rock Casino around noon that day, retur ning to the motel around 1 pm. The two men said that they later went back to the casino, without Thomas, around 3 pm, returning at 4 pm. Ray stayed at the room while Garanez went to Wal-Mar t. He did admit to off icers that he had been drinking. Garanez told officers that when he got back to the room around 5 pm, that Ray opened the door for him and that Thomas was sleeping, he
Friday May 1, 2015 • Gallup Sun
then also went to sleep. When he woke up approximately 30 minutes later, Thomas was still sleeping. He said that two men tried to wake her, but she was responsive as far as pulling her fingers away when he squeezed them. There was blood on her forehead and blood in her left eye and she would not wake up. Emergency Medica l Technicians Josh Bond and Kyle Leslie told officers that the room “looked suspicious,” as if someone had “tried to put her clothes back on,” saying that some of her undergarments were not on her correctly and that it appeared as if someone had tried to clean her up. GPD Detectives are asking for the public’s help in gaining answers in their investigation. Anyone with information on the three at Colonial Motel or Fire Rock Casino in the morning or early afternoon hours is asked to contact them at (505) 863-9365. Anonymous information can be called into Crimestoppers at (505) 7226161, which is offering a reward up to $1000 for information on this case.
By Kimberly Gaona Gallup Sun Correspondent
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amara Cleveland, 19, of Churchrock, N.M. was arrested and booked into the McK in ley County Adult Detention Center after stabbing another female at the Gallup Detox Center several times. According to the statement of probable cause, Gallup Police Officer D. Hoffman was dispatched to the detox facility in reference to a fight in the “women’s housing area.” When
Hoffman arrived at the facility, McKinley County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Arnold Noriega had Cleveland in the back of his unit and medical personnel were checking on Direne Belingachee, who had been stabbed five times. According to the report, Clevel a nd t old Hof f m a n that she was sleeping and Belingachee kicked at her head, and that she was in fear of getting “jumped.” Cleveland had admittedly concealed a knife while being taken to detox. She used this to stab Belingachee. “I asked how many times and [Cleveland] said she didn’t know, but said she just kept stabbing,” Hoffman said in his statement of probable cause. Hoffman also added into his statement his observation of Cleveland, that she was at the jail talking to another inmate and bragging about the stabbing, even saying that Belingachee “got what she deserved.” Cleveland was charged w ith Aggravated bat ter y. Belingachee was taken to a local hospital, housed in the Intensive Care Unit. NEWS
A GALLUP EPIDEMIC: DRINKING IN PUBLIC By Kimberly Gaona Sun Correspondent
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local eye sore of the community is the sight of intoxicated people walking around the streets, walking in front of traffic, aggressively panhandling customers in parking lots, the list goes on. Citizens complained a nd the Ga llup Police Depa r tment a nswered that ca ll. In a specia l a lc o h ol e n fo r c e m e n t project , GPD of f icer s and agents went all over Gallup and found people drinking in public and issued them summons to appear in court. The following are a list of
p e ople who r e ceive d summons: Gilbert Pinto, 48, of Gallup, N.M. Benedict John Yazzie, 48, of Pinehill, N.M. Kenneth Jones, 47, of Navajo, N.M. Clifford Johnson, 52, of Gallup, N.M. Caroline Denetclaw, 64, of Lupton, Ariz. Lynette Woody, 62, of Ganado, Ariz. Brian Silversmith, 48, of Gallup, N.M. Franklin Hale, 48, of Gallup, N.M. Brian Bitsoi, 58, of Gallup, N.M. Tom Waylon, 56, of Windowrock, Ariz. Sharon Largo, 43, of Churchrock, N.M. Dwaine Tso, 44, of Churchrock, N.M.
