Gallup Sun • Friday March 25, 2015

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Principal’s Racist Rant. 5

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VOL 2 | ISSUE 51 | MARCH 25, 2016

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BILL LEE TO LEAVE COUNTY POST. Page 4 Inside ...

Shuttered Hotel Targeted.6 Sandra Jeff’s Ballot Woes.7 ‘Teen Latina’ Crowned.16

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Friday March 25, 2016 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

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Gallup Sun • Friday March 25, 2016

3

NEWS County Manager Lee tenders resignation ‘PEOPLE PERSON’ BACK IN THE SADDLE SOON AT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

T

he r u mor s s w i r l ing about McKinley County Manager Bill Lee leaving the top administrative county job to return to the Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce were put to rest this week. Lee announced March 24 that his last day as McKinley County Manager will be May 13.

“Working for McK inley County has been a very rewarding experience,” Lee wrote in a March 9 resignation letter to the Board of Commissioners.

“I would like to thank each of you for the opportunity and support you have afforded me during my time with (McKinley County).”

Lee, who is originally from Gallup, started the $93,000 county job a little more than a year ago. He was executive director at the chamber from 2008 until 2014. Lee said he thought it best to leave around the start of the budgeting process, so as to give workers already at the county and the prospective new hire the opportunity at the fiscal process.

“I’ve thought about this,” Lee said. “I’ll obviously miss my duties as well as the people

I’ve worked with.”

Besides informing commission members individually of the resignation, Lee said he spoke to staff about the matter at a recent meeting. McKinley County Commissioner Genevieve Jackson called Lee a true “people person,” saying Lee worked hard and got along with everyone well.

“He’s definitely a people person,” Jackson said. “He will be missed.”

While at the chamber, Lee oversaw a membership of a little more than 400. Most importantly, he put and kept Gallup and McKinley County on the worldwide map with the city’s annual Red Rock Balloon Rally and with the Monument Valley Balloon Rally in nearby Monument Valley, Utah. He’s a diehard hot air balloon enthusiast and owner of X-Treme-Lee Fun Balloon Adventures.

Lee even took a chamber trip to China to market and promote the Indian Capital.

The city of Gallup at one time awarded the chamber a tourism promotional contract under the direction of Lee. His departure marks the leaving of three county managers in the past five years.

Based on media reports, those before Lee, among them Bruce Swingle and Richard Kontz,

Exiting County Manager Bill Lee. Photo Credit: Shepherd Waldenberger

locked horns with commission members for a garden variety of reasons.

Meanwhile, Jackson said she wasn’t exactly sure when the search process for another manager would begin, but said it would most likely concentrate on the local workforce.

Lee said he’s proud of the fact that during his tenure he began to help devise programs to help reduce the recidivism rate at the Gallup McKinley County Adult Detention Center.

He said he was equally at ease with the fact that the county successfully rescheduled fees for outside counties to bring in detainees to the facility.

And, he said, he participated in the ongoing talks with state and federal agencies regarding future funding at Na’nizhoozhi Center, Inc., commonly called NCI and Gallup’s sole detox place.

Lee filed to run for the soon-to-be-vacant commission District 3 seat of Tony

Tanner. Tanner has said that he isn’t interested in running for reelection.

Lee has never held public office before, but is very active in state tourism circles and has worked closely with area politicos.

His off icia l job tile at the chamber will be Chief Executive Officer. It wasn’t immediately clear how much of a salary he’ll be paid at the chamber job. Lee said he starts his new post May 14.

CORRECTIONS The story on Page 2, in our March 18 issue, the Sweco Trail Dozer will help the RRMS club maintain about 25 miles of track, not 1 mile. To clarify, the OHV park parking lot gets dusty as well as muddy, and floods during monsoon season.

The story on Page 11, in our March 18 issue, stated that Gallup has one library. UNM-G campus has the student Zollinger Library. The city also has the public Children’s Branch library.

The Gallup Sun regrets these errors.

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Friday March 25, 2016 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

Reed dismissed from Crownpoint High principal job RACIST RANTS GOT HIM THE AXE

Concerned parent Freda Joe speaks before the GMCS Board on Mar. 21 at the Catherine Miller Elementary School in Churchrock. Photo Credit: Tom Hartsock

By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

G

a llup McK inley Cou nt y Schools Superintendent Frank Chiapetti said in a telephone interview March 23 that Crownpoint High School Principal J.D. Reed was “no longer employed” at Crownpoint High.

Chiapetti did not say Reed

NEWS

was fired or terminated and didn’t use the word resign. No further information was available as of Wednesday as far as what type of severance package, if any, Reed received.

Reed, a first-year employee who was hired from a previous job in California, was recorded making racist comments about Native Americans, even calling into question the sexuality of a couple of Navajo school board

members. Reed is white and the people he targeted in the comments were Native American.

The recording eventually found its way on the Internet and onto the pages of Facebook and Twitter. It appears that he was recorded during a staff meeting of sorts and he was conversing with at least one unidentified man and woman.

“You can’t have gay Navajos around here … half of the guys

on the school board are gay and they all happen to be Navajo.”

Reed says to an unidentified female in one segment during the recording. “I didn’t want to deal with the ‘inbred jeds’ down there,” Reed said to what sounds like the same female in another part of the conversation about the possibility of going to work in Ramah.

“I was disturbed by the comments when I heard them,” school board member Lynn Huenemann said. “They were wrongful and unprofessional.”

He said he was aware of the comments that were made

by Reed the Friday before the Board of Education meeting in Church Rock March 21.

In another segment of the tape, Reed tells the unidentified

woman about school board member Priscilla Manuelito, saying to those in the meeting that Manuelito, who is Navajo, believes that if you’re white, “unofficially you’re the wrong color. You’re not Navajo.”

He added, “If you’re not white, you have a political agenda.”

He ca l led out Kev i n M itchel l, T it u s Nez, a nd Manuelito as being Navajo board members, then went on a tirade about a lengthy “Navajo Shoe Game” where Nez was present.

M a nuel it o f i r e d b a ck at Reed on her campaign Facebook page.

RACIST | SEE PAGE 6

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Gallup Sun Publishing, LLC Publisher/Editor Babette Herrmann Advertising Raenona Harvey Correspondents Bernie Dotson Tom Hartsock Photography Shepherd Waldenberger Calendar Editor Lealia Nelson Design David Tsigelman On the Cover: Exiting McKinley County Manager Bill Lee. Photo by Shepherd Waldenberger The Gallup Sun, published Fridays, is not responsible or liable for any claims or offerings, nor responsible for availability of products advertised. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Gallup Sun distributes newspapers in McKinley, Cibola and Apache counties.

PO Box 1212 Gallup, NM 87305 www.gallupsun.com Find us on Facebook and Twitter Phone: (505) 728-1640 Fax: (505) 212-0391 gallupsun@gmail.com Letter to the editor/guest column ACCEPTED BY EMAIL ONLY. State full name and city/town. No pen names. ID required. All submissions subjected to editor’s approval.

Guest columnists, email Sun for submission requirements.

Gallup Sun • Friday March 25, 2016

5

GPD: Gallup Inn vandalized DISCARDED FIRE EXTINGUISHERS LEADS COPS TO CRIME SCENE

By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

G

oing the extra mile in the line of duty led a Gallup police officer to file a breaking and entering and criminal damage to property report connected to a shuttered hotel along West Historic Highway 66.

According to the report, Officer Ryan Blackgoat of the Gallup Police Department responded to a call on March 7 about a pair of strewn fire extinguishers at Western Skies Mobile Home Park. Upon talking with a maintenance employee at the mobile home property, Blackgoat concluded that the extinguishers belonged to the Gallup Inn, which sits directly north of Western Skies.

“I checked the business of the Gallup Inn and discovered that there had been foot traffic through an opening on the east side of the property fence line,” Blackgoat wrote in the police report.

Blackgoat wrote that as he and at least one other officer approached the Gallup Inn, it was

The now shuttered Gallup Inn was the target of thieves and vandals. Photo Credit: Shepherd Waldenberger

observed that an open glass door was being held open by a can of spray paint. At that instance, Blackgoat reported, there was visible property damage, graffiti and broken items.

“Several rooms were used by persons as beds were used and consumable goods and waste was inside,” Blackgoat wrote. He noted in the police report that trash was strewn in the hallways of the hotel and some ceiling material had fallen.

“Fire extinguishers were used inside as a white powdery substance covered the floors,” Blackgoat stated.

Blackgoat also noted that the

city’s code enforcement department was notified of the condition of the two-story structure.

Gallup Planner C.B. Strain, whose department handles code enforcement, could work with the hotel’s owners to shore up security methods and to avoid code violations.

