Gallup Sun • Friday December 22, 2017

Does ‘Pitch Perfect 3’ hit the high note?

E FRE

Film Review Page 18 VOL 3 | ISSUE 142 | DECEMBER 22, 2017

FACI NG FI NA NCI A L CH A LLENGES Hospital enterprise gives Commission a mixed review.

Story Page 3

Linda Anderson Miyamura High

Irene Fuller Miyamura High

Joanna Bonto Thoreau Mid

Anna Cabato Del Norte El

Greg Cavanaugh Kennedy Mid

David Gibbons Ramah High

Kim Esparza Rocky View EL

Gail Foutz Kennedy Mid

Peter Ippel Indian Hills El

Elizabeth Long Gallup Mid

Linda Anderson Miyamura High

Ann Mendez Del Norte El

Elna Go Red Rock El

Kelly Morris Miyamura High

Yulia Nichols Miyamura High

Larrine Platero C.A. Miller El

Wendy Sturrus Thoreau El

Toni Towery Gallup Mid

Carla Zecca Gallup High

Linda Anderson Miyamura High

*Not pictured: Marie Chamberlain (Tohatchi El) and Candice McLain (Miyamura High)

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Friday December 22, 2017 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

NEWS RMCH CEO faces heat over finances

RAISES, EQUIPMENT COSTS, AND A HELICOPTER PAD AMONG 2016 EXPENSES

By Deswood Tome Sun Correspondent

A

remodeled helicopt er l a nd i n g pa d , staff raises, a new wellness center and new radiology and MRI equipment accounted for significant spending in 2016 at the Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services’ hospital on Red Rock Drive.

Hospital CEO David Conejo discussed 2016 spending among other financial concerns with the McKinley County Board of Commissioners Dec. 12.

Conejo f i r st defended increases to staff pay.

“Raises had not been given to employees in seven years,” Conejo said. “None of the salaries have been adjusted.”

P rev ious to t he ra ise, nurses were paid $20 an hour.

Their rate of pay was adjusted to $24 an hour and an additional 3 percent was added.

“Now a person is where they should be,” Conejo said.

While salary scales for the medical staff were increased, administrative staff did not enjoy the same.

RMCHCS Chief Financial Officer John McMullin gave more details.

“Some people have received more than 10 percent pay rates,” McMullin said. “Some of our people have received 20 percent. My hourly rate was cut 10 percent. My staff and salary people took a 10 percent reduction.”

In a cost saving measure, nurses were placed on flexible hours. “ I f t he r e we r e fewe r patients’ nurses were sent home. We need to strengthen

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NEWS

REMEMBERING RICK PALOCHAK Former elections director succumbs to cancer

RMCHCS CEO David Conejo

RMCHCS CFO John McMullen

our balance sheet,” McMullin said.

The administration wanted to issue merit based raises.

But the hospital, which had not made pay adjustments in almost a decade, was unable to do so.

“We couldn’t make that h a p p e n ,” Mc Mu l l i n t ol d commissioners.

Along with staff compensation, Conejo also attributed the hospital’s budget variances to Medicaid reimbursements.

In 2016, the New Mexico government enacted a “claw back” in Medicaid spending for the hospital from patients seen at the hospital for medical services. A “claw back” is defined as money taken back by forceful means, usually by a state agency. $3.8 million was taken by the state in Medica re “claw back” payments, which resulted in a net loss to the hospital.

Conejo informed the commissioners that a cycle of time elapses before a hospital is paid money under Medicaid for medical services provided.

Medicaid reimbursements can be a lengthy process.

“We saw a lot of patients,” he said. “But you don’t reconcile

5

Commissioner Bill Lee

the difference for two years.”

According to reports given, the hospital has a debt ratio of $16 million.

O t her ex p e n s e s wer e the result of additions and improvements to the hospital.

Extra cost was put into the hospital’s MRI equipment, which required removing the side of a building, Conejo said.

A protective shield was built around the MRI equipment.

RMCHCS also opened a behavioral health service component in 2015. In July through September of that same year, Conejo explained they served more than 5,000 clients under the detox component.

And in November, the hospital started recording patient visits through a new electronic system. All medical records prior to the change were hand written. Conejo admitted they were a decade behind in acquiring the technology, and that improvements to record keeping could better capture revenue.

At the Dec. 12 meeting, it was made clear to commissioners that the revenue required was no small sum. The hospital alone needs at least $4.4 million in incoming revenue every month just to “make ends

Commissioner Genevieve Jackson

meet,” Conejo said.

The finances for the hospital seem topsy-turvy at best, with the hospital reporting that it has about one day of operating cash on hand. The hospital fluctuates in the low to high $100,000 in the daily cash reserves category.

Bond holders require 30 day of cash on hand reserves, past reports on the hospital indicate.

“We are negotiating our bonds,” Conejo said. “When you add the $1.8 million to the $1.5, we are looking at $3.3 million available to the organization” as cash on hand.

But that still leaves the hospital around $1 million short.

Explaining the hospital’s daily cash flow, Conejo said that a $1.5 million in mil levy monies are set aside. The hospital receives about $2.5 million annually in mil levy monies, according to the county assessor’s office.

“We are letting it sit there until we need it,” he said.

Mil levy monies are tapped from property taxes to put toward the hospital’s operating and equipment costs.

No costs were made available at the meeting regarding

GALLUP SUN BUSINESS DIRECTORY PAGE 12!

HIGH SPEED DEATH A wreck in Yatahey leaves one woman dead

6

A HORRIFIC BEATING Man that bound, beat a woman placed behind bars

7

GALLUP POLICE OFFICER DIES A well-loved, respected officer honored

Commissioner Carol Bowman-Muskett

the remodeled helicopter landing pad.

ANSWERING TOUGH QUESTIONS At the Dec. 12 meeting, Chairperson Carol BowmanMuskett asked Conejo about his $4.4 million monthly spending.

Conejo adjusted the rate to $4.3 million in answering.

“Last June is the all time high,” he said.

Commissioner Bill Lee, whose questions kept the dialogue going for over an hour, asked Conejo if hospital administration had an annual evaluation method for review of top officials.

Conejo answered that there were not.

“There are no provisions.

Evaluating a CEO takes a whole set of metrics,” he said.

Lee also asked Conejo about the hospital’s assets.

Conejo listed the assets as follows: “$30 million, real estate, campuses, staff houses, professional buildings, the new wellness center and equipment.”

Patient billing was yet another concern brought to the

HOSPITAL CEO | SEE PAGE 12

15

MITTENS OF LOVE Library Christmas tree dedicated to helping those in need

Gallup Sun • Friday December 22, 2017

3

Merry Christmas

Thank you for your Patronage

Beloved elections director, husband, father passes on RICK PALOCHAK REMEMBERED

1300 W. Maloney Ave. Gallup, NM 87301 (505) 722-7281

By Babette Herrmann Sun Editor

I

f you ever frequent the McKinley County Courthouse area, you may have recognized the tall lanky man with glasses, outside on a break, catching a quick smoke and some fresh air.

If you crossed his path, he may have said hello to you, or given you a nod if you knew him.

He was the director of the Bureau of Elections, and possessed an obvious sternness, as many supervisors do. But when he spoke, he was at the ready to help answer any questions (yes, even from a reporter), and with a warm smile. He would go out of his

4

Rick Palochak way to get the documentation that was necessary to craft a solid election story.

Th is ma n wa s Rick Palochak, and he passed away the early morning hours of Dec. 17, at the age of 62. Palochak retired from the county in June to focus on his health as he fought the devastating scourge of small cell lung cancer.

Palochak, who earned his Associates Degree in auto

Friday December 22, 2017 • Gallup Sun

mecha n ics f rom U N M- G, started at the county as a voting machine technician about 25 years ago. Part technical, part mechanically savvy, this was the perfect role for him.

Most of his career was spent in the top position, a role he took a chance on and applied for, and got to his surprise, his wife City Councilor Fran Palochak said.

Her late husband not only had a knack for fixing things, he was also passionate about making sure all voters were aware of the district they lived in so they can vote without a hitch. He did everything he could to ensure voters had access to reliable voting machines, and was rightly bummed if one malfunctioned.

He created detailed maps so voters knew the exact location of their polling place.

She said, he would tell her, “we have to make voting fair for everybody.”

And leaving his post to tend to his health was tough for the meticulous Rick Palochak, his wife said. He wanted to make sure he wasn’t leaving any stones unturned.

“He wished that he had more time to train people,” she said. “But sickness took over.”

Fran Palochak said her husband was a good father to his children, and worked a second job to make sure they had the best education possible, sending them to private school and one off to college.

He helped to support his

daughter Susan, who was a Color Guard with a Lubbock, T X d r u m cor p., m a k i n g it a poi nt to at tend her

THANK YOU ADVERTISERS

Editorial Assistant Abigail Rowe Correspondents Boderra Joe Deswood Tome Tom Hartsock, emeritus Calendar Editor Lealia Nelson Photography Knifewing Segura Design David Tsigelman

Amazing Grace Personal Care - 18 Anthony’s Taste of the Southwest - 14 Bubany Insurance Agency - 7 Bishop Optical - 10 Butler’s Office City - 11 Camille’s Sidewalk Café - 9 Castle Furniture - 24 City of Gallup - 8 Crime Stoppers -10 El Morro Theatre - 18 Gallup McKinley County Schools - 2 High Desert Cycles - 11 Law Office of Barry Klopfer - 9, 11 Maloney’s Nutrition - 8 Pinnacle Bank - 17 Professional Truck & Auto - 8 Rico Auto Complex - 5, 17 Rio West Mall - 4 Small Fry Dentistry - 16 Smokey’s - 6 Thunderbird Supply Co. - 4 TravelCenters of America - 6 Virgie’s Restaurant - 7 Wowie’s Gym - 5

RICK PALOCHAK | SEE PAGE 5

Gallup Sun Publishing, LLC Publisher/Editor Babette Herrmann

On the Cover: The Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital campus captured during the first snow of the season Dec. 21. Photo by K. Segura The Gallup Sun, published Fridays, is not responsible or liable for any claims or offerings, nor responsible for availability of products advertised. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Gallup Sun distributes newspapers in McKinley, Cibola and Apache counties.

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

Leupp man Erratic Driving results in fatal Friday sentenced 22 years for child sex abuse night car crash Staff Reports

By Deswood Tome For the Sun

Y

ATAHEY – New information on the fatal car crash that claimed the life of Cree Oceana Silver, 27, of Pinon, Ariz. was made available available by the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office.

T he s i n g le c a r c r a s h occurred on Dec. 15 at the

intersection of U.S. Route 491 and State Highway 264 in Yatahey.

