Gallup Sun • Friday February 19, 2015

FREE TAKE ONE!

Amazing Gratitude. 11

Freaky Family Affair.10

VOL 2 | ISSUE 46 | FEBRUARY 19, 2016

BIGFOOT NATION Sightings of the mythological

creature discussed during forum. Page 9

NEWS Volunteer firefighter succumbs to injuries VICTIM OF A HIT-AND-RUN

By Babette Herrmann Sun Editor

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amsey James, 24, of Window Rock died Feb. 11 at the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque from injuries sustained during an alleged hit and run Feb. 6.

Cameron Smith, 18, of Gallup reportedly hit Smith with his black Ford pickup truck and fled the scene.

While on patrol, at about 1 am, Gallup Police Department Officer Timothy Hughte found the critically injured James laying in the middle of the road, across from El Charrito Restaurant, 2003 W. Highway 66.

Hughte stated in his report that James had sustained serious head trauma and a leg injury.

While on scene, police received a message that one of Smith’s parents had called and said that he was involved in the accident, and had been drinking

that evening, according to reports. Per Hughte’s request, Smith was brought back to the scene for questioning.

Smith told police that he saw someone “go up and over his vehicle,” and got “scared” so he kept on driving. He did admit to having one drink, but struggled with the field sobriety tests administered by Hughte.

While Smith blew a .13 and .14 during the alcohol breath tests (the legal limit is .08), he has yet to be charged with a DWI. He also voluntarily submitted a blood test to check for any and all substances that my have impaired his judgment that evening, which results are pending.

So far, he is facing charges for great bodily injury by vehicle and leaving the scene of an accident. GPD Capt. Rick White said with the passing of James, the department notified District Attorney Karl Gillson’s office of the changes in the case, and they could amend the original charges.

This could likely include a new charge of vehicular homicide, White added.

According to a news release from the

Firefighter Ramsey James. Photo Credit: Courtesy

Office of the President and Vice President, James served as a volunteer firefighter for two years with the Navajo Nation at Station 10 in Window Rock and Station 12 in Fort Defiance. He completed the Navajo Nation Fire Academy in 2013 and graduated with Fire Class #1306.

“On behalf of the 23rd Navajo Nation Council, we mourn the loss of firefighter James and we recognize his service to the Navajo Nation for his bravery and honor.

He took it upon himself to be a protector of our Navajo people, and we will remember his honorable service to our Nation,” Speaker LoRenzo Bates said.

James is originally from For t Defiance, Ariz., and is a graduate of Window Rock High School.

Council Delegate Edmund Yazzie, chair of the Law and Order Committee, said he sends his deepest condolences and prayers to James’s family on behalf of the LOC. “This is absolutely heartbreaking news for the Navajo Nation. Losing a vital public safety servant is devastating and a hard-hit to the Nation,” Yazzie said. “We wish the family healing and comfort during this difficult time, and we are sending prayers to them.”

A memorial fund has been set up in James’ honor to help pay for funeral expenses. Visit: www.gofundme. com/q9sgjkms – to donate and leave a condolence message.

Cash Cow still open for business COMPANY MAKING ITS WAY THROUGH CHAPTER 11 DEBT RESTRUCTURING

By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

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uick Cash, Inc, doing business as Cash Cow, remains open for business and things look bright once the restructuring and reorganization process plays itself out, officials said.

Tim Delgado, proprietor of Cash Cow, said the company filed the Chapter 11 debt restructuring plan in June 2015.

“We’re doing everything our secured and unsecured creditors want us to do,” Delgado

Tim Delgado, owner of Cash Cow Furniture, can no longer offer loans to customers as part of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy deal. File Photo

said of the 12-year business.

“We are still open for business.”

Delgado said Cash Cow’s automobile component remains

open and cars at that business are for sale as usual. He said the auto part of the business is a separate entity from the main part of the business which specializes in furniture and tire sales. Delgado said the automobile part of the business is working with customers to ensure that payments are properly credited and that vehicle titles are not jeopardized.

At issue is a murky $25 application fee that Cash Cow charges to its customers, Delgado explained. He said a class action complaint

filed in U.S. District Court in Albuquerque is making its way through the system, led by Caroline Tullie and Albuquerque attorney Richard Feferman. The complaint alleges that Cash Cow misled and deceived clients and violated the federal Truth in Lending Act and the New Mexico Unfair Practices Act. Delgado said as part of the restructuring effort, Cash Cow has reduced its overall workforce from a high at one time of 120 full and part time employees to three employees at the moment. Also as part of the

restructuring and reorganization, the company’s bottom line debt has gone from $7 million to around $5.2 million, Delgado said. The amount includes the sale of the Delgado-owned Baskin & Robins ice cream store in Gallup’s uptown area.

Delgado said the company’s creditors are in agreement to allow Cash Cow to stay open, but Feferman and a Consumers Claimants Committee want Cash Cow to shut its doors.

Delgado said the company has ceased the issuing of cash loans, saying that furniture financing was at zero percent at one time.

Feferman could not be reached for comment on this article.

Becenti-Aguilar working temporary Senate stint an attendant to the Sergeant at Arms with the New Mexico Senate Office of the Chief Clerk at the Roundhouse. BecentiAguilar started the paid position Jan. 19 – the same day the state legislative session began.

By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

S

ANTA FE – Following t h rou g h on a personal goal to ser ve the New Mexico public, former Public Regulation Com m issioner Theresa Becenti-Aguilar now works

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Friday February 19, 2016 • Gallup Sun

Theresa Becenti-Aguilar stops to pose for a photo before the Roundhouse gets bustling with legislative business. Photo Credit: Courtesy

SENATE STINT | SEE PAGE 5 NEWS

‘Teacher of the Month’ Duane Yazzie: DETERMINED TO HELP THE STRUGGLING STUDENT SUCCEED 5-2-1-0 goal.

“I thought, you know what, my students really showed me and proved to me that they were serious about meeting these challenges and these goals,” he said. “I told them ‘if you can prove to me that whole

By Chrissy Largo Sun Correspondent

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ifth grade teacher, Duane Ya z z ie, f r om Ts eho ot s o oi Intermediate Learning Center took it upon himself to give a batch of 18 students the patience and learning they needed to enhance their learning capabilities in reading and writing.

The students are fifth graders that are considered “ELL”, which sta nds for English Language Learners, which means that they are not proficient in using English, and need help with improving their reading and writing skills.

“I knew it is going to be a challenge,” he said. “I’ve had those nights that seemed like it was sleepless. Wondering, how much are they going to progress in a given time period?

They know with me that my expectations are still kind of high and I am not going to settle for anything less.”

Yazzie says his students may look like fifth graders, but they are actually reading at second and third grade level, and in some cases the first grade level. He even has some students that are non-readers.

But, that didn’t stop him from taking up the challenge of giving these students a chance.

“Really it is for them,” he said. “It is not about me, in any way shape or form. I see how needy they are and how much they’re struggling and someone has to do it. Why not me?”

Being a product of this school district, he remembers a time when special area courses were being offered such as a year book class, choir class, home economics, and a horticulture class. Today, he says he is seeing less of those types of courses. “ To d ay, it i s a t e x t book-driven curriculum,” he said.

Originally from the Fort Defiance area, he was raised by his grandparents and says that his maternal grandmother is his greatest role model.

“I think a lot of things I’ve espoused come from her,” he said. “She was hard worker.

My grandfather was an alcoholic and she would walk and it didn’t matter if it was raining, NEWS

school/intermediate gymnasium. We also used our field house across the street. It was icy. We had friends help stop traffic and go across.”

Meanwhile, Jennifer Kerr, director of restaurant support for Taira’s Inc., presented

‘Teacher of the Month’ Duane Yazzie stands at the front of his fifth grade classroom in Ft. Defiance.

Photo Credit: Shepherd Waldenberger

snowing, she would walk from here to Window Rock and of course, she had me in tow. She was very very self-disciplined.”