The location of the Gallup Inn, which is near several restaurants, gas stations and other hotels and motels, was once a bustling Holiday Inn and a Howard Johnson’s. The building itself is one of Gallup biggest lodging establishments, per se, with conference and meeting rooms, but has been closed and fenced off for about two years.

Charles Long, former McKinley County Treasurer, speaks before the GMCS Board on Mar. 21 at the Catherine Miller Elementary School in Churchrock. From left, Superintendent Frank Chiapetti and secretary Joan Nez. Photo Credit: Tom Hartsock

RACIST | FROM PAGE 5 “I was appalled by the discriminating comments made on a recording that has been shared on the internet,” she stated. “As a Board Members we entrust and believe that our Superintendent will hire leaders that are compassionate, trustworthy, respectful, responsible, fair, caring and have citizenship (respect authority). I was offended as a Native Woman, mother, leader, advocate for children by the prejudice remarks that were made! I am sad to say that this is not the only incident of racial or discriminating comments that have been made against our School Board Members.”

Ch iapet ti sa id nobody would be appointed as acting principal or as a replacement at Crownpoint High. That would not be dealt with until next week, he said. Gallup-McKinley schools are on spring break until March 28.

The School Board met at Catherine Miller Elementary School in Church Rock and those attending took the public comment portion of the meeting very seriously.

Sonlatsa Jim-Mar tin c a r r ied sig n s t h at rea d, “Equal Treatment” and Stop

Discrimination.”

Charles Long, a former McKinley County Treasurer, ripped Chiapetti for bringing in outsiders like Reed – as opposed to hiring qualified pr incipal ca ndidates who already reside in the area.

“They aren’t teaching our kids to learn,” Long said.

Eleanor Rogers told the members of the school board that she worried that a prom date hasn’t been set, bearing in mind that there are two months of school left. About the Reed matter, Rogers quipped that should the board end up looking for a Native American to fill Reed’s job that she “has a master’s degree and would be interested.”

Ch i a pet t i s a id on t he whole, the school district found out about the posted record i ng at some poi nt Friday. He said Reed was i m med iately placed on administrative leave pending further investigation of the matter. That resulted in Reed’s release just days later.

“The comments were unacceptable,” Chiapetti said.

To listen to the full audio, visit: https://soundcloud.com/ user-884401674 Tom Hartsock and Babette Herrmann contributed to this report.

Sonlasta Jim-Martin listens attentatively to the speakers during the GMCS Board Meeting at the Catherine Miller Elementary School on Mar. 21. Photo Credit: Tom Hartsock

6

Friday March 25, 2016 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

Sandra Jeff disqualified from state legislative ballot DISTRICT 22 SENATE SITUATION RELATED TO FINANCES

By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

S

ANTE FE – Sandra Jeff, a former member of the New Mexico House of Representatives who served District 5 for one term, apparently won’t be on the ballot for another political run this year.

At i s sue, a re m at t er s that deal with the Campaign Reporting Act. Jeff filed to run for the District 22 Senate seat currently held by Benny Shendo of Jemez Pueblo. Shendo, who like Jeff is a Democrat, is ending his first term in the Senate.

“I heard that she’s not going to run after all,” Shendo said.

“That’s about all I know.”

Amy Bailey, general counsel at the Secretary of State’s Office in Santa Fe, said Jeff failed to qualify for this year’s ballot due to “noncompliance with the Campaign Reporting Act.” Bailey explained that noncompliance is connected to past due campaign reports and the fines related to past issues.

Jeff recently told the New Me x i c o Politi c a l R e po r t that she was undecided as to whether she’d continue with the run.

Josie J Paiz NEWS

Sandra Jeff

Jeff, who is from Crownpoint, on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation, raised a lot of eyebrows when she was part of the House of Representatives four years ago because she sided with Republicans on key votes, such as a vote against the 2014 state budget.

She also raised some eyebrows with fellow Democrats when she was spotted having lunch on at least one occasion with Gov. Susana Martinez at a fancy Santa Fe restaurant.

Martinez is a Republican.

And then there was the time when Vice President Joe Biden called Jeff by telephone regarding a vote on a constitutional

amendment on raising New Mexico’s minimum wage. Jeff did not vote in that situation and that prompted the phone call from Biden.

In a brief telephone conversation this week, asked if she’d continue to pursue the run against Shendo, Jeff responded with a quick, “Yes.” She didn’t say whether she’d run for the District 5 post or within another capacity in state politics.

But as of March 24, Jeff was still listed as “disqualified” on the Secretary of State’s website. March 26 is the deadline for Jeff to rectify the campaign finance reporting situation with the Secretary of State’s Office.

Jeff d id not ma ke the Democratic ballot in 2014 in a District 5 run against Wonda Johnson of Church Rock to maintain that House seat. She subsequently ran as a write-in candidate and lost big in the general election to Johnson.

Jeff spoke extensively to the Gallup Sun about two weeks ago regarding what led up to the filing to run for Shendo’s seat, but said next to nothing about the disqualification designation.

Bailey said even if Jeff paid beyond what she’s already paid

to bring the campaign reporting matter to close, the issue ultimately must go before a judge so she can get back on the ballot.

Jeff was presented with a settlement on the matter a while ago, Bailey said, but paid just $1,000 of that amount,

which still left matters outstanding, Bailey said.

Bailey did not disclose the exact amount owed by Jeff.

Dist r ict 22 i ncludes Ber na l i l lo, Rio A r r iba , McK i n ley, Sa n Ju a n a nd Sandoval counties. The district does not include Gallup.

Vietnam Veterans Remembered

By Carolie Watkins Guest Opinion Columnist

T

he scene then was vastly different from what today’s returning Veterans experience. It’s time for America to show their appreciation to those who served, especially those who continued to sacrifice long after the war’s ending.

A s pa r t of t he 5 0 th C om memor a t ion of t he Vietnam War, VA a nd 29 states a nd ter r itor ies a re com memorat i ng t he a n niversa r y of the f ina l withdrawal of U.S. troops from Vietnam with a day of appreciation celebrated on March 29.

More than 40 years after the war, many Veterans continued to feel the effects of their service. Some battled with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Others fought illnesses caused by their ex posure to Agent Orange and other chemical defoliants sprayed during the Vietnam War.

The Vietnam Veterans Memor ia l F u nd ( V V M F ) believes their fight should be honored.

VVMF’s In Memory program honors those whose lives were cut short as a result of their service, but do not meet the Department of Defense (DOD) guidelines to be added to The Wall.

I n Memor y i s a w ay t h a t a l l V ie t n a m ve t era n s c a n be honored on the Nationa l Ma ll. Ever y year in June, VVMF hosts the In Memory Ceremony.

Loved ones join together on America’s backyard to honor their heroes’ sacrifices. They are given the chance to read their veteran’s name a nd leave a tribute of their veteran at The Wall, next to the more than 58,000 ser vice members who fell in the Vietnam War. Many families see this as long-overdue recognition for their veteran’s heroism, devotion, and courage.

In Memory began in 1999 and has since honored more than 2,500 veterans.

102 E. Aztec Gallup Gallup Sun • Friday March 25, 2016

7

WEEKLY CRIME BLOTTER NAPPY TIME 3/19, GALLUP Adrian Niiha crashed out in the back of someone else’s vehicle and was arrested for “unlawful taking of a vehicle,” according to Gallup Police Department Officer Jessie Diaz’s report. Niiha, 24, refused to open the car door for officers, so they had to utilize a “lockout kit tool” to open the vehicle.

Diaz noted that there were cans of “Four Loko” and “Mickey’s” in the middle cup holders. So, he was also charged with “consume/possession of alcohol in a motor vehicle.”

TRUCK DRIVER FOUND DEAD 3/19, JAMESTOWN Joseph Hunter of Springfield, MO, was found deceased in his big rig at t he P i lot T r avel Cent er.

MCSO Deputy Salina Brown responded to scene at about 8:30 am. An employee found him unresponsive. According to Brown’s report, Hunter’s stepfather said the only medical condition he new that his son had was sleep apnea.

Hunter was 38.

FLASHLIGHT ASSAULT 3/17, GALLUP Mika Notah, 18, reportedly threw a flashlight at an employee’s face during intake at NCI Gallup Detox Center. The flashlight hit the employee’s chin and chest, according to GPD Officer Dominic Molina’s report. Notah pulled his wrist away from Molina as he tried to cuff him, and based on the report he was angry and used some choice language not fit for print. Notah was charged with battery and resisting, evading

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Friday March 25, 2016 • Gallup Sun

or obstructing an officer.

SPIT ASSAULT 3/17, THOREAU McK i n ley C o u n t y Sheriff’s D e p u t y Garylle James responded to c a l l f r om a wom a n who said her nephew Alex Beyale, 29, wa s being belligerent and she wanted him out of the house. He and a woman were asleep in the back room, according to the deputy’s report. He woke them up and offered to take them elsewhere.

