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VOL 1 | ISSUE 36 | DECEMBER 11, 2015

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Scores of Balloons Dazzle Crowds. Page 10

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Friday December 11, 2015 • Gallup Sun

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Gallup Sun • Friday December 11, 2015

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Gallup Fun! Emerging Zuni artist shares inspiration for his art By Chrissy Largo Sun Correspondent

L

evon Loncassion, born in Gallup, but raised in Zuni began tapping his creative side when his school’s third grade program introduced the “Enrichment Program,” which provided students the necessary tools to provoke the inner artist in them. During this time of his young life, Locassion, 36, t a l ked about how a s a n youngster he would find artifacts such as pottery shards, pieces of arrowheads, or how he would come across huge panels of interesting cliff art within the mesas. He said that in the back of his mind, he was already inspired and creatively influenced by the time he took part in the school’s “Enrichment Program,” but that was just the beginning. After he graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2005, his heart was set in becoming a member of the Zuni Hot Shot crew, which he explained took a lot of hard work and dedication. He says the downside of fighting fire during the summer is that all the major Native American art markets occur during the period of time when fire season begins. Last year, he said he had to choose between fighting

Art piece title: “‘Bread Drop.’ I came up with that title because I weaponized an animate art object. I weaponized it by putting wings and bombs and it was flying, while it was on fire, so that is that weird disconnection, disconnection from reality to what happened to be a big imagination. What I always get, is to try to make a person understand ‘what does that mean?’ The other part where I weaponized is that I put tank wheels on it so it was able to move on its own power.” - L.Loncassion. Photo Credit: Tom Hartsock

for about 30 years, and to see them struggle, or get ripped off, it makes me feel like there has to be some other way. If someone actually sat down and kind of, thought about it. A lot of the really good artists from Sante Fe and Albuquerque, are from this region. It would make sense, to make it more convenient for the artists to have the art buyers come to them instead of the artist going to them. Sun: Speaking of artwork, do you have any pieces of artwork created by you that you do not plan on selling? Loncassion: Yes and no. It is usually by circumstance. If it is something that I made

fires in California or setting up a booth at Santa Fe Indian Market. He said, he thought to himself, “California’s burning and people’s houses are burning up versus I wanted to be self-absorbent and go sell my stuff in Sante Fe.” He said he was trying not to let himself down as an artist, and this is how he always feels like he has to switch gears. “I always knew from the very beginning that I was an artist and it just so happened that I was Native American,” Loncassion said. Sun: What kind of impact do you think your artwork holds in this generation? Loncassion: What I usually 207 WEST COAL GALLUP 505.863.1250 www.elmorrotheatre.com

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television, something terrible was happening. It was a really a difficult and trying time for my whole family. Sun: Who do you look up to as an artist? Loncassion: First and foremost, it is the people in my immediate community. Also, I had a really cool mentor and who was also my godfather. But, unfortunately he had passed from diabetes about four years ago. Ever since then, there is this weird void. Sun: Do you think being an artist is a Native American thing or western practice? Loncassion: I have always been asked ‘are you an artist?’ … just because I am a Native

Friday December 11, 2015 • Gallup Sun

Zuni artist Levon Loncassion poses in front of his work “Serpent of the Sea” and “Bread Drop.” Photo Credit: Tom Hartock

get from my work is that it is odd or misplaced but there are cultural references that kind of speak to people who understand what it means or if they recognize where it is from. It creates a dialogue. I know that the piece that I brought to be photographed, I wouldn’t say it created a lot of controversy, but it brought a lot of questions and topics about the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. I think, overall, it was how I was trying to make sense of it, and cope with it because my brother is in the military. He was overseas at the time, and every time we’d turn on the

American. So, people already automatically assume. I mean, from the very beginning, we naturally had to be artists, to create stuff, because we didn’t go to the store and go buy a deer to make a buck skin. We had to go out and be artistic and create. I mean, there is that lineage. Honestly, Native American artists, in this region, are captive. They are a captive market to be exploited by, usually what I find, by non-Natives. Everything is either owned by non-Natives, Anglos, or Arabs. Throughout the years, because my parents have been jewelers

a really long time ago that has some sort of sentimental value, and for some odd reason, nobody is drawn to it, or it doesn’t sell, and eventually I’m just lugging it along with all my stuff, and I find it, and put it up on my wall, and next thing you know, it means something else. It helps me remember a part of myself or my creative thinking at that time. So, it kind of comes as a touchstone or stepping stone. But the one thing that the images of the paintings that I create that have sold, and

EMERGING ZUNI | SEE PAGE 7 GALLUP FUN!

‘Holiday Stroll’ DECEMBER’S ARTSCRAWL 2015 Staff Report

A

r tsCrawl “Holiday Stroll” with be held Saturday, Dec. 12 starting at 7 pm on Coal Avenue in downtown Gallup. The evening will be filed with music, dance, art to delight, holiday carolers, food for every taste and that special gift that everyone is looking for. Visit with Santa in Gallup’s miniature holiday city. Have a photo taken, write a letter, make an ornament, and join in the good cheer.

LIVE PERFORMANCES Coal Ave between 1st and 3 Streets: Hayrides during ArtsCrawl! Community Vigil starting at 8:30pm with a community performance of, “We Are The World.” The community vigil is a way to bring the community together to pay homage to our lost loved ones, and way rd

GALLUP FUN!

to send positive energy out to the world, especially to those that have been hit with tragedy. Twang Deluxe- and special guest in front of Tanner’s Trading. Nizhoni Music TherapyChristmas play-and-sing along on 2 nd and Coal Ave from 7:00pm-7:45pm. Gerry Domagala- Strolling Musician during ArtsCrawl. Octav ia Fellin Librar y, Children’s Branch- Winter Wo n d e r l a n d : D a n c i n g Snowmen, Crafts & Hot Coco. Gallup Coffee CompanyLive acoustic guitarist Rebecca Heinsohn. Gallup Print Shop- GHS Concert Band, Gallup Music Ensemble, and pianist, Chad Curley will be playing live, festive music….Come support your local musicians of all ages from 7pm-8:30pm. El Mor ro TheatreFOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM Presents: A Winter Solistice. Zumba Fitness- free dance demonstration.

Strolling Chr istma s Carolers from 8:00pm-9:00pm. Convention Center: 223 W Coal Ave (next door to the American Bar): Santa’s Workshop, letter writing and craft for the kids. 233 W Coal Ave: Have your picture taken with Santa and/ or in various Christmas scenes. Encha nted Faces w ith Janae Lewis

RESTAURANTS La Montanita Co-op- “Make a Child Smile” gift-giving program and ArtsCrawl gift give away. Camille’s Sidewalk CaféLive music by Scarlett Selleck, with GingerBread House building and free hot cider for the kids. Coal Street Pub- Live music by Picked Clean, the famous Crab Boil dinner special. Featured artists Designs by MarlaDe and Upcycle, recycled art items.

GALLERIES ART123- Holiday Art Sale. Bi l l Ma lone - Nat ive American Jewelry Gallup Print Shop- Live painting by Rueben Richards and Levon Loncassion, and designs by Betty Couture.

Perhaps Levon Loncassion can tell you about ‘The Serpent.’ He’ll be conducting a live demonstration at Arts Crawl Dec. 12. Photo Credit: Tom Hartsock

The Open Studio/Outsider Gallery- One-of-a-Kind and Handmade Art. Reasonably priced pieces just right for gift giving. Makeshift Gallery- New items in stock to help guide

your holiday gift shopping. M a x ’s Ta t t o o S h o p Piercings a nd tattoos discounts. Shallow Gallery- Various Ar t by the City of Gallup Employees

THANK YOU ADVERTISERS Amazing Grace Personal Care - 15 Bubany Insurance - 1 Butler’s Office Equipment & Supply Co - 6 Castle Furniture - 3 Cowtown Feed & Livestock - 15 Ed Corley NissanService - 24 El Morro Theatre - 4 Gallup Housing Authority - 18 Gallup Service Mart - 9 Golden Desert Motel - 16 Go Team Go - 7 iHeart Media/Coat Drive - 11 McKinley County Fire/EMS - 11 Nugget Gallery - 9 Pinnacle Bank - 12 Rez Dawg Rescue - 13 Richardson’s Trading - 10 Rico’s Auto Complex - 14 Rocket Cafe - 17 Sammy C’s - 7 Thunderbird Supply Co - 5 TravelCenters of America - 2 UPS Store - 7

Gallup Sun Publishing, LLC Publisher/Editor Babette Herrmann Advertising Raenona Harvey Correspondents Tom Hartsock Chrissy Largo Photography Del Ray Calendar Editor Lealia Nelson Design David Tsigelman On the Cover: ‘Nizhoni” Gallup Balloon with Katchina. Photo by Shepard Waldenberger The Gallup Sun, published Fridays, is not responsible or liable for any claims or offerings, nor responsible for availability of products advertised. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Gallup Sun distributes newspapers in McKinley, Cibola and Apache counties. PO Box 1212 Gallup, NM 87305 www.gallupsun.com Find us on Facebook and Twitter Phone: (505) 728-1640 Fax: (505) 212-0391 gallupsun@gmail.com Letter to the editor/guest column ACCEPTED BY EMAIL ONLY. State full name and city/town. No pen names. ID required. All submissions subjected to editor’s approval. Guest columnists, email Sun for submission requirements.

