E FRE

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Story Page 18 VOL 3 | ISSUE 125 | AUGUST 25, 2017

d r a C t r Repo

s e o d t a h W : n i s

3 e g a P ? s l o o h a sc

e r a r o f ti mean

Story Page 2

Gallup’s Car Scene ‘Cars and Coffee’ on a Sunday. Page 15

SEPTEMBER SCHEDULE

gmcs.k12.nm.us

September 13 Meet your Community Engagement TEAM!

September 27 Meet Superintendent Mike Hyatt

GMCS Join us twice a month to learn more about recent news, research, trends, and thoughts Livestream can be accessed on the specified dates by clicking on the livestream icon on our home page -or-Log on to facebook.com/gallupmckinleycounty schools

Friday August 25, 2017 â€˘ Gallup Sun

NEWS

NEWS PED report card: Six schools raise grade level SCORES MORE FALL ONE, TWO GRADES

By Babette Herrmann Sun Editor School grades released by New Mexico Public Education Department Aug. 22, revealed that many of Gallup McKinley County Schools need improvements made – but the overall picture for the district looks rosy. A handful of schools shined by jumping up a grade or two, while others fell one to two grades. PED Secretary-designate Ch r istopher Ru szkowsk i, answered questions for reporters during a school grades pre-release press conference by phone Aug 22, giving an overview of New Mexico. When asked about GMCS’ results, he said it’s a “complicated picture.” “Gallup, overall is on the rise,” Ruszkowski said, but he cautioned that from “a deep look at the data” lower performing schools remain static on growth. “There’s some specific, targeted challenges,” he said, adding that the district needs to take a close look at the data in order to continue on the path of improving lower performing schools. Ruszkowski noted that Twin Lakes Elementary and Catherine Miller Elementary are among the lowest performing schools in the state. On the flipside, though, Tse Yi Gai High made the list of the top 100 performing schools in New Mexico, ranking at No. 78. In all, six schools dropped two grades when compared to last year’s results. Crownpoint Elementary went from C to F; David Skeet Elementary went from B to D; Indian Hills

NEWS

CITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS City approves arts grant, street closure, and land easement

NM Public Education Secretary-designate Christopher Ruszkowski Elementary from A to C; Thoreau Elementary from B to D; Tohatchi Middle from C to F; and Twin Lakes Elementary from C to F. Additionally, eight schools d ropped by one g rade this year. Catherine Miller Elementary went from D to F: Chief Manuelito from B to C; Crownpoint Middle from A to B; John F. Kennedy Middle from B to C; Middle College Charter from B to C; Rocky View Elementary from C to D; Thoreau High from C to D; and Tohatchi High from B to C. In contra st, Ra ma h Elementary and Juan de Onate Elementary leapt upward two grades this year, with Ramah earning a B, and Juan de Onate taking the coveted A grade. Lincoln Elementary and Tse Yi Gai High, both earned an A. And Washington Elementary and Jefferson Elementar y schools increased by one grade to a B. T he PED me a s u r e s a school’s total grade, by averaging seven grades regarding: current standing; school improvement: improvement of higher-performing students: improvement of lower-performing students; opportunity

GMCS Superintendent Mike Hyatt to learn: graduation; and college and career readiness. Schools receive bonus points for “reducing truancy, promoting extracurricular activities, engaging families, and using technology.”

ONE PRINCIPAL QUESTIONS DOWNGRADE Middle College Charter High School, which has a history of sitting at the top, grade-wise, fell from a “B” to a “C” this year. It’s a result that has Principal Dr. Rob Hunter reeling, and he’s searching for answers to the drop in grade, as the school excels in reading and math when compared to other district high schools. He’s encouraging parents to “look at the numbers, not the letters” on the second page of their child’s school report card. Hu nter is refer r i ng to PA RCC ( Pa r t ner sh ip for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) compared to the state’s overall standing in math and reading. Middle College Charter’s proficiency percentage in reading tops 54 percent, and math

proficiency ranks at 19 percent. These results are based on three years of student performance. Hunter noted that in the Land of Enchantment, the average in reading is at 37 percent, and math 20 percent. So, the students in his classrooms are excelling in their reading skills and nearly parallel in math skills when compared to state averages. Hunter noted the PARCC scores should carr y more weight as the results show “a student’s readiness for college.” While the school, earned an “A” in the opportunity to learn and college and career readiness categories, the graduation rate grade came in at a dismal “D.” Hunter said the low grade is tied to the amount of credits students need to earn to graduate from Middle College Charter. His school requires 29 credits and the remainder of the GMCS district’s high schools require 24.5 credits, he said. He seemed vexed by the poor grades in the categories of school improvement (F), improvement of higher-performing students (D), and improvement of lowest-performing students (F). “It sends the wrong message to parents,” he said. “These grades are not an accurate reflection of how students are performing.” Hunter, who has worked for the district since 1995, has served as Middle College Charter’s principal for the past three years. The school currently has about 100 students enrolled. Hunter said he plans on filing an appeal with PED.

SUPERINTENDENT WEIGHS IN GMCS Superintendent Mike Hyatt said some dynamics changed in the PED’s grading system this year. In contrast to Hunter’s statement about proficiency not being figured enough into the grading, Hyatt said PED’s increased reliance on PARCC score proficiency may have hurt some schools this year. He also said the pool of schools PED used to compare GMCS against has risen from 30 to about 100. And he’s not clear whether these other New Mexico schools share similarities to schools here. And while some school principals and teachers lament their grade, and a handful celebr a t e, Hy a t t e cho e d Ruszkowski’s praise that GMCS is growing at a fast rate – at a faster rate than any other district in the state. To help students continue to climb up the academic ladder, Hyatt said the district is creating a curriculum that closely aligns with common core standards. It’s aimed at helping students to perform better on standardized PARCC testing. While the curriculum undergoes a makeover, many students already have put their best foot forward, by excelling in their studies. To be exact, Hyatt said 709 students increased their proficiency over the past three years. “It’s the biggest accomplishment our district has seen in 25 years,” he said.

GRADE LEVEL | SEE PAGE 22

GALLUP SUN BUSINESS DIRECTORY PAGE 11! TWO STABBINGS IN TWO DAYS Brazen assailants attack in broad daylight

LOTS OF DWI REPORTS About a dozen in all

12 16 PASSING OF JACKSON GIBSON Patty Lundstrom shares heartfelt letter

Q&A WITH CEREMONIAL QUEEN Zunneh-bah Martin shares her passions

Gallup Sun • Friday August 25, 2017

City Council approves grant match, street closure By Jonathan Gregg Sun Correspondent

he Gallup City Council Aug. 22 meeting full agenda included a request to close Coal Avenue for two days during next month’s Gallup Film Festival; a request for approval of matching funds for the “Our Town”grant; and the acceptance of a public recreation easement from Gallup Land Partners. The Gallup Film Festival was again front and center during the City Council meeting, taking up more time than any other matter on the 13-item agenda. Knifewing Segura, director of the Gallup Film Festival, requested the closure of Coal Avenue between Second and Third streets. A fter objecting to a ny potential street closures during the City Council meeting on Aug. 8, and being informed that there were no street closures on the agenda at that time, downtown business owner Louie Bonaguidi again objected to the proposed street closure

Mayor Jackie McKinney now that it was on the official agenda. Bonaguidi is both chairman of the Business Improvement District as well as the owner of the City Electric Shoe Shop downtown. Bonaguidi said that “Saturdays account for 30 to 40 percent of our revenue” and went on to say that “a street closure would reduce that by 30 to 40 percent.” Segura argued that the increase in foot traffic would be beneficial to local business owners, but Bonaguidi said he had spoken to other businesses owners in the affected

Councilor Allan Landavazo area, and they all felt the same way he did and they “sent me to represent them.” Additionally, Mayor Jackie McKinney said, “it’s a film festival, they are inside watching films.” Coal Avenue was closed last year for the festival, and when asked by Councilor Allan Landavazo how many venders actually showed up, Segura said “we probably had a couple out there.” When Landavazo asked Segura what has he done to increase the participation of street vendors for this year’s event, he replied that

he reached out to Gallup ArtsCrawl for assistance, and was also cutting prices relative to last year rates to attract more vendors. He later said that “we built this for the film makers, the icing on the cake is if people show up.” McKinney and Landavazo suggested a n a lter native. Instead of closing Coal Avenue that they instead close Second Street between Aztec and Coal. McKinney said that would move things “half a block” away. Bonaguidi was asked if this would address his concerns and he agreed it would. Segura also agreed, saying “I am a team player.” The request modified to a Second Street closure was unanimously approved.

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As reported in The Sun in June, the city of Gallup, in partnership with gallupArts, received a $150,000 “Our Town” grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The grant was matched in part by various area organizations including Northwest

Babette Herrmann

¬El Morro Theatre - 19

‘OUR TOWN’ GRANT

Lealia Nelson Photography Design David Tsigelman On the Cover: Jody Sanchez showing us “there is no other color but flat black for a truck.” Photo by Jonathan Gregg The Gallup Sun, published Fridays, is not responsible or liable for any claims or offerings, nor responsible for availability of products advertised. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Gallup Sun distributes newspapers in McKinley, Cibola and Apache counties. Office: 102 S. Second St., Gallup, NM 87301 The Gallup Sun, pending USPS number 1, is mailed weekly. Application to mail at periodical rates is pending in Gallup NM. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Gallup Sun, PO Box 1212, Gallup, NM. Mailing Address: PO Box 1212 Gallup, NM 87305 www.gallupsun.com Phone: (505) 722-8994 Fax: (505) 212-0391 gallupsun@gmail.com Letter to the editor/guest column ACCEPTED BY EMAIL ONLY. State full name and city/town. No pen names. ID required. All submissions subjected to editor’s approval. Guest columnists, email Sun for submission requirements.

NEWS

Two stabbings rock the downtown, north side areas By Jonathan Gregg Sun Correspondent

unday afternoon turned v iolent when Ja son Frank was stabbed in the chest at the downtown walkway, in the area where the Gallup Farmers Market is held on Saturday mornings. L ion a ld M i l ler, 40, of Yatahey, N.M., was arrested for the stabbing, charged with aggravated battery. According to Gallup Police Depar tment spokesperson

Lionald Miller Capt. Marinda Spencer, Frank is a Native American man in his Paramedics assist a man stabbed at the downtown walkway Aug. 20. Photo Credit: Sandra Pruitt mid-thirties. Spencer said the call to police came in at 1:28 pm, and police were already on the scene when the Gallup Sun arrived around 1:30 pm. Police were taping off the downtown walkway, and part of Coal Avenue, almost up to Third Street. Blood splatter could be seen on the walkway, close to Aztec Avenue. The victim, who sustained

A Gallup Police Department officer talks with a potential witness as paramedics (left) work to stabilize stabbing victim Jason Frank, prior to transporting him to an area hospital Aug. 20. Photo Credit: Sandra Pruitt

a stab wound to his left chest area, was treated by paramedics near the walkway on Coal Avenue before being taken to a local hospital. He was later flown to an Albuquerque area hospital. As of early Tuesday morning Frank’s condition was described by Spencer as “stable.” The motive for the stabbing is unclear, but witnesses

said they saw about six males arguing, with several women standing nearby. But, the witnesses stopped short of saying whether they witnessed the stabbing, or know the name of the suspect or suspects involved in the incident. Spencer said “the suspects

STABBINGS ROCK | SEE PAGE 9

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Gallup Sun • Friday August 25, 2017

Police Activity Report By Tom Hartsock Sun Correspondent

a r r a nt s er v i n g seemed to be the order of the week, especially for the Gallup Police Department, while the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office lightened up with only three warrants. GPD Warrants Raymond Becenti (parole/ probation), Drew Jay Brown (District Court), John Cabrera (District Court), Adrian Dann (Bernalillo County and FBI Phoen i x), Wi l f red Dav i s (District Court and Bernalillo County), Jose A. Estrada (Magistrate Cour t), Jason Farnham (Magistrate Court), Amanda Frank (out of county), Lance Gilchrist (Magistrate Cour t), Chad E. Gonzales (Arrest Order Magistrate Court and Trespassing), Amanda Gruber (Magistrate Court), Cha rlene P. Ha n naweeka (District Court), Christopher C. Jack (Magistrate Court), Mary Ebright James (parole/probation), Pearla Lares (Cibola County), Marcella Lisa Lee (Municipal Court), Simon Lee (District Court), Monique Lopez (Magistrate Court), Shelby Morgan (Magistrate Court), Trumayne Nez (out of county), E r ic a P r ice ( M a g i s t r a t e Court), Eleano Rivas (parole/ probation), Michael Sandman (Magistrate Court), Colton Cha nce Silva (Distr ict Cour t), Wendell R. Smith (Bernalillo County), Vernie Spencer (Magistrate Court),

