Gallup Sun • Friday June 2, 2017

E FRE

Hero without the cape.

‘Wonder Woman’ review Page 20 VOL 3 | ISSUE 113 | JUNE 2, 2017

GALLUP HONORS THE FALLEN ‘Most Patriotic Small Town in America’ shows its pride.

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NEWS Durango man ripped off for nearly $12K GPD: FOUR NCI WORKERS IN CUSTODY

By Babette Herrmann Sun Editor

F

our Na Nihzhoozhi Cent er I nc. det ox workers face charges of larceny, conspiracy, and tampering with evidence for allegedly stealing nearly $12,000 from a m a n who wa s d ropped of f t her e by Zu n i Pol ic e Department officers May 9.

A r rest wa r ra nt s were issued for James Keyanna, Jed Shebala, Tierra Davis and

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Charlene Sam

Friday June 2, 2017 • Gallup Sun

Jed Shebala

James Keyanna

Tierra Davis

Charlene Sam May 31, and all four were taken into custody at the McKinley County Adult Detention Center.

Accord i ng to Ga l lup Police Department reports, Brock Zuber arrived at NCI after 8 pm on May 9, and blew a 0.00 into the breath test machine. Since he was alcohol-free, Zuber was allowed to leave the premises.

But, according to v ideo sur veillance evidence, four detox employees had eyes on Zuber’s cash and hatched a pl a n t o con f i s c a t e t he g reenbacks from the ma n w h o h a d s e e m i n g l y lo s t his way. Zuber’s father told i nvest igator s t hat he wa s concer ned about h i s son, and had kept in touch with local police “in reference to checking on his wellbeing,” the report states. Zuber, 52, had reportedly cleared out h is ba nk accou nt of ca sh and abruptly left his home in the Durango, Colo. area.

The father picked Zuber u p i n m id - M ay a nd c o n tacted police when he noticed that his son’s money was missing. After retracing Zuber’s footsteps during his two-week odyssey, GPD Det. L t . R o s a n ne Mor r i s s e t t e reviewed NCI video footage, which revealed some questionable activ ities ca r r ied out by the four workers.

Zuber left NCI at about 8:44 pm on May 9, heading out the west exit. Shortly afterwards, video footage show NCI

employees exiting the building in pairs, just minutes apart.

Davis, 30 reportedly told i nve st igat or s she hea ded after Zuber to check on his wellbeing. It turns out Zuber was resting on hill between NCI and Metro Dispatch. And Sam ,41, who left the building with Davis, denied any involvement in the crime.

However, Keya n na , 24, gave up t he good s on h i s coworkers, saying all three were involved with the theft.

While being inter viewed by pol ice i nvest igator s, Keyanna was overcome with emotion, saying “it felt like I took from a charity.”

No weapons were used du r i ng t he con front ation.

He told police that he commanded Zuber to “give him the bag.” Zuber gave up the cash without protest.

Mor r i s s e t t e s a id t h a t Sheba la , 35, confessed to the crime. His interview with investigators wasn’t immediately available. The group a lleged ly split the money four ways, but exact amounts weren’t listed in reports.

K a ye n n a a n d S h e b a l a were released from jail on bond. Sam and Davis remain in custody as of June 1, each on a $10,000 bond.

D r. K e v i n Fo l e y, w h o manages NCI, was unavailable when reached by phone for com ment on dead line.

The employ ment status of the workers is unknown at this time.

NEWS

With costs soaring, GMCS to purchase school supplies LONG-TIME SUPPLY-BUYING PLAN TO CHANGE IN FALL OF 2017

By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

I

t’s getting more and more expensive to send a child to public school.

A nd t h at rea l it y is no more apparent than when it comes to school supplies in poor school d i s tr icts.

The cost of outfitt i ng one child with the neces s a r y a r r ay of pens a nd pencils can go as high as $70 per student. And some students require extra supplies.

Not anymore – at least not at Gallup-McKinley County Schools thanks to a very welcomed cost-savings initiative implemented by district officials.

“I spend more at back-toschool than at Christmastime,” Ga l lup - McK i n ley Cou nt y school parent Crystal Kee said.

Kee has two kids that attend Navajo Pine High School in Navajo, N.M. “And nothing is getting any less expensive.”

Big and small school districts everywhere around the country expect students to bring their own pencils, pens, erasers, notebooks, rulers, folders, art supplies and, in some cases, hand soap and paper towels. The latter is not in place at Gallup-McKinley schools, but when teachers compose supply lists at the beginning of the school year,

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NEWS

SKANDERA UNVEILS NEW PLAN PED secretary visits Gallup

the cost of those lists add up. To relieve some of

the costs, administrators at the Gallup school district won’t put the burden of costs on parents ever again.

“This takes the cost factor of parents having to buy school supplies and basically puts that cost factor in the hands of the district,” Interim GallupMcK inley County Schools Superintendent Mike Hyatt said. “It’s a cost-savings measure. And there are no strings attached to it.”

Starting next year, parents and guardians of students attending Gallup and McKinley County schools won’t have to purchase school supplies.

That’s because the district has come up with a plan to buy them for the students. The measure, believed to be the

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first time implemented by the Gallup district, aims to save parents close to $1 million annually.

A long the sa me cost-savings lines, GMCS won’t allow schools and teachers to require lab, art, vocational and other fees to participate in specific courses and activities.

“The practice of putting the costs of necessary general supplies and fees on the backs of our parents and guardians has traditionally been a part of the GMCS system, and we are eager to eliminate that burden,” Hyatt said. “With the district’s purchasing power, GMCS will be able to acquire these supplies using operational funds at a significant cost reduction.”

I n a col le c t ive s e n s e, Hyat t sa id upwa rd of $500,000 is spent annually by parents on school supplies.

He said a lot of parents at Gallup’s schools simply can’t afford that cost year in and year out. The move to allow the school distr ict to buy the supplies didn’t require a formal Board of Education vote, but was, nevertheless, welcomed by school board members.

“I think it’s a good move, a good thing to do,” school board vice president Kevin Mitchell said. “It’s going to save families, especially in the rural areas of the district, a lot of money. This is a very good thing to do.”

Hyatt s a i d t he

GMCS Superintendent Mike Hyatt district has received “a 99 percent positive reaction” since announcing the new cost savings measure about two weeks ago. “Nobody is against it,” Hyatt said. “Nothing is coming out of the pockets of students or teachers.”

The annual operating budget of Gallup-McKinley Schools is about $100 million, Hyatt noted.

CITY OF GALLUP

7th ANNUAL RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY CLEANUP NORTHSIDE RESIDENTS – AREA 3 If you live North of I-40 within the City limits, from Allison Road to Miyamura Overpass, please join in on AREA 3 of the Residential Community Cleanup on Saturday, June 10, 2017.

Place all unwanted junk, bulk items, appliances, and furniture curbside away from all obstructions (trees, cars, mailboxes, fences, utility meters/covers) by 8 a.m. and City crews will dispose of items that day. Please separate metal and tires from other debris. PLEASE DO NOT PUT OUT HERBIES as they WILL NOT be emptied. Residents hauling their own refuse to the Gallup Transfer Station will be subject to fees.

For more information, please contact the City of Gallup Solid Waste Division at 863-1212 or visit the City’s website at: www.GallupNM.gov

GALLUP SUN BUSINESS DIRECTORY PAGE 13!

AWESOME GRADUATES Rehoboth ‘Class of 17’

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FRAUD AND WHAT NOT Definitely not ‘Thelma & Louise’

11 16 CRIME BLOTTER RETURNS

WINDOW ‘ROCK’

Strange stuff as usual

Native bands jam at debut fest

Gallup Sun • Friday June 2, 2017

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Skandera briefs GMCS on ESSA PLAN REPLACES NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND

By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

S

tate Education Secretary Hanna Skandera dropped in on members of the Gallup-McKinley County Board of Education, teachers, parents and Gallup school administrators at a May 25 meeting about New Mexico’s Every Student Succeeds Act education plan.

The just more than one hour meeting was the last leg of ESSA meetings throughout New Mexico. The meeting took place at the library at Miyamura High School.

“Twenty-one different subjects and grades were measured this year and our state went up in 19 out of 21 subject areas this year,” Skandera told an audience of a couple dozen. “That’s a huge credit to teachers,” she said. “That means kids learned and grew more than ever in subjects and grades compared to the previous year.”

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PED Secretary Hanna Skandera The federa l ESSA wa s passed in December 2015 and submitted to the U.S. Department of Education in early April to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. ESSA replaces the No Child Left Behind law of 2002. A short question and answer session fol lowed Ska ndera’s presentation.

Skandera, who is originally from California, talked about the effor ts used to ad just New Mexico’s teacher evaluation, support and student

Friday June 2, 2017 • Gallup Sun

testing programs. Each was a hallmark in a statewide tour by Skandera last year that sought ESSA input from school districts.

“We listened to you and what you said mattered and still matters,” Skandera said.

“We’re taking data from our teacher evaluations, from our school grades and using that data to support teachers in the classroom.”

Sk a nder a t ouc he d on cha nges to New Mexico’s N M T E ACH Educ at or Effectiveness model, decreases in the amount of time students put into test-taking and the various state initiatives started over the past year to support teachers.

“There are things about our state’s Native American student population that are just as important as what we’re talking about right now,” Gallup school board member Priscilla Manuelito said. “There are kids in our district that come from homes without running water

and without electricity.”

Skandera also talked about the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) examination. Interim Gallup-McKinley Schools Superintendent Mike Hyatt said after the meeting that the visit by Skandera was a good one.

“I think it was very worthwhile and useful information,” Hyatt said. “I’m glad there were that many teachers in attendance.”

A goal Skandera talked about was the Route 66 plan.

The plan is centered around 66 percent of New Mexicans

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eligible to work earning a college degree by the year 2030.

Skandera made headlines several months ago when it was rumored that she was in line for a job in the Trump White House. The subject was brought up, but Skandera shrugged off the remark.

Gallup Sun Publishing, LLC Publisher/Editor Babette Herrmann Advertising Raenona Harvey Correspondents Bernie Dotson Tom Hartsock Calendar Editor Lealia Nelson Photography Ana Hudgeons Ryan Hudgeons Knifewing Segura Design David Tsigelman On the Cover: An American flag tops a P.O.W. flag, displayed on a fire truck ladder. Photo by Knifewing Segura.

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.

