Gallup Sun • Friday Septrmber 11, 2015

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VOL 1 | ISSUE 23 | SEPTEMBER 11, 2015

CAN ‘BEST OF THE BEST’ LASSO MORE FUNDS?

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Nugget Gallery Burglarized.

Page 11

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Friday September 11, 2015 • Gallup Sun

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City Council Round-Up Mayor Jackie McKinney

City Manager Maryann Ustick

City Attorney George Kozeliski

Authorizing acceptance of State Aviation and Federal Av i a t ion Ad m i n i s t r a t ion Grant Funding to rehabilitate the runway at the airport, and also to submit the City of Gallup Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan to the state.

The final action item of the evening went to Henderson as he described a new and

and councilors agreed to table this item until Oct. 27 to allow time for the family to receive bids either for the necessary repairs, or for demolition. The family has set aside funds set aside for either alternative.

“I would rather the family take the responsibility for this, whichever way it goes,” said Mayor Jackie McKinney.

“They have a plan of action and we need to allow them some time to pursue it.” The council agreed.

Terry Rocco had earlier described an operation on his ankle which had removed a bone, a nd sa id that he had received the Notice of Demolition the day after. His medical condition prevented him from being able to physically appear earlier before the council as he lives in Utah.

Another property, at 315 E. Pershing, was not as fortunate. The owner of record is the U.S. Bank, N.A., Trustee and they have not responded to the city’s demands. This property is not only a menace to the public comfort, health, peace, and safety, but is also becoming an illegal dump for other unwanted items of no value. C. B. Strain, the

city’s planning director and Public Works Director Stan Henderson were instructed to immediately begin the demolition and removal of all items on this property.

A lt hou g h no t o n t he agenda, Mayor McKinney also instructed Henderson to talk to the construction crew of the Care 66 high rise on Coal, between Puerco and Strong.

The city had obliged the construction firm in closing Coal while the exterior and interior construction was taking place, but that work has now been completed, the mayor and councilors want to keep the roadway open for vehicular traffic at all times.

Henderson relayed the information that the crew thought the building would be more secure, but councilors agreed that with sidewalks now in place, the building company should shift the fence to the north side of the walks and provide their own security. The single block of pavement was not to be used for parking the crew’s vehicles.

Other action items were led by City Attorney George Koz el i sk i of a Gr a nt of Easement for the Navajo Gallup

Water Supply Project, and by Henderson on two resolutions:

ROUND-UP | SEE PAGE 8

By Tom Hartsock Sun Correspondent

T

he regular City Council meeting on Sept. 8 was smoothly handled by the mayor and councilors, with no feathers ruffled on either side. That doesn’t mean it was boring though, as agreements were reached on several important items.

Street closures on Coal Avenue from 9 th to 1st Streets - Sept. 18 for Miyamura High and Sept. 23 for Gallup High – for homecoming parades were quickly approved. Miyamura will begin their parade at 4 pm while Gallup High will start theirs at 4:15pm, respectively.

A nother street closure request was made by the Gallup Film Festival 2015 of Coal Avenue between 2nd and 3rd Streets will last from 4 am Sept. 19 until 5 pm Sept. 20.

This approval is contingent upon the issuance of insurance required by the city, and which organizer Knifewing Segura said at the meeting should be in-hand by Sept. 9. Red Rock Security will be on-site to handle the safety of spectators, enter tainers, vendors and equipment, and water barrels will also be filled for potential fire dangers. This festival will utilize the Second Street Event Center and El Morro Theater and will feature a stage under the canopy for musical groups that will be performing.

Condemnation of a building at 705 W. Aztec was appealed

by Terry Rocco, who holds the Power of Attorney for property owner Louis Rocco. The mayor

** CORRECTIONS ** In the Sept. 4 issue, the story “Local contractor charged with beating, rape” on page 3, contained a factual error in the story and headline. Rick George’s title was “day laborer” not “contractor” for Bonaguidi Construction. He worked less than a week for the company, and according to his former employer, he passed the hiring background check. The Gallup Sun deeply regrets this error.

An error was made in the Sept. 4 issue on page 7, 12 Years as Classmates – Gallup High Reunion.

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The first sentence should have read, “Gallup High graduates held a reunion this summer that included some students from First-grade at First Ward Elementary School …

First Ward and El Rancho School both burned down two or three years after this class started, and was then replaced by Roosevelt School. The writer deeply regrets this error and humbly apologizes to anyone who may be upset by it.

Friday September 11, 2015 • Gallup Sun

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Gallup Sun Publishing, LLC Publisher/Editor Babette Herrmann Correspondents Tom Hartsock Copy Editor Lealia Nelson Design David Tsigelman The Gallup Sun, published Fridays, is not responsible or liable for any claims or offerings, nor responsible for availability of products advertised. All rights reserved.

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‘Best of the Best’ loses funds ORGANIZER PROMISES IMPROVEMENTS

By Tom Hartsock Sun Correspondent

T

he results of the “Best of the Best” Timed Event Rodeo 2015 were presented to the City Council on Sept. 8.

General Services Director, Rick Snider and Chief Financial Officer Patty Holland did the honors. The 2015 rodeo drew approximately 133 entries in seven events and lost almost $65,000 in the second year of operation, designed to alleviate and/or replace the loss of the National Junior High Rodeo Finals, which the city had hosted for nine years.

The projected budget for 2016 shows a hopeful revenue loss of just over $40,000 and the final accounting could be even better.

These expectations are brighter based on the new contract signed by Walt Eddy for management and promotion of the event. A bonus clause in that contract will benefit Eddy and the city both as revenue

Team Roping action from the “Best of the Best” Timed Event Rodeo event in 2014. Photo Credit: City of Gallup

will increase substantially if the conditions are exceeded.

A change in advertising from print media to Internet for the next year could be a major factor in the 2016 results.

Entry fees are a vital factor in revenue for this event, with the City claiming $50 from each one. The total for 2015 was almost $90,000 and if

double the number of entries are received for 2016, the deficit will quickly be erased even with Eddy receiving an additional $5,000 in bonus money.

Doubters should realize that the NJHRF is a national organization with thousands of members and Eddy is trying to get those riders and ropers unable to qualify for that event,

or without the resources, to travel to the new location to accept the hospitality of Gallup and the competition offered here.

It was never intended to replace the former event dollar for dollar or even rider for rider.

Gate sa les were slim $5,500 for 2015 – but revised

PRECISION MATTERS.

plans for more local spectators should increase that total substantially and concession sales will increase as well.

Even a minimum priced ticket could result in five or six times that amount being spent on concessions.

Sponsorships by local businesses is projected to increase to $32,000 and that figure could go much higher with some of the same tenacity used by the Gallup Lions Club, Wild Thing, or the Balloon Rally.

There are only seven events in this program: Breakaway Roping; Goat Tying; Barrel Racing; and Pole Bending for the female participants. And for the males, the events are Calf Roping, Heading, and Heeling. The last two may be co-ed.

There is also one additional event, team roping for a contestant and a parent, and a determination will be made at a later date to have an “All Around Award” for the cowboy or cowgirl that earns the most points.

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Gallup Sun • Friday September 11, 2015

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Suicides decline among New Mexico youth

By David Morgan NM Dept. of Health

D

epartment of Health report finds self-repor ted suicide at tempts a mong New Mex ico h ig h school s t udent s h ave decrea sed by 35 percent over the past decade. The study for New Mexico students in grades 9 -12 sug gest t hat su icide attempts went from 14.5 percent in 2003 to 9.4 percent in

Summary of Trends: There was a downward trend in rates of: Seriously considered suicide; made a suicide plan; attempted suicide; and injured in a suicide attempt from 2003–2013. Most of the decline in rates occurred between 2003 and 2009. There was no trend for feeling sad or hopeless.

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Department of Health Secretary Retta Ward.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of NM Department of Health

2013. This is the most recent year for which fullest data is available.

The 2013 YRRS Report, suggested that Statewide High School Mental Health looks at data from 2003 to 2013, the most recent data available, and is being released in conjunction with September’s National Suicide Prevention Month and National Suicide Prevention Week, September 6-12.

Depa r t ment of Hea lt h Secretary Retta Ward said

Friday September 11, 2015 • Gallup Sun

Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey: Photo Credit: Courtesy of NM Department of Health

the decrease in teen suicide attempts shows progress.

“But there is still a lot of work to do” she said. “It speaks to the success of continuous prevention efforts to reach children and young adults. It also shows more parents, health care professionals, and educators are recognizing youth

suicide warning signs, such as depression and substance abuse.”

The Depar tment of Health’s Office of School and Adolescent Health continues to promote menta l hea lth among students by providing training and funding for 54 school-based health clinics, which provide behavioral and primary health services for students.

In addition to finding a double-digit decrease in the number of teens reporting attempting suicide, the report finds: Suicide attempts resulting in an injury that required t reat ment by a doctor or nurse decreased by nearly 60 percent from 8 percent in 2003 to 3 percent in 2013 among high school students.

One in 5, or 20 percent of New Mexico high school students engaged in NonSuicidal Self-Injury such as cut t i ng or bu r n i ng t hemselves on pur pose without the intent to d ie. NSSI is correlated with anxiety and depression, and is a strong predictor of suicide.

A mon g m idd le s c ho ol students, grades 6-8, 14 percent of respondents made a plan to kill themselves and 8 percent had tried to kill themselves.

Although self-reported suicide attempts have decreased a mong New Mex ico h ig h school students and suicide rates for New Mexico youth 10 -19 ye a r s of a ge h ave decreased from 11 deaths for a population of 100,000

(2003-2005) to 9 deaths per a population 100,000 (20122014). Despite the good news, New Mexico youth experience a 60 percent higher suicide rate than other youth in the United States.

The Department of Health pa r t ner e d w it h t he New Mex ico P ubl ic Educat ion Department and University of New Mexico Prevention Research Center to create this report, which describes results from the 2013 New Mexico YRRS questions about mental health. The YRRS is a biennial survey about risk behaviors among public middle school and high school students in New Mexico.