Ryan Thompson (Municipal Court and Magistrate Court), Daniel C. Walley (Municipal Court), and Robert Luis Yazzie (Magistrate Court). MCSO Warrants T y s o n G r e y, T r o y Tsinnijinnie, a nd Cr istoll Nicholson Local Incidents Ot her i ncidents wh ich occurred within the perimeters of enforcement for either the GPD or the MCSO include: an aggravated battery and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on Bread Springs Road south of Gallup. Three MCSO Deputies were dispatched to Bread Springs Road to see what all had happened: Lorenzo Guerrero, Monty Yazzie, and Christopher Rangel. They met with Jason Jefferson, the victim, but also talked to Donald GoodluckYazzie, a friend of Jefferson, Matthew Hannah, a clerk at the nearby Mustang, and Dorothea, Jason’s wife. As a result of the three-way investigation it was discovered that Jason had been arguing with neighbors and relatives though his wife didn’t know which ones; Hannah had recognized the two assailants as frequent customers but didn’t know their names; and Goodluck-Yazzie had been mostly drunk, enough to get him admitted to Gallup Detox. The only “facts” that held up were that the assailants were in a red Nissan truck that stopped when they saw the disabled vehicle parked at the side of

the road. a verbal barrage was followed by a silver shotgun being pulled and fired at the feet of Jefferson. The two suspects then left but came back later with a baseball bat, which they used on the head and face of Jefferson. Reports were filed and descriptions taken but that was all that was done on this case. On the eastern side of the county, on Aug. 15, a burglary occurred in Thoreau at Zuni Mountain Pawn. At first look, 14 pistols had been taken but nine were recovered before dawn when the owner walked around his property, and discovered a tool bag which contained pistols, jewelry, ammo, and other belongings. The pistols still missing are: a Keltec P32; a Para LDAPDA; a Glock 43; a LLAMA; and a Sig Sauer P239. With some $400 in cash also missing, the total value of the burglary comes to approximately $2,520. A residential burglary was reported on Aug. 17 and handled by MCSO when Deputy Monty Yazzie was f lagged

down by Shannon Gonzales, the homeowner. She reported that her basement has an outside entrance, but does not lock. A Michelin 16-inch tire and rim was taken but has an unknown value. no suspects were arrested. A 2000 white Dodge truck wa s repor ted m is si ng i n Gamerco on Aug. 21. Raymond Romero had dropped off the vehicle at 904 Cascade to a “shade tree” mechanic but when Romero went by to check on it, the vehicle was missing, and according to other residents in the area the truck had been missing for at least a couple of days. A couple i n T horeau, Patricia (later identified as Johnelle Hoskie) and Casey Thomas Wilson were found in an open field near Fay avenue and Third Street by Deputy Paul Davis, Jr. Casey took several tries to get to his feet but his wife was unresponsive to questions. She was highly intoxicated but was conscious and breathing. Medical personnel were called to check on her

condition and she was transported to GIMC while Casey was taken to Gallup Detox. MCSO Deputy Frank Villa, Jr. was dispatched to Twin Buttes Road in regards to a burglary in progress that turned out to be a simple case of Trespass. Marva Tsosie had lived in the residence for four years with her boyfriend and had keys to the home. Homeowner Tiffany Galanis said Tsosie was not allowed in the house, but Villa allowed Marva to collect her remaining personal items. Galanis reported two items missing, but did not see Tsosie take them. Tsosie was given a trespass warning to not return to the residence. Four minor accidents without injuries were reported to the Sheriff”s office during the week, including one involving a GPD officer unfamiliar with the dirt road in Rehoboth and was unable to make a right turn in a timely manner. Only one accident with injuries was reported but no details were forthcoming. The Tohlakai Giant Station was hit by a larcenous man who boldly fixed himself nachos to go with several containers of beef jerky and walked out without paying. The store manager was unable to catch him. A GPD Officer, Tyler Woody, was accused of harassment by his wife from whom he is separated. The incident soon became a “he said, she said” argument and MCSO Deputy Paul Davis, Jr. gave the wife, Valentina, a restraining order packet to fill out for the District

POLICE ACTIVITY | SEE PAGE 8

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WEEKLY DWI REPORT Staff Reports Tamatha Joe 9:14 pm, 8.20.17 Agg DWI, 6th Offense (0.26) Gallup P o l i c e Department o f f i c e r Douglas Hoffman responded to a dispatch behind 216 Verdi Drive when a vehicle was driven into a storage shed behind the apartment building. En route, dispatch advised Officer Hoffman that the female driver had passed out behind the wheel with the engine still on. The only way to remove the driver was to pry the door open. A witness to the accident said he saw no one else in the car or leaving the scene, but the driver, Tamatha Joe, insisted she had not been driving and refused the field sobriety test offered to her. Joe was transported to the GPD for a breath test and gave one good sample with a result of 0.26, more than three times the legal limit. Joe was then transported to MCDC for booking. Carlton Yazzie 8:25 am, 8.20.17 Agg DWI, 1st Offense (0.23) G P D Officer John Gonzales was the first to arrive after Metro Dispatch put out the call for a possible drunk driver. Seeing the subject car leaving the Allsup’s Ea st pa rk ing lot, Off icer Gonzales followed at a safe distance from Patton Drive to Highway 66 East until the suspect pulled into the parking lot of the Busy Bee Laundromat. When the driver, later identified as Yazzie, got out of the car, he had some trouble walking, was slurring his words, and had red, bloodshot eyes. His story was that he had been in an argument with his girlfriend but insisted he had only had one can of beer but was stoned. A not her GPD O f f icer retrieved his girlfriend from the NEWS

Pinon Hills apartments and she gave a slightly different statement. She said that Yazzie had consumed four cans of Four Loco beer and about five shots of Fire Ball whiskey. Yazzie failed the field sobriety test but when given a breath test of the GPD, blew twin marks of 0.23 on the IR 8000. Yazzie was then booked and processed into the MCDC. Stanley Saunders, Jr. 2:14 am, 8.17.17 DWI, 1st Offense F l ick i ng your headlights off and on while you’re stopped at a green light is not usually a good idea, especially if it happens right after the bars close. GPD Officer Andrew Thayer noticed Saunders doing this very thing and his cop senses were alerted almost immediately. Turning on his emergency lights, the suspect pulled into the parking lot of Nizhoni Trading, through a dirt lot at the rear of the store, and then over a sidewalk and curb, and finally into the parking lot of Goodfellas. Saunders failed the field sobriety test but agreed to a breath test at GPD, where he blew two 0.14 marks. Saunders also admitted knowing that his driver’s license was expired due to a warrant out of San Juan County. He was transported to jail and booked while his car was released to his girlfriend with his permission. Calvin James 10:07 pm, 8.16.17 Agg DWI, 4th Offense G P D O f f i c e r Douglas Hoffman responded to a call for a ssista nce in a traffic

collision at the intersection of Third Street and Highway 66. Both drivers admitted to consuming alcohol before the crash. Officer Andrew Thayer was busy investigating one driver and Hoffman was left with the second driver, James. Since James refused to take the field sobriety test, Hoffman placed him under arrest. At the GPD, James gave two breath samples of 0.19 and 0.18. James was then transported to MCDC for booking. Calvin Tsosie 10:07 pm, 8.16.17 DWI, 3rd Offense Although T s o s i e agreed to a field sobriety test, he told h i s f r ie nd riding with him, “Dude, I’m going to blow it” and later added, “Bail me out.” Tsosie did poorly on the test and was given a Portable Breath test that registered 0.09. After being transported to the GPD at 10:41 pm, Tsosie was given two tests on the Breathalyzer about 20 minutes later, where he blew a 0.08 and a 0.07. He was then booked into the MCDC for processing. Antonia Montano 1:58 am, 8.16.17 DWI, 1st Offense McKinley C o u n t y Sher i f f ’s D e p u t y Monty Yazzie had received a dispatch to locate a green sport utility vehicle when the subject suddenly whizzed by him in the opposite direction, going 100 mph. Turning around in front of the Shalimar, Yazzie gave chase, engaging his emergency lights when the suspect turned onto Margeurite and

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finally coming to a halt on Aztec Avenue between Shop N Save and Gallup Central High School. At the Sheriff ’s Office, Mo n t a n o blew i n t o t h e Intoxilyzer 8000 and registered 0.13 and 0.13. She was then booked into the MCDC for DWI, Speeding, Ex pired Registration, No Insurance and Open Container. Jerry Shorty, Jr. 9:45 pm, 8.14.17 DWI, 1st Offense Observing a traffic violat ion, GPD O f f i c e r R a n s o m Ja mes wa s quick to pull Shorty over a nd b eg a n t o wo nd e r about his sobriety. Spotting another violation, no seat belt, James observed blood shot, watery eyes, slurred speech, and an odor of alcohol. Failing the field sobriety test, Shorty was transported to the GPD where he gave alcohol breath samples of 0.14 and 0.13. Shorty was then transported to the MCDC and booked into custody. Shanna K. Yuselew 8:53 pm, 8.13.17 DWI, 1st Offense G P D O f f i c e r Timothy H u g h t e responded t o t h e 19 mile marker on I-40 about a vehicle goi ng the wrong way that was parked on the shoulder. By the time he arrived, the vehicle was facing in the correct direction. Yuselew, the admitted driver, said she had consumed two 16 ounce cans of alcohol and agreed to the field sobriety test, which she failed. She was placed under arrest for DWI at 9:40 pm. An attempt was made to perform a breatalyzer test on Yuselew at GPD but she would stop on her own, and was not blowing hard enough. The

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instrument gave a reading of insufficient sample. She was then transportd to the MCDC and booked on charges of DWI 1st, Abandonment of a Child, No notice of Accident, Careless Driving, No Driver’s License, No Ev idence of Registration, No Mandatory Financial Responsibility, and Open Container. Evelyn Benson 3:56 pm, 08.12.17 Agg DWI, 1st Offense G P D Officer Julio Yazzie was making a Welfare Check when he came upon a vehicle driven by Benson that refused to stop. When the Jeep Cherokee finally came to a stop, Yazzie noticed Benson staggered, had blood shot eyes, and smelled of an alcoholic beverage. The field sobr iety test confirmed that Benson was impaired and she was transported to the GPD for a breath test, which she refused. Benson was then transported to MCDC and booked. Drew C. Lonetree 00:27 am, 8.11.17 Agg DWI, 2nd Offense G P D O f f i c e r A n d r e w Thayer was d ispatched to 1400 South Second in a ver y e a rly hour in reference to a vehicle that had struck another vehicle in the parking lot of Sports Page and then left the scene, all in clear view of GPD Officer D. Molina. Officer Molina caught up to the Impala at Apache and Second Street, and activated emergency lights to stop the vehicle at the old Pepsi plant. When Officer Thayer arrived on scene, he noticed a knife on the passenger floorboard and informed Officer Molina. Officer

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DWI REPORT | FROM PAGE 7 Molina asked the driver to step out of the vehicle, but despite orders to the contrary, Lonetree picked up the knife to demonstrate how he used the knife to start the car. Failing the field sobriety

test, Lonetree stated, “I’m not safe to drive.” Transported to District 6 for a breath test, Lonetree blew a 0.23 and a 0.25. He was then taken to MCDC and booked. Adrian Jim 4:10 am, 8.06.17 Agg DWI, 1st Offense GPD Officer Angelo Cellicion

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was sent to the intersection of US Highway 491 and Jefferson in reference to a vehicle pa rked i n the roadway. There was a male sitting in the driver’s seat but Officer Cellicion was forced to knock several times before the driver woke up and turned off the vehicle. A field sobriety test resulted

in a fail, so Jim was arrested for DWI. The charge was later changed to Aggravated DWI when the breathalyzer showed results of 0.18 and 0.17. Jim was also charged with Driving with a suspended/revoked license. Christopher Gallegos 2:36, 7.26.17 Agg DWI, 1st Offense GPD Officer Angelo Cellicion was dispatched to mile marker 19 on I-40 in reference to a vehicle crash. The driver was still sitting in the driver’s sear and

stated he was on his way from work a nd tried to cross over onto the frontage road. Having failed the field sobriety test, Gallegos consented to a breath test and gave his first samples of 0.20 and 0.22. He was then charged with Aggravated DWI, First Offense and booked into MCDC.