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NEWS

High expectations for the Gallup Council lowest performers can lead approves G-22 to greater progress settlement pact GMCS Staff Reports

M

cKinley County is one of the poorest cou nt ies i n t he state, which means that it’s also one of the poorest counties in the country. It sits near New Mexico’s northern border with Arizona. There are roughly 75,000 residents and 77.5 percent are Native American. Census data notes that 73 percent of people living there graduated from high school and only 11 percent hold a Bachelor’s degree.

The media n household income is $28,000 – well below the state’s average. The average income per capita is about $12,000, and 34 percent of the county is living in poverty. Part of the sprawling Navajo Indian Reservation runs through the county, as well as the Zuni Indian Reservation.

Statistics and research say that those components should add up to underachieving schools and low performing schools. But the reality is much different.

In the 2013-14 school year, the Gallup-McKinley County Schools had 11 schools that received a grade of F, as in failing. In 2015-16, there were zero failing schools. Critics would be wrong to suppose the district changed how it measures

schools. The formulas are done by the state and based on five criteria, including standardized test scores, the growth of high- and low-performing students, and a survey of parents or guardians regarding whether the school presents an opportunity for students to learn. The individual breakdowns are impressive: 2013-14, zero A schools; 2015-16, 2 A schools.

2013-14, two B schools; 2015-16, nine B schools.

2013-14, 10 C schools; 201516, 17 C schools.

2013-14, 12 D schools; 201515, seven D schools.

The improvement in student performance is equally impressive. From 2014-15 to 2015-16, there were 509 more students who earned a ranking of proficient in math and EnglishLanguage Arts on statewide tests. Nearly 95 percent of those students are economically disadvantaged. And 76 percent of the 509 were Native American, whose historical performance on assessments is underwhelming.

S o w h a t h a s G a l lu p McKinley figured out that other struggling districts haven’t?

“These are not accidents,” A ssociate Super intendent Gerald Horacek said. “We believe in a system-w ide approach at the district level

that’s sustainable. You use strategies that are best for kids, and it doesn’t matter their ethnicity. We get caught up a lot in that. You just have to have good teaching.”

You might also add good data. Gallup-McKinley students sit for district-level assessments every nine weeks.

Known as interims, these tests regularly and methodically assess how well students have learned what they have been taught. When the results are in, students get a day off while educators and district officials sift through the results to study shortcomings that can be immediately corrected and strengths that can be built upon. Horacek noted that every question on the interim relates directly to what has been taught in the classroom.

“That’s why we’re able to move school grades and the number of students who are proficient,” Horacek said.

The district is still among the lower performers in the state, something officials there acknowledge. “We have a ton of things we have to work on,” Horacek admitted. They have more than doubled the growth rate on statewide scores – an early indicator of sustainable

EXPECTATIONS | SEE PAGE 12

VOTE RELATES TO BIGGER NAVAJOGALLUP WATER SUPPLY PROJECT

By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

T

he Gallup City Council ha s u na n imously approved an agreement with the U.S. Department of the Army that relates to the G-22 water settlement. The act took place at a special meeting on May 26 at Gallup City Hall.

Cit y At t or ney G eor ge Kozeliski directed the meeting which was called specifically to address the G-22 issue. There were little to no comments by council members on the matter. Councilor Yogash Kumar did not attend the meeting.

“This settles our G-22 water application with the last major protestant,” Kozeliski said after the meeting. “If we didn’t settle with them we would have had to go to a full hearing in late June in front of the Office of the State Engineer.”

The matter is connected to surface water backup of the near $1 billion Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project. At a special meeting on April 19, council members approved another settlement agreement on G-22 water application litigation with the Whispering Cedars Mutual Domestic Water Users

Gallup Attorney George Kozeliski Association and a separate approval of a settlement agreement on G-22 water application litigation with the Juniper Trails Water Association.

The term G-22 refers to a deep underground water basin also known as the San Andres Glorieta formation.

“This is our backup water supply should anything happen to Navajo-Gallup, like long-term drought in Colorado,” Kozeliski said after the first special water settlement meeting. “We have pumped this aquifer for many decades, and the water levels are dropping in these wells and we need to secure another source of water, and that is why G-22, a deeper, separate aquifer, is being pursued.”

Kozeliski noted that had the city council not voted on the matter, then a trial would have been likely.

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Gallup Sun • Friday June 2, 2017

5

Cibola County Commission Awards FFFC $14K

By Helen Davis Sun Correspondent

G

RANTS – The Cibola Cou nt y Boa rd of Commissions met May 25 in the standing room only Commission Chambers to discuss regular commission business, fiscal year and budget concerns.

The unusual number of cit i zen s pa ck i ng t he spa cious chambers were drawn i n by t he oppor t u n it y t o speak on the issue of the Commission’s contract with Future Foundations Family Center, which expires at the

end of the fiscal year, June 30. The contract has been known to be in question this yea r becau se of f u nd i ng cuts at the state and federal levels affecting the County’s funds.

FFFC is a 501 (c) 3 nonprof it orga nization estab lished to serve the children a nd fa m ilies of Cibola County and is overseen by a board of directors. The foundation is suppor ted by the County, the City of Grants a nd ot her donations. T he Cibola County contract historically has provided about $60,000, or 20 percent of the

Future Foundations Family Center “Catch the Dream” logo. Photo Credit: Helen Davis

S u m m e r Activities AGES: 5-12 June 6 June 8 June 13 June 15 June 20 June 22 June 27 June 29

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The Place To Be Let’s Get Social 6

June 2017

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Friday June 2, 2017 • Gallup Sun

FFFC’s budget, per f isca l year in support.

Gra nt s Cit y Ma nager L au r a Ja r a m i l lo sa id, “I f the County drops the ball the City will pick it up.” She added the City would find money to help keep the foundation’s programs running, if it had to.

Homestake Mining C om p a ny r e pr e s e nt a t i ve Joa n ne Ma r ti nez told t he commission that Homestake had donated $20,000 to FFFC in response to a request for help f rom Com m i s sioner Robert Windhorst, sent out when the cou nt y rea lized there would be a shor tfall because of cuts from from the state and other agencies.

“We need to accept responsibility,” Martinez said, and suggested self-help actions, including a GoFundMe internet campaign. She added that another private organization donated $5,000 in response to the commissioner’s outreach, as well.

“You don’t have to worry about next year, just today,” s a i d Ne w M e x i c o S t a t e Representative Harry Garcia (D, District 69), attending as an audience member. Garcia also told the room, “If you come together as a community – not your turf, my turf – you can find solutions to funding problems.”

Citing the lack of funds and the need to trim services and expenses at least in the short term to keep the county

r u n n i ng, t he com m i s sion voted to not renew the contract at the past level, instead voting to provide $14,000 for the upcoming fiscal year.

I n ot her act ion s, t he Commission passed the prelimina r y budget, renewed that contract with the New Mex ico State Un iversit y’s Cooperative Ex tension program, renewed the current contract w ith Cibola Com mu n it ies Econom ic Development Fou ndation, r e n e we d c o n t r a c t s w i t h the Northwest New Mexico Cou nci l of Gover n ment s, renewed the $46,000 annual contract w ith the Gra nts/ Cibola County Chamber of Commerce a nd awa rded a $2,500 contract to the New Mexico State Library’s Rural Bookmobile program.

T he pr el i m i n a r y bud get will be passed on to the state for review and may be amended before it is finalized by the Commission for the 2017-2018 fiscal year.

After a lengthy closed session, action on the County’s contract with County Manager Tony Boyd, which expires June 30, was tabled.

A specia l meeting to d is cuss the contract renewal was scheduled for May 31 at 5:30 pm in the Commission Chamber Room at 700 East Roosevelt Ave., Grants.

The next regular commission meeting was moved to June 15 to accommodate a conflict in schedules.

NEWS

Parting advice offered to Rehoboth grads RCS GRADUATES 97

By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

D

on Tamminga warned graduates of the trappings of politics and selfishness. Principal Chris Van Slooten wished graduates well no matter their endeavors. A nd the Class of 2017 valedictorian Lance McMullin and salutatorian James Patten spoke of life-long friendships and bonds forged while at Rehoboth Christian School.

Those were just a few sentiments from the handful of speakers who took the stage May 26 at the Rehoboth Christian School graduation

The Rehoboth Christian School graduation: *The Class Flower: Marigold The Class Color: Black The Class Verse: 1 Timothy 4:12 The Class Song: “Immortals” by Fall Out Boy

diplomas, comprising a graduating class that boasts college and university acceptances at schools such as the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo., and the University of New Mexico.

Tamminga, a counselor and dean of students at Rehoboth, Rehoboth Senior Class of 2017. Photo Credit: Knifewing Segura on the more than 175 friends a nd fa mily members who came out to wish the graduates well.

“My cousin graduated from Rehoboth two years ago and my son will probably go here next year,” Greg Harding of Zuni said. “I also graduated from here. It’s a good school.”

S a t u r d ay ’s pr o g r a m included scripture readings by graduates Autumn Tsosie and Jaycia Kinsel. A short prayer in English, Navajo and Spanish was led by graduates Selena Delgado, Jessica Becenti and Jamie Atcitty.

The evening’s closing song was performed by the RCS

faculty choir. Harding said the fact that so many RCH graduates have been accepted to top notch schools around the country speaks volumes for the academics at RCS. He said he hopes that fact alone continues to bring even more positive attention to Rehoboth Christian.

Salutatorian James Patten shares his inspirational story with fellow graduates. Photo Credit: Knifewing Segura

Centered is Selena Delgado, an honors graduate who shows elation during Friday’s ceremony. Photo Credit: Knifewing Segura held in the Sports and Fitness Center on-campus.

“This is a beginning and something we will cherish forever,” Patten said afterward.

“It’s a special day for all of us.”

Some 97 students received NEWS

talked about the pros and cons of the Trump presidency and the importance of community service in the here and now. He told the graduates to fill their lives with work and passion.

The message was not lost Gallup Sun • Friday June 2, 2017

7

Thoreau couple jailed on domestic disturbance charges

By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

T

HOREAU – A couple was jailed May 28 as the result of a domestic disturbance at the Saint Bonaventure Mobile Home Park in Thoreau.

Maria Martinez, 23, and Sha r a le Si nger, 26, bot h bonded out of the McKinley County Adult Detention Center May 30 on separate charges, records show. Martinez was released from jail on her own recognizance.