Gallup Sun • Friday December 11, 2015

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‘In the Heart of the Sea’ springs some leaks By Glenn Kay For the Sun

RATING: «« OUT OF 4 STARS RUNNING TIME: 121 MIN.

I

n case you didn’t already know, Herman Melville’s classic Moby-Dick was partially based on a real event. Obviously, he took some liberties, but ultimately delivered a story that many consider to be one of the great American novels. Rather than give this classic piece of literature a cinematic adaptation, the filmmakers have decided to shoot a 2000 non-fiction novel that details the inspiration for the story. And the result of this man vs. nature tale is quite choppy. In the Heart of the Sea has a few impressive moments, but ultimately gets lost at sea. The story opens with Melville (Ben Whishaw) hearing the tale from the traumatized survivor (Brendan Gleeson) of a doomed whaling expedition 30 years earlier. Cutting back and forth between time periods, the man relays the tale, focusing on the ship Captain George Pollard (Benjamin Walker) and his First Mate Owen Chase (Chris Hemsworth). Beyond the internal conflict between the inexperienced commander and the more knowledgeable crew leader, the group find themselves lost and fighting off an angry sperm whale, which seems to be purposefully hunting the sailors down. While this would seem to pave the way for great drama, it all falls a little flat. There’s definitely conflict with a large sea creature, but not as much as viewers will expect. Sure, there are a handful of whale

Chris Hemsworth takes on a mammoth size whale in this movie inspired by Herman Melville’s classic tale of man v. monster. Photo Credit: Warner Bros.

encounters, but the men quickly become stranded and lost in the Ocean and the story becomes more of a survival tale than a battle at sea. Of course, this would be fine if the characters were nuanced and detailed, but sadly, they are broadly written and never really believable. The heroic posturing employed by Chase early on doesn’t help matters, nor does Captain Pollard’s predictably stiff and snappy demeanor. The effects work is passable but never exceptional. There are numerous shots of the whale leaping out of the sea and flipping its tail at boats. The whole time, it’s never quite convincing. Even as storms rage, one never gets the feeling that the performers aren’t standing on a stage with a rain machine pouring down on

them from above (with digital augmentation). The make-up is equally problematic; as events worsen and the seamen become ragged and sunburned, the effects never effectively sell the appearance. There are a few interesting wide angle shots with interesting focal points - often the camera is placed inches away from its subject (inches above a paper being scrawled on, attached to a mast being raised, next to the eye of the swimming whale). It’s an interesting trick and some of these shots stand out nicely. Unfortunately, most of the film is literally quite dark. There’s a consistent murkiness hanging over the proceedings, particularly during the numerous night sequences. Frankly, it’s difficult at times to even see

the performer’s eyes. This distances the viewer even more. Pacing also suffers after the final encounter with the sperm whale. Our narrator doesn’t only relate how he was discovered, but also continues the story on land in Nantucket and through a court martial, not to mention a personal catharsis in the present day. It’s a bit of a slog and takes too long to wrap the story up. There are some interesting individual scenes present, but in the end the characters and effects are never well-realized enough to maintain consistent suspension of disbelief. In the Heart of the Sea certainly aspires to epic status, but springs leaks early on and never really gets out of port.

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Friday December 11, 2015 • Gallup Sun

GALLUP FUN!

‘Thunderbird Models’

The huge crowd inside of Thunderbird Supply Company took up a lot of floor space Dec. 5 as they waited for the “Calendar Girls” to make an appearance for personal autographs of the calendars everyone seems to want.

EMERGING ZUNI | FROM PAGE 4 I haven’t seen for years, and I come back to it, I am always blown away by where I was at creatively. Sun: What are your views towards Native American art now versus 10 years, 20 years, or 30 years ago? Loncassion: It is mixed because I could definitely go both ways because I appreciate the hardcore traditional, let’s say, Navajo blanket. I would appreciate that but at the same time, if I were to be at the same show, and I’d see more of the same technique that has more of a contemporary flair, I think I am more drawn. It takes a little bit more than just having the skill but then what makes it interesting, creative and enjoyable, is if you have even just a little twist to make it more, I guess the big

fancy word, is contemplative. Sun: What are your goals as an artist for 2016? Loncassion: Well, I have just been trying to break into the art world and I think that right after I graduated from UNM I wasn’t necessary wanting to do it full-force because I wanted to do all these other things. So, for next 2016 art season for me, is to make it into one of the major shows, aside from a few that are out-of-state. Sun: Any advice to aspiring artists? Loncassion: Follow your heart. Follow your dreams because nobody can tell you what you can and cannot do, in terms of an artist. Only you can decide whether or not you should be an artist or not. Don’t give up, because it has been a struggle for me. I do it for myself and I know that it is always going to be there, and I am going to do it whether I

like it or not, so it’s not like my end game is wanting to be famous or rich, it’s just something that I know that has to happen in terms of being okay with my life or who I am. Loncassion’s more recent accomplishment is being a pa r t of a t h ree -yea r long pr oj e c t c a l le d t he “ Zu n i Map A r t Project,” which is a ff iliated with the A shiwi Awan Museum and Heritage Center located in Zuni, and m a de t o r epr e s ent pl a ce na mes that a re cu ltu ra lly specific to the Zuni people. It includes over 40 pieces of map art paintings by 10 individual artists from the Zuni community. He is scheduled to perform a live painting at Gallup’s ArtsCrawl, starting at 6 pm on Dec.12. Gallup’s ArtsCrawl is a community event that is scheduled every second Saturday of every month.

Check out our FREE access community website! www.gallupsun.com

Rona Yazzie, right, passes out markers to the six young models prior to their calendar signing. The Thunderbird Supply Calendar continues to be a huge draw for the jewelry supply company on Gallup’s west side.

GALLUP FUN!

Gallup Sun • Friday December 11, 2015

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DVD/Blu-ray Roundup for Dec. 11, 2015 By Glenn Kay For the Sun

W

elcome back for another look at highlights arriving on DVD and Bluray. It’s another busy edition with plenty of flick in a wide variety of genres. 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!

Ant-Man - The latest entry in the Marvel cinematic universe follows a thief turned superhero who uses a special suit that allows him to shrink to insect size. He’s tasked with helping the inventor keep the discovery from a nasty businessman who wants to militarize the technology. Reviews were generally good for this action picture, saying that the finale was impressive and the lead was charismatic enough to help the film overcome a few lags. It stars Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll and Michael Pena. Cinderella - Disney adapts one of their most famous animated films to live-action in this fairy tale from director Kenneth Branagh. Of course, it features the familiar title character enduring hardships from her wicked stepmother and nasty stepsisters, crashing a palatial ball and impressing a young prince. The press liked what they saw, writing that this update was endearingly straightforward and didn’t alter the important elements that have withstood generations. The cast includes Lily James, Cate Blanchett, Richard Madden and Helena Bonham Carter. A Faster Horse - If you enjoy ca rs, you might be

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interested in this documentary about the Ford Mustang. Released in part to celebrate the vehicle’s 50th anniversary, the flick follows the process of how it was created, offers trivia and fun facts, and attempts to explain how the automobile has remained popular with consumers, even today. There aren’t many notices for the film as of yet. While most suggest it’s a well made picture, some have stated that it feels more like a commercial than a traditional non-narrative feature. Sounds like it may be best suited for car fans. Jellyfish Eyes - A child learns that he can communicate with a fantastic creature in this Japanese live-action effort (that features some animated characters). The boy discovers that every kid in town has a creature for a friend. Together, they team up to stop a nasty villain who is collecting negative energy as part of an evil plot. This film played on the festival circuit over the past year and a half. Reviewers on this side of the world thought the movie had an interesting pop-art look, but disliked the overly simple story and underdeveloped characters. Still, it has its fans and the title is being released on the arthouse Criterion label, which suggests it may be worth a look.

Minions - The little yellow blobs from Despicable Me get their own spin-off film in this prequel. It finds the characters attending a super-villain convention in the hopes of scoring a job. They join an evil mastermind plotting to take over the world, but soon question whether they’re with the right employer. Reviews were split - while many enjoyed the fast-pace and zany sight gags, just as many found it slight and unmemorable. It features the voices of Sandra Bullock,

Friday December 11, 2015 • Gallup Sun

Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton, Allison Janney, Steve Coogan, Jennifer Saunders, Geoffrey Rush and Steve Carell. Tomorrowland - Based on a specific area in the Disneytheme parks, this adventure follows a brilliant kid who learns about an otherworldly land of the future. She attempts to find it in the hopes of saving the world. It didn’t make much of an impact at the box-office this summer, nor did it score strongly with critics. While all thought it was well-produced and impressive to look at (enough for about half to give it a recommendation), others found the narrative muddled with plot holes and also found the Disney merchandising tieins a bit overbearing. It stars George Clooney, Hugh Laurie and Brittany Robertson. The Transporter Refueled - After three theatrical films, the makers of this action series proposed starting a new line of films with a new driver. This time out, he is hired to assist three female customers on a bank heist. Things quickly go wrong, and he must use his special skills to not only avoid the angry women and a Russian mobster, but also come to the aid of his visiting father. The press told readers not to expect another follow-up – they stated that while it had a couple of enjoyably silly chases, it was an otherwise flat, dull and dopey B-movie. The cast includes Ed Skrein, Gabriella Wright, Loan Chabanol and Ray Stevenson. Walt Before Mickey - This indie effort tells the story of a young Walt Disney, covering his beginnings ten years before he created his empire. The drama got terrible notices upon its limited release. Almost every review listed called it dull and hammy, suggesting that the dialogue was very awkward. Additionally, several thought that it did little more than fawn over its subject matter. Now viewers can make up their own minds. Thomas Ian Nicholas, Jon Heder and Jodie Sweetin take on the lead roles.