Both complied, but James soon discovered that Beyale h a d a bench wa r r a nt i n Sandoval County. The woman was dropped off and James asked Beyale to get out of the car so he can place him in handcuffs. This is when

Beyale’s reported belligerent side came out. He spat on the deputy and was arrested for battery on a peace officer.

SHOTS FIRED 3/14, TSE BONITO Michael King was gassing up at Conoco gas station at about 9:40 pm when he became the target of a man with a rifle, who fired some shots that hit King’s vehicle and nearby businesses, according to MCSO Deput y Je s sie Bow ma n’s report. It seems the men got into a verbal altercation and numerous shots were fired.

No one was injured during the melee. The suspect fled the scene.

ACCIDENT WITH INJURIES 3/14 - Hasler Valley Road, eastbound: In attempt to avoid hitting a dog standing in the middle of the road, the driver crashed into a guardrail and landed in an arroyo. It was a remote stretch as the woman had to walk some 3 miles to the intersection of Hasler Valley

and Baatan Memorial Highway to find help. She sustained facial injuries and was treated at a local hospital.

BURGLARIES/ LARCENIES 3/17 - Gallup Sales/Four Corners Welding: A thief cut the chain to the gate to gain entry into the lot sometime during the night. The suspect(s) stole two batteries out of two semi-trucks; four batteries out of a white Ford truck and blue GMC van; 18-tie down straps with a ratchet tightener; and a two wheel cart. Fifteen cases of Schlitz Bull Ice were also stolen. According to GPD Officer Jeremy Shirley’s report, the items stolen come to $1,068.

3/14 - A family living on the 300 block of Summit said that someone smash out their dining room window during the early evening hours. According to MCSO Jeff Barnhurst’s report, the mother saw a man run from their home. He was wearing a black pullover hooded jacket.

The man used a brick to break out the window, valued at $200.

Internal discipline of prisoners replaced by state charges

By Tom Hartsock Sun Correspondent

A

lert personnel at the Gallup McKinley Adult Detention Center on March 15 resulted in additional charges being filed against a man and a woman already in custody.

Natasha N. (Kiro) Leonard, 29, lists her address as 515 E. Pershing in Gallup. She was observed trying to slip a thin package of what turned out to be heroin under the cell door of another prisoner on March 15.

That same day, an agent of the McKinley County Sheriff’s Department busted 47-year old Angel Daniel Roan attempting the same business arrangement. Both were charged with Bringing Contraband into Places of Imprisonment and Trafficking Controlled Substances.

Leonard’s bond was increased to $30,000 on the two extra

Daniel Roan

Natasha N. Leonard

charges while Roan’s increased from $15,000 on two Magistrate Court warrants by another $55,000. Leonard was arrested on Feb. 29 on one outstanding warrant from District Court and two from Magistrate Court.

According to Lt. Pat Salazar of the Sheriff’s Office, it is still a mystery on how the narcotics are getting into the facility, though users are known to insert the thin packages deep into available

bodily openings.

“Deputy Wa rden Steve Silversmith is trying to get this facility clean,” Salazar said. “We are filing state charges against these violators. The previous administration used internal discipline, but it just doesn’t work.”

Three agents work at the jail in an attempt to eliminate any contraband from coming inside, be it drugs, alcohol, or other forbidden products.

NEWS

WEEKLY DWI REPORT Staff Reports Clissa M. Martin Feb. 24, 2:46 pm Aggravated DWI According to Gallup Police Department Officer Cynthia R om a nc it o’s repor t, she observed Martin, 31, back into a car, causing damages, then drive away from the scene.

Before she could get too far, Romancito pulled her over and administered field sobriety tests, which didn’t go well for Martin. She was arrested, and when given the two required breath tests, she blew a .28 and .30. The legal limit is .08.

Victoria L. Pete Feb. 22, 7 pm Aggravated DWI According to McK i n ley County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Johnson Lee’s r e p or t , Pe t e, 33, admitted to drinking “just a little bit.” Lee noted that he could smell alcohol coming from her breath. When he asked her to step out the car, “a open

can of Budweiser fell onto the ground.” When booked, Pete blew a .16 and .15 during the alcohol content breath tests.

Brandon Bowie Feb. 20, 1:58 am Aggravated DWI The repor t for t h i s DW I warrants a full stor y, but not enough space this week.

Accord i ng t o GPD O f f icer Timothy Hughte’s repor t, Bowie, 24, tried to race another vehicle up South Second Street.

The other vehicle pulled into the parking lot near Teriyaki House. Bowie allegedly struck their car. Witness statements alleged that Bowie struck the vehicle on purpose.

Bowie’s vehicle had open containers of booze on the passenger side floor. He refused to take field sobriety or breath tests.

Farrell Yonnie Feb. 19, 11:26 pm 3rd DWI, Aggravated Yonnie repor tedly wa s pulled over by GPD Officer Chaz Troncoso for driving without headlights. Yonnie pulled into the McDonald’s

we s t pa rk i ng lot. Troncoso noticed a white b l a n ke t c o v ering a box of Budwei ser i n t he ba ck s e a t of vehicle. From observation, Yonnie, 49, appeared intoxicated, according the report, but denied drinking that evening.

He refused to take the field sobriety and breath tests.

Clara M. Johnson Feb. 19, 7:01 pm Aggravated DWI Johnson had pulled into the Taco Bell west drive through by t he t i me GP D O f f i c e r Joe Roanhorse flashed his berries on her vehicle to pull over. According to the police report, Johnson, 47, showed the signs of intoxication, and Roanhorse noted that there was an empty can and “a gallon of Crystal Palace Vodka half empty behind the passenger seat.” When booked, she blew a .18, twice, during the breath tests.

Tara Ashley Feb. 19, 4:40 pm DWI GPD M a t t hew A s h ley

re sponded to a call about “a beer skip” that had taken place.

A beer skip is when someone grabs beer from a store and runs out the door without paying for it. According to GPD Officer Victor Rodriguez’ report, the vehicle pulled into a driveway off a home off Arnold Street. Tara Ashley, 38, refused to engage in the field sobriety and breath tests.

Shannon J. Clark Feb. 18, 4:15 pm DWI GPD Officer L u ke M a r t i n responded to a c a l l a bout an intoxicated woma n t hat reportedly pushed her way into someone’s apartment and left the scene in her car before police arrived. Martin caught up with the woman – Clark – and noticed that she had “blood shot watery eyes” and “an odor of alcoholic beverage as she spoke,” according to the police report.

Clark, 37, “did poorly” on the field sobriety tests and was booked for her first DWI. She blew a .08, twice, during breath tests.

Harrison Yazzie Feb. 17, 9:13 pm 2nd DWI, Aggravated Some sloppy driving moves

g o t Ya z z i e , 35, pulled over by GPD Officer Douglas Hof f m a n .

Accord i ng t o the police report, Hoffman could smell the strong odor of booze as Yazzie rolled down his window. He admitted to drinking, but refused to take field sobriety or breath tests.

He was also booked for driving with an open container in his vehicle.

Adrian R. Angel Feb. 17, 11:14 pm 2nd DWI, Aggravated A n gel wa s reportedly frea k i ng out some employees at Applebee’s by video recording them working.

GP D O f f i c e r Chaz Troncoso stated that Angel jumped into a maroon jeep and drove off before officers arrived on scene.

Troncoso caught up with him in front of a barber shop on Ninth Street. Angel, 36, refused to take the field sobriety and breath tests, according to the police report.

He reportedly said, “I am not that f--ked up.” A K-9 officer was called to search the vehicle for narcotics, but the reason and results of that inspection were not noted in the report.

Deaths from DWI hit new low

By Matthew Reichbach NM Political Report

F

rom listening to the rhetoric during this year’s legislative session, you might think that DWI deaths and crashes were up dramatically in recent years.

However today, Gov. Susana Ma r tinez a nnounced that deaths from DWI hit a record low.

In 2015, 122 deaths were attributed to DWI; that’s a new low since New Mexico started tracking DWI fatalities in 2016.

“DWI has been a major problem in our state for a long time. I’m encouraged by this progress. A 36-year low in NEWS

DWI deaths is a big deal. But our greatest challenge remains: ending drunk driving for good and getting that number to zero,” Martinez said in a statement. “We still have a lot of

work to do. Every one of those 122 deaths was a terrible tragedy for mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, families, and friends all across our state. One death due to DWI is one too many.”

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(505) 728-1640 Gallup Sun • Friday March 25, 2016

9

Audit finds ‘serious shortcomings’ at PED

By Andy Lyman NM Political Report

S

ANTA FE – The New Mexico State Auditor’s Of f ice a n nou nced on March 15 that a Public Education Department audit revealed more than 200 shortcomings.

The State Auditor’s office gave PED about a month to come up with an action plan to correct what the Auditor’s office called “weaknesses.”