According to an incident repor t by Deput y Merl i n Benally of the McKinley County

Maria Martinez

Sherale Singer

Sheriff’s office, at about 7:44 pm he arrived at the trailer park in Thoreau, and encountered Dorothy Martinez, 54, Maria’s mother who looked shock and

scared.

“They’re in there. They’re still fighting,’” Martinez uttered to Benally upon arrival.

When Benally entered the

residence to survey the situation, he saw Singer “backed in a corner and bleeding from the right elbow.” Benally was able to find out that the two girlfriends, Singer and Maria Martinez got into a physical argument when Maria Martinez would n’t let Singer leave the residence to go to work because Singer was “drunk,” the report states.

The fight star ted when Maria and Dorothy Martinez refused to let Singer in a room in which the two were talking about something. The incident report states that Maria Mar tinez hit and punched Singer several times with

her fists and at one juncture hit Singer with a cell phone.

Singer sustained scratches to the chest, neck and face areas, according to Benally’s report.

Strangely, Singer denied that any hitting or calling of the cops took place when Benally attempted to put the incident into criminal perspective.

The report states that Singer pushed Maria Martinez on a bed and proceeded to choke her. Maria Martinez ended up hitting Singer with a TV remote control.

Singer got out of jail on a $1,500 bond amount, records state.

Fire Rock females arrested on bad check, ID charges

By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

8

Two would-be female con artists remained incarcerated June 1 at the McKinley County

Friday June 2, 2017 • Gallup Sun

Adult Detention Center on related fraud and concealing identity charges, according to

jail records.

Deputy Josie Bowman of the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office recorded in an incident report that Bridget Ramirez and Savannah Sprunk went into the Fire Rock Navajo Casino on May

obtained the check, Ramirez told a security officer, “from Walmart.” Ramirez said she was experiencing a bad case of identity fraud and was victimized by her roommate. Ramirez was immediately detained and

Bridget Ramirez

Savannah Sprunk

27 at about 7:17 pm and tried to cash a third party check. When they got to the casino’s cash counter, it was observed that the check ‘s routing number didn’t match the actual check. That fact alerted security officials.

The check was subsequently declined and authorities were notified of what turned into a “Thelma and Louise scheme,” a reference to the 1990s crime spree film duo.

Two prior checks were brought in earlier that day and cashed at the casino by two different people, Bowman’s report states. When asked where she

Sprunk gave officials the false name of “Michelle Soto.”

The two told officials that they were “girlfriends,” and that they were staying at a Gallup hotel. Both Ramirez and Sprunk possessed ID cards. Sprunk was arrested on an outstanding warrant.

Ramirez, 35, was arrested on fraud and conspiracy charges.

Sprunk, 29, was arrested on the outstanding warrant charge and concealing identity and trying to pass a forged license charges. Ramirez had a bond set at $1,600 and Sprunk’s bond was at $5,100.

NEWS

Honoring local heroes On May 26, the Gallup Police Department honored their fallen officers at the El Morro Theatre. The plaques honor officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice, giving their life in the line of duty. Photo Credit: Knifewing Segura

Gallup Police Chief Phillip Hart addresses the audience at the Fallen Officers Memorial May 26.

R.I.P. HEROES

NEWS

Gallup Sun • Friday June 2, 2017

9

Alleged shooter of Hatch police Gallup man jailed officer pleads guilty to federal on aggravated firearms, carjacking offences

A

FACES LIFE IN PRISON

L BUQU ERQU E – Acting U.S. Attorney Ja mes D. Tier ney and Special Agent in Charge Terry Wade of the FBI’s Albuquerque Division announced May 30 that Jesse Denver Hanes, who allegedly shot and killed Hatch Police Officer Jose Chavez on Aug. 12, 2016, has entered a guilty plea to federal firearms and carjacking offenses arising out of his efforts to evade arrest following the shooting.

Hanes, 39, of Columbus, Ohio, entered the guilty plea before U.S. District Judge

Jesse Denver Hanes Robert C. Brack in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., under a plea agreement that

stipulates to a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of release.

Third Judicia l Distr ict Attorney Mark D’Antonio, Chief James Gimler of the Hatch Police Department, Chief Pete N. Kassetas of the New Mexico State Police, and Doña Ana County Sheriff Enrique Vigil joined Acting U.S. Attorney Tierney and FBI Special Agent in Charge Wade in announcing the guilty plea.

In announcing the guilty

CARJACKING | SEE PAGE 13

stabbing charge

By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

A

Gallup man remains in jail a t t he McK i n ley County Adult Detention Center on aggravated battery with a deadly weapon charges, according to jail records.

A bond amount of $5,000 rem a i ned i n pla ce for Nathan Nez on June 1. There was not an attorney listed in jail records for Nez. Nez, 48, appa rently stabbed Emmet Cadman, 41, after a confrontation along South Second Street, according to a police report taken

by Gallup police officer Luke Ma r tin. The police repor t does not say what prompted the stabbing.

In detailing the situation, Martin wrote that at about 8:51 pm on May 29 a call came in regarding a suspect wearing all black who had stabbed somebody on or near South Second.

Martin, and at least two other GPD officers, encountered Nez walking near the Diné Grill at 1502 S. Second St. And asked questions as to what went down.

Nez was intoxicated and had abrasions on his hand

Nathan Nez and elbow, the police report states. Nez threw the tan in color knife that was used in the stabbing in some bushes and that knife was found by GPD officers. Nez denied stabbing anyone, but a female witness told police that Cadman approached her and said call police because he had been stabbed.

Cadma n sustained stab wounds to the upper left arm and the right thigh and was listed in critical condition at Ga l lup I nd ia n Med ica l Cent er, t he pol ice repor t states. He was f lown to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque for further treatment.

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Friday June 2, 2017 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

WEEKLY CRIME BLOTTER Detention Center where jail staff definitively identified him as Abel Ramirez. It turned out Abel Ramirez had several outstanding warrants.

Staff Reports

GAMERCO METH 5/27, Gamerco While out on routi ne patrol deputy Johnson Lee of the McKinley C o u n t y Sher i f f ’s O f f ice got a call from dispatch about a male walking the streets of Gamerco and randomly shining a flashlight inside of residences. Lee ultimately confronted the man who gave the name “Ugene” Ramirez who had on him a screwdriver and a meth pipe.

A large rock was found in the pocket of Ramirez. When Lee ran the Eugene Ramirez name through McK inley County Metro Dispatch nothing came back.

Ra m irez wa s ta ken to the McKinley County Adult

FIGHT ON U.S. 491 5/23, Gallup T w o m a l e s got i nt o a f ight May 23 across f rom F i r st Financial C r e d i t

MCSO THWARTS “BLACKOUT” GAME 5/25, Thoreau Deputies at the McKinley Cou nt y Sher i f f ’s O f f icer were dispatched to the Saint Bon avent u re Element a r y School May 25 after a report came in about a bunch of kids playing a game called “black out.” The game is when a person wraps an item around his or her neck like a towel or jacket and long enough to force them to choke themselves and create a “blackout.”

Deputy Garylle James asked one of the kids in the game why she did it and the reply was “she loved her family,” but later realized it was wrong. The deputy attempted to contact the elementary school principal, but to no avail, according to the report.

Union along U.S. 491. An elderly male was trying to break up the f ig ht when the cops arrived.

Deputy Johnson Lee of the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office was able to break up a fight between Josh and Chad Caballero. One of the males (Chad) swung on Lee and Lee deployed a taser which subdued the male. Josh Caballero was later pepper-sprayed by Lee. Both brothers ended up on the ground. Josh said he rushed Lee because he saw his brother in a

Member of Grant County meth ring sentenced to prison Staff Reports

A

L BUQU ERQU E – Gary Lee Romero, 32, of Santa Clara, N.M., was sentenced June 1 in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to 63 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release for his methamphetamine trafficking conviction.

Romero is one of twelve defenda nt s cha rged w it h

methamphetamine trafficking offenses as the result of a multiagency investigation targeting a drug trafficking organization led by Daniel Lee Jacquez, 35, of Silver City, that distributed methamphetamine in Grant County, N.M. The investigation concluded in April 2015 with the filing of a 34-count indictment against Romero, Jacquez and nine co-defendants.

The indictment charged the 12 defendants with participating

fight with Lee. The duo was taken to a local hospital for checkups.

Lee said both“were being loud and uncooperative with the nursing staff.” Both brothers were taken to the McKinley County Adult Detention Center.

FURLOUGH GONE BAD IN THOREAU 5/18, Thoreau Myron Wilson was recently incarcerated at the McKinley County Adult Detention Center, but left on furlough and didn’t return on his own. Deputy Merlin Benally of the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office spotted Wilson hanging around in Thoreau on May 18 at the Family Dollar discount store.

Wilson unsuccessfully tried to hide behind a tree when Benally spotted him. Wilson told Benally that he didn’t go back to jail due to his daughter’s

graduation. Wilson was charged with escaping from jail.

He’s being held on a laundry list of charges, which include aggravated DWI and resisting, evading or obstructing an officer.

This escape adds more than five months to his unknown sentence.

GUN PULLED IN WILLIAMS ACRES 5/17, Mentmore A resident in the Williams Acres neighborhood pulled a gun on an apparent reckless driver on May 17. Matthew Wright was suspicious of people coming into the neighborhood after a recent rash of break-ins.

Wright spoke with MCSO deputies and said that he pulled and shot a .38-revolver on an unknown driver of an older model GMC and in fear of his life. The driver was reportedly driving toward him.

The report doesn’t state whether the suspect was taken into custody, but he did have a small laceration to his left eyebrow.

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in a drug trafficking conspiracy and committing a series of substantive drug trafficking offenses and a firearms offense.

According to the indictment, the defendants conspired to distribute methamphetamine in Grant County from March 2014 through April 2015. Eight counts charged certain defendants with distributing or possessing with intent

METH RING | SEE PAGE 12

LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that The Gallup Housing Authority will conduct its monthly Board of Commissioners meeting to be held on Friday, June 9, 2017, at 1:00 PM MST, at the Gallup Housing Authority board room, 203 Debra drive, Gallup, New Mexico 87301. The agenda will be available to the public at the Gallup Housing Authority office. All interested parties are invited to attend.