Kathy Charley, 53, of Gallup, N.M. P ier ce D e ne t cl aw, 66, of Lupton, Ariz. And Gallup, N.M. D u r i ng t he s a me en forcement a ct iv it y, Da n ny Belone, 42, of Yahtahey, N.M. was taken into Gallup Detox and later su m moned i nto court for aggressive panhandling at Giant North on Highway 491. Four other individuals were seen in the area behind Albertsons sharing a bottle of Vodka and were all arrested and charged with drinking in public: Wilford Davis, 47, of Gallup, N.M. Lowell Ahasteen, 47, of Churchrock, N.M. Dwayne Tso, 44, of Churchrock, NlM.
Sharon Largo, 43, of Gallup, N.M. Largo and Tso had both been cited on April 16 when they were seen drinking behind Busy Bee Laundromat. The arrest occured six days later on April 22. T he cr i m i na l complaint’s which were filed in Municipal Court cite that drinking in public is a misdemeanor. GPD Capt a i n Rick W h ite alluded that officers are working these special assignments whenever they are able to. “If you drink in public, you will be arrested, we are tr ying hard to clean up the streets of Gallup,” White said. “It is against the law to drink in public.”
A TEST FOR LIFE of getting STDs by: • Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and does not have STDs. • Limiting the number of people you have sex with if you have more than one partner. • Using latex condoms and dental dams the right way every time you have sex. • Getting an HPV vaccine, which can protect you
Staff Report
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A NTA F E – I n t he Public Health field, there are many things talked about every day about what you can do for your health. Diet and exercise are just the beginning. Getting yourself tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health. Not only is it quick and simple, it’s also usually confidential. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a 2014 study found that one-third of adolescents didn’t talk about sexual health issues with their doctors at all during annual health visits. That’s a problem no matter how young or old we are. It’s important to be honest with our doctors about your sexual history so that he or she can provide us with the appropriate STD testing and prevention guidance. We’re wrapping up National STD Awareness Month in New Mexico, where the New Mexico Department of Health and other organizations have worked to get out a message that is also shared year-round. Earlier this month, I visited the New Mexico State University campus, where
NEWS
Department of Health employees were on hand at the university’s Health Center for GYT: Get Yourself Tested Day. There hundreds of college students took advantage of the no cost STD testing. That’s a great thing because research shows half of all sexually active young people in the United States will get an STD by the time they’re 25—and most won’t know it. In addition to community outreach, the New Mexico Department of Health’s Public Health Offices are among the many places residents young and old can go to get tested and learn their status. Some of the most common STDs are chlamydia, herpes and gonorrhea. Around 3 million new cases of chlamydia
are reported each year, with adolescent women being the most commonly a ffected. W h i le ch la myd ia c a n be treated with the use of antibiotics, STDs like HIV/AIDS are for life and will require continual treatment. False assumptions about STDs—how they’re spread, treated, and prevented—are everywhere and it can be especially hard for people to get the facts. You can’t tell someone has an STD just by looking at them, but unless you ask, STD tests aren’t always a part of a regular doctor visit either. According to the CDC and New Mexico Department of Health, Not having sex is the only way to prevent STDs. If you are sexually active, however, you can lower your risk
against diseases (including cancers) caused by the human papillomavirus. For more information about STD health services available statewide include free counseling, testing and referral services at Public Health Offices and community organizations visit the NM HIV Hepatitis STD Online Resource Guide. There is a mobile version of the site at m.nmhivguide.org.