MCSO Lt. Eric Jim was on highway patrol on the southbound lane of 491 at roughly 6:50 pm when his radar registered a dark passenger car speeding at about 100 mph, according to his written police

CAR CRASH | SEE PAGE 12

P

HOENIX – On Dec. 18, Marvin Benally, 47, of Leupp, Ariz., and a member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced

by U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell to 264 months in prison followed by lifetime supervised release and sex offender conditions. Benally had previously pleaded guilty

RICK PALOCHAK | FROM PAGE 4

The site of the Dec. 15 car crash in Yatahey, which claimed the life of Cree Oceana Silver, 27.

Photo Credit: Deswood Tome

2017 BUICK ENVISION ESSENCE

performances.

When one of two sons took up skateboarding, he built a half-pipe that took up much of the backyard.

“He loved his family,” she said. “He liked helping people, putting everyone else first.”

Fran Palochak said she first encountered her beloved husband when they were kids.

They met at the Catholic Youth Association, and both became

Merry Christmas!

From

to abusive sexual contact of a child.

The case involved Benally repeatedly sexually abusing a child, who was between the ages of 11 and 12 at the time and also a member of the Navajo Nation.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Navajo Nation Police Department. The prosecution good friends. Both joined the service, with Fran heading off to the Navy, and Rick the Airforce.

After they both returned to Gallup, the two connected as they shared a camaraderie for all things military. A budding romance developed on top of an already great friendship.

And they spent the next 36 years building a life together.

“We were like Frick and Frack,” she said. “Now I am just Frack.”

Heartbroken, but strong in her faith, Fran Palochak said

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the last few months of her husband’s life was difficult. He seemed to get all the adverse side effects from chemotherapy, and in recent months had an extended stay at a hospital in Albuquerque due to pneumonia.

“When you love someone this much, you hate to see them suffer,” she said. “I miss the healthy Rick.”

The memorial service for Rick Palochak takes place at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 214 W. Wilson at 10:30 am, Dec. 30.

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NEWS

12/12/17 4:02 PM

Gallup Sun • Friday December 22, 2017

5

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Fro� Gre� & th� Staff a�

505 N. HWY 491 Gallup, NM 87301 (505) 722-2023

By Abigail Rowe Sun Editor

W hen Ga llup Pol ic e D e p a r t me nt

Woman bound, beaten during terrifying ordeal

Officer Timothy Hughte arrived at the 4 0 0 block of S out h 5 t h Street on a call Dec. 11, he did not know if the female victim he coming to assist was alive or dead.

The victim’s mother met with officers as they arrived on the scene. It was 12:18 am.

She informed Hughte that she had found her daughter and located her pulse.

The victim, who is in her

early 20s, was sitting on the f loor inside the residence beside a tipped over chair.

Blood “covered her face,” a c c o r d i n g t o t he p ol ic e report.

O t her f u r n it u re i n side the residence had also been toppled, including a sofa and a television set. Children’s clothing was spread across the floor.

The v ictim’s hands and feet were bound by a TV cord.

The blood, a result of cuts to her face, appeared recent, and “was still wet and sticky,” according to Hughte’s report.

The victim also sustained a fractured wrist.

Carefully, Hughte removed the binding from her hands and ankles. Hughte was able to untie and pull off the cord around her hands, but the DVD cord used to bind her feet had to be severed.

Hughte asked the victim

Jalen Clarke

WOMAN BOUND | SEE PAGE 12

Balderas finds more to blame for NM opioid crisis Staff Reports

A

LBUQUERQUE – On Dec. 20, New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas announced the addition of new claims and three new defendants to his lawsuit against companies he alleges are responsible for the opioid epidemic in New Mexico.

Following additional investigation, Balderas made the decision to amend New Mexico’s original complaint both

6

to allege an industry-wide effort among manufacturers and distributors to unlawfully increase opioid sales in New Mexico, and to name additional defendants for their part in creating the epidemic.

“The entire pharmaceutical opioid industry, including both manufacturers and distributors together, has been in on the scheme to illegally market and sell opioids to New Mexicans, and we’ve modified our complaint to show that,” Balderas said.

Through his office’s Consumer and

Friday December 22, 2017 • Gallup Sun

Environmental Protection Division, Balderas filed his original complaint on Sept. 7. A month later, 60 Minutes and The Washington Post jointly published a story detailing the drug industry’s efforts to undermine federal regulations aimed at stemming the flow of opioids into towns and cities across the country.

According to the stories, dozens of drug companies, including those named in New Mexico’s complaint filed today, spent more than $100 million lobbying for a bill virtually eliminating the federal

Drug Enforcement Agency’s ability to freeze suspicious shipments of opioids despite an ever-increasing number of opioid-related deaths.

“These stories really highlight the kinds of industry-wide deceit and fraud we’ve been uncovering through our own investigation, and they confirm for me that we are absolutely on the right track,” Balderas said. “These companies are willing to do whatever it takes to keep the profits rolling in. We cannot allow that behavior to continue.”

NEWS

Balderas announces charities compliance sweep Staff Reports

A

LBUQUERQUE – On Dec. 19, Attorney Genera l Hector Balderas announced the launch of the New Mexico Charities Compliance Sweep.

The Office of the Attorney General has started sending out notices to charities across the state that are delinquent in their registration and reporting requirements as required by the Charitable Solicitations Act. The sweep offers delinquent charities the opportunity to come into compliance without having to face formal legal action.

“New Mexicans who open t hei r hea r t s a nd wa l let s deserve to know where their hard-earned money is being spent by a charity,” Balderas said. “I am offering charities

the opportunity to self-report and come into compliance with state law without facing formal legal action from our office.

However, if out of compliance charities do not take this opportunity, they will face the consequences of action by the Office of the Attorney General.”

The registration and reporting requirements imposed by the Charitable Solicitations Act serve the charitable community and the public by providing easily accessible information to support the charities’ duty of transparency, and to allow the public to view tax forms and other documents on the internet as they determine the best recipient of their charitable donations.

All organizations in New Mexico that have tax exempt status from the IRS under

General Hector Balderas section 501(c)(3) or which hold themselves out as having a charitable purpose must register with the Office of the Attorney General and provide annual reports if they are to lawfully exist, solicit or operate in New Mexico.

Failure to do so may result in legal action by the attorney general to stop a non-compliant

Happy Holidays From

cha r it y from pursing its mission in New Mexico.

It is a charity’s responsibility to register with the Office of the Attorney General. However, rather than proceeding directly to formal legal action against del i nquent cha r it ies, t he Charities Compliance Sweep provides notice to charities of any delinquencies and the opportunity to come into compliance voluntarily.

Volu nt a r y compl i a nce allows the charity to avoid the expense, inconvenience and potential harm to the reputation an organization may face if it is a named defendant in a lawsuit brought by the attorney general.

Regardless of whether a charitable organization has yet received notice, Balderas

2720 W. Historic 66 Gallup, NM 87301 (505) 863-5152

encourages all charitable organizations to review their compliance status on the electronic registration and reporting system at www.secure.nmag. gov/coros to remedy any potential late or incomplete reports.

New Mexicans are generous donors to charitable causes, and the information provided on the electronic system is available to help them evaluate possible beneficiaries of their donations.

IN LOVING MEMORY

Gallup veteran police officer succumbs to cancer

R

et i red Detect ive Dona ld Howard passed away Dec. 18, after losing his battle to brain cancer.

Donations can be made through any Wells Fargo Bank through the account “Donald Howard’s Donation Account.”

There will be an escort beginning at the Gallup Police Department at 10 am. Services will be Dec. 22 at 11 am, at the First Baptist Church located at 2112 College Drive, Gallup, New Mexico.

Family, friends, fellow officers and the community are welcome to join.

Line up will begin around 9 am. Civilian parking will be to the north of the parking lot and all officers may park within the gated area.

Donald Howard will be greatly missed! He was truly a remarkable hero in many lives and to our community.

We have over

200 YEARS years of combined experience!

Make your payment and get service at one great location!

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

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Gallup Sun • Friday December 22, 2017

7

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Stop by Saturday for our Customer Appreciation Day!

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510 W. Maloney Ave. Gallup, NM 87301 (505) 604 9456

Staff Reports

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Ben Ray Luján, D-NM, along with fellow House member Rep. Joe Wilson, R-SC, and U.S. Senators Chris Coons, D-DE, and Lindsey

Luján introduces bipartisan legislation for energy innovation

Graham, R-SC today introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation, the IMPACT for Energy Act, to establish a nonprofit foundation for the U.S. Department of Energy that would channel private-sector investments and accelerate the commercialization of innovative technologies in energy.

Research and development (R&D) accounts for nearly 7% of the United States real GDP growth. However, recent declines in research funding may have jeopardized U.S. economic competitiveness. From

Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) 2008 to 2013, venture capital funding in energy startups fell

by 60% and resulted in a steep decline in the development of these important startup companies.

Unlike other sectors, the energy sector has several unique challenges to innovation including requiring high capital needs, long development times, the need to overcome incumbent technologies, and operating within a shifting regulatory environment.

Addressing these challenges requires partnerships with government, industry, startups and outside funding organizations.

This bill establishes a

nonprofit foundation to engage with the private sector to raise funds that support the creation, development, and commercialization of innovative technologies that address tomorrow’s energy challenges.

“The non-profit foundation created by this bill will serve as the ideal framework to organize, connect, and coordinate a diverse group of partners from government, industry and the venture capital sectors,” Luján said. “Similar foundations

LEGISLATION | SEE PAGE 14

Whooping cough infections identified in Lea County HEALTH DEPARTMENT WORKING WITH SCHOOLS AND HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS TO INVESTIGATE Staff Reports O n D e c . 14 , t he New Mexico Department of Health

(NMDOH) reported 14 whooping cough cases at several Lea County schools, since November 2017, with most

of the infections occurring a mong elementa r y school students.

W hoopi ng coug h, a l so

called pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that is spread by coughing and sneezing while in close contact w ith others. Lef t untreated, whooping cough ca n spread from a single infected person for several weeks. The best way to avoid getting whooping cough is by getting vaccinated.

NMDOH encouraged residents to get tested if they experience signs and symptoms of pertussis. Symptoms usually begin with cold symptoms such as a cough, runny nose, sore throat and usually

little or no fever. After severa l days, the cough may become more severe; it may come in spasms or as a series of coughs without a chance to breathe between coughs.

T here m ay be a ga s p or “whoop,” or gagging or vomiting at the end of the coughing spasm.

Those unvaccinated from whooping cough can be treated with antibiotics.

INFECTIONS | SEE PAGE 17

CITY OF GALLUP SOLID WASTE CUSTOMERS THERE WILL BE NO REGULAR REFUSE COLLECTION SERVICES on Monday, December 25, 2017 and Monday, January 1, 2018. The Monday thru Thursday routes will be delayed by one day during these two weeks. Friday’s route will run as scheduled.

RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS FOR ONE WEEK ONLY: Tuesday, December 26, 2017 thru Friday, December 29, 2017, the Solid Waste Department will collect extra CHRISTMAS REFUSE ONLY free of charge. Please set items curbside, away from your herbie, on your scheduled pickup day.

For any questions, please call the Solid Waste Department at 863-1212.

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Friday December 22, 2017 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

Public waste meeting to be held Jan. 16

The Jan. 16 meeting concerns cleanup practices for legacy waste from the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Los Alamos National Laboratory Staff Reports

S

ANTA FE – The state of New Me x ic o’s E n v i r o n m e n t Department and the

U.S. Department of Energy’s Environmental Management Los Alamos field office are host i ng a publ ic meet i ng Jan. 16, 2018 at 5 pm at the Los Alamos County Council

Workforce Solutions settles year-old wage theft suit

Chambers, located at 1000 Central Avenue, Los Alamos, concerning cleanup priorities for legacy waste at Los Alamos National Laboratory

Happy Holidays!

Be Festive, use a Designated Driver.

If you didn't, give us a call.

(LANL) for fiscal year 2018.

The Consent Order (CO) is a settlement agreement between the state of New Me x ic o’s E nv i r o n me nt Depa r t ment a nd t he U.S. Department of Energy that was issued in 2016. The CO provides the process by which investigation and remediation of contamination from legacy waste management activities at LANL occurs.

The CO both guides and governs the ongoing cleanup of legacy waste at LANL through a campaign‐based approach and the annual planning process. The annual planning process allows for revisions to cleanup campaigns based on actua l work progress, changed conditions and funding. The public meeting is scheduled in accordance with Section VIII.C.d of the CO. NMED will host the meeting and DOE’s Environmental Management Los Alamos field

224 W. Coal Ave. (505) 722-9331 of f ice will present information concerning clea nup work completed i n f is cal year 2017 and the coming year’s cleanup m i le s t one s a nd t a r get dates. The Appendix B of the CO, which includes the milestones and targets, is available on the NMED website under the Complia nce Order on Consent at www.env.nm.gov/ hazardous‐waste/lanl/.

Shou ld you need add itional information regarding the public meeting, please contact Neelam Dhawan at neelam.dhawan@state.nm.us or at (505) 476‐6000.

WASTE MEETING | SEE PAGE 22

Visit Camille’s

for a Healthy Start to the New Year!

By Andy Lyman NM Political Report

A

w o r k e r ’s r i g h t s coalition and New Mex ico’s Depar tment of Workforce Solutions (DWS) settled a yea r-old lawsuit a lleging the state agency failed to adequately investigate or take action on wage theft claims.

T he set t lement a g ree ment outli nes policy a nd procedural changes the state department will make. Wage theft claims against employers, for example, will now be investigated regardless of the dollar amount involved.

The coalition accused DWS of avoiding action on claims worth more than $10,000 and advising employees to instead file a lawsuit against their employer.

NEWS

DWS also agreed to implement a more comprehensive process for workers to file claims against employers who fail to pay minimum wages, especially workers whose first language is not English.

Jose “Pancho” Olivas, a named plaintiff in the case, said in a statement, that he and others in his community depend ton DWS to keep employers accountable for fair working conditions.

“Workers need state agencies like the Department of Workforce Solutions to level the playing field,” Olivas said.

WORKFORCE | SEE PAGE 17

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9

Merry Christmas From the Staff at 1500 South 2nd St. St#6 Gallup, NM 87301 (505) 722-7254 Staff Reports McKinley County Sheriff’s Office Dep. Johnson Lee was dispatched to the Alonzo Court area in Thoreau on Dec. 17 after reports that a group of people were yelling out plans to burn down a house in the trailer park.

The report came in at about 1:48 am. Lee spoke to a resident of the park at the scene, who pointed him to a nearby trailer as the source of the noise.

Lee approached a nd entered the trailer. When he opened the door, he encountered a man, 50, with a swollen bloody face, who claimed to have been “jumped” two hours prior by two younger men. The suspects also stole $20 off of

Weekly police activity report Dec. 22, 2017

the victim, according to the police report. The victim could not identify for police who it was that had injured him. He was taken to the hospital.

Lee followed a set of footprints leading from the trailer to a fence, but did not locate the suspects, who are wanted for battery and robbery.

Lee investigated another theft in Thoreau on Dec. 15, this time near Country Road.

Lee received a call from someone who returned to a house they were watching over to find its belongings thrown all over the floor and important items missing. Two flat screen TVs were broken, as were two windows. The homeowner, 39, was out of town, and spoke to Lee on the phone. He asked Lee to check on his gun, a Remington AR15, but it had been stolen along with its case, which contained $1,800 in cash.

The man watching the house stated that he had last checked on it on Dec. 15 at 5:30

pm, and reported the burglary at roughly 9:15 pm, so the crime must have occurred within that time. Police have no suspects or clues at this time.

MCSO Sgt. Elreno Henio was dispatched to Hassler Valley Road over reports of gunshots fired from a moving car on Dec. 13. The incident was reported at about 5 pm. Henio, having arrived at the scene, encountered the witness, 25, who said he was going for a run along the roadside when he saw a crimson SUV style vehicle with two teenage drivers wave as they rode past him. The car slowed down about 50-100 yards away, and then the witness heard five loud “pops” come from the car.

He initially thought the car had just backfired, but after continuing his jog and arriving at where the car had just driven, he found shell casings on the ground, according to the police report.

Though it was an unnerving incident, no one was injured from the shots fired.

Crime Stoppers Presents

Tips of the Season Friday, December 22, 2017

IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME! REMEMBER

There was drama down at the courthouse after a judge found a public defender in contempt of court. Lead public defender Steve Seeger then approached another judge and demanded information about when the defender would be released. When she replied that that action was up to the court, Seeger turned to leave and allegedly said repeatedly that “there is going to be hell to pay,” according to the report.

On Dec. 12, at about 9 am, the judge called the MCSO requesting that the comment Seeger made be filed as a formal threat against her. She was concerned about Seeger, and has plans to meet with the other judge involved and the State Public Defenders office to sort out ongoing issues.

A vehicle theft occurred in Tse Bonito on Alma Drive.

MCSO Dep. Joseph P. Guillen spoke with the victim, 75, who said her 2015 black GMC Yukon was parked in front of Silver Creek Mortuary, and was stolen some time between Dec. 8 and the morning of Dec. 11.

Guillen collected the information from the victim about the car and then set off to

find the missing vehicle – and the people who took it.

At around 5:30 that evening, Metro reported the car near 2nd Street and Wilson Avenue.

Guillen caught up to the car and, which had traveled a nd p a rke d e a s t of M a lo n e y, according to the police report. Guillen approached Derek Tom the vehicle and e ncou nt er e d driver Derek Tom, 33, and passenger Gerard John, 23 inside.

Guillen ha ndcu ffed a nd detained the two sus pects. Guillen a lso fou nd beer cans and a m a r ij u a n a pipe in the car, Gerard John which he photographed for evidence and destroyed. John was charged with receiving or transferring stolen property, and a municipal bench warrant and a magistrate warrant. After a long day, the vehicle was returned to the victim at 7:41 pm.

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Friday December 22, 2017 • Gallup Sun

GALLUP POLICE DEPARTMENT Israel M. Lopez; Julian A. Martinez; Quentin Tolth; Jennifer Sanchez; and Tammy Clark.

MCKINLEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Ian Draper; Phillip Warner; CJ Halona; Davidson Begay; jasper Walker; Gilbert Yazzie; Kirby Jones; Wesley Benally; and Art Smith, Jr. NEWS

WEEKLY DWI REPORT Staff Reports Carmelita Ann Darwin Dec. 7, 10:44 pm 1st DWI, Aggravated It was late at night on U.S. Highway 6 6 whe n a vehicle ra n a stopl ig ht a nd a lmost hit Gallup Police Department Officer Victor Madrid’s patrol car. When Madrid pursued the vehicle to conduct a traffic stop, he noticed it swerving side to side and traveling nor thbou nd i n the southbound lane, according to the police report.

The car came to a stop at Boyd Avenue and Patton Drive, where Madrid encount ered Da r w i n, 41, who se breath smelled strongly of a lcohol, accord i ng to the police report. Madrid asked Darwin for her license and registration but she “wa s eating McDonalds fries and did not answer [him] back,” according to the report. After getting Darwin’s attention, Madrid asked her to perform standard field sobriety tests, and she complied. Darwin performed poorly on the field tests, and refused to take a breath test before she was booked.

Tyrone Largo Dec. 7, 6:38 pm DWI, Aggravated G P D O f f ic e r Douglas Hoffman spotted a vehicle drivi n g d r ow n S o u t h 2 nd Street with expired tags. Hoffman made a traffic stop at the Alon gas station at 1500 S. 2 nd St. When the officer got out of his car to make his approach, the driver in question exited his car and made a break for it, making it only about 20 feet before Hoffman caught up and detained him.

After placing him in handcuffs and securing him in the back of the patrol car, Hoffman identified Largo, 40, as the fleeing man. Hoffman also learned that Largo had NEWS

a suspended l icense, a nd noticed that he had watery eyes and appeared intoxicated, according to the police repor t . L a r go per for med poorly on three field sobriety tests, and blew a 0.23 on two breath tests.

Nicole Keisha Barton Dec. 3, 12:47 am 1st DWI, Aggravated G P D O f f i c e r S t e v e n Eldridge wa s fa ci ng s out h over Boyd Avenue when he noticed a car traveling eastbound come to an abrupt stop and then speed off. Eldridge followed the car and noticed it swer ve and hit the curb.

Eldridge made a traffic stop a nd encou ntered Ba r ton, 26, who struggled to get her license and fumbled with her purse and wallet, according to the police report. Barton den ied h av i ng con su med alcohol when Eldridge asked her. Barton performed poorly on three field sobriety tests, and blew 0.21 and 0.23 on a breath test.

Lizsol J. Price Dec. 2, 11:13 pm DWI, Aggravated G P D O f f i c e r No r m a n Bowman r e c e i ve d a ca l l for m me t r o d i s patch about a car driving on Church Rock Street without its headlights. The car had made a sharp turn from the eastbound to the westbound direction and nearly caused an accident.

Bow m a n s pot t ed t he c a r nex t t o I nd i a n H i l l s Elementary School. Bowman found Price, 29, inside the car, and explained the reason for the stop. Bowman’s car was emanating a strong odor of liquor, according to the police report. Bowman admitted to drinking four Coronas “several hours ago,” according to the report, and he was asked to take field sobriety tests. Bowman performed poorly on two tests a nd wa s unable to take a

third. Officers found containers of beer, Jägermeister and other alcohol in the car, along with vomit, according to the police report.

Price blew a 0.18 on two breath tests.

