Gallup Sun • Friday December 18, 2015

FREE TAKE ONE!

Celebrate Economic Development. 9

Can the Force Awaken You? 12

VOL 1 | ISSUE 37 | DECEMBER 18, 2015

UNPLOWED TERRITORY? Drivers Stuck in Storm Relay Frustrations. Story Page 2

Inside ...

Bus Driver Punches Disabled Student.3 Some ‘Arts Crawl’ Moments.11 Sports Scoreboard.14 CARNEY-VIDAL Insurance HAS JOINED the BUBANY INSURANCE family!

Make your payment and get service at one great location!

CALL (505) 863-3836

311 South 3rd Street, Gallup, NM • Fax: (505) 863-6310 •Auto • Home • Commercial • Mobile Home • Motorcycle • Boat • RV • Bonds

NEWS A perfect storm of negligence or circumstances?

ROADS SNARLED, DRIVERS STRANDED FOLLOWING SNOW STORM

By Chrissy Largo Sun Correspondent

D

ur ing the closing comments of the City Cou ncil’s reg u la r meeting on Dec. 15, Mayor Jackie McKinney lauded its public works department and Executive Director Stan Henderson for staying on top of clearing icy roads Dec. 14.

However, feedback from Gallup Sun’s Facebook page reveal a disgruntled community with some parents saying it was a monumental task to pick their kids up from school.

Others got into fender benders, spun out, and were stranded on slick roads for hours. Out of more than 50 comments, there were only a few supportive of the road crews’ efforts.

According to the city’s website, the public works department is responsible for a variety of tasks, which includes “roadway maintenance and repair, storm drainage maintenance and repair, and snow removal.”

The social media comments came pouring in after a comment was posted by the site’s administrator about the seeming lack of road crews from

Josie J Paiz

Mayor Jackie McKinney

District 2 Councilor Allan Landavazo

the state on down to the city.

A later post, written by a Sun correspondent, also created some inflammatory responses.

One reader posted a comment stating, “School buses couldn’t make it up to some of the schools. I saw school buses heading back to the bus barn at 7:30 pm last night.

Some students had to be transported by vehicles other than buses. Parents and families were parking their vehicles and walking home rather than risk getting stuck or spinning out. I was driving on the roads between 4 pm and 4:30 pm. It was clear by the back up in traffic along the 66 and people down the hills, there had been no sanding of the roads.”

Another reader wrote, “It started snowing at noon! It was thick and starting to really

come down. I didn’t see a truck until 5 pm and it was sitting in the middle of the street with its lights on, not moving. I got into a one-vehicle accident on Aztec. I hit a patch of ice and slid into the curb. The cop just looked at me as he passed by!

City of Gallup, what is your excuse??!!!”

For those that were traveling to and from Gallup, it was no surprise that the roadways were in need of salt and cinders come late Monday morning as the snow clouds started to roll in.

“The timing of the storm because the asphalt was warm and then the rains hit it, and the snow came down, it froze and it created an ice condition,” Mayor Jackie McKinney said. “We got our equipment out immediately but it happened

about around that time, where there was so much traffic moving around town that our equipment couldn’t operate because of the traffic congestion in a lot of places.”

He sa id overa ll it wa s just bad timing and a heavy flow of traffic that prohibited them from operating their equipment.

plow truck that was in a minor accident last week, so we need to get that one fixed,” he said.

“So, that one is out of service at the moment too, so we’re running on one plow truck right now.”

He added that he is hoping to have one of their trucks up and running by the end of this week, so that will give

East Highway 66 at about 3:30 pm was moving at a snails pace as seen from this photo taken from a car window. Photo Credit: Courtesy

“Our law enforcement was out there,” he said. “Our trucks were there, it’s just there wasn’t so much a removal of snow, or plows, as much as getting cinders on the ice. Our crew is on standby. They watch the weather patterns. They were ready and they know when it is coming in.”

As for the county’s roads, McKinley Road Department Superintendent Jeff Irving said that one issue that the department is having right now is that they are down to one plow truck.

“We got one plow truck that has engine issues, so that is out of service and we have another

them two trucks that are fully functioning.

McK inley County Road Department’s responsibility is strictly to maintain county roads not city roads, which consists of 570 miles of road in the county.

“We have our standard operating procedure for when it snows,” Irving said. “We have routes that we try to hit.

We know where some of our problem areas are and we try to hit those early on Monday.

Some of the hills down south,

STORM | SEE PAGE 6

103 E. Aztec Gallup Drivers struggled to climb up hills during the Dec. 14 snow storm. Photo Credit: Courtesy

2

Friday December 18, 2015 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

Bus driver punches special needs student

By Babette Herrmann Sun Editor

A

s a 19-year-old special needs student approached the bus that takes her home Dec. 9, she tugged at bus driver Gloria Frank’s arm to let her in, who was had blocked the doors, drawing either side close to her body as she spoke with fellow bus driver Laverne Jim. It was the end of the school day at Miyamura High and students were just starting to board buses.

Based on bus video footage, the response the Miyamura High senior received when she attempted to board her bus was a punch in the face by a district employee, followed by some choice curse words.

Accord i ng to Ga l lup Police Department Sgt. Billy Padavich’s report, and contained within the video footage itself, after Frank struck the student, she called her a “F-cking B-tch, F-cker.”

It also appears that Frank checked her knuckles for damage. The video also shows the student touching her mouth

NEWS

Video still shot image from when bus driver Gloria Frank reaches out and punches a 19-year-old special needs student trying to board a school bus Dec. 9. In the video, there’s a smack noise that goes with this specific frame. Photo Credit: Courtesy

while Jim, sitting in the driver’s seat, seems unfazed by her colleague’s actions as students start to filter onto her bus.

The incident was reported by the student’s mother Denise Jones that same day, and Gallup McK inley County Schools Transportation Director Jeff Bond would take investigative and administrative action the following day.

Jones said during a phone interview Dec. 17, that when she viewed the police report,

“it just made me cry.”

“She only got charged with battery and that isn’t fair,” she said. “I am planning on talking to the governor about that.”

In a written letter attached to Padavich’s report, she said that when she picked up her daughter Dec. 9, she was crying, and said that a lady slapped her and “was calling her bad names.”

“My daughter had a red mark on her left cheek and she said her teeth were hurting but

I gave her some aspirin for it,” the letter states.

Also, according to Jones’ letter, the next morning she approached bus driver Jim, who said she didn’t slap her daughter, and claimed that she didn’t know the other driver’s (Frank’s) name.

Frank said, in a written statement, that she saw the student running towards the bus and that the student told her to move. “… So I said wait and she just grab my arm without no reason so I hit her in the mouth, and she grab my arm again and she got on the bus and she was saying stupid, ugly, and shut up to me,” Frank stated. “… I left back to my bus, and Laverne [Jim] told me ‘what wrong with you.’”

Based on video footage, it does not appear the victim was speaking as she was touching and holding her mouth as she boarded the bus.

Meanwhile, on Dec. 16, Bond said he could not reveal if Frank was still working at the district, and to make a written request through Superintendent Frank Chiapetti’s office.

Chiapetti responded via email.