"Come to Where the Indians Trade" Indian Jewelry Capital of the World in the Heart of Indian Country
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Gallup Sun • Friday May 1, 2015
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NATIVE NEWS FIVE TRIBES HEAD TO TRIBAL-STATE GAMING COMPACT By Marley Shebala
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ALLUP – The 2015 New Mexico-Tribal Gaming Compact is the focus of a meeting between U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and the Navajo Nation, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, Mescalero Apache Nation, Pueblo of Acoma and Pueblo of Jemez in Washington, D.C., May 14. That’s according to Navajo Na t ion C ou nc i l S p e a ker LoRenzo Bates. Bates said on Tuesday that the tribal gaming compact was submitted to Jewell for her 45-day review and approval on April 20. He said that the May 14 meeting is to insure that Jewell approves the compact. It took the Navajo Nation three years of negotiations and the unexpected but welcomed addition and support of two tribes and two Pueblos before the New Mexico State legislature approved the 2015 gaming compact for the Navajo Nation on March 11 and one month for Gov. Susan Martinez to sign it on April 13. The introduction of the ga m i ng compact by New Mexico State Rep. Sharon Clahchischilliage, R-Kirtland, definitely helped. Clahchischilliage said she was relieved that the compact received overwhelming support from the House and Senate because it was “getting down to the wire.” The current gaming compact for the Navajo Nation, which was approved in 2007, expires on June 2015. The state legislature adjourned on March 21. Clahchischilliage said it was fortunate that the governor signed it. She explained that the compact took three years of negotiations because a lot of casino tribes were concerned that some of provisions in the proposed compact for the Navajo Nation would impact them. The other gaming tribes and Pueblos wanted the Navajo
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Nation to have a compact like them but the Navajo Nation is not like the other gaming tribes and Pueblos, she added. F o r e x a m p l e Clahchischilliage said the casino locations of other tribes and Pueblos are in metropolitan areas. “Last year, the Navajo compact wasn’t approved because there was concern that the compact was only for the Navajos,” she noted. “This compact involves five tribes and it’s called the Tribal-State Gaming Compact.” The official legislative title of the 2010 compact is SJR 19 or Senate Joint Resolution 19. Clahchischilliage said that a Republican majority in the House also definitely helped. She explained that last year, the Democrats were the majority and so the chairperson and vice chairperson of the Compact Committee were Democrats. This year Clahchischillage said she was named v ice chairperson of the Compact Committee because she’s “the only native Republican on the House side.” She added that the House worked really hard to get supporting votes for SJR 19 in the Senate, where the Navajo compact died in the Senate. The Senate passed SJR 19 with a vote of 35 in favor and 7 opposed. “Everyone is pleased with SJR 19 and all the tribes are happy,” Cla hch isch i l l iage said. “And the tribes that are under a different compact are now looking favorably at this compact.” According to a summary of the 2015 compact, the revenue sharing would be 9 percent for the first three years, 10 percent for the next 12 years, and 10.75 percent for the last seven years. The revenue sharing for the 2007 compact is 9.75 percent for year one, 10 percent for the next 15 years, and 10.75 percent for the last 7 years. The Free Play provision, wh ich both Bates a nd Clahchischilliage as the most
Friday May 1, 2015 • Gallup Sun
controversial part of the 2015 compact, removes the 2007 compact’s restricted use of free play, which increase revenue sharing for tribes and limited the amount of free play that could be offered. Under the 2015 compact, free play is determined by a for mula that meets the st a nd a rd s a nd et h ic s of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The 2015 compact also has an internet gaming provision, which would allow the five tribes to reopen compact negot iat ion s i f t he st ate authorized internet gaming. The 2007 compact didn’t have a provision for internet gaming and it also limited tribes with compacts to two Class III gaming facilities. Under the 2015 compact, the five tribes are allowed to operate four Class III gaming facilities but tr ibes must identify the fourth facility by June 30, 2015. The location of the fourth facility can be moved once within a 15 mile radius. A nd t he 2 015 compa c t wou ld not l i m it t he t r iba l operation of Class II gaming. Regarding criminal jurisdiction, the 2007 compact lacked tribal jurisdiction over non-India ns. But the 2017 compact expands criminal jurisdiction over non-member Indians under the Duro Fix and over non-Indians under t he US Violence A ga i n st Women Act. A nd disputes can now be settled in tribal courts. Insurance policy amounts also changed from $50 million in the 2007 compact to $10 million in the 2015 compact. But state regulatory fees increased from $121,000 in the 2007 compact to $182,000 in the 2015 compact. A n d u n d e r t h e 2 015 compa c t , t he s t a t e’s representative may inspect, verify and obtain copies of gaming facility records.