Cinematic Universe: Phase 2 Collection, which contains Iron Man 3, Thor: The Dark World, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Age of Ulton and Ant-Man. It’s designed to look like an “infinity stone orb” (essentially, a space rock) and comes with a 2 1/2 hour disc of never-before-seen extras. Shout! have a couple of bad movie cult films arriving on Blu-ray. The Garbage Pail Kids Movie (1987) brings together the gross trading card characters that served as a parody of the Cabbage Patch Kids toy line - in this live-action misadventure, they help a young boy fight bullies and win over a love interest. Truthfully, the movie is an awful and at times surreal experience... hence the cult following. Extras include numerous interviews with cast members, an assistant director and the make-up effects crew. Women’s Prison Massacre (1983) is an Italy/France co-production about a reporter who attempts to expose a corrupt politician, only to be set up and thrown in a prison. She must endure a riot, brawls and other inhumane treatment. This is an incredibly trashy B-movie from Bruno Mattei (Hell of the Living Dead, Rats: Night of Terror, Cruel Jaws). If you’re already familiar with his other titles, you may want to give it a try - others need not apply. On the other end of the spectrum, Severin are bringing the European horror title Count Dracula (1970) to Blu-ray. Jess Franco directs Christopher Lee, Klaus Kinski and Herbert Lom in this retelling of the famous story. The movie is famous for a rumor that Kinski (playing Renfield) ate

and Kidnapped Coed (1976) aka Date With a Kidnapper. Chuck Norris fans can now pick up the sequel, Delta Force 2: The Columbian Connection (1990). It also features Billy Drago. The Fourth War (1990) is a Cold War thriller from John Frankenheimer about two military border commanders with a personal vendetta who poke and prod each other until they snap and take violent action. Roy Scheider, Jurgen Prochnow and Tim Reid headline the feature. F/ X2 (1991) is a sequel that brings back actors Bryan Brown and Brian Dennehy. Brown must use his film F/X background once again to help stop a killer. It isn’t nearly as much fun as the first one, but interested parties can now complete the series on Blu-ray. R e m o Wi l li a m s: T h e Adventure Begins (1985) was based on series of popular pulp novels and served as an attempt to create a new kind of James Bond-ish hero. The title character is an American working class cop turned assassin. Despite hiring director Guy Hamilton (Goldfinger, Diamonds are Forever) and boasting a couple of nifty action scenes (one involving a fight on The Statue of Liberty), this flick didn’t really gel and flopped at the box office. Now cheesy movie fans can give it another look. It stars Fred Ward and Joel Grey as his Korean trainer (in a really ill-advised role). And there’s still more. Sony are releasing the Frank Capra (It’s a Wonderful Life) classic You Can’t Take It With You (1938). This Best Picture Oscarwinning effort stars Jimmy Stewart and Jean Arthur. It’s a comedy about a man from a wealthy, snobbish family who falls for a woman with very different, and very eccentric relatives. The picture has been re-mastered and restored for Blu-ray.

BLASTS FROM THE PAST! There’s a whole heck of a lot of older titles arriving on Bluray. Frankly, it’s almost ridiculous. If you haven’t picked up any of the other movies yet, you can now pick up the Marvel

real flies on camera. Expect it to be a bit more explicit than other genre titles of its era. They’ve also got the a trashy double feature disc containing Axe (1974) GALLUP FUN!

Snapshots from Gallup Christmas Parade 2015 The spectators lined the streets, on both sides, while waiting for the Annual Christmas Parade to start on Dec. 5 in downtown Gallup.

Members of the Red Rock Balloon Association and friends pile into a specially made truck for their annual 10-block ride down Aztec Avenue for the Christmas Parade Dec. 5.

Elvis was in the ...well, street! Strumming his guitar, shaking his hips, and singing to the crowd, he was an instant favorite at the annual Christmas Parade Dec. 5.

Only in Gallup do Flying Pigs replace Rudolph and his reindeer, but here is the proof you’ve been looking for.

The Unity of Ambassadors featured five members of royalty in the Christmas Parade on Dec. 5 in downtown Gallup. Photos by Tom Hartsock

These young members of royalty tried to look happy and fresh, but it had been a long walk and, evidenced by the coat thrown over the shoulders of one. It was a little chilly, too.

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Gallup Sun • Friday December 11, 2015

9

Scenes from the 35th Annual Red Rock Balloon Rally PHOTO GALLERY BY SHEPARD WALDENBERGER

More than 200 balloons from across the country took to the skies December 4 - 6 for the 35th Annual Red Rock Balloon Rally near Gallup.

A tie dye balloon prepares to do a tethered launch on Saturday, as poor wind conditions prevented pilots from taking off.

A pilot reaches out to pull in his ropes as he lifts off.

"Come to Where the Indians Trade"

The final balloons prepare to lift off at Red Rock Park on Dec. 6, the last day of the 35th annual Red Rock Balloon Rally.

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Friday December 11, 2015 • Gallup Sun

GALLUP FUN!

Hot air balloons rise from the rocks on the final day of the 35th annual Red Rock Balloon Rally.

Spectators sit silhouetted against glowing balloons as they watch the magic from a ridge.

A colorful swirly balloon lights up in the morning sun. Balloons rise around Church Rock Sunday morning.

KEEP A HEART WARM THIS YEAR

Visualize your child not having a winter coat to wear when our New Mexico winter hits. Some children struggle, while going to school or even playing their backyards, all because they don’t have a warm coat to wear. We as parents do everything we can to provide the necessities for our children which ensures their and health safety. In our area, one of those necessities is a warm winter coat; unfortunately, some families in our community have difficulty providing a warm coat for their children and have no choice but to rely on the generosity of others to help keep their children warm and safe from the harsh winter elements. We are in need of Girls and Boys coats sizes 7/8 – 14/16 Please Drop Off your New Coats to iHeartMedia at 1632 South Second Street Gallup Or for more information call Mary Ann Armijo Gallup Coats for Kids Chair at 505-863-9391

NEWS

Gallup Sun • Friday December 11, 2015

11

NEWS The Awards Went to the Dogs By Tom Hartsock Sun Correspondent

M

ore than a month has passed since the K9 officer competition in Houston was hosted by K9’s 4 Cops on Oct. 27-30, but awards are such that they may be talked about at any time, as these are being done now. The four Belgian Malinois officers of the Gallup Police Department acquitted themselves well at the combined training and competition fourday meet. Two of them earned trophies as they took on an estimated 70 others in different events. Kwinto, handled by Jessie Diaz, placed third overall in the Narcotics Scramble which involves sniffing out drugs from different hiding places. Nero, ha nd led by A ngelo

Cellicion, placed second in the Hard Dog contest, which attempts to measure his ability to keep attacking the perp -in this case a well-padded decoy – until he is down on the ground and unable to fight back. Nero also took third in the Obstacle Course and in the Fast Dog categories. A lot of the four days was spent in training as instructors aided the handlers in other aspects of police work that is better done by their four-footed officers; Tracking; Na rcotics d iscover y; a nd Clearing Buildings. GPD’s regular instructor, Doug Roller of Tactical Canine, would surely approve this additional training since his ability to travel from Los Angeles to Gallup is not always regular in nature, though intense when he is here. GPD chose Houston this year for the training a nd

From left, Canine handlers Matthew Graham with Kuno, Jessie Diaz with Kwinto, and Angelo Cellicion with Nero, stand still for a few seconds as Kwinto and Nero stand behind the awards they won in Houston at the Canines for Cops seminar and competition on October 30. Photo Credit: Tom Hartsock

competition instead of Indiana, where they had gone before. Lt. Edwin Yazzie with 18-years on the force is in charge of the canine officers and their

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handlers. Two other dogs are also on the force: Kuno, handled by Matt Graham; and Jayko, handled by Terrence Peyketewa. “Everything was made possible by the chief and captain on down,” Yazzie said. Peyketewa said that he and his 4-year-old partner Jayko engaged in tactical and tracking training activities. The Ga llup Police

Department has used canines since the late 1980’s as a vital part of keeping the peace. The dogs live with the humans although the city provides dog food and necessary medical care. They are worthy contributors that deserve to be mentioned and awarded, just like their human counterparts. “K9s have the full support of the mayor, city manager and council,” Capt. Rick White said.

WE INVITE STUDENTS IN GRADES 1-12 – enrolled at a public, private, charter or home school – to register for a chance to win a savings account. Twice a school year, each branch will draw 6 report cards for six $100 savings accounts. We will also pay an additional $10 per A and $5 per B to the winning entries.