Secretary Ward believes this information is important, but the focus should remain on New Mexico youth and children. “Suicide and suicide attempts are affecting too many youth and young adults,” she said. “Parents and guardians should look for changes in their child, such as talking about taking one’s life, or feeling sad or hopeless about the future.”

These are important changes to notice, others i nclude: changes in eating, sleeping habits, or losing desire to participate in activities.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, please call the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line 24/7 at 1-855 -NMCRISIS (1-855 662-7474) to speak w ith a counselor or to find treatment near you.

VISIT: www.nmhealthdepartment.org NEWS

WEEKLY CRIME BLOTTER Staff Reports W o m a n arrested with ‘glass’ Sept. 8 S h a r o n Tol i no wa s cha rged a long with three others, for breaking and entering, at the old Alpine Lumber Mill. The suspect, Tolino, was also charged with possession of a controlled and prohibited substance. Gallup Police Department Officer Chris Molina discovered two other females at the scene. It appeared they had been living there for at least a week. They had a long extension cord for power, and beds. Tolino had a bag of glass that appeared to be Methamphetamine. No one else was at the scene.

W o m a n arrested with two others Sept. 8 B r e n d a Haudley wa s a r rested a long with three others at the old Alpine Lumber Mill. Officer Chris Molina was the arresting officer and spoke with the property owner, Joseph Hall, who reportedly cleaned out the place 2-3 weeks prior to the incident.

Brenda Haudley was charged with breaking and entering.

Man turns in meth smoking girlfriend Sept. 8 Keith Yazzie f l a g ge d d ow n off icer Off icer Chris Molina informing him of a burglary in progress. Yzzie’s girlfriend, Frances Haudley was allegedly smoking meth in the old Alpine Lumber. After a search, it appeared the suspect, and two other women had been living there. Officer Molina met with the property owner Joseph Hall to discuss the incident. Haudley was arrested and charged with breaking and entering, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Theft at Joe Auto Sales Sept. 3 O f f ic e r C h r i s Mol i n a answered a call from a concerned property owner, at Joe Auto Sales. The business NEWS

owner, Salvador Chavez was checking his property when he noticed a man dressed all in black hanging around outside the property after hours and walking down the alley. The suspect Eric Emerson, of Window Rock, AZ was seen getting into a vehicle. He was stopped and later charged with burglary of a vehicle and criminal trespassing.

Aug. 30 Man hogtied for peanut butter sandwiches and cookies A prisoner from the county jail, Andrew Smith reported an incident of battery that occurred at the county jail.

While sleeping in F-pod, Smith reportedly heard a voice he identified as Robert Baca say, “hold him down.” Smith was hog tied and pushed down by a group whom he believed intended to rape him. Employees later pulled him out. Smith believes the other suspects did this so that the employees would see and provide them with peanut butter sandwiches and cookies.

Dine and Dash turns serious Aug. 29 GPD Officer Leland Soseeah was dispatched to Denny’s east, responding to a classic of case of dine and dash. But, according to the report, Fidel Apache thought that the woman he dined with was going to foot the bill. He told police that Sandra Manning said she needed to use the restroom, but instead left the restaurant.

It wasn’t a good enough excuse to get out of trouble. He was charged with falsely obtaining services and accommodation.

Alcoholfueled stabbing Aug. 23 A simple case of a friend tr y ing to help a friend turned ugly after a night of partying. And it was a good thing that the friend had an extra

set of handcuffs so he could restrain Jeffrey Tsosie until police arrived. Responding GPD Officer Matthew Ashley stated i n h is repor t t hat Shawn Brown was gathered around the table when he heard a “click” noise and saw Tsosie jump on mutual friend Travis Platero. In trying to pull the knife from Tsosie, Platero was bit on the arm. A criminal complaint was filed against Tsosie in Magistrate Court Aug. 23 for two counts of aggravated battery with use of a deadly weapon.

Spousal fight results in child abuse charges Aug. 22 According to GPD Officer D o u g l a s Hoffma nn’s report, Quincy and Ronnie Quinta na, got into a v io lent fight that resulted in charges for the crimes of aggravated battery against a household member and abuse of a child. While the house had blood throughout it and there was a broken door and window, the child wasn’t actually hit. But since the child was present, both parents were charged. The grandparents of their infant child took temporary custody.

P e p p e r sa mpl i ng not allowed Aug. 11 It’s an oldie, but could ea si ly q u a l i f y a s strange booking of the week.

According to GPD Officer A n d r e a T s o s ie’s r e p o r t , Leon Fred Thompson had no problem paying for some tomatoes, but couldn’t resist sampling Wal-Mart’s enticing, but packaged red and orange pepper s. He select ively opened a package and walked back to the liquor department to chomp down the colorful peppers. Little did he know, Wal-Mart’s loss prevention was onto his sneaky ways. He was not only booked for shoplifting, but was “trespassed” from Wal-Mart.

Detwiler molests second child while out on bond

By Babette Herrmann Sun Editor

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illiam Detwiler of Vanderwagen has struck again.

This time while out on bond and awaiting trial for criminal sexual contact with a child and false imprisonment.

This time he was nabbed for alleged enticement of a child, aggravated stalking of a victim under 16 years of age, false imprisonment, battery, and assault Aug. 10.

T h e pr e v iou s a l le ge d assault occurred April 21.

In April, Detwiler assaulted a local teen who hopped in his car for a ride. He talked the teen into removing his pants and reportedly fondled the young man. Detwiler posted bond and was released April 22, the following day of his arrest.

There’s reportedly good evidence in this case as the teen took out his ca mera phone and recorded what he

William Detwiler

could of the incident.

A s of Sept. 9, he had a prel i m i na r y hea r i ng i n Magistrate Court and is being held at the McKinley County Adult Detention Center on a $5,000 cash/surety bond. As of Sept. 10, he was still in custody, according to a jail official.

District Court Judge Lyndy D. Bennett will hold a status conference on Oct. 9 at 1:30 pm in Gallup District Court.

Detwiler’s jury trial trial has been set for Nov. 3.

Gallup Sun • Friday September 11, 2015

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WEEKLY DWI REPORT Staff Report C h r i s t el l a Ya z z ie, 4 4 , Ganado, Ariz.

Sept. 5, 10:39 pm Aggravated DWI Gallup Police Department O f f icer A ngelo Cel l icion responded to the scene of an accident on Interstate 40 at Mile Marker 23 where he discovered Yazzie sitting in her vehicle. He noted in his report that the driver’s side door had susta i ned heav y da mage.

Yazzie told the officer that a semi-truck hit her and left the scene. Cellicion noticed immediately the slurred speech and red eyes. Yazzie said she had drank Old English “alcoholic beverage” that evening.

She failed the field sobriety tests and the two breath tests revea led a Blood A lcohol Content of 0.23 and 0.22.

R y a n Thompson, 28, Gallup, NM Sept. 1, 1:38 pm DW I, 2nd Offense Thompson was located in the parking lot of Wal-Mart and told GPD Officer Terrance Peyketewa that he wasn’t able to pass the field sobriety tests.

And he was right. His two great tests resulted in a B.A.C. of 0.23 and 0.21.

Lyle D. Alexius, 27, Ft. Defiance, Ariz.

Aug. 28, 7:21 pm A lexius may have been in a rush to get his family home, but he did so while intoxicated.

This earned him his first DWI and three counts of child abuse for placing his two children, ages 8 and 5, in a dangerous situation. He blew a B.A.C. of 0.14 and 0.13.

ROUND-UP | FROM PAGE 4 leaner infrastructure capital improvement plan to be sent to the state legislature during the next session.

Compared to the last ICIP in 2014, this plan had only 112 projects compared to the 320 sent in last year, and the funds being sought were more than $530 million less. The staff eliminated any mention of Fox Run Golf Course since the city is using $3.5 million in environmental surcharge funds for the irrigation and drainage improvements needed there.

The New Mexcio Department of Finance and Administration requires local governments to submit annually a five-year ICIP that defines development needs and discloses funding sources.

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INDOW ROCK, Ariz.

– The Navajo-Hopi Land Commission announced that it will explore the next phase of activity, Pre-Construction, at Site

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Friday September 11, 2015 • Gallup Sun

McKinney suggested the city should also add the proposed “quiet zone” in this package, but City Manager Maryann Ustick said the city’s lobbyist is still meeting with BNSF reps about how to pursue this. She said that it would be included in the conversation when the legislative priorities are finalized in October.

The next five items were also added to the “wish list” for the 2017-2021 ICIP being developed; Public Housing roadway reconstruction (Sky City/ Vista Drive) $630,000; Reconstruction of Runway 24, $2.1 million; Country Club Drive re-pavement, $74,750; Ford Drive and Aztec Avenue intersection concrete pavement construction, $126,000; and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System upgrades, $200,000.

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The first priority is $400,000 in construction funds for the new skate park and the second is $575,000 for construction of a park and playground in the Rocky View area.

The third priority is different from the first two, and is asking for $350,000 annually for five years to replace Gallup Police Department vehicles. This type of funding would allow the city to use state funds instead of their own on these vehicles, a tactic that has been used successfully in other communities.

T h e f o u r t h p r i o r i t y, $400,000, is for the reconstruction of the alley between Coal and Aztec, and between First and Second Streets. The fifth priority of $379,000 is for reconstruction of the Old Zuni Road Bridge, just off of Eighth Street, that passes in front of the Gallup Fitness Center.

1 of the Paragon-Bisti Solar Ranch comprised of 22,000 acres of the Paragon-Bisti Ranch south of Farmington that was selected and conveyed to the Navajo Nation in the late 1980s under the NavajoHopi Land Settlement Act of 1974.

Site 1 consists of approximately 1,321-acres adjoining the Bisti Substation on New Mexico State Highway 371, north of De-Na-Zin Wash.

The announcement comes after a work session held in August in which NHLC members received a technical briefing on the Feasibility Study for the Paragon-Bisti Solar Ranch from Tetra Tech - a company hired to perform the study.