State Auditor Tim Keller said in a press release the issues his office found were not minor.

“The problems that have been identified are far from technicalities, they are serious shortcomings in our state’s ability to ensure quality education to students across the

PED Secretary Hanna Skandara

state,” Keller said.

Auditors uncovered mismanagement of public funds and a lack of background checks at some charter schools among the long list of problem areas within PED. According to the audit report, PED understated how much money was spent by more than $21 million.

It also highlighted nearly $5 million dollars in money that PED either failed to use or missed

out on because of a failed obligation to match a federal grant.

The audit found six charter schools across the state in such bad shape their respective financial records “cannot be relied upon.”

A mong the six char ter schools w ith that lowest audit rating was Southwest Secondary Learning Center.

The FBI raided the school in 2014 after fraud and embezzlement claims surfaced. The involvement of the FBI came at the request of then-Auditor Hector Balderas. Balderas is now state Attorney General.

Another 15 charter schools were missing background checks or licensure documentation for personnel, the audit found. Gallup’s Uplift Community School was one of those charter schools on this

particular list.

Keller said ultimately PED should be providing more oversight to charter schools to help them succeed.

“At best, the department is clearly overwhelmed by the responsibility of overseeing so many charters schools; at worst, their lack of oversight of our state’s boom in charter schools leaves them ripe for fraud, waste and abuse,” Keller said.

At t a ched to t he aud it released on March 15 was a letter from Keller to PED Secretary Hanna Skandera outlining the shortcomings found in the audit as well as a directive to take action.

“PED needs to improve financial and regulatory oversight of charter schools and provide additional training and support to help address these

shortcoming and to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws, rules and regulations,” Keller wrote. “Millions of dollars of funds are potentially at risk due to the various issues highlighted in the report and schools are susceptible to fraud, waste and abuse.”

A PED spokesman told NM Political Report that he had just seen the letter on March 15 and would need time to respond. A representative from Keller’s office said the audit and letter were sent to PED and their independent auditor last week. This story will be updated with a comment from PED when one is provided.

Vi sit: www.nmpoliticalreport.com for a copy of Keller’s letter to PED Secretary Hanna Skandara and the actual audit.

State auditor issues best practices for capital projects EVERY DOLLAR TIED UP IN RED TAPE IS A DOLLAR NOT CIRCULATING IN NEW MEXICO’S ECONOMY Staff Reports SANTA FE – The Office of the State Auditor issued

best practices regarding New Mexico’s system of funding capital projects.

The Fund Balance Report,

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released earlier this year, found that New Mexico’s capital project funds are the most vulnerable to unnecessary accumulation. The report identified $1.2 billion in unspent capital project funds throughout state agencies in the last fiscal year alone.

The OSA developed and released the best practices to help guide policymakers in addressing inefficiencies in the current capital project system.

“New Mex ico’s capit a l project system is mired in red tape that ties up dollars we need out in the economy,” State Auditor Tim Keller said.

“There is a lot local and state leaders can do that doesn’t have to wait for another legislative session. With our state desperately in need of jobs, activating just a small fraction of these dollars could mean thousands of new jobs, roads, schools and water systems for New Mexico.”

The OSA developed the best practices to address challenges in three key phases: at the initial funding stage to prevent unneeded accumulation of funds; after funding takes place to make sure agencies expend funds in a timely manner; and throughout the project to adjust funds to changing

circumstances.

T he recom mend at ion s include the following: • Fully fund projects up front. Historically, infrastructure projects have been funded in small chunks over several years in the hopes that they will eventually be fully funded.

During that time, project costs often escalate or project needs change course. Projects should be fully funded with a single appropriation.

• Ensure local and state priorities are aligned. When the state and a local body have different infrastructure priorities, it greatly increases the likelihood that funds languish unspent. A key best practice is to ensure that required decision makers have priorities aligned before funding projects.

• Centrally monitor all projects. The current system lacks meaningful, centralized repor ting other tha n the portion of capital outlay tracked by the Legislative Finance Committee and the Department of Finance and Administration. Establishing a comprehensive year around project tracking office would provide greater transparency and help cutting through red tape.

• Include a “use it or lose it” date. Unspent funds accumulate for years, and sometimes even decades, unless there is direct executive or legislative action to move those funds or revert them back to the general fund. It is critical to establish and reinforce a “use it or lose it date” by which project funds must be spent or automatically reverted.

“Our capital outlay system is broken and it’s holding our state back. It’s time to embrace best practices that will allow us to make an efficient use of public dollars and move the needle to improve our communities,” Keller said.

T he comple t e c a pit a l project best practices are available here: http://www. saonm.org/media/uploads/ OSA_Capital_Outlay_ Best_ Practices.pdf NEWS

Are HSC’s big cash reserves behind the takeover?

By Joey Peters NM Political Report

A

sudden overhaul in governance of the state’s largest public medical institution has left several people questioning the motivations behind the changes and its aftermath.

One such skeptic is Mel Eaves, a now-former community member of the board of directors that made recommendations on the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center. HSC operates the university’s medical school, nursing school, two hospitals and the cancer center.

This piece also appears in the March 23 edition of the ABQ Free Press.

To Eaves, the motivation for the overhaul stems from other entities wanting a piece of HSC’s $220 million sitting in reserves, earmarked in part for the construction of a new hospital to replace the campus’s current adult hospital, which was built in the 1950s.

Eaves, an outspoken proponent for the new hospital, saw his position on the board abruptly eliminated following last week’s controversial 4-2 vote by regents.

“I have no question in my mind that control of those reserves is a major impetus for this reorganization that is under way,” he said in an interview.

STATE WANTED $50 MILLION FROM HSC State government made at least one recent attempt to get a large sum of money from HSC. In ea rly Febr ua r y, the New Mexico Human Services Depa r t ment , wh ich h a ndles federal programs like Medicaid and food stamps for New Mexico, met with HSC leadership.

“They wanted $50 million from the UNM hospital to cover the Medicaid shortfall,” Ava Lovell, senior executive for finance and administration at HSC, said in an interview.

Currently, New Mexico is facing a $417 million deficit in the federal health program for the poor. This came amid a dire budget situation that resulted in cuts throughout the state budget.

NEWS

It’s not unusual for HSC to provide Medicaid money to the state. Each year, HSC gives the state roughly $20 million in what are called “intergovernmental transfers” for Medicaid.

In those cases, matched federal money for Medicaid then goes back to HSC. But this time the state was asking for something unusual—$50 million that wou ld n’t b e r ei m bu r s e d directly to HSC. Lovell, who was not at the meeting, told NM Political R e por t that her infor mation came from HSC Chief Executive Officer Paul Roth.

Both HSD Secretary Brent Earnest and state Finance and Administration Secretary Tom Clifford made requests for the money at the meeting, according to Lovell. Also present at the meeting were Roth, UNM President Bob Frank, UNM Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer David Harris and UNM Hospital CEO Steve McKernan.

UNM Regent Rob Doughty joined in on the phone.

Roth and McKernan told the others that they could not simply fork over $50 million without the hospital’s board of trustees, the HSC board of directors and the UNM regents approving the exchange.

Earnest and Clifford then dropped their request.

“The state folks didn’t want that request to be public, so it never went anywhere,” Lovell said.

Spokespeople for both state agencies didn’t respond to requests for comment for this story before press time.

“That $220 million is a major reason for them to block the new hospital,” Eaves said.

“The governor wants it for HSD.” Whether such attempts could succeed is another matter. Provisions in the university hospital’s lease with Bernalillo County as well as a bond from the federal Housing and Urban Development Department for the children’s hospital say that money for UNM hospital cannot be transferred to other agencies.

GOVERNANCE OVERHAUL BEGAN QUIETLY Until the controversial regent vote took place last

week, the HSC board consisted of five regents and two regent-appointed community members. The board made recommendations on HSC issues to the regents, who had the authority to accept or reject the recommendations.

But the changes, authored by regent s Rob Doug ht y and Marron Lee, eliminated the HSC board and instead replaced it with a committee of three regents.

Documents obtained by NM Political Report show that an attorney with UNM’s Office of University Counsel started making draft changes to the guidelines governing HSC’s board of directors on Feb. 5— just two days after the state requested the $50 million to pay for Medicaid.

UNM spokeswoman Dianne Anderson confirms that the university’s legal counsel started making the revisions on requests from Doughty and Lee. Eaves contends the quick timing of the proposed changes after the state’s $50 million request is no coincidence.

Doughty and Lee’s formal proposal didn’t become public until March 11, three days before the regent meeting where the controversial vote took place.

Regent Suzanne Quillen, who voted against the overhaul, said she and Regent Bradley Hosmer didn’t hear about a proposed overhaul was underway until March 9.

“It was being worked on and nobody brought it up for a month,” Quillen said. “We didn’t know anything until we requested it in writing.”