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Terrance Peyketewa and his K9 partner Jayco. Photo Credit: Babette Herrmann 15_BC191_GALLUP_SCHOOLPROMO_GALLUPSUN_5925x625_AD.indd 1 12 Friday December 11, 2015 • Gallup Sun

11/24/15 11:43 AM

NEWS

Is GMCS flouting media requests for investigative report on Chiapetti? By Chrissy Largo Sun Correspondent

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t h a s b e e n a b out a month si nce F ra nk Chiapetti has resumed his role as the Gallup McKinley County Schools superintendent. But questions still remain. For example, where is the i nvestigative repor t t hat wa s bei ng conducted by Investigator Dan Patterson and exactly how much did it cost tax payers? On Nov.2 the Gallup Sun submitted a New Mexico’s Inspection of Public Record Act letter to the district’s custodian of records, requesting to obtain a copy of the investigative report and related documents regarding the Board of Eduction directed investigation of Chiapetti. Special Education Director Ca r men Moffett responded, stating that “all i nve st igat ive docu ment s relat ed t o t he Boa rd of Education’s ongoing investigation are currently the property of the Board’s legal counsel.” The letter also states that “If or when the Board of Education should take some form of employment action relying upon investigative documents, only then will they come in the possession and control of the School District.” On Dec. 9, a second letter was sent to the superintendent’s office requesting the same documents, in addition to requesting the cost of the investigation. Superintendent Secreta r y Joa n Nez gave a response the following morning. She stated in an email that the request for the documents was received by their office and that “this office will send you notice explaining when inspection will be allowed or when we will respond to your request to inspect public records.” It also states, “please be advised that under NMSA 1978 Section 14 -2-8D, the school district may take up to fifteen (15) days to respond to your request.” NEWS

GMCS Superintendent Frank Chiapetti

Since Nov. 2, the Gallup Sun has verbally, and in written form, requested a copy of the investigative report, and so far, all requests have been denied. Is the district trying to stall the press by not giving them access to these documents? According to A ndy Sanchez, an attorney who represents the Board, was unwilling to comment on the investigative report; however, he said that in response to the first IPRA denial letter, it was a question of timing and that the District did not have a responsive document. “The time that you guys requested it, that document wasn’t in the custody of the school district, but now it would be,” Sanchez said. When asked if the District should have a copy of the investigative report, Sanchez responded, “Yes. It would be in Mr. Chiapetti’s personnel file.” On Nov. 12, the Board voted 3-2 to retain Chiapetti as superintendent after a lengthy executive meeting that lasted more than 3 hours. He was placed on administrative leave on Aug.17 and Moffett was appointed interim superintendent. On that same evening, after the three hour executive meeting, during an interview with Chiapetti he openly stated that he was not yet given a report at that point in time. “I will have to read the repor t to see if some of it is perception,” he said. “Unfortunately I do not know the exact context of everything they came out with. Once I read it, I will be able

to know more.” However, Chiapetti now claims that he was allowed to view the investigative report during an “executive session with a lawyer,” and that it allowed him to read the letter of direction that requests of him to take on future projects and hiring processes. “I did read through it. But, from my understanding it was lawyer/client privilege,” he said. “The investigator was hired by the law firm that represents the Board. It is client privilege, so it stays with the lawyer, from my understanding. I am not sure.” When asked if he could disclose a ny infor mation that was stated in the investigative report, he referred to Albuquerque’s KOB 4 news story that aired on Aug.19, which quoted School Board Secretary Priscilla Manuelito, a s stating Chiapetti wa s

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placed on administrative leave due to allegations of “inappropriate hiring and firing practices, discrimination, nepotism and poor communication with parents.” “ T he stu ff that wa s released to KOB on the racism, it did show that I had hired more Native Americans during my tenure,” Chiapetti said. “We have more Native A mer ica n administrators now than when I started. So, that was kind of disproved. It pretty much just went through the inter views of each person and the data that they showed. I really didn’t really put much thought into it, to be honest with you.” Multiple efforts to reach Boa rd member s Ly n n Huenema n n, Joe Men i n i, Board Secretar y Priscilla Manuelito, Vice President Kevin Mitchell and Board President, Titus Nez were

unsuccessful as of press time. “FOG hopes the Board will turn over the investigator y repor t concer ning Superintendent Chiapetti,” said Susan Boe, executive director for New Mexico’s Fou ndat ion for O pen Government. “Only opinion information, not facts, are exempt from IPRA disclosure. The basis for withholding the report is unclear but appears not to be in compliance with the Inspection of P ublic Records Act.” NMFOG is a non-profit orga n ization, fou nded in 1989, that helps to advocate and educate citizens about the challenges of an open government. It pertains to their rights and responsibilities under the New Mexico laws, such as the Inspection of Public Records Act, Open Meetings Act a nd A r rest Record Information Act.

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Father finds son deceased near culvert By Babette Herrmann Sun Editor

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father looking for his son since Saturday made the discovery that no parent would ever want to make – he found his son, Anderson Joe, Jr., dead near a culvert, west of Motel 6, 3306 W. Hwy 66. Gallup Police Department

officers were dispatched to the scene at about 10:30 am Dec. 9 to secure the area and begin an initial investigation. GPD Capt. Rick White said it appears that no foul play was involved in the death of the 32-year-old man from Manuelito Canyon, based on the preliminary investigation. White said Joe’s family knew to search the area near

the motel for him because “he hung around that area.” It’s not clear if alcohol played a factor in Joe’s death, White said, adding that he had been deceased for more than 24 hours. His body will be transported to the Office of the Me d ic a l I nve s t i g a t or i n Albuquerque for an autopsy and toxicology testing.

Office of the Medical Investigator’s team investigates the body of Anderson Joe, Jr. and search the area for clues on how the man died near a culvert near Motel 6 on west Hwy 66. Photo Credit: Tom Hartsock

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allup Police Department officers responded to a call at about 9:40 am Dec. 8 in reference to an “unresponsive person,” located in Room 12 of the Lariat Lodge, 1105 E. Hwy 66. The deceased ma n, who police have identified as 56 -year-old Arnold Ray Youvella of Flagstaff, Ariz.,

was found by his roommate when he awoke that morning. Based on the initial investigation, GPD Capt. Rick White said that no foul play is suspected. When asked if alcohol could have been a factor in the man’s death, White said the man and his roommate “had been drinking Vodka for several days.” “His body will be sent to the Office of the Medical Investigator in Albuquerque to determine cause,” he said.

GPD officer Ryan Blackgoat, Det. Mark Spencer and Charles Wommack at the start their investigation Dec. 8 into the death of man who had been on a Vodka binge for several days. Photo Credit: Tom Hartsock

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NEWS

WEEKLY CRIME BLOTTER Staff Reports

NEGLIGENT ARSON 12/8 I t ’s n o t clea r why W a t s o n Wa t c h m a n and A ndy G a r c i a wa nted to start a fire at Gallup Detox Center at 2205 East Boyd Ave, but it landed both of them in jail. Gallup P o l i c e Depar tment O f f i c e r Khaera Chee responded to the scene in which two fires had to be extinguished. According to the report, an employee later reviewed video surveillance and saw Watson handing Garcia an item that later turned out to be a lighter. Video footage also shows Watchman gather clothing and tissue and setting it on fire in an area with more than 60 occupants. Watchman was charged with negligent a rson a nd Garcia with an accessory to arson.

BREAKING AND ENTERING 12/1 A man bou nd by wheelchair was watching TV in his liv ing room at his r e s ide nce, located i n Cedar Hills Apartments, when he heard a noise in his bathroom. As he wheeled his way into the restroom, he notices Johnny Willie standing there. Willie reportedly pulled off the screen and pulled open a window to get into the man’s apartment. The man was able to scare him off. As GPD Officer Valerie Wilson interviews the man, another man walks into the apartment and is able to lead the officer to the suspect. Willie is then booked for breaking and entering.

RV BREAK-IN 11/30 GPD Of f icer Ci ndy Romancito was dispatched to Motel 6 at 3306 West Hwy 66 in reference to two men bothering customers. With the help of Community Service Aid Adrian

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Q ue t awk i , t h e y searched the area a nd were i n for med that both men, Darren James and Da r r yl L . James, were headed toward a white RV. The duo decided to check out the RV with the permission of the owner and found the two men passed out in a bed. It was obvious that they had been drinking. Darryl readily complied with Romancito’s request to get into the back of the van. However, Darren put up a bit of fight and was screaming obscenities. Both were charged with breaking and entering, a fourth degree felony.

Aid van. Maggie Yazzie, 40, at first tried to walk away from the officer, but that didn’t work out for her a s Roma ncito was able to grab her by the a r m a nd tel l her to st a nd still. As she walked Yazzie b a c k t o t h e v a n , Ya z z ie tur ned around and shoved her, causing her to take a few steps back. Romancito quickly recovered a nd Ya z z i e m a d e a n o t h e r attempt to push, this time to no avail. Yazzie was charged with ba t t er y a g a i n s t a p e a ce officer.

AUTO BREAK-IN 11/25 A Community Service Aid led GPD Officer Ryan Blackgoat to a man suspected of stealing some items out of a vehicle.