The Feasibility Study found that approximately 10,000 acres on five major sites are suitable for hosting 2,100 megawatts of solar photovoltaic power - equal to the entire generating capacity of the state of New Mexico. Site 1 could host as much as 290 megawatts of

clean renewable power.

The study was funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Tribal Energy Program, and was completed on June 30, 2015. The Pre-Construction phase includes meeting and recruiting solar developers, surveying, and environmental assessment.

“The Commissioners appreciate the magnitude of this project and we are thankful for the investment by the U.S. Department of Energy,” stated NHLC chair Council Delegate Wa lter Phelps (Ca meron, Coalmine Canyon, Leupp, Tolani Lake, Tsidi To ii).

Navajo-Hopi Land Commission Office executive director Wenona Benally, said the project will set the Nation “on a new path.”

“There is extraordinary potential for the Navajo Nation to develop renewable energy resources on our lands,” added Benally.

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Erin Brockovich visits the Navajo Nation Staff Report

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HIPROCK—Famed environmentalist Erin Brockovich visited the Navajo Nation Sept. 8, to see firsthand the damages caused by the Gold King Mine spill on Aug. 5.

Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye and Vice President Jonathan Nez met with Brockovich in Shiprock, at the hogan of Perr y Begaye, to prov ide a br ief i ng on the water contamination.

Chapter officials, community health representatives, Navajo Abandoned Mine Land staffers and tribal employees were also present for the report.

Brockovich said the plight of water contamination is being played out across the country and commended the efforts of Begaye and Nez to stand up to the US EPA. “You are standing strong for your land, for your people, for your water.

You are out there testing and that is something you will have to continue to do,” Brockovich said. “You cannot rely on the test results the EPA are giving you.”

She encouraged community members to monitor the river and possibly assist with testing the water because there are other mines at risk of breaching.

Erin Brockovich speaks on the Gold King mine spill at a visit to one of three high schools on the Navajo Nation. Photo Credit: Courtesy of OPVP

“This idea we’ve had that pollution through dilution is the solution is not true. The solution to pollution is to stop it,” Brockovich said.

Nez sa id O perat ion To’ L it so ( Yellow Water) wa s executed to respond to the contamination of San Juan River, but was also an acknowledgement of Tleezh Litso (Yellow Dirt), the uranium mining that contaminated tribal land and water at the height of the cold war.

“We framed it that way, by calling it ‘Operation Yellow Water,’ to identify this entire ecosystem damage and the livelihood of our people. We want to raise the awareness of the abandoned uranium mines. They have yet to do cleanup,” said Nez.

The group traveled to Hogback to see the canal that shutoff river water for Hogback, Shiprock and Gadiiahi chapters.

Afterward, they visited the farm of Earl and Cheryl Yazzie, Shiprock residents who lost their crop this year due to the water contamination.

From the premature tassels on the short stalks of corn to the miniature watermelons that should have been full size, the devastation of the family farm’s harvest was evident.

Begaye said farmers depend on their crops to sustain their family economy for the year. They need to be reimbursed for their hardship, he said, adding that the EPA admitted that cleanup of the river will take decades.

At Shiprock High School’s “Chieftain Pit,” Begaye addressed the student body and reassured them that the US EPA would not get away with the river contamination.

“We’ve done that too many times.

Companies come in and extract all kinds of natural resources and they leave their mess behind. We allowed them to get away with it. But not again,” said Begaye.

L ook i ng out i nt o t he st udent body assembled, Begaye said, “This generation will not allow companies to get away w it h dest roy i ng ou r

natura l resources that we enjoy,” he said. We will be looking to you especially the senior class, to carry the mantle.

“You’re going to have to stand your ground. You’re going to have to stand firm and stand up to multi-billion dollar companies. You’re going to protect our people. You’re going to protect our land. You’re going to protect our way of life. You’re going to protect the Navajo Nation,” he said.

Begaye said a single person, a common citizen, can make all the difference in the world.

“You don’t have to be a scientist, you don’t have to have a law degree.

You can be an ordinary person with the passion and love for your people to make a difference,” said Begaye.

“I’m placing all my hopes in this class right here, on the Shiprock Chieftains and the schools across this Navajo Nation to protect our lands, our natural resources and we will continue to be a great nation.”

The group visited a uranium spill site, the Halchita water pumping station, attended the school assembly with students at Monument Valley High School, and met with the Kayenta Township Commission before concluding the tour for the day.

VISIT: www.navajo-nsn.gov

Navajo EPA director testifies before congress Staff Report

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a shing ton, DC – Navajo Nation E nv i r o n me nt a l Protection Administration Executive Director, Dr. Donald Benn, testified before the United States House Committee on Science, Space and Technology Sept. 9.

Benn’s address wa s in regards to the Gold King Mine Spill.

Among other issues, he discussed the devastating effects of the chemical spill on the Navajo Nation and called for greater support from the Federal Government to address the crisis. “ T he Nav a jo Na t ion’s impacts are felt most in the disruption of our cultural principle of hozho, which encompasses beauty, order, and NEWS

harmony, and expresses the idea of striving to maintain balance in the Navajo universe,” he said. “The impairment of the River and the adverse impacts to our farmers and ranchers, and our community as a whole, will mark a moment of community trauma that will be remembered for years to come. This modernized trauma will compound our already significant historical trauma.”

The success of the NNEPA relies on a solid working relationship with USEPA and has always been critical, Benn said.

However, recent events relating to this spill have led to a complete shift in that relationship, as USEPA has sought to quiet our legitimate concerns and has made repeated missteps in their response efforts relating to the incident triggered by their own actions.

“From day one, USEPA has assumed a posture of mitigating losses even while taking the lead on the incident investigation and emergency response.

We have grave concerns about the strong conflict of interest USEPA has with respect to this

investigation and the emergency response,” he said.

Benn made the following specific requests of the Committee: • Resources are needed to address the immediate emergency.

• Resources to study and address the long-term environmental and health impacts of the spill on the community are needed.

• FEMA coordination.

• A critical, independent examination of the existing USEPA orga nization with respect to coordination with the Navajo Nation, with serious consideration given to the creation of a Nava jo USEPA Region or devolution of USEPA authority and funding directly to Navajo Nation’s own Environmental Protection Agency to assume USEPA’s responsibilities for the Navajo people.

• A fair and independent assessment of the role USEPA played in the events leading up to the chemical spill from the Gold King Mine.

This was the first of four

Cong res siona l hea r i ngs scheduled this month on the Gold King Mine Spill. Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye is scheduled to travel to Washington, DC and testify before the US Senate Committee

on Indian Affairs on Sept.16 and before a joint hearing of the US House Natural Resources Committee and Oversight Committee on Sept. 17.

VISIT: www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov

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Gallup Sun • Friday September 11, 2015

9

Panel considers Duran’s impeachment

By Matthew Reichbach NM Political Report

S

anta Fe—The leader of the House of Representatives named 10 members to a panel that will look into the possible impeachment of Secretary of State Dianna Duran.

Speaker of the House Don T r ipp, R- Socor ro, na med f ive Democr at s a nd f ive Republica ns to the pa nel tasked with examining evidence against Duran with serious consequences.

Dura n is facing possible impeachment, which in turn could lead to removal from office, for allegations that she moved campaign funds into personal accounts.

HYPERLINK “http://nmpol i t i c a l r e p o r t .c o m / 1 2 0 51 / ag-sos-used-campaign-fundsfor-persona l-use/” The 64 charges from Attorney General Hector Balderas were filed in late August. The leader of the House of Representatives named ten members to a panel that will look into the possible impeachment of Secretary of State Dianna Duran.

Speaker of the House Don T r ipp, R- Socor ro, na med

f ive Democr at s a nd f ive Republica ns to the pa nel tasked with examining evidence against Duran and examine possible impeachment.

Dura n is facing possible impeachment, which in turn could lead to removal from office, for allegations that she moved campaign funds into personal accounts.

HYPERLINK “http://nmpol i t i c a l r e p o r t .c o m / 1 2 0 51 / ag-sos-used-campaign-fundsfor-persona l-use/” The 64 charges from Attorney General Hector Balderas were filed in late August.

T he 10 n a me s on t he committee are: Sarah Maestas Barnes, R-Albuquerque Gail Chasey, D-Albuquerque Zach Cook, R-Ruidoso Jim Dines, R-Albuquerque Kelly Fajardo, R-Belen Javier Martínez, D-Albuquerque Bill Rehm, R-Albuquerque Patricio Ruiloba, D-Albuquerque Tomás Salazar, D-Las Vegas Jef f St ei nbor n, D - L a s Cruces Chasey and Cook will be the co-chairs of the panel.

Cook was also the co-chair

Secretary of State Diana Duran.

of the last committee to look at i mpeach ment i n 2011, for then-Public Regulation Commissioner Jerome Block Jr. In 2011, Cook was co-chair a long w it h L a s Cr uces Democrat Joseph Cervantes, who has since become a member of the Senate.

Cook and Chasey are also HYPERLINK “http:// blogs. elpasotimes.com/nmcapitolrepor t/tag /joseph-cer vantes-ben-lujan-zachary-cook/” the only two on the new committee who sat on the previous impeachment subcommittee.

Tripp himself was on the Block impeachment subcommittee.

Speaker Tripp made the a nnouncement in a press release.

“One of the heav iest burdens the House of

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Friday September 11, 2015 • Gallup Sun

Representatives carries is determining whether to overturn the results of an election,” Tripp said. “As we begin to conduct an independent analysis of the evidence against Secretary of State Duran, it is critical that the special committee I have appointed approaches this difficult task with the solemnity it deserves.”

Tripp said that he expects the panel “will put partisan politics aside as they follow a process that is fair and unbiased.”

Tripp announced last week that HYPERLINK “http:// nmpoliticalreport.com/12654/ spea ker-for m i ng- comm it t ee - t o -i mpea ch - secre tary-of-state/” he would put the put the panel together after HYPERLINK “http:// nmpoliticalreport.com/12360/ house-dems-if-duran-doesntresign-well-look-to-impeach/” calls from Democratic leadership in the House, as it’s not a regular occurrence.