During the March 14 regent meeting, roughly 50 people spoke publicly against the overhaul, asking regents to either reject it outright or at least delay the vote. Local

lawmakers, students and HSC staff spoke against the proposal for three hours.

Fol low i ng t he vote, Doughty told reporters that he didn’t alert Quillen or Hosmer

the HSC’s research, clinical and educational programs as necessary to exercise his responsibilities as Chief Executive Officer of the HSC.” A provision in Roth’s con-

about the proposed changes because he “felt it would violate the [state] Open Meetings Act,” which requires public bodies to discuss matters in public when in quorum. A “rolling quorum” is when members of a public body meet one and one, without a quorum, to discuss a certain issue and reach consensus.

Doughty added that he spoke about the proposal with Lee and Regent Jack Forner before it went public.

He also denied that regents were blocking building a new hospital.

tract reads that he will “accept no other employment that would be inconsistent with such responsibilities.”

But Doughty and Lee’s authored changes removed Roth’s full oversight authority over HSC property, finances, staff and legal matters and subjected them to approval of UNM President Frank.

Shortly before the Regents made a vote, Roth told the public that UNM President Frank would immediately reinstate Roth’s role as CEO. After the vote, Roth said in a statement that he was “grateful” to Frank “for clarifying that I will continue as CEO of the UNM Health System, with all of the responsibilities and authorities commensurate with that.”

Doughty also told reporters after the vote that Roth stays in charge of the “day-today operations” of HSC. Still, an HSC spokesman told NM Political Report last week that HSC press relations were in the process of learning “what that entails.”

Visit: www.nmpoliticalreport.com

ROLE OF HSC CHANCELLOR More ambiguous is how the changes affect Roth, who also serves as dean of the UNM School of Medicine and is the state’s the second-highest paid public employee.

Roth’s existing employment contract with HSC gives him “full authority” over “all revenues, personnel including deans and faculty” and “operational matters associated with

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April 20-21, 2016

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We invite you to join us for Conversations, Entertainment, Tours, Networking, Capacitybuilding and much, much more!

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13

OPINIONS Decision on curbside recycling initiative needs to go to Gallup voters To The Editor: There has been a lot of discussions on the curbside recycling program agenda item as to its implementation that was not approved by council. I want to set the record straight as to why I did not approve such a program through an ordinance. First and foremost, I made it clear in council that curbside recycling was coming, next year or the year after, but because it was a burden on the customer to pay for the service, I believe it should be the right of the customer to have an opportunity to vote for it through a referendum.

There were additional reasons for my decision: 1: The city was going to pay for the costs upfront

and then amortize the initial upfront costs over 7 years by charging the customer $1.00, $3.00, or $5.00 per billing cycle, it doesn’t take into account that it may not cover the costs.

Will the city subsidize that portion?, to what extent?, will the council approve additional fee’s to the customer?, all this while we will be raising the utility rates to cover the costs of the additional cost of power over time as per our city power contract.

2: Environmental Surcharge Funds are right now being used for needed infrastructure improvements such as the curb and gutter programs which the city is taking over the responsibility for in existing areas (previously the owners

responsibility), the wastewater treatment plant updates, clean and lien and demolition of dilapidated structures, and major wastewater and water conveyance system improvements. If I have a choice between curbside recycling or city infrastructure needs, I have to choose the latter.

3: Hold harmless is a threat to the city’s future, incremental increases until the annual loss is at about $3,000,000.00, as the amounts increase to cover the shortage from the state, there will be an opportunity for the council to implement an additional 3/8 sales tax to cover some of the loss. We are already one of the highest in the state.

The longer we can absorb

MADAME G

Yogash Kumar. District 3 City Councilor

the cost of the shortage the better it is for all the citizens, by approving programs that have a reoccurring cost associated with them is a burden for the city and the future of Gallup.

Hopefully I was voted in to

make fiscally responsible decisions based on my knowledge of the city’s current financial situation and the impact it can have in the future.

Yogash Kumar Gallup, NM

GUIDE TO THE STARS WEEK OF MARCH 25-31

Madame G suggests taking a deep breath: HALT. If you’re hungry, angry, lonely, or tired pause before you respond. Saturn enters retrograde today and that mixes everything up.

It’s always better to regret not saying anything than to regret having said too much. Focus on your tasks and take time to finish up any lingering projects. You’ll be glad you did.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct.22)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Your forceful personality has a way of overpowering some and overwhelming others. It may feel powerful to use your anger, though mild it may seem to you, but it may terrify everyone else. This may cause more damage than you realize.

Instead learn the art of silence. You won’t die because of it. It pays off long term and you won’t regret it.

At your core and center, you’re a sensible person. So, if someone asked what’s your super power? You’d say…

Consider the ridiculous for a moment.

You may have worked yourself into a logical corner. For instance, you may be so practical that you bought a horse and are trying to teach it how not to eat. This is the path to failure.

Use this time to embrace opposition and listen carefully. You’ll be amazed.

Lovely Libra, don’t focus on those adorable shoes on Wink.com. Instead shape your week around healthier living. Target the three separate, but equal parts of your being: heart, mind, and body. Spend time with your loved ones. Try out a new hobby that challenges your body like kickboxing, yoga, or running. Learn a new skill that you’ve always wanted to try. By focusing on experience rather than possessions, you’ll feel happier. And then maybe you won’t need the shoes or maybe you will.

Your stubborn nature leads to some uncomfortable situations. If you feel that you’ve alienated friends, family, or loved ones try changing up your strategy. You won’t win congeniality awards based on your ability to fly off the handle. Each day try taking a breath before you say anything. When you feel angry take a long walk. Take as much time as you need. You may want to practice mediation too.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) This week may feel like you’re backpedaling on a stationary upright bicycle. Basically, you may feel like you’re going nowhere fast. Have no fear it’s not just you. Retrograde has a way of slowing us down and forcing us to use our heads and use caution.

Approach new projects slowly and aim for accuracy and precision. You might just enjoy the results.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Does your heart need a break?

Maybe you need a heartbreak or two.

Well, spring is in the air. Madame G suggests living out your fantasies. It’s not advised to start new projects or even lasting relationships right now.

But, who says you can’t have a little fun. Enjoy yourself—you’ve earned it. Take time to focus on your mental and physical health.

14

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) It’s challenging to watch the ones you love suffer in silence. If it were you—you’d roar until someone listened. But, not everyone has your charm or talent for communication.

Sometimes, the only thing you can do for someone is listen and be there for them. This will work against the Leo nature, but remember this is for their needs not your own. Push your ego aside so you can really help them.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Focus on your needs and that of your friends, family, and significant other.

If you’re single, go out and mingle.

Have fun! If you’re in a relationship recreate the romance. Take your loved one on a spontaneous dinner for two—it doesn’t have to be fancy.

Try doing something thoughtful that will make their day easier. You could fold the laundry or do the dishes. This might just be the ticket for a lovely week. If not, you tried. Enjoy!

Friday March 25, 2016 • Gallup Sun

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) If your boss randomly proclaims in a meeting that: “you take a hit like a champ and still keep on standing,” it might strike you as odd, especially if you’re not a professional fighter in the UFC. But, it means that you’re probably the owner of the most odd compliments award. At least you know they’re genuine. You may take a hit, but it never gets you down for long. Stay strong!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) You’re indecision and seeming selfishness are well known. It may seem unfair at first, but the key issue is communication. Are you expressing your opinions clearly? Your family members require your honesty and some insight into your future plans.

They aren’t acting crazy when they simply want to know. Try telling them before you act in a seemingly irrational way. Their response may surprise you for the better.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) You’re the visionary of the Zodiacs.

Though not as notorious some of your fellow air signs you still pack a punch. This week you may notice that your vision is foggy or muddled and the ideas refuse to come. Madame G suggests that you edit your writing or projects instead. You may have forgotten something or missed a step.

Check carefully and move forward slowly.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) You’ve been working hard to repair broken bridges just don’t be surprised if not everyone is receptive. Even if you bake a full chicken for your children or friends with all the trimmings—they may not enjoy it.

Sometimes fits of temper have a way of biting you in the long run. Most people don’t forget or forgive easily.

Give it time and let them run through their anger, but don’t retaliate. Let the cycle of violence end.

OPINIONS

Maintaining stability at the county level ROLL CALL

By Bernie Dotson

I

t’s a delicate balance, one t h at requ i re s a n independent, yet diverse approach. We’re talking about stability and the process of selecting a county m a n a ger, s ome t h i n g t he McKinley County Board of Com m i s sioner s ha s done of ten the pa st f ive yea rs, but not with much long-term luck.

W h i le t hose who have served in McKinley’s top job have been very good candidates, the county commission has somehow missed out on the stability factor.