Gallup Housing Authority Gallup, McKinley County, New Mexico By:/S/ Alfred Abeita, Chairman of the Board

NEWS

Gallup Sun • Friday June 2, 2017

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One fatally shot in San Rafael standoff

By Helen Davis Sun Correspondent

S

AN RAFAEL – Multiple law enforcement agencies assisted in a seven-hour incident that resulted in the death of a homicide suspect in San Rafael May 26.

Acting on an anonymous tip, New Mexico State Police officers arrived at a San Rafael residence to apprehend Hector Gamboa, according to information provided by the NMSP public information office. Gamboa was wanted in Albuquerque on suspicion of homicide in connection with the death of his girlfriend earlier this month. Officers received permission to search the residence, where Gamboa then barricaded himself.

NMSP information states the first officers on the scene perceived a threat to officer safety and fell back, establishing a perimeter around the residence and calling in special units to

Hector Gamboa assist with the situation because of Gamboa’s violent history.

“Cibola County Sheriff’s office provided deputies to assist with the perimeter,” Sgt. James Jenkins of District 6’s Milan NMSP station said.

Jenkins said officers arrived at about 1:30 pm and called in the NMSP Tactical team when the suspect refused to cooperate and appeared to present a threat to officers and to a civilian in the residence with him. The NMSP Crisis

Negotiations team was also called in. NMSP Chief Pete Kassetas requested the Albuquerque SWAT team assist with the standoff.

“Using specialist teams is standard procedure in situations considered volatile by officers on the scene,” Jenkins said.

“At about 8:30 pm Gamboa left the residence, appeared to charge officers and displayed a bladed weapon,” Jenkins said. Shots were fired by an Albuquerque officer, according to official NMSP information.

Gamboa was pronounced dead on the scene.

There is no additional information available on who authorized shots being fired or the officer involved. In accordance with standard procedure, the officer-involved shooting is under investigation by the NMSP Investigations Bureau. The name of the officer will be released when interviews have been completed, according to official NMSP information.

METH RING | FROM PAGE 11 to distribute methamphetamine and 24 counts charge certain defendants with using communications devices (telephones) to facilitate drug trafficking crimes.

The indictment also charged one defendant with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Romero pled g u i lt y on Ju ly 13, 2016, to a felony infor mation cha rging him with participating in a metha mphet a m i ne t r a f f ick i ng conspiracy, a nd ad m it ted working with his co-defendants to distribute approxi mately 50 0 g ra m s to 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine in Silver City between March 2015 and April 2015.

All of Romero’s co-defendants, including Jacquez, have entered guilty pleas. Jacquez was sentenced on April 27, 2017, to 108 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release; Crystal Medina Gomez,

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51, of Silver City, was sentenced on March 29, 2017, to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release; and Anthony R. Davila, 26, of Santa Clara, was sentenced on Feb. 21, 2017, to 60 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. The remaining co-defendants are currently awaiting sentencing hearings.

The case was investigated by the Las Cruces offices of the DEA, HSI and FBI with assistance from the U.S. Marshals

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Friday June 2, 2017 • Gallup Sun

Service and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard C. Williams of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office is prosecuting this case.

The investigation leading to the filing of charges in this case was designated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, a nationwide Department of Justice program that combines the resources and unique expertise of federal agencies, along with their local counterparts, in a coordinated effort to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations.

NAME: Jonathan Largo

EXPECTATIONS | FROM PAGE 5 success – but still score almost 10 points lower than the state average on overall student proficiency. Still, Horacek said, “We’re doing something well to help our struggling kids get better.”

That’s the ultimate goal – help struggling students s ucce e d a nd m a ke s u r e high-per for ming students remain challenged.

Public Education Department Secretary Hanna Skandera expects that the work that’s already been done to raise expectations, coupled with the aggressive goals in the ESSA plan, will mold confident

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students who are eager for success. No matter the pushback from unions or other naysayers, she is committed to seeing it through.

“We’ve had generations of struggle in regard to the outcomes in education,” she said. “We’re making progress, but we have a lot of work to do. Every generation, every yea r that goes by, they’re either set up for success or t hey’re not . T hey ca n not wait. We need to set aside petty differences and remember who we serve. The future of New Mexico depends on our kids.”

For more information, visit: www.realcleareducation.com

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CARJACKING | FROM PAGE 10 plea, Acting U.S. Attorney T ier ney s a id , “ T he U. S .

Attorney’s Office has made a commitment to prosecute those who seek to harm the courageous officers who put their lives on the line to protect us and safeguard our communities whenever there is federal jurisdiction to do so. This federal prosecution is part of that commitment, and today we begin the process of holding Jesse Denver Hanes accountable for the federal crimes he committed during his extremely violent crime spree on Aug. 12, 2016.”

“Whenever a brave police officer like Jose Chavez dies in the line of duty, everyone in the law enforcement community feels the loss,” said Special Agent in Charge Terry Wade of the FBI’s Albuquerque Division.

“Officer Chavez’s sacrifice has inspired all of us who wear the badge to renew our resolve to serve and protect our nation.

I am grateful to the many FBI agents and staff, along with our law enforcement partners and prosecutors, who worked NEWS

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tirelessly on this case to make sure justice was done.”

During the change of plea hearing, Hanes pled guilty to a five-count superseding indictment that charged him with attempted carjacking; brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence; carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury; discharging a firearm during a crime of violence; and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Hanes admitted committing the five crimes on Aug. 12, 2016, in Doña Ana County, N.M. At the time, Hanes was proh ibited from possess ing firearms or ammunition because of his status as a convicted felon.

Hanes was arrested Aug. 16, 2016, on a federal criminal complaint charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, carjacking, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. According to court filings, on Aug. 12, 2016, Officer Chavez executed a traffic stop in Hatch, N.M., on a vehicle driven by Hanes and in which two other men were passengers. During the traffic stop, Hanes allegedly shot Officer Chavez in the upper

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torso; Officer Chavez later died as the result of the gunshot wound.

After fleeing from the scene of the shooting, Hanes and his passengers parted company and Hanes traveled to a rest area near Radium Springs, N.M., where he attempted to carjack two individuals by brandishing a firearm at them.

Shortly thereafter, Hanes carjacked a man at the same rest area by shooting him in the leg and drove away in the injured man’s vehicle. When deputies of the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office arrested Hanes later that day, they found the handgun Hanes used to shoot the carjack victim and allegedly used to shoot Officer Chavez.

In addition to the federal charges to which Hanes pled guilty today, Hanes is charged in the state with first-degree murder of Officer Chavez and related crimes in the Third Judicial District Court for the State of New Mexico in Doña Ana County. Hanes also is facing an unrelated state murder charge in Ohio. Hanes has entered a not guilty plea to the state charges in New

Mexico and has not yet been arraigned on the charges in Ohio. Criminal charges are merely accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Under the terms of the federal plea agreement entered into by Hanes and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Hanes’ federal sentence of life imprisonment will run concurrent to any sentence Hanes may receive on a conviction on the state charges in the New Mexico case.

Third Judicia l Distr ict Attor ney Ma rk D’A ntonio said, “The best approach to deterring criminal activity is when the federal government and local law enforcement agencies work together closely.

This is a fine example of that cooperation in action, and what we are able to accomplish when we work together.”

“The cooperative effort between law enforcement agencies has made our communities safer,” said New Mexico State Police Chief Pete Kassetas.

“This case is a great example of how local, state and federal law enforcement agencies are working with State

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District Attorneys and the U.S. Attorney to prosecute violent criminals. I cannot express my gratitude enough to all the agencies involved.”

“From the moment this tragic incident first hit our police radios on August 12, we knew the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Department wasn’t alone,” said Doña Ana County Sheriff Enrique Vigil. “The efforts of every responding agency reinforced what our deputies do every day – ensure the safety of our residents. The collaboration of those efforts is what ensures criminals like Jesse Hanes receive the maximum sentence possible for their actions.”

Chief James Gimler of the Hatch Police Department said, “I am very pleased that justice is being served in this case and that the victims of Mr. Hanes’ crimes will be spared the emotional difficulty of sitting through his trial. Mr. Hanes’ crimes have forever changed the lives of his victims and their family members, and I am extremely grateful for all of the support from my fellow law enforcement officers and the entire community.”

Gallup Sun • Friday June 2, 2017

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OPINIONS ROLL CALL Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

T

here may be no event more exciting, yet terrifying, than college or high school graduation. After spending countless hours staying awake in lecture halls, surrounded by peers with shared ambitions of one day being successful in all aspects

Graduation: The real commencement begins now of life, graduation day should be the epitome of joy.

T he days of i mbibi ng unhealthy amounts of NoDoz a nd Red B u l l b e fo r e a final exam are done. Everything will be worth the struggles and sacrifice after receiving that piece of

MADAME G

paper, right?

That’s the question that a lot of college and high school graduates have right now.

The job market, no matter the job, is still tough and not everybody is cut out for college. It is a hard task to get a foot in the door when it comes to looking for a job.

Underemployment is when

college or university graduates or high school graduates are hired to positions that are below their skill or educational level and for jobs that do not require a four-year degree. But that same type of job may be just what a high school graduate is looking for.

ROLL CALL | SEE PAGE 15

GUIDE TO THE STARS WEEK OF JUNE 2

The Sun is firmly in Gemini and today Venus conjuncts Uranus. You may feel, as if you have ants in your pants. The urge to move and wander may very well be overpowering. It’ll settle down on Sunday (a little). Madame recommends that you get outside and enjoy the pre-summer breeze. Take this time to enjoy yourself and spend time with the pets and family. Go for it!

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct.22)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

You’re ready to get the show on the road. You can’t see into the future, but you’re ready for a wild ride. Take this moment to enjoy the moment. Rest. Relax. You may find it necessary to study a new book or take up a constructive hobby. Consider learning a new language. It never hurts to learn Chinese, Russian, or ancient Greek. Who knows when you’ll need it. Try it!

Life is all about taking chances. If you’re ready to start on the next adventure, try dipping your toe in first. You may learn that you enjoy it, more than you thought. On the other hand, you may just need to jump in. You can over think the problem that may lead to your talking yourself out of it. Stop trying to make it perfect and take action. Now is the time. Just go!

It’s amazing how much things change and really stay the same.

People and places that seem to change or improve, really only end up spinning their wheels and not moving forward. This may spin you around and make you feel dizzy. If that’s the case, stop! Look around what do you really see.

Before you confront the crowd— look within. Don’t change others.