New Mexico State Rep. Sharon Clahchischilliage, R-Kirtland Photo Credit: Courtesy The 2015 compact also removes a 2007 compact prohibition for the operation of any Class III gaming facilities for at least four consecutive hours daily, Monday thought Thursday, which allows tribes to operate Class III gaming facilities 24 hours/day, seven days a week. A not her 20 07 compa ct prohibition that was removed was tribes providing complimenta r y lodging or food to pat ron s at no or n o m i n a l c h a r g e , e xc e p t t h r o u g h a pl a ye r s’ c lu b program. The 2015 compact allows tribes to offer complimentary food and lodging up to 3 percent of the gross gaming revenues and to continue operating their player club programs.
The 2007 compact prohibition against tribes allowing a line of credit to cer t a i n pat ron wa s a l so removed. Under the 2015 compact, tribes may only offer certain individuals that meet certain criteria, such as sufficient liquid assets, a minimum line of credit of $10,000. Tribes are also no longer required to report campaign contributions under the 2015 compact, which is in the 2007 compact. A 2 014 compact provision that was removed i n t he 2015 is t he t ra nsfer of jack pot w i n n i ngs to t he St a t e Depa r t ment for pat ron s who won more tha n $2,500 i n jack pots a n d ow e d c h i l d s u p p o r t pay ments. NEWS
CURBSIDE RECYCLING TO BECOME A REALITY COMMUNITY VOICES CONCERNS
ANCIENT REMAINS FOUND DIGGING OFF LIMITS
By Kimberly Gaona
L More than 30 residents attended a community meeting with Councilor, Yogash Kumar. The focus of the meeting was recycling but also addressed issues including drug houses, traffic concerns and code violations. By Melinda Russell Sun Correspondent
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he fourth in a series of community meetings regarding a new recycling initiative in Gallup was held at Jefferson Elementary April 29. Thomas D. Parker, PE, BCEE with CDM Smith presented options for a single stream curb side collection system that would reduce the amount of waste taken to the landfill by 2000 tons every year. Parker said the plan was “very well received tonight.” When asked if there were any concerns about the proposal Parker said there is a small cost that will be passed on to all Gallup residents. That cost will be between $2.80 and $3.40 per month. Though it may seem like a small amount for the benefit, there are those who are living on fixed incomes and are concerned about the increase. City Councilor, Yogash Kumar, explained many seniors are not taking advantage of the senior rate for waste disposal. The reduced rate more than pays for the recycling fees and is easily obtainable by contacting utilities department. The process to implement a recycling program will be as follows: June – the Sustainability Board will decide whether to recommend the use of the recycling program. If they recommend it, the City Council could consider the prospect in July. If the council votes for implementation, the bids will go out to buy containers. Containers will be distributed and pick up will begin. It is conceivable that Gallup could have curb side recycling within the next 6 months to 1 year. After implementing residential recycling, Parker hopes the NEWS
city will consider adding commercial recycling. Parker said one good thing about this proposal is that the city “will be able to use the same trucks they already use for garbage pickup.” Kumar is hopeful that recycling will take the burden off the local transfer facility in Thoreau. «We will send more to Albuquerque and it will help the environment,» he said. «Instead of going to the dump it will be recycled or reused.” Elizabeth Barriga, the city’s water conservation coordinator, told the group they can “Call 863-1200 with any questions or problems regarding water, sewer or electric issues” and their concern will be recorded and forwarded to the proper department for action. W hen a que st ion wa s posed regarding the possibility of additional policing in the area, Chief of Police Robert Cron told the crowd, “The depar tment is completely full so summer should be good.” He explained further that he has a full staff of officers slated until August when some recruits will leave for police academy. Sta nley Henderson, executive director of Gallup Public Works, answered questions regarding traffic control. The residents expressed concerns about the speed of traffic and the safety of their children. Kumar and Henderson discussed the possibility of implementing some speed bumps in the neighborhood. Kumar explained the city has made an effort to create speed bumps that are consistent with the posted speed limit thereby limiting the damage to vehicles that are traveling at the proper speed.