Lauren Kelly Manuelito Nov. 30, 4:15 pm DWI G P D O f f i c e r D a n i e l Brow n wa s notified that the relative of an intoxicated driver had called in to Metro Dispatch, and that the female driver was in the area of 205 S. Marguerite.

The vehicle was parked at Church’s Chicken at 1015 U.S. Highway 491.

Brown encountered the driver, Manuelito, 33, in the Church’s Chicken pa rking lot. Ma nuelito told Brown she was driving back from her stepdaughter’s denta l appoi nt ment . Ma nuel ito den ied h av i ng con su med alcohol, but a breath test registered her at 0.156. Manuelito showed signs of intoxication on three field sobriety tests, a nd a lcohol wa s found in her car. Her license had also been revoked from a previous DWI. Manuelito was booked and had her blood drawn and tagged into evidence at the GPD. Randy James Nov. 29, 9:43 pm 6 th DWI, Aggravated G P D O f f i c e r V i c t o r Rodriguez was dispa t che d t o Central High School over a dome s t ic dispute a nd wa s directed toward a vehicle going northbound on Marguerite Street towa rd U.S. H ig hway 66.

Rodriguez conduced a traffic stop in the parking lot of a nearby Holiday Inn, where he encountered James, 39.

Immediately, Rodriguez spotted a bottle of beer on the f loor of the car. Rodriguez informed James of the reason for his stop. James denied any domestic alteration, but

Happy Holidays

admitted to drinking “just a little,” according to the report.

Ja mes blew a .235 on a breath test.

He refused field sobriety testing. James had five prior DWI arrests prior to his most recent booking.

Kamra Frank, 31 Nov. 28, 9:55 pm 2 nd DWI, Aggravated McKinley C o u n t y Sher iff ’s Dep. F ra nk Villa noticed a vehicle pa rked i n a n u nu sua l location on State Hig hway 400. A f ter approaching the oddly placed vehicle, Villa encountered Frank, 31, who told him she had come out to that spot to get a better internet signal, according to the police report.

From

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Villa www.desertcyclenm.com noticed t hat F ra nk did not want to make eye contact with him, and that her eyes were bloodshot and watery. Frank attributed her appearance to having cried after a fight with her boyfriend. Villa was informed by Metro Dispatch that Frank had a suspended license. F ra nk refused breath and field testing. A pa r t ia l ly con su med a lco holic beverage wa s fou nd i n her c a r. She wa s t hen booked.

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Gallup Sun • Friday December 22, 2017

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HOSPITAL CEO | FROM PAGE 3 commission’s attention by Lee. “What is the plan in the billing situation getting stabilized?” Lee asked.

Conejo ex pla i ned t hat between Medicaid and insurance billing, the hospital is making money. “We are bringing in more money all the time,” he said.

But Lee was as concerned about costs to patients and quality of care as he was the hospital’s budget.

Lee addressed a troubling instance in which a patient could be charged exorbitant fees in relation to the care received.

“One story is that someone goes into the ER and is treated for a minor issue and spends three and a half hours

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and does not see a doctor and they receive a bill for $2,300,” Lee said.

In that case, “We immediately drop what we’re doing and talk to them,” Conejo responded.

T he ho s pit a l i s t h r e e months beh ind in utilit y pay ment s to t he cit y, totaling between $140,000 a nd $180,000, Conejo told commissioners.

As the Dec. 12 meeting drew to a close, Lee continued his questioning of hospital leadership.

Quality of care issues consumed the dialogue. Public fa ith in the hospita l a nd belief that expenses are going towards good care was crucial to commissioners.

“People have got to believe they are going to get the quality of care,” Lee said.

ATTENTION NEWS HOUNDS! Have a news tip? Want to write up a guest submission for the paper?

Email us at: gallupsun@gmail.com

12

Friday December 22, 2017 • Gallup Sun

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CAR CRASH | FROM PAGE 5 report.

Jim slowed down and pulled into the median. A New Mexico State Police unit with flashing emergency lights was already in pursuit of the vehicle. Jim turned around onto the northbound lane and assisted with the pursuit.

When Jim arrived at the scene, he noticed a large cloud of dust and debris that had formed under the bridge. He also saw a black passenger car with heavy damage and a

WOMAN BOUND | FROM PAGE 6 for information about who had assaulted her, but she evaded the questions. She seemed “i n a da ze a nd seemed lost,” according to Hughte’s report.

Medical staff transported the victim to the hospital.

After the victim was taken away from the scene, Hughte discovered blood where she had been sitting. Blood was also found on the television

missing roof.

One St ate Pol ice of f icer described the scene as “gruesome.”

Vehicle pieces of the initial impact right of the roadway were scattered along side the road.

Ji m s poke w it h N MSP Officer Michael Dias at the scene. Dias was northbound when the vehicle passed him at a high rate of speed. Dias pursued the vehicle with his emergency lig hts a nd the vehicle then increased its speed.

Silver was reportedly not

wearing a seatbelt, according to an initial report from Ray Wilson, NMSP spokesperson.

Wilson’s report also indicated that alcohol was likely not a factor in the crash.

The initial investigation revealed that Silver, who was driving a 1996 Volvo, attempted to turn west onto 264 and failed to negotiate the turn and collided into the overpass.

Silver was identified after a black hooded jacket was found on the driver’s side of the 1996 Volvo, containing her driver’s license. No other injuries were reported.

that lay on the floor.

While Hughte was investigating inside, a ma n approached the house. GPD Officer Cellicion detained the man, who was then identified as Jalen Clarke, 24.

C l a rke h a d n o we a p ons. But he did have blood smeared on his face, and a fresh injur y on his thumb, according to the report.

Hug hte noticed t hat C l a rke’s h a nd s a nd s h i r t sleeves were wet , a s i f they had recently been

wa shed.

Hughte took Clarke to the GPD for questioning, where he admitted to tying up the victim and to texting a photograph of her, after she had been bound, to his mother’s phone.

Clarke was charged with kidnapping and aggravated ba t t er y. He i s bei ng held a t t h e McK i n l e y C o u n t y Adult Detention Center on a $2,000 cash surety bond.

As of Dec. 21, he remains in custody.

NEWS

OPINIONS Farmington manufacturer seeks qualitymanagement goal with help from MEP

By Sandy Nelson and Taura Costidis Finance New Mexico

B

rot her s Kyle a nd Jim Rhodes have big ambitions for the family business they’ve owned since 1970. It’s not enough that their Farmington company Process Equipment & Service Company Inc. (PESCO)

has a solid reputation as a manufacturer of natural gas and oil production equipment and that the company continues to grow even as gas prices rise and fall, employing more than 300 people and serving national and international customers.

The Rhodes brothers want to earn their place among the winners of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality

Award, which Congress established in 1987 (and named for a former Commerce Department s e c r e t a r y) t o r e c o g n i z e American companies with exemplary quality-management systems.

To that end, and to find inspiration and ideas, the co-owners send a delegation of PESCO employees each year to the Quality New Mexico

MADAME G

Learning Summit, where recipients of the Baldrige award describe what led to their recognition. Kyle and Jim Rhodes hope to learn from these top achievers what more they can do to make PESCO a better place to work, to expand its profile in the industry and to continually improve its products.

Recognizing that more

improvements are needed in the company’s manufacturing and business systems before pursuing the Baldrige award, the Rhodes brothers in 2016 turned to a familiar partner: New Mexico Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NM MEP).

FARMINGTON | SEE PAGE 22

GUIDE TO THE STARS WEEK OF DECEMBER 22

Happy Holidays from Madame G! You may feel a crisis coming on, and it’s not just you. The First Quarter Moon arrives right after Christmas on Dec. 26. This tends to spark moments of fierce misunderstanding and trauma. Instead of reacting and overspending all of your hard earned cash, sit down with your family and let them know you love them, more than gifts. Feliz Navidad!

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct.22)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Don’t let the influence of the chaotic First Quarter Moon frustrate you. This too shall pass. You’ve learned so much in the last year. Take a moment to reinvigorate your process. Think before your act. Your loved ones will thank you! They love you anyway, despite your crazy ideas, but they’ll learn to trust your judgement if you communicate your plans clearly. Try it.

Your career path is looking up.

But you may actually have to make a decision. You can try the smorgasbord approach and that’s fine. You may notice a drain in energy however, from putting your energy all over the place. It’s probably time to make a decision and choose what you want. You aren’t giving up. You’re choosing what you want in life. That’s a great way to start.

This is an excellent time to be alive. You may have noticed that when you show brightness, others respond. You don’t have to hide from yourself or attack others.

They’ll treat you with respect and honor your opinion when you do the same for them. This is the trick, always show compassion even when you don’t feel it. Others will reward you in kind and tenfold.

The Sun enters your sign on Dec. 21. This is an excellent time to rethink how you’ve been handling your life. Re-cap and reconsider what you’d like to do. Is this the direction you want? If not, why not? Get out there and start acting with courage and strength.

You can go anywhere and do anything you want. You just need to be brave enough to think for yourself.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

You might think you know all there is to know, but you don’t.

You can always learn about the birds in the sky and crazy zombie bees that sort of pollinate the world (it’s a thing, look it up). This world is ever changing. That can be scary at times. But it’s up to you to determine what’s really worth fighting for, and what’s merely the next step in evolution.

Sometimes we let things go and find that a great burden was lifted.

If it was the right thing or person, they’ll return with a joy and beauty you can’t imagine. But if it wasn’t meant for us, or it was past the time—we can let them go with peace and grace in our hearts.

There’s nothing wrong with letting things go, so that something else may enter, something new and good.

You’ve made a decision. You’re making plans now. These are not your everyday casual plans.

They’re big and ring true to your life’s purpose. All you can do is show up and act like a professional. You can’t help what others will or won’t do, but you can take responsibility for your own life and be nothing less than you’ve always imagined. You’re capable of anything.

You may have an uphill battle, but don’t blame the terrain. You’re the one who wanted to tackle Everest in the winter without a coat and the Sahara in summer without a camel. This may not be a bad thing. Did you know well conditioned caravans make it across the desert now? And you need a lot more than a coat for Everest. What does this mean for your life? Only you know.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

You’re going on a journey. You just don’t know where yet, and that’s okay because life is like that. You don’t know the ending until it’s over. As Aristotle said, “you can’t really call a man happy until he’s dead.” What’s your happiness?

You’re heading in a direction. Is it the right one? You don’t always have to head out on the same path, but if you do—that’s okay too.

You have your hands full. You may not know what to do. Is this the right decision? What if you regret it? You can never know how you’ll feel until you try. You may get a gut reaction that tells you this is the moment or not. Don’t let that self-doubt and mean talk get you down. You know “haters gonna hate.” You can’t help that. Become your own best friend and you’ll never falter.