Change yourself.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

What’s a Libra to do? Instead of relying one source of information, begin looking for more. You’re headed on the right path even if it’s covered in clothes. Pull up your sleeves and start cracking away at tidying. You’ll be amazed by what you discover about yourself and others. Now is the time to rejoice in your life.

Remember, it’s better late than never.

Your hands are full. You’ve got plans over here and over there.

You may run a little thin. Others may start to doubt your ability to handle it all. In fact, you should doubt this too! No one is a machine—not even you. So, hire some help. Do you need to find a baby sitter? Maybe you need a wedding planner or just little help here and there. Look around and make the way. Will it!

Ready for an adventure? If you live the kind of life you don’t need a vacation from—you’re doing it right! If you need help in the other direction, you may want to rethink things. Instead take time for family and loved ones. Spend time outside. Take the dogs for a walk and let them chase each other’s tails. You’ll enjoy the show and have fun. Enjoy!

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Sometimes, the best type of action is inaction. You can rush a project to ruin. This is not to say that you shouldn’t take action at times.

But, other times you really need to sit patiently with yourself and others. Listen to your heart. What is it telling you? Your spirit will speak openly once you listen with an open mind. There is nothing you can’t accomplish. Just be!

Your life mission is opening up.

Are you afraid? Yes? Do you accept? Yes! You can’t back away from your purpose. Don’t allow your own fears or insecurities to frighten you. The actual product may be less than you can imagine.

Keep imagining. Keep dreaming.

Make the dream the biggest you can. Then try to recreate it. If it falls short, you’re farther than you would have been.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Consider taking some time off this month. You may need a personal day soon. This is not uncommon during this lovely time of year.

You feel the pull of the open and wild air. Instead of forcing yourself within the confines of a limited space, why not go outside.

Even if you only take a break for five minutes per day—allow yourself to escape. You’ll be so glad you did. Do it!

14

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Are you about to spring a leak?

Maybe you’re tired or just ready for some new scenery. If everybody you know is pissing you off, don’t worry. It’s this time of year. We’d all rather be outside enjoying the sun rather than sitting shackled to a chair. Don’t worry too much if you can’t take immediate action—this too shall pass. The right path will become clear soon.

You’re on a mission—of destruction. It’s personal. In that you’re destroying yourself. How? No one knows, it’s a secret with yourself. You may sabotage a work opportunity or quit a job before you really get a chance to delve deeper. Whatever the case, don’t look back. You’ve made mistakes but, you can move forward.

Onward and upward. Never give up. GO!

Friday June 2, 2017 • Gallup Sun

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) You may find yourself taking a little turn. You never know what’s around the corner or who you’ll find there. Not all is as it seems.

You heart keeps looking forward for people of interest. Your head keeps betraying you. Stop looking for the “one” in every person you see. Your desperation is killing you. You’re enough within. You’re enough! Look within. It’s you.

OPINIONS

Racial Reconciliation in Gallup PART 2 OF 2

By Richard Kontz

L

ast week part one of an editorial on Racial Reconciliation wa s printed in the Gallup

Sun. At the end of Part One, I talked about my first exper ience with blata nt racia l stereotyping when I was 7 yea rs old. W hen the little girl in the playground called me a “dirty rotten redskin” I don’t think she was born with that thought. It was a learned way of thinking. It is what children may see in the home when they grow up, what their peer groups practice, what they hear in music or see on other forums of life.

When my wife and I first moved to Gallup years ago we set about attending different Churches to see which one best suited our needs. In one Church one of the Elders dur ing ha nd shaking time kept reminding me that “their Sister Church” might be better for me. So, after a couple of weeks I finally asked him why he was recommending that. He said: “Well, I just thought you might be more comfortable with your own kind. They speak Nava jo over there a nd you might u nder st a nd t h i ng s bet ter since we only speak English here.”

S o, I s a id: “You k now what I don’t think I want to do that.” He said “why not?”

I said, “Do you see that blond lady sitting over there? That is my wife. So, if I go to the “sister” Church where does

ROLL CALL | FROM PAGE 14 With the rising cost of a college tuition a grim reality, the task of going to college seems too heavy of a price to pay for a lot of people.

Assuming mounds of debt from school loans and then not being able to pay those loans back after graduation raises the risk as being higher than the reward.

Earning a college degree is not a sure-fire path to success. But, by the same token, a degree should assist in filling OPINIONS

she go? I also pointed out that I didn’t speak Navajo, English was my main language.

Ju st l i ke t he Pol ice assumed the Black Pastor [spoken of in part one] had stolen the nice car he was driving, I was “pre-judged” by the Elder to be more suited for a Navajo speaking Church environment. He had no idea that I might be married to an Anglo or that I spoke only English or that I had two College degrees so I would not have a problem understanding the Pastors sermons presented in English only.

T he n t he q ue s t ion i s: Wa s he t r y i ng to be n ice and accommodating or was t h at a coded me s sa ge to say “you don’t belong here.”

T h is is t he t y pe of t h i ng Edwa rd Gilbreath [author of R e conc i l i a t ion Blue s] says happens a ll the time to people of color. They get double messages when they integrate into Anglo society.

Sometimes people with good intentions are just trying to help, while there are people giving them as a “coded message” knowing full well what they are doing. Just for the record that particular Elder was really just trying to help – he and I have become very good friends.

I wa s once [for a shor t t i m e] t h e D i r e c t o r of a Christian organization operating on the Navajo Nation a nd a s we wer e wa it i n g around for our staff meeting to star t several A nglo m issiona r ies were sit ti ng around talking. Then they started talking about “those Navajos” and they went on some of the potholes along the path of life.

Hard work, dedication and education seem to have been replaced by luck. It’s who you know, not what you know in the job market. Still, earning a high school or college degree is still something special.

We congratulate our area’s recent graduates, for it is not an easy task these days to earn a degree or diploma. For those who have graduated, pat yourselves on the back and hope that when the “real world” reality hits, it hopefully won’t hit too hard.

and on making fun of “them” and criticizing “them.”

After a while, I finally said “Hey you know what I am Navajo and I can’t believe I a m hea r ing th is from the very people who were called

by God to minister to these people [the Navajos].” They were very embarrassed when I said what I said. They tried to back tract by saying “Well, you’re not like them your educated and you know how to behave”.

So, I guess if you are educated sometimes you are not viewed the same way as let’s say the “uneducated Natives” from the “reservation.” What this experience showed me is

that if you are “educated” and “behave” you might be viewed a different way.

Look at any major study of poverty and you see that “education” is the key to getting out of poverty and succeeding in life. Also, after working at the Gallup Housing Authority for over 3 years when I evict people it is because of their own bad “behavior,” which results in them being evicted.

So, lea r n i ng t o “beh ave” might be something to think about when a person moves into Gallup from the “rez” to become a productive citizen of Gallup.

So, what does t h i s a l l mea n? Well, I think it is

about a minority group [the Indians] becoming the dominant group in a city where roles a re bei ng rever sed.

Some are going to love it, some are going to hate it and a large majority will just go with the f low. A nd, I still stand by my previous admonition to local leadership to develop a rea l Vision a nd Strategy to guide the process where all are welcome to live in Gallup and become productive law abiding citizens of Gallup. As Rodney King said after the LA riots: “Can’t we all just get along”.

Richard F. Kontz A Citizen of Gallup, NM Email: rmkontz@q.com

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COMMUNITY Rock the Capital Music Festival heats up Window Rock MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND FESTIVAL DRAWS LOCAL SUPPORT Story and photos

by Dee Velasco For the Sun

T

he W i nd ow R o ck National Monument, i n W i ndow R o ck , Ariz., was the iconic place for the first ever, “Rock the Capital Music Festival” May 27.

A lmost ever y genre of music was present, from Blues, to Hip-Hop, to Heavy Metal, all performed by talented, local musicians entertaining eager concert goers.

Muddy Soul’z; Rippy and the Sillyettes; Country Alibi; Irv Wauneka; Phx Amongst the Dead; Decapition of a New Day; Now or Never; Weedrat; The Flossies; Rei Gurren; Un d e r E x i l e ; Un s h e a t e ; Born of Winter; Ye’iitsho; I Dont Konform; and Ethnic Degeneration made the list of bands and soloists that rocked the outdoor arena.

The first of its kind, according to Jerold Cecil, who promoted the festival, was to bring the community together through music and showcase hidden talent that lies on the Navajo Reservation.

“Basically, this was a community event, and a perfect time to bring the community out to hear these talented musicians,” he said.

The festival began at noon, lasting well until midnight with several vendors on hand to join in on the festivities. The Navajo Nation Scholarship program gave out information in hopes of recruiting young adults who may attend college this Fall.

The smell of burgers being grilled from food vendors were on hand as the crowd enjoyed the diverse music of artists, such as Irv Wauneka, who wooed the crowd with his HipHop acoustic set.

Playing for only for about a good year and a half, Wauneka,

played a mixture of R&B, HipHop, and a little slice of Funk.

He was surprised about the turn out. Roughly 50 people were in attendance for some of the daytime performances.

“It was such a good turnout, and it’s better than I expected,” Wauneka said.

A n inju r y to h is ha nd caused him to switch genres, whereas before he would shred on the guitar he said, slowing him down so much that he wanted to give up.

“I didn’t want to (slow down), so I had to compromise my guitar playing with my singing voice,” he said. “It worked out and it played off well … so well that the complimentary demo CDs I brought all went quick.”

The festival grabbed the attention of Ashkan Soltani, a film professor out of Whittier College in Southern California.

Soltani has been working on a research project on heavy The band “Country Alibi” performs at “Rock the Capital Music Fesitval” in Window Rock, Ariz. May 27.

Ashkan Soltani filmed various musicians for his project on Navajo Nation metal bands.

Irv Wauneka takes a break from his acoustic set at the festival May 27.

16

Friday June 2, 2017 • Gallup Sun

metal for the past two years.

Soltani explained that the music coming from reservations needs paying attention to.

“Everyone is surprised that Rock n’ Roll still exists on the reservation, instead of the stereotypical powwow music or traditional music,” he said.

“It’s amazing how these young Native musicians still value their traditions, but are displaying it in modern form of expression to talk about the issues that they face.”

Soltani’s project is called “Rez Metal”, which he plans on finishing it in 2018. He focuses on the heavy metal scene throughout the Navajo Reservation, with special focus on the band “I Dont Konform,”

as well as other bands.

“It’s been really fantastic to reunite with some the bands, and make new friends,” he said.