“I cannot go into detail because both are personnel actions,” he said. “Board policy and personnel action was followed with Laverne Jim. Gloria is on administrative leave

BUS DRIVER | SEE PAGE 6

THANK YOU ADVERTISERS Amazing Grace Insurance - 2 Bubany Insurance - 1 Butler’s Office Equipment & Supply Co - 11 Cowtown Feed & Livestock - 12 El Morro Theatre - 9 Golden Desert Motel - 11 Go Team Go - 13 iHeart Media/Coat Drive - 14 McKinley County Fire/EMS - 10 Nugget Gallery - 9 Pinnacle Bank - 5 Rez Dawg Rescue - 6 Richardson’s Trading - 4 Rico’s Auto Complex - 5 RMCHCS - 10 Rocket Cafe - 5 Sammy C’s - 13 Thunderbird Supply Co - 3 TravelCenters of America - 16 UPS Store - 5

Gallup Sun Publishing, LLC Publisher/Editor Babette Herrmann Advertising Raenona Harvey Correspondents Tom Hartsock Chrissy Largo Photography Del Ray Shepherd Waldenberger Calendar Editor Lealia Nelson Design David Tsigelman On the Cover: Parade of snow plows clearing Northern, AZ roadways. Courtesy of ADOT 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 18, 2015

3

Governor promises to toughen DWI laws

By Shepherd Waldenberger Sun Correspondent

G

ov. Susana Martinez paid a visit to Gallup Dec. 10 to announce crackdow ns on repeat DWI offenders.

New Mexico State Police Chief Pete Ka sseta s joined the gover nor a nd a host of other police off icers at We The People Pa rk Thursday a f ter noon to ex press concer ns over continuing d r u n k d r i v i n g i nc ide nt s ,

"Come to Where the Indians Trade" Indian Jewelry Capital of the World in the Heart of Indian Country

RICHARDSON'S TRADING CO. & CASH PAWN Est. 1913

100 Years of Continuous Service 6 Days a Week VisitrTe hSetore Treasu

222 W. 66th Ave, Gallup, NM 87301

(505) 722-476 2

2016 BUICK ENCLAVE 1SL AWD

49,800 MSRP - $42,330 PRICE AFTER OFFERS $

1

$

7,470 BELOW MSRP THAT’S 15% BELOW MSRP ON SELECT MODELS IN STOCK

Gov. Susana Martinez announces crackdown on drunk driving at “We The People Park” in Gallup on Dec 10. Photo Credit: Shepherd Waldenberger

a nd u nvei led a l i st of t he “Top-Ten Most Wanted DWI Absconders.” “ The legislature ha s f a i le d t o a c t t o t o u g h e n DW I l aw s, so we’re goi ng to do it,” Ma r tinez sa id.

She expla ined that she’s tired of the ha za rds dr unk d r iver s po s e t o t he com mu n it y a nd mea n s t o put a stop to it. To those most w a nt e d DW I a b s conder s ,

NM State Police Chief Pete Kassetas stands beside the new “Top Ten Most Wanted DWI Absconders” list. Photo Credit: Shepherd Waldenberger

Ma r t i nez ha s a clea r mes s a ge – “We’re look i ng for you.”

K a s s e t a s fo l l owe d u p t he gover nor, a n nou nci ng that they apprehended one of t he DW I f u g it ive s e a rlier that day, noting that in addition to his DWI crimes, h e a l s o owe d $ 3 0,0 0 0 i n child suppor t.

“He’s goi ng to ja i l, a nd I h o p e h e s t a y s i n j a i l ,” Ka sseta s sa id.

T he news wa s met by

a p pl a u s e f r om t he gove rnor a nd of f ic er s i n a t t e n da nce. Ma ny officers were f rom t he Mck i n ley C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’s O f f i c e DW I Un it , wh ic h w i l l d i s patch sta ff a nd extend shifts to help combat dr unk dr iv ing.

W h i le t he lo g i s t ic s of keeping repeat DWI offender s off the roads a re complex, the mission is clea r.

“O u r fo c u s i s ke e pi n g people safe,” Mar tinez said.

2015/2016 BUICK LACROSSE

$6,000 CASH BACK

2

ON SELECT VEHICLES IN STOCK

220 S. FIFTH • GALLUP, NEW MEXICO 87301 (505) 722-2271 • www.RicoAutoComplex.com

Tax, title, license, and dealer fees extra. At participating dealers only. Based on supplier price of $47,448 and $5,118 customer cash on select vehicles in dealer stock while stock lasts. Not compatible 2 with special finance, lease and some other offers. Take delivery by 1/4/16. See participating dealer for details.

On select vehicles in dealer stock while stock lasts. Not compatible with special finance, lease and some other offers. Take delivery by 1/4/16. See dealer for details. ©2015 General Motors. All rights reserved. Buick® LaCrosse® Enclave® Verano®

1

4GMUW0325000_RICO_HolidayEvent_10x6.25.indd Friday December 18, 20151• Gallup Sun

12/4/15 10:32 AM

NEWS

Hinkle leaves Chamber for Council of Governments

By Chrissy Largo Gallup Sun Correspondent

D

av id Hinkle, now the for mer president for the GallupMcKinley Chamber of Com merce, recently announced his departure after nearly two years of service.

He has a new role as economic development program manager for the Northwest New Mex ico C ou nc i l of Governments.

He talks with the Sun about why he left and what his goals are for the upcoming new year.

Sun: Why did you decide to leave the Cha mber of Commerce?

Hinkle: A wonderful opportunity arose for me to work in regional economic development with the Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments. It was an opportunity that doesn’t come around every day and it is a closer match for my interests, education and skills.

I love Cha mber of Commerce work. It is just absolutely wonderful. It is helping people and I am very glad to say that the membership is strong and energized. There is nothing that could derail that.

They are on the right track.

They got plenty of money and they got the best staff that I’ve ever worked with.

David Hinkle was recently hired as the economic development program manager for Northwest NM Council of Governments. File Photo.

Sun: Is there anybody that will immediately fill your former position?

Hinkle: Not right now, probably after Christmas. There are several highly qualified people, from the local area, either temporarily or permanently, and they are just really top-quality individuals. I will still be working in and living in Gallup. I will still work in McKinley County but I will also be working with Cibola and San Juan Counties.

I will still be doing the same stuff, but I will be working on a regional basis rather than a county-wide basis.

Sun: What will your new role entail at COG?

-9

Call for Delivery

g BREAKFDASINTN, E n i v R er LUNCH &

S

8

the governmental organizations and business sectors in northwest New Mexico. We are trying to help uplift the economy, through the creation of jobs and the retention of the businesses.

Sun: You touched on how COG will help to work with Native American tribes, how does COG plan on doing that?

Hinkle: Well, they are a big part of the economy, in New Mexico, and particularly, in Northwest New Mexico.

For instance, the Navajo Nation is big into mining and natural resources, and mostly all the other tribes are too.

They also got a real interest in creating jobs that will improve job opportunities for their tribal members, as well as helping the general economy grow.

We are reaching out and we continue to do so. There has always been a big effort and we’ve worked with all of the Nations. We have a continuing outreach and all we got to do is work harder to expand the economic opportunities for all citizens and working with the tribes because they got a lot of resources, that they can also

(505) 722-8972

1719 S. Second St, Gallup, NM

put towards this effort. It makes sense that we all work together, towards the same goal.

I met with the Nava jo Nation not too long ago, while I was still at the Chamber, but we were talking and I said, ‘you know, it is not practical to have a prosperous Navajo Nation inside a pover ty str icken county and it is not possible to have a prosperous county with a poverty stricken Navajo Nation. We have to do things that raise all ships and that we all got to work together.’

I ’m a mem ber of t he Choctaw Nation, I know how difficult this all is. You look at all the missed opportunities and all the potential. We have just got to keep reaching out. If you were looking at the non-Native population, they’ve got to recognize that the Nations have to prosper and the Nations have to recognize that yeah, there is going to be other people that prosper but there is no way to shut each other out while we are living in each other’s geographical boundaries.

HINKLE | SEE PAGE 6

TO MAKE THE

The Family Loves It

is World, Out of th , Wood FinrePizza!

Brick Ove

Monday - Saturday am pm

Hinkle: I will be the economic development program manager for the Northwest New Mex ico C ou nc i l of Governments. Economic development, in general, is working to improve the economic conditions of the citizens of McKinley, San Juan and Cibola counties. So I will work to bring new jobs and higher paying jobs into the region and work with the existing employers to help them create more jobs.