What will you do? The Sun will leave your sign on Dec. 20. You’ll notice a slight drain in strength as the First Quarter Moon draws near. This is just your fear talking.

Don’t give up. Get strong. You’re more than capable. You can’t keep waiting for life to happen. You can’t make a fortune or future by sitting around wishing for something “cool” to happen. It won’t.

How does your life feel right about now? If you think that others have pulled away, they have. It can’t be like it was. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be exactly who you need to be. Let others live how they need to as well. You’re not the center of the universe and no one will treat you like you are. Learn to celebrate the success of others and smile when you win, but don’t gloat.

OPINIONS

Gallup Sun • Friday December 22, 2017

13

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from the Staff at

1219 State Road 491 Gallup, NM 87301 (505) 722-5490 Martin Heinrich, United States Senator for New Mexico

U

.S. Senator M a r t i n Heinrich, D-NM, issued the following statement on Dec. 20

Heinrich: reckless GOP tax bill abandons working families

after voting against the Republican tax bill in the Senate: “Today Republicans have made it clear where their priorities stand. They’ve abandoned working American families while recklessly blowing up the deficit in order to reward their wealthy friends and corporations with a tax cut that they do not need. When this legislation is fully implemented, millions of middle-class families will face a tax increase.

“Republicans talked and talked about simplicity. But with all the loopholes and giveaways for special interests,

Martin Heinrich, D-NM Republicans have made the tax code more complex. They said they would reduce the number

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14

Friday December 22, 2017 • Gallup Sun

of tax brackets, but they didn’t.

And, at the last minute, they inserted additional tax breaks for the wealthy, cutting the top tax rate for individuals with incomes of $500,000 or more.

“Republicans also used the tax bill to undercut health care coverage that New Mexicans count on, repealing a key provision of the Affordable Care Act that will result in 13 million Americans losing their health insurance over the next decade. And health insurance premiums paid by many others will increase by about 10 percent in most years.

“This ta x pla n puts at risk the jobs of public school teachers, police officers, and firefighters by capping the deduction for property taxes and state and local income

taxes. They even opened up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling.

“The Republican plan fails to meet our country’s needs.

It does not deliver tax relief to those who need it. It is also fiscally irresponsible, deepens inequality in the country, and it won’t do much to accelerate economic growth in New Mexico. I am extremely disappointed that my Republican colleagues jammed this legislation through both chambers without any input from Democrats, putting the interests of their donors and corporations ahead of those of the millions of families across this country who will be devastated by this tax plan.”

Visit www.heinrich.senate. gov

LEGISLATION | FROM PAGE 8

Senate, Senator Chris Coons and fellow South Carolinian Senator Lindsey Graham.”

The Increa sing a nd Mobilizing Partnerships to Achieve Commercialization of Technologies (IMPACT) for Energy Act would: · Support private-sector investment. · Provide a mechanism to channel private-sector investment into commercializing energy technology. · Accelerate commercialization facilitate public-private partnerships and encourage new ideas such as increased regional economic development and prize competitions. · Convene industry leaders to support events, briefings, and symposia to create a forum for stakeholders to share ideas and collaborate on complex energy problems.

The legislation is a lso supported by the Bipartisan Policy Center, the Information Technology and Innovation Fo u n d a t i o n ( I T I F ), t h e Association of Public and land-grant Universities (APLU), Third Way, the Science Center a nd the A llia nce to Save Energy.

at the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have all demonstrated that they can raise tens of millions of private sector dollars towards cutting-edge research and innovation. This foundation will complement and enhance the agency’s mission, leverage the work of our national laboratories and enable new products and services to come to market more quickly.”

Wilson agreed in his own statement. “The IMPACT for Energy Act will provide a great opportunity to work towards solving our nation’s complex energy needs. This bill will help channel private sector investment and aid in the development of meaningful technologies that can grow our economy and create jobs,” he said. “I am grateful to have the opportunity to work on this important bipartisan, bicameral legislation with my colleague in the House, Congressman Ben Ray Luján, and my colleagues in the

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OPINIONS

COMMUNITY Mitten Tree warms up hearts, hands of families in need GALLUP KEEPS ITS COMMUNITY WARM THIS HOLIDAY SEASON WITH HATS, SCRAVES, AND MITTENS

By Dee Velasco For the Sun Nothing warms the heart more during the holiday season than giving to those less fortunate. That’s where the Mitten Tree Project, sponsored by the Octavia Fellin Public Library, comes in to help.

A bare tree is set up at the library, where do-gooders then decorate it with donated hats, scar ves, and mittens. The donated goods keep coming until the tree is completely crammed. A similiar tree is also set up at the Children’s Branch. All of the practical decorations are gifts from the community, and some pieces are even handmade.

This marks the seventh year for the project. Marko Chavez, technology trainer for the public library, said the community response has been overwhelming.

“We do this annually around this time and it has been such a wonderful project and the community has jumped in once again and that’s what it’s all about,” he said.

The project came about when former director Mary Ellen Pellington thought it would be nice to keep people warm who otherwise couldn’t afford it.

Once the tree is full of donations, it is given to a charity where its cozy décor is offered to people in need. Pellington chose Bat t ered Fa m i l ie s Services, Inc. as the charity recipiant because the families that seek help there have faced many difficulities.

Willard Eastman, director of Battered Families Services, Inc., said this project has been one that everyone looks forward to and it keeps getting better.

COMMUNITY

Anne Price, youth services manager at the Children’s Library, adds another hat to the Mitten Tree. The Mitten Tree Project at the Octavia Fellin Public Library displays the generous donations of hats, scarves, and mittens from warm-hearted community members. Photo Credit: Dee Velasco “It’s a great project throughout the winter, we have kids that come in and don’t have those items,” he said. “It really helps those kids and it’s a great contribution.”

Eastman said the organization sees more than 75 kids who come in due to family problems at home, and Battered Families Services, Inc. offers any help it can.

“We try to help out those familes in any capactity, in fact we keep a lot of stuff here for our children, we provide assistance and we try to help out as much as possible.

All of our services are free,” Eastman said.

The Mitten Tree is just one

Library clerk Gayle Simplicio takes another donation for the Mitten Tree at the Octavia Fellin Public Library. The donated goods will be distributed to families through a partnership Markos Chavez, technology trainer, proudly stands in front with Battered Famiy Services, Inc. Photo Credit: Dee of the Mitten Tree with so many donations. This year marks Velasco its seventh year at the library. Photo Credit: Dee Velasco

of those resources available to struggling families in Gallup.

As the donations pour in, everyone involved shares in the joy, like Gayle Simplicio, a library clerk. Watching the donations arrive makes her feel proud of the generosity of others.

“I think it’s a good thing for the community because there are a lot of people that come and show they care and are willing to donate for those who can’t afford to get simple things like scarves and mittens,” she said.

The Children’s Branch also gets it share of donations, Anne Price, Octavia Fellin youth services manager said.

“The response has been pretty good and we still have room for more donations, and actually we are a litte head of ourselves, which is good.” Price said.

Library clerk Ashily Mann, who has been working with the library for the past three years, says it’s always exciting to see the donations come in.

Especially when families come in to pass on moral lessons to their children. “I think it’s a great resource for the community for those fortunate to get these items (to) who otherwise couldn’t afford to get them,” Mann said.

Aaron Mingus, a library assistant, said sometimes it’s

hard to describe in words what these donations mean to those who get them.

“It’s a fun project for everyone, and the feeling you get when you see what they are doing for those less fortunate melts your heart and there is no word to describe it,” he said.

At the end of the month everything is counted out, pa ck a ge d , a nd t a ken t o Battered Families, Inc. for those waiting to keep warm this holiday season.

For more information call the Octavia Fellin Public Library at (505) 8631291 or Battered Families, Inc. at (505) 722-6389.

Gallup Sun • Friday December 22, 2017

15

State Farm, Gallup cops team up to help family PHOTOS BY KNIFEWING SEGURA

Timaris Montano (left) joins Gallup Police Department Officers Francie Martinez and Erin Pablo Dec. 14 to help LaRue and Reyleigh Baker decorate their Christmas tree, which was donated by State Farm Insurance.

The Bakers decorate the Christmas tree gifted by State Farm Insurance with shiny tinsel and sparkling gold ornaments Dec. 14.

GPD Officer Erin Pablo stands in front of the decorated tree Dec. 14. Pablo and fellow officer Martinez helped the Baker family get ready for Christmas.

Christopher (left), Reyleigh, LaRue and Caden of the Baker family pose with State Farm agents Salvador Nava, Chee Montano and Timaris Montano. GPD Officers Erin Pablo and Francie Martinez (right) also assisted at the Dec. 14 tree decorating event.

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Friday December 22, 2017 • Gallup Sun

A

LBUQUERQUE — Amber Wallin, who has been with New Mexico Voices for Children since 2012, has been promoted to deputy director of the child advocacy organization. She will be serving directly under the executive director James Jimenez and helping to oversee the group’s research, analysis, and advocacy work.

“Amber is known around here colloquially as a ‘rock star,’” said Jimenez. “Whether she’s presenting at a conference or testifying before a legislative committee, she exudes extraordinary energy, passion and warmth. We’ve always felt

Amber Wallin very fortunate to have her, so it’s a real pleasure to mentor her on her professional journey.”

Wallin was brought onto the NM Voices team as a fellow

‘KIDS COUNT’ | SEE PAGE 22 COMMUNITY

Gallup Middle School kicks off annual winter concert

One of the real joys of the Holiday Season is the opportunity to say Thank You & to wish you the very best for the New Year!

By Boderra Joe Sun Correspondent

A

Gallup Middle School and Miyamura High School band director Liam Murphy leads his advanced band during Gallup Middle School’s annual winter concert in Gallup, held at the Kenneth Holloway Auditorium Dec. 19. Photo Credit: Boderra Joe

n evening of music performed by Gallup Middle School student s f i l led t he Kenneth Holloway Auditorium Dec. 19, marking their annual winter concert.

The concert started at 6 pm and was opened to the public.

Newcomer Liam Murphy, band director at Gallup Middle School and Miyamura High School, experienced his first Gallup Middle School winter concert this season, where he led two performances by the beginning and advanced bands.

Murphy said he started in the beginning of October as the band director of both schools.

He said it takes a full semester

220 S. Fifth St.

Gallup, NM 87301 t o (505) 722- 2271 p r e pare a concert, ideally.

“It took us 10 weeks to prepare this time,” Murphy said.

T he ba nd d i rector instructs roughly 100 to 120 students on their instruments.

High school band and choir performed the previous evening on Dec. 18, but Dec. 19 showcased all junior talent.

For this year’s winter concert, the beginner level band kicked off the show, and the advanced band performed to close the night.