S u r e , c h a n ge s i n t h e make-up of the county commission can lead to things like persona lit y con f licts or power str uggles. We’re a s su m i ng t hat t he Boa rd of Com m issioner s uses a set of guidelines to screen and learn about candidate strengths and weaknesses, something devised by perhaps the county personnel department or maybe even by the commissioners themselves, or both.

The guidelines help board members determine the often subjective concept of compatibility, or how a prospective candidate fits in with respect to the bigger scheme of things. The stability part

of the county manager hiring process has skipped by Gallup. The one thing nobody can put their finger on is why the subject of stability never kicked in with respect to the McKinley County manager position.

Everyone who knows anything about doing the job of a county manager knows that there are high expectations that come with it. It comes with the territory of having such a job.

G a l lu p a n d McK i n l e y Cou nt y’s cha r m is one of the factors responsible for our better than decent tourism rate and the dollars that come from it.

P ick i n g t he r ig ht person for a ny job i s some times messy and unpopular.

But with lots of money on t he t a ble a nd lo n g - t e r m st abi l it y at st a ke, t he McKinley County Board of Commissioners may have to go outside the area when Bill Lee resigns and get the right person to work a s county manager.

We’re not saying that stability can’t be found within McKinley County, because there are more than adequate examples of it everywhere.

But in the case of selecting a new county manager, that aforementioned stability may be best found elsewhere.

Letter to the Editor: A spirited journey Editor, When the Longest Walk 5--”Declaring War on Drugs” arrived in Gallup (NM) on March 17 and 18, 2016, I didn’t know how many people knew what was taking place, although, even as this historic event has come and gone, the war continues here as it does in every community along their way to Washington, D.C. which began on the Barona Band of Mission Indians Reservation in San Diego County, southern California on a 3.500 mile spiritual journey.

Here in Gallup, the drug of choice is everything under the sun but alcohol seems to gethe most attention and this is reflected in the costs of operating a detox center that is the proverbial (regional) money pit, quite literally. A slush fund called the “Liquor Excise Tax” can’t explain the most recent (but now expired) talk of a possible closure due to a lack of funding.

The Longest Walk 5 (LW5) was also in response to this last year that President Barack Obama has in office. He can grant clemency to political prisoner Leonard Peltier and the world-wide call for this will get louder as LW5 nears Washington, D.C. in July 2016.

At present, there is no evidence that links Peltier to the crimes he has served 41 years for. I join that call for his release and restoration.

Loca l ly, it wa s a lso a Memorial for Larry Casuse and those who have fallen because of the city’s close relationship with the Liquor Industry and the sky-high number (39+) of

that aided their daring escape as he took point and led others out on that dark night of opportunity.

G a l lu p M a yo r Ja c k i e McKinney was also in attendance and acknowledged the treaties broken by the federal government and the fact that Gallup has a public health crisis on its hands and that “it has grown to the point of it’s an epidemic...we have people dying in the streets of Gallup.”

LW5 has left town with the blessing of Gallup via an official city proclamation declaring March 18th “Longest Walk 5 Day” but it has also left us with a message: It is not only about drugs or alcohol; other aspects of this war include the loss of our Indigenous culture, language and history, the astronomical loss of lives, domestic violence, official willful government neglect along with the deliberate and continual blame game and shirking of responsibility, much like a hard-core alcoholic living in denial on the streets of “Drunk Town, U.S.A.” Ironically, with the number of exposure deaths at eight (8) in 2016 (to date) the LET has been present in every alcoholic demise; hopefully that does not top last year’s body count of 21. This taxation has a specific group of citizens it represents.

Mervyn Tilden Gallup, NM

Veterans discuss upcoming events

By Tom Hartsock Sun Correspondent

T

he lat e st meet i ng of Veterans Helping Veterans A Team was on Mar. 18 at the Fire Station on North Second. The focus of this meeting was the more immediate upcoming event requiring the attention of all area veterans.

The first one, of course is Memorial Day, which is celebrated twice in Gallup; once by the motorcycle riders with the Run For the Wall scheduled to arrive here on May 19, and then by the ceremonies, parade and speeches on May 30.

Run For the Wall is an annual

OPINIONS

liquor licenses that are illegal considering NMSA 1978 60-6A18, “Limitations on number of licenses, exceptions (1991)”.

When the first Longest Walk took place in 1978 it wa s in response to 11 Congressiona l Bills that would h a ve c h a n ge d t he cou r se of A merica’s history in the ongoing “Indian Wars” taking place across the nation with “Native American” land and water rights and treaties under constant threat by governments and (multi-national) corporations.

Every community the LW5 passes through has their stories about the horrors of their front line battles. LW5 Walkers (Co-Founder of the American Indian Movement) Dennis Banks, Yolanda Begay, Clifford Jack and Orlando Vigil also shared their stories on local radio station KNIZ 90.1 FM on March 17th.

At a public forum held on March 18th at the Gallup Community Service Center, Dine’ (Navajo) brothers Lenny and Larry Foster were in attendance, who, along with Banks, were present at “Wounded Knee Liberation Day” in 1973-the 71-day siege by U.S. federal Marshalls and military who were packing heavy artillery.

Lenny emphasized the traditional and cultural aspect of LW5 noting it was a ceremony, songs, prayers, a White Owl and a pack of stray feral dogs

event and Gallup has been a stopping place for the group (there a r e t h r e e) l e a v i n g California on May 18. The riders should be getting off Exit 16 around 3:30 pm and will roar through town to Red rock State Park where they will spend the night. A dinner will be provided by the City of Gallup from 5-6pm for all in attendance. The group will then congregate at the Red Rock 10 Theater at 8am on May 20 for their farewell exit The local festivities on May

30 will feature an early ceremony at Hillcrest C emet er y, fol lowed by a parade from there to t he C ou nt y Cou r thouse.

H e r s h e y Miyamura, Gallup’s Medal of Honor recipient, will be the Grand Marshall of the parade and hopes to entice a group of Korean War Vets from Albuquerque to stand with him.

Initial plans for a Job Fair sponsored by Veterans Helping Veterans is also in the planning stages. More info in next issue on that event on June 15.

Gallup Sun • Friday March 25, 2016

15

COMMUNITY Miss Gallup New Mexico Teen Latina crowned

Jenelle Garciduenas, a 17-year-old senior at Gallup High, receives her crown as Miss Gallup New Mexico Latina on March 20.

Miss Gallup New Mexico Latina contender Kayleigh Hurtado of Gallup High received the “Miss Elegance” award for her poise onstage.

Story and photos by Shepherd Waldenberger Sun Correspondent

O

n March 20, El Morro Theatre filled with fans and contestants for the Miss Teen

Mercedes Mejia, a 17-year-old Gallup native, won the fantasy dress portion of the show for her voluminous newspaper gown.

16

Friday March 25, 2016 • Gallup Sun

Miss Teen Gallup New Mexico Latina contestant Giselle Contreras, age 13, sings her heart out during the talent section of the pageant.

Gallup New Mexico Latina and Miss Gallup New Mexico Latina beauty pageant. The pageant included talent, fantasy dress, and eveningwear categories, followed by the presentation of winners.

Janelle Garciduenas of

Gallup won the talent section with her lovely Spanish singing. The best fantasy dress went to Mercedes Mejia of Gallup for her impressive

MISS GALLUP | SEE PAGE 17

From left, Mrs. New Mexico Latina Juany Duarte, State Director of MNML Patricia Montoya, and Mrs. New Mexico Latina 2015 and Gallup city director of the pageant Nathaly Anchondo. These three ladies shared the mic throughout the show.

COMMUNITY

‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ wears viewers down with dourness and destruction

girlfriend Lois Lane (Amy Adams) also find themselves suspicious of an eccentric ent repreneu r na med L ex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg).

Indeed, some interesting themes are introduced. In fact, it’s almost as if the filmmakers heard the criticism leveled on the original and have strived to deal with some of the issues.

Collateral damage, vigilantism, fear of an all-powerful individual, even discussions on whether or not a powerful mineral should be destroyed

or turned into a devastating weapon. These ideas are brought up, but unfortunately not handled with any depth or real analysis. They are quickly forgotten (and some messages are later contradicted).

The tone is self-important and dreary. Despite the best attempts of the talented cast members, this is a pretty glum exercise that details a downcast Superman and grimacing Batman glowering in the shadows. Heck, even butler Alfred (Jeremy Irons) is a

heavy drinker. It gets a little tiring. And while it’s revealed that someone wants these two superheroes to wipe one another out, beyond that there doesn’t seem to be much of a point to it all. Sure, one assumes it would be bad to lose a hero but the plot involves no threat to the general public or overarching villainous scheme to take down the world. Based on the information given, there’s no real reason to care about the outcome.

It all gets very ridiculous as it progresses. There are jarring attempts to get inside Batman’s psyche via dream sequences.