He hopes that reminding his students that having self-discipline and self control is something that is needed for an individual person to succeed whether they get encouragement from their family and friends.

It was with that same dedication that seventh and eighth grade Principal of Tsehootsooi Middle School, David Moore, took notice and he recommended to Yazzie that his classroom partake in the Navajo-Hopi Astronomy Outreach Project, through the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff.

The Navajo-Hopi Astronomy Outreach Project is an outreach program for Native American students. It’s designed to enhance their education in the astronomy field. A scientist visits their classroom to give monthly lessons that involve hands-on activities.

At the end of the program, the students go on a field trip to the Lowell Observatory.

“He cares about kids so much and he is teaching them to be life learners,” he said.

“Also, he is teaching them to be compassionate and tolerant, certain qualities that you do not see any more. He teaches them to care for other people, which for me are one of the greatest attributes.”

Yazzie also mentions that the school recently received a grant to supply iPads to use in the classrooms, something that he is thankful for.

“We are using a lot more of the iPads to aid our reading and our writing and to boost some achievements in those

areas,” he said. “I hope that it resonates that we are building stronger leaders and writers.”

His passion is coaching volleyball in the district at the freshmen level; however, this year he decided to take the year off to focus on his students.

Last spring, he started a program called “Math Circles,” an after school tutoring program held every Tuesday, largely organized by Dine’ College.

With a team of four teachers, including himself, they teach a group of fifth graders and sixth graders different strategies for learning math.

He also helped out this past summer, traveling to and from to a math camp, over a two-week period to the Dine’ College at the Tsaile location, to meet with other teachers that held PhDs in mathematics.

Many came from the east coast to help teachers like Yazzie, to implement ways of teaching math besides the usual text book approach.

It was through this math camp, and his dedication that he was invited to a conference in Seattle to attend the “Joint Mathematics Meetings” this past December. Now, he is encouraged to take coursework in mathematics to get his math endorsement, which the program is willing to fund.

And there’s more.

Last year, his class took part in the “Walk On!” challenge, in which all the students were given a calendar and were challenged to eat five fruits or vegetables every day, two hours or less of screen time (usage of their tablets, watching movies, etc.), one hour of exercise and zero consumption of sweetened drinks, also known as the

Tsehootsooi Middle School Principal David Moore. Photo Credit: Shepherd Waldenberger

month, I will write the grant, on your behalf.’”

He submitted a proposal on behalf of his classroom to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona to receive a $5,000 grant to fund school programs that fight childhood obesity – and they won.

There were a total of 198 schools that participated, and it reached about 24,000 students.

A s of Feb 1, A r i zon a Governor Doug Ducey declared this day officially as “Walk On! Day,” and on that same day in collaboration with the Dine’ Youth, Tsehootsooi Medical Center, and Department of Behavioral Health, the schools came together and had an array of fun physical activities planned for the students.

“It was a crazy Monday with the snow, but we still went ahead,” he said. “We had activities down in the middle

Yazzie with an array of gifts for him and his students, honoring him as this month’s “Teacher of the Month.”

“Seven different kids nominated you for “Teacher of the Month,” which has never happened before,” she said “It was really amazing. We just really wanted to let you know that we appreciate what you are doing here, working with the kids and it is really an honor.”

Each month, Ca mille’s Sidewalk Ca fé, under the Taira’s Inc. family of restaurants, selects a “Teacher of the Month.” When the school year closes, look for the announcement of “Teacher of the Year” contest.

To n om in a te your teacher, fill out an entry form at Camille’s Sidewalk Café, 306 S. Second St. in Gallup.

Gallup Sun • Friday February 19, 2016

3

WEEKLY CRIME BLOTTER Staff Reports

and seizures, so there’s some speculation that his health could have played a role in his death. White said this marks the eighth “open area death” in Gallup this winter season.

OFFICER INVOLVED ACCIDENT

MAN IDENTIFIED 2/16, GALLUP A body found behind Duke City has been identified as Floyd Becenti, 54, of Coyote Canyon. The cause of his death is pending an autopsy and toxicology reports, but upon initial investigation, Gallup Police Depar tment Capt. Rick White said that no foul play is suspected. He said that Becenti had been taking some medication for diabetes

2/15, GALLUP State Police are investigating an accident involving GPD Officer Jeremy Shirley. The accident occurred at 5:39 am, and while details are minimal, Capt. White said “Shirley was treated and released,” so his injuries are minor. However, his police unit is disabled, at least for now.

UP IN SMOKE 2/14, GAMERCO Christopher Tsosie, 28, was doing more than just driving at a “h ig h” rate of speed on

S ou t h C h i no L o o p w he n McK inley County Sher iff ’s Office Deputy A r nold Nor iega pu l led h i m over.

Tsosie noted in his repor t that he “noticed the strong odor of what I believed to be ma r ijua na coming from the interior of the vehicle” a s Tsosie rolled dow n the window.

W hen a sked how much pot wa s in the ca r, Tsosie repor ted ly sa id h is fr iend s m oke d i t a l l . A s e a r c h of h i s ba ck pa ck revea led somet h i ng more. Severa l, small plastic baggies were d iscovered, a long w ith some f i l led w it h pot . A nd a bigger bag conta ined a n ounce of the green stuff, a por table scale, and a “glass bowl,” that Nor iega stated i s com mon ly u sed by pot smokers.

He was booked for distribution of marijuana; paraphernalia/possession; and po s s e s sion of m a r iju a n a over one ounce, but not eight ounces.

MEAN DADDY 2/13 GALLUP F red Bena lly wa s def initely not in his right mind, reportedly intoxicated, when he ha nded a k n i fe to h i s 2-year-old son, according to GPD Officer Charles Steele’s report. The mother said her baby nearly cut himself on the mouth with the knife. She tried to take the knife away, but according to the report, Benally threatened her with it, holding close to her neck.

Benally, 35, was booked for aggravated assault against a household member (deadly we a pon) a nd a bu s e of a child.

ROCKY ROAD 2/10, GALLUP A woma n appa rent ly tending to her laundry that she had placed in the back of

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Friday February 19, 2016 • Gallup Sun

her car, got a bit of surprise when she heard her passenger side door open while at the Days Inn east. The surprise was Zachary Lee. And Lee, 21, dema nded a r ide, according to MCSO Deputy Terrance Peyketewa’s report.

Instead of getting out of the vehicle, he pulled a “grapefr uit sized rock” from his pants pocket. He then rummaged around the car and took a wallet.

Next, he threw the rock, braking the driver’s side window. He then took off running toward the Roadrunner Motel.

It’s not clear what antics he pulled at the Roadrunner, but he was tied at the legs and being held down by another man when deputies arrived.

He was booked for aggravated burglary and property damage.

Gallup Sun Publishing, LLC Publisher/Editor Babette Herrmann Advertising Raenona Harvey Correspondents Bernie Dotson Tom Hartsock Chrissy Largo Photography Del Ray Shepherd Waldenberger Calendar Editor Lealia Nelson Design David Tsigelman On the Cover: Dr. Jeff Meldrum signs a footprint cast; bigfoot casts; and map pinned w/local sightings.

Photos: S. 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.

NEWS

WEEKLY DWI REPORT Staff Reports Renus E. Barker Jan. 19, 5:13 pm 7th DWI Already on t he D i s t r ic t At t or ney’s DWI felony list, Barker decided that six DWIs weren’t enough. MCSO Sgt. Eric Jim witnessed Barker pull into the Trademark plaza off South Second Street “at a high rate of speed,” according to the report. Barker, 29, also drove in circles around the Teriyaki House restaurant at a high rate of speed.

That prompted Jim to pull him over. Barker appeared intoxicated and struggled with field sobriety tests. Jim was able to secure a search warrant for a blood draw, but the results are still pending.