The Council of Governments is an association of all the counties, three counties, McKinley, San Juan, and Cibola, and all of the cities that are within. I am really doing the same thing. There really isn’t a difference in what I am doing.

The only difference is that now I am working with three counties instead of one. It is a big territory but it is always what I’ve done. I was the Deputy Director for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and this a little closer to that role, but not nearly as big as in area or number of clients.

A nd it w ill a lso be work i ng w it h t he Nat ive American tribes, it is all of

AND START SAVING TODAY! 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.

PLEASE BRING IN YOUR 2015-2016 REPORTS CARDS AND ENTER! GALLUP 107 East Aztec Avenue, 505.722.4411 Walmart: Maloney Avenue, 505.863.3442 1804 East Aztec Avenue, 505.722.0300 • pinnbank.com

T H E

W AY

B A N K I N G

S H O U L D

B E MEMBER FDIC

NEWS

AM Gallup Sun • Friday December 18,11/24/15 201511:43 5

15_BC191_GALLUP_SCHOOLPROMO_GALLUPSUN_5925x625_AD.indd 1

STORM | FROM PAGE 2

WEEKLY CRIME BLOTTER Staff Reports

CAR VS. PEDESTRIAN 12/13, Fire Rock Casino A hard night of partying left one man clinging for life in a local hospital’s intensive care unit. Gallup Police Department Capt. Rick White said Piotrk Ogorek was struck by a vehicle. The night of partying began when Ogorek and a friend were drinking at Fire Rock Casino. They both went to a female’s house for drinks.

But when the male and female awoke, Ogorek was no where to be found. An MCSO report states that he sustained multiple fractures to the neck, ribs, wrists, legs, and arms.

MINI-METH BUST 12/11, Gallup McKinley County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Johnson Lee responded to a call on East Highway 66 where a woman repor ted that her ex-boyfriend Luis Lujan was trying

to get into her home. When Lee arrived, he saw Lujan, 24, place an item next to him on the porch of the home he was allegedly trying to get into.

After placing Lujan in handcuffs, he retrieved two crystal pieces and two glass pipes. He was booked for possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.

EXPENSIVE LOSS 12/10, Gallup A woman living on Highway 602 reported a burglary, in which $10,000 worth of jewelry was stolen in addition to a .22 caliber pistol. The homeowner suspects they got in through a window, but Deputy Lee couldn’t find any signs of forced entry or footprints.

DRUNK PARENTS, FREEZING KIDS 12/8, Gallup L atisha Pa rker a nd Delbert Brown were buzzed when police found them and their four children outside

in 41 degree weat her at 601 Dani Dr. Officer Cindy Romancito noted that the younger children had dirty diapers and t wo of t he children were barefoot and were “shaking and crying.”

Pa rker sa id they had been chased out of their motel. An uncle came and got the children and the couple was each charged with four counts of child abandonment.

ARGUMENT TURNS VIOLENT 12/7, Gallup A couple arguing outside of a store quickly turned violent when Michael Hubbard

CRIME BLOTTER | SEE PAGE 8

we have a couple of hills that are always issues. We hit those first. We have a strategy. We have a plan.”

He said that him and his team worked until 9 pm that Monday night and were back to work early the next Tuesday morning working on some other routes that they did not work on Monday night due to them having a hard time getting back into town.

District 2 City Councilor Allan Landavazo said that the conditions were “pretty abnormal” due to high winds, snow, and the glaze on the roads.

“I think that they did the very best that they could do with what they had to work with, but just with the conditions, the conditions weren’t normal,” he said. “The temperature dropped so quick. It just exacerbated the conditions and made them really bad, fast.

There wasn’t thick, thick snow to plow, that wasn’t really the remedy to plow. The remedy in the conditions that existed were to be out a nd star t

BUS DRIVER | FROM PAGE 3

RezDawg Rescue, PO Box 1556, Paonia CO, 81428 (720) 515-3679

www.rezdawagrescue.org/donate

Kiddos

Joanie In 2015 RezDawg Rescue has relocated 1,100 animals from Gallup and the surrounding reservations to responsible partner animal rescues and foster homes in Denver and the western slope of Colorado. This year we have had 450 dog and cat adoptions.

Since 2011, RezDawg has relocated over 4,000 animals.

Our mission is to promote and provide access to low cost spay/neuter and responsible relocation of animals to foster homes and other rescue groups so they may find their “forever” homes.

Help RezDawg find a $5,000 matching donation for our 2016 Relocation and Transportation program!

Whole Pets in Boulder, CO will donate $5,000 IF we can find a business/organization/individual/group of people to match $5,000 by Dec. 31!

Donors can make a tax deductible donation by visiting:

www.rezdawgrescue.org/donate

6

Friday December 18, 2015 • Gallup Sun

pending personnel action.”

Sources close to the district said they haven’t seen Frank at work since she got called into Bond’s office, and confirmed that Jim was still driving her bus.

While the district remains tight-lipped on the matter, GPD Capt. Rick White lauded Bond for conducting an immediate investigation and notifying police of the incident.

HINKLE | FROM PAGE 5 When the Navajo prospers, Gallup prospers. When Gallup prospers, Navajo prospers and Zuni and Laguna. We are all part of this same economy.

Sun: Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

Hinkle: I lived here in the Gallup-McKinley area for nearly two years now. I was educated at Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business. Over the last 30 years, I have been working in economic development organizations, both large and small and also, in banking.

spreading salt and cinders.”

He also said the icy road problem escalated quickly because of the heavy traffic in a lot of areas that were already congested and it was hard for any kind of salt and cinder-type trucks to get through the traffic.

“All your routes that go to the hospital and the public safety facilities are the first priority outside of 66 or the neighborhoods and things like that,” he said. “That will always be the priority that there is a way that, in an emergency, that people can get to our health facilities like RMCS or IHS. Getting people to the facility where they need emergency care and those are the first priority, and then they filter out from there to other parts of town.”

G a l lu p P u bl ic Wo r k s Depa r tment E xe c u t i v e Director Stan Henderson was unable to be reached for comment by press time.

In all, there were about 30 accidents reported, in which none had serious injuries, according to a report.

Tom Hartsock contributed to this report.

“Jeff Bond did an excellent investigation on the school district’s behalf,” White said.

W hite sa id a Cr imina l Complaint has been filed in Municipal Court, and Frank is facing one charge of battery – a charge that if it leads to a conviction – could mean a sentence of up to one year in jail.

As of press time, Municipal Court had not set a preliminary hearing date.

To review the video of the incident and for updates, go to: www.gallupsun.com Sun: What are your goals for 2016?

Hinkle: If I had to look at something and say one thing that would really define my philosophy, the goal would be is to improve the economic welfare of the citizens of Northwest New Mexico. It would simply be that the service to others is the highest goal and achievement that you could have.

Chamber of Commerce Board member, Neal Butler, has worked with Hinkle within the year, and he said, “It was pleasure working with him in the past year, on the Chamber Board, and I wish him all the luck in the world with COG.” NEWS

OPINIONS IF ONLY ‘ENVIRONMENTAL ENDEAVORS’ MEANT ‘LOWER UTILITY BILLS’ - a lesson in bureaucratic politically correct euphemisms.

By Joe Schaller Guest Columnist

A

re you aware of the four percent ‘environmental surcharge’ on you r mont h ly Gallup residential utilities bill? That’s about $5 a month for most households. Words like surcharge and fee are simply euphemisms for taxes. The purpose of this environmental tax is apparently to fund ‘environmental endeavors’, or in other words a slush fund for ‘whatever pet project we wish to finance’. The environmental surcharge fund currently holds more than $14 million.