These are stylized in a manner similar to director Zach Snyder’s Sucker Punch and are so bizarre that they feel completely out of place. By the second half, it’s all just characters smashing into one another and more city blocks being destroyed by both the villains and heroes (boy, Metropolis and Gotham sure can’t catch a break). A miscommunication that leads to potential bonding between the embattled superpowers actually comes across as unintentionally humorous as opposed to moving.

To be fair, there are some good ideas early on and the movie is impressive to look at.

contestant that did not sing or dance during the talent event.

Instead, she said “My talent is helping people.”

Mejia is a teacher and tutor

at New Life Learning Center in Gamerco where she helps English language learners and those seeking a GED. Kayleigh Hur tado, also of Gallup, earned the “Miss Elegance” sash for her grace throughout the pageant.

The overall winner of Miss Teen Ga llup New Mexico Latina was Leslie Zubia, while Giselle Contreras of Gallup took the runner-up spot.

T he M i s s Ga l lup New Mexico Latina crown went to Janelle Garciduenas, a senior at Gallup High. She is a fiveyear varsity GHS cheerleader and plans to attend UNM to earn a nursing degree after she graduates.

Natha ly A nchondo a nd Juany Duarte, current Mrs. New Mexico Latinas, shared the microphone with Patricia Montoya as they directed the

By Glenn Kay For the Sun

RATING: «« OUT OF 4 STARS RUNNING TIME: 153 MIN.

T

he first Man of Steel movie left me pretty cold. A s someone without a comic book background, it did little to engage me. The story lacked well-drawn characters and seemed to revel in nonsensical action and destruction. I came into Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice hoping for the best, or at least some tweaks and alterations to the formula that might develop the plot and characters.

It has been 18 months since the events of the previous film.

While Metropolis has been rebuilt and many see Superman (Henry Cavill) as a hero, a minority is still reeling from the mass destruction. This includes Bruce Wayne/Batman (Ben Affleck), a superhero who takes issue with Supes’ Godlike powers. In the meantime, The Dark Knight attempts to find the leader of a criminal ring, while Superman’s alterego Clark Kent and reporter/

MISS GALLUP | FROM PAGE 16 dress constructed of newspaper. Mejia was also the only

No, ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ won’t feel like a visit to the post office or DMV with those dour clerks looking down their noses at you, but you may feel a bit tattered after seeing these two classic superheroes, minus the sparkling personalities, battle it out. Opens in theaters nationwide March 25. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros.

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Dancers from Foundations of Freedom get inverted during a stunning intermission performance.

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Some of the Batman scenes are interestingly handled and the dust-up between the two heroes is well edited. But it all gets out of hand and turns into a CGI-heavy mess very quickly.

Ultimately, it isn’t long before one feels as if they’re watching a sequel that makes all the same mistakes of its predecessor. It’s a dopey effort that mistakes its cloak of seriousness for depth. Ultimately its two and one half hour running time doesn’t provide much more than growling and smashing cinder blocks to curry favor.

It seems B atm a n v Superman: Dawn of Justice is well-polished, but it’s also empty. There are some serious logic problems and the dourness of the proceedings just wears one down - in the end I couldn’t take it seriously.

The people of Metropolis and Gotham may love Superman and Batman, but to me they’re beginning to look like gloomy, s el f- ob s e s s e d m a s s - mu rderers. With superheroes like these, who really needs supervillains?

Note to viewers: There was no post-credit scene at the screening I attended, so it looks like when the credits start to roll, you’re fine heading straight out to the car. pageant. Montoya is the State Director of Miss New Mexico Latina. Before the crowns were awarded, she honored t he contest a nt s w it h t he words “you are all winners now.”

Foundations of Freedom gave two wonderful dance performances during dress cha nges to round out the evening of excitement at El Morro.

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Gallup Sun • Friday March 25, 2016

17

‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2’ is genial and unremarkable

By Glenn Kay For the Sun

RATING: «« OUT OF 4 STARS RUNNING TIME: 90 MINUTES

S

ome 14 years ago, My Big Fat Greek Wedding surprised just about everyone. The low-budget comedy found an enormous audience, becoming a box office behemoth and raking in over $368 million dollars worldwide. A long time has passed since that first movie... and probably for good reason. It didn’t exactly leave any lingering questions about the fates of its characters.

Regardless, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 reunites just about everyone from the first film and attempts to make a go of it once again. In the years since the original, Toula (Nia Vardalos) and Ian (John Corbett) have settled into their suburban lives in Chicago.

Unfortunately, parenthood, careers and family drama have exhausted the pair and they find themselves struggling to spend time together.

The most immediate concern is for their daughter Paris (Elena Kampouris), who is preparing for university and struggling with the overbearing, suffocating nature of her parents and relatives. All issues come to a head when it

is revealed that the marriage vow of two family members wasn’t made official and a new ceremony is required - that is, if they choose to be remarried.

Perhaps the big problem here is a strong lack of drama.

Indeed, the movie really has to strain to create any kind of tension. The problems of Toula and Ian are pretty minor at their worst, forcing the gags to make up for the lack of conflict.

Just like the original, the humor is very big and very broad.

Unfortunately, it also involves rehashing a lot of old gags and odd mannerisms from the first film - be it Windex jokes or the family patriarch continuing to ramble about everything on the planet having a Greek origin.

But while much of it is familiar, at least the cast are engaged and do their best to make something out of nothing.

Once the main story conflict is introduced, there are a couple of funny moments and even an off-handed joke in which Toula startles husband Ian that earns a laugh. The aggressive Aunt Voula (Andrea Martin) ekes out a laugh here and there and sight gags of elderly Mana-Yiayia (Bess Meisler) doing odd things like running a large metal floor cleaner earn a smile (although by the sixth or seventh cutaway, it loses its humor).

By the end, what little trouble there is resolves itself in a predictable manner, further emphasizing the importance of

Wash. Rinse. Repeat. Was more MBFGW really necessary? You be the judge. Opens in theaters nationwide March 25. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Gold Circle Films

family. Truthfully, it could have been much worse, but it’s all pretty bland. There are a few gags that work in My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, but there’s

nothing particularly memorable about it.

This is one of those kinds of films that one watches on t he T V Su nday a f ter noon

while doing something else.

It’s genial enough, but there’s little about it that is unique or a s c omp el l i n g a s t he original.

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Friday March 25, 2016 • Gallup Sun

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DVD/Blu-ray Roundup for March 25, 2016

By Glenn Kay For the Sun

H

ello folks, it’s another busy edition of DVD and Blu-ray highlights. In fact, a couple of the following films were big box office hits. So if you can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure to give one of these titles a try!

BIG NEW RELEASES! Cowboys v s .

D in os a u r s - Dinosaurs r ise from beneath a m i ne i n Montana and go on a rampage in this direct-to-DVD B-movie.

The only person who can save a nearby town from total destruction is a disgraced ex-cowboy. Yep, the movie sounds pretty bad and apparently it is. There are only a couple of write-ups online and they call it a badly acted, poorly-executed Jurassic World knock-off. At least Eric Roberts makes an appearance to add some camp value.

Daddy’s Home - In this comedy hit, a newly married man finds himself competing for his step-children’s affection with his wife’s wild ex-husband.

Reviewers complemented the two lead actors, but not much else. They suggested that despite work of its funny stars, the story was repetitive and quickly wore out its welcome.

Despite the critical drubbing, the movie raked it in. In fact, it’s the second highest grossing film (non-animated) of star Will Ferrell’s career (in case you’re curious, Elf stands as his biggest box-office grosser). Donnie Wahlberg, Linda Cardellini, Hannibal Buress, Paul Scheer and Thomas Hayden Church also star.

T h e Hun ge r Gam e s: Mockingjay - Part 2 - The final ch apt er i n The Hunger Games saga sees Katniss Everdeen return to the city capit a l wh i le at tempt i ng to help pal COMMUNITY

Peeta resist the brainwashing tactics of evil President Snow. Notices were positive, although not exemplary. Most wrote that it was an effective enough close to the series, but that it wasn’t as tense or thrilling as earlier movies and felt a little stretched out over its two-plus hour running time. It won’t matter to fans, though.

The movie features Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Julianne Moore and Donald Sutherland.

James White - This indie drama garnered a lot of attention at film festivals and earned awards and nominations from film critic groups. It tells the tale of a twenty-something, self-destructive, layabout New Yorker struggling to care for his cancer-ridden mother. The press were positive about this mirco-budgeted feature. While they admitted the lead character wasn’t the most likable chap in the world, they found the performances excellent and called the movie a gritty, grim and authentic-looking drama that doesn’t pull any punches.

The cast includes Christopher Abbott, Cynthia Nixon, Scott ‘K id Cud i’ Mescud i, Ron Livingston and Mackenzie Leigh.