Randall R. Chee Jan. 13, 6: 10 pm 2nd DWI, Aggravated Chee, 20, is not even of leg a l a ge t o dr ive, yet he readily earned his second DWI. According to Gallup Police Department Officer Steven Peshlakai’s report, police were dispatched to Bank of America

SENATE STINT | FROM PAGE 2 The job ends this week.

“My job is a temporary position,” Becenti-Aguilar said. “My future plan is to continue to serve in some capacity for my constituents. (Today), some of my constituents travel to Santa Fe and share their stories of how proud they are to see me continuing my work in a high and official capacity. I am truly blessed of paths granted.”

Among Becenti-Aguilar’s duties in the legislative job are assisting the New Mexico Senate with the preparation of the chamber for floor sessions, including bill book preparation, assisting senators with special assignments, and enforcing media policy.

Becenti-Aguilar grew up in NEWS

on 1006 W. Aztec in response to a domestic dispute. The female passenger was bleeding from the forehead.

While he wouldn’t answer questions regarding the domestic dispute, he did admit to drinking two cans of “Four Loko.” He blew a .14 and .16 during the breath alcohol content tests. He was also booked for aggravated battery on a household member and resisting, evading or obstructing an officer.

Allen Manymules Jan. 12, 6:27 pm Aggravated DWI Manymules st i r red some attention when he c ou ld n’t stay in his lane on U.S. Route 4 91. He h a d pulled into Ramierz Apar tments, a nd according to McKinley County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Tammy Houhtaling’s report, another deputy noted that he threw his keys in the back hatch and climbed into the backseat.

Manymules, 57, said he didn’t speak English, but another deputy was able to refute that claim. He also claimed to be blind in his left eye when asked to engage in the field sobriety tests, but he closed his right and was peering out of his left eye. He refused to take the breath tests, Coyote Canyon on the Navajo Nation without electricity and running water, and was appointed to the $90,000-a-year PRC job in 2010 by then-Gov. Bill Richardson. She outright won election to PRC in November of the same year.

Becenti-Aguilar made history in that election in that she was one of three women who served PRC at the same time, joining still sitting commissioners Valerie Espinosa and Karen Montoya.

Becenti-Aguilar represented District 4 on the PRC, which includes McKinley and Cibola counties.

The PRC regulates the utilities, telecommunications and motor carrier industries to ensure fair and reasonable rates and adequate services as stipulated by law.

earning an aggravated DWI. Cornelia Anderson Jan. 10, 6:39 pm Aggravated DWI W h e n GPD Of f icer Carmelita James arrived at Strong a nd Coa l i n reference to a t wo -veh icle wreck, Anderson slurred her words and looked away from her wh i le t a l k i ng. A w it ne s s said that Anderson, 27, had tried to f lee the scene, so he blocked her in with his vehicle, according to James report. Anderson refused to take the breath tests earning an Aggravated DWI among other charges.

Marcus Stevens Jan. 9, 11:05 pm Aggravated DWI GPD Officer Luke Ma r t i n responded to a call at Blake’s Lotaburger o n 2 618 E .

H i g hw a y 6 6 regarding an accident involving two vehicles. According to Luke’s report, Stevens, 34, claimed that someone else was driving, but the driver who he hit denied that assertion. He was showing all the signs of intoxication – bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and “emitting an odor of alcoholic beverage.” When he arrived at the station, he blew a .20 and .18 during the breath tests.

Kymberly Jim Jan. 2, 6:08 pm 2nd DWI, Aggravated W h e n MCSO Deputy Houg ta ling arrived at t he Mu noz overpass, near exit 20, i n respon se to a possible intoxicated driver, she found Jim standing at the side of the road, according to her report. Jim, 35, stated that she was having an anxiety attack. Houghtaling took note of the signs of intoxication and asked her to engage in field sobriety tests, which she failed.

Jim had to be taken to the hospital for clearance. While there, she blew a .217 during a breath test.

Gerard R. John Jan. 2, 12 am Aggravated DWI Jo h n w a s reportedly following another vehicle too closely, which caught the attention of MCSO Deputy Arnold Noriega as he drove south on Chino Loop. He pulled John over and immediately noticed

the signs of intoxication. He didn’t fare too well on the field sobriety tests, and blew a .23 and .25 during the breath tests.

Conway Hannah Jan. 1, 2:35 am DWI H a n n a h’s s t or y cou ld have tu r ned out a lot differently if he had hit someone while d r iv i ng the wrong way on westbound I-40. MCSO Deputy Roxanne King pulled Hannah over near Thoreau, and could i m med iately smel l booze emitting from his car. Deputy Arthur Rahimi asked Hannah to take the field sobriety tests, and he “was unable to complete any because he appeared extremely incoherent a nd intoxicated.”

Hannah, 25, blew a .12 twice during the breath tests.

William P. Goodluck Dec. 31, 10:38 am DWI Goodluck, 63, was pulled over for going 71 mph in a 55 mph in the area of North China Springs loop and U.S. Route 491. Deputy Merlin

DWI REPORT | SEE PAGE 11

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AM Gallup Sun • Friday February 19,12/16/15 201611:39 5

OPINIONS Gallup’s luxury suites for the poor: Part two, federal housing’s checkered legacy

By Joe Schaller Guest Opinion Columnist

H

o o g h a n H o z h o’s low income housing in dow ntow n Ga l lup come s at an average cost to taxpayers of $250,000 per unit and $355 per square foot (cost) compared to an average $107 per square foot (sales) for new single family houses in New Mexico. They are funded and annually subsidized by Navajo Housing Authority,

HUD a nd USDA, a nd pro moted to the City of Gallup as ‘mixed-income supportive housing’. They are ready for occupancy in March and a grand opening in April.

T h i r t y-f ive of t he 4 4 units will be for low-income Navajos. Gallup currently has over 800 other ‘low-income’ housing units with lengthy waiting lists. Some may look at those numbers and wonder why there isn’t an un-going investigation of some sort.

I’m certainly not holding my breath. Much of the loca l med ia ha s a n aversion to addressing abuse of federal funds. This is just business as usual in a ‘progressive’ welfare state.

Let’s look at the legacy of federal housing projects.

The US Dept of Housing and

Urban Development (HUD) has a long history of fraud, waste and unintended consequences since 1937. Their failure and corruption rivals that of the BI A a nd EPA .

The tragedies of subsidized housing have been analyzed on end since the 1960s. Here are the common conclusions: 1. Before federal subsidy programs were begun, and before the widespread use of detailed housing regulation s and zoning ordin an ce s, p r ivat e m ark et s did a good job of providing housing for lower-income Americans.

MADAME G

2. Subsidized housing advocates usually make matters worse when they try to ban the conditions that offend them. By insisting on unrealistically high regulatory standards that drive up housing prices beyond the means of the poor, private owners and builders bypass the low-income market thus creating housing shortages.

Progressive San Francisco’s stifling housing regulations have led to the highest class inequality in the country with their poor getting poorer.

3. A major social benefit of private and unsubsidized

rental and housing markets is the promotion of respons i b l e b e h a v i o r. Te n a n t s an d pot e nti a l h o m e o w ners must establish a good credit history, save money fo r se c ur ity d e p os it s o r down-payments, come with good references from employers, and pay the rent or mortgage on time.

R e n t e r s m u st m a i n t a i n their apartments decently and keep an eye on their children to avoid eviction.

By contrast, public housing, housing vouchers, and other types of housing s u bsi di e s un d e r min e o r eliminate these benefits of market-based housing.

CONTINUED NEXT WEEK

GUIDE TO THE STARS WEEK OF FEB. 19 - FEB. 25

Madame G was asked, when does a teenage daughter stops being terrible? The answer: when she’s cool enough for Disney. Today the Sun shines in Pisces. The sign of the fish goes with the flow, shows compassion, and works on the inner self. Take notice and head over to the Happiest Place on Earth even, if it’s only in your dreams.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct.22)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

It’s nearly impossible for Aries to go with the flow. Normally this is a good thing. You’re innovative and motivated. You get stuff done. But, your forceful nature works against you when life requires patience. And it often does. Take a tip from the Ancient Romans, never stand when you can sit, or sit when you can lie down. In this way, you’ll find you’re always rested when it’s time for war or nap time with a toddler.