The term ‘environmental’ is so vague to interpret it’s no

wonder the tax revenue can be construed as a slush fund.

Here in a country ranked in the top six percent in the world for clean air, my own environmental concerns are simply picking up hundreds of pounds of trash every year discarded in our subdivision by the neighbors up the canyon, and keeping the ATV’s and wild horses out. It is apparent to me our local bureaucracy, politicians, academia and media are somewhat in the dark regarding our local environmental needs other than the dogma they are fed from the climate crisis

industry.

In regards to environmental health hazards, wood burning stoves are easily our primary local concern. The particulate matter emissions from burning renewable wood fuels create some outdoor air pollution however the big concern is the indoor air pollution from those stoves with the consequence of winter respiratory ailments to the residents who are confined in their homes for most of the day, notably women, small children and elderly. The obvious environmental cure is finding ways to provide the fuel

MADAME G

impoverished with affordable clean energy such as natural gas or nuclear with the additional benefit of attracting businesses and industry to our region.

Unfortunately my definition of environmental is contrary to the prevailing paradigm of green activists who rather than seek practical solutions are more interested in advancing a broad worldview political agenda based on theory rather than empirical science. To them affordable energy is not the solution, it’s the problem - if only we could reduce consumption of energy we may save the planet by reducing the earth’s perpetually fickle temperature by one tenth of one degree maybe - and the easiest way to reduce energy consumption is

to increase its cost. Yet what is the unintended consequence when fuel costs go up? – more dependence on wood and coal burning stoves. Another consequence is economic – scaring off potential businesses and industry.

Rather than seeking methods to reduce our energy bills, our local Sustainable Gallup Board activists say citizens should ‘get used to sustainable energy’ by investing in solar farms. However ‘sustainable’ has been exposed as nothing but an euphemism for ‘unsustainable fantasies’, as Europeans have discovered the hard way over the past decade with their rocketing energy

LESSON | SEE PAGE 8

GUIDE TO THE STARS WEEK OF DEC. 18 – DEC. 24

Is Mercury in Retrograde? Nope. It’s you. Lately it seems as if something is wrong with the universe. Everyone is working against you and humanity. Is it the stars or are people just crazy? Have no fear Madame G is here to keep the paranoia at bay mostly.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct.22)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Bored? Patience is a virtue, but not your virtue. That’s okay we all have our strengths and weaknesses. Your abilities reside in that generous heart and tenacious spirit. Just watch your temper. We’re not all as quick as you.

Everyone has stress and distractions, but that doesn’t mean we’re stupid.

Just breathe and try something new.

Right now you’re as tough as eggshells. It’s that time of year. The holidays are a contentiously joyous occasion. Remember that you’re the author of your life’s story. It’s the messy unpublished version without edits. Next time life goes awry just stop and shout: “plot twist.” Trust yourself to make the right decisions and move forward.

Madame G recognizes the struggle is real. It’s hard to balance your fear of rejection with your desire for perfection. Some sacrifices are worth it and this may be one. You’ll get it right. But if you don’t, it’ll still be well done. Your standard is often much higher than others. Trust yourself, but don’t neglect your dreams. Now is a good time to put that creativity to work.

Pushing the body to the limits is great for marathoners and tri-athletes, but first consult your physician.

It’s important to live up to you own expectations just don’t kill yourself in the process. Enjoy the little things not just indulgences. Beauty lives in the sounds and smells of nature. There is color in a voice and song. And they don’t cost a dime.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Hero worship is not about the idol. It’s about the person doing the cajoling.

Devotion touches a deep need in some individuals. How lovely that you inspire them. You’ll never live up to their expectation, but try to live according to your own. Take pride in your work and assume humility because no one gets there alone and it’s lonely at the top.

Is that frustration or constipation in your eyes? Your iron will is pushing the project forward. But it’s far more involved than you first thought.

Everyone wants to wallow in the status quo. You can’t and won’t work under those conditions. It’s a good thing you’ve learned diplomacy because you’re digging up a mass grave of skeletons. Gently demand that those in your way should lead, follow, or get out of the way.

You’re tracking down the villains and lecturing them. Not everyone learns from mistakes. Plenty of people live their lives on repeat. They cycle from one bad decision to another in a continuous cycle of despair. You can’t lecture someone into listening, even if you’re right. They won’t appreciate it and it’s not worth your energy.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Make amends with loved ones. You’ve been in this boat before. You demand control over their lives, for their own good, and it backfires. It’s best to let it go. Your symbol goes with the flow, but occasionally you get sucked into saying what you don’t really mean. Do yourself a favor. Learn to listen with a degree of dispassion. You’ll make everyone, including yourself, much happier.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Your heart says pizza, but the waistline says apples. Madame G suggests yoga and fun activities.

This holiday season don’t forget your purpose and knock out the hard stuff.

Remember to eat consciously and not because the stress is piling up.

Lifestyle changes are about just that, a lifetime commitment to you. Honor your body—it’s the only one you’ve got.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Facing down danger is your middle name. But, this is a whole new ball game and your loving it. The redesign phase is immanent. Who knew they’d have so many issues? One part of you, the fixer, revels in the challenge. The realist in you is ready to crack your knuckles and pull a Holly Holmes.

Knock out!

OPINIONS

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) When life gives you lemons make yellow snow. You’re a trendsetter and motivational speaker. You learned early on that slow and steady wins the race. This tried and true method is the best way, right now. Sometimes it’s hard to balance all the plates in the air. If anyone can do it, you can and will. In fact, you’ll shine and polish them as well.

Life is finally setting itself to rights.

You’ve put in your time and it’s nigh.

The good life is always around the corner. Don’t be afraid to dig past what’s been done for generations.

Move past the ever-stagnant waters.

If everyone drinks dirt would you?

Probably not, but other behaviors are just as bad. Search for the answers and be honest, with yourself.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

Gallup Sun • Friday December 18, 2015

7

Understanding service dogs laws

By Carolie Watkins Guest Columnist

T

he ADA requires State and local government agencies, businesses, and non-profit organizations (covered entities) that provide goods or services to the public to make “reasonable modifications” in their policies, practices, or procedures when necessary to accommodate people with disabilities. The service animal rules fall under this general principle. Accordingly, entities that have a “no pets” policy generally must modify the policy to allow service animals into their facilities. This publication provides guidance on the ADA’s service animal prov isions a nd should be read in conjunction with the publication Beginning on March 15, 2011, only dogs are recognized as service animals under titles II and III of the ADA. A service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Generally, title II and title III entities must permit service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go.

D i e g o D e m a y a , J . D. , Southwest ADA Center in Houston, Texas, stated the following: The tasks defined in the ADA regulations regarding what service animals do are not finite. “Licking” could indeed be the necessary task that one individual may need to snap out of a psychiatric episode or PTSD event.

Demaya, says we are seeing many public accommodation folks being too apprehensive and fail to make reasonable

CRIME BLOTTER | FROM PAGE 6 reportedly hit his girlfriend.

According to Deputy J a s m i n e Ja r a m i l lo’s r e p o r t , Hubbard, 25, said the reason for the argument was “because of bills, their broken window, and what

8

observations based on the two permissible ADA questions about service animals. They must be willing to take a stand and either allow or decline to allow a service animal to enter their facilities. Failing to follow regulations, the owner of the service animal will neither increase nor reduce the possibility of an ADA complaint.

In situations where it is not obvious that the dog is a service animal, staff may ask only two specific questions: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? And (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform? Staff are not allowed to request any documentation for the dog, require that the dog demonstrate its task, or inquire about the nature of the person’s disability.

Demaya w it h Hou ston Southwest ADA Center also stated from these inquiries one should be able to tell, at least to a reasonable extent, whether the individual is trying to protect an “emotional suppor t” or “compa n ion” animal under the ADA even though the ADA does not protect such animals.