New Mex ico Pol it ic a l Report previously looked at HYPERLINK “http://nmpol i t i c a l r e p o r t .c o m / 1 2 3 9 4 / what-can-cause-secretary-ofstate-vacancy/” what a possible impeachment would look like.

The ten member panel will

likely hire a counsel to investigate the charges and report back on the details.

An impeachment is not a criminal conviction, but closer to an indictment in criminal proceedings. If the House votes to impeach Duran, then she would stand trial with the Senate as the jury and the House, or a counsel hired by the House, as the prosecutor.

No statewide official has ever been impeached by the House, let alone removed from office by the Senate. In fact, there is no evidence that the House has ever impeached any elected official.

The closest was likely former State Treasurer Robert Vigil. The Democrat resigned before the impeachment could go to the full House. Vigil later served more than two years in prison for corruption charges.

When she won election in 2010, Duran became the first Republican elected as New Mexico Secretary of State since before World War II. She took over after two other scandal-plagued Secretaries of State and campaigned on cleaning up the office.

Visit: www.nmpolitcalreport.com

Udall, Heinrich announces AmeriCorps grants to NM tribes Staff Report

W

A SHINGTON, D.C. – U. S .

S e n a t o r s To m Udall and Martin Heinrich announced that two New Mexico tribes have won AmeriCorps grants to meet critical needs in their communities. The Shiprock Chapter of the Navajo Nation, Navajo AmeriCorps in Nenahnezad and Santo Domingo Pueblo will receive funding totaling $180,387 Sept. 4.

“By bot h helpi ng New Mexico communities thrive a nd of fer i ng A mer iCor ps member s a n oppor t u n it y to gain valuable leadership experience, the AmeriCorps program is truly a win-win,” Udall said. “I’m excited to welcome new AmeriCorps members to Shiprock, Nenahnezad and soon to Santo Domingo

Senator Martin Heinrich

Pueblo. Their work will make a lasting difference to our veterans, youth and tribal communities.”

“Nationa l ser v ice is a critical and cost effective approach to strengthening our communities. This is a rewarding opportunity for A mer iCor ps member s i n

GRANTS | SEE PAGE 11 NEWS

Local trader burglarized, big reward offered

By Babette Herrmann Sun Editor

N

ugget Gallery, located at 1302 S. 2nd St., was hit by burglars over the Labor Day weekend, who made off with a treasure trove of jewels and antique cash, reportedly worth thousands of dollars.

The culprits cut through the back fencing and broke-in on the south side of the building. Instead of going through a door or window, they chose to pry open exterior metal slats, chiseling their way through the drywall into the establishment.

Owner Steve Coleman gathered there were at least two thieves, given the precision of the operation, which he claims were selective in picking the jewelry of key artists from the gallery’s upscale collection.

He discovered the theft on the morning of Sept. 8, after returning to work from a threeday weekend that he and his wife decided to spend out of town.

To add to his woes, he said that none of his extensive collection is covered under an insurance

GRANTS | FROM PAGE 10 Shiprock, Nenahnezad, and Santo Domingo Pueblo to gain valuable experience in improving public health, helping our veterans, and preserving tribal lands,” Heinrich said, a member of the National Service Congressional Caucus and the first AmeriCorp alum to serve in the United States Senate. “As a former AmeriCorps volunteer in New Mexico, I know firsthand that there is no venture more rewarding than working to improve the lives of those around us.”

AmeriCorps is a national service program that engages Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service to meet critical needs. Its members serve thousands of nonprofit and faith-based organizations in rural and urban communities throughout the nation. Among other activities, AmeriCorps members tutor and mentor youth, expand health services, build affordable housing, run after-school programs, help veterans access employment and other services, respond to disasters, and recruit and train other volunteers.

NEWS

The Nugget Gallery reported that up to $300,000 worth of merchandise was stolen from the store over the Labor Day weekend. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Nugget Gallery

policy. However, he does have insurance on the structure.

Coleman estimates that thieves made off with $250,000$300,0000 worth of fine Native American jewelry, silver certificate bills, Morgan and Liberty silver dollars, and more. He said one concho belt stolen was alone worth about $25,000.

Gallup Police Department Capt. Rick White said they are waiting for a list of stolen items from Coleman to officially record the value of the items taken. White also said there was “forensic evidence” left at the scene, which was collected and sent to the Forensic Laboratory Bureau in Santa Fe

for processing.

Coleman asked for consumers and local traders to be on the lookout for individuals selling jewelry designed by Tanya Rafael, Nelvin Burbank or Stewart Billy. He said all three artists typically stamp the inside or backside of their pieces.

Burbank, he said, uses “NB” and Billy “SB.” Rafael spells out her name, or at least on the brooch he showed the Gallup Sun. The culprits were also careful not to break the jewelry cases, even picking the lock on one glass case instead of smashing the glass and taking the contents.

When asked if he thought whether the thieves could be someone in his circle, Coleman said, “I don’t know anyone that would do it.”

He also said the sav v y thieves cut the power, which likely prohibited the alarm system from going off.

“Because it was cut … it didn’t go to the police or alarm company,” he said.

Coleman also said Tuesday that his business phone line was down, but he wasn’t clear if thieves cut the actual line.

Colema n is of fer i ng a $10,000 reward for the capture and arrest of the culprits and can be reached at (505) 8624381. White said anyone with information on the break-in is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at (505) 722-6161.

THE PROJECTS FUNDED BY THE NEW AMERICORPS GRANTS ARE: - Shiprock Chapter of the Navajo Nation — $88,922 to support 16 AmeriCorps members. Based in Shiprock, the members will provide assistance to local veterans and their families, and work with the community to improve tribal lands and waterways.

- Navajo AmeriCor ps — $62,463 to support 12 AmeriCorps members at the Navajo Nenahnezad Chapter.

Members will focus on promoting physical activity, nutrition and food security by improving a community walking path and facilitating a variety of activities with youth and other community members.

- Santo Domingo Pueblo — $29,002 to develop an AmeriCor ps program at Santo Domingo Pueblo.

The program will focus on expanding disaster services through the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Gallup Sun • Friday September 11, 2015

11

Udall wants filibuster reform

By Matthew Reichbach NM Political Report

SCAM ALERT

The City of Gallup wishes to advise its utility customers to be on alert

for a consumer scam. Recently, several customers have reported receiv-

S

anta Fe—Since joining the Senate in 2009, Sen. Tom Udall has been one of the main critics of the excessive use of the filibuster in the chamber.

becoming part of the minority.

That legislation, co-sponsored with Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., restrict the use of filibusters when it came to judicial appointments. To be more specific, it would restrict the current way that filibusters are used and would instead require

ing phone calls demanding payment for a delinquent utility bill to be paid by a prepaid card which must be purchased at a local store.

The scammer gives the customer about 45 minutes to pay by using the prepaid card; if not, their utility services will be shutoff.

The City of Gallup DOES NOT contact its customers over the phone to collect payments by prepaid card or other means.

If you receive a phone call making such a demand on behalf of the City, hang-up and immediately report the matter to Tanya Martinez at the City Attorney’s Office at (505) 863-1270.

12

Friday September 11, 2015 • Gallup Sun

Congress Donna Edwards and Sen. Tom Udall. Photo Credit. NM Political Report

At the time, Udall was a member of the majority party and Senate Republicans frequently used the filibuster to stop legislation they disagreed with. Now, however, the shoe is on the other foot and Udall is in the minority.

A nd t h a t D emo c r a t ic minority now uses the filibuster to stop legislation they disagree with.

Bloomberg recently wrote about the change and said that “filibuster opponents had “gone quiet” since moving into the minority.

Udall still committed to a talking filibuster When in the majority, Udall frequently spoke about the practice—even on the Senate floor.

In a statement to, New Mexico Political Report, Udall says he hasn’t changed his mind on the filibuster since becoming part of the minority.

“Americans are as frustrated and angry with the lack of progress in the Senate as ever, and one of the biggest problems is still the abuse of the filibuster,” Udall said. “The filibuster was supposed to be used to ensure the minority’s voice was heard.

I still support a talking filibuster — if you oppose a bill or nominee, you should go to the floor and explain yourself.”

Udall’s office noted legislation that he introduced is on the Senate’s calendar and could be brought up by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell at any time.

Udall spoke—again—about this legislation while on the Senate floor, this time after

a “talking filibuster.”

Think o f Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and the famous Jimmy Stewart filibuster scene.

Instead, what we have now is, well, cloture. If something has support of 60 members of the Senate, they can invoke cloture and limit the time of debate.

Filibusters used to stop debate Udall explained what he sees as a problem with the Senate and the current way filibusters are used.

“My concern is when bills are blocked without seeing actual debate in the Senate, often for political reasons unrelated to the legislation being filibustered (for example, an unrelated Obamacare amendment to an energy bill),” Udall’s statement read. “And I will keep working reform the rules so the Senate can get back to working for the American people again.”

Still, for all his concerns, Udall is still willing to vote along with his Democratic colleagues to filibuster Republican legislation. He has pledged to stop Republican legislation to block a deal between the United States and Iran to restrict Iran from gaining nuclear weapons.

“I have always and will always support any senator’s right to make a case against bad legislation, and I will join my colleagues to fight bad legislation, such as the bill to block the Iran nonproliferation agreement,” Udall said.

VISIT: www.nmpoliticalreport.com NEWS

OPINIONS

By Joe Schaller

PART 3 IN A SERIES CHAPTER THREE – A MORALITY PLAY WITHOUT MORALS SOCIALISM: The politically incorrect synonym for collectivist ‘social justice’ and contemporary ‘progressivism’, as well as today’s Democratic Party system of choice.

SOCI A L J USTICE: The distribution or redistribution of wealth, opportunities or privileges in a society. Social justice is a euphemism for an economic mugging by political force.

PROGRESSIVISM: Politically correct for socialism, collectivism, economic fascism or statism.

POLITICA L RELIGION: Government ideologies attaining power equivalent to those of a state religion, with which they often exhibit significant similarities in both theory and practice. These include fascism, socialism and Islamic fundamentalism.