“It’s very iconic to have it here at the Window Rock Monument … great acoustic, great crowd, very good mixed group of people here.”

Soltani said the band members he met two years ago have progressed in their art and talent.

Concert goer, Wil Loma, said the event “was off the hook.”

“I really can’t believe how much talent is here, and it should be recognized much more because these bands are so good and the music they write is just totally amazing,” she said.

COMMUNITY

Memorial Day in full bloom – red, white, and blue captures patriotic pride

by Tom Hartsock Sun Correspondent

T

he Memor i a l D ay crowd at the Court House plaza started filling the chairs about 9 am last Monday, an hour or so before the ceremonies at Hill Crest Cemetery came to a close: a Catholic Mass on the east side and a wreath-laying in the small, fenced Veteran’s section at the top of the hill to the west. The parade began about 11 am, drawing more spectators to the sidewalks to watch veterans, Boy Scouts, CAP Cadets, Parade honorees, and City officials march or ride by during the eight-block route down Aztec Avenue.

The day was warm with plenty of sunshine, but the heat did not keep the local cit i zen s away f rom t h i s

summer-starting event. The attendance may have been smaller than past years, but the warm weather may have encouraged many to visit the cooler climes at McGaffey and other venues. Those in attendance enjoyed the regular fare of this special day, and there was a special treat that doesn’t always find its way to small towns.

The first half of the program was regular stuff, like the pledge of allegiance and the national anthem, the latter delivered by John Encino, a Gallup native. Spiritual Warrior Tooley Brown prayed for those who had sacrificed all for America, and Veterans Committee Chair ma n Joe Zecca introduced the political

MEMORIAL DAY | SEE PAGE 18

A solemn moment at the Veteran’s section in Hillcrest Cemetery. A flag at each gravestone as a reminder of those veterans who gave the full sacrifice for their country. Photo Credit: Mike Hartsock

Local veterans engage in the ceremonial flag folding. The folded flag was presented to family members of the late Van Etsitty. Etsitty, who died during the Vietnam War, is buried at the veterans cemetery in Fort Defiance, Ariz.

Photo Credit: Ryan Hudgeons

The Knights of Columbus lead the procession to celebrate Catholic Mass in Hillcrest Cemetery on May 29. Photo Credit: Mike Hartsock

Veterans and local residents gather at Courtyard Square in Gallup this past Memorial Day. Photo Credit: Knifewing Segura

Speakers Mayor Jackie McKinney, Commissioner Bill Lee, City Councilor and veteran Fran Palochak, and Sen. George Munoz, D-Gallup. Photo Credit: Knifewing Segura

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Gallup Sun • Friday June 2, 2017

17

Commissioner Bill Lee speaks with U.S. Army Veteran Tom Hartsock. Photo Credit: Knifewing Segura Members of the Gallup Raptors Civil Air Patrol march in the parade May 29. Photo Credit: Mike Hartsock

MEMORIAL DAY | FROM PAGE 17

Boy Scouts from Troop 40 show a little tiredness as they near the end of their eight-block march from Hillcrest Cemetery to the County Courthouse plaza. Photo Credit: Mike Hartsock

speakers.

The introduction of the Grand Marshal Fran Palochak drew a warm response from the crowd. The US Nav y Vietnam veteran and current City Councilor for District 4 is a Gallup native, a member of Veterans Helping Veterans, active in St. Francis of Assisi, and devotes a lot of time on local and state issues relating to domestic violence. She has been married to Richard for 36 years and they have three children and three grand children.

The special treat for the audience was the recognition of Corporal Van Etsitty, who made the ultimate sacrifice for America on June 1, 1968 in Kien Tuong Province, in South Vietnam while serving with C Company, 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry, of the 9th Infantry

Division. What made this special was when the infantry commander at the time of his death, Edward Ryan, agreed to speak at this gathering.

“I don’t know much about how he lived before he went to Vietnam,” Ryan said of Etsitty.

“The only thing we spoke about is leaving and going home.”

Ryan noted that Etsitty always faced forward, not the type to look the other way when the going got tough.

“He had the heart and soul of a warrior,” he said.

Mem b er s of Ve t er a n s Helping Veterans then gave a 21-gun salute and played taps, following which there was a flag folding ceremony and presentation of the flag to the family of Corporal Etsitty.

A t hou g ht f u l , t hou g h heart-wrenching way to close out Memorial Day, honoring one who gave the last full measure of life for his country.

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Local musician Pat Neff sings alongside Las Vegas, NV, based resident and musician John Encino. Photo Credit: Ryan Hudgeons

18

Friday June 2, 2017 • Gallup Sun

COMMUNITY

Etsitty’s perilous tour of duty

Former Army Staff Sgt. Ed Ryan was with Army Cpl. Van Etsitty when he was K.I.A. in Vietnam. Photo Credit: Knifewing Segura Van Etsitty was laid to rest at the Fort Defiance Veterans Cemetery. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dave Cuellar

by Tom Hartsock Sun Correspondent

C

orporal Van Etsitty had a dangerous job for the short time he spent in the Army.

Drafted in 1967, he had less than a year’s training in infantry tactics before being sent to Vietnam, where he was assigned to a Recondo Team under the leadership of Staff Sergeant Ed Ryan, the squad

leader.

After four-five months of being inserted by helicopter into jungle areas for reconnaissance and to actively disrupt the enemy, the team landed in the middle of an

NVA encampment. Enemy fire raked the helicopter before it could set down, and one of the first bullets claimed Etsitty, the radio operator.

Ryan, now a Doctor of Forensic Psychology, praised Etsitty for his toughness and ability to always looks forward, never questioning orders or the

politics of the war. For his service in Vietnam Ryan received a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars with Valor device, and two Purple Hearts. He now works part-time with groups like Vietnam Veterans of America, giving seminars on PTS and testifies in court as an expert witness on psychological matters.

Memorial Day time for families, remembrance in Gallup

By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

F

olks around greater McK i n ley Cou nt y obser ved Memorial Day in a variety of ways. For some May 29 was a day for reunions, including a

of the 11th annual Memorial Day Celebration put on by the Gallup-McKinley County Veterans Committee. The event is a Gallup mainstay that draws locals and tourists alike.

“I thought it was a very wonderful day,” Gallup City Councilor Fran Palochak said.

was honored to recognize fellow veterans,” Palochak said.

The day’s events were full of short speeches and recognitions by area veterans and lay people. Dave Cuellar of Veterans Helping Veterans led a pledge of allegiance at the event. Joe Zecca, also a U.S. Navy veteran, provided introductory and closing remarks.

Mayor Jackie McKinney, McKinley County Board of Commissioner Bill Lee, City Councilor and veteran Fran

Pa lochak, a nd State Sen. George Munoz, D-Gallup, spoke at the event.

“I have been attending this function even before I was elected mayor,” McKinney said afterward. “It’s a great city tradition and a great way to honor the people who served this country.”

Monday’s festivities featured a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps. And, there was a flag retirement ceremony and a flag presented to the family of

Van Etsitty.

Jimmy Sanchez, who lives on Gallup’s north side, said his late grandfather served in the Vietnam War. He said he and his grandfather were close and that’s the primary reason why he comes downtown for the annual affair.

“I don’t think people respect veterans enough,” Sanchez, 59, said. “They take our veterans for granted. I think our veterans should be respected a lot more than what they are.”

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City Councilor and U.S. Navy veteran Fran Palochak served as the Grand Marshal of Gallup’s Memorial Day parade May 29. Photo Credit: Knifewing Segura family gathered at Ford Canyon Park in Gallup.

A lot more families, friends and couples made their way downtown to get a glimpse COMMUNITY

Palochak, a Gallup native and a U.S. Navy veteran, served as the grand marshal in the parade. “It was an honor to participate in the festivities, and I

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‘Wonder Woman’ provides something fresh to the superhero genre RATING: «« OUT OF 4 RUNNING TIME: 142 MIN.

By Glenn Kay For the Sun

T

he latest comic book movie to hit cinemas this week is Wonder Woman, part of the DC Universe that includes the likes of Superman and Batman.

The good news is that this film is far, far superior to the efforts featuring those superheroes.

In fact, the movie is helped tremendously by the fact that previous titles were so poor this looks phenomenal in comparison. The bad news is that there are still flaws present and that the feature makes a few of the same mistakes as previous DC releases, though not on as grand or epic a scale. In the end, it’s reasonable enough to entertain children and fans of the character.

Child of the Queen of the Amazons, Diana, aka Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) is a warrior princess living with her people on the Island of Themyscira, hidden from humanity. Her life is changed when Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) crashes his plane in the vicinity while being hunted

by German officers during WWI. After learning of the conflict,

Gal Gadot dials up the girl power as “Wonder Woman.” To enjoy this flick, turn off the brain as there’s some blasé dialogue and weaknesses in the storyline. Enjoy the a$$-kicking. Now playing. Photo Credit: Warner Bros. she decides that this event coincides with her purpose in life - to vanquish the God of War, Ares, who is turning humankind against each other. She is taken to London and introduced to Sir Patrick (David Thewlis), who agrees to fund the pair on a secret mission on the front lines. Wonder Woman believes that General Erich Ludendorff (Danny Huston) is Ares in disguise and sets out to assassinate him. However, helping Ludendorff in his activities is his sinister yet tortured chemist, Dr. Poison (Elena Anaya).

The movie feels a bit wooden

early on, with some stiff dialogue and awkward exchanges, as well as some surprisingly dodgy and unconvincing special effects. Gadot capably handles the physical stuff, but isn’t given much to work with in relating to the other characters. However, things do improve somewhat when the lead leaves home and travels to London. The fish-outof-water material makes for more interesting fodder and plays much better as the idealistic Diana must deal with the era’s conservative social attitudes and the duplicitous motives of those around her.

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And of course, it’s also fun to watch the superhero take down the bad guys. There are some decent action scenes in the middle of the film as the character fights some villains using hand to hand combat and other, more exaggerated methods. It’s always fun to see a female character break with old tradition and stereotypical gender roles. Unfortunately, one wishes that a little more could have been done with the supporting male characters summoned to help her on the quest.

They come off as one-note stereotypes. I suppose one could argue that it draws attention to

some of the issues being dealt with onscreen, but I don’t really believe this was the movie’s intention.

Things also fall off of the rails during the nonsensical final act. Some of the absurdities include a battle in a watchtower that receives no attention from nearby soldiers in the area.