As a fellow water sign you’ll appreciate this month’s calming influence. This is a very good month for mending fences with friends. It’s in your best interest to reclaim those that have strayed from your house.

You’re prone to pushing loved ones away when you need space — they’ll understand. But, you MUST first reach out or you’ll wind up alone.

Your spirits are soaring and it feels as if you could fly. If others insist on bringing the mood down enjoy it for yourself. Watch a good movie and sing your heart out. You already know the lyrics to Frozen, the Little Mermaid, and The Lion King. Go ahead, turn the kids portion of Netflix on and have a blast.

You enjoy simple pleasure and gain a great deal from studying your fellow human beings and animals. You also enjoy caring for others in your own way. However, this comes with a price. You must learn to care for yourself and it requires more than just spending money on pedicures.

Enrich your mind and soul by reading a good book, listening to music, and meditating. Live well!

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

Don’t despair! You may have let someone down, but you didn’t know it at the time. It wasn’t intentional.

It’s time to take action and make the correction. A few extra dollars aren’t worth losing your good reputation. It’s best to fess up as soon as you notice the problem and take responsibility. The most you can do is apologize and allow them to do the rest. It’s only fair.

You’re a loyal friend and a despondent enemy. Though you understand hard work and will kill yourself with drudgery — you’re terribly lazy. This doesn’t prevent you from caring for your family. However, mental laziness is unacceptable. Turn off the television and pull out a book. Your kids will thank you and it’s something you can do for yourself.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) This is the beginning of a fantastic workweek for you. Your sign is full of spirit and it will appreciate the intuitive nature of the Pisces Sun. Keep yourself honest and learn a new skill. It’s probably a great time to begin learning a second language or tapping into the creative arts. You might try submitting a few stories to competitions. You’ll be glad you did.

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LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Keep your end goal in mind otherwise you’ll flounder. If the petty inconveniences are getting you down look forward and don’t get caught up in drama. Someone is either part of your end game or they’re unimportant. The force of your will pushes you and other projects forward. so don’t fight yourself … and relax. Put your energy where it belongs.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Happiness is equal portions of luck/ chance and choice. You may not like your circumstances and some things are unavoidable or tragic. How you respond to these moments and tragedies is very important. You can either make a choice to be unhappy and live your life that way or you can choose to be happy. This will require action on your part. Good luck!

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

Leo Tolstoy famously said: “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”

Madame G says that all families are complicated even the ones we create.

Family bonds are important and we often don’t know what we have until it’s gone. Forgiveness is cheaper than therapy and it’s what they suggest anyway. Try it.

Friday February 19, 2016 • Gallup Sun

Madame G suggests planning for your next great adventure. Spring is just around the corner and summer will be here along with the prospect for vacations. Sign up for an unusual outing that involves working out and playing. Try a Jiu-Jitsu class in Costa Rica with your spouse or backpack through Romani. Either way you’ll have lots of stories.

This is your month. You should use it to your advantage because there isn’t always an opportunity for peaceful reflection. As a sensitive spirit you feel the pain of others often in a literal sense. Take care of your spiritual needs and work on any underlying emotional hang-ups.

You can’t help others, if you’ve never helped yourself.

OPINIONS

Mayor talks cemetery start, VA Service officer search stopped

By Tom Hartsock Sun Correspondent

T

he general meeting of Veterans helping Veterans on Feb. 12 had a special guest, Mayor Jackie McKinney. He t ook a few m i nut e s f rom h i s bu s y s c he du le t o le t t h e v e t e r a n s k n ow t h a t t he a ppropr i a t ion money for the Veterans’ Cemeter y had been approved and the work should be completed by 2017. T he site selected for the final resting place of many area veterans is just off Hasler Valley Road and east of the National Guard building.

The state had set a date of Feb. 24 to beg i n i nterv iew i n g a p pl ic a nt s for t he new VA Service Officer to be pla ced i n Ga l lup.

A n office has been set up in the Ford Canyon S e n i o r C e nt e r. T y r a Saavedra comes now twice a month f r om Gr a nt s t o help out a nd it appea r s she may have to cont i nue t he t r ip for a while, since word has been received, according to David Cuellar, that Santa Fe

has cancelled the inter view and/or hiring process at this time. No further explanation was given at t he ti me of t he cancellation.

G u l f Wa r veterans were also given a wa r ning of an illness that seems to be spreading among t hei r ra nk s. It is non-identifiable at this time but veterans of that conf lict may receive compensation for the symptoms a ny way.

I f a v e t e r a n of t h a t e r a thinks they may qualify, go

online to Gulf WarVeterans/ Une x pl a i ne d I l l ne s s e s or ta lk to Cuella r at the F ire

St a t ion on N. S econd St . or by c a l l i n g h i s c el l a t 505-879-3333.

Catholic Charities of Gallup, Inc. Provides the Following Services: Emergency Services:

Help with past due rent or utilities, food vouchers and transient relief services.

Thrift Store:

Provides clothing, household items furniture and other misc. items at little or no cost.

Breakfast Drop in Program:

Provides an early morning meal and hot coffee for the homeless. Monday – Thursday from 6:30 to 7:45 am

Tax Help NM/Vita Program:

Free Tax preparation for people earning under $50,000 per year. Starting February 8 through April 15, 2016. Mondays 1-6 pm and Fridays 9 am-1 pm.

We will also accept donations of gently used clothing, household items, and furniture. We will also accept food or monetary donations for our drop in program.

For any questions about our programs please call 505-722-4407 ext 101

Catholic Indian Center 506 W. Highway 66 Ave. Gallup, NM 87301

Phone: 505-722-4407 OPINIONS

Gallup Sun • Friday February 19, 2016

7

COMMUNITY Library honors Black History Month with art exhibit, storytelling

By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

A

n art exhibit entitled, “Black Lives Matter” is on display to the public through the month of February at the Octavia Fellin Public Library.

“I don’t really have a real favorite of the ones that are on display at the library,” Chandler, 75, commented. “I like all of them.”

Among the works on display, one is titled, “Haitian Slave Trade, All About the Money (1991).” Another carries

professor of art history and A fro-A mer ica n Studies at Simmons College in Boston, said he doesn’t really receive a lot of feedback about the works, but, never theless, respects it when it comes his way. Chandler noted that he’s been a resident of the Indian Capital since 2004, saying this year marks the second time his works have been on exhibit at the library.

Library Director Mary Ellen Pellington said she receives positive com ments about Chandler’s works.

“He’s a wonderful artist,”

rtwork by Dana Chandler on display in the Octavia Fellin Public Library for the month of February.

Photo credit: Shepherd Waldenberger

com mu n ic at e,” she s a id.

“Drums have a very important role in world history.”

Camilla Dodson shares some history about the African Lesotho culture and music at the Octavia Fellin Public Library Feb. 16. Photo credit: Shepherd Waldenberger

The more than two dozen works span the year 1964 to the present and are part of a collection done by local artist and former college professor Dana Chandler.

the title, “Whiskey, Rum, Pear, Apple, Bullets (1981).” Each painting denotes a degree of social commentary as it pertains to Black History Month.

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Dana Chandler stands in front of his paintings, now on exhibit at the Octavia Fellin Public Library through the end of the month. Photo credit: Courtesy

she said, adding that the library makes a strong effort to put on presentations throughout February. “All of his artwork is amazing.”

Chandler said he coined the “Black Lives Matter” name for the exhibit to pay tribute to the “murders” of young black men in Baltimore, Chicago and Ferguson, Mo. “Why not give it that name?” Chandler said.

“I think it’s time we pay more attention to what is happening in all of our communities.”