Henderson also explained the plan for revamping Boardman Drive. “Nobody pays any attention to that speed limit either.” Said Henderson regarding the traffic on Boardman near Miyamura High School and JFK Middle School. The state has designed the project to narrow Boardman to 2 lanes, thereby controlling speed with increased congestion. The project is a result of a Roadway Safety Audit conducted by the state and is 30 percent designed. The State will hold public meetings when the design phase reaches 60 percent completion and if not derailed, the project will begin next year. If you have concerns to share with District 3 City Councilor, Yogash Kumar, you can do so by calling (505) 863-1220 or email council3@GallupNM.gov.
Thomas Parker and City Councilor, Yogash Kumar, listen as attendees ask questions about a residential recycling initiative. Photo Credit: Melinda Russell
and owners of private property just to the west of Gallup have become accustomed to finding artifacts on their land, especially after a nice rainfall. This recent find was a little more than they had bargained for when they discovered the skull of a child on a hill on their property. The homeowner requested that we not release their identity or their address in hopes that the remains will be left undisturbed and respected. “We’ve lived out here for quite some time and seen all kinds of artifacts,” the owner said. “Often times when we have a rain, we see new items.” The owner said his wife discovered the skull. “Hundreds of years had finally swept off the dirt that this skull had been buried under,” said the owner. The property owners called the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office, who in turn called out the Office of the Medical Investigator. The area around the skull was also full of broken pottery. MCSO Investigator Anthony Ashley said he had never seen so much pottery in one area. The owner said that upon further investigation, the Sheriff’s office and the OMI discovered another adult skull underneath the skull of the child. Even more investigating led to the fact that the remains and the pottery were hundreds of years old. “They basically identified it to not be recent, they deemed it to be very old, maybe 800 years,” the owner said. Ashley said that they believe the remains to be Anasazi and that the remains were “obviously” of a child and an adult. “The adult skull had female characteristics to it,” Ashley said. “The pottery that surrounded the remains dated back to 800 years ago.” After it was decided that the remains were not recent, other remains had also been found in the area due to recent road excavations. The decision was made to leave the area as peaceful as possible. “I feel strongly that you need to respect these things, I think we need to leave this undisturbed,” the owner said. Out of respect for the culture and the history, all further investigating and excavating has been ceased. “Everything is going to be left alone,” Ashley said.
Gallup Sun • Friday May 1, 2015
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SPORTS 360
COME JOIN IN THE BBBS FUNRAISER Story and photos by Tom Hartsock Sun Correspondent
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t was a full-fledged party la st Sat u rday at Ga l A Bowl for the Eighth A n nu a l Bi g Brot her/ Big Sister Mountain Region FUNdraiser, labeled more accurately as Bowl for Kids’ Sake. For t y- si x t ea m s were entered this year, with only one team refusing to man the lanes but sending in their donations anyway. Each team of five needed to raise at least $500 to enter, with some bringing in more than that. The total contributed by the bowlers was $30,000, with another $21,650
coming from sponsors. Other FUNraisers were being held that same day, so Region totals do not reflect everything this group brought in, but as of Saturday afternoon, the total reported by Event Coordinator Ron Ruybal was $141,000. Small prizes were given out to the participants during the three sessions held that day (2 pm, 4 pm and 7 pm) but the larger prizes, including the hand-painted bowling pins and “gimmees” that totalled over a thousand dollars, all went to the sponsors for their generosity. No bowling skills were required to have fun on this day, just show up, collect your event T-shirt and dress
according to the theme; this year’s was Hawaiian-based. The bowling establishment was decorated with balloons and streamers and the bowlers dressed in flowered shirts and even skirts, and almost all had a lei wrapped around their necks. It was FUN; it was a celebration; and there was a snack bar and other goodies available if you got hungry. It was a afternoon PARTY for a good cause. And just in case you didn’t notice, there was room for another two or three teams to participate next year! Come on and join in the FUN! For more info, contact Sarah Piano @ (505)728-8356.