This escalates into explosions and a fight on a German base covered in flames (reminiscent of a previous DC movie entry), with some histrionics about the power of love ironically uttered around the time a character fires a devastating, disintegrating beam. It’s also unfortunate that more isn’t done with one of the feature’s most interesting characters, Dr. Poison. She doesn’t play much of a role in the finale. Perhaps the filmmakers are saving the villain for another feature, but they certainly don’t make the most of her in this effort. It’s unfortunate that the climax ends up devolving into complete silliness.

So, in the end, this is a mixed bag that does some things well but messes a few elements up along the way. As long as you can shut off your brain, the film should provide just enough thrills to make it enjoyable. In the end, Wonder Woman is a decent but imperfect superhero movie that plays much better thanks to the dreck of what has preceded it.

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DVD/Blu-ray Roundup for June 2, 2017

By Glenn Kay For the Sun

W

elcome back! It’s time for another look at highlights arriving on Blu-ray and DVD. There are plenty of interesting releases arriving in this edition that may be worth a look. So if you can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure to give one of these titles a try!

BIG NEW RELEASES! Before I Fall - Based on a young adult novel, this drama/ mystery i nvolve s a teenager liv ing the perfect life with lots of school chums, a great boyfriend and a bright future. Unfortunately, after a tragic accident, she’s forced to relive the same day over and over. The lead uses it to try and determine what happened and learns that things in her life may not have been so perfect after all. Reviews weren’t all that bad for this effort. Many suggested that it is a bit schmaltzy and not in the same league as Groundhog Day or Edge of Tomorrow, but the majority did call it a decent effort that would appeal to its target demographic. It stars Zoey Deutch, Halston Sage, Cynthy Wu and Logan Miller.

Collide - A young man agrees to pull off a heist for a gangster in order to earn enough money to pay for a medical procedure for his sick girlfriend. When the initial plan fails and the mobster decides to kill them both, he attempts to speed across Europe to save her life. Critics were unimpressed with this UK /Ger ma ny/China cr ime thriller. They stated that the script was repetitive and the dialogue stiff, leaving its leads without any way to engage viewers in the drama. Oh well, at least it has an impressive cast that includes Nicholas Hoult, Felicity Jones, Anthony Hopkins and Ben Kingsley.

Fist Fight - In this comedy, a meek teacher accidentally gets one of his co-workers fired.

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Even worse, the fired employee c h a l le n ge s him to an after-school brawl at the end of t he day right in the m idd le of the playground. The educator does all he can to try and figure a way out, hoping that he doesn’t have to come to blows with the other teacher.

In the end, the press slammed this one, calling it a strange and totally unfunny effort that wastes the talents of its stars by having them behave in completely irrational ways. Yikes.

It features Charlie Day, Ice Cube, Tracey Morgan, Jillian Bell, Dean Norris, Christina Hendricks, Kumail Nanjiani and Dennis Haysbert.

Future Shock! The Story of 2000 AD - This British documentary looks at the creation of one of the country’s most famous comic books back in the late 70s... 2000 AD, which introduced the world to writers like Alan Moore and characters like Judge Dredd. Using interviews with various participants and artists, the history of the comic book is chronicled.

Reviews were pretty decent for the documentary, although it will certainly be of more interest to those familiar with the series. Some wrote that there was too much in the way of talking heads, but few could fault the research and enjoyed the enthusiast approach.

Golden Ye a r s - A pair of married seniors lose t hei r pensions in this English comedy.

I n st ea d of taking it lying down, they decide to become bank robbers and plot to take their money back from the institutions that stole from them. This feature was described as a light and lowkey comedy hoping to deal with some real and pertinent issues of seniors today. However, reviewers weren’t impressed with what they saw. They critiqued the film for being too slow-moving and clichéd to make any kind of imprint on viewers. The cast includes

Bernard Hill, Simon Callow and Alun Armstrong. Just so you know, it’s only being made available on DVD at this time.

The Shack - After his youngest daughter is kidnapped and assumed dead, a depressed, grieving father loses his faith.

No sooner does that happen then he receives a letter telling him to visit the title location.

He travels to the shack and meet a trio of persons who help him process the tragedy.

Notices were not very good for this religious film. They wrote that while it may appeal to its target audience, the casual observer would find it slow, sappy, heavy-handed and at times, sermonizing. It features Sam Worthington, Octavia Spencer, Tim McGraw and Radha Mitchell.

BLASTS FROM THE PAST! Arrow Video have a couple of eccentric cult oddities arriving on Blu-ray. Evil Ed (1995) is a Swedish effort about a film editor working on a series slasher movies - unfortunately, he finds that the work is beginning to drive him insane. This is a 3-disc Limited Edition that includes a Blu-ray and DVD of 2 different versions of the movie (the theatrical release and a new, extended cut), deleted scenes, bloopers, publicity materials and 3 hour, behind-the-scenes making-of documentary.

Arrow Academy have the well-reg a r d e d F r e n c h my s t er y, Spotlight on a Murderer (1961). It’s about a wealthy member of the aristocracy who decides to die in a secret location to annoy his heirs. Unable to find his body, the desperate family begin turning on each other. This Blu-ray release includes a vintage production featurette from 1960 and a look at the career of director Georges Franju (who is also responsible for the famous chiller, Eyes Without a Face).

Criterion have a couple of big titles coming to Blu-ray as well. Ghost World (2001) is a great little film based on the

comic book by Daniel Clowes.

It’s about two cynical teens (played by Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson) coming of age who find their interests beginning to veer in different directions. The movie is full of oddball and amusing characters, including an irritable record collector (essayed by Steve Buscemi). This film has been given a new 4K transfer to Blu-ray, features a director’s commentary, deleted scenes, trailers, an extended excerpt from the Bolly wood f lick Gumnaam (1965) featured prominently in the movie.

The same distributor also has Martin Scorcese’s World Cinema Project No. 2. It’s a collection of foreign arthouse titles. The famous director has acted as curator and collected the films featured here for Bluray release. Included in this set are the movies Insaing ( 1 9 7 6 ) , Mysterious Object at Noon (2000), Revenge ( 1 9 8 9 ) , L i m i t e (1931), Law of the Border (1966) a nd Taipe i St o r y (1985). Looks like a great mix of interesting fare from around the world. They’ve all been restored and remastered and the release also includes interviews and introductions to the films from Scorcese.

Shout! Factory have a couple of musicals on the horizon.

Interested parties can pick up the London revival of Kiss Me Kate (1999) on Blu-ray. The distributor also has Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!

(1999), with this production featuring Hugh Jackman in the lead role.

Blackenstein (1973) has never been quite as popular or easyto-come-by as its 1972 predecessor Blacula, b u t t h a t ’s all changing now thanks to Severin. They’re putting out a Blu-ray that contains two cuts of the feature (the 78 minute theatrical version and 87 minute video release), as well as interviews with the make-up effects man behind the film as

well as clips with other crew members about the film’s producer/criminal lawyer and his strange demise.

Horror House on Highway Five (1985) is a slasher about a killer murdering students in a Richard Nixon mask. Vinegar Syndrome are delivering this low-budget drive-in feature restored from the original 16mm elements as a Blu-ray/ DVD combo pack. Extras include a director commentary and featurettes on the production. They also have Hellbent (1988) arriving as a Blu-ray/ DVD combo release. This independent horror/comedy from the director of the previous title involves a musician who sells his soul to a sinister music producer to find fame and fortune. Of course, it all comes a price. Besides a new, 2K transfer of the feature from the original camera negative, bonuses include a commentary with the director, making-of featurettes and other bonuses.

I’ve never seen either of these, but imagine they may provide some enjoyment for low-budget horror fans.

Kino are always good for some interesting Blu-rays.

They’ve got the James Cagney comedy One, Two, T hree (1961), as well as the Gregory Peck mystery from Alfred Hitchcock, The Paradine Case (1947). Additionally, Rudolph Valentino fans can now pick up a Blu-ray of the actor starring in The Sheik (1921). But that’s not all. They also have Tough Guys (1986), a comedy about two tough ex-gangsters trying to make it in the real world after being released from prison. The leads are played

by Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas.

Kino are a lso putt i ng out a couple of out-of-print 8 0 s sl a sh ers on DVD. Hi d e a n d G o S hr i e k (19 8 8) i s about a bunch of teens getting offed after deciding to spend the night in a furniture store.

Slaughterhouse Rock (1988) involves kids agreeing on pulling the same sort of prank, only

DVD REVIEW | SEE PAGE 22

Gallup Sun • Friday June 2, 2017

21

DVD REVIEW | FROM PAGE 21 at Alcatraz. They are promptly attacked a demon who possesses one of them. This one is notable for its Devo-filled soundtrack and the appearance of Toni Basil as a spirit who tries to help the leads escape.

Liongate are releasing The Big Kahuna (1999) with Kevin Spacey and Danny DeVito. This will be the first time it has ever been available on Bluray. Finally, Film Movements Classics are putting out a high defintion disc of the Oscarwinning, Ma x von Sydow effort, Pelle the Conqueror (1987).

YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS! Here are some releases that may be of interest to kids.

The Blue Racer (1972) (animated shorts) She r iff Hoot K loot (1973) (anim a t e d shorts) S pe e d Racer: The Complete Series

T ran sfo r m e r s: R obot s in D i sg ui se C o l l e cti o n : Overloaded & Decepticon Island

ON THE TUBE! And listed below are the week’s TV-themed titles coming your way.

Beauty & the Beast (2012): The Complete Series The Blue Racer (1972) (animated shorts) Frontline: Iraq Uncovered (PBS) Hart to Hart: The Complete Series The Irish R.M.: Series 1 The Irish R.M.: Series 2 The Irish R.M.: Series 3 NOVA: Holocaust Escape Tunnel (PBS) The Last Kingdom: Season 2 Major Crimes: Season 5 Queen S u g a r : Season 1 She r iff Hoot K loot (1973) (animated shorts) Speed Racer: The Complete Series Suits: Season 6 Victorian Slum House (PBS)

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR JUNE 2-8, 2017 FRIDAY June 2

TUESDAY June 6

FREE LEGAL FAIR Meet with a lawyer noon-4 pm. Free legal advice! This is a first come first-served event. Bilingual lawyers and staff available. If you require an ASL interpreter for this event, contact Eldora Morris (50) 310-2351. El Morro Events Center, 210 S. 2nd St.