The Lesotho-born Dodson now lives in the Albuquerque area, but makes it a point to come to the Indian Capital yearly

for the presentation. Dodson’s presentation consisted of inviting participants to share in drum-playing and trivia.

After the hour-long presentation was over, Dodson fielded questions. “I don’t know too much about Lesotho,” participant John Rains of Gallup said.

“Where exactly is it?”

Dodson responded with short explanations and anecdotes about Lesotho, saying the country’s inhabitants are called “Basothos.” The country of just more than 2 million went independent from England in 1966, and is encircled by the bigger South Africa.

“I thought it was a very good information presentation,” Rita Peynetsa of Window Rock said afterward. “I mean how many people even know the history of African instruments and for that matter Lesotho?”

AFRICAN DRUM PRESENTATION African storyteller Camille Dodson told about a dozen gathered at Fellin Feb. 16 that before there were cell phones there were drums.

“Drums were the mecha n i sm t h at wa s u sed t o

Those who attended the event repeat drum patterns set by Dodson with a flurry of sticks and smiles. Photo credit: Shepherd Waldenberger

COMMUNITY

Bigfoot is a big deal in New Mexico Story and photos by Shepherd Waldenberger Sun Correspondent

T

he Bigfoot seminar kicked off at UNM Gallup on Feb. 11, and the turnout was tremendous. So many people showed up that the original room overflowed, and the venue had to be changed at the last minute to Calvin Hall Auditorium, which still couldn’t seat everyone. People crowded in to stand and sit on the steps as Dr. Christopher Dyer began the welcome and introduction.

When he asked for a show of hands from those who had seen or heard a Sasquatch (aka Bigfoot), almost a third of those present raised their hands. Dyer assured the crowd that there

Rob Kryder, an expert Bigfoot tracker, takes notes from individuals about their experiences with the creatures.

would be no more skeptics at the end of the two-day event. “We know this is a real phenomena,” he said of Bigfoot.

Meldrum explains how to identify a Bigfoot to the huge crowd in UNM’s Calvin Hall Auditorium on Feb. 11.

“I’ve had a rock thrown at me by one of these things,” he added.

Dyer then welcomed Dr. Jeff Meldrum, author of Sasquatch: Legend Meets Science, to present some of his research on these mysterious creatures.

Meldrum spoke about genealogy to show how humans and “relict humanoids,” or human-like creatures that are now much more scarce than they used to be, are related. Sasquatch is one of these relict humanoids. There are many others as well, including tiny “hobbits,” but most are believed to have gone extinct long ago. Bigfoot, however, is still seen and heard today.

People across the world have been creating images and telling stories about these animals for thousands of years.

Yeti, Bigfoot, and Sasquatch are just a few of the common names used today. Everywhere from the Southwest to Canada to China cave drawings representing giant hairy beings can be found. Meldrum suggests

that the North American Bigfoot originally came from Asia, along with many other species we consider native to our continent.

Though some people dismiss Bigfoot as a mere fantasy, Meldrum knows better, concluding that “no legend is without history.”

Rob K r yder, of K r yder Exploration LLC, followed Meldrum to talk about his experiences tracking and recording Bigfoot in the field. Kryder is working with both UNM and Meldrum to collect evidence for use in a future book on Bigfoot in New Mexico. Kryder has been studying Bigfoot behavior for years and has a lot to show for his efforts, including audio recordings, footprint casts, hairs, and scat.

He has found that they prefer to inhabit steeply-sloped, wooded areas, but will often travel along washes and streams to gather food before returning to higher ground. Sasquatch are omnivores and will eat just about anything, much like

INSURANCE & PRIVATE PAY ACCEPTED

a bear. They are known to eat grubs, hunt deer with rocks, and pluck birds off their nests at night. They even pluck the birds before consuming them, a very human-like behavior.

Unfortunately, they sometimes prey on livestock as well.

Kryder tracked a family of Bigfoot that were living in the Sandia Mountains just outside of Albuquerque and noted that they “frequent people’s ponds and water gardens” and eat birdseed from feeders. Needless to say, some of these homeowners were less than thrilled at the news of their giant, hairy, scavenging neighbors.

Sasquatch are extremely adept at avoiding humans, and

Casts of Sasquatch footprints for sale at the event.

are therefore seldom seen. In addition to their stealth, Kryder noted that “in a single night they could cross a 100 mile gap to get to a different area.”

This enables them to move undetected between suitable habitats in New Mexico, which are often separated by vast swaths of desert too dry to support Bigfoot populations.

On day two of the seminar, individuals shared their stories of Bigfoot encounters. Some cherish and protect these creatures, while others are worried

after losing dogs and livestock to their massive hands. Victoria Stone lives in a remote area near Farmington where a family of Bigfoot also reside, and she says “they’re watching out for me and my family,” and “I have not seen anything bad about them.”

One family, however, lost three goats when they left for a weekend. The goats were killed by twisting of their necks, the blood was drained and drank through holes in the arteries, and their carcasses were left behind. It appeared to be an act of desperation driven by hunger after several days of snow and cold. Kryder theorizes that several young Bigfoot were responsible, and that the older individuals would not condone such an act because it alerted humans to their presence.

There are numerous reports of Bigfoot throwing rocks at people. It seems to be a warning response when humans get too close. Bigfoot are extremely strong and can toss rocks over 100 pounds, but so far there have been no reported human deaths, a testament to Bigfoot’s restraint.

Most encounters are quite neutral though. People see a Bigfoot, and it runs off, much like other wild animals. Most Bigfoot appear to keep to themselves and avoid confrontation with humans.

The popular opinion shared

by Meldrum, Kryder, and most witnesses is that Bigfoot are a lot like humans. They seem to treat others the way they are treated. If you ever meet one, greet it with a smile, not with a rock, and you’ll probably emerge unharmed.

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Gallup Sun • Friday February 19, 2016

9

‘The Witch’ – A weird flick that may cast an eerie spell on you

By Glenn Kay For the Sun

RATING: ««« OUT OF 4 STARS RUNNING TIME: 93 MIN.

A

dvertised as a “New England folktale”, The Witch may fall under the category of horror, but don’t go in expecting typical jump scares and traditional devices. The latest creeper to arrive in cinemas is far more arthouse film than slasher movie in its approach.

First time director Robert Eggers uses a style not dissimilar to the work of independent filmmakers like Ben Wheatley (Kill List, A Field in England).

But is this attempt to terrify successful?

Set in the 17th Century, a Puritan family is exiled from their plantation and travel deep into the woods to start a new life. When a newborn child disappears under suspicious circumstances, it sets off a chain of events that spiral downward for the husband (Ralph Ineson), wife (Kate Dickie), teenage daughter (Anya Taylor-Joy) and three younger children (Harvey Scrimshaw, Ellie Grainger, Lucas Dawson).

Interestingly, the filmmakers claim to have used diaries and written records of real events to help fashion the story

and dialogue; they suggest that some of the lines are used verbatim. It’s an enterprising technique that effectively recreates the era and what it must have felt like to be there, but also adds some authenticity to the increasingly supernatural proceedings (although this is a horror picture and there is a great deal of exaggeration).

One can’t be too terrified by the sight of a suspicious looking goat or hare, but there are some distressing and festering images as the characters begin to act out in various ways.

This includes some upsetting implied violence to children and a particularly disturbing moment late in the story that involves a black crow. Still, in truth the most anxiety-provoking material is the family conflict.

The initial tragedy is unsettling. Yet instead of coming together, this family quickly splinters apart. In fact, the little lies and secrets held by various members appear to greatly hasten their dissolution. The majority of those within this Puritan family are flawed in various ways.

Hubris seems to be a failing of the father and the mother is quick to heap blame on one of her children. As events slowly dissolve, many are accused of being witches and the accused attempt to cast aspersions on others in order to save themselves.

A baby that mysteriously disappears, suspicious goats and hares, lots of family secrets and mounting tension – sprinkled with supernatural creepiness – sends a family on a downward spiral in ‘The Witch.’ Anya Taylor-Joy plays the teenage daughter Thomasin in this edge-of-your seat flick. Opens in theaters Feb. 19. Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

All the characters are hiding information from others and playing fast and loose with their deeply held beliefs.