The GMS advanced band awaits the next song for their Dec. 19 performance at the Kenneth Holloway Auditorium. Photo Credit: Boderra Joe

A few Gallup Middle School students in advanced band take a break during their annual winter concert Dec. 19. Photo Credit: Boderra Joe

WORKFORCE | FROM PAGE 9

Secretary of Health. “If you think that your child may have whooping cough, please take your child to their healthcare provider to be evaluated, tested and treated.”

To help prevent the spread of whooping cough, the following good hygiene practices are recommended: Cover you r mouth a nd nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

Put your used tissue in the

Elizabeth Wagoner praised INFECTIONS t he st at e depa r t ment for | FROM PAGE 8 working with the advocacy I n a st at ement t o N M groups.

Infants who get whooping Pol it ica l Repor t , Er i n “DWS leadership worked c ou g h c a n b e c ome ve r y Thompson, a spokeswoman d i l i g e n t l y w i t h u s o n a ill and may develop pneufor DWS, said the department s e t t l e m e n t t h a t e n s u r e s m o n i a o r o t h e r s e r i o u s “worked in a good faith effort” h a rdwork i n g people who complications. with the coalition’s lawyers in ex p er ie nc e v iol a t ion s of “I f you r ch i ld i s sick, changing policies.

New Mexico’s wage payment please do not take your child “A t t h e N e w M e x i c o laws can access their legal to daycare or school. This o live by such as honesty, integrity and clarity. As a family-owned Depa r tment of Work force right to an investigation of will only spread the illness to old these values day.

It’s the Solutions, weevery take our respont heiway r clayou i ms,live so tand hat tthe hey way other children and their famisibility to investigate and ca n recover wages owed,” lies,” advised Lynn Gallagher, resolve claims brought by Wagoner said. workers seriously, and will In 2014, Olivas filed a comcontinue to do so in a thor- plaint against his employer ough and professional man- for not paying Olivas about ner,” Thompson said. $15,000 in wages. DWS denied The department will also Olivas’ claim because it was allow workers to refile claims worth more than $10,000. The that may have been wrongly department closed the claim dismissed under prev ious without looking into it furpolicies. ther and told Olivas his only L aw yer s w it h t he New recourse would be to file a Mexico Center on Law and lawsuit against his employer, Pover t y r e pr e s e nt e d t he which Olivas said he could not worker’s groups in the case. afford.

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Pitch Perfect 3 hits a sour note

By Glenn Kay For the Sun

RATING: «« OUT OF «««« RUNNING TIME: 93 MIN.

P

itch Perfect 3 opens with a bizarre scene t hat i nvolves t he main characters in a dangerous situation, performing before a group of crooks until chaos breaks out. It’s all shown with little explanation and the sheer strangeness of it earns a laugh. One wishes that the rest of the film was willing to go in the more outrageous direction of its opening. Unfortunately, the majority of this follow-up is a genial but rather bland retread of ideas and themes that have been presented before.

This sequel picks up with the a cappella group The Barden Bellas having sepa rated a nd str uggl i ng to make their way. Beca (Anna Kendrick), Amy (Rebel Wilson) and the rest of the group decide to re form after an unusual and highly improbable opportunity presents itself. The group joins a USO tour through Europe.

They join rival bands who are competing to impress a famous entertainer (DJ Khaled) who will allow the winner to open for him at a final performance.

W hile tour ing, the group attempts to fend off ex-commentators turned documentary

The latest Pitch Perfect ditches clever ideas in favor of formula. Photo Credit: Universal Pictures filmmakers Gail (Elizabeth Banks) and John (John Michael Higgins), while Amy encounters a mysterious figure (John Lithgow) from her past.

W h i le t he o c c a s io n a l line here and there earns a chuckle, many of the jokes fall flat this time out and story points feel repetitive. The concept of the ladies leaving college behind and having difficulty finding employment and happiness in their adult lives is a little too similar to the concerns depicted in the previous entry. There is also a general choppiness to the proceedings here, with most 207 WEST COAL GALLUP 505.863.1250 www.elmorrotheatre.com Facebook @elmorrogallup

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of the characters (like the bands competing against the leads) falling into the background. And, there is little explanation as to why members of the Bellas are having an unwanted and unlicensed documenta r y made about them.

The film only really jolts to life when an antagonist makes some real threats and begins taking hostages. There is some amusing physical comedy during the climax as well as a few good lines when one of the characters attempts to threaten the villain over the

phone. They attempt to do so in a menacing manner, but also try to hold an amiable conversation with a friend entering the room at the same time.

These moments feel much more effective because they’re fresh, new situations.

In fact, it leaves one wondering what the movie could have been had it followed this tangent instead. One can imagine a film in which the friendly, innocent-looking group is asked by the government to infiltrate and take down a criminal organization under the guise of a cappella

entertainers. It seems like the results would have been a much funnier film than the one delivered.

Fans of the Pitch Perfect ser ies may get a chuck le here a nd t here, but t h i s entry pales in comparison to the original film, and can’t even match t he m idd l i ng returns of the first sequel.

As it stands, Pitch Perfect 3 doesn’t take advantage of its most interesting ideas and instead relies on formula.

It’s unfortunate, and the end result sounds off-key.

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Friday December 22, 2017 • Gallup Sun

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DVD/Blu-ray Roundup for Dec. 22, 2017

By Glenn Kay For the Sun

W

elcome to another ed it ion ch ron icling new releases on Blu-ray a nd DVD. Just because the holidays are here doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of releases coming your way. 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! Bl ood Mon ey - In this independent action/ thriller, a trio of f r iend s goes into the w i lder ne s s for some fun and encounters a white collar criminal on the run. They find his hidden loot and soon become a target of this desperate stranger. Unfortunately, the money also causes the leads to get greedy and turn on one another. Reaction was split right down the middle towards this effort. Half of reviewers disliked the characters and stated that the story took too long to hit its stride. The others enjoyed the unusual twists on the formula and were amused by the film’s antagonist. It stars John Cusack, Ellar Coltrane, Willa Fitzgerald, Jacob Artist and Ned Bellamy.

Dunkirk - D i r e c t or Christopher N o l a n (Me m e n t o, T h e Prestige, The Dark Knight, In c e pti o n, Interstellar) tackles a hugely important event during WWII in this picture. It depicts a massive evacuation in which more than 300,000 soldiers attempted to escape encroaching Nazi forces. The film cuts between three groups of characters on land, sea and air.

Critics lavished praise on the final outcome. While a few complained that the movie needed more character development, the overwhelming majority felt that the film was a technical masterpiece, perfectly COMMUNITY

capturing what it must have felt like to be there. The cast includes Fionn Whitehead, Barry Keoghan, Mark Rylance, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy and Kenneth Branagh.

Leatherface - This movie was scheduled for release some time ago, but was pulled at the last minute and is now coming out on disc this we ek . T he latest sequel in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre series is a prequel that traces the history of the iconic villain Leatherface and how he became a psychopathic killer.

The press wasn’t as harsh on it as one would expect.

About half absolutely hated the new entry or at the very least commented that it wasn’t memorable enough to make an impression, but a portion admired the attempts to turn the material into a mystery and enjoyed the out-there antics of the cast members. It features Finn Jones and has bit parts from Stephen Dorff and Lili Taylor.

The Lego Ninjago Movie - The latest movie in the LEGO film franc h i s e fe a tures a group of high school kids that are trained by a ninja master to defend their city against a menacing foe (who also happens to be the father of one of the heroes). When the villain actually succeeds and seizes control, the group must recover an ancient tool to restore order.

The press was divided on the animated shenanigans. While just over fifty percent liked the animation and believed it earned enough chuckles to give a pass, almost as many complained that it wasn’t as compelling or sharply written as others in the LEGO series.

The voice cast includes Jackie Chan, Justin Theroux, Dave Franco, Olivia Munn, Fred Armisen and Kumail Nanjiani.

Mother! - A couple living at a mansion in a remote meadow are the focus of the latest feature from Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream, Black

Swan). Their tranquil l i fe beg i n s to come apa r t a fter the a r r iva l of s e v e r a l n a st y, d i s ruptive and unwa nted guests. This feature earned more positive responses than negative from reviewers, but it did elicit extreme reactions.

Those who enjoyed it admired the impressive photography and allegorical story, along with the impressive photography. Those who panned it appeared to despise everything about it, particularly the brutality shown towards the passive lead character. One way or another, either side can’t deny that it’s a unique experience. It stars Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris, Michelle Pfeiffer, Brian Gleeson and Domhnall Gleeson.

Stronger - Based on a true story, this drama is based a r o u n d the experiences of Jeff Bauman, a su r v ivor of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. After losing his legs in the explosion, the story depicts the man’s hardships as he attempts to recover from his horrifying ordeal. The movie garnered almost universally positive reviews. There were a few who felt that the heroic tale was overly sentimental. Still, the vast majority praised the performances from the cast as Oscar worthy and felt that the movie effectively chronicled the ups and downs of recuperation and revitalization.

It features Jake Gyllenhaal, Tat ia na Ma sla ny, Cla ncy Brown, Miranda Richardson and Frankie Shaw.

Victor ia & Ab d u l This biopic dea l s w it h t he u n ique relationship between Q u e e n Victoria and a young clerk from India. After being sent to England to represent his country during the Golden Jubilee, he f inds himself

making fast friends with Her Royal Highness. She begins taking advice from him, much to the anger and consternation of officials at Buckingham Palace. The drama earned decent reviews from the press.

Some thought the approach was too light and cheeky given the subject of colonialism, but more called it a sweet tale and complimented the interplay between the characters. The cast includes Judi Dench, Ali Fazal, Eddie Izzard, Adeel Akhtar and Olivia Williams.

BLASTS FROM THE PAST! Plenty of interesting stuff is arriving this week thanks to the usual suspects. Shout! Factory has the independent horror picture, American Gothic (1987) on Blu-ray. It’s about a group of young tourists stranded at the house of a family who look like they stepped out of the famous Grant Wood painting. However, the visitors realize the persons living there are insane and have a taste for blood. The movie features Rod Steiger and arrives with a trailer and a new interview with score composer, Alan Parker.

Shout! also has A Town Called Panic: The Collection.

For those unfamiliar with the property, this is an amusing stop-motion animation series from France about the misadventures of a toy cowboy, a Native American and a horse that live in a farming community. The set includes all of the shorts from the original 2002 series, as well as the 2013 Christmas Special. It also includes other bonuses like a new and original short from the directors (which has nothing to do with the show). There have also been two movies, but they aren’t included in this set.

Sounds like this is an English language edition, so you’ll have to check the box to see if it includes the original French track with subtitles. Still, this is some funny stuff that comes highly recommended.

Kino has plenty of older features arriving on Blu-ray as well. They include Four Faces West (1948) and the Burt Lancaster western, The Kentuckian (1955). They also have the Orson Welles and Claudette Colbert war drama, Tomorrow is Forever (1946).