Justice may be slow, but it’s sure By Tom Hartsock Sun Correspondent

he burglary of Family Dollar, 2041 S. Second St., happened on Aug. 11 a nd two weeks passed before the Gallup Police Department got busy with the warrant work, and sure enough, Wendell R. Smith was picked up this last week. Remanded to the McKinley County Detention Center on charges of Burglary of a structure (commercial burglary) and criminal damage to property over $1,000, Smith will now be

CITY COUNCIL | FROM PAGE 4 Council of Governments, the Gallup Business Improvement District, and others. The agenda item under consideration was for approval of the city’s share of the match in the amount of $65,000, which would bring matching funds to $150,000 and a project total of $300,000, including the NEA grant. According to the NEA website, these grants are designed to support “creative placemaking projects.” It describes “creative placemaking” as “when artists, arts organizations, and community development practitioners deliberately integrate arts and culture into community revitalization work - placing arts at the table with land-use, transportation, economic development,

POLICE ACTIVITY | FROM PAGE 6 Court. Three deputies responded to a backup call from the Navajo Police Department in regards to a family stabbing in

facing court on the two fourth Degree Felonies and will be held without Bond until his first court appearance. The incident was noticed education, housing, infrastructure, and public safety strategies.” It goes on to say “these projects represent the distinct character and quality of their communities. These projects require a partnership between a nonprofit organization and a local government entity, with one of the partners being a cultural organization.” The deadline for project completion is December 2018.

when an active motion alarm went off at the business. When police arrived at the building, the front door was propped open with a shopping cart and a front window was broken. Police also had a video of the suspect who entered the business. He was quickly identified as Smith and was picked up by the GPD, though he was too intoxicated to talk at the time. The value of the merchandise taken was $80.00. Video surveillance revealed that Smith plucked three sets of headphones, and one “minnie tower sound logic,” the arrest warrant states.

City Attorney Chris Hayes presented an offer by Gallup Land Partners for an easement of several thousand-acre of tract of land north of Gallup for public recreation. Hayes said that as Gallup “adver tises itsel f a s the

‘Adventure Capital of New Mexico,’” and this was a perfect opportunity to expand adventure-based and outdoor activities in the area. Hayes went on to say that there would be a mutual benefit to both the city and GLP, as GLP would get the benefit of the city’s liability insurance for any injuries on the land, while the city would be able to greatly expand the scope of its recreational space. Councilor Allan Landavazo said there were “several abandoned mines” in that area, and inquired what would be done with them to ensure public safety. Adam Wilkey from GLP responded that he had been in contact with the Abandoned Mine Land Program, and while he “could not speak for” AMLP, he said he will contact them to inquire a report on the area.

the Pinedale area. The victim was transported by Medstar to the hospital and NPD arrived to put one assailant in custody. A concerned mother was left little choice when her 17-yearold son refused to go back to school, which started this

week. She met with Sgt. Tammy Houghtaling at the Sheriff’s office to explain her problem. She was referred to JPO, CYFD and JSSAC for further assistance and to set up a meeting with the school and central office to resolve this problem.

PUBLIC RECREATION EASEMENT

NEWS

Shiprock man pleads As transportation tech hits new guilty to voluntary age, New Mexico lags behind manslaughter charge By Matthew Reichbach NM Political Report

remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing, which has L BUQU ERQU E – yet to be scheduled. Larry June, 58, an This case was investigated enrolled member of by the Farmington office of the the Navajo Nation FBI and the Shiprock office of who resides in Shiprock, N.M., the Navajo Nation Division of pled guilty Aug. 21, in federal Public Safety. Assistant U.S. court in Albuquerque to a vol- Attorneys Niki Tapia-Brito and untary manslaughter charge. Michael D. Murphy are proseUnder the terms of his plea cuting the case as part of the agreement, June will be sen- Tribal Special Assistant U.S. tenced to 97 months in prison Attorney (Tribal SAUSA) Pilot followed by a term of super- Project in the District of New vised release to be determined Mexico which is sponsored by by the court. the Justice Department’s Office The FBI and Navajo Nation on Violence Against Women Div ision of Public Sa fety under a grant administered by arrested June in November the Pueblo of Laguna. 2016, on a criminal complaint The Tribal SAUSA Pilot charging him with killing a Project seeks to train tribal Navajo woman by stabbing her prosecutors in federal law, with a knife on Nov. 25, on the procedure and investigative Navajo Indian Reservation in techniques to increase the likeSan Juan County, N.M. June lihood that every viable violent was subsequently indicted on offense against Native women Dec. 20, and was charged with is prosecuted in either federal second-degree murder. court or tribal court, or both. During today’s proceedThe Tribal SAUSA Pilot ings, June pled guilty to a fel- Project was largely driven ony information charging him by i n pu t g a t h e r e d f r o m with voluntary manslaughter. a n n u a l t r i b a l c o n s u l t a In entering the guilty plea, tions on v iolence aga i nst June admitted that on Nov. 25, women, and is another step he stabbed the victim multiple in the Justice Department’s times with a knife during a on-going efforts to increase heated argument, and that the engagement, coordination victim died as the result of the and action on public safety injuries she sustained. June in tribal communities. Staff Reports

tate Sen. James White, R-Albuquerque, recently joined state legislators from around the country for a meeting of the Council of State Governments in Detroit, Michigan. At one event, he and two others sat in a car. White wasn’t driving. Neither was anyone else in the car.

STABBINGS ROCK | FROM PAGE 5 f led,” and multiple police patrolled the downtown and surrounding areas shortly after the stabbing, searching for suspects. GPD Of f icer Ch r ist ia n Va s q ue z c a u g ht up w it h Miller after it was overheard at the El Rancho Hotel that “a group of males (were) bragging about stabbing a male downtown.” It was shortly after 5 pm Sunday when Vasquez found

In fact, there was no steering wheel. Just a panic button. The car didn’t go at highway speeds—in fact, it only went 15 MPH—but that was enough to impress him. White was at a test facility for autonomous cars. More legislators might start taking rides like White’s in the future as more autonomous vehicles hit the roads—and as states grapple with what that means for existing motor vehicle laws. While the federal government

sets basic safety guidelines, licensing of drivers and registration of vehicles is left to individual states. New Mexico is already behind many states in debating legislation on autonomous vehicles. Since 2012, 41 states and Washington D.C. have considered legislation related to autonomous vehicles. Of those,

the group walking down Ford Drive, south of Mesa. He stopped to question the group when Miller bolted down an alley on foot. Vasquez was able to call out to Miller, asking him to stop running, which he complied. He was immediately placed under arrest. The rest of the group was interviewed by GPD detectives, but it’s unclear now whether any of them will face charges. Tragedy struck again on Monday with another stabbing. According to Spencer, at approximately 11:47 am, Marc

Yazzie was stabbed in the arm and hand around Third Street and Maloney Avenue. GPD O f f ic e r No r m a n Bowman stated in his report that “Mr. Yazzie would possibly require surgery to his forearm as his tendons/ligament was visibly cut.” No suspect has been booked into custody as of press time. Meanwhile, as of Aug. 24, Miller remains behind bars at the McKinley County Adult Detention Center. Spencer said both investigations are ongoing.

TRANSPORTATION | SEE PAGE 11

Third Pinon brother sentenced for violent assault on juvenile Staff Reports

HOENIX – Roneldo James, 28, of Pinon, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow to eight years of imprisonment Aug. 21, to be followed by three years of supervised release. James had previously pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. James committed the offense with his two brothers, Delfred Lee and Milfred James, who were previously sentenced to seven and six years of imprisonment, respectively, NEWS

for their roles in the offense. On Dec. 1, 2015, James and his brothers held a juvenile victim and others at gunpoint against their will in a Pinon, Ariz. residence on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation. All parties involved are members of the Navajo Nation. All three brothers are affiliated with the Red Nation Warriors street gang. T he i nvestigation i n this ca se wa s conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Samuels, District of Arizona, Phoenix. Gallup Sun • Friday August 25, 2017

State Auditor Tim Keller releases special audit of state purchasing practices Staff Reports

A N TA F E – S t a t e Aud itor T i m Kel ler released a multiagency audit of State Agency procurement practices Aug. 22, from July 2013 through July 2016. The report reveals that in fiscal year 2016, over $1 billion worth of state spending did not go through the competitive procurement process designed to safeguard public funds from patronage, fraud and corruption. In addition, over $5 billion of healthcare dollars were spent through exemptions to the Procurement Code. The report highlights both the level of reliance on contracts

procured with sole source, emergency and other exceptions and exemptions and violations of the Procurement Code. “Our audit reveals billions of dollars of state purchasing passing through loopholes,” stated State Auditor Tim Keller. “We found examples of agencies using emergency exemptions when there is no real urgency, sole source exemptions that did not comply with state law, and a significant gap in campaign contributions disclosures. The spirit of procurement is to safeguard tax dollar funded contracting from fraud, waste and abuse. Strong directive executive leadership and a reworking of the law to make bidding more

effective and efficient would have a game-changing impact on creating local jobs, cutting red tape, and providing essential services to New Mexicans at the best value.” The State Auditor initiated the audit to address various concerns related to the competitive bidding process. The State Auditor selected multiple agencies for the special audit due to their roles in procurement oversight: the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), the General Services Department (GSD) and the Department of Information Technology (DoIT). Key findings from the audit include: S o l e s o u r c e

New Mexico State Auditor Tim Keller. File Photo procurements: The sole source exemption was used in over $56 million worth of purchases in FY 2016. The top agencies by sole source expenditures in FY 2016 were: Corrections Department, Public Education Department, Department of Health, and Taxation and Revenue Department. The audit also found instances of agencies using the sole source exemption inappropriately and in some cases, a lack of adequate scrutiny of sole source justifications. Emergency procu re ments: The emergency exemption was used in $105 million worth of purchases in FY 2016. The top agencies by emergency expenditures in FY 2016 were: Corrections Department, Energy Minerals a n d Na t u r a l R e s o u r c e s Department, Department of Transportation, and General Ser vices Department. The audit reveals that some state agencies are using the emergency exemption in circumstances that are not permitted, due to agencies’ desire for convenience and misperceptions about the regular procurement process. Widespread exemp tions: The Procurement Code contains exemptions for certain agencies and transactions. The largest share of exempt purchasing is between a state agency and another state agency or local public body. Other exemptions are used for private vendors, the top recipients of which in FY 2016

Friday August 25, 2017 • Gallup Sun

were United Behavioral Health, Talweg Creative Inc., Merck Sharpe & Dohme, Pfizer Inc., and Glaxosmithkline. Length of time: The average time for various agencies to approve a contract is over six months, including time for RFP publication, bidder responses, response evaluation, and required approvals. When laws and regulations are too complex and time-consuming, agencies are more likely to push the boundaries of available short-cuts. Campaign Contribution Disclosure: Procuring agencies are not complying with Procurement Code requirements to obtain Campaign Contribution Disclosure Forms to prevent the improper influence of procurement decision s t h rou g h c a mpa ig n contributions. To address these findings, the OSA developed best practices including: moving towards a centralized oversight procurement office, as the Legislative Finance Committee has long recommended; enhanced training and a culture of support for state personnel involved in procurement; implementing a “when in doubt, bid it out” practice; and reducing opportunities for data entry errors. The State Auditor also recommends that the Legislature consider a comprehensive review of the Procurement Code, including revisiting exceptions and exemptions, imposing dollar limitations on exceptions and exemptions, addressing loopholes a nd expanding campaign contribution disclosure laws. The special audit is part of a series of work from the OSA to shine a light on procurement concerns in New Mexico. On Thursday, the OSA will release another comprehensive report on out-of-state contracting and conduct training sessions for procurement professionals and local businesses on ways to support in-state businesses: https://www.saonm. org/media/news_ pdf/8-2417_ OSA_ to_ release_ procurement_report.pdf The Special Audit is available here: https://www. saonm.org/audit_reports/ detail/11070 NEWS

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TRANSPORTATION | FROM PAGE 9 20 states (and Washington D.C.) have passed laws, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, an organization that tracks legislative efforts nationwide. The laws vary. California, home of Silicon Valley, has led the way, passing a law in 2012 that touched on requirements for testing autonomous vehicles then another in 2016 allowing for the limited testing of autonomous vehicles without a steering wheel, brake pedal or accelerator. Earlier this year, Colorado passed another law defining autonomous vehicles and clarifying what companies need to do to qualify for testing. Other states are just starting to come along. Last year, for example, Alabama established a committee to study the cars.

THE FUTURE OF ROADS White is bullish on the prospect of autonomous vehicles not just in New Mexico, but worldwide. They can be safer, he said, than cars driven by people and could prevent the tens-of-thousands of deaths each year from vehicle crashes. They can also ease congestion in city centers and save people money, since there would be lower insurance rates due to the lower number of crashes. But even that raises another question—“Who is liable if there is an NEWS

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accident?” he asked. State law does not currently address this in New Mexico. “We may have to make some changes and we may have to update some things,” White said. And other laws would have to be addressed. Under New Mexico statute, semi trucks must have 300 feet space between them. But autonomous trucks could travel as close as 30 feet from the one in front—allowing for the ones behind to “draft” and save money because of better gas mileage from the reduced wind resistance.

ELECTRIC CARS Autonomous cars aren’t the only big changes hitting roads. Tesla, the electric car company that passed on New Mexico for a battery plant in 2014 in favor of Nevada, is ramping up production on the Model 3. Earlier this month, Wall Street analyst Ben Kallo predicted “strong demand” for the Model 3, the tech-darling’s first mass-market car. But Tesla owners in New Mexico already have a problem trying to get their cars fixed. “Right now because of the laws on the books, Tesla owners in New Mexico cannot get their cars serviced in New Mexico,” Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, said in an interview with NM Political Report. “They actually have to have their cars towed to Colorado or Arizona to be serviced.”