INTRODUCTION TO THE INTERNET COMPUTER CLASS The library is offering free computer training throughout the month: 3-5 pm. Class size is limited to 10 participants per session. Registration is required, (505) 863-1291 or email libtrain@ gallupnm.gov or visit the front desk of the library.

Octavia Fellin Public Library, 115 W. Hill Ave.

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SKILLS COMPUTER CLASS The library is offering free computer training throughout the month. Class size is limited to 10 participants per session. Registration is required, (505) 863-1291 or email: libtrain@gallupnm.gov or visit the front desk of the library. 10:30 am – 12:30 pm.

Octavia Fellin Public Library, 115 W. Hill Ave. GET UP AND GAME (ALL AGES) Join us for family-friendly video games every Friday afternoon. 4 pm at the Children’s Branch, 200 W. Aztec Ave. SATURDAY June 3

MAKER’S CLUB (AGES 6 AND UP) A club for kids interested in science, math, building, and inventing. Each week features a different challenge, project, or experiment. Starts: 4 pm. Children’s Branch, 200 W. Aztec Ave. This week: 3D Printing

ROUND UP CANCER Team Bengals, Relay for Life presents “Round Up Cancer” 9pm-midnight. Ages 12 and up. Cost: $5/per person.

There will be games, movies, and more. Location: Gallup Aquatic Center.

MONDAY June 5 CITY OF GALLUP’S SUSTAINABLE GALLUP BOARD Meets this Monday from 3:30 to 5 pm at the Octavia Fellin Library (management room). Community members concerned about conservation, energy, water, recycling and other environmental issues are welcome. Call (505) 722-0039 for information.

GMCS BOARD MEETING Gallup-McKinley County Schools will have a Board Meeting from 6-8 pm in the Boardroom.

CALENDAR

from 10 am - noon, Tue – Fri., 1130 E. Hassler Valley Road.

All funds go to helping feed local folks. Call (505) 7268068 or when visiting, ask for Vernon Garcia.

FRIDAY NIGHT HOOTENANNY Gallup’s longest-running live show! Every Friday night from 7 - 9 pm. Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe, 306 S. Second St. GALLUP-MCKINLEY COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY Wednesdays are low-cost Spay and Neuter Days, at the Gallup-McKinley County Humane Society. For more information, please call (505) 863-2616, or email: gmchumanesociety@gmail.com.

Location: 1315 Hamilton Rd.

TODDLER TIME (AGES 2 TO 4) An active and energetic program for toddlers, featuring music, movement, rhymes, and stories. Starts: 10:30 am.

Children’s Branch, 200 W. Aztec Ave.

GALLUP SOLAR The nonprofit, Gallup Solar, is hosting free Solar 101 classes about all things related to off-grid solar systems on the first three Wednesdays of each month, 6 - 8 pm, at 113 E. Logan Ave. All welcome any week. No registration required. For info call: (505) 728-9246.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT FILMS Wednesdays at 5:30 pm, popcorn provided. Film: The Girl on the Train. Octavia Fellin Public Library, 115 W. Hill Ave.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Habitat for Humanity yard sales are held every Saturday, 9 am - noon on Warehouse Lane, weather permitting.

Volunteers wishing to serve on construction projects may sign up there or call (505) 722-4226.

WEDNESDAY June 7

RELAY FOR LIFE Ups & Downs Relay for Life team garage sale fundraiser.

8am-noon. Call (505) 8633075, if you’d like to donate items for the sale. Location: 3708 Zia Drive.

REGULAR IEC MEETING Gallup-McKinley County Schools will have a regular IEC Meeting from 9am1pm. SSC Boardroom.

CALENDAR

THURSDAY June 8 CRAFTY KIDS (ALL AGES) Fun crafts for the whole family. Starts at 4 pm. Children’s Branch, 200 W. Aztec Ave. This week: Seed Picture Painting.

ONGOING ARTSCRAWL ArtsCrawl is held the second Saturday of every month from 7 to 9 pm, downtown Gallup.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS Overeaters Anonymous 12step meetings. Held every Saturday at 10 am. The First Methodist Church, 1800 Red Rock Drive. Open to anybody who has a desire to stop compulsive eating.

Contact info. (505) 307-5999, (505) 721-9208, or (505) 8701483.

COMMUNITY PANTRY The Hope Garden offers organic produce for sale

K-3 PLUS: A SUPER START TO SCHOOL Give your kids a “Jump Start” this summer. Program is available at all GMCS Elementary Schools. For students who will enter Kindergarten and 1st-3rd Grades next school year. Contact your local Elementary School for enrollment information RECYCLING COUNCIL McKinley Citizens Recycling Council is a local nonprofit working to increase recycling through education, community outreach, and partnership with local government agencies. MCRC meets the first Saturday of the month at 2 pm, at Red Mesa on Hill St. For more information, please call (505) 722-5142 or visit Recylegallup.org.

SUPPORT EARLY LANGUAGE AND LITERACY FOR SCHOOL SUCCESS! Gallup McKinley County Schools is currently recruit-

ing pregnant women and teens in McKinley County with children from birth to 5 years of age. There are no income guidelines and services are free to ALL community members. Learn more about this opportunity by contacting BeBe Sarmiento at (505) 721-1055.

SAVE THE DATE TAIZE’ WORSHIP On June 11, Westminster Presbyterian Church hosts the non-denominational monthly Taize’ service at 4pm. Take this opportunity to calm and quiet the soul before a new week begins.

Location: 151 State Highway564. Call Kathy Mezoff (505) 870-6136.

FOOD DRIVE On June 12, the Jim Harlin Community Food pantry will have a food drive from 6:30-8:30 am. They’re accepting non-perishable food items. This event is well suited for those individuals who live and work around the Nizhoni/Red Rock area.

Call Melinda Russel (505) 790-0618 5K RUN/WALK SCHOLARSHIP FUND On Saturday, June 17, smile like Jesse for a 5K run/walk scholarship fund. Entry fee: $20 in advance at Rehoboth Christian School Business Office; Day of Event: $25.

Free T-shirt for the first 100 registrants. Upload registration form on Facebook fit: #smilelikejesse 5k/walk, online: admission@rcsnm. org, mail: PO Box 41 Rehoboth NM, 87322. Call Verlena Livingston (505) 726-9692.

Make all money order or checks payable to: Rehoboth Christian/ smielikejesse. Registration starts 8am; Run/walk starts 9am. For more information contact Esther Sanchez (505) 8621459.

GOSPEL HYMN SING On June 25, a time for great old hymns, with a twist of Jazz and Blues mixed in.

Snacks are provided. Call Melinda Russel (505) 7900618. First United Methodist Church, 1800 Red Rock Drive.

E PLURIBUS UNUM: DINETAH In September 2016, artists Matthew Chase-Daniel and Jerry Wellman traveled to the Navajo Nation and surrounding areas to create the third project in the ongoing series E Pluribus Unum. These projects use

their Axle Contemporary mobile art gallery as a photographic portrait studio.

The Navajo Nation Museum will exhibit all of the black and white portraits, images of the artists at work, and a life-size photograph of the mobile portrait studio. Exhibition Dates: July 12, 2017January 31, 2018.Opening Reception: July 12 (5:307pm). The Navajo Nation Museum, Hwy 264 and Post Office Loop, Window Rock, AZ 86515.

GALLUP INTERFAITH GATHERING On June 20, celebrate the Summer Solstice at the Gallup Interfaith Gathering. Bring food for a shared meal. Location: 151 State Highway 564 (Boardman Drive). Call Reverend Kay for more information (505) 290-5357 or (505) 905-3247.

TRUMPETS SHALL SOUND On June 30, The Trumpets Shall Sound at 7 pm. Join us for a concert celebrating the trumpet. Expect to hear historical instruments including: the Norwegian wooden lur, the Baroque trumpet, the jazzy flugelhorn, and the modern trumpet. This will include poems about turtles, pythons, and hyenas. Sponsored by the Church of the Holy Spirit and is a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity and the Thai Burma Border Health Initiative. Players include: Mick Hesse and Julian Iralu accompanied by Edie Farm on piano. Location: upstairs at the Gallup Cultural Center. Call (505) 728-8194.

Free.

NATIONAL SEAL OF BILINGUAL PROFICIENCY TEST Oct. 7, and Nov. 4: There’s no fee to take this proficiency assessment for graduating high school. High school seniors may participate in the Navajo Nation Bilingual Proficiency test held at the Department of Dine Education Building, Window Rock, Ariz. Call (928) 871-7660 for more info. Navajonationdode.org.

To post a nonprofit or civic event in the calendar section, please email: gallupsunevents@gmail.com or fax: (505) 212-0391. Deadline: Monday at 5 pm.

Gallup Sun • Friday June 2, 2017

23

SUMMER

SUMMER

It takes time to take stock! Instead of counting it... We're discounting it!

We've lowered prices on virtually every item to move it out fast! You'll save on factory-fresh home fashions while we reduce our inventory!

Save-On famous makers including La-z-boy, Serta, Ashley, Frigidaire and much more!

FRONT LOAD WASHER RECLINING SOFA & LOVE Frigidaire front load sil- Ashley grey micro fiber ver colored washer with reclining sofa and loveseat. the steam feature.

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• Delivery Available • Big Cheese Pizza – Saturday LAMPS & ART

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any close out lamp or picture.

1308 Metro Ave, Gallup NM (505) 863-9559 24 Friday June 2, 2017 • Gallup Sun

RECLINING SERVER Benchcraft by Ashley Ashley transitional brown brown microfiber recliner. dining room server.

Was $497 Was $497 Now $347 Now $347

• 90 Days – No Interest • In Store Financing

SLIDE IN RANGE Frigidaire 30” slide in self clean range.

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We Approve Everyone.

No Credit Turned Down.

7 PC DINETTE Steve Silver medium finished dinette with 6 chairs. Was $1197 Now $777

BEDFRAMES Free bedframe with any Serta Bellagio or Perfect Sleeper mattress & foundation.

• In Stock – Take it home today!

• Free Drawing - Saturday CHEST Ashley dark brown 6-drawer chest. AS IS. Was $347 Now $247

FLAT PANEL TV Phillips 55” flat panel 4K TV. Was $897 Now $797

INTEREST-FREE FINANCING Get 90 Days No Interest with Approved Credit

Open 9-6 pm Mon - Sat Closed Sundays CLASSIFIEDS