Lastly, as for how a service animal may conduct its function, being in a pouch may be what is needed by the person for optimal efficiency in its functions. Service animals do not have to lay on the floor. It can include licking by the dog, other actions to calm the person with PTSD. If the dog has been trained to sense that an anxiety attack is about to happen and take a specific action to help avoid the attack or lessen its impact, that would qualify as a service animal.

The ADA does not require service animals to wear a vest, ID

tag, or specific harness.

ADA does not require that service animals be certified: NOTE: There are individuals and organizations that s el l s er v ice a n i m a l cert i f icat ion or reg i st rat ion docu ments on l i ne. T hese documents do not convey any rights under the ADA a n d t h e D e p a r t m e n t of Justice does not recognize them as proof that the dog is a service animal.

A person with a disability cannot be asked to remove his service animal from the premises unless: (1) the dog is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it or (2) the dog is not housebroken. When there is a legitimate reason to ask that a service animal be removed, staff must offer the person with the disability the opportunity to obtain goods or services without the animal’s presence.

The ADA requires that service animals be under the control of the handler at all times. In most instances, the handler will be the individual with a disability or a third party who accompanies the individual with a disability. Or, a returning veteran who has PTSD and has great difficulty entering unfamiliar spaces may have a dog that is trained to enter a space, check to see that no threats are there, and come back and signal that it is safe to enter. The dog must be off leash to do its job, but may be leashed at other times.

Under control also means that a service animal should not be allowed to bark repeatedly in a lecture hall, theater, library, or other quiet place. However, if a dog barks just once, or barks because someone has

to spend their tax return on.”

MAN KILLED ON US 491 12/ 6, US Hwy 491 An distraught uncle discovered the body of his nephew, laying in a pool of blood at the 10 Mile Marker. Deputy Arnold Noriega arrived at the scene and noted that 26-year-old Casey Begay was deceased and the likely victim of vehicle vs. pedestrian.

Friday December 18, 2015 • Gallup Sun

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

provoked it, this would not mean that the dog is out of control.

Gallup can have a register process but mandatory registration is not permissible.

However, as stated above, service animals are subject to the same licensing and vaccination rules that are applied to all dogs.

Restaura nts, ba rs, a nd other places that serve food or drink are not required to allow service animals to be seated on chairs or allow the animal to be fed at the table.

Seating, food, and drink are provided for customer use only. The ADA gives a person with a disability the right to be accompanied by his or her service animal, but covered entities are not required to allow an animal to sit or be fed at the table.

Churches, temples, synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship are required to allow individuals to bring their ser vice animals into the facility, as a public facility. Religious institutions and organizations are specifically exempt from the ADA. New Mexico not have a law allowing ser v ice animals to be asked to leave.

New Mexico State Leg islatu re pa ssed a bill

(SB320), making the following changes to, “Service Animal Act” which became effective June 14, 2013.

Service animals must be allowed to accompany the handler to any place in a building or facility where members of the public, program participants, customers, or clients are allowed. Even if a business or public program has a “no pets” policy, may not deny entry to a person with a service animal. Service animals are not pets.

To intentionally interfere with the use of a qualified service animal by harassing or obstructing owner, trainer or handler of the qualified service animal or the qualified service animal violates this law and is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished pursuant to Section 31-19-1 NMSA 1978, and may be ordered to pay restitution, including, but not limited to, actual damages.

T he r e v i s e d “ S e r v ic e Animal Act” also prohibits a person from misrepresenting an animal as a Service Animal and provides penalties.

Information for this article was provided by: S o u t h w e s t A DA a n d Governor’s Commission on Disability

LESSON | FROM PAGE 7

about themselves, even though indoor and outdoor pollution levels would increase due to increased wood burning. It is apparent to me that ‘environmental endeavors’ is nothing more than an euphemism for ‘putting the screws to the poor and powerless’.

Here’s a better idea. Get rid of the environmental tax, scrap any plans for curbside recycling or environmental endeavors and expand availability of sustainable, abundant, clean, safe and cheap natural gas better yet, nuclear. After all, aren’t the poor and powerless part of our environment also?

Oh, and that $14 million slush fund? That amounts to a potential $2,000 Christmas rebate for each and every household of Gallup or $650 per citizen. That sure beats blowing it on pie-in-the-sky unsustainable green projects destined for failure.

Merry Christmas.

costs and resultant fuel poverty hammering the poor with premature mortality in the winter cold.

Here’s my own environmental impact study. The SGB would first have the city tack on a likely $5 a month for curbside recycling. The current $5 a month environmental tax we’ve been paying for years will likely go towards unsustainable energy projects which have led to an average 38 percent increase in energy rates in the 29 states with renewable mandates. That could mean another $20 a month to your bill with all of those taxes totaling close to an extra $400 annually added to our utility bills for environmental endeavors such as solar farms which each and every household must ‘get used to’ so that the elite can feel good

OPINIONS

COMMUNITY GGEDC Retention & Expansion Luncheon

Tommy Haws, President of the Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors, welcomes the dignitaries to a luncheon meeting recognizing businesses that are in the top ten who support the local economy. Seated next to him is Patty Lundstrom, Executive Director of GGEDC. Those businesses include: Bio Pappel Paper Mill; Peabody Energy, operating El Segundo Mine; RMCHCS; Western Refining; Sacred Wind Communications; Walmart; Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association operating the Escalante Generating Station; Lee Ranch Coal Mine; and El Paso Natural Gas.

Story and Photos

by Tom Hartsock Sun Correspondent “It’s the first ever meeting of its kind, as far as I can discover,” proudly said Patty Lundstrom, the executive director of the Greater Gallup Econom ic Development Corporation. “We are here (at the Hilton Garden Hotel) to recognize and celebrate the top 10 businesses in McKinley County that have had the largest impact in the region, from creating jobs to investing in other ways for the economic progress we need.”

The noon meeting on Dec. 15 sparked a lively round of conversation during and after the meal, as these business people shared their concerns and accomplishments with others of the same mind. At the top of the concerns was a need to vastly improve the skill sets of the existing work force, through the use of available and developing programs at UNM-G. “Their focus seems to be COMMUNITY

on social work now,” said one participant. “Not that social work is unimpor tant, but efforts need to be advanced for work force education in businesses. Counseling services for employees should be available, efforts made to diminish the alcohol problem and the disastrous side effects it causes. And of course, comparable incentives for businesses to relocate

to this area, such as taxes, rent, etc.”

Retention of these employers is equally as important as bringing in new business, and that fact was certainly not left out during this luncheon and in the following discussions.

Without retention, expansion becomes a vicious circle of never-ending attempts to keep every business in the air at the same time. If one falls, another of equal or better needs to fill the gap immediately. These current employers list over 1,800 full time employees and also use the services of over 750 contractors to help in their businesses.

Much remains to be done in both areas, retention and expansion, and there is no quick fixes.

The demand in any economic development is not merely to entice the next Red Lobster to town, but to build a more sustainable environment that will provide for the area’s needs in the long term. That includes the ability to transport goods to other locations, and in that respect Gallup is in a good position. We are not only on one of the busiest coast-to-coast interstates but also have an advantage with rail lines that provide easier access to other points throughout North America.

Transportation has always been an important factor in the development of any larger business; foodstuffs grown miles away are used in restaurants and kitchens around the

world; artwork developed in one place must be shipped to consumers in close-by or distant markets; and for sheer enjoyment, visitors will almost always choose more accessible places to visit, even if they eventually want to rough it for relaxation.