New Mexico law bars car manufacturers from offering direct services to the public. Instead, companies must have an agreement with a dealership that is locally-owned. This goes for both direct sales of vehicles as well as any maintenance or repairs. This gained attention in 2016 but so far, the Legislature has not heard any bills related to this. New Mexico isn’t alone in prohibiting direct-sales for cars. The general counsel for Tesla argued in front of the Federal Trade Commission in 2016 against the dealership model for the company, saying that while independent dealers make the most money off maintenance and repairs, electric vehicles require less maintenance and fewer repairs than vehicles with gasoline or diesel engines. Wirth agrees that with the Model 3 ramping up production, legislators will have to deal with the problem in the near future. Electric cars in general saw a big jump in ownership in 2016. That itself poses challenges, as the state uses a tax on gasoline to fund road construction and repair. With more gas-efficient cars and fully-electric cars, the number of drivers on the state’s roads does not decline—but the revenue from the tax does. Wirth said this could pose a problem for the state. “If there’s going to be a technological shift then our laws need to catch up,” he said.

Some states have imposed fees on plug-in or gas-electric hybrid cars or charge taxes based on how many miles driven in a state. These all are attempts to get ahead of the predicted boom in electric vehicles. Other states have increased the gas tax to keep pace with inflation and more fuel-efficient cars. In New Mexico, the gas tax is currently among the lowest in the nation. At just 18.88 cents per gallon, ranking 45th, that tax hasn’t increased since 1995. There’s one other issue many people probably don’t think of when it comes to driving: protection against hackers. As cars have more computer systems, internet connectivity and autonomy, that could become a problem. Two security experts described how they were able to hijack cars with autonomous features, such as the brakes and collision-avoidance system in a Prius, and to hack a Jeep to make it think it was parking itself—while driving at highway speeds. None of these hacks have occurred in real life—they’ve all been performed in controlled circumstances—but still revealed what’s possible. “They’re working really hard to make sure these control systems are hardened,” White said. It shows that in the future of transportation, it isn’t just legislators looking ahead to the new world. Visit: nmpoliticalreport.com

Gallup Sun • Friday August 25, 2017

OPINIONS On The Passing of Jackson Gibson – A True Leader By Patty Lundstrom State Representative, New Mexico Legislature

n F r iday n ight, August 18th, I learned of the passing of my dear friend Jackson Gibson, following his long and hard-fought battle with cancer. At that moment, I felt that a true leader of the people had passed from us. He was a servant-leader and a chief in every sense of what those terms mean – a public servant

who was independent minded, strong willed and outspoken, but who also kept in mind “his people”. Not just Navajos, not just Native Americans, not just Veterans, not just McKinley County citizens – but all of us New Mexicans and Americans, and visitors and guests, from all walks of life. Jackson could be tough and stubborn and hard-headed, but he was at his core true to himself and generous of heart to all who crossed his path. He could be dead-serious at

times, but also full of humor almost always ready for a joke, a laugh, or a tease, and often at his own expense! He could be as down-to-earth as anyone around, but could also hob-nob with the rich, the famous, the powerful. To him, no one was superior to another by means of birth or circumstance, but he was a great judge of character, and it didn’t matter where you came from, if you were a “real” and honest person, a straightshooter, and a true friend, then for sure, you had a loyal friend

MADAME G

for life. Even through his struggles with the cancer, all the way up to his last days, I never saw a change in Jackson’s character, his core nature, his sense of humor, his outreaching spirit. He was a talker all right, and for most of us, there was no such thing as a “short conversation,” but more than that, he was a doer – always ready to put his own hand to the till, if it was needed to move things along. He told it like he saw it, he did what he said he would

do, he stood strong for what he believed in, he lived his values, and in the midst of it all, he stayed loyal, open-hearted and connected with his family and friends. Jackson was a political player, but he was unique in how he played the game. He never displayed pettiness or held personal grudges – attitudes we see all too often among politicians. And all

A TRUE LEADER | SEE PAGE 21

GUIDE TO THE STARS WEEK OF AUGUST 25

Did you survive the eclipse? Hopefully you didn’t stare straight into the sun and burn your eyeballs causing irreparable damage. With the Sun firmly in Virgo (as of Aug. 23) and a New Moon coming up Aug. 29, this is your chance to turn over a new leaf. Examine each line in excruciating detail. Madame G encourages you to take the first step of a 1000-mile journey. GO!

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct.22)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

School has started and your off to the races. Maybe you finally got the kids out of the house or got started on your own education path. Whatever the case, give it all you’ve got. Hit the books and start studying. Don’t get lost or trapped in the fear of what you don’t know. Consider your assets and best qualities and apply those tricks to the task at hand. Focus on what you do well.

Well, that was interesting. You may have found that you don’t have all the answers. It might even prove true that you know nothing at all. That’s all well and good for Socrates, but this modern life needs a little more definition than that. Madame G has you covered. You really do know nothing. Congratulations! The learning may now commence. GO!

You’re channeling the inner spirit of Virgo and focusing on what you can control. That’s excellent. Look at how you can improve yourself on a daily basis. Carefully set goals and achieve them. Remember that man or woman is not an island. If you’re looking to improve yourself, look out for those who also require help. Achieve more by giving more.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

Don’t be afraid—that’s for the birds. You’re a human being capable of more than you’ll ever know. Stop looking for the easy answers. There is no lottery ticket to save you from yourself. So, stop wasting time and live the life you’ve always wanted. Be who you’ve always wanted. It’s never too late in this life, to be who you’ve always meant to be. Live it up!

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Feeling a little mutinous? Maybe you’re headed towards a breakdown or maybe you should dust off your dancing shoes. Don’t focus on what everyone else is doing and what you’re not doing. This is the time to realize deep down that you can do anything. So, stop the self-pity train. Skip the part where you wallow in selfhatred and get out there and do it. You can’t do unless you try.

Feeling beat up? Is that the Universe trying to tell you something? If you don’t listen to the signs mother nature has a way of making you learn. Even if that means knocking you off a ladder. Perhaps this is the time for resting up and letting the muscles heal. What’s the rush? Do you have some exciting plans no one else knows about? Slow down. Drink some tea.

Who’s got your nose? If you’re a baby, this makes sense. If you’re an adult, this might mean— someone tricked you. That’s okay. It’s never a crime to trust someone or to give a second chance to those who’ve truly asked for forgiveness. However, at some point they may not really be sorry. You may need to stop and ask yourself—do they really care? You’re worthy of love.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Look deep inside and determine what you want. Take that first step of a 1000 by putting one foot in front of the other. Don’t hesitate to keep going and look ahead never back. You may not have all the answers or see the future, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have confidences. Your diligent and self-motivated. The only way forward is by taking a breath and getting off the couch.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

You’re on to something. Is it fabulous? It might be crazy dangerous or more than you’ve ever allowed yourself to imagine. Well, don’t give up now! You need answers. Is this your destiny or not? Only you know and only you can find out. Madame G suggests you get all the positive vibes and feelings and focus them in one direction. Now move soldier! Your future awaits.

The Sun is in your sign this month. What the other Zodiac signs don’t realize is that a Virgo could take over the world quickly, if only they didn’t have to avoid stepping on any cracks. It’s not that you’re OCD—you’re meticulous. And you notice everything when working on a project. This makes you a force of nature like a hurricane. Beware! Don’t get lost among the weeds.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

Friday August 25, 2017 • Gallup Sun

Did you take the first step? You’re heading out on the right path. You’ve got a destination in mind and it’s a good one. You don’t have all the answers and it seems like the end of nowhere. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t get where you want to go by looking for yourself in each action you take. Your job may not be all its cut out to be but it’s better than nothing.

The world will not appreciate your success. They will not applaud your efforts or teach you how to succeed. But, you may find someone or a couple of someone(s) who will teach you how to honor yourself. This is the trick of life. You may need to kiss a few toads in order to find your prince. Madame G recommends that you at least try before you buy a house full of cats. OPINIONS

Report: NM Made Second Largest Higher Ed Spending Cuts since Recession New Mexico Voices for Children

L B UQ U E R Q U E — New Mexico’s state funding for higher education is 33 percent less now than it was before the recession, when looking at inflation-adjusted state spending per student. Looking at the dollar investment, the state is spending $4,509 less in 2017 than it did in 2008 on a per student, inflation-adjusted basis. Only Louisiana has made deeper cuts over that time period. These are among the findings of a report released this week by the Washington,

D.C.-based Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP). As a result of these funding cuts, tuition at the nation’s public four-year colleges and universities has increased on average 35 percent since 2008 on a per-student, inflation-adjusted basis. New Mexico has seen the same 35 percent tuition increase over that time period. The report’s authors believe higher education funding cuts and tuition increases threaten the nation’s economic future. Economic opportunity and a thriving state economy depend on a high-quality and affordable public higher education system that is accessible to all students. At a time when the

benefits of a college education have never been greater, state policy makers need to ensure that college is more affordable and more accessible to the students who need it most. “Since many future jobs will require college-educated workers, New Mexico needs to invest more intently in its workforce so more adults can earn the degrees and industry credentials we need to grow our economy,” said James Jimenez, executive director of New Mexico Voices for Children. Funding cuts drive tuition increases that make it less likely that low-income students enroll and persist in college. Unfortunately, across the

nation, the percentage of needbased financial aid as a share of state-funded financial aid continues to decrease. “This is especially true in New Mexico where only 24 percent of the state’s financial aid is needbased, compared with 76 percent nationwide,” said Jimenez. “Low-income students and their families are having a hard time absorbing rising tuition costs and New Mexico once again ranks worst nationwide in student loan default rates.” While most states are putting resources back into public higher education and have increased per-student funding between the 2016 and 2017 school years, New Mexico cut

spending by over 5 percent on a per-student basis during that time period. “To renew investment in higher education once again— and prevent further disinvestment—New Mexico should reject calls for corporate tax cuts disguised as tax reform and consider options for new revenue,” Jimenez added, “so we can properly invest in New Mexico’s future workforce and stop shifting the costs from the state to students.” The CBPP report is available online at: https://www. cbpp.org/research/a-lost-decade-in-higher-education-funding-state-cuts-have-driven-uptuition-and-reduced

Navajo Nation Mourns Loss of Las Cruces massage Senior Police Officer Nelson Martin school gets boost

from local bank

Office of the President and Vice President

AYENTA, Ariz. – The Navajo Nation mourns the passing of Senior Police Officer Nelson Martin who died in an off-duty automobile accident on Aug. 21. Martin was a valued member of the Kayenta Police Department and his loss is a shock to the community and the Navajo Nation as a whole. “For one to lose his life in the way Officer Nelson Martin did is tragic and something we want to avoid as much as possible,” President Russell Begaye said. “We offer our condolences to the family and we know that not only you, but the community and the Nation will miss him greatly.” As a member of the strategic reaction team and as a school resource officer, Martin worked in collaboration with the Kayenta Unified School District to provide security, prevent crime, and create a safe environment for our schoolchildren. “The brave group of men and women in law enforcement undertake the tremendous challenge of serving and protecting the public,” Vice President Jonathan Nez said. “Thank you to all of our police officers for their service. Thank you, Officer Martin.” Martin will be remembered OPINIONS

By Sandy Nelson for Finance New Mexico

imothy Gay shopped around before securing a loan in 2013 to buy a building in downtown Las Cruces for his Massage Therapy Training Institute (MTTI). He chose Century Bank to help him secure a U.S. Small Business Administration commercial 504 loan. “They were the nicest people to work with, which is definitely a bonus,” he said about the bank.

Gay, a graduate of MTTI, bought the business from his father, Laun Smith, in 2007. Over the years, he grew tired of paying rent to the people who owned the building where Smith launched the institute in 1999. Gay wanted to build equity for his own venture in a more centralized location where he could attract more students. The gamble paid off: The institute has seen a 25 percent increase in business since

MASSAGE SCHOOL | SEE PAGE 21

Senior Police Officer Nelson Martin served the Kayenta Police Department from 2002. Photo Credit: Courtesy of OPVP as a kind and thoughtful man with a wonderful sense of humor. He was well-respected in the community and within his depa r tment where he worked since 2002. His presence will surely be missed. Funeral services were held on the evening of Aug. 22 at the Monument Valley Welcome Center in Goulding, Utah.