Mayor Jackie McKinney taking time out of the Gal-A-Bowl to read the paper.
This group makes the annual fund raiser possible. Back Row.(from left to right). Andrew Rodriguez, Jericho Montano, Ron Ruybal. Middle Row.( far left) Patricia Edge, Yavon Devlin, Iris Bekis, Rebecca Ostrovsky, Sarah Piano. Front Row (far left): Liz Sanchez, Becky Apel and Cheryl Johnson
SPORTS SCOREBOARD APRIL 21, 2015
Wingate Softball 0, Kirtland Central 15
APRIL 23, 2015
GHS Baseball 0, Piedra Vista 12 MHS Baseball 1, Aztec 5 MHS Softball 9, Santa Fe 7 MHS Softball 2, Santa Fe 1 WHS Softball 18, Thoreau 11 WHS Softball10, Thoreau 2
APRIL 25, 2015
GHS Baseball 3, Aztec 27 GHS Softball 0, Aztec 11
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MHS Baseball 2, Farmington 3 MHS Softball 3, Kirtland 2 SHASH T & F INVITE BOYS – WINGATE 4th (43) INDIVIDUAL – Harris Begay 1 st High Jump, Willie Becenti 1st 300m Hurdles GIRLS – WINGATE 2nd (98) INDIVIDUAL – Katie Williams 2nd High Jump
APRIL 27, 2015
RCHS Boys Tennis 4, Grants 5 INDIVIDUAL – Gil Alvarez (W) 6-0, 6-4:
Friday May 1, 2015 • Gallup Sun
Lance McMullin (W) 6-2, 6-1: Glenn Ratmeyer/McMullin (W) 9-8, 7-2: Max Faz/Alvarez (W) 8-1: Ratmeyer (L) 1-6, 7-5, 5-7: M. Faz (L) 2-6, 3-6: James Byker (L) 6-3, 2-6, 7-10: Sam Faz/Byker (L) 5-8. RCHS Girls Tennis 1, Grants 8 INDIVIDUAL – Anna Fallon (W) 9-7: Jessie DeSanctis/Temera Nahsunhoya (L) 1-6, 3-6: Astrid Gonzaga/Haelee Horace (L) 2-6, 2-6: Ingrid/Anna Fallon (L) 3-6, 0-6: Gonzaga (L)
0-8: Horace (L) 2-8: Gonzaga (L) 0-8: Nahsunhoya (L) 3-8: Scores in this column are for Gallup, Miyamura, Rehoboth and Wingate High schools, the area high schools covered at this time. These four schools are color coded for easier reference while schools outside of our coverage area are always in black. The Gallup Sun encourages coaches in all sports at these schools to submit their scores weekly, no later than Wednesday. Call 505-236-9029 or e-mail info to gallupsports@ msn.com.