The Letters: The Untold Story of Mother Teresa aka The Letters - The Catholic missionary, famed humanitarian and Saint is depicted in this biopic, using letters that she wrote over a period of 50 years to friend Father Celeste. Critics did not care for this drama. A few felt is was a nice tribute, but the majority stated that the material was presented in a flat and obvious manner that didn’t scratch the surface of its subject, resulting in a rather dull movie. It stars Juliet Stevenson, Rutger Hauer and Max Von Sydow.

The Pearl Button Chile and its i mpr e s s ive coastline is the subject of this acclaimed documentary. Viewers will see volcanoes and natural wonders of the country, followed by an examination of the plight of the country’s indigenous population as well as some of the disruptive government action taken over the

years. It has been described as a gorgeously shot film that intersperses important messages in a poetic manner with deep political insight. Most reviews were raves, meaning that non-narrative movie enthusiasts will want to give it a look.

BLASTS FROM THE PAST! It’s one of the busiest weeks in recent memory for high definition reissues of catalog titles. Olive Films have a striking slate of Blu-ray titles.

They include Bandits (2001) a crime comedy from Barry Levinson (Diner, Rain Man, Wag the Dog, Rock the Kasbah) about two bank robbers who fall in love with a hostage. It stars Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton and Cate Blanchett.

The Boost (1988) is a well regarded drama with James Woods and Sean Young about a real estate agent who becomes addicted to cocaine.

Breaker!

Breaker!

(1977) features Chuck Nor r i s a s a t r ucker out to find his missing brother. He faces of against a corrupt judge and a bunch of thugs, kicking many in the face as events progress. On a completely different tact, Clean Slate (1994) stars Dana Carvey as a private eye who suffers from amnesia. Every day when he wakes up, he must attempt to restart the investigation w ithout remembering what happened previously.

Jin xe d!

(19 8 2) i s a comedy caper set in a casino, featur ing Bette Midler as a showgirl who falls for her husband’s mark. The movie was a box office flop and is notorious for its incredibly troubled production. In a similar vein is the more successful thriller Kill Me Again (1989). The plot involves a mobster’s girl who steals from him and hires a private detective to help fake her own death. This twisty suspense flick stars Val Kilmer and

Joanne Whalley.

Comedy fa ns ca n take a trip back to the 80s with Making the Grade (1984). It’s an Animal House-style comedy set at a prep school - it stars the likes of Judd Nelson and Andrew Dice Clay. Additionally, interested parties can check out the sequel to A Christmas Story (1983). It’s called My Summer Story aka It Runs in the Family (1994) and it involves another tale based on the writings of Jean Shepherd.

The sequel came over a decade after the original, so it uses an entirely new cast that includes Charles Grodin, Kieran Culkin and Mary Steenburgen.

Undertow (20 04) i s a n unique drama about a rural family struggling on a fa r m.

Centered on t h e c l a n’s rebellious young son, the story follows his reaction to the arrival of an ex-con uncle who may have ulterior motives for his visit. The cast of this well-regarded effort includes Jamie Bell, Kristin Stewart, Jo sh L uc a s a nd Der mot Mulroney.

Shout! Factory have a new Blu-ray coming too. Disturbing Behavior (1998) was a thriller about a small town whose teens are well-mannered and never get into trouble. When a small group of outcasts tries to figure out why, they learn that something sinister is being done to the youngsters in town. James Marsden, Katie Holmes and Nick Stahl take on the lead roles. Alas, this movie also featured a some post-production troubles, with the film being taken over by the studio and significantly re-cut. While the disc contains the studio version, it comes with the over twenty minutes of trims and the original ending that was re-shot. The release also includes a director commentary.

If old fa shioned sci-fi is more to your liking, T he Black Sleep (1956) tells the ta le of a mad doct or out t o revive his wife, who is in a

coma suffering from a brain tumor. He uses the title drug to anesthesize victims on the streets and practice brain surgery on them. It features Basil Rathbone, Lon Chaney, Bela Lugosi, John Carradine and Tor Johnson.

Donovan’s Brain (1953) is an excellent B-movie classic about a s c ie nt i s t who becomes possessed by the evil brain of a mean-spirited millionaire.

It forces the hero to go out and murder the dead man’s enemies. Fun stuff! Finally, Kino have the romantic comedy The War Between Men and Women (1972), in which Jack Lemmon plays a cartoonist with vision problems who send ups women in his strips - things get uncomfortable when he falls for a hot tempered lady in his ophthalmologist’s office.

Also on Blu-ray from Warner Bros. is a biopic from director Neil Jordan (The Crying Game, Interview With the Vampire).

Michael Collins stars Liam Neeson and details the IRA founder’s guerilla warfare tactics against the government during the Irish Civil War. Warner Archive have a few new made-to-order DVD releases as well. Brotherly Love (1970) is a drama starr i ng Pet er O’toole as a brot her i n love w ith his sibling.

A Fine Pair (1968) is an Italian crime flick, while Melinda (1972) details the exploits of a black DJ who meets a woman only to later find her dead in his apartment.

The hero must clear his name before the cops get to him.

YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS! Here are a couple of options for the kids.

A B C Monsters Starring I j k l : Adventures in Alphabet Gardens Mo n st e r High: Great Scarrier Reef

Gallup Sun • Friday March 25, 2016

19

SPORTS 360 School is out for Spring Break, but games continue

By Tom Hartsock Sun Correspondent

T

he old saying, ‘no rest for the weary’ might well apply to high school kids ever ywhere, who are given a certain amount of time off from their studies, twice each year, only to find the more athletic ones remain tied to schedules for their sports and activities, regardless.

Such is the hard life for the overactive!

It’s not all bad, though. The Rehoboth boys’ baseball team earned their first victory on March 16 ever in a fledgling program and most other athletes spent their time off from school in a productive manner as well, at least physically. Yes I know that the Lynx win was during a week when school was in session, but it still counts in my book and in my backwards

calendar under which the Gallup Sun operates.

Tomor r ow, M a rch 2 6 , Gallup High will host the Route 66 Classic Track and Field Meet at the Public Scvhool Stadium.

That day-long event – involving a lot of local schools – is exciting to watch as the boys and girls run, jump, and heave weighted objects to attempt a win in their specialty.

Maybe I’ll see you in the bleachers!

Spring is here, and so is off-roading fun in the sun

By Tom Hartsock Sun Correspondent

S

pring started on Mar. 21 and in Gallup we don’t look for the first robin – it got blown away by the 60 plus mph winds – but we wait for the first event at the OHV-MX Park on Hasler Valley Road. Wait no more, that event starts April 2-3 with host Round #3 of the NM Trials Association, and a re-opening of the track.

Dave Steadma n a nd Damian Silva have revamped the track and the crowd on Saturday and Sunday should be pleased with the changes.

The Saturday practice session (see schedule below) will have a well-groomed and watered track, weather permitting.

Any riders wanting to register for the RRMS 2016 Club Membership are invited to join in the fun. Knock the cobwebs off your machines, fuel up and

File Photo

check the oil, and just enjoy the weekend doing what you like best. All club members will receive a $10 gift card (Race

File Photo

20 Friday March 25, 2016 • Gallup Sun

File Photo

Gas Program) from Rocky Mountain ATV/MC. A second event will take place on April 23 at “The Pit”

for trash removal from this area that was the original site of MX racing in Gallup, near the intersection of Superman Canyon and White Cliffs Road.

It’s now inundated with trash by illegal shooters and general riffraff.

Plea se pa s s t he word around and help make a difference on Earth Day. RRMS will provide gloves, bags, food and water for all volunteers. Please dress appropriately.

D u r i n g t he 2 015 s e a son, RRMS sponsored four events, attracting about 3,000 spectators and entrants and spectators.

Saturday April 2 11:00 Motocross riders trials basics instruction, prep for fun-trials, try a trials bike

12:00 Lunch break (bring your own eats) 1:00 Fun trials starts, all bike types welcome, no entry fee, non-trials folks will get a coach 3:30ish Wrap up Sunday April 3 8:00 NMTA Event Sign up, all riders, bikes, and skill levels welcome, must have AMA card and spark arrestor 9:00 Lower class trials starts 12:00 Junior class starts (come watch the little kids on a herd of electric bikes) 1:00 Upper class starts 4:30ish Awards For more info on Red Rock Motor Sports activities, call club secretary Greg Kirk at (505) 870-7278.

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Scores Mar. 10, Thursday RCHS SOFT 0, Cobre 10 Mar. 11, Friday MHS BASE 3, Cobre 0 RCHS SOFT 13, Hatch Valley 2 Mar. 12, Saturday MHS BASE 1, Silver 2 RCHS SOFT 18, Wingate 15 Mar. 15, Tuesday GHS GTEN 2, Miyamura 7 MHS JV BASE 17, 15, Wingate 2, 5 MHS SOFT 11, Bloomfield 0