In speaking to the family, friends and loved ones of Officer Martin, Navajo Nation Chief of Police Phillip Francisco said, “During the time of mourning, know that we are with you. The upcoming future will test Officer Martin’s family and our Department. We ask for your prayers and support as we navigate this difficult time.” Gallup Sun • Friday August 25, 2017

Libertarian National Committee Alexandria, Virginia, 22314 Fellow Americans, You have probably heard the news about the President’s plan to increase American m i l it a r y i nvol ve me nt i n Afghanistan. The Libertarian perspective is very different. After toppling the Afghan government almost sixteen years ago, the United States entered into nation building thinking that it would help improve corners of the world that terrorists find inviting. Our country has spent hundreds of billions of dollars and lost thousands of lives in these futile efforts. According to Forbes: “Since [the initial] intervention in

the aftermath of 9/11, roughly 2,400 American military personnel have died and more than 20,000 been wounded attempting to bring democracy to Central Asia. Some 3,500 military contractors have been killed, along with more than 1,100 allied personnel. Overall the US has poured more than $800 billion into the war. Set aside the costs of combat. The US has spent $117.3 billion on relief and ‘reconstruction,’ that is, attempting to create a functioning state in Afghanistan.” Despite all of this sacrifice and hard work, nation building in Iraq and Afghanistan has been a failure. No matter how sophisticated our military is and no matter how much we

Nicholas Sarwark sacrifice, nation building is far more difficult than our politicians believed. Not only that, it may create more terrorists than it quells. Foreign military

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intervention is insanely complicated. In any foreign conflict there are countless people, organizations, and countries involved, each with their own motives, goals, and methods. It is very hard to accurately predict what will happen because there are so ma ny actors involved. Things often don’t work out as predicted, so we must be wary of unintended consequences before taking any action, especially war. We are now living with the unintended consequences of previous military action in Afghanistan, both by the US government and others. The President’s announcement of increased military action in Afghanistan flies in the face of his past positions on A mer ica n involvement in Afghanistan, such as “We have wasted an enormous amount of blood and treasure in Afghanistan. Their government has zero appreciation. Let’s get out.” This President is consistent: consistently breaking campaign promises and saber rattling with American lives. I n recent week s, he’s threatened North Korea with “fire and fury” comments. North Korea is another complex problem without any “good” a n swer s. Back i ng someone into a corner is not a good way to get a peaceful resolution; this is especially true when that someone is a tyrannical dictator. It is a very tricky scenario, but the ideal approach is to work towards de-escalation rather than poking him and encouraging him to lash out violently. The President has also publicly commented about a “possible military option” to deal with the regime in Venezuela. We are all heartbroken by the tragic state of Venezuela right now but we know from Iraq and Afghanistan that simply overthrowing a dictator is not enough to greatly improve the well-being of a population. After years of nation building in Iraq and Afghanistan the people who live there are still in a horrible situation. Overthrowing the regime in Venezuela would not make the lives of ordinary Venezuelans any better and might even make things worse. The US military is very p owe r f u l . O ve r t h r ow i n g

dictators is not hard for our troops to accomplish. But dealing with the aftermath is, because that aftermath is so insanely complicated and unpredictable. That is one of the chief reasons we should be so careful with military action. Liber tarians believe in self-defense. If America is attacked, then we have the right to defend ourselves. But too often American presidents have pursued military action that meddles in other countries that have not attacked the United States. Other times, A mer ica n president s use the saber rattling of various despots as an excuse to use military action. Libertarians believe that using our brave men and women as pawns is inappropriate and immoral, so we oppose military action that is not truly defensive in nature. The Libertarian Party also advocates a restructuring our country’s interactions with the world. We want to prioritize diplomacy and peaceful resolution of conf licts. We also seek to move past old grievances. In his Farewell Address, President George Washington warned against permanent allies and permanent enemies. He also warned against “permanent alliances”. The Libertarian Party advocates these same principles. Towards that end, this past weekend, the Liber ta r ia n National Committee passed a resolution calling for the US to withdraw from NATO. I n t he s a me s pi r it a s President Washington, we seek to “Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all.” I hope you’ll find these thoughts helpful as you talk with your friends and neighbors about current events. If we want to make progress in the polls, we need to be discussing these critical topics and the Libertarian perspective on them with our networks throughout the election cycle. Towards liberty,

Nicholas Sarwark Chair, Libertarian National Committee OPINIONS

COMMUNITY The perfect relationship: ‘Cars and Coffee’ SUNDAY AFTERNOON EVENT RESONATES WITH COMMUNITY

By Jonathan Gregg Sun Correspondent

lassic cars, classic roast coffee, and a classically good time – all were on hand Sunday at Camille’s Sidewalk Café’s “Cars and Coffee.” In its third year, the event is already becoming a Gallup institution. Each Sunday from roughly April to November, car enthusiasts gather at Camille’s to show off their latest project, to trade stories, and of course to sip on some world class coffee. The cars, and motorcycles too, are as varied as their owners. You have newer cars like Daniel González’s 2016 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. Stock, Gonzalez’s Hellcat is pushing 707 horsepower and can go 0-60 in 3.6 seconds. But this was a car show, these cars are pet toys, and his car was far from stock. González was at the show to meet up with friends and was

Daniel González’s Challenger appears stock, but there’s a lot of work put in to look that way. Photo Credit: Jonathan Gregg James Rich chatting with event attendees. Photo Credit: Jonathan Gregg so interested in participating that he pulled his car out of the shop before his most recent modifications were finished. In the veteran-heavy crowd, González was emphatic that he only buys American cars, and said he does it “to help support the troops, because if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do.” There were classic trucks as well, like Jody Sanchez’s flat black ’53 Chevy truck. Jody is

owner of Jody Sanchez Academy of Karate in downtown Gallup, and is also the proud owner of a ’64 Impala, a ’66 Cobra, and a ’23 T-Bucket Roadster. Sanchez got his love of karate from his father who also ran a dojo as Sanchez was growing up. And these days Sanchez shares his love of both karate and his classic car collection George and Terry Athens were there as well, with George Athens’ black ’63 Corvette. While George Athens owns a used car lot, his wife Terry Athens said that “rebuilding cars is his true passion,” and that rebuilding the Corvette had been “a two-and-a-halfyear project.” When teased that George Athens had more cars than he did, Sanchez laughingly said “his garage is much bigger than mine, and he has a car lot. That kind of helps.” Not to be left out, there was o live by such as honesty, integrity and clarity. As a family-owned also a collection of Harley George Athens shows of his 2 ½ years labor of love. Photo Credit: Jonathan Gregg Davidson’s at Camille’s, led by old these values every day. It’s the way you live and the way the Navajo Hopi Honor Riders and the Eastern Agency Honor

Riders. That morning, the riders had done a benefit ride for a 10-month-old little girl who was born blind and required surgery out of state. In addition to the benefit ride, Merle Dixon of the Navajo/Hopi riders said they “also support our brothers and sisters by doing veteran home escorts and funeral escorts.” Cars and Coffee starts at noon and goes until roughly 2 pm, however the start time is a bit soft. James Rich, the owner of Camille’s, said that they “used to have a shotgun start right at noon, but now everyone shows when they show,” and as the afternoon got a bit later, more and more people started to arrive, with the variety of cars continuing to expand. This wasn’t just a “car show,” however, it was also a family friendly event with several families stopping by for breakfast and staying to check out the cars and talk with the drivers.

It was a stark contrast to most of the restaurants downtown, which were either not very busy or for the most part, closed. Rich said that traffic on Sundays “used to be slow enough that they had considered closing on Sundays,” but with the success of Coffee and Cars “it gave us a reason to stay open on Sundays.” As the show continues to grow Rich would like to see it expand, potentially with music, entertainment, and fun things to do for the kids. While the show is each Sunday, the first Sunday of each month is a special one for the drivers. During that day the drivers, and a guest if they choose, get free food and drinks. In addition, there are prizes, games, and a variety of contests. The drivers themselves view the event as a great chance to socialize,

CARS AND COFFEE | SEE PAGE 20

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Gallup Sun • Friday August 25, 2017

Q&A Exclusive

96TH ANNUAL INTER-TRIBAL INDIAN CEREMONIAL QUEEN ZUNNEH-BAH MARTIN By Dee Velasco For the Sun

n the midst of beginning her reign as the new 2017 Inter-Tribal Ceremonial Queen, Zunneh-ba h Martin sat down with the Sun and discussed her excitement and thoughts as the new Ceremonial queen. Coming from the town of Tohlakai, N.M., from the Twin Lakes Chapter, a nd only 20-years-old, Martin has already been making head waves for her tribe as well as for other indigenous people. Being half Navajo, from the Sleepy Rock Clan, and paternal grandfathers from the Edge Waters Clan, Martin is also Mexican with Aztec/Mayan history, and from the Modoc tribe of Oklahoma. Named after her great-grandmother “Zunnehbah,” which means, “Old and Wise Woman Warrior,” Martin has lived on the Navajo reservation her whole life. She is most familiar with her Dineh culture and language. In her third year of college at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado, she recently declared her major in Southwest Studies and with

an emphasis in Film Studies and Indigenous Studies. Sun: First off, congratulations on being crowned the new Ceremonial queen, secondly, I know you’ve been probably asked this a million times … (Laughing), but how does it feel to be the new Inter-Tribal queen? Martin: It feels good. I’m still telling people I’m very honored to have this title, to represent not only my indigenous tribes and cultures, but to represent all inter-tribal indigenous cultures that are always present at the ceremonial events every year. I’m the 39th queen and I’m really honored to share the title with the other former queens. I’m really proud of the other contestants who ran as well you know they were all such amazing beautiful women, we formed a sisterhood. I’m really just honored to have this title and excited to share my platform, and to travel and share what I’m doing. Sun: Awesome…so as they say, what do you want to be when you grow up (laughing). Martin: (Laughing) you know every time I’m asked that question I already have a

Friday August 25, 2017 • Gallup Sun

whole list ready. There so many things I’m passionate about and I want to do. So, it ranges from being from an animal doctor; from being a culinary artist/chef/baker; to being an advocate. I do advocate work for many different topics like social justice, human rights/ indigenous rights and animal rights, environmental justice; I’m a huge advocate for those. There’s so much I want to be. I really would love to just travel and come back and help my people. S u n : C o ol! S o, w h a t made you decide to run for Ceremonial queen? Martin: I ran after I graduated from Tohatchi High School in 2015. I did run that following summer when I was just getting ready to head off for my freshmen year of college. So, I thought I’m just going to just r un a nd see what happens; you know I just graduated and then I wanted to see all of our tribes and relatives before I leave off the reservation to college. I did get first runner-up in 2015. And last year I was busy because I do a lot of things with other organizations … they had me traveling everywhere. So, I thought let me try it this summer again ... and have fun as well as seeing old friends, relatives, and meet new people. I love meeting all the people that come to Ceremonial, and it’s just a really special time of the year. I thought I would try, and really didn’t care if I lose or win. I’m just going to have fun. Sun: Cool! So your reign is a year and what are your goals within this year? Martin: My goal is to promote my platform, which is to educate the world about protecting indigenous people and the earth. My goal is to try to share that message to as many cultures – not only the Navajo reservation from where I’m from – not only our surrounding border towns/reservations, but all across the country and all across the world to all indigenous people. Because it’s a huge thing growing up as an indigenous person. Eeven at college when

Zunneh-bah Martin at UNM-Gallup Aug. 22. Photo Credit: Knifewing Segura I left in 2015, I met so many people who didn’t known that indigenous people, in particular Native Americans were still alive. They were like ‘you’re still here?’ They think that we’re extinct and we’re still alive. We’re thriving and we survived genocide, the Long Walk, our forced relocation … we survived all that. A n d w e’ r e h e r e a n d Ceremonial is about celebrating all these tribes – intertribal. I really want to spread that message that we’re still here and we still need help. Our cultures, our prayers, (and) our identity is all related to Mother Earth and Father Sky. So, by letting people protecting our Mother Earth it’s also protecting all these other cultures. With us Native Americans in this country we make up 5 percent of the population, there are over 567 tribes and we’re all grasping on to what we have left our languages, and our cultures. My other goal is to bring other tribes from around the world to next year’s Ceremonial and particularly the Maori tribe. I will be studying abroad in New Zealand this fall semester, and one of the main tribes out there is the Maori tribe. I met a couple of them when I went to Washington, D.C. for the White House Tribal Nations Conference. I also got to meet them earlier this summer when we had the Navajo Language & Cu lt u re Rev it a l i zat ion Conference. They invited some of the

Maori members to speak about how in their schools they’re incorporating their own history, language. So now all of their kids, their people now have saved their language and brought it back and revitalized their culture, so I want to hopefully bring them to next year’s Ceremonial so they can share their dances, their songs … because they’re really beautiful. Those are some of my goals. Sun: You being from the Navajo Nation, what problem(s) do you see that you want to help change? Martin: One problem that I see ... I did attend reservation public schools for elementary, middle school, and high school. Our education system, it doesn’t fully support our own people’s histories, our own people’s language, and our culture. For example, our history classes we only learn about what’s in U.S. textbooks, about what happened after 1492 with the indigenous people in the Americas. That’s one thing they don’t teach about the people before the colonialism. They don’t teach about – pre-colonial times and I see that is something really affecting our people. Because they start to internalize that (dominant society’s history) is not acknowledging our history. Maybe our history is not legit, maybe our history doesn’t matter. I believe that’s false, I