Burt Lancaster is back in the

west in Valdez is Coming (1971) as a sheriff trying to take down a cruel cattle rancher.

Finally, Kino has the drama The Whales of August (1987), featuring Bette Davis and Lillian Gish as widowed sisters taking a trip to a cottage.

The same distributor is also putting out some B-movies on DVD. The first is the thriller Eye in the Labyrinth (1972). This one is about a woman searching for her boyfriend after his mysterious disappearance. She ends up following the trail to a strange villa populated with eccentric.

Naturally, brutal murders soon follow. Headhunter (1988) is a goofy supernatural horror flick about a Miami cop who has an affair and then discovers that a terrifying demon has possessed his wife. It stars Kay Lenz.

Scorpion are releasing a DVD of the Leonard Nimoy TV-movie, Baffled! (1973), in which the actor plays a race car driver with ESP who uses his powers to solve crimes. This one sounds like a lot of cheesy fun. The release includes a new transfer (apparently, the previous versions have had issues) and includes both the US and UK versions of the program.

YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS! Just a couple of titles this week, and one is as much for adults as it is for children.

The Lego Ninjago Movie A To w n C a l l e d Panic: T he Collection

ON THE TUBE! Here a re a l l of t he TV-themed releases.

Baffled! (1973 TV-movie) Daniel Boone: The Final Season T h e Dain Curse (1978 Mini-series) Frontline: War on the EPA (PBS) Nature: Charlie & the Curious Otters (PBS) N OVA : G h o s t s o f Stonehenge (PBS) NOVA: Killer Volcanoes (PBS) Policewoman: Season 3 Salvation: Season 1 Stan Lee’s Lucky Man: Season 1

Gallup Sun • Friday December 22, 2017

19

SPORTS 360 Gallup wrestling club promotes strength through mentorship

By Rick Abasta For the Sun

O

n Dec. 19, the Stars and Stripes Wrestling Club Gladiators met for weekly practice in the Miyamura High School wrestling room.

Parents and volunteers watched over the junior wrestlers, who range from ages five to 14, while guest coach Nate Sellers ran the group through drills.

Activ ities ra nged from speed calisthenics to mat exercises to one-on-one wrestling drills.

SSWC is a non-profit organization that formed in 2014 to teach area youth the fundamentals of wrestling while promoting physical fitness, self-discipline and the pillars of responsibility, sportsmanship, academics and community pride.

Paul Gutierrez is the board vice president for the nonprofit, and believes SSWC has compensated for what was previously a neglected area in Gallup.

“There was a definite need [for a wrestling program]. This is a program that Gallup was lacking for the past few years, an organized youth wrestling program,” Gutierrez said.

He said a wrestling program for Gallup was needed in order to compete with wrestlers from Albuquerque or Farmington,

which have programs that begin teaching kids at the age of five.

The Gladiators compete in New Mexico Junior Wrestling, Inc. They often face fierce competition at junior level tournaments in the Albuquerque area.

“When one of our wrestlers gets to high school, they basically have to play catch up. Other kids are starting at five or six years old and they have years of experience,” Gutierrez said.

Another board member believes the club is laying the foundation for state champion wrestlers of the future.

George Martinez, board president, said the club has produced three back-to-back champions that brought home titles in 2015 and 2016.

Dominic Gutierrez, Elias Martinez and Rhys Sellers are state champions for the Gladiators and their competitive edge is evident throughout the practice session.

The next match for the Gladiators is scheduled for Jan. 6-7, 2018 in Moriarty.

“The Moriarty tournament is one of our qualifiers that the kids have to wrestle in order to compete in the state tournament in February,” Martinez said.

He said the Gladiator roster currently has 30 kids, including six girls on the team.

“Girls wrestling in New Mexico has grown. The state is now hosting a girls only

The hallowed Miyamura High School Wrestling Hall of Honor pays respects to past champions. Recent state wrestling champion AJ Starkovich is currently a collegiate wrestler competing for a Division I school. Photo credit: Rick Abasta

20 Friday December 22, 2017 • Gallup Sun

The wrestlers of the Stars and Stripes Wrestling Club Gladiators practice two times a week in the Miyamura High School wrestling room. A variety of warm ups, like the Bear Crawl demonstrated here, start the sessions. Photo credit: Rick Abasta tournament, which is a first,” he said.

This year’s state wrestling tournament will feature the inaugural all girls state classification. Female competitors will also have the option to wrestle in the boys classification.

BEYOND STRENGTH TRAINING Wrestlers from the surr ou nd i n g a r e a a r e a l s o Gladiators, a point of pride for the club. Participants include athletes from Zuni, Ramah and Window Rock.

For $40 per month, students are coached in the finer points of wrestling and the personal commitment and sacrifice

required for victory. They also receive a t-shirt, pullover and singlet for competition.

“In off-season, we brought ou t A J S t a rkov ic h , t he Miyamura High School state wrestling champion. It was an opportunity for him to teach a class to our kids,” Gutierrez said. “He’s a collegiate athlete wrestling at the Division I level.”

Other potential mentors have been brought in to inspire the kids.

Chris Pendleton, the assistant coach for the ASU wrestling team, was also invited to speak to the kids and share tips about wrestling. On Dec. 13, a special agent from the New Mexico State Police spoke to the kids about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.

One-on-one grappling is a mainstay of the Stars and Stripes Wrestling Club practices.

Photo credit: Rick Abasta

“Special Agent Long gave a very good PowerPoint presentation about the consequences of getting caught up with alcohol and drugs at an early age and we thank him for the information,” Gutierrez said.

Giving back to the community is another pillar of the SSWC. Board member Natasha Sellers said the wrestling club encourages the kids to give back to the community.

“The community of Gallup helped us get this program started, so we’re real big about giving back to our community,” she said.

She said the toy drive last Christmas gave the wrestlers firsthand experience with providing toys for the less fortunate. The toy distribution took place at the community center.

“Respect and nutrition is a big part of what we’re trying to teach these kids,” Martinez said. “We’re teaching them how to exercise, self-discipline.

School work is their number one priority.”

The SSWC practices on Tuesday and Thursday at the Miyamura High School wrestling room, beginning at 6:15 p.m.

For more information, visit www.sswcgladiators. com.

COMMUNITY

Gallup overcomes Mitchell-led Tohatchi, 65-44 MITCHELL PUTS UP 22 IN 3A/5A LOSS

By Bernie Dotson For the Sun

D

o-it-all senior point guard Kalian Mitchell scored the f i r st n i ne poi nt s of the game and it looked as though the Lady Cougars would ride that wave toward v ictor y in a Dec. 19 girls basketball contest between Gallup and Tohatchi, played at Gallup High School.

Ga l lup won t he ga me 65-44.

M it c hel l , a n a l l - s t a t e player at Tohatchi since the 8 th grade, hit short and longrange jumpers and a 3-pointer to get the Lady Cougars out in front early. The Lady Bengals appeared dazed and confused

by Mitchell’s skills.

But s omewher e a lon g the line, Gallup (7-3) figured

t h i ng s out a nd got t hei r superstars into the offensive and defensive flow of the game. That was witnessed by a 26-point second quarter onslaught in which the Lady Bengals hit on all cylinders and outscored Tohatchi 26-4.

It was also a time in the game in which Mitchell went to the bench with three fouls.

“We grew up and we just figured out what we needed to do,” first-year Gallup head coach Todd McBroom said in post-game comments. “They have a good team. Mitchell is a great player.”

THE MITCHELL EXPERIMENT The Lady Cougars (3- 4) got out to 8 - 0 lead before junior guard Hanna Toledo hit a shot to get Gallup on the

scoreboard. Still, Gallup had all it could handle in Mitchell, who was a one-woman scori ng m a ch i ne on of fen se.

But Mitchell was a little too aggressive on defense, going for steals at every chance, and the Lady Bengals seemed to t a ke adva nt age of t he over-aggressiveness.

“Stay close. Stay close.

Don’t foul,” Tohatchi head coach Tanisha Bitsoi told her players at inter vals during the first and second quarters. “Take it easy,” Bitsoi instructed.

Once the Lady Bengals saw Mitchell sit the bench, junior forward Ashley Antone began to maneuver around the f loor to receive assists from Toledo. When Antone couldn’t hit shots, senior forward Journey Gillson was there for mop up duty, which

resulted in rebounds to keep balls alive or inside points by either Antone or Gillson.

The unsung hero of the game for Gallup was senior center Leona Smith. Smith grabbed rebounds and threw overhead half-court passes to Toledo junior guard Amanda Mitchel to ignite fast breaks.

On offense, Smith drove the lane at-will from the left and right sides to increase Gallup leads. By the time the third quarter ended, Gallup led 53-31.

“There were quite a few of turning points,” McBroom said. “Again, we settled down and got into paying Bengals basketball.”

SCORING TAKES S m i t h e n d e d w i t h 19 points. The versatile Antone scored 11 and Mitchel hit 6

points. Junior guard Ashia Smith put in 10 points for the Lady Bengals. Mitchell scored a game high of 22 points for Tohatchi and was the sole Tohatchi player in double figures.

The Lady Bengals take on Cleveland on Dec. 29 in a home game. Tohatchi plays Shiprock Dec. 21 at Tohatchi.

The Lady Bengals were coming off a 47- 35 away loss on Dec. 15 to Rio Rancho.

To h a t c h i b e a t T h o r e a u 62-39 last week at Thoreau.

Tohatchi has played few 4A and 5A teams thus far in the 2017 girls basketball season.

Tohatchi and Gallup played Dec. 1 at Gallup in the annual John Lomasney Invitational Tournament. Gallup won that game 71-67 behind 23 points

by Antone. Mitchell scored 27 in that game.

Tohatchi Cougar Kalian Mitchell (5) passes to teammate Cameron Tsosie (20) at the Dec. 19 girls basketball game at Gallup High School. Photo Credit: Knifewing Segura

First-year Gallup head coach Todd McBroom cheers on the Lady Bengals at their winning Dec. 19 game. Photo Credit: Knifewing Segura

Gallup Bengals Ashley Antone (1) throws to Amanda Mitchel (3). Antone scored an impressive 11 points during Gallup’s winning Dec. 19 game. Photo Credit: Knifewing Segura

Tohatchi Cougar Sarah Begay (55) scores for Tohatchi in the Dec. 19 game that ultimately went to the Gallup Lady Bengals. Photo Credit: Knifewing Segura

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Gallup Sun • Friday December 22, 2017

21

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Sparks fly for PESCO. PESCO has recently partnered with NM MEP, a non-profit that helps local businesses to become more competitive. Photo Credit: Courtesy of PESCO’s Facebook page

FARMINGTON | FROM PAGE 13 Since 2001, the nonprofit organization has partnered with PESCO to set and maintain performance excellence goals. It helped PESCO implement lea n-ma nu factu r i ng methods such as 5S workplace organization and value stream mapping, the latter of which diagrams how value is

created at all stages of a company’s operation. MEP has also coached the PESCO team to articulate a clear value-based strategy so all employees could align with the company’s values and objectives, and it helped the company streamline product design and introduce visual inventory management.