SPORTS
THIS WEEK IN SPORTS (@ INDIAN HILLS)
9am Cardinals vs. Yankees 11a m I nd i a n s v s. T w i n s 1pm Mets vs. Reds ROBERTO CLEMENTE (@ STAFIE FIELD)
MAY 2, 2015 GHS Baseball @ Miyamura, 11 GHS JV Softball vs Miyamura JV, 11/1 MHS Baseball vs Gallup, 11 MHS Softball @ Piedra Vista, 11/1 MHS Tennis @ Farmington (District) MHS T & F @ Aztec, 8:30 RCHS Softball vs. Thoreau, 10/ Noon RCHS District Tennis WHS T & F @ Santa Fe Indian, 8 ROD CAREW LEAGUE (T-BALL)
9a m Gia nt s vs. T iger s 10am White Sox vs. Dodgers 11 a m A s t r o s v s . C u b s Noon Yankees vs. Dbacks 1pm Rock ies vs. I nd ia ns 2pm Pirates vs. Cardinals ROBERTO CLEMENTE
SPORTS
9a m Dodger s v s. A ngel s 11a m Ma rl i n s v s. T iger s 1pm Padres vs. Red Sox U-8 SOFTBALL (@ FATHER DUNSTAN)
2 pm Dba ck s at Dod ger s 4pm Giants at Rockies WILLIE MAYS (@ STAFIE FIELD)
6pm Ya nkees vs Ra ngers 8pm Giants vs Pirates U-10 SOFTBALL (@ FATHER DUNSTAN)
10am Bruins vs. Wildcats No on Hor ne d F r og s v s . Mustangs
MAY 4, 2015 ROD CAREW LEAGUE (T-BALL)
6pm Dodgers vs. Yankees U-8 SOFTBALL (@ FATHER DUNSTAN)
ROBERTO CLEMENTE (INDIAN HILLS)
6pm Marlins vs. Angels
6pm Angels at Nationals WILLIE MAYS (@ STAFIE FIELD)
U-8 SOFTBALL (@ FATHER DUNSTAN)
6pm Giants at D-Backs
6pm D-Backs vs Pirates
MAY 5, 2015
WILLIE MAYS (@ STAFIE FIELD)
6pm White Sox vs A’s
RCHS Softball @ Tohatchi (DH), 3/5
MAY 7, 2015
6pm White Sox vs. Tigers 7pm Astros vs. Giants ROBERTO CLEMENTE (@ INDIAN HILLS)
ROD CAREW LEAGUE (T-BALL)
6pm Indians vs. Cardinals WILLIE MAYS (@ STAFIE FIELD)
6pm Pirates vs. Diamondbacks 7pm PM Red Sox vs. Indians C 6pm Mets vs. Twins
6pm Yankees vs Nationals
MAY 6, 2015 A l l Ten n i s Albuquerque
@
WILLIE MAYS (@ STAFIE FIELD)
6pm Dodgers vs Yankees U-10 SOFTBALL (@FATHER DUNSTAN)
State,
6pm Red Sox vs. Braves 7pm Angels vs. A’s
ROD CAREW LEAGUE (T-BALL)
ROBERTO CLEMENTE (@ INDIAN HILLS)
6pm Yankees vs. Dodgers 7pm Rockies vs. Cubs
6pm Wildcats vs. Seminoles
MAY 8, 2015 All
Ten n i s
@
ROD CAREW LEAGUE (T-BALL)
6pm A ngels vs. Cardinals 7pm A’s vs. Braves ROBERTO CLEMENTE (@INDIAN HILLS)
A l l Ten n i s @ St at e, Albuquerque RCHS Softball vs. Navajo Prep, 3/5
ROD CAREW LEAGUE (T-BALL)
Albuquerque 5A Track @ District, Aztec 2A State Track @ Albuquerque
State,
6pm Pa d res v s. T iger s 8pm Red Sox vs. Reds U-8 SOFTBALL (@ FATHER DUNSTAN)
6pm Angels at Dodgers WILLIE MAYS (@ STAFIE FIELD)
6 pm Gi a nt s v s D - B a ck s 8pm A’s vs Angels Schedules ae only for one week at a time. Times and locations may change for a variety of reasons. Please contact your school to confirm the dates and times. ONLY the four schools from our coverage area appear in this schedule: Gallup, Miyamura, Rehoboth Christian, and Wingate, and these are color-coded for easier reference. The summer league games are included by age groupings, in red.
Gallup Sun • Friday May 1, 2015
15
R
Travel Centers of America Visit Our Restaurant, General Store,TA Truck Service & TA Motel
Visit our general store for a wide selection of snacks and drinks, trucker gear and DVDs
I-40, Exit 16 (Hwy 66) 3404 W Highway 66 Gallup, NM 87301
16
Friday May 1, 2015 • Gallup Sun
(505) 863-6801
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