Q&A EXCLUSIVE | SEE PAGE 21 COMMUNITY

Navajo Nation Council honors outgoing acting Chief Justice Allen Sloan Staff Reports

LEUPP, Ariz. – Member of the Navajo Nation Council’s Law and Order Committee recognized and thanked former acting Chief Justice Allen Sloan for his 28-years of honorable service, during a retirement dinner hosted by the Navajo Nation Judicial Branch Aug. 18. He served as acting Chief Justice since 2015 and resigned at the end of July due to ongoing health issues. Speaker LoRenzo Bates ( Nen a h nez a d , Newcomb, San Juan, Tiis Tsoh Sikaad, Tse’Da a’K a a n, Upper Fruitland) was joined by LOC vice chair Council Delegate Raymond Smith, Jr. (Houck, Klagetoh, Nahata Dziil, Tsé Si áni, Wide Ruins) and LOC member Council Delegate Otto Tso (Tó Nanees Dizi), as he spoke at Friday’s dinner, thanking Chief Justice Sloan for his humble and distinguished service to the Navajo Nation. “As the Chief Justice, Mr. Sloan always had a seat designated for him during Council s e s sion s a t t he Cou nc i l Chamber and we would encourage him to sit at his seat, but he would always insist on sitting with the people in the audience – this was just one example of his humility and his humble character,” Bates said. Delegate Tso said he is especially appreciative of Chief Justice Sloan’s knowledge and respect for Navajo culture and teachings, and for incorporating Navajo traditions into the judicial process as a means to resolving legal issues and

helping Navajo people. He and Delegate Smith also recalled Chief Justice Sloan’s service dating back to the early 1990’s when he began working with the Window Rock Court District, adding that Chief Justice Sloan was always very supportive of the efforts and initiatives put forth by the Law and Order Committee. “We thank you for your honorable service as our Chief Justice, and I want you to know that we will always have a seat at the table for you,” Tso said. The Council members presented Chief Justice Sloan with Navajo jewelry and a saddle blanket as a sign of their appreciation for his service and contributions. During his remarks, Chief Justice Sloan reflected on his 28-years of service and thanked his judicial colleagues for their support and encouraged them to continue serving and helping the Navajo people to the best of their abilities. He also recognized his family, whom were seated in the audience, and said he appreciates their unwavering support over the years. Employees a nd judges from the 11 district courts across the Navajo Nation also took the opportunity to share their memories and to present tokens of appreciation to Chief Justice Sloan during the dinner. Many of his colleagues described him as a very intelligent and humble leader who always took the time to listen and understand cases and situations from traditional and legal perspectives to resolve issues.

Law and Order Committee member Otto Tso presents former Chief Justice Allen Sloan with a token of appreciation on Aug. 18. Photo Credit: Courtesy of 23rd Navajo Nation Council Office of the Speaker COMMUNITY

O t her g ue s t s p e a ker s included President Russell Begaye, former Chief Justices Robert Yazzie and Tom Tso, Navajo Nation Bar Association

president Lawrence Ruzow, and current acting Chief Justice Thomas J. Holgate. Former acting Chief Justice Sloan’s resignation took effect

on July 31, and current acting Chief Justice Thomas J. Holgate was sworn-in to lead the Navajo Nation Judicial Branch on Aug. 1.

From left: Law and Order Committee vice chair Raymond Smith, Jr., Speaker LoRenzo Bates, former acting Chief Justice Allen Sloan, and Law and Order Committee member Otto Tso on Aug. 18, 2017. Photo Credit: Courtesy of 23rd Navajo Nation Council Office of the Speaker

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MADD honors officers going beyond the call of duty against DWI By Dee Velasco For the Sun

a l lup ch a pt er of M A D D, M o t h e r s against Drunk Driving, held a small awards presentation for local law enforcement who have gone beyond the call of duty to do their part in ending DWI within McKinley County at Grace Bible Church Aug. 18. Several law enforcement agencies were present for the ceremony: Gallup Police Department; McKinley County Sheriff’s Office; New Mexico State Police, and several attorneys from McKinley County DWI Task Force. A small reception was held prior to the ceremony as advocates, victims, and family members came together to share their experiences with the huge dilemma of DWI offenses that has run rampant in McKinley County. Once the fellowshipping wa s done, M A DD Cou r t Monitor Jennifer Kerr, who sits through the DWI cases not only in the Gallup Magistrate Court, but in Farmington and Aztec, began the award ceremony by speaking about the fantastic job that DWI officers conduct on a daily basis and presented them with a plaque. “When I read the arrest reports and see these officers in the court room, I see they’re really diligent about enforcing and stopping DWIs,” she said. Receiving an award for his numerous DWI stops was McKinley County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Eric Jim. Currently serving with the Sheriff’s office for 12 years, Jim had lost a family member over 15 years ago to a DWI. This tragic event has been the catalyst for him to end DWI. “I feel appreciative; it is an honor to receive this being out there what I’m expected to do. I lost a family member due to a DWI, so it’s one of my inspirations to keep the road safe,” he said. “It does affect a lot of families so I’m out there doing what I can to keep the roads safe.” Combating drunk drivers

(From left) From the District Attorney office: Asst. District Attorney Paula Pakkala. Gallup Police Department: Lt. Francie Martinez and Lt. Erin Toadlena-Pablo. McKinley County Sheriff’s Office: Sgt. Robert Turney; Lt. Eric Jim and Deputy Monty Yazzie. New Mexico State Police: Christian Roman, Sgt. Shawn Martin and patrolman Devin Largo. MADD Court Monitor Jennifer Kerr. Photo Credit: Knifewing Segura on a daily basis has nothing to do with awards, but simply just doing the job to the fullest extent as New Mexico State Police Sgt. Shawn Martin expressed. “When I got into this career it wasn’t about the awards or nothing like that. It’s something that we do on a daily basis,” he said. “I feel honored that MADD supports us and the same route, we support them by doing our jobs to the fullest extent. It makes me proud and it’s good to have someone out there looking out for us as well. I just want to thank MADD for throwing this function on for us; recognizing law enforcement that is out on the road doing their jobs combating drunk drivers.” MADD Lead Victim Services Specialist Dolly Otero, out of the Albuquerque office, is incidentally the only office in the whole state of New Mexico, said MADD is 100 percent behind the victims of drunk driving.

Friday August 25, 2017 • Gallup Sun

“I think it was time that we rea lly promote police safety, and let them know that the community is standing behind them,” she said. “Again, we wanted to educate this community that MADD is still there and we still want to help victims of drug or drunk driving. “ Several members of the District Attorney’s office were on hand such as DUI Task Force Attorney Paula Pakkala, who praised the officers, and received praise herself for her efforts. “It was a very nice job honoring the officers, victims,” Pakkala said. “They did a wonderful job,” she said. “It’s epidemic and the officers, the DA’s office are always working – working really hard. The officers make the arrests and we work hard to prosecute their cases. It’s a never ending battle, really. I really appreciate MADD being in the courtroom as court monitor. I think it really helps people understand

what we are really doing.” Kerr knows the meaning of endless caseloads that come across her desk and how important it is to applaud these officers as well as the thankful support that was shown at the ceremony. “I’m really happy with it and impressed with how many people came, it felt so good to honor the officers that are doing this work ever yday day…day in and day out. The DA’s office…they’re so many people involved in this whole puzzle to stop DWI,” she said, “There are some frustrating parts about it – court cases that get dismissed for other reasons whatever, but that still doesn’t stop the officers from pulling people over. They keep fighting to keep others safe and that is what I mainly wanted to thank them for tonight for their work every day…long hours.” No stranger to the on-going drunk driving problems on the Navajo Nation, and its impact on indigenous people,

newly-crowned 2017 Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial Queen-Zunneh-bah Mar tin stopped by to show her support for the officers. “It’s not the first event I’ve attended with MADD and I really support this group and I really do want to express my appreciation to all our law enforcement who are putting their lives on the line,” she said. “They are going out there and doing work that a lot of our people don’t want to do. It’s tough and I really do want to say thank you.” A moment of silence was taken to reflect on those families who have lost a love one to a DWI by a lighting of a candle, and a second candle was lit by those who survived or were injured by a drunk driver. And a last candle was lit to honor all the officers who help in combating DWI. For more information about MADD contact Dolly Otero 1-877-ASK-MADD or visit website www.madd.org COMMUNITY

‘LEAP!’ appeals exclusively to adolescents RATING: «« OUT OF 4 STARS RUNNING TIME: 89 MIN. By Glenn Kay For the Sun

f you’ve seen the posters and print ads for the new animated family film Leap!, there’s something you should know. The advertising, which depicts its lead characters flying through the sky over Paris, suggests a slightly different film from the one you’ll be witnessing. Yes, there is a character who invents makeshift wings, but flying on the apparatus is a very minor subplot. Instead, this is a story about a poor young girl who attends a famous dance academy (in the rest of the world the film is called, more appropriately, Ballerina). Felicie (Elle Fanning) and her best pal Victor (Nat Wolff) spend their days trying to escape the confines of their country orphanage and make a new life in Paris. Felicie yearns to dance at the Paris Opera Ballet, while the young boy hopes to become an inventor. Soon after arriving, they are separated. The girl finds work assisting a caretaker named Odette (Carly Rae Jepsen) who cleans for a snobby, wealthy local Regine Le Haut (Julie Khaner) and her spoiled daughter, Camille (Maddie Ziegler). When

Felicie (Elle Fanning) and her best pal Victor (Nat Wolff) fly through the skies of Paris, France in the film “Leap.” Felicie dreams of attending a prestigious ballet school, and nothing will stop her from achieving her dream. Photo Credit: The Weinstein Company Felicie accidentally finds a ballet school acceptance letter sent to her rival, she pretends to be Camille in order to make her dreams come true. The story itself is cute, if a bit routine. In fact, it could easily have been produced with a real cast. There are two big and elaborate sequences involving flight. However, this a simple story without fantastic creatures or embellishments, instead delivering a message about pursuing your dreams and following your heart (luckily for our protagonist, becoming a world class dancer and nailing the Grand Jeté move only involves a couple of weeks worth of training). The movie

pokes a bit of fun at class structure as well, but for the most part the tone is low-key and understated. However, it does feature some pretty animation that highlights Parisian locales of the 1880s (including an u nder- constr uction Eiffel Tower). The images are vibrant and pretty; even simple shots of a train chugging along the tracks with smoke rising into the frame look quite nice. There are also a couple of funny moments that incorporate freeze frames as Victor describes his adventures while being lost in the city. There are some funny reactions

shots, eccentric students and a tongue-in-cheek, climactic dance-off between Felicie and Camille does earn some laughs; they actually stare each other down menacingly while moving around the space using Pointe technique. There are definitely some flat moments, though. This is a France/Canada co-production and it seems apparent that it may have been originally written in French. Some of the English-language lines and readings come across a little stiff and awkward; there are also some very forced and incongruous jokes. There is even an out-of-the-blue

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reference to MC Hammer that is far more bizarre than it is funny. In fact, it’s hard to figure out exactly why anyone would have felt the need to include it. Overall, there’s no reason for adults to take a chance on Leap!; they’ll find it a bit bland and geared to an adolescent audience. Still, this is perfectly acceptable entertainment for little kids and I’m sure those with an interest in ballet will generally enjoy what they see. It’s not particularly memorable, but it is a warm, genial and at times sweet little film. Visit: cinemastance.com

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Gallup Sun • Friday August 25, 2017

DVD/Blu-ray Roundup for August 25, 2017 By Glenn Kay For the Sun

reetings! It’s a quieter week on the Blu-ray a n d DV D f r o n t , mostly because the big movie arriving was one of the year’s most popular. Guess it’s scaring its competition away. However, there are a couple of quirky releases in case you’re looking for something off of the beaten track. Read below to learn more about them all. 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! Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 - The gang return in this blockbuster sequel to the big summer hit from three years ago. T h is time out, t he eccentric Mar vel comic book superheroes meet more strange beings from around the universe and lead Peter Quill aka Star-Lord encounters a powerful alien who claims to be his father. Reviews were generally very good. A few complained that this effort lacked the charm of the original, but most found the further adventures of these misfit characters engaging and entertaining. The cast includes Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan and Kurt Russell. Kill Switch - This independent sci-fi feature involves a pilot who is tasked with saving the planet after an experimental energy force breaks free of its confines and starts attacking the world. Apparently much the movie is shot from a first person perspective so viewers will experience events as if they were the lead character. Notices were pretty terrible for the experiment. A few thought it was unique enough to give a pass, but the vast majority panned it, suggesting that the slim story and minimal character development couldn’t sustain a feature length running time. Ultimately, they claimed the movie became a slog. It

stars Dan Stevens, Berenice Marlohe and Tygo Germandt. Scales: Me r m aid s Are R ea l On the eve of her twelfth b i r t h d a y, a pre - t een girl gets an i ncred ible shock when she realizes she isn’t like other kids. In fact, she’s destined to become a mermaid the following day. Quite a life change for the youngster, who must bid farewell to all of her friends as well as avoid a group of hunters out to catch her. This one hasn’t garnered many notices and the only one I’ve been able to find calls it a fairly average and forgettable effort for anyone who isn’t a child. Now viewers can make up their own minds. It features Emmy Perry, Morgan Fairchild, Elisabeth Rohm and Nikki Hahn.