There are supernatural elements at play, but one gets the impression that this faulty brood could have torn each other apart with less threatening invaders. The small cast are all up to the task, effectively conveying fear and paranoia as events progress.

And the photography is appropriately dark, dreary and grey, yet the images (particularly

in the shadows of night) are captured in a uniquely compelling manner. It all lends to a mood of isolation and consistent dread.

This is an odd, low-key and interpretive effort that will confound as many as it will spook. Admittedly, I could have done without the more obvious Devil and Witch supernatural horrors and may have preferred hav ing the strange events left open to interpretation on the part of the viewer. Still, it’s all well

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handled by the filmmakers and this isn’t a flaw so much as a personal preference.

In addition to the compelling family subtext, the movie is consistently tense, wellacted and at times marvelously photographed using minimal light sources. The Witch is definitely a very acquired taste, but if you approach it very differently than your average fright flick, it may end up casting a bit of a spell on you.

Vi sit: www.cinema stance.com

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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

Service with a smile

By Chrissy Largo Sun Correspondent

J

osie Paiz has been in the insurance business for over 39 years but who is counting? She also is the only woman to own a locally owned independent insurance agency that she knows of right now and she isn’t stopping there.

Ask her where she envisions her business in five to 10 years and she says “very competitive.”

“My philosophy has always been, whether their (customers) premiums are $5 or $500 or $5,000 my personal commitment to them is all the same,” she said. “And I have a lot of existing clients that are very dedicated and loyal to me that have followed me to the agency.”

S h e h a s b e e n a l i fe long Ga llup resident with an impressive resume that dates back to even before she turned 15 in high school, when she got herself involved in a group called, “Office Education” where she had to have an office job.

So, she did what ever y determined teenager would do and sought after an office job answering phones and typing policies up manually. Luckily the owner of the agency was involved in church, real estate and insurance, which would be the beginning of her career in insurance agencies.

She graduated from Gallup High School and she

DWI REPORT | FROM PAGE 5 Benally signa led for Goodluck to stop, so he pulled i n t o T& R Tax Service.

Goodluck admitted to drinking, but the night before. He presented Benally with an ID, and didn’t have a driver’s license in his possession. He was arrested and blew a .10 twice during the breath tests.

Leticia Billy Dec. 28, 7:37 pm Aggravated DWI A d r iver on I- 40 must have felt stalked as Billy COMMUNITY

says that since there really wasn’t a school you could go to learn insurance. She was self-taught.

“You are either going to like it or you are not going to like it,” she said. “I’ve learned a lot from a lot of different people. A l l of t he agents taught me different things at the agencies that I worked with. They were very detailed and very business-orientated and they taught me to not be afraid of the big agents in Albuquerque.”

She says that she worked for three separate agencies before launching Amazing Grace Insurance.

However, there ca me a point in her life where she was ready to step away from the insurance business until she started working for Amazing Grace Personal Care. The owner, Tom Crider, opened her eyes to a completely different field than what she was used to.

In the process of that, she and Crider started talking, and since she was already fully licensed and “grand-fathered i n,” it wa s agreed t h at she wou ld cont i nue selling the insurance that she was already selling. So, they opened Amazing Grace Insurance.

“Tom wanted me to pick a different name – Josie Paiz’s I n su ra nce A gency, but it wasn’t going to get any kind of patriots to Tom, and none of this would have been possible, first without the Lord,

tailgated him.

According t o M at t hew Gra ham’s repor t, t he witness got off the freeway at the Munoz overpass and headed toward Maloney. The witness said that Billy continued to follow him as he pulled in to the Hilton Garden parking lot.

Instead of hitting him, she hit a groundskeeper’s trashcan and dragged it into a parking stall. She then backed out and hit a truck, breaking the tail lamp. Billy then went behind the hotel, where another vehicle blocked her in until police arrived. She blew a .20 and a .21.

and second without Tom,” she said.

Amazing Grace Insurance has been in business since June 2015, and is a bustling office.

Paiz considers it a family business because it is staffed with four people: her husband, as her assistant; her daughter as the administrative assistant, and her son, as the information technology guy.

“It’s different from anywhere else I have ever worked because it’s family,” she said.

“I think that if you have that love for family and you love what you are doing and it is not about money, and it is more about pride, and your customers and how they feel and how they are going to look at you.”

She says that compared to the other agencies, here i n t ow n, A m a z i ng Gr a ce Insurance is small, but she is up for the challenge. Step inside her office, and it’s a lot like a home – warm and inviting – complete with pictures on the wall, whimsical and modern decor, and pretty furnishings.

Amazing Grace Insurance offers commercial insurance,

Josie Paiz stands by her office door in the entrance of Amazing Grace Insurance at 102 E. Aztec Ave. Photo Credit: Shepherd Waldenberger

which is property, liability, workers comp, bonding and anything that the business needs in order for them to function fully. They also offer policies for homeow ner s, automobiles, mobile homes, motorcycles, boats, and life insurance. They also offer Aflac Insurance.

“ T here’s on ly so much business in Gallup because we are a small community,” she said. “It comes down to persona l ser v ice. I rea lly believe that. We are going to do well. You have to dream big and you have to believe.”

For more information call (505) 863-8083.

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SPORTS 360 Local wrestling teams to grapple with the best at state meet been work i ng ha rd a l l s e a s o n for t he mome nt s t hey w i l l enjoy F r iday a nd Sat u rday, Feb. 19 -20, at Sa nt a A na i n t he St ate Wrestling meet.

Head coach Lucas Lucio is in his first year at that position, but has been an assistant for two years. He admits that his team is young, and has six girls getting mat-time in the 14 classifications, but the team seemed anxious and excited at the photo session on Feb. 17 for the opportunities a ll nine face this weekend.

Sophomores Erin Lewis at 106 and Jordan Ashley at

By Tom Hartsock Sun Correspondent

GALLUP HIGH REBUILDS PROGRAM WITH FOUR ADVANCING TO STATE Gallup High wrestling has been down for a few years, but first-year head coach Esco Chavez is trying to build it back to its’ former respected status. The going has been slow, though, as Chavez will admit.

“I had hopes that others (from Gallup High) would get to go to state,” Chavez said. “The individual meet was still pretty fun. It’s a motivational thing as well, a reward for all the hard work these guys put in during the season.”

Only sophomore Brandon James at 106 pounds got the automatic qualification, placing third in Farmington. Senior Kenneth Cheromiah at 126 finished fourth, while senior Miguel Ramirez at 190 and freshman Primitivo Treviso at 113 both finished fifth. T h e last three can only hope, and work, that their initial matches

Gallup’s Kenneth Cheromiah battles with Joshua Bustos of Grants at the Four Corners Tourney Jan. 27. File Photo

WRESTLING | SEE PAGE 13

will see them come out on top in the double elimination tournament. Of course, there is no guarantee that even the topseeded will eventually become champion in his weight class

BEARS READY TO GRAPPLE WITH THE BEST The Wingate Bears have

The Bengal team warms up all eight of their wrestlers at the District 1-5A duals meet on Feb. 6. File Photo

Jordan Ashley makes a move to pin a Tierra Encantada wrestler from Santa Fe Dec. 9. File Photo

12

Friday February 19, 2016 • Gallup Sun

SPORTS

with his older teammates.

Guerrero is an eighth-grader at 106.

The other nine all finished third in their weights: Benny Baca at 113; Clayton Tom at 126; Max Aycock at 132; Jeremiah Salaz at 145; Dylan Chavez at 160; Cordell Brown at 182; Max Aguayo at 195; Joshua Ashley at 220; and Nicholas Ashley at 285. “ T he boy s a re excit ed a b o u t go i n g ,” s a i d h e a d coach Ken Starkovich. “This

m ay be t he l a r ge s t t ea m Miyamura has ever taken to state. It is for me, but you might have to check w ith Mar vin (Gray, the previous coach) to make sure. This group covers 12 of the 14 classes so hopefully we will do well.”