With this latest initiative, MEP helped the brothers realize that their desired

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A year ago, PESCO sent two team members to an ISO 9001:2015 training offered by MEP, where they identified that PESCO needed to perform internal audits and track its corrective actions. PESCO is working with MEP to overcome these shortcomings so it can obtain ISO 9001:2015 registration by the end of 2018—a milestone the company anticipates would boost business by 10 to 20 percent.

“Without New Mexico MEP, PESCO wouldn’t be where it is today,” said Kyle Rhodes, company president. “New Mexico

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from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in their State Priorities Partnership program. After her two-year fellowship, she was hired on as a research and policy analyst.

Among the projects she oversaw was an in-depth health impact assessment on reinstating the food tax. She was promoted to director of the group’s “Kids Count” program in 2015. As deputy director she will oversee the “Kids Count” program. Her promotion begins in 2018.

“It’s such a pleasure and honor to do work that you really believe in and that makes a real difference,” Wallin said.

Utilities not included. No pets.

Call 863-4294 for information before 8pm.

PLACE YOUR REAL ESTATE AD HERE! FIRST 25 WORDS FREE. LOGO and/or PHOTO $5 EACH. APPEARS ON GALLUPSUN.COM FOR FREE! EMAIL: gallupsun@gmail.com CALL: 505-728-1640 MOBILE HOMES

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.

MAIL DELIVERY 1 year subscription. Send check for $59.95 to:

Gallup Sun Publishing PO Box 1212 Gallup, NM 87305

A truck for the PESCO company, which employs more than 300 people in the natural gas and oil industry. Photo Credit: Courtesy of PESCO’s Facebook page MEP has helped us reduce costs and grow business over the years. We know we have a long way to go and this journey never really ends. We are thankful that New Mexico MEP has been there with us along the way.”

NM MEP is a nonprofit organization that helps businesses throughout the state increase

profitability and competitiveness.

To reach an NM MEP consultant, visit newmexicomep.org. Visit PESCO at www.pescoinc.biz.

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.

“I’m also fortunate to work with an incredible staff of very talented and dedicated individuals. Voices has always felt like home to me.”

Prior to joining NM Voices, Wallin served as a budget analyst for the city of Las Cruces.

She earned her masters of public administration from New Mexico State University.

She is a native New Mexican from the mountain area east of Albuquerque. She is married and has two small children.

New Mexico Voices for Children is a nonpartisan, nonprof it organization advocating for policies to improve the health and well-being of New Mexico’s children, families and communities.

WASTE MEETING | FROM PAGE 9

ARRANGE­ MENTS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES Any person with a disability requiring assistance or auxiliary aid to participate in this process should contact Donna Wright no less than 10 days prior to the end of the public comment period at the following address: New Mexico Environment Department, P.O. Box 5469, 1190 St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87502‐6110, (505) 827‐9769.

TDD or TDY users please access Ms. Wright’s number via the New Mexico Relay Network at 1 (800) 659‐8331 CLASSIFIEDS

COMMUNITY CALENDAR DEC.22-28, 2017

Location: 1315 Hamilton Rd.

FRIDAY, Dec. 22 OCTAVIA FELLIN LIBRARY Both branches of the library will be closed from Dec. 22-25.

SATURDAY, Dec. 23 UNM-GALLUP Winter Break—Happy Holidays! University Closed Dec. 22-Jan. 2.

SUNDAY, Dec. 24 CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE A Christmas Eve service of carols, lessons, communion and candlelight will be held at the Westminster Presbyterian Church. Join us @ 5 pm, as we welcome the Christ Child. All are invited. Location: 151 State Highway 564 (Boardman Drive) near Orleans Manor Apartments. Call (505) 905-3247 or email wpcgallup@ gmail.com.

MONDAY, Dec. 25 MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS! TUESDAY, Dec. 26 GADGET GARAGE 3-4 pm @ Main Branch. The Octavia Fellin Public Library is offering one-on-one technology assistance. Bring in your personal technology devices to one of the dates listed and our technology trainer will answer questions and help you trouble shoot.

Gadget Garage is on a first come first serve basis. Call (505) 863-1291 or email libtrain@gallupnm.gov.

MAKER ZONE (6 AND OLDER) 4-5 pm @ Children’s Branch.

We provide supplies, you supply the ideas.

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 27 TODDLER TIME (AGES 2 TO 4) 10:30-11:30 am @ Children’s Branch An active and energetic program for toddlers, featuring music, movement, rhymes, and stories.

COMPUTER CLASS: BASIC TABLET SKILLS 3-5 pm @ Main Branch. Class size is limited to 10 participants per session. No Registration is required. Please arrive a little early for the class. For more information call (505) 863-1291 or email libtrain@gallupnm.gov.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT FILMS CALENDAR

CALENDAR

5:30-7 pm @ Main Branch.

Free weekly movie. Popcorn provided. This week’s movie: Daddy’s Home.

THURSDAY, Dec. 28 CRAFTY KIDS (ALL AGES) 4-5 pm @ Children’s Branch.

Fun crafts for the whole family. This week’s activity: Suncatcher Craft.

ONGOING CITY OF GALLUP’S SUSTAINABLE GALLUP BOARD Meets on the first Monday from 3-5 pm at the Octavia Fellin Library. When those Mondays are holidays, the meetings are on the following Monday. Community members concerned about conservation, energy, water, recycling and other environmental issues are welcome.

Call (505) 722-0039 for information.

CHURCHROCK CHAPTER Churchrock Chapter is now accepting toy donations for the Christmas toy drive until Dec. 20. The toys will be distributed at the annual community Christmas dinner on Dec. 21. Please drop off an unwrapped toy for distribution at Churchrock Chapter.

Let’s spread the Christmas cheer by giving. Call (505) 488-2166. Churchrock Chapter Adminsitration.

CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS Meets Wednesday, 6-7 pm, at First United Methodist Church, 1800 Redrock Dr. (in the library). All are welcome.

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.

GALLUP SOLAR Gallup Solar is hosting community conversations about all things solar Wednesdays from 6-8 pm at 113 E. Logan.

Call: (505) 728-9246 for info on topics and directions.

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.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY - WORK SESSIONS Habitat for Humanity work sessions held each week.

Volunteers to serve on decision making meetings or wish to volunteer at or help fund construction projects. Call Bill Bright at (505) 722-4226.

MCKINLEY COUNTY HEALTH ALLIANCE McKinley County Health Alliance convenes on the second Wednesday of the month from 11 am-1 pm at the New Mexico Cancer Center across from UNM-Gallup. Everyone is welcome to attend and engage in discussions about health, education, economic, and environmental inequities and to help facilitate change in those systems. Call (505) 906-2671.

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.

TEDDY BEAR DRIVE We are collecting NEW stuffed animals to donate to hospitals, police and fire departments for children in need. Donation locations: Navajo Treatment Center for Children and their families Admin. Bldg. #2, second floor Division of Social Services in Window Rock, Ariz.; Navajo Treatment Center for Children and their families Kit Carson Rd, Fort Defiance Ariz. Call (928) 871-6807 or email t.yazzie@navajo-nsn. gov.

WOMEN’S AA MEETING Join the women’s closed AA step study meeting from 7:308:30 pm on Friday evenings.

Call (919) 619-9432. Location: Westminster Presbyterian Church South Boardman Ave. SAVE THE DATE GALLUP POETRY SLAM On Jan. 5, there will be a Gallup Poetry Slam. Join us for the Gallup Poetry Slam 6:308:30 pm @ART123 Gallery in downtown Gallup.

DEMENTIA/ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP On Jan. 10, there will be a Dementia/Alzheimer’s Support Group. Call (505) 615-8053.

6:30 pm @ Gallup Masonic Center, 4801 E. Historic 66 Ave. ARTIST TO ARTIST BUSINESS MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP On Saturday, Jan. 13 join us for an “Artist to Artist Business Management Workshop,” 11:30 am-2:30 pm. Location: Navajo Tech Innovation Center in Church Rock. Register at www.galluparts.org. Free.

show by Padma Komaravolu.

For more information follow @ART123 Gallery on Facebook.

BEREAVEMENT/GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP On Jan. 17, there will be a Bereavement/Grief Support Group. Call (505) 615-8853. 6:30 pm @ Gallup Masonic Center, 4801 E. Historic 66 Ave. SBDC WORKSHOP On Jan. 17-18, there will be a “Boots to Business Reboot” workshop: Starting or Growing a Veteran-Owned Business. 8am-3pm, Gallup Small Business Development Center, 106 W. Hwy 66. Call (505) 248-8227 or email ivan. corrales@sba.gov.

WINE & PAINTING: SNOWY BIRD Thursday, Jan. 25 @ 6-9 pm.

Have a creative night out with ART123 Gallery. Register at www.galluparts.org. ART123 Gallery.

MONTHLY MEETING On Dec. 28, we invite you to meet with Councilor Linda Garcia at the Northside Neighborhood Association meeting.

Councilor Garcia will be there to listen to your concerns. It’s a great opportunity to share ideas and we welcome your compliments and complaints. 6:30 pm @ Northside Senior Center. Feel free to bring a friend or two. Call (505) 879-4176.

Location: 607 N. 4th St. ARTIST TO ARTIST: BUSINESS MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP On Jan. 13, join us for “Artist to Artist: Business Mangement Workshop.” This workshop will be led by father and son artist duo Bahe Whitehorne Sr. and Bahe Whitethorne Jr. This business management workshop for artists will focus on how to start your business, manage it and grow capital, as well as making the most of social media and digital marketing.

11:30 am-2:30 pm at Navajo Tech Innovation Center, 309 B Historic Highway 66, Church Rock, NM. (Bring your own lunch; light refreshments provided.) Free.

2ND ANNUAL ARTSCRAWL COMMUNITY BRAINSTORM Saturday, Jan. 14 @ 4:30-6:30 pm. Join us for the 2nd Annual ArtsCrawl Community Ballroom. Everyone is invited to share ideas for the 2018 season ArtsCrawl. El Morro Events Center. Call (505) 4882136 or email executivedirec- To post a nonprofit or civic event in the calendar tor@galluparts.org.

RANGOLI: TRADITIONAL FOLK ART OF INDIA Saturday, Jan. 13 @ 6:30-8 pm. There will be an opening

section, please email: gallupsunevents@gmail.com or fax: (505) 212-0391. Deadline: Monday at 5 pm.

Gallup Sun • Friday December 22, 2017

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