THE REL IGION OF SOCIALISM: Brings back religion from heaven to earth - the utopian paradise. Socialism

looks beyond to another and a higher social life in this world through whose ultimate possibilities the socialist finds his ideal, his religion. It is a morality play without the morality.

The French Revolution, Italian fascism, Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union are all examples of socialist religions.

SOCIALISM AS MODERN DAY SLAVERY: Freedom of speech, freedom of the press, democracy, freedom of religion and freedom of association cannot exist in the absence of free market economy. If a man cannot keep the fruits of his labor, if the government has full control over his economic activity – that man is nothing but a slave. Every increase of government’s economic power comes at the expense

MADAME G

of individual liberty with less freedom of choice left to the individual.

W E L FA R E S L AV E R Y: Welfare handouts, erroneously refer red to a s entit lement s, ma ke people dependent. As the opposite of independence, dependence is a form of slavery. The insidious degradation of society by welfare dependency was observed by Ben Franklin in the 18 th century. Economist Thomas Sowell puts it this way, “Helping those who have been struck by unforeseeable misfortunes is fundamentally different from making dependency a way of life.”

SOCIALIST LABORATORY: What is the longest running socialist experiment? Modern socialism began in America,

on Indian reservations. They had as a goal to keep the native population in poverty, impotent and dependent on government.

For some reason, textbooks do not offer a page or two on the corruption, the bureaucratization, and the multigenerational poverty created by tribal-run socialism.

1960s WAR ON POVERTY LEGACY OF FAILURE: The pover ty rate among black families fell from 87% in 1940 to 47% in 1960. It dropped 1% in the 1970s. 16 trillion dollars later to this day the poverty rate has not dropped. The war succeeded in disintegrating black and American Indian families changing welfare

LEXICON | SEE PAGE 14

GUIDE TO THE STARS WEEK OF SEPT. 11-17

Madame G is feeling a renewed sense of purpose from the intense effects of the upcoming Solar Eclipse on Sept. 13.

The New Moon in Virgo influences those sensitive signs. But have no fear Madame G is here to guide you.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct.22)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Madame G acknowledges your independent spirit. But, don’t let your mood and self-involvement push those you love away. The Solar Eclipse encourages generosity and community. Take your anger and fear and put it towards helping others. Consider volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, or other community events and feel good.

There’s not a lot you can do this week, but weather the storm. Your friends aren’t ignoring you; they’re busy and overwhelmed. Fight your nature and do something nice for your coworker who’s got baby food stuck to her blouse, or your neighbor with an overgrown lawn. They’ll notice and thank you later.

Your nerves are on a razor’s edge. Maybe the hairs on the back of your neck are sticking up for good measure. It’s understandable with Mercury in Libra there’s the potential for anything. It could be the look from new love or an exciting adventure. Whatever it is be ready to share it and yourself with come what may.

Expect the unexpected. Finances have been on your mind. Now is the time for that lucrative opportunity. It may appear suddenly or will kick off due to your hardwork and careful planning. Emotions are turbulent and out of control. Take this as a sign for change and of better things to come.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Sparks light the way for you. After a short break or mental pause, this could be just the jolt you need. Mars leaves Scorpio this weekend, but while in Sagittarius it increases all areas of your life: wealth, creativity, and luck. With all the hills you’ve climbed this week your tenacity pushes you towards your life’s purpose.

Your ready! It’s in the way they walk or that sudden burst of brilliance. Don’t fly down the path out of control. Use your best judgment and remain steady. You’re not there yet. Keep your eyes on the prize and don’t forget your objective. Now is not the time for frivolous spending take care and you’ll get there.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

Loosing something can be as good as finding it. It may not feel great at first, but it may just recharge your batteries.

Everything may fall apart around you, but this often happens because of your stubborn unchanging behavior. Take this time of new challenges as a sign of better things to come just around the corner.

Someone is attempting to take advantage of your gentle spirit. Use your intelligence and strong network to combat this nasty outcome. Ask for help when you need it.

Remember don’t take it personally. People rarely act our of pure malice, but don’t let them get away with the “it’s just business” mode. Take charge of what’s yours.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Have no fear Taurus is here. This is a time of change and disruption. The New Moon shakes it up. Change is difficult, especially for the routine loving Taurus. This is not the time to stick your heels-in and veg out on the couch. Take charge and, do what you do, take care of family and friends guiding your finances towards security.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Got Sleep? As one of the signs most influenced by this solar event, Mercury and Uranus can lead you to exciting realms of thinking and lead to late nights.

Put those communication talents to use apply for that new position, or finish that unfinished manuscript. Fight your instinct for surface dwelling and dig deep.

OPINIONS

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) This is a high time for you. Your audience of admirers is growing. Those around you need your balanced and generous spirit.

Your career grows in leaps and bounds, as your ambition matches skill. Beware of your melodramatic tendency and provide your aura of confidence to those in need and the universe will love you even more.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) The solar eclipse combined with Mercury/ Uranus urges you to be ready for anything.

As an earth sign, this is the time for purposeful and grounded reflection.

Take the time to assess your physical and emotional needs. Use your analytical mind to overcome this bump in the road and reach out to those you love. They miss you.

Gallup Sun • Friday September 11, 2015

13

Victory for Working Families: NM Supreme Court enforces wage laws

By Michael Sanchez NM Political Report

S

ANTA FE—Unions have made huge contributions throughout America’s history – Social Security, child labor laws, the 40 work week, and so on. Working men and women make enormous contributions to our country daily.

Here in New Mexico, the building trades unions successfully fought a recent legal battle to ensure that workers are treated fairly through enforcement of the prevailing wage law. This will improve the economic conditions of workers’ families. Prevailing wage laws open a door to career paths for young people. They deliver increased productivity and economic growth.

Our state Supreme Court has been vigilant in protecting the wages and benefits of workers. Earlier this summer the Court struck down a key policy of Gov. Susana Martinez’s Workforce Solutions Department that wrongly withheld the pay of workers on road and construction projects financed with state dollars.

The Court’s opinion said workers on public projects like school construction and road repair were shortchanged by the State of between 5 and 35 percent of the pay that was due them over five years. For a worker earning $43,000 annually, for example, that might mean having a $14,000 cut.

The justices ordered the State to halt the practice immediately. Such labor victories are rare these days.

The issue centers on ‘prevailing wages’. New Mexico has a law on the books, like many other states that require construction wages and benefits paid under State contracts must be

14

Michael Sanchez. Photo Credit: Courtesy of NM Political Report

no lower than locally prevailing wages and benefits for the same kind of work.

It is a minimum wage law applicable to skilled workers on taxpayer-financed construction projects. The prevailing wage rate is market based, the result of collective bargaining agreements between employers and ‘employees’ unions.

Prevailing wage laws like ours have long operated as a check against the tendency of some in the construction industry to engage in destructive wage and price competition. Such competition can drive skilled and experienced workers from the industry, reduce work quality, productivity and job safety. It also can lead to race-to-the-bottom, poverty-level jobs – all without saving the taxpayers any money.

The Administration wants to repeal New Mexico’s prevailing wage law.

It has been unsuccessful in doing so.

Instead the DWS simply refused to

Friday September 11, 2015 • Gallup Sun

comply with the law, resulting in thousands of workers on public projects being deprived of their rightful pay.

Proponents of repeal say it will knock down construction costs. To be sure, we all want efficiency in spending scarce state dollars on needed public projects.

But research shows that prevailing wage laws do not raise costs to government. Contrary to the simplistic views of those who want the law repealed, higher wages do not lead to higher contract costs.

The reason is simple: higher wages produce better trained workers who are more productive. Family-sustaining wages, health coverage and pensions attract and retain workers. For example, a skilled electrician with years of experience gets the job done right the first time. This know-how translates into lower costs due to fewer expensive errors and less need for supervisors.

Higher retention lowers recruitment and screening costs. And higher wages promote the use of labor saving

technology and management practices that keep per-square-foot costs low.

Projects come in under-budget, ahead of schedule, with fewer injuries and lower worker compensation costs.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, “prevailing wage laws can enhance state revenues, industry income, and non-wage benefits for workers; lower future maintenance and repair costs, reduce occupational injuries and fatalities, and increase the pool of skilled construction workers – to the benefit of both the public and the construction industry”.

The Administration’s spokesman called the Court’s order to enforce the law “a huge loss for taxpayers”. Nothing could be further from the truth.

“It’s time to protect the paychecks of New Mexico workers. It’s commonsense and it’s long overdue,” Gov. Martinez declared in her State of the State address earlier this year.

I couldn’t agree more.

Visit: www.nmpoliticalreport. com

LEXICON | FROM PAGE 13

programs on public works created a double-dip depression.

SU BSIDY: Money t hat i s pa id usually by a government to keep the price of a product or service low or to help a business or organization to continue to function. Subsidies are components of cor porate welfare, crony corporatism and progressive statism.

KEYNESIAN ECONOMICS: The rather pea-brained notion that government can spend its way into economic prosperity.

GALLUP’S ECONOMIC DISPARITY: McKinley County NM and Navajo Nation receive $billions in federal monies yet has the #2 national ranking for poverty while Gallup was recently ranked number one for millionaires per capita in the country. Obtaining government contracts is the key to success in Gallup along with anti-capitalist policies on the Navajo Nation funneling most sales dollars off the reservation.

ECONOMIC FREEDOM INDEX: Economic freedom is the fundamental right of every human to control his or her own labor and property.

According to the index, the cornerstones of economic freedom are personal choice, voluntary exchange, freedom to compete, and security of privately owned property. Various economic freedom indices objectively rank countries, states and regions.

McKinley County NM has one of the worst ratings in North America. The index is ignored by the PC progressive establishment.

from an emergency rescue to a way of life.

GOVERNMENT SECTOR CRONY UNIONISM: Literally a conspiracy between politicians, bureaucrats, and labor unions to create and sustain a fourth branch of government specifically designed to increase the cost, size, and power of government. Now that unions have laid much of the private sector to waste the share of unions members are increasingly coming from the public sector. We in effect get government employees using government funds to campaign for the expansion of government.