The entire team of wrestlers showed their support for those stepping up to the next level by coming out for practice on Tuesday, Feb. 16. (Monday was a holiday.)

Front row, left to right: Erin Lewis; Anfenee Mingo; Desree Bryant; J.J. Long. Back row, left to right: Chris Beyal; Jordan Ashley; Julius Billie; Stephanie Peterson, Enery Begay. Photo Credit: Courtesy

WRESTLING | FROM PAGE 12 152 were the only two with automatic Qs for the Bears, both coming in third at distr ict. Drawing Wild Ca rds were: junior Anfenee Mingo at 113; sophomore Desiree Br ya nt at 120; sen ior J. J. Long at 138; sen ior Ch r is Beyal at 145; Junior Julius Bi l l ie a t 16 0; sophomore Stephanie Peterson at 182; and senior Ener y Begay at 285.

Their d istr ict oppo nents all consist of tough Northwestern NM schools, led

by Bloomfield and Kirtland, but also including Shiprock and Newcomb.

PATRIOTS Q 12 WRESTLERS FOR STATE MEET

The Miyamura Patriots made a great showing in Farmington last weekend and qualified 12 wrestlers for the two-day state meet starting Feb. 19 at the Santa Ana Center.

In the process, the team also captured two district titles, A.J. Starkovich at 152 pounds and Gabe Duckett at 170 pounds.

The top three wrestlers at district in each weight class automatica lly qua li f y for state, but Wild Cards are also selected based on their winning percentage during the regular season. That particular wrinkle in district enabled Drake Guerrero a trip to state

Miyamura’s Gabe Duckett and Zander Dale of Shiprock attempt to bring each other down to the mat Jan. 27. File Photo

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Wrestlers from Miyamura moving on to the State Meet Feb. 19-20, from left, standing: Clayton Tom, Nicholas Ashley, Joshua Ashley, Cordell Brown, Max Aycock, A.J. Starkovich, Jeremiah Salaz, Benny Baca, Dylan Chavez, Gabe Duckett, and Max Aguayo. Kneeling in front, from left, assistant coach Nate Sellers, head coach Ken Starkovich. Photo Credit: Tom Hartsock

SPORTS

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Gallup Sun • Friday February 19, 2016

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Scores Feb. 9, Tuesday WHS BBB 67, Laguna Acoma 63 WHS GBB 64, Zuni 27 Feb. 11, Thursday GHS GBB 64, Piedra Vista 51 RCHS BBB 32 Crownpoint 42 RCHS GBB 43, Tohatchi 65 ToHS GBB 65, Rehoboth 43 WHS BBB 77, Zuni 49 Feb. 12, Friday GHS BBB 90, Aztec 73 MHS BBB 37, Piedra Vista 72 ToHS BBB 56, Crownpoint 44 WHS GBB 32, Kirtland Central 38 WHS WRST @ 1-4A Individual Qualifier See Story this issue Feb. 13, Saturday GHS GBB 76, Aztec 69 GHS WRST @ Individual

Qualifier See Story this issue MHS GBB 34, Piedra Vista 71 MHS WRST @ Individual Qualifier See Story this issue ToHS GBB 59, @ Crownpoint 49 WHS BBB 75, Kirtland Central 75 O.T. Feb. 16, Tuesday GHS BBB 51, Farmington 55 MHS BBB 73, Aztec 52 RCHS BBB 40, Tohatchi 60 RCHS GBB 66, Newcomb 49 ToHS BBB 60, Rehoboth 40 WHS GBB 57, Thoreau 62 Feb. 18, Thursday GHS GBB vs. Farmington, 7 MHS GBB @ Aztec, 7 RCHS BBB vs. Navajo Prep, 6:30 WHS BBB vs. Thoreau, 7

SCHEDULES Feb. 19, Friday GHS BBB vs. Miyamura, 7 GHS WRST @ State Tournament, TBA MHS BBB @ Gallup, 7 MHS WRST @ State Tournament, TBA RCHS BBB @ S.F. Indian School, 7 RCHS GBB @ Navajo Prep, 6:30 WHS GBB vs. Shiprock, 7 WHS WRST @ State Tournament, TBA Feb. 20, Saturday GHS GBB @ Miyamura, 7 GHS WRST @ State Tournament, TBA MHS GBB vs. Gallup, 7 MHS WRST @ State Tourna-

ment, TBA ToHS BBB @ Newcomb, 1 WHS BBB @ Shiprock, 3 WHS WRST @ State Tournament, TBA Feb. 22, Monday ToHS BBB vs. District (1st Round), TBA Feb. 23, Tuesday ToHS GBB vs. District (1st Round), TBA Feb. 24, Wednesday ToHS BBB vs. District (Semi-Finals), TBA Feb. 25, Thursday ToHS GBB vs. District (Semi-Finals), TBA Feb. 26, Friday ToHS BBB vs. District (Championship), TBA

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(505) 728-1640 14

Friday February 19, 2016 • Gallup Sun

HELP WANTED EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES The Community Outreach and Patient Empowerment (COPE) Program is a Partners In Health sister organization and a non-profit entity 501©3 based in Gallup, NM. COPE’s vision is to eliminate health disparities and improve the wellbeing of American Indians and Alaska Natives. COPE is currently hiring for the following positions: • Chief Operating Officer • Finance Assistant • Rosebud Program Manager • Training Specialist To view full job descriptions or to apply, visit our website at www.pih.org. Click on the “Join Our Team” link located at the bottom of the webpage, and then select “Navajo Nation.” You will need to create a profile and upload a cover letter and resume. For more information, please email us at team@copeproject.org.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Battered Families Services is looking for a full time Executive Director.

Must have a Bachelors Degree in a Human Services related field (Masters Degree preferred) At least 5 years experience in Human Services/Social Services setting (preferably in a DV setting) At least 3 years management experience Proven track record leading and directing groups of people and managing programs and systems Must be able to do grant writing, fund raising and complex contract management.

Must have knowledge, experience and strong interest working with culturally diverse and high risk populations (homelessness, mentally ill, those in crisis) preferably with DV survivors.

Must be willing to live, work and become an active part of the community

Must be able to effectively do community outreach and to liaison with diverse groups and individuals ranging from business leaders and tribal members to those living in poverty or in crisis situations Clinical or licensure and experience helpful Bilingual Spanish/English Navajo/English desirable Submit an application, resume and letter of interest to Battered Families Services, Inc. 207 South Strong Gallup, New Mexico, 87301.

Info call (505) 722-6389 and ask for Barbara Smith.

Closing date: Open until filled INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY COPE is searching for a fulltime COPE Patient Centered Research Intern. This full-time internship is funded through the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute. Main activities of this internship would be assisting in the completion of a federally funded study to understand the COPE Program’s effectiveness on the Navajo Nation.

Duties would include assisting with research, attending COPE meetings with stakeholders, partners, and CHRs, and administrative duties within the COPE Office as needed. A small stipend will also be provided as compensation for the internship. Must be on-site daily and travel (with mileage compensated) will be required as a part of work.

The following requirements are desired: • Understanding of Navajo Culture • Strong Organizational and Communication Skills • Interest in Public Health or Research • Reliable Transportation To apply, send a cover letter and resume to team@copeproject.org LICENSED THERAPIST Battered Families Services is looking for a part-time/fulltime Therapist. Must be independently licensed.

Requirements: Masters Degree in Social Work, Psychology or Counseling.

Duties: to provide individual and group counseling to victims/survivors of domestic violence, develop and implement treatment plans. Must be able to maintain healthy boundaries, be warm, empathetic, nonjudgmental with a valid New Mexico Drivers License and you must pass a background check.