BLASTS FROM THE PAST! W h i le there aren’t a lot of new releases, there a re some interesting older titles making their high definition debuts. Arrow Academy have a Blu-ray/DVD combo of the Gallic drama, The Love of a Woman (1953). It’s about a young female doctor who takes a position on a small island just off the west coast of France and experiences prejudice from many of the male residents. The big bonus here is a feature length documentary about the movie’s director, Jean Gremillon, who has over 48 titles to his credit. Here’s an odd one. Effects (1980) is a stra nge lit tle independent picture made in Pittsburgh that features famous make-up effects man Tom Savini in a supporting role. It’s about a film crew who start to believe that they’re working on a snuff film and being picked off one by one. It’s being released by AGFA and arrives with a new 4K transfer, archival commentary track, a documentary and some short films made by the crew. If you’re looking for cheese, then Shout! Factory have the

20 Friday August 25, 2017 • Gallup Sun

Blu-rays for you. Lou Ferrigno s t a r s w it h Sybi l Danning in the Cannon feature, Hercules (1983). It’s a strange, low-budget and not-sogreat take on the Greek mythological figure. Extras include new interviews with the director and set designer. You’ll also get vintage featurettes about the making of the movie and a theatrical trailer. And if you want to complete your collection, they’re also putting out a Bluray of it s fol low-up, The Adventures of Hercules II (1985). It’s just as bad as the original (and was shot back-toback with its predecessor) and comes with another interview with the film’s director as well as a theatrical trailer. Criterion have the French crime comedy La Poison (1951) arriving on Blu-ray. It has been newly restored and comes with a 60 minute documentary and well as interviews with French filmmakers on the movie’s significance. The subtitles have also been newly translated. They also have the bio pic of Sex Pistols front ma n Sid Vicious. Sid and Nancy (1986) st a r s Ga r y Oldman and Chloe Webb as the pair and their tumultuous, drug-fuelled relationship. This Blu-ray package comes with a new 4K restoration, two audio commentaries, an 1987 making-of documentary, real clips and interviews with the actual musician Sid Vicious and other bonuses. If you like the movie, you’l l be thrilled with this release. Not to be outdone, K i no h a ve a phenomenal release t h i s week. Fans of the

Coen Brothers (Fargo, The Big Lewbowski, No Country for Old Men and many more) can now pick up Barton Fink (1991) in high definition. The story follows a scribe with writer’s block who attempts to complete a screenplay before he gets fired by the studio. Things take very strange and dark turns as the deadline looms. It’s a really great little flick and the Blu-ray comes with interviews with cast and crew, numerous deleted scenes and a theatrical trailer. They also have a pair of notable older films hitting Bluray. Beggars of Life (1928) is an early talkie and adventure film about a girl who kills her abusive step-father and attempts to hit the rails and escape to Canada. Variete (1925) aka Variety is a German silent film about a murder set against the backdrop of a circus. F i n a l l y, W a r n e r Archive are putting out a Blu-ray of the Steve Martin/Rick Moranis comedy, My Blue Heaven (1990). This one finds Martin playing a mobster who attempts to adjust to life in suburbia after turning government informant. On DVD, they have the Katharine Hepburn roma ntic comedy, Sylv ia Scarlett (1935).

CARS AND COFFEE | FROM PAGE 15 with one remarking to Rich “thanks for having this and giving us a chance to hang out” Rich is also looking at introducing what he calls a “Café Racer” to add some additional interest. As much as that sounds like people running around a track with hot coffee trying not to spill it on themselves, that’s not exactly what it is. The Café

YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!

Here are the week’s kidfriendly releases. Scales: Me r m aid s Are Real Thomas & Friends: Journey B e y o n d Sodor - The Movie

ON THE TUBE! And TV-themed discs are starting to pick up again with September on the horizon. Here are the highlights. ASH.jpg Ash vs. Evil Dead: Season 2 Blue Bloods: Season 7 B r o o k l y n Ni n e - Ni n e : Season 4 Daredevil: Season 2 The Great British Baking Show: Season 4 Ironside: Season 4 Jessica Jones: Season 1 Lucifer: Season 2 NCIS: Los Angeles: Season 8 Nova: Poisoned Wate r (PBS) S i l e n t Witness: Season 4 (BBC) Supergirl: Season 2 T h e Walking Dead: Season 7 Racer would be a n event where the drivers follow a prescribed course while being timed. However, the objective is not to come in the fastest, but rather come in closest to the prescribed time. So, for instance, the drivers might follow a prescribed four-mile route, a nd whoever ca me in closest to the target time would win. All in all, Cars and Coffee is a great event with good times, cool cars, great food and coffee.

ATTENTION NEWS HOUNDS! Have a news tip? Want to write up a guest submission for the paper? Email us at: gallupsun@gmail.com COMMUNITY

Q&A EXCLUSIVE | FROM PAGE 16 believe our histories are just as important as the dominant societies. When I tell people I want to work with the education system to incorporate more systems to support, not only learning about my tribe, but all indigenous people in Native America, and also indigenous people from around the world. That’s something I see with all my cultures … and just all the other tribes that I have met. So, that’s one problem I do see that’s having a huge impact on us. Sun: Who is your driving force, your influences of where you’re at right now? Martin: My driving force is my parents, my family, my great-grandma, who is still alive and I’m named after her. She’s turning 94 in September. So, she’s my main drive, and I’ve gotten into digital storytelling/filmmaking; that’s what I’m passionate about. You know a lot of social media that we see on television, our mainstream media, even on the news, they don’t always tell the truth about us native people. So that’s why I’m kind of passionate about filmmaking, to get our voices out there, get our perspectives out there. We always face stereotypes, we face racism, we face discrimination, so trying to educate people that ‘no this isn’t our first time wearing regular clothes, we don’t scalp people, we don’t do all this negative stuff that people think.’ Even with the mascots, I really don’t suppor t the

MASSAGE SCHOOL | FROM PAGE 13 moving to the new location in 2014.

GETTING MONEY WHERE IT MATTERS As a state-chartered and locally owned community bank, Century Bank proclaims on its website that it wants to be “the bank of choice” for borrowers like Gay. Besides the myriad financial products and services it offers, Century works with SBA to provide fixed-rate, government-backed financing to growing businesses that want COMMUNITY

Redskins, the Chiefs, because they are dehumanizing and derogatory racial slurs. So, people don’t know about this stuff, so I really just want to tell people. Everything that fuels me is my people, my ancestors, my cultures, and all indigenous people because we’re all going through the same thing. Sun: Here’s one (question) for you that is fun, when you’re not wearing the crown as Ms. Ceremonial, what are the things that you like to do that nobody knows about? Martin: (Laughing) hmm ... before I had this title I always kept busy advocating. I have gone to Standing Rock twice, when they had the water movement against DAPL (Dakota Access Pipe Line.) I am an ambassador for We R Native.org; I get to travel and teach our communities to be healthy, not only nutritionally, but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually healthy. I do attend a lot of events with my parents who are heavily involved in other movements that can better our people. Sun: Wow, that’s pretty cool. Well, I want to thank you for taking the time out to do this interview and again congratulations on your new title and all the best, and keep fighting for us natives Zunneh-bah. Martin: Thank you and I hope we can all make a difference and do so much for our people and other indigenous people all over the world. For more information on Zunneh-bah Martin visit her on Facebook/Zunnehbah, or email zunnehbah@ gmail.com to buy major fixed assets such as buildings and land. SBA 504 loans are designed to help companies cover the cost of buying real estate. In Gay’s case, the loan followed the standard SBA 504 formula, with SBA underwriting 40 percent of the cost, Century Bank covering 50 percent, and Gay contributing 10 percent for the 5,000-square-foot building formerly occupied by a law practice. The nonprofit Enchantment Land Certified Development Company participated in the loan on behalf of the SBA. Gay and his partner, Ceil Stefanavage, remodeled the building to accommodate a classroom a nd working

Jackson Gibson, center, advocated for veterans and all citizens of McKinley County. He passed away Aug. 18. Photo Credit: Courtesy

A TRUE LEADER | FROM PAGE 12 were welcome “in his tent,” so to speak – high and low alike. He wa s t he most recent , and the best ever, District 6 Commissioner on the New Mex ico Tra nspor tation Commission, and the only Commissioner I ever heard of who each year sponsored a lu ncheon for a l l of t he Distr ict 6 sta ff out of the Milan office. To him, every per son wa s a n i mpor ta nt person in the work of the District. Jackson was, for sure, an individualist, but he was also a great team player. His most powerful team was the one he formed with his wife Patsy, massage clinic. They divided the space into treatment rooms and a library, study hall, break room, lobby and business office. And Gay was thrilled to be part of the city’s downtown revitalization — something his family had long supported. His brother Patrick Gay worked on the Las Cruces MainStreet project about five years ago. The business remains a family enterprise. Gay’s daughter, Kelly Siebe, is the institute’s marketing director.

BIG AMBITIONS According to its website, the institute is an accredited ma ssage therapy training

who was always by his side, always supporting, always connecting – the backbone of the partnership, he liked to say. He was also very effective at bringing about communication and coordination between different groups – getting them to move in a common direction. When he saw barriers – like the way different bureaucracies went about their business – he didn’t just complain about it. He learned where the pressure points were and where the chances for cooperation were, and then he helped solve the problems, overcome the barriers … and get things done! I bel ieve people cou ld learn a lot, and benefit a lot,

by fol low i ng t he Jack son Gibson model of leadership. Jackson was a trustworthy colleague and solid partner of mine in helping things happen for northwest New Mexico, he was a spiritual confidante and wise advisor, and he was and forever will be my true friend for life – and beyond. Here’s to you, Jackson Gibson! The flag of your life is at half-mast today, but will fly proudly across the years for generations to see. With love, gratitude and respect, Patty Lundstrom State Representative, District 9 New Mexico State Legislature

program that offers programs “in different modalities and techniques” for full-time and part-time students. When Gay moved the business into its new home, he and the staff began upgrading MTTI’s clinical residency curriculum in pursuit of making the business a regional “information clearinghouse for massage.” Un l i ke m a ny m a s s a ge schools, MTTI’s diploma allows graduates to work in every state except New York and Nebraska. Of MTTI’s 14 employees, eight are part-time instructors with businesses of their own; most instructors have been with the institute for 10 years or more.