FIREFIGHTERS COUNTRY CLUB:

By NFPA standards, the Gallup firefighters union has finagled their way into 4 fire stations in a town requiring one or two, 49 firefighters when 25 to 35 would suffice, and a fire department budget of $4.3 million when well under $3 million would be appropriate.

UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF MINIMUM WAGE LAWS: Increased unemployment among teenagers, racial minorities and unskilled labor… Price inflation… Small business suffers to the benefit of big business.

PUBLIC WORKS: Diverting capital from the private sector for wasteful massive government spending projects, with the unintended consequence of inhibiting healthy job creation. As the economy recovered during the Great Depression, FDR’s New Deal spending

OPINIONS

COMMUNITY Ribbon cutting opens 69th Navajo Nation Fair Staff Report

W

i nd ow R o ck – Off ice of the Na v a j o Na t io n President a nd Vice President Ambassador Peterson Zah performed the ceremonial ribbon cutting to open the 69th Annual Navajo Nation Fair Sept. 9.

A m ba s s a dor Z a h w a s joined by Martin Begaye, from the Navajo Nation Fair Office; Arbin Mitchell, Chief of Staff from the Speaker’s Office; and Navajo Nation Attorney General Ethel Branch.

Also in attendance were Jesse Delmar, Director of the Depar tment of Public S a f e t y, M a r t y A s h l e y, Executive Director of the Nava jo Ta x Com m ission, B i d t a h B e c k e r, A c t i n g Director of the Department of Natural Resources and T here s a Hopk i n s f rom t he Tele com mu n ic a t ion s Regulatory Commission.

With the ribbon cutting, the

Chief of Staff for the Speaker’s Office Arbin Mitchell holds one end of the ceremonial ribbon as Ambassador Peterson Zah cuts it while Navajo Nation Attorney General Ethel Ranch holds the other end. Photo Credit: Courtesy

Navajo Nation Fair has opened its gates to a stacked schedule of performances and events that will take place throughout the week up until Sept. 13.

‘Creative Business as Usual’

“We have things going on all week. We have rodeos. We’ll have a barbeque on Thursday afternoon. Thursday is Kid’s Day and we’ll also have an Elder Fest in the morning at the powwow arena,” said Begay. “We invite everyone to come out to the Navajo Nation

Fair. There are a lot of things going on.”

One of the fair’s main attractions is the parade, which will take place on Sept. 12.

“It’s the granddaddy of them all. The parade starts in the state of New Mexico and ends in the state of Arizona,”

Zah said. “Non-Indian people, politicians, congressional people and state representatives, they all love to participate in the Navajo Nation Fair Parade.”

The Navajo Nation Fair has a long history of bringing people together to celebrate ha r vest, competition a nd camaraderie. It’s a celebration in which the Navajo people invite and host many other tribes from across the nation.

“It’s a gathering place for the Navajo people. Years and years ago this is where the people came together to renew their friendship and acquaintances. This is where they came to meet relatives. They also came here to show each other what they grew: watermelon, cor n, squa sh a nd everything.”

In the spirit of coming together to share food, fun and cultural entertainment, the Navajo Nation Fair is an annual destination not to be missed. For more information about the schedule of events, go to: www.navajonationfair. com Visit: www.dpm.navajo-nsm.gov

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(505) 722-5017 Local artist Ric Sarracino doesn’t mind the busy downtown distractions as he refreshens the Richardson’s Trading mural Sept. 4. Photo Credit: David Tom

COMMUNITY

Deadline Sept. 30, 2015 Gallup Sun • Friday September 11, 2015

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Navajo Nation celebrates liquor store closures Staff Report

N

AHATA DZIIL, Ariz.

– Approximately 60 community members celebrated the close of local liquor business. The participants included: Nahata Dziil Chapter officials, Navajo Nation Council members, Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission, and Apache County Board of Supervisor Barry Weller gathered at Nahata Dziil Chapter on Sept. 3. President Russell Begaye signed off on documents to finalize the purchase of three separate properties, on which Ole Red Barn Liquor, High Country Liquor, and Lee’s Liquor once operated near the community of Nahata Dziil.

T he celebrator y event marked the culmination of years of collaborative efforts to close the liquor establishments that have plagued surrounding Navajo communities and have led to disproportionate levels of crime including, assaults, thefts, sexual assaults, and homicides.

Council Delegate Raymond Smith, Jr. (Houck, Klagetoh, Nahata Dziil, Tsé Si áni, Wide Ruins), who represents several communities that have been impacted by the liquor businesses, commended local community members who formed the Renewal of Hope Task Force to work with tribal, county, and state officials to shut down the businesses.

“The permanent shutdown of the local liquor establishments resulted from the perseverance of the local people and this moves us a step toward restoring harmony amongst our communities,” he Smith.

Smith added that the closure of the businesses allows

President Russell Begaye and Vice President Jonathon Nez stand in front of the shuttered Ole Red Barn liquor store in Sanders, Ariz., now owned by the tribe. Photo Credit: Courtesy of OPVP

them to pursue positive economic opportunities that will help the communities.

“The people want businesses that are beneficial such as restaurants and grocery stores,” Smith said.

In March 2014, chair of the Renewal of Hope Task Force Char James, came before the Council’s Naabik’iyátí’ Committee to request the assistance of the Council to urge county and state officials to deny the renewal of four liquor licenses for the former owner, Gary McDonald.

McDonald, who was facing several felony charges including weapons and drug charges related to the sale of methamphetamine in nearby communities, later attempted to sell the licenses to an associate prior to pleading guilty to the felony charges.

In response, Council members unanimously approved a resolution urging the Apache County Board of Supervisors,

the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control, the Arizona State Liquor Board, and all other appropriate agencies to reject the renewal or transfer of the liquor licenses MacDonald.

Along with that resolution, Council members issued a directive to the Office of the Speaker and the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission to ensure that the licenses were not renewed or transferred.

I n J a n u a r y, S p e a k e r LoRenzo Bates (Nenahnezad, Newcomb, Sa n Jua n, Tiis Tsoh Sikaad, Tse’Daa’Kaan, Upper Fruitland) and Council

members arranged for the transportation of 80 community members to attend a hearing in Phoenix in which the Arizona Liquor Board considered and unanimously denied the sale of the liquor licenses from McDonald to his associate.

Bates commended the various groups for working together and expending a tremendous amount of time and resources to ensure that Navajo communities are safer, while adding he supports the community’s will to use the property for a meaningful purpose.

“For years and decades, our people have been victimized by the local liquor establishments and I stand with you and congratulate your community for ensuring that the victimization of this community ends,” he said.

Council Delegate Leonard Tsosie (Baca / Prewitt, Casamero Lake, Counselor, Littlewater, Ojo Encino, Pueblo Pintado, Torreon, Whitehorse Lake) was also in attendance and recalled the pleas of the task force members when they came before the Naabik’iyátí’ Committee last March and said the efforts of the community should serve as an example for other communities.

“When you came to Council it was not looking good and I am glad to see you happy once again,” Delegate Tsosie said.

“The people are happy and that’s what matters.”

Nahata Dziil Commission president Darryl Ahasteen thanked all of the groups for their assistance and said the chapter looks forward to developing positive businesses, adding that the commission is currently working toward establishing themselves as a township.

“This was team work and not the result of one individual,” said Ahasteen.

VISIT: www.navajonationcouncil.org

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Behavioral Health Services ‘Grand Opening’

RMCHCS CEO David Conejo shares some of the offerings the new Behavioral Health Services facility will offer during a grand opening presentation Sept. 9. More than 100 people showed up to the afternoon event.

Dr. Tom Carmany shares his thoughts, and enthusiasm, on the new BHS facility.

Tom Martinez (in yellow shirt) presents a check for $3,900 to David Cuellar of Veterans Helping Veterans, on Sept. 4. The check was for the proceeds from the 7th Annual Lions Club/Veterans Golf Tournament on Aug. 23. Martinez said that Fox Run Golf Course was in better shape than it had been and the 30 golfers all had a good time. The winners of the tournament were the team of Bud Knight, Rob Dimas, and Ray Moore. Photo Credit: Tom Hartsock

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5/7/15 3:05 PM

THE VISIT includes plenty of chills and gallows humor

By Glenn Kay For the Sun

RATING: ««« OUT OF 4 RUNNING TIME: 94 MIN.

A

fter watching dozens of found footage films, I’ve developed something of a pet peeve with the format. So many entries in this horror subgenre feature characters so deeply flawed (or simply obnoxious) that they come across as grating and annoying. And when you don’t like the protagonists, it quickly kills the suspense.

Frankly, in these types of flicks most of the inevitable demises can’t come soon enough. So it’s with some relief that The Visit bucks the trend. And a large part of it has to do with the young leads. Here’s a real shocker for you - they’re actually likable.

The cr u x of the stor y involves aspiring filmmaker Becca (Olivia DeJonge) and her freestyle-rapping brother Tyler (Ed Oxenbould). Due to a mysterious, long-standing dispute, the pair have never met their grandparents. This all changes

when the two are invited on a trip to finally meet up. Becca brings along her camera with the intention of creating a documentary that may improve relations between family members.

But not long after their arrival, the pair are taken aback by the increasingly bizarre behavior of their Nana (Deanna Dunagan) and Pop Pop (Peter McRobbie).

This movie is a slow burn with a dark streak of humor running throughout. The polite guests initially chalk everything up to the eccentricity of old people and the movie garners laughs from the kids double takes of what they’re seeing. Yet the grandparents become more imposing and threatening and the tone slowly changes.

The young cast effectively straddles the line between comedy and fear, which is no easy task. The amusingly written dialogue helps. This includes a running gag that features Tyler using the names of female singers in place of expletives (so as not to offend his grandparents).

Over the course of the film, he runs through a sizable list.

Still, there are plenty of hair-raising turns. There’s a great scene involving a game of hide and seek that takes

Olivia DeJonge, Ed Oxenbould, and Deanna Dunagan star in the Visit, which opens in theaters Sept.

11. Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

an unexpectedly weird turn.