Blackgoat con fronted G e r a l d Kee, who matched the description given to him by the CSA, that was walking with a group of about 10 people northbound up Third Street. Kee, 32, gave Bla ckgoat p er m i s s ion t o s e a rch h i s ba ck pa ck. He pu l led out a cel lphone, r a d a r det ec t or a nd w i r e c h a r ge r, w h ic h he cla i med to be h is prop er t y. At a rou nd t h a t t i me a si lver va n pu l led up a nd a m a n s a id s ome o ne h a d st olen h i s r a da r det ec t or. It wa s ret u r ned to h i m on scene. Kee was booked for burglary of a vehicle.

PEACE OFFICER ASSAULTED 11/28 In an attempt to get two intoxicated, panhandling people of f the streets, O f f i c e r Romancito got an attitude, and a shove, from a woman she was attempting to place in the back of a Community Service

Honor Guard of Gallup Jr. ROTC, front row, kneeling: Cadets Mileek Tom and Kurstin Benally; standing, from left: 1 Lt. Juan Munoz; Sgt. Seth Harrison; 2 Lt. Danielle Daws; Cadet Adrian Desiderio; Cadet Victor Curley; and CW3 Jerry Sanchez. The group presented the colors on opening night of the Annual John Lomasney Invitational Tournament, Dec. 3. Photo Credit: Tom Hartsock

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WEEKLY DWI REPORT Staff Reports Kevin Bowman Nov. 28, 10:10 pm 3rd DWI, Aggravated Bow ma n, 37, never made it onto I-40 due to a flat, front left tire, but the true reason is that he passed out behind the wheel st one cold drunk. Gallup Police Depa r tment Off icer Luke Martin discovered Bowman parked on the I-40 onramp at Mile Marker 26. He had to reach into the vehicle to wake Bowman up. He refused to engage in field sobriety tests or take the breath alcohol content test, earning him the aggravated charge and his third DWI offense. John Duboise, Jr. Nov. 26, 6:44 pm DWI Duboise caught the at tention of GPD Officer Khaera Chee shortly after she pulled into Conoco west to fuel up. The officer was approached by a woman who said “I think that man’s intoxicated, he was peeing in the parking lot,” the report stated. Chee confirmed there was “a puddle of fluid that had splatter marks around the puddle.” The woman pointed to the

car Duboise was driving and Chee followed it, eventually pulling him over on the interstate. Chee could smell alcohol wafting from the vehicle, and Chee readily admitted to sucking down three cans of “Coors” original. Duboise, 41, was transported to a safer place to conduct field sobriety tests and didn’t fare well. He blew a .08 - twice during breath test and was booked on his first DWI. Ada E. Marshall Nov. 25, 11:44 pm Aggravated DWI G P D Officer Angelo Cellicion was called to West Wilson to conduct a welfare check on a gold-color passenger vehicle parked in front of a residence. As he arrived, the vehicle was pulling away. As he followed it, he noticed that the license plate light was out. He pulled Marshall over an wrote her a citation. He asked her to step out of the vehicle, to explain the citation, and noticed that she was staggering and smelled of booze. She admitted to slamming two shots and drinking some beers. Marshall, 30, failed the tests and blew a .20 and .19 during the breath tests. Julison Lee Benally Nov. 24, 1:50 am Aggravated DWI B en a l ly w a s a r r e s t e d shor tly a fter getting into

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a fender bender near G o o d f e l l a’s Spor t s Ba r. W hen GPD O f f i c e r A nt ho ny S e c i w a arrived at the scene, he found Benally standing next to his white pick up truck. According to the police report, when asked what happened, Benally said: “I don’t know. I’d rather not say.” He did admit to swigging down two beers at the bar. However, Seciwa told him that he thought that he drank more than two beers, and he readily confessed to also drinking a half pint of whiskey. He didn’t pass the field sobriety tests and blew a .20 and .21 during the breath tests. Vicente San­ch­ezCasi­miro Nov. 21, 10:28 pm Aggravated DWI B e s t w i she s for SanchezCa s i m i r o’s future a nd t hat t h i s i s a tough lesson that he’ll move forward from and never drink and drive again. He got his first DWI by knocking down a fence at the Black Diamond Trailer Park. He fled, but McKinley County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Noriega was able to find him because he left his front bumper at the scene, which matched a truck that was parked in the vicinity. GPD Officer Daniel Brown arrived at the scene, and began to question Sanchez-Casimiro, 50, who couldn’t keep his story straight. He was in fear of losing his job and family, but eventually admitted to the obvious as he struggled to stay standing upright. He

failed field sobriety tests and blew a .18 and .19 during the breath tests. Raymond Romero Nov. 20, 8:41 p, 2nd DWI R o m e r o’s “Please sir let’s make a deal” didn’t pull any weig ht w it h MCSO Deputy Johnson Lee when he was pu l le d over at Bench and Ray streets in Gamerco. According to the report, Lee could smell booze coming from the white pickup truck driven by Romero. He presented a suspended/revoked license and admitted to drinking – even drinking one shot of Vodka before police had pulled him over. He didn’t pass the field sobriety tests and blew a .14 and .12 during the breath tests. Megan Charley Nov. 18, 5:50 pm Aggravated DWI Charley wa s highly i n t ox i c a t e d when she h it a veh icle with her 16-month-old daug hter i n the car. When GPD Officer Justin Benally approached the green pickup truck, stopped near Albertson’s on east 66, he notice Charley slumped over the center console. He saw that her daughter was tapping on her back in her baby like way, trying to wake her inebriated mom. Police called on an uncle to pick up her daughter. Charley, 21, refused to take field sobriety tests, but did consent to the two breath tests, in which she blew a .32 and .31. John Garcia Nov. 17, 10:38 pm Aggravated DWI Probably not a good idea to tailgate a Sheriff’s deputy while driv ing intoxicated,

but then again, being allegedly intox icated wo u l d c lo u d a n y o n e ’s sound judgment. Deputy L o r e n z o Guerrero had to pull onto the median to reportedly avoid being hit by Garcia. He soon after pulled Garcia over in the parking lot of the Human Ser v ices building on ea st State Hwy 118. Guerrero noticed that rifle sitting on the passenger seat, so he asked him to step out of the vehicle. While Garcia, 22, participated in the field sobr iety tests, he refused to take the breath tests. He was charged for aggravated DWI and negligent use of a weapon. Donahu Swenson Nov. 17, 5:55 pm Aggravated DWI Swenson crashed her van in Continental Div ide and claimed a man that she picked up down the road had c r a s he d he r vehicle and took off on foot even though she initially said that she was eating and driving and lost control of the van. But her story didn’t hold muster and changed again when MCSO Deputy Garylle James asked for her to repeat her story, according to the report. Swenson smelled of booze so an ambulance was dispatched and she was cleared for booking. But, the drama didn’t stop there. Once at the MCSO, and shortly after agreeing to take the breath test, she said that she had to vomit. James allowed her to use the restroom where she vomited and reportedly passed out. She was taken to a local hospital and while there James requested a blood draw to determine BAC, which Swenson refused earning her an aggravated DWI.

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Revenue projections continue to fall as oil prices stay low

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evenue projections cont i nue to fa l l thanks to oil prices remaining lower than previous projections, meaning that there could be some tough decisions in the upcoming legislative session. The new projections show that legislators will have $232 million in new funds for the upcoming legislative session, which is down by $61 million from the previous projections. The projections are for the Fiscal Year 2016 budget and came at a Legislative Finance Committee meeting on Monday. Even with the reduced a mou nt , S en at e F i n a nce Committee chair John Arthur Smith, D-Deming, was skeptical of the projection. “We hope the revenues materialize, but it’s going to NEWS

be extremely painful if they don’t,” Smith said. The two ma jor themes of the presentation to the LFC was that the price of oil continues to fall and that New Mexico continues a slow but steady recovery from the recession. E l i s a Wa l k e r - M o r a n , the chief economist with the Taxation and Revenue Department, said that New Mexico has seen 38 straight months of yea r- over-yea r job growth. The most recent numbers show 2,800 jobs in October compared to the previous year. Still, New Mexico’s unemploy ment rate of 6.8 percent remains well above the national average and is itself higher than last October’s 6.2 percent rate. Christina Keyes, an economist with LFC, said the 0.3 percent  year-over-year job growth  “is well below the

into the revenue for the state. We’re seeing a hit for it on that side of the ledger.” Clifford noted the state benefits from both a tax on insurance premiums and the gross receipts tax on healthcare spending. Ta xation a nd Revenue Depar tment Secretar y Demesia Padilla mentioned the the projections did not include increased audits from new software. “I anticipate that we will