Gay said his relationship w ith Centur y Ba nk is just as committed. After getting the loa n, he sa id, his contacts at the ba nk “still go out of their way to make me feel like they care about my business.” To find a local branch of Century Bank, visit https:// www.mycentur ybank.com / branch-atm-locations.htm. MTTI (http://mtti.org/) is at 303 N. Alameda Boulevard in Las Cruces. Finance New Mexico connects individuals and bu sinesses with skill s and funding resources for their business or idea. To learn more, go to www. FinanceNewMexico.org

Gallup Sun • Friday August 25, 2017

Sports Schedule

Gallup High School 8.25.17 Football vs Bernalillo, 7 8.25.17 Cross Country @ Tohatchi, 3 8.26.17 Boys’ Soccer vs Belen, 11 8.29.17 Girls’ Soccer @ Navajo Prep, 4 8.31.17 Girls’ Soccer @ Grants, 4 8.31.17 Boys’ Soccer vs Grants, 4 Miyamura High School 8.25.17 Girls’ Soccer @ Rehoboth (Tourn), 5 8.26.17 Girls’ Soccer @ Tournament, TBD 8.31.17 Boys’ Soccer vs Piedra Vista, 3 9.01.17 Cross Country @ Rehoboth Invite, 3 9.01.17 Volleyball @ Moriarty (Tourn.), TBD 9.02.17 Volleyball @ Tournament, TBD 9.02.17 Football @ Rio Grande (Milne), 1 Rehoboth High School 8.25.17 Rehoboth Girls’ Soccer Tournament 8.26.17 Rehoboth Girls’ Soccer Tournament 9.01.17 Rehoboth Cross Country Meet, 3 Wingate High School 8.25.17 Football @ Crownpoint, 7 8.26.17 Volleyball @ Rehoboth (Tourn.), 1 8.29.17 Volleyball @ Tohatchi, 4 8.31.17 Volleyball vs. Crownpoint, 4

Sports Scores

8.18 Friday GHS Girls’ Soccer 2, Hatch Valley 1 8.19 Saturday GHS Girls’ Soccer 0, Moriarty 5 8.22 Tuesday GHS Boys’ Soccer 1, Rehoboth 5 GHS Girls’ Soccer 4, Rehoboth 2 GHS Volletball 3, Newcomb 0 MHS Boys’ Soccer 3, Grants 0 MHS Girls’ Soccer 0, Gtants 7 MHS Volleyball 3, Belen 2

GRADE LEVEL | FROM PAGE 3 When asked if he was surprised by the grades any of the district schools received, he mentioned Tobe Turpen Elementary and Gallup Middle School. Both schools maintained their grade level, with Turpen at a “C” and Gallup Mid a “B.” He said Ruszkowski visited the district some weeks back, and praised those two schools as top performers in

the state. Meanwhile, Hyatt credited parents for increasingly becoming involved with their children’s education in this rural area, where it’s a challenge for some students to get to school each day. “We appreciate their support and we’ll continue to make adjustments in helping their students become more successful,” he said. Visit: http: //aae.ped. state.nm.us

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22 Friday August 25, 2017 • Gallup Sun

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EMAIL: GALLUPSUN@GMAIL.COM DUE: TUESDAYS 5 PM GALLUP SUN ARCHIVES Need a past issue? $1.50 per copy. Note issue date and send check or M.O. to: Gallup Sun, PO Box 1212, Gallup, NM 87305. Subject to availability. HELP WANTED Literacy Coach HIGH PLAINS REGIONAL EDUCATION COOPERATIVE #3 has an immediate opening for a Literacy Coach to serve the Central Consolidated School District. This position requires skills in job-embedded professional development, planning, modeling, and supporting research-based strategies in grades K-3 reading instruction. Travel is a must. This is a collaborative support position that reports to the NMPED Literacy Director. Salary: $68,000 and benefits. Visit www.hprec.com for more information and job description or contact Marisa Aguirre, Program Manager, at 575-4457090 or maguirre@hprec.com. Freelance Writer The Gallup Sun is looking to hire a freelance writer or two for Gallup/Grants. Long form

of the community. You must have valid driver’s license/ insurance, pass a criminal background check, and own a computer/cellphone. Basic grammar skills required. Send resume: gallupsun@gmail.com HOMES FOR RENT HOUSE FOR RENT 3 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath, Garage, Fenced front and back yard. If interested please call 505870-4127 for more information.

cover stories highly desired. Also have regular beat coverage available: city/county politics; higher and primary education; and public safety (cops/courts). Please send your resume and clips, or links to clips, to: gallupsun@gmail. com

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Freelance Photographer The Gallup Sun is seeking a flexible freelance photographer for Gallup/Grants area that can take amazing photos, get names, and write captions. We especially need photography coverage of high school athletic events, covering 1-3 events per week. If you can shoot videos that’s a plus. Send resume to: gallupsun@ gmail.com

MOBILE HOMES

Account Representative A great opportunity for an outgoing, sincere, and friendly individual (or two) that is self-motivated and knows the Gallup/Grants area well. Independent contractor position. Commission + mileage. You will stay busy maintaining existing accounts and seeking new ones. Past sales/marketing experience preferred, but will consider a motivated novice that has the pulse

MOBILE HOME SPACES Mobile Home Spaces – Single wide – any size $205/mo. Double Wide $260/mo. Call Mike 505-870-3430 or Carmelita 505-870-4095. GARAGE SALE Garage Sale Saturday, September 2 606 East Green Avenue Furniture, linens, household items, and women’s clothing, etc. 8am - 2 pm SERVICES Piano/organ lessons. Ages 7 and up. Must have instrument for practice. Call 505863-2947.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR AUG 25-31, 2017 FRIDAY Aug. 25 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 Aug. 26 GALLUP INTERFAITH COMMUNITY CAFE Enjoy a cup of coffee, hot or iced tea, and delicious baked goods. 8am-2pm, Westminster Presbyterian Church 151 State Highway 564 (Boardman Drive). SUNDAY Aug. 27 CARS & COFFEE Meet the neighbors and car enthusiasts each Sunday from noon to 2 pm at Camille’s Sidewalk Café, 306 S. 2nd St., Gallup. MONDAY Aug. 28 BRAIN INJURY PEER SUPPORT GROUP Meets every Monday from 11 am-1 pm. Facilitator Ken Collins. Discussions designed to help relieve stress for those living with a brain injury. Hozho Center for Personal Enhancement, 216 W. Maloney Ave. Call (505) 870-1483 or (505) 330-1885. GMCS OPEN HOUSE Join Gallup McKinley County Schools for a Navajo Mid Open House 3-6 pm. Call (505) 721-1000. TUESDAY Aug. 29 SECRETARY TRAINING The Personnel Office will provide a training for new and returning secretaries. Elementary School Secretaries 9-11:30 am and Secondary School Secretaries 1- 3:30 pm. Location: Tech Lab. 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: Bridge Building Challenge COMMUNITY PROVIDERS MEETING Please join us and let us know how we can work with you as a professional community. This meeting is open to all people who provide services in one form or another to the people of Gallup. 12 - 1 pm, Sammy C’s Restaurant 107 W Coal Ave. WEDNESDAY Aug. 30 TODDLER TIME (AGES 2-4) An active and energetic program for toddlers, featuring CALENDAR

music, movement, rhymes, and stories. 10:30-11:30 am, Children’s Branch 200 W. Aztec Ave. PROFIT BUILDING 101 Register and reserve your spot for Steps to a Successful Government Cost Proposal. This hands-on workshop walks you through how to segregate your accounts in your accounting system to create indirect rates and propose accurately. 9am-4pm, Gallup Chamber of Commerce Meeting Room, 106 W Hwy. 66. Call (505) 7222220. GMCS OPEN HOUSE Ramah Elementary will host an Open House, 4:30 - 6:30 pm.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT FILMS Wednesdays at 5:30 pm, popcorn provided. Film: Beauty and the Beast (2017). Octavia Fellin Public Library, 115 W. Hill Ave. THURSDAY Aug. 31 CRAFTY KIDS (ALL AGES) Fun crafts for the whole family. Starts at 4 pm. Children’s Branch, 200 W. Aztec Ave. This week: Weaving Baby Turtles BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Join the Gallup McKinley County Chamber of Commerce for “Business After Hours”. This is an excellent opportunity to build important business relationships, keep up on what’s happening in Gallup and with your Chamber. Light snacks and drinks are always served and there are great prizes to be won. 5:30 -7 pm, Bank of New Mexico. GMCS OPEN HOUSE Tohatchi High Title I Parent Night and Open House, 6 pm. Call (505) 7211000. MONTHLY MEETING Meet with Councilor Linda Garcia. Call (505) 879-4176. Councilor Garcia will listen to your concerns, compliments, and complaints. 6:30 - 8 pm, Northside Senior center, 607 N. 4th St.

CALENDAR

GMCS OPEN HOUSE Family fun night! 6-7pm, Gallup Central will host an Open House. ONGOING ARTSCRAWL ArtsCrawl is held the second Saturday of every month from 7 to 9 pm, downtown Gallup. CITY OF GALLUP’S SUSTAINABLE GALLUP BOARD Meets on the first Monday from 3 - 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. COMMUNITY PANTRY The Hope Garden offers organic produce for sale from 10 am - noon, Tue – Fri., 1130 E. Hassler Valley Road. All funds go to helping feed local folks. Call (505) 726-8068 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. 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. GREEN REVOLUTION Through September 9, enjoy: Green Revolution. This Smithsonian Institution “Traveling Exhibition Service” uses recycled and repurposed materials to teach creative ways to reduce waste and conserve energy. Don’t miss this free exhibit full of hands-on fun for everyone at the Farmington Museum, 3041 E Main Street, during regular museum hours. For more information visit www.fmtn.org/FarmingtonMuseum or call (505) 599-1174. 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.

INTERTRIBAL INDIAN CEREMONIAL PHOTO EXHIBITION Select Ceremonial photographs from the Octavia Fellin Public Library’s archival collection will be on display during the month of August. Photos illustrate the history of the Intertribal Indian Ceremonial beginning in the 1920s through the later part of the 20th century/ Explore the visual history of this great event all month long. 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. 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) 7219208, or (505) 870-1483. 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 recruiting 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. USED BOOK SALE Aug 18-26, discover a variety of used books, art, CDs, DVDs, Audio Books, educational materials and more. Volunteers are welcome and you get first pick. Help with set-up, sales, publicity, packing up, and more. To volunteer or make a donation call (505) 905-3247. Westminster Presbyterian Church. Time: Monday-Friday 4 -7pm and Saturdays 8 am - 2 pm. 151 state highway 564 (Boardman Drive). SAVE THE DATE GALLUP POETRY SLAM On Sept. 1, join us for the Gallup Poetry Slam. Poets, spoken word artists, and storytellers, come share your work and connect with other local artists. Not a poet? We’d love to see you in the audience for this FREE community event. 6:30 - 8:30 pm, ART123 Gallery Downtown Gallup.

TAIZE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE On Sept. 10, a Taize candlelight service will take place at 4pm. Peace will be explored through music, chant, prayer, quiet time, scripture, and readings of various faith traditions. Location: 151 State Highway 564 (Boardman Drive near Orleans Manor Apartments). Call Kathy Mezoff (505) 870-6136. MONTHLY MEETING On Sep. 14, meet with Councilor Fran Palochak (District 4). Councilor Palochak will listen to your concerns, compliments, and complaints. 6 - 8 pm, Stagecoach Elementary school, 1498 Freedom, Dr. GALLUP INTERFAITH GATHERING On Sept. 19, Gallup Interfaith Gathering will be held at 6:30 pm. Bring food or drink for a shared meal. All are welcome! Bring a friend. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 151 State Highway 564 (Boardman Drive). Call (505) 905-3247. MONTHLY MEETING On Sep. 21, meet with Councilor Fran Palochak (District 4). Councilor Palochak will listen to your concerns, compliments, and complaints. 6 - 8 pm, Turpen Elementary School, 3310 Manuelito Dr. COMEDY LEGENDS, THE SECOND CITY On Sept. 23, Chicag’s legendary sketch and improve comedy theater is coming to the Farmington Civic Center at 7:30 pm, with “The Best of The Second City.” This must-see show features the best sketches and songs from The Second City’s 55-year history made famous by superstars like Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray and more. For ticket information, call (505) 599-1148. MONTHLY MEETING On Sept. 28, meet with Councilor Linda Garcia. Call (505) 879-4176. Councilor Garcia will listen to your concerns, compliments, and complaints. 6:30 - 8 pm, Northside Senior center, 607 N. 4th St. 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 August 25, 2017

Gallup Housing Authority

How I lost my Housing Unit - Part II

Richard F. Kontz, Executive Director

Gallup Housing Authority has 267 housing units within its housing inventory. As of June 30, 2017, eleven of those units were vacant with 4 of the 11 planned for demolition leaving 7 once repaired available for leasing. Also, during Fiscal Year 2017, our Housing Manager moved in 74 families. That may seem like a lot of families. It is. Unfortunately, in order for her to do this that meant 74 families [more or less] had to move out – some willingly and some because they had to leave for lease violations.

In the August 11, 2017 edition of the Gallup SUN, “How I lost my Housing Unit – Part I” was presented. So, in today’s presentation I want to cover another major reason why Tenants lose their Housing Units.

I once heard a visiting Black Pastor preach a sermon at a local Church. The title was “Maintain Good Order in order to lessen – disunity, disorder, chaos and confusion – in your life”. He did an excellent job of using 20 plus years of military service to illustrate his sermon points.

The 2nd biggest reason why tenants lose their housing units is simply because they don’t “Maintain Good Order” in their lives. For instance, two sisters waited two years on the waiting list. Finally they rose to the top of the list and got a GHA housing unit. So, their first weekend there, they had a house warming party which got out of hand – police were called – one took off and the other along with several guests were arrested. After repeated police calls to their unit – within three months they had to move out for violating their lease. The GHA lease required residents to maintain peace and quiet in the neighborhood and not to become a threat to the safety of the community.

After working here 3 and ½ years, I could already write a book on such stories. It is very sad to see so many of these families, who can’t “Maintain Good Order” in their lives when it comes to alcohol and drug use. Too many seem to think the only reason they need a house in Gallup is to have wild crazy parties. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt for them to use the “good book” to help them to “Maintain Good Order” in their lives. To me it comes down to how you were raised. The moral of the story is: Tenants need to learn how to “Maintain Good Order” in their lives in order to retain their Housing Units. Comments are welcomed.

Located at 203 Debra Drive in Gallup, NM – (505)722-4388 Applications may be requested by email: GHAMain@galluphousing.com

Mike Kurov

Published on Aug 25, 2017

Gallup Sun • Friday August 25, 2017

Published on Aug 25, 2017

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