Submit an application, resume and letter of interest to: Battered Families Services, Inc. 207 South Strong Gallup, NM 87301 Info call (505) 722-6389 and ask for Barbara Smith Closing Date: Open until filled REPORTER WANTED Gallup Sun is looking for freelance reporters to cover public safety and general assignment. Send resume/clips to: gallupsun@ gmail.com SALES ASSOCIATES WANTED Ed Corley Nissan is looking for dependable, self-motivated sales associates.

Must apply in person, 1000 W. Jefferson Ave, Gallup.

Ask to see Francisco or Lou. Sign on bonus available to the right candidate!

MOBILE HOME RENTALS 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.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES EVENT COORDINATOR HP Coalition needs a volunteer events coordinator for upcoming Spring events.

Help beautify Gallup!

Call: (505) 721-9829 Email: hpcoalition@gmail.com

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

Gallup Sun Publishing PO Box 1212 Gallup, NM 87305

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.

CLASSIFIEDS

COMMUNITY CALENDAR FEB. 19 – FEB. 25, 2016 FRIDAY FEB. 19 FAMILY MOVIE (ALL AGES) Join us for a free family movie. Starts at 4 pm. Children’s Branch, 200 W. Aztec Ave. Film: The Princess and the Frog COMPUTER CLASSES The Octavia Fellin Library is offering free computer training course: Twitter. Class size is limited to 10 participants per session. Registration is required. For more information please call, (505) 863-1291.

Begins at 11am. Location: Main Branch, 115 W. Hill.

HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH Join us for Stations of the Cross. This is a time to deepen your relationship with the Lord at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit. Begins at 6pm. For more information please call (505) 863-4695.

Location: Church of the Holy Spirit, 1334 Country Club Dr. SATURDAY FEB. 20 LENTEN SERIES During the season of Lent Westminster Presbyterian Church Gallup will host a study Experiencing God. Presentations will focus on how we can incorporate contemplative practices into our life of faith: Celtic Christian Spirituality. Begins at 2 pm. For more information please call, Pastor Kay (505) 905-3247. Location: 151 State Highway 564.

SUNDAY FEB. 21 MOVIE: TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES 2 SECRET OF THE OOZE Starts: 2 pm. El Morro Theater, 207 West Coal Ave. PG-13.

PLATEAU SCIENCES SOCIETY The February meeting of the Plateau Sciences Society will take place at Red Mesa Center, 105 W. Hill Ave. The social get together portion of the meeting goes from 2:30 CALENDAR

- 3 pm. The business portion of the meeting begins at 3 pm. Mayor Jackie McKinney is scheduled to give a short address.

MONDAY FEB. 22 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 TUESDAY FEB. 23 NAVAJO NATION SCIENCE FAIR The Red Rock State ParkChurch Rock presents the Navajo Nation Science Fair, Feb. 23 - 25. Categories available include: animal science, behavioral and social science, biology, chemistry, and more.

For online registration please visit: www.sciencefairregstration.com. For more information please contact the Dine School improvement: (505) 871-7452.

COMPUTER CLASSES The library is offering free computer training: Google Docs/Google Drive. Class size is limited to 10 participants per session. Registration is required to register (505) 8631291. Begins at 3pm. Location: Main Branch, 115 W. Hill.

CITY OF GALLUP Agendas will be available at least 72 hours prior to each meeting. Begins at 6pm. For more information please call, (505) 863-1254. Location: 110 W. Aztec Ave. WEDNESDAY FEB. 24 SOUP SUPPERS Join us for a simple meal and stay to meet our neighbors of different faiths: Sangha Buddhist Group. Begins at 6:30 pm. For more information please call Pastor Lorelei Kay (505) 905-3247. Location: 151 State Highway 564.

TODDLER TIME (AGES 2 TO 4) An active and energetic program for toddlers, featuring

CALENDAR

music, movement rhymes, and stories. Starts: 10:30 am.

Children’s Branch, 200 W Aztec Ave. Free.

MAKER’S CLUB A club for kids interested in science, math, building, and inventing (Ages 7 and up).

Each week will feature a different challenge, project, or experiment. Starts: 4 pm.

Children’s Branch, 200 W. Aztec. This Week: Lego Challenge. Free FEBRUARY FILMS Join us for a free family movie. Popcorn provided.

Starts at 5pm. Main Branch, 115 W. Hill. Film: Coming to America OPEN-MIC-NIGHT Local talent takes center stage from 7:30 - 9:30 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 FEB. 25 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Join the Gallup McKinley County Chamber of Commerce for Business After Hours. Light snacks and drinks are always served and there are great prizes to be won. Begins at 5:30 pm. For more information please call (505) 722-2228. Location: Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails.

SINGING THE BLUES The Octavia Fellin Library will host Brenda Hollingsworth-Marley as she portrays the great Billie Holiday. This special program will feature history, music, and of course a visit from Lady Day herself.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information please call (505) 8631291. Begins at 6pm. Location: Main Branch, 115 W. Hill.

NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING We invite residents of District 1 to visit with Councilor Linda Garcia. Starts: 6:30 pm. For more information, please

call (505) 8794176 Location: Northside Senior Center, 607 N Fourth.

CRAFTY KIDS Fun crafts for the whole family (all ages). Starts at 4 pm. Children’s Branch, 200 W. Aztec. Make: Dr. Seuss Book Marks. Free.

ONGOING ART EXHIBIT Throughout the month of February, the Children’s Branch will display the pillars of history exhibit featuring historical figures.

Each pillar in the library will show images and information on a figure that has contributed to the growth and development of the country. For more information please contact the Children’s Branch at (505) 7266120. Location: 200 W. Aztec.

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.

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.

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. SAVE THE DATE LENTEN SERIES During the season of Lent Westminster Presbyterian

Church Gallup will host a study Experiencing God. Presentations will focus on how we can incorporate contemplative practices into our life of faith; March 5: The Labyrinth as Prayer and Meditation; March 19: Centering Prayer. Begins at 2 pm. For more information please call, Pastor Kay (505) 905-3247.

Location: 151 State Highway 564.

HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH On March 2, join us for a Lenten Dream Day. We’ll explore how God continues to speak to us through our dreams. This Dream Day is a free gift from the Church of the Holy Spirit to the community. Begins at 9 am.

For more information and to register please call Vicar Lynn Perkins (505) 264-8241.

Location: Church of the Holy Spirit, 1334 Country Club Drive.

GALLUP MCKINLEY HUMANE SOCIETY GMHS presents “No Empty Bowls” March 5, a fundraiser to benefit the shelter. It’s all you can eat soup and you keep the bowl. Starts at 5 pm, at the BPOE-Elks, 1112 Susan Ave. Tickets are $25, and available at Mystique Salon & Day Spa or the GMHS. SOUP SUPPERS Soup Suppers will be held on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm. Join us for a simple meal to learn about prayer practices in various faith traditions.

The schedule of speakers: March 2, Pilmer Bluehouse, Dineh Traditionalist; March 9, Noor El Deen, Imam-Gallup Islamic Center; and March 16, Josh Kanter. For more information please call Pastor Lorelei Kay (505) 905-3247.

Location: 151 State Highway 564 Boardman Drive.

EVENTS AT RIO WEST MALL March 11—March madness Freethrow Shoot Out 7 pm 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 February 19, 2016

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ED CORLEY NISSAN

1000 W JEFFERSON AVE, GALLUP, NM 87301

505-863-6163

Home of the $18.88 oil change Oil & Filter Change

FREE

Car Wash

FREE

27-Point Written Inspection

-Changes oil up to 5 quarts -Check engine light diagnostics* -Check & Top off all fluids -Check and Top off all fluids *Titans and Armadas extra. Excludes Hybrids, Diesels, Hemi and Synthetic Oils. *We will pull the trouble code and advise you if additional diagnostic time is necessary along with additional cost if any. *Price not including tax and shop supplies.

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Friday February 19, 2016 • Gallup Sun

OPINIONS