Department of Finance and Administration, said that the state should expect some recovery on oil prices, but not to expect $120 per barrel numbers again. Much of this has to do with the efficiency of new oil and gas extracting technologies, such as fracking. There a re some br ight sides to the economy, including health care spending and a budget deal on a federal level that ends sequestration, which will help New Mexico, which has significant federal spending from two national labs and three U.S. Air Force bases. Rep. L a r r y L a r ra ñaga , R-Albuquerque, said that the Medicaid spending was worrying because of money that comes from the state’s general fund. He sa id even w ith the increased Medicaid funding from the federal government, it “doesn’t necessarily translate

continue to see increases and that is not in the revenue projections,” she said. Meanwhile, any across-theboard compensation increases seem like a remote possibility; Clifford instead said that targeted compensation increases for public safety, corrections, child welfare and information technology was more likely. The public safety increases

are an almost certainty. “It’s going to be very tight becau se of t he Med ica id increases and additional public safety funding,” Clifford told Rep. Luciano “Lucky” Varela when the Santa Fe Democrat asked about the possibility of across the board pay increases. As for requests from the courts and public defenders’ office for increased funding, Clifford said they would likely not be able to be reached. Sen. Richa rd Ma r tinez, Española, said later that with pushes to increase jail time and a constitutional amendment that would allow the denial of bail, public defenders would be taking on more work. Clifford said the public defender’s office had seen increases in the past and could instead look at more efficient ways to manage their caseload. From those on the administration side, there was largely a tone of cautious optimism while noting the problems posed by dropping oil and gas prices. “Let’s try to be careful to not be too bearish about one issue like the oil price and ignore a lot of good things that are happening in the economy,” Clifford warned, noting that the projection for the previous fiscal year as $130 million short. Smith, who had to have the last word, warned, “Let’s not be too bullish.” Visit: www.nmpoliticalThe Family Loves It report.com is World, Out of th , Wood FinrePizza! ve O ck ri B

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forecast.” The oil and gas industry in the state continues to keep production up, but oil prices have stubbornly stayed low. The industry, through severance taxes and other streams, is a key part of the state’s budget. Wa l k e r - M o r a n n o t e d , “When the prices decline, production doesn’t necessarily decline.” Tom Clifford, the Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico

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Gallup Sun • Friday December 11, 2015

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GALLUP HOUSING AUTHORITY GHA Board Chairman Alfred Abeita

GHA Executive Director Richard Kontz

RESPONSE TO THE KOB – CHANNEL 4 REPORT ON HIGH INCOME FAMILIES IN PUBLIC HOUSING

Many local residents of Gallup recently viewed a KOB Channel 4 news report on the release of an Inspector General Investigation, which details the occurrence of over 25,000 high income families occupying “low income” public housing rental units. The report cited 98 cases in the state of New Mexico. Contained within the report were several instances occurring in Gallup Public Housing units. As a result, Alfred Abeita, GHA Board Chairman and Richard F. Kontz, Executive Director of GHA wanted to respond to the KOB special on behalf of Gallup Housing Authority.

PUBLIC HOUSING RENT CALCULATION

A family’s rent is calculated based upon family size and family income. When an applicant first applies for assistance, the staff make an initial determination of preliminary eligibility or ineligibility. The family is then placed on the waiting list for the house size best suited for them. As the family moves up on the waiting list and reaches a point where they are at the top of the list and there is a unit available that meets their respective housing need, then “final eligibility” is determined. This requires full-verification of the family’s income and other eligibility documents.

GHA COMMENT

It is at this point where the family must be at or below 80% of AMI or what is termed “low-income.” GHA has found instances where income has been falsified by families on their applications. In the past this did happen. Current staff now have access to an on-line Employment Income Verification system which allows them to be able to catch when a family does not fully disclose their income. Falsification of information to gain entry to public housing at a reduced rent is a federal crime and considered “fraud and embezzlement.” Under the new board and new management this will not be tolerated.

TENANT LEASE AND ORIENTATION

After a family has met the criteria and has qualified as far as income guidelines are concerned then a lease is signed and they become a tenant of Gallup Housing Authority. They also are given a thorough orientation on their lease requirements, which include completing annual re-certification as required and to immediately report changes in family income and family size within ten days of the change.

ANNUAL RE-CERTIFICATION OR RE-EXAMINATION

On an annual basis the Tenant is required by HUD regulations to re-certify their documentation. This is what is commonly referred to as “Annual re-certification or Annual re-examination.” At this time a family’s rent may be adjusted up or down based on any change in family income or size. Circumstances in a family’s situation may also cause changes in allowable deductions or adjustments which would affect their rent.

GHA COMMENT

Over time there is the possibility that a family due to increasingly better job opportunities eventually exceeds the 80% limit. When this happens GHA is not allowed to simply kick them out. It is HUD’s policy that families should seek to better themselves so that one day they may move out of public housing and perhaps purchase their own homes. Also, we need to point out that HUD allows for over-income tenants when Police Officers are approved for occupying a public housing unit for community policing purposes. Currently, GHA has five units designed for this purpose.

REPORTING CHANGES IN FAMILY INCOME OR SIZE

Last, when a family becomes a tenant and has signed the lease they are also required to sign the initial certification or recertification form and a “fraud affidavit,” which states that the family certifies they have truthfully disclosed all income and have not submitted fraudulent information. They acknowledge “to submit” false documents or “to fail to disclose” all income truthfully can be considered a crime subject to prosecution. They also agree to immediately report any change in family income or family size within 10 business days of the change.

GHA COMMENT

Typically, when family income goes down most families will come in very quickly and report the change for obvious reasons – their rent will be adjusted downward. When family income goes up unfortunately many families will not come in to report within 10 days. That only hurts the family if they wait too long before they come in. This is because when they finally come in the rent adjustment is calculated back to the effective date of their new income. This results in them owing “back rent” and sometimes the amount can be quite significant. We have seen situations where they may owe back rent of $1,500 to as high as $4,500. When this happens they typically cannot pay and are evicted. Also, if a tenant refuses to come in or delays coming in to meet about changes their lease can be terminated. Last, many tenants think that the higher monthly rental rate does not kick in until it is discovered. What they don’t realize is that the “back rent” is calculated to the date of the new income or other changes which affect rent calculations.

CLOSING REMARKS

We hope this helps you the citizens of Gallup to understand that as long as we are in charge of our local Housing Authority we will conduct our program activities with honesty and integrity. If you have questions or comments please do not hesitate to contact us at: ghauthority@qwestoffice.net. Sincerely, /s/ Alfred Abeita, Chairman of the Board, and Richard F. Kontz, Executive Director Paid Advertisement

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Friday December 11, 2015 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

SPORTS 360

It Was a Very Good Week

Dance Team, who are simply amazing to watch. The Rehoboth Christian Basketball Tournament did not translate into championships for either the varsity or junior varsity boys, but coaches and fans at that school do not consider mere wins as a thing to possess at any cost. For them, it is the experience and edu-

Sunday and noisily through downtown Gallup on Saturday when the wind picked up, The latter was part of the annual Christmas Parade and the long line of walkers, floats, and other vehicles made it a special event for the thousands of spectators that watched from the sidewalks on both sides of the parade route.

its proximity to Walmart and Highway 491, the major North/ South road through Gallup. Not complaining, just saying. And for so many, Christmas shopping continues with all the warmth and happiness the holidays can create. Here’s wishing you and your families the best during this season, where ever you reside.

Eyan Tsosie, # 30, has to choose a teammate to inbound the ball to in this game at the Rehoboth Christian Basketball Tournament during the weekend of Dec. 3-5. D’Andre Palmore, #40, James Byker, #34, and Ben Kruis, #12, scramble in different directions to confuse the defense. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Jodi Blake

By Tom Hartsock Sun Correspondent

T

here often is somet h i ng, some sma l l thing even, that can foul up your week. This is true in any kind of weather everywhere in the world and does not confine itself to one general or specific subject. Things just seem to happen in no apparent order, and there is good and bad intermingled, it seems. The old wives tale was that these items occurred in threes. That was probably so you could optimize your conditions by knowing that after three bad events you would be more thankful for a good one. Of course, this adage worked in reverse as well, so instead of thankful, you may begin to SPORTS

dread every passing day, at least until the cycle was ready to change again. From a positive standpoint, here is what made this last week GOOD: The Gallup Bengal girls’ ba sketba l l t e a m w a l ke d through their own tournament with easy wins over Tohatchi, Miyamura, and Cleveland. None of the games were even close, especially in the second half. Start hoping for another State Championship, it’s never too early to hope! The large crowd at Gallup High for the above tournament was also treated to a Jr ROTC Honor Guard presentation of the colors before the last game of the three nights, and fans also got to see premier halftime performances by the Gallup High Bengal Girls’

Zane Charleston comes to half court to slow the advance of the opposing player in the Rehoboth Christian Basketball Tournament held the weekend of Dec. 3-5. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Jodi Blake

cation that is important, and in that respect I agree with their philosophy. So yes, it was a successful two-division tournament! Then there were the hot air balloons, floating lazily through the sky on Friday and

Pa r t of t he Red Rock Balloon Rally is the nightly glow – one at Red Rock Park and the other at the Rio West Mall – on consecutive nights. Each is well attended, though the one at the Mall causes the worst tie up of traffic with

It was my first trip to watch basketball in almost two years and I wasn’t disappointed. The Gallup fans are still very loud and enthusiastic, though

GOOD WEEK | SEE PAGE 22

Gallup Sun • Friday December 11, 2015

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Rehoboth basketball puts up great fight against Laguna PHOTOS BY SHEPARD WALDENBERGER

Rehoboth Boys vs. Laguna Acoma B-Ball: Dec. 8, 2015. Final Score: 70 - 38, Laguna wins. Non-conference game.

Bodies fly as Rehoboth’s Christian Jaquez is fouled hard driving to the hoop late in the game.

Eyan Tsosie flies high against Laguna Acoma defenders on the way to the basket.

Rehoboth’s James Byker goes up strong at home on Dec. 8.

D’Andre Palmore reaches up and over Laguna Acoma defenders to score a lay up in their Dec. 8 home game.

Gallup Lady Bengals – a force to be reckoned with PHOTOS BY SHEPARD WALDENBERGER Gallup Girls vs Tohatchi B-Ball: Dec. 3, 2015. John Lomasney Tournament. Gallup takes the win. Gallup moved on to play Cleveland in the Final. Gallup beat Cleveland 75 - 35 to win the tournament.

LADY BENGALS | SEE PAGE 20

The Bengals gather around Coach Kamau Turner during a timeout in round one of the John Lomasney Tournament.

20 Friday December 11, 2015 • Gallup Sun

SPORTS

LADY BENGALS | FROM PAGE 21

Rhiannon Singer takes a jump shot for Gallup on Dec. 3.

Ni’Asia McIntosh pulls up for a jump shot against two Tohatchi defenders in the first round of the John Lomasney Tournament.

Deerae Torrez scores a lay up for the Lady Bengals in the John Lomasney Tournament Dec. 3 at Gallop High.

Wingate High Grapple-Mania!

FIRST MEET OF THE SEASON WAS HELD DEC. 9, AND WRESTLING IS ONE SPORT THAT ALWAYS SEEMS TO CAPTIVATE. PHOTOS BY SHEPARD WALDENBERGER

Daniel Boyd of Wingate High holds his opponent to the mat.

Stephanie Peterson of Wingate High overpowers her rival and pins him at Wingate’s first home meet of the season on Dec. 9.

SPORTS

Wingate’s JJ Long upends his Miyamura opponent at Wingate’s first home meet of the season on Dec. 9.

Wingate’s Marshall Touchine grapples with his opponent from Tierra Encantada.

Jordan Ashley makes a move to pin a Tierra Encantada wrestler from Santa Fe.

Gallup Sun • Friday December 11, 2015

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SportSchedule

Friday, Dec. 11 GHS BBB @ Artesia Tournament, TBA GHS WRST @ Bloomfield, 7 MHS WRST @ B;oomfield, 7 ToHS BBB vs. Dulce, 7 ToHS GBB @ Laguna Invite, TBA Saturday, Dec. 12 GHS BBB @ Artesia Tournament, TBA GHS SWM @ APS Mini Invite, 8 MHS SWM @ APS Mini Invite, 9 ToHS GBB @ Laguna Invite, TBA Tuesday, Dec. 15 GHS GBB @ Navajo Prep, 7 RCHS BBB @ Ramah, 6:30 ToHS BBB @ Estancia, 7 ToHS GBB vs Thoreau, 7 Wednesday, Dec. 16 GHS WRST @ Wingate

Shash Duals, TBA WHS WRST vs. Wingate Shash Duals, TBA Thursday, Dec. 17 GHS BBB @ Grants Holiday Classic, TBA RCHS BBB vs. Northwest, 7 RCHS GBB @ Zuni, 6:30 ToHS BBB @ Coca Cola Classic, Chinle, TBA WHS BBB vs. Holiday Classic, Navajo Pine, TBA WHS GBB @ Mora, 1 Friday, Dec. 18 GHS BBB @ Grants Holiday Classic, TBA GHS JV GBB vs. RCHS, 5:30 RCHS GBB @ GHS JV, 5:30 ToHS BBB @ Coca Cola Classic, Chinle, TBA ToHS GBB @ Dulce, 7 WHS BBB vs. Holiday Classic, TBA WHS WRST @ Window Rock, TBA

CALENDAR COMMUNITY CALENDAR DEC. 11 – DEC. 17, 2015 FRIDAY DEC. 11 COMPUTER TRAINING The Octavia Fellin Public Library is offering free computer training. Holiday Card Making with Technology from 11 am - 1 pm. Class size is limited to 10 participants per session. Registration is required. Contact front desk please call: (505) 863-1291, or email: libtrain@gallupnm.gov. Main Branch: 115 W. Hill Ave.

FAMILY MOVIE (ALL AGES) Join us for a free family movie. Starts at 4 pm. Children’s Branch, 200 W. Aztec Ave. Film: The Muppet Christmas Carol BALLOON EVENT Join us for the sixth annual Monument Valley Balloon Event from Dec. 11 - 13. There are morning launches each day and evening

balloon nightglows. Locations: Vendor Village I Kayenta, AZ, Dec. 11; Welcome Center Monument Valley Tribal Park, Dec. 12. For more information please call (928) 871- 6647. MANAGING BY THE NUMBERS Workshop will provide information on how to find financial solutions to advance your business net profit, operating cash flow, and return on assets. The new schedule for the workshop is 9 am - 3 pm. Deadline for registration was Dec. 4. Cost: $75. Location: Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce, 106 W. Hwy 66. Information: (505) 722-2228. For more information please call (928) 871-6647 or visit www.navajonationparks.org. LIVE MUSIC Muddy Soulz…Classic Rock n Roll takes center stage from 8 - 10 pm at Coal Street Pub, 303 West Coal Ave. (505) 722-0117

Continued on page 23

22 Friday December 11, 2015 • Gallup Sun

CLASSIFIEDS HOME SALES

Attention Gallup residents! Have the Gallup Sun delivered to your home Friday morning! Special rate $20 for 26 weeks or $40 for year. (Must live in Gallup metro area.) Send payment to: PO BOX 1212, Gallup, NM 87305. Call (505) 728-1640 to pay by card. DELIVERY DRIVER Gallup Sun is hiring independent contractor newspaper delivery drivers. Area needed: Milan/Grants and Cibola County. Send work history/resume to: gallupsun@gmail.com

FOR SALE Like new Keurig 2.0 Coffee Maker, K350 series. Includes carafe, water filter, pod storage drawer. In original box. Great gift. $30. Call 505-863-9458.

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED! FREE STANDARD CLASSIFIED (ONE PER CUSTOMER, MAXIMUM OF FOUR ISSUES)

ANY BOLD TEXT, TEXT BOX, YELLOW HIGHLIGHT OR LOGO/PIC $5 EACH, PER WEEK

SEND SPECIFICATIONS & CLASSIFIED TO: GALLUPSUN@GMAIL.COM OR FAX (505)212-0391 DEADLINE MONDAYS 5 PM. EMAIL/FAX SUBMISSIONS ONLY.  PAYMENT DUE IN ADVANCE. ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED.

GOOD WEEK | FROM PAGE 19 Tohatchi also brought quite a few of their Cougars to the tournament, as did the Patriots of Miyamura High. The only thing lacking was the front entrance to the gym, which is starting on its second year of repairs. Seems a real shame after so much money was spent on the school when it was built, that

no one in the district thought to question the contractor for what seems now was an error in design or planning. Oh well, in the spirit of Christmas I guess we should be glad that we have a gymnasium at all, especially one of that size. I’ll be going back now that I’ve had my inaugural visit, so expect to see me in the bleachers and don’t forget to comb your hair!

CABIN FOR SALE IN THE BEAUTIFUL ZUNI MTS. 1.5 ACRES 20 minutes from GRANTS, NM. ASKING  78,000.00  (need to see to appreciate) CALL FOR MORE INFO. 505-240-2112 MOBILE HOME SPACES Mobile Home Spaces – Single wide – any size $200/mo.  Double Wide $260/mo.  Call Mike 505-870-3430 or Carmelita 505870-4095. PRODUCTION COPYEDITOR Must have some college or degree. Experience with journalistic and Associated Press style. Detail-oriented and available Wednesday and Thursday. Some evening hours. Grammar pros, email: gallupsun@ gmail.com REPORTER WANTED Gallup Sun is looking for freelance reporters to cover public safety, politics, sports, and education. Recent graduates or journalism/English majors are encouraged to apply. Will consider candidates from outside of the area. Training provided. INTERNSHIPS available for high school/college students. Send resume to: gallupsun@gmail.com

MAIL DELIVERY 1 year subscription. Send check for $49.95 to:

Gallup Sun Publishing PO Box 1212 Gallup, NM 87305

Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe & Gallup Sun Presents Teacher of the Month! Pick up 2015 – 2016 School Year entry form

Nominate Your Teacher

at Camille’s Include…

Teacher’s Name - Grade - School Reasons for Nomination! Your Contact Info. Winner receives prizes and recognition in Gallup Sun.