It is i mpor ta nt to note that GGEDC also uses the s e r v ic e s of a n a d v i s o r y com m it tee to a ssist them in planning the next stages of d e v e lo p m e n t . I n t h i s case, those advisors come f r om t he BNSF R a i lw ay, Continental Divide Electric Cooperative, Inc., and Gallup Land Partners, who recently purchased some 26,000 acres of land that had been mostly unused, from Gamerco.

Civic leaders also play an important role in economic development, as recognized during the luncheon introductions. Mayor Jackie McKinney and three of his four council

OWNER: STEVE COLEMAN CELL: 505-862-4381

1302 SOUTH SECOND GALLUP, NM 87301 (505) 863-3615

Civic leaders from city and county were also present at the luncheon. County Commissioner Tony Tanner holds the table’s attention as he talks about business with other guests.

people were present, as was one County Commissioner Tony Ta n ner a nd Cou nt y Manager Bill Lee. Continued efforts by these businesses and their leaders, along with civic responsibility and encouragement to other necessary facilities – schools, medical providers, etc. - will provide Gallup-McKinley with more life of an improved nature in the future.

ROAD SALES: ASHLEY COLEMAN

207 WEST COAL GALLUP 505.863.1250 www.elmorrotheatre.com

TICKETS $5 AT ALL TIMES

CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER FREE WITH ADULT

Just three of the local business managers present at the Retention and Expansion Luncheon on Dec. 15 at the Hilton Garden Hotel. From left: Vickie McIntyre, Walmart manager; Marie Bird, manager-in-training at Walmart; and Steve Bartocci, manager at Bio Pappel Paper Mill.

GALLUP GRINCH WEEK 12/19- 4pm Grinch Crafts 12/20- Food Pantry Day Bring a canned/boxed food for $1 off admission (limit 2 per adult) 12/21- City Employee Day Special Concessions Deals with Badge 12/22- Dr. Seuss/Grinch Gear Day Come dressed in Seuss/Grinch themed outfits and get a free children’s popcorn (Adults, or “Big kids” can dress up too!)

12/23- 1:30 & 5pm Holiday Sing Along (Events do not include film admission)

DECEMBER 19-23 Sat-Wed 2pm & 5:30 pm DECEMBER 18-23 Fri @ 6pm Sun-Wed 8pm

Next Week...HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2 Gallup Sun • Friday December 18, 2015

9

Jennifer Hits the Right Note at El Morro Theatre

By Tom Hartsock Sun Correspondent

J

ennifer Lazarz (pronounced easily in two languages: the article le in French; and tsars in Russian) is probably better known in the Gallup area for her ability to hit the right notes, since she served with the Land of Enchantment Opera last summer.

Besides using her musical talents to a high degree, she was also named the Director of El Morro Theatre about eight weeks ago. Theater is just part of her passion, though an important one. She also has a great deal of experience with film, and a love of all art that cannot be diminished.

10

El Morro Theatre Director Jennifer Lazarz.

Photo Credit: Tom Hartsock

“I am a pragmatist, not an idealist,” Jennifer said in opening the interview. “I want to institute procedures to make everything more community

Friday December 18, 2015 • Gallup Sun

friendly, such as family programming on Sundays. I just need time to get things running more efficiently.”

El Morro has had a recent share of inefficiency, some would say waste, in the daily operation of the cultural landmark in downtown Gallup. The city, which owns the property, decided not to work with one previous manager, then went through two more selected individuals in a very short time.

Neither of the latter two helped in the operation except for convincing the city to purchase some updated and necessary equipment.

In addition, the city also constructed the Second Street Event Center and connected it to El Morro so that the two

entities may be easily used in conjunction with the other, as needed.

The website for the theater is now open – a project that was completed in two weeks – and Face Book is also available.

Grinch week was Dec. 12-19 and the activities include Arts, Crafts, and Coffee with free kids’ popcorn on Dec. 19-20.

The Event Center consists of an open area that can be divided into two rooms with a total capacity of 120, but it is not wired for movies, though projectors may be used. The center is available on a first come, first served basis and even the city must make a timely appointment to reserve space.

The much larger venue inside El Morro is more strictly regulated by Lazarz. Another of her responsibilities is the “shadow gallery” next door to the theater but part of the building. The walk-by space it provides is complimentary to the artistic venue desired by downtown leaders, and the use of this small space is an attraction to the building.

“I ran two ballroom dance studios for three years,” Lazarz said.

It’s nice to know that she is more of a complete person than most; she sings, she dances, and she has a brain!

That brain of hers was

develope d a t Au g u s t a n a College in Illinois for her undergraduate work and further enhanced at the University of North Carolina – School of Arts for her Master’s work.

(Side note: the mascot for the latter school is a pickle, really) Both degrees are in Music Performance in Voice, though she does admit to playing the piano, badly according to her. The 33-year-old mezzo soprano list Gianni Schicchi as her favorite opera, but has participated in 15-20 since, and including, her college years.

She is slated to play the witch in a performance of Hansel and Gretel in Lynchburg, VA next month.

“I am a problem solver,” Lazarz said. “El Morro has been a neglected asset, but I look forward to the challenge.”

A lot of work lies ahead for this young lady, but that aspect of her job does not seem to slow her down. She has lived in other areas of the country where art was important, but none as small as Gallup with so many varied artists to choose from. She would like to be the one to bring them all together in force, perhaps even inspire Arts Crawl to a weekly event.

And at the same time, hit all the right notes and stay in character for the duration of the performance.

COMMUNITY

Arts Crawl had Warm Moments

By Tom Hartsock Sun Correspondent

I

t was a little chilly outside for a Holiday Stroll during Arts Crawl on Dec. 12, but the music, dancing, good, art and special gifts made for a lot of warm moments inside the downtown buildings.

The pictures show what it looked like, in case you weren’t there, but even the best image cannot impart the warmth that spread through the area and delighted several hundred spectators with different choices. Despite the cold in the air – cold that could not be dissipated even with propane heaters – the crowds at the venues spread over a 2-3 block area were enjoying themselves and didn’t seem in the least anxious to leave.

Gerry Domagalo was the ‘strolling troubadour’ at the Arts Crawl in downtown Gallup on Dec. 12.

From the outside looking into Art 123, it easily gives the appearance of a place to take a rapidly cooling cup of coffee at Arts Crawl on Dec. 12.

Band members from Gallup High School get settled in and try to stay warm before they play several selections for family and friends at Arts Crawl on Dec. 12.

Jacqueline Ahasteen impressed everyone with her cupcakes and other sweet treats during Arts Crawl on Dec. 12.

Golden Desert Motel GREAT WEEKLY RATES! Kitchenettes Available 1205 W. Highway 66 Gallup, NM

Kids line the crafts table to learn new ways to decorate for Christmas at Arts Crawl on Dec. 12.

COMMUNITY

(505) 722-6606 or (505) 879-7611 Gallup Sun • Friday December 18, 2015

11

Star Wars: The Force Awakens - A Bit Frivolous, But Still Fun

By Glenn Kay

RATING: ««« OUT OF 4 STARS RUNNING TIME: 137 MIN.

I

’ve got to be honest, the hype surrounding Star Wars: The Force Awakens is almost absurd. It has been 10 years since the last chapter and even though the majority of people were disappointed, its fan base still continues to grow. This has always been confusing to me. I enjoyed the original films as a kid, but never to the extent that many others my age and older have.

So, please don’t send me death threats for my tempered reaction to the latest installment, which I found to be fun and enjoyable but far from revelatory.

Clearly, I’m just not the target audience.

Picking up 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi, viewers are told that a new Empiric menace known as the “First Order” poses a threat to the universe.

Don’t ask how all of this happened after the closing events of the last movie - it just came to be (admittedly, those who know the minutia of the series may know, but as someone who hasn’t seen anything but the films, it comes as a bit of a surprise).