Director M. Night Shyamalan creates some memorable images of the elder characters, sometimes standing still and at other moments clawing and moving rapidly throughout the house. Another notable sequence includes the most uncomfortable game of Yahtzee

ever captured on camera.

As mentioned, many of the odd and eccentric interactions end with a gag to alleviate tension. These moments work surprisingly well and even help build a creeping sense of unease. It all builds nicely as events spiral out of control and leads to the film’s surreal

highlight - a gross-out sequence during the climax of the film (you’ll know it when you see it) that isn’t particularly graphic, but is difficult to forget.

The cast really goes to town selling this material, and it appears as though Shyamalan has taken great care to develop the characters. Each individual has a personal issue, and all are dealt with over the course of the movie. As far as the found footage format goes, all of the questions viewers might have about what they’re seeing and why they’re seeing it are resolved.

Of course, the trope of having persons continue to film while being chased isn’t avoided, but everything else is accounted for. It’s a nicely contained story (with a red herring or two) that wraps itself up in a clear and concise way.

The Visit is not a horror masterpiece, but it is a fun and effective take on the subgenre that slowly builds an eerie vibe before delivering plenty of spine-tingling chills and gallows humor. It may be the most disturbing family reunion ever captured on tape, but this viewer still found himself leaving the home of Nana and Pop Pop with a grin on his face.

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18

Friday September 11, 2015 • Gallup Sun

COMMUNITY

DVD/Blu-ray Roundup for September 11, 2015

By Glenn Kay For the Sun

H

ello once again. It’s time to take a look at what’s new for the week on DVD and Blu-ray. 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!

The Age of Adaline - This romance title involves a woman who has an accident and soon finds that she can no longer age. Nearly 80 years later, she falls for a guy, but struggles with letting him in on her secret. Reviewers were split on the movie. Some found it to be a sweet concoction that would appeal to those who enjoyed similar titles like The Time Traveller’s Wife. Others called it ridiculous and absurd, wasting a good cast. It stars Blake Lively, Harrison Ford, Michiel Huisman, Kathy Baker and Ellen Burstyn.

American Heist - An ex-con with no prospects convinces his reformed brother to assist him on one last bank robbery.

From then on out, viewers witness a well-planned and executed heist. Just kidding. Of COMMUNITY

course, one assumes that the cash grab does not go cleanly and that there are significant hiccups. The press did not like the flick, calling it dull and derivative. One even suggested that the only thing it stole was 90 minutes of his precious time.

Ouch! For those who want to take a chance on it, the cast includes Hayden Christensen, Adrian Brody and Jordana Brewster.

Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th - Here’s something interesting for 80s horror movie fans. Based on the non-fiction book of the same name, this documentary uses hundreds of interviews with cast and crew members of the famous “slasher” series to document its entire history (from the first movie to the recent reboot) in a feature. It also features never-before-seen outtakes and behind-the-scenes footage from the various productions. With a running time listed online of well over 6 hours, it has been described as an exhaustively detailed look into the films. Internet reviews have even suggested that the doc is actually much better than the films it chronicles.

The Editor - This low-budget horror flick is a homage to Italian “giallo” thrillers made by the likes of Dario Argento and Mario Bava. The story follows a film editor working on a suspense picture. When members of the cast and crew start getting murdered, he becomes the main suspect and must conduct his own investigation to clear his name. More horror aficionados liked this title than disliked it. While some thought the joke eventually wore thin, most found it to be a funny, near perfect emulation of these types of films, from the lighting and camerawork right down to the post-production voice-dubbing.

BLASTS FROM THE PAST!

Criterion is giving Brian De Palma fans a treat with the Bluray of Dressed to Kill (1980).

It’s a classic little thriller oozing style and technical smarts that follows a teenager and a call girl who team to solve a murder in Manhattan. There’s more to it of course, but that would give away all the fun.

There wa s a n attempt to release this title a month ago, but a technical glitch delayed its release and correct version is now available (it’s marked Second Printing on the back).

Extras include a restored 4K digital transfer of the Unrated version, new interviews with the director and stars, as well as the bonus features that were made available on the out-ofprint 2001 DVD release. I’m looking forward to picking it up.

A l s o arriving on Blu-ray is a Shout!

Factory special edition of the Wes Craven cult horror flick, Shocker (1989). It’s not one of the late director’s better movies (if fact, it may be his most absurd), but it definitely isn’t boring. A mad killer on death row manages to turn himself into an electrical entity and moves through circuits and television sets to stalk new prey. Frankly, it’s incredibly dopey, but it’s hard not to laugh and be entertained by the over-the-top climax, in which the villain and protagonist fight against a backdrop of several television programs.

Perhaps that explains some its cult appeal. The disc itself contains two commentary tracks (including one with director Craven), making-of clips, new interviews with cast and crewmembers as well as trailers and stills. I’ve heard it’s a solid transfer, so fans will definitely want to pick it up.

With the Cr yst a l Lake Memories release, Paramount have also decided to re-release all of the Friday the 13th films in double feature sets, each containing two films. So you can pick up parts 1 and 2 on their own, or

3 and 4, or 5 and 6, etc., as you see fit.

K i no h ave a few new releases as well. Defiance (19 8 0) w it h Ja n - M ich a el Vincent and Danny Aiello is a gritty action flick in the Death Wish mold that follows a loner who takes on a gang in a New York neighborhood. The Honey Pot (1967) is crime comedy about a devious millionaire attempting to con three wealthy socialites. The cast includes Rex Harrison, Cliff Robertson and Susan Hayward.

Hornet’s Nest (1970) is a WWII movie with Rock Hudson about a lone soldier who makes a deal behind enemy lines with some youths to help him blow up a Nazi dam. Finally, Jan-Michael Vincent gets his second title of the week with Vigilante Force (1976). In this exploitation action flick, he teams with Kris Kristofferson.

The pair play brothers who try to clean up crime from their town - however, things end up going south when they gain power and become corrupt themselves. Curiously enough, it was directed by George Armitage (who would later go on to helm a couple of fantastic flicks, Miami Blues and Grosse Pointe Blank).

Kino Classic also have The Epic of Everest (1924). This black and white documentary was an official record of climbers Irvine and Mallory and their ill-fated attempt to reach the summit of Everest.

The movie includes some of the earliest images captured from the area.

While it has already come out in a big box set, Arrow Video are now releasing a regular Blu-ray/DVD combo of the horror satire, Society (1989).

Ever wanted to know what obscenely wealthy Beverly Hills socialites do behind closed doors? It sure isn’t pretty in this gruesome flick.

Beyond a sharp, fresh digital transfer of the film, the release includes loads of nifty extras with director Brian Yuzna (B r i d e of R e -Anim at o r), including a new commentary and interviews. There are also featurettes with the cast and crew. For those interested, it’s an impressive-looking package.

Beat Takeshi fans will be happy to see the actor’s take on Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman (2003) finally

being re-released on Blu-ray from LionsGate. The previous edition is long out-of-print and had been going for $80 through most online retailers.

Universal are debuting a couple of catalog titles on Blu-ray for the first time. They include the Nic Cage drama The Family Man (2000) and the quirky Coen Brothers/ Billy Bob Thornton film noir homage, The Man Who Wasn’t There (2001).

YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS! Looks like there are a couple of DVD reissues of children’s features as well as some newer material this week.

Check them out below.

The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle (2000 Robert DeNiro movie)

Over the Garde n Wall (Cartoon Network) Clifford’s Really Big Movie (2004) Jetsons: The Movie (1990) Mi c k e y Mo u se Clubhouse: Mickey’s Monster Musical Sesame Street: Play All Day With Elmo Thomas & Friends: Sodor’s Legend of the Lost Treasure The Movie

Gallup Sun • Friday September 11, 2015

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SPORTS 360

Predicting a winner

By Tom Hartsock Sun Correspondent

I

n continuing thoughts about what makes a winning team, or individual, events of the past week quickly come to mind. Yes, Virginia, (to paraphrase an almost forgotten column) there are great athletes in this world, even in a small town like Gallup.

Some of them come from the pricey homes on the hill, and some come from the depths of deprivation and want. You can’t tell which, when they are all young and of nearly equal size and stature. The differences between them and the ‘average’ child normally don’t show up until puberty, though some would claim that those who are coached, even reasonably well, from an early age are obvious to pick out before then.

In January, I learned of a young boy, 10, who excels in baseball to the point that he has been picked to play on an 11-12 year old traveling team next season. He has exceptional physical skills.

His coach is his dad, who was also a pretty decent ballplayer.

The dad opted for a better education though, choosing Ohio State academics with a National Merit Scholarship in hand. But he never let go of the sport he loved.

His only son is my namesake and when they visited Gallup a year ago, I got to watch him put this youngster

832 N US Hwy 491 Gallup, NM 87301 (505) 863-8049

through a pretty rigorous workout every day. Actually the boy demanded it, especially after he saw the artificially-turfed fields in Ford Canyon.

The young boy’s athleticism went beyond baseball and into other areas, quite easily it seemed. Flat-footed, he had a vertical leap of more than two feet, and though he wasn’t extremely fast he was able to maneuver very well through obstacle courses that his dad set for him. He could climb a doorway as easily as walking on flat ground and could nimbly lift himself into a tree and climb it to the top.

In baseball, he could throw faster than most pitchers I watched in the Pee-Wee Reese Regional Tournament and his dad told me that in summer ball this year, against his own age or older, he had never had more than two strikes in any at-bat and was hitting at a clip that put him on base three of four times when he wasn’t being walked. He only had two home runs all year – playing almost 40 games – but that is only a very small part of the game and really doesn’t figure into this story.

But here is the rest of the story, as Paul Harvey used to say. Few professional athletes of the highest caliber were ever quite this good when they were young. Oh, some were, competing in the Little League World Series perhaps or winning races in track or playing some other sport. But very few kids

will ever compete at the top pro levels in any sport, and all you have to do is look at the statistics to see the reality.

High school varsity athletes that want to play in college will soon find that only 10 percent will be chosen for that task in any sports. Of those, only about five percent will ever get paid a decent salary for playing as a pro. And the top money will only go to perhaps two percent of those top-level professionals.

Do you get the message yet?

The dad in my story is a smart man and loves his son, and yes, he would love to see him play Major League Baseball some day. But he is also aware of not just the above statistics, but also of the realities that face every young

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player along the way.

Hormones, peer pressure, accidents, illnesses, and sometimes a complete divergence from a way of life that parents want their kids to follow. At some point, it isn’t up to what dad or mom wants, it is about what the maturing person wants. And that really is the rest of the story.

I hope all the dreams you have for your children come true, but don’t bet the farm on the outcome. There will come a time when it is their decision.

“But very few kids will ever compete at the top pro levels in any sport, and all you have to do is look at the statistics to see the reality.”

Let them grow, let them make choices, but keep on loving them in wins and in losses.

Hope to see you in the bleachers this coming week, somewhere, sometime! Keep your hair combed just in case my camera follows you around.

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SPORTS

Gallup Legends Softball Association Tournament Gallup Legends Softball Association Labor Day Weekend tournament has been going on for many years

under four different names and involves teams from outside the area. Women play in a 40-and-over division,

while men are split into 50-and-over and 60-and-over.

Photos by Tom Hartsock

Pam Garcia waits patiently for the ball to reach her before smacking it to an open area.

Everyone is looking at this hit by David Martinez.

Team photo of Ernie’s 60-and-over team.

Tom Piano takes an awkward looking swing but finished this at-bat by getting on base.

SPORTS

Kimber Crowe attacks the pitch vigorously, but the hit resulted in a fly out for the experienced slugger.

The oldest player on any field, Lawrence Talamante is 90 and a half years old but plays Tom Mortenson drives the ball well in the 50-and-over division on Sept. 5 at every game as if he is nine.

Mickey Mantle Park.

Gallup Sun • Friday September 11, 2015

21

“Gallup team and fans celebrate first win in two years”

Here come the Bengals, set to win their first football game in almost two years.

Colton Lowley (7) throws a pass downfield to a receiver during first quarter action Sept. 4 against Bernalillo. Gallup High won for the first time in almost two years, soundly defeating Bernalillo, 41-0. Lowley was 7-14 passing for 191 yards and three touchdowns and a two-point conversion.

The Gallup High Bengals’ Girls’ Dance Team had bright faces and big smiles on Sept. 4, though they kept their coats on to stay warm.

The Bengal team lined up behind the coaches for the opening ceremony on Sept. 4.

Isaiah Malcolm runs a punt back against Bernalillo on Sept. 4.

Malcolm had four catches for 95 yards, ran for 75 more, scored three touchdowns and kicked a PAT to lead the Bengal scoring.

The sky was overcast and even a little rain fell just before the start of the Gallup High game on Sept. 4. The Bengal boys forced the sun to come out for the cheer team and spectators with an overpowering win, 41-0, over Bernalillo. Photos by Tom Hartsock

CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Looking for a career minded individual that can gain new accounts and manage existing ones. Sales experience preferred, but will train right candidate. Commission & Mileage. Email resume: gallupsun@gmail.com CABIN FOR SALE Cabin for sale on 1.5 acres in the Zuni mountains 20 minutes from Grants.

For information call 505-2402112.

DELIVERY DRIVER Gallup Sun is hiring indepen-

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Send work history/resume to: gallupsun@gmail.com HOUSE FOR SALE Horse property close to town.

7 acres, barn, stalls, updated large 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage home.

Shown by appt. only. Call 505-488-3502 PHOTOGRAPHER Do you take great photos and don’t mind writing captions and following a few basic rules? Apply as a freelance photographer for the Gallup Sun. Email: gallupsun@ gmail.com

22 Friday September 11, 2015 • Gallup Sun

REPORTER Gallup Sun is looking for experienced or eager to learn freelance reporters to cover public safety and political and educational news. Recent graduates or journalism/English majors are encouraged to apply. Will consider candidates from outside of the area. Send resume and clips to: gallupsun@gmail.com

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR SEP. 11 - SEP. 17, 2015 FRIDAY SEPT. 11 COMPUTER CLASS The library is offering free computer training throughout the month of September at 2-4 pm at the Octavia Felin Library. Class size is limited to 10 participants per session. Registration is required at the Front Desk call (505) 863-1291 at the Main Branch, 115 W. Hill Ave. DROP-IN FILMS Tonight’s feature: The Lego Movie.

Starts 4 pm. Children’s Branch, 200 W. Aztec. All ages.

THE NAVAJO WRANGLERS Hard Days Night to perform Classic Rock n Roll at 8-10 pm at Coal Street Pub, 303 W, Coal Ave. (505) 722-0117.

MOVIE: MAGIC MIKE XXL Starts at 5 pm. El Morro Theater, 207 West Coal Ave. Rated PG-13.

SATURDAY SEPT. 12 FAMILY OPEN HOUSE The Octavia Fellin Public Library - Children’s Branch hosts an Open House from 2 pm to 5 pm, showcasing all of the amazing programs and resources the Children’s Branch has to offer. At 2:30 pm, we’ll show families how to access free, quality tutoring. At 3:30 pm, join us for a musical story CLASSIFIEDS

time for active toddlers.

At 4:30 pm, we’ll have a family puppet show, which is sure to make you giggle. Throughout the Open House, be sure to take a look at samples of projects completed in the Teen Café, Crafty Kids, and Maker’s Club.

We’ll also have family movies, crafts, and a selection of games and puzzles available.

SATURDAY STORIES Start your Saturday mornings off right with an interactive story time for children of all ages and their families. Each week will feature songs as well as books, at least one puppet story, and include a short craft or activity at the end. Starts 10:30 am, Children’s Branch, 200 W. Aztec.

Dinosaurs.

FAMILY SCIENCE Join the Children’s library at 2-4 pm at the family science at the Explora Museum. Children’s Branch 200 W. Aztec Ave. 505 BLUES BAND 505 Blues band, old time blues to perform 8-10 pm at Coal Street Pub, 303 W, Coal Ave. (505) 7220117.

SUNDAY SEPT. 13 OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS Meetings every Sunday at 6 pm, First United Methodist Church, 1800 Red Rock Dr., corner of Nizhoni/Red Rock. Enter northwest corner off Nizhoni; Library room.

MONDAY SEPT. 14 FACEBOOK FOR BEGINNERS COMPUTER TRAINING CLASS The library is offering free computer training throughout the month of

CALENDAR

September at the Octavia Fellin Library, at 2-4 pm.

Class size is limited to 10 participants per session.

Registration is required.

You can register at the library Front Desk, call (505) 863- 129, or email: libtrain@gallupnm.gov.

Main Branch 115 W Hill at the Main Branch, 115 W. Hill Ave. TUESDAY SEPT. 15 TEEN CAFE A place for middle schoolers to hang out and make crafts, design, build, experiment, watch movies, or play video games (Ages 11-14).

Starts 4 pm. Craft: Papel Picado Flags.

WEDNESDAY SEPT. 16 TODDLER TIME An active and energetic program for toddlers (2-4), featuring music, movement, rhythm, and stories. Starts at 10:30 am, Children’s Branch, 200 W. Aztec.

MAKER’S CLUB A club for kids interested in science, math, building, and inventing (Ages 7 and up). Each week will feature a different challenge, project, or experiment. Starts 4 pm. Children’s Branch, 200 W. Aztec. This Week: Lego Tower OPEN-MIC-NIGHT Local talent takes center stage from 8-10 pm at Coal Street Pub, 303 W. Coal Ave. (505) 722-0117.

THURSDAY SEPT. 17 INTRODUCTION TO EXCEL The library is offering free computer training throughout the month of September, at the Octavia Felin Library at 2-4 pm. Class size is limited to 10 participants per session. Registration is

required. You can register at the library Front Desk, call (505) 8631291, or email: libtrain@ gallupnm.gov at the Main Branch 115 W. Hill Ave. CRAFTY KIDS Fun crafts for the whole family (all ages). Starts at 4 pm. Children’s Branch, 200 W. Aztec.

Make: Papel Picado Flag

LATINO AMERICANS DOCUMENTARY VIEWING There will be a viewing of the documentary Latino Americans episode III followed by a discussion with John Lewis Taylor.

Latino Americans: 500 Years of History has been made possible through a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association. Starts at 6 pm, at the Main Branch, 115 W. Hill Ave. ONGOING COMMUNITY PANTRY The Hope Garden is offering organic produce for sale from 10 am -12 pm Tue - Fri. We are located at 1130 E. Hasler Valley Rd. All funds go to helping feed local folks.

For personal attention call (505) 726-8068 or when visiting ask for Kenworth Jones.

FIRST INDIAN BAPTIST CHURCH Monday Night Back to Basics Bible Class, Red Hills Trailer Park recreation center 7 pm; Tuesday Family Bible Study FIBC 501 S. 3rd St., 6

pm; Sunday Worship and Prayer at FIBC 501 S. 3rd, 10:30 am. Contact: Pastor Robert Fontenot (505) 906-2808 / fibcgallup@gmail.com / www. fibcgallup.weebly.com GALLUP SOLAR MEETINGS Interested in learning more about solar energy? Come to a Gallup Solar meeting, held the first three Wednesdays of the month from 6-8 pm, East Logan Ave. Email: gallupsolar@gmail.com or call (505) 726-2497.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Yard Sale fund raisers are open 9 to noon every Saturday on Warehouse Lane off of Allison Road.

If you have household items to donate or wish to volunteer on construction, call Bill Bright at (505) 722-4226.

INGHAM CHAPMAN GALLERY UNM-Gallup will present selections from the Tamarind Permanent Collection – the art of Valerie Roybal, Aug. 17 - Sept. 18, 705 Gurley Ave. On Sept. 14, Roybal will discuss her collection and present a slide show from 5:30 - 6:15 pm at Calvin Hall Auditorium, Room 248A, with a reception to immediately follow.

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

Gallup Sun • Friday September 11, 2015

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24 Friday September 11, 2015 • Gallup Sun

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