Camille’s • 306 S. 2nd St., Gallup, NM • (505) 722-5017 Deadline Dec. 30, 2015

CLASSIFIEDS

COMMUNITY CALENDAR DEC. 11 – DEC. 17, 2015 Continued from page 22 SATURDAY DEC. 12 AROMATHERAPY Learn the basics of Aromatherapy with Dr. Linda Hite from 11 am - 1 pm. Space is limited to 10 participants. Registration is required. Please contact the front desk at the Main Library (505) 863-1291. Location: 115 W. Hill Ave. SANTA’S WINTER WONDERLAND Join the Octavia Fellin Library for our annual Winter Wonderland. Santa will be present at his Workshop, for pictures, and to meet with kids from 2 - 4 pm. There will be cookies and milk, themed games and activities, and a special story time with Santa. Then join us for Arts Crawl from 6 – 8 pm. There will be hot drinks, treats, and a holiday film. For more information please call: (505) 726- 6120, or email childlib@gallupnm.gov. Location: Children’s Branch 200 W. Aztec Ave. SANTA’S WORKSHOP Join Rio West Mall for a fun filled evening. Moms, dads, Grandparents and children ages 3 and up are welcome. Dress the kids up like an elf, for a chance to win a gift card to Wal-Mart. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets may be purchased at the Mall Office (505) 722- 7281. Location: Rio West Mall 1300 Maloney. LIVE MUSIC Picked Clean…Old Time Folk takes center stage from 8 - 10 pm at Coal Street Pub, 303 West Coal Ave. (505) 722 - 0117 SUNDAY DEC. 13 WEEKLY PROGRAMS There will be no programs at the Octavia Fellin Public Library from Dec 13 - 31. For more information please call the library (505) 863 - 1291. CHRISTMAS CONCERTS Rehoboth Christian School invites all community members to their annual Christmas concert at 4 pm. Join staff and students in worship and celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The men’s choir group from Albuquerque, de Profundis, will join the High School Choir. Location: Sacred Heart Cathedral. For more information please call: (505) 863-4412. MONDAY DEC. 14 SOLAR POWER MEETING There will be a mandatory pre-proposal meeting at 11 am. The Power Purchase Agreement & Asset Purchase Option is for a 10MW AC Solar Photovoltaic Generation Facility for the City of Gallup. The City of Gallup is seeking proposals from solar power generation developers or wholesale power marketers to provide a long-term purchase

agreement, for all the electric energy output from a 10MW AC Solar Generation facility. Location: City of Gallup Council Chambers, 110 W. Aztec Ave. TUESDAY DEC. 15 GALLUP-MCKINLEY COUNTY SCHOOLS There will be a Parent Meeting, of the Services For Exceptional Students, from 11:30 am - 1pm. The meeting will take place at the Educational Development Center. The topic of discussion will be on Behavior Management for students with Low-incidence Disabilities, by Andrew Egle of the University of Maryland. Lunch will be provided, please RSVP at (505) 721- 1800. Location: 1000 East Aztec Ave. CHRISTMAS CONCERTS Rehoboth Christian School invites all community members to their annual Christmas concert. Join staff and students in worship and celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ: Elementary School Christmas Program (TBA). Location: Rehoboth Christian Reformed Church. For more information please call: (505) 863 - 4412. CITY COUNCIL There will be a special meeting of the Gallup City Council, from 6 - 8 pm. The meeting is being called to consider the approval of the final proposed plans for the Metropolitan Redevelopment Area and the Arts and Cultural District. Location: City Hall 110 W. Aztec Ave. WEDNESDAY DEC. 16 HOLIDAY HUSTLE FILMS Join us for a free family movie from 5:30 - 7:30 pm. Main Branch, 200 W. Aztec Ave. Film: Scrooged CROWNPOINT CHAPTER CHRISTMAS BAZAAR Please join us for the Crownpoint chapter Christmas Bazaar from 10 am - 6pm. There will be a holiday arts and crafts sale with home and baked goods, Christmas decorations, jewelry, and more. Cost: $8 per table. Space is limited. For more information please call (505) 786 - 2130. Location: Crownpoint Chapter House. OPEN-MIC-NIGHT Local talent takes center stage from 8 - 10 pm at Coal Street Pub, 303 West Coal Ave. (505) 722-0117. OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS Meetings every Wednesday at 6 pm, First United Methodist Church, 1800 Red Rock Dr., corner of Nizhoni/Red Rock. Enter northwest corner off Nizhoni Library room.

CALENDAR

THURSDAY DEC. 17 CHRISTMAS CONCERTS Rehoboth Christian School invites all community members to their annual Christmas concert to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Please come and worship with our staff and students in the Middle School Christmas Chapel. Begins at 1:30 pm. Rehoboth Christian School. For more information please call (505) 863- 4412. ONGOING COAT DRIVE Happy Holiday! The City of Gallup Seniors Centers is sponsoring a Coat Drive. Coat collections will be taken during business hours from 8 am - 4:30 pm. The coat drive will accept gently used adult coats. Location: Ford Canyon Senior Center 908 East Buena Vista Ave and Neighborhood Senior Center 607 North 4th St. 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) 979-0511. fibcgallup@gmail.com / www.fibcgallup. weebly.com GALLUP-MCKINLEY COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY Wednesdays are low-cost Spay and Neuter Days, at the Gallup-McKinley County Humane Society. For more information please call (505) 863-2616, or email: gmchumanesociety@ gmail.com. Location: 1315 Hamilton Rd. GALLUP SOLAR 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. GALLUP SUSTAINABLE GALLUP BOARD The City of Gallup’s Sustainable Gallup Board meets on the first Monday each month from 3 - 5 pm in the Mayor’s Conference Room at City Hall. Community members concerned about conservation, energy, water, recycling, and other environmental issues are welcome. Call Bill Bright at (505) 722-0039 for information. Location: 404 West Maxwell, Ave.

HABITAT GALLUP

Join us for the Habitat Gallup, a home building organization offering a hand up, not a hand out. We need your help to plan for our sixth home in Gallup. For more information please call Bill Bright (505) 7224226. Meets monthly on the third Monday of each month 6 - 8 pm. Location: 113 E. Logan Ave. HISTORIAS DE GALLUP The Library is collecting oral histories from people in the community. Historias de Gallup will focus on Hispanic History in the area and stories that will give listeners a picture of Gallup in the past. These histories will be recorded and stored at the library for future generations to listen to. Anyone interested in participating should contact the library to schedule an interview time. 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. Information:(505) 863-1291 or email: mdchavez@ gallupnm.gov INTERFAITH EARTH SABBATH Join us for a monthly interfaith prayer from 7 - 8:15 pm. This is an opportunity to pray for healing, strength, and support for all of us. Our prayer this month will be for participants, at the United Nations Conference on Climate Change COP21: Nov. 30 to Dec. 11. Information: (505) 722- 7564. Location: 604 Jeff King St. MITTEN TREE PROJECT Beginning Dec.1, the Octavia Fellin Public Library presents the Mitten Tree Project. Donations of NEW mittens, hats, and scarves can be placed on trees at the Main Branch and at the Children’s Branch. Help us decorate our trees and celebrate the season of giving, by making someone’s holiday season warmer. All items will be donated to Battered Families. Information: (505) 863-1291, or email: library@ gallupunm.gov. PHOTOS WITH SANTA Rio West Mall presents Santa Hours: Sunday: 12 - 6 pm; Monday – Friday 11 am - 7pm; Saturday 11 am - 8 pm; Pet Photos, Monday 5 - 7 pm. 1300 W. Maloney. QUILTING GROUP Come on down and join our quilting group. We have quilting bees every Tuesday from 9 am – 2:30 pm, and Thursday from 9 am – 2:30 pm. For more information please contact Virginia Gustafson (505) 879-3001. Located by the Playground of Dreams and Harold Runnels Center in the Larry

Brian Mitchell Recreation Center, 705 Montoya Blvd. RECYCLING COUNCIL McKinley Citizen’s Recycling Council is a local non-profit working to increase recycling through education, community outreach, and partnership with local government agencies. MCRC meets the first Saturday of the month at 2 pm, at Red Mesa on Hill St. For more information please call (505) 722-5142 or visit www. Recylegallup.org. SAVE THE DATE AWARD-WINNING LECTURE SERIES Rehoboth Christian School presents Stephen Ritz Harvesting Hope and Cultivating Minds: Stories from the South Bronx underwritten by Miller Company. Fifteen Days of free liberal arts education coming to New Mexico, January 6 - 26, 2016. Takes places from 10:30 - 11:30 am. Location: 07B Tse Yaaniichii Lane. NAVAJO NATION BREASTFEEDING COALITION Join Grace Bible Church for the Navajo Nation Breastfeeding Coalition on January 8, 2016. Agenda includes: Introduction of the Navajo Nation Breastfeeding Coalition, history, mission and accomplishments at 9 am; What does Community breastfeeding support look like to you, at 11 am; networking lunch; community talks at 1 pm; and closing remarks at 2 pm. For more information please contact (928) 206 - 7885. Location: Grace Bible Church 222 Boulder Dr. RMCHCS SCHOLARSHIPS Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services Auxiliary offers scholarships each fall and spring to students enrolled full time in a health careers program. Applications can be picked up at the RMCH information desk. Spring 2016 deadline is Dec. 31 2015. For more information call the information desk at (505) 863-7325. CHRISTMAS CONCERT Rehoboth Christian School invites all community members to their annual Christmas concert on Dec. 17 at 1:30 pm. Join staff and students in worship and celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ: Middle School Christmas Chapel. Location: Rehoboth Christian Reformed Church. For more information please call: (505) 863 - 4412. 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.

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24 Friday December 11, 2015 • Gallup Sun

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