Of course, the rag tag rebellion, who are now called the Resistance, is struggling just as they were three movies ago to fight off the threat.

As this is happening, a desert planet scavenger named Rey (Daisy Ridley) finds a robot named BB8 that is hiding

They’re back and likely still fighting for galactic freedom! Harrison Ford returns as an aged Han Solo and Peter Mayhew returns as the ageless Chewbacca in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” Photo Credit: Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

secret information. She also encounters a Stormtrooper gone rogue named Finn (John Boyega). The two attempt to evade capture, find their way off of the planet to safety. Of course, they encounter many of the characters from the original series along the way. Together, all must stand against the menace, who are destroying worlds with their “Starkiller”, a space station that will look very familiar to fans.

Don’t be surprised if it appears like a bit of a rehash. Most elements of A New Hope (and to some extent, Empire) are amalgamated and reused here, making this new chapter almost feel like a remake. Yes, the characters aren’t exactly the same and some have been shifted into new roles, but ultimately the framework of the story is

noticeably similar. Yet while it is too recognizable and predictable at times, there are a couple of roles that make an impression.

Finn is one such character. He’s a conscientious Stormtrooper who flees from the First Order and struggles to find the strength to join with the Resistance. He’s possesses some interesting inner conflict, but is also imbued with a great deal of humor. His interactions with one particular cast member provide some of the movie’s best moments. Ridley is more than capable in the new Jedi-to-be role, Oscar Isaac is a lot of fun as a fighter pilot and the BB8 robot is a great addition, adding a lot of humor.

But there are some weak links.

There are plenty of logistic questions

that aren’t answered (the Resistance could be easily squashed if only a different tact was taken) and the callback references to the original series become a little overbearing. There isn’t a whole lot of tension in the third act.

The cross-cutting between characters doesn’t create as much suspense as it should and the familiarity of the scenario doesn’t help matters (we’ve seen this event happen before more than once). Finally, villain Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) is great early on, but becomes progressively less menacing towards the final third, eventually behaving like a petulant teenager.

For all the hype that has come with Star Wars, the final product is enjoyable but perhaps a bit slight. In the original series, we saw sights we’d never seen before - space dogfights, a giant walker lumbering through the snow, even an impressive chase through a dense forest. Beyond Finn and few little additions, there’s not a whole lot that is new here.

Yet it’s still fun for what it is - a simple and entertaining science-fiction adventure (here come the death threats). I don’t know... I can watch James Bond go through the same actions every couple of years and still get a kick out of it, so this all depends on personal taste.

Overall, Star Wars: The Force Awakens feeds off of fan nostalgia, works in the moment and will please most fans - just don’t expect to remember it as fondly as some of the other episodes years down the road.

PETS OF THE WEEK SPLASH & GOLDEN

(8976) Splash and (8978) Golden are male Husky/Collie mix puppies looking to bust out of these cages and into your life and heart.

Now Selling Pinion Wood $150 Per Cord!

Can be adopted separately!

A Two-Fur!

DOLL FACE (8843) Doll Face is a female Siamese mix with a seriously great demeanor.

We still have our $25 cat special going on until the end of the month!

TOAPR! L

DOL

12

Friday December 18, 2015 • Gallup Sun

Rescue Me!

Visit and adopt one of these deserving furry friends at Gallup-McKinley County Humane Society: 1315 Hamilton Rd #B, Gallup, NM. Information: (505) 863-2616.

COMMUNITY

SPORTS 360 Make a Choice: Freedom or Security

By Tom Hartsock Sun Correspondent

B

ot h word s i n t he headline are used a lot these days. The problem is that few can really define either.

I have heard the phrase, “I’m free to do what I want,” that it sometimes makes me physically nauseous. The same goes for, “I’ll defend myself, my family, and my country to the last bullet.”

The two words do not fit well together, indeed they seem on opposite ends of the spectrum; almost oxymoronic in nature, with the emphasis on the last seven letters.

Both are responsibilities, though, just in different ways.

It was explained to me years ago that my freedom ended where another’s nose began. If you are having problems with

SPORTS

this concept, turn off the TV and the computer and think about it for a while. Hint: my freedom should not impede on you, your speech, or even your actions. That’s all, folks!

About the same time, I was told that security began with me: lock the doors at night, turn off the lights, pray to God my soul to keep, and don’t worry about all the horrific what ifs that may occur.

The planes flying at 30,000 are not aiming for your house and if they do drop from the sky onto your mattress, there is NOTHING you can do about it anyway.

Security implies rules and regulations, while freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose. At least that’s what Janis Joplin sang about until she died young. Really? That’s all there is to it?

There was an old song that

stated, “Love and marriage go together like a horse and carriage, can’t have one without the other.’ Freedom and security do NOT go together! They

are opposites in so many ways.

Think about this the next time you hear one of our politicians espouse one course of action over the other. Both are necessary, but both need to be tempered with more far-reaching thoughts than today or tomorrow.

The sports side of my job will be slowing down considerably over the next two weeks.

The only major local event until after the new year begins in the Wingate High School Holiday Classic. If you’re into a raucous basketball atmosphere in a closed space, this event might just be your cup of tea.

And Wingate High School has super facilities for such an event. The teams invited will all be playing at their best level of competition to attempt a championship win.

Hope you all have enjoyed

the recent addition of Sports Results and the format used. As a one-man department, it is difficult to attend all the games, so unless coaches return calls in the individual/team sports like Wrestling and Swimming, little will be divulged for consumption. My philosophy has always been, Win, Lose, or Draw, athletes, friends, family, and fans want to see what happened as well as they can. And only a very small group does not enjoy their names or pictures in a publication.

I sincerely hope that 2015 has been good to all of you. Life can sometimes get you down, but keep in mind that cycles have ups and downs, like a tire that is only flat on one side.

Next year can be the best, or the worst or somewhere in between. Hope to see you in the bleachers!

Gallup Sun • Friday December 18, 2015

13

Sports Scores

Friday, Dec. 11 GHS BBB 52 @ Rio Rancho 49 (Artesia Tournament) GHS WRST @ Bloomfield – NO RESULTS MHS GBB 44 @ Rio Grande 32 (Alice King Invite) MHS WRST @ Bloomfield – Varsity Team (4th Place of 8 teams) “Highest point total ever, 198.5,” coach Ken Starkovich. 1st Place-A.J. Starkovich, Most Outstanding Wrestler of Meet (8-0), Sr. 152#; 2nd Place-Jeremiah Salaz, Sr. 145#; 3rd Place-Drake Guererro, 8th Grade, 106#; 3rd Place-Enrique Diaz, So. 120#; 3rd Place-Clayton Tom, Jr. 126#; 3rd Place-Max Aycock, Jr. 132#; 3rd Place-Josh Ashley, Jr. 285#; 4th Place-Chris Coffey, Jr. 182#; 4th Place-Jairod Gonzales, So. 220#.

Junior Varsity Team (Third Place in Division) 1st Place-Cooper Jim, So. 285#; 2nd Place-Sebastian James, So. 170#; 2nd Place-Terrell Chee, Jr. 152#; 3rd Place-Koby Baca, Fr. 120; 3rd Place-Tristan LaFrance, Fr. 132#; 3rd Place-Lathel Manygoars, Sr. 138#; 3rd Place- Juan

Garica, Fr. 160#; 3rd Place-Garrison Bennett, Jr. 171#.

ToHS BBB 65 vs. Dulce 70 ToHS GBB 60 @ Bloomfield 57 (Laguna Invite) WHS GBB 63 vs Grants JV 43 (Wingate Holiday Classic) Saturday, Dec. 12 GHS BBB 50 @ Pojoaque 39 (Championship-Artesia Tournament) GHS JV GBB 93 @ Wingate 90 (Championship-Holiday Classic) GHS SWM @ APS Mini Invite, NO RESULTS MHS BBB 40 @ Bernalillo 66 MHS GBB 61 @ Estancia 18 (Consolation-Alice King Invite) MHS SWM @ APS Mini Invite, NO RESULTS ToHS GBB 85 @ Ramah 60 (Championship-Laguna Invite) Tuesday, Dec. 15 GHS GBB @ Navajo Prep, CANCELLED - WEATHER RCHS BBB @ Ramah, 6:30 CANCELLED - WEATHER ToHS BBB @ Estancia, 7 CANCELLED - WEATHER ToHS GBB vs Thoreau, 7 CANCELLED - WEATHER

Friday, Dec. 18 GHS BBB @ Eddie Pena 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

RCHS BBB vs East Mountain, 6:30 ToHS BBB @ Coca Cola Classic, Chinle, TBA ToHS GBB @ Taos, 3 WHS BBB vs. Holiday Classic, TBA Tuesday, Dec. 22 MHS GBB @ Kirtland Central, 5 WHS JV BBB vs Shash JV Tournament, TBA

Sports Schedule

Saturday, Dec. 19 GHS BBB @ Eddie Pena Holiday Classic, 2:30 GHS GBB@ Rio Rancho, 7 GHS WRST @ Panther Classic, TBA MHS GBB vs. Thoreau, 7 MHS SWM @ APS Mini, HHS, 8:30 MHS WRST @ Panther Classic, TBA

Wednesday, Dec. 23 GHS BBB vs. Kirtland Central, 7 ToHS BBB @ Monument Valley, 6:30 ToHS GBB @ Monument Valley, 5 WHS JV BBB vs Shash JV Tournament, TBA Thursday, Dec. 24 Holiday – No Games

CLASSIFIEDS 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 MOBILE HOME SPACES Mobile Home Spaces – Single wide – any size $200/mo. Dou-

ble Wide $260/mo. Call Mike 505-870-3430 or Carmelita 505870-4095.

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.

HOME SALES

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 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

Friday, Dec. 25 Holiday – No Games

CALENDAR

KEEP A HEART WARM THIS YEAR

COMMUNITY CALENDAR DEC. 18 – DEC. 24, 2015 FRIDAY DEC. 18 MCKINLEY COUNTY SCHOOL Chief Manuelito Middle school will be hosting a family Film Festival and Navajo Taco dinner from 6 - 8:30 pm. Navajo Tacos will be sold for $5 each. There will be a showing of Holiday classic films such as, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, The Grinch Stole Christmas, and more. For more information please call (505) 721 - 5600. Location: Chief Manuelito Middle School Cafeteria, 1325 Rico Street.

14

FAMILY MOVIE (ALL AGES) Join us for a free family movie. Starts at 4 pm. Children’s Branch, 200 W. Aztec Ave. Film: Arthur Christmas LIVE MUSIC Kim Robinson… Solo Violin at its finest takes center stage from 8 - 10 pm at Coal Street Pub, 303 West Coal Ave. (505) 722-0117

Continued on page 15

Friday December 18, 2015 • Gallup Sun

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

CLASSIFIEDS

COMMUNITY CALENDAR DEC. 11 – DEC. 17, 2015 Continued from page 14 SATURDAY DEC. 19 MOVIE: HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS Starts at 5 pm. El Morro Theater, 207 West Coal Ave. PG13.

MCKINLEY COUNTY SCHOOL Join the Miyamura’s High School Softball team for breakfast, with Santa! Cost: $5 per breakfast plate. From 8 am - 12 pm. Children will be able to sit and visit with Santa. He’ll be happy to take pictures too. For more information please call (505) 721- 1000.

Location: Miyamura High School 680 Boardman Dr. CAROLING Join the Westminster Presbyterian Church for an evening of Christmas caroling. Starts at 5 pm. Meet up at Heather Nasi’s home: 1012 Yei. We’ll meet back at Nasi’s house to warm up after bringing Christmas cheer to church members and friends in the community. Chili will be provided, both meat and vegetarian options, and please bring a beverage or something to go with the chili. For more information please call: (505) 863 5039.

LIVE MUSIC 10 Minute Max…Vocal Duo takes center stage from 8 - 10 pm at Coal Street Pub, 303 West Coal Ave. (505) 722 - 0117 SUNDAY DEC. 20 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.

MONDAY DEC. 21 MCKINLEY COUNTY SCHOOL Winter Break from Dec. 21 - Jan. 1.

TUESDAY DEC. 22 HOLIDAY HUSTLE FILMS Join us for a free family movie.

Starts at 5:30 pm. Children’s Branch, 200 W. Aztec Ave. Film: Christmas with the Kranks CITY COUNCIL - CANCELLED There will be a city council meeting at City Hall. Agendas will be available at least 72 hours prior to each meeting. From 6 8:30 pm. Meetings will be held in the City Council Chambers.

CLASSIFIEDS

For more information please call (505) 863 - 1254. Location: 110 West Aztec Ave. WEDNESDAY DEC. 23 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.

THURSDAY DEC. 24 CITY OF GALLUP Offices will be closed.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE There will be a Christmas Eve candlelight service of carols, lessons, and communion at the Westminster Presbyterian Church. Begins: 7 pm. For more information please call (505) 905-3247 or email wpcgallup@ gmail.com. Location: 154 State Highway 564 (Boardman Drive) near Orleans Manor Apartments.

ONGOING TEACHER’S TRAILER Attention educators, craftspeople, and citizens! If you’re looking for recycled materials for your Holiday projects, the McKinley Citizens Recycling Council has a resource center. Contact a MCRC volunteer at the Larry Brian Mitchell Recreation Center on Saturdays, from 10 am - 2 pm. The items available include: cardboard tubes, cylindrical containers, egg cartons, popsicle and chop sticks, tissue boxes, 2-Liter bottles, boxes and tins of all sizes, and much more. For more information call (505) 722-9257 or leave a message on the MCRC website: www.recylcegallup.org CHRISTMAS TREES Live potted trees are reusable.

Plant your tree or leave it potted in your yard to use again next year. Freshly cut trees are recyclable. Buy a fresh cut tree or cut your own. After the Holidays place it in your backyard for nesting birds, or call (505) 863 - 1212. Evergreen trees are mulched for parks and public areas. Tumbleweed Trees are a creative alternative. For more information on how to recycle in Gallup-McKinley County or to volunteer, or purchase a tote, please call (505) 722-5142 or visit: to www.recylegallup.org.

COAT DRIVE Happy Holiday! The City of Gallup Seniors Centers is sponsoring a Coat Drive. Coat collections will be taken during business hours

CALENDAR

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) 722- 4226. 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 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.

EVENTS AT RIO WEST MALL Toys for Tots: Drop of locations—Mall Office, Regis, Serenade Music, and Radio Shack.

Santa Hours: Sunday 12 - 6, Monday - Friday 11 -7, and Saturday 11 - 8; pet photos Monday 5 - 7 pm.

SAVE THE DATE RECYCLING BIN CLOSURES On December 25 and January 1, the Recycling Bins at the Cultural Center and Larry Brian Mitchell Recreation Center will be closed.

Regular hours will be observed all other days. The Cultural Center is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 8 am - noon. Larry Brian Mitchell is open noon - 4 pm: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. For more information call the NWNM Regional Solid Waste Authority (505) 905 - 8400.

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.

AMERICAN INDIAN DAY Save the date! It’s American Indian day at the Legislature on Friday, February 5, 2016. Broadening State Tribal Relations for generations to come. For more will be posted on the Indian Affairs Department website: www. iad.state.nm.us or call Nicole Macias at (505) 476-1600.

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 December 18, 2015

15 15

16

Friday December 18, 2015 • Gallup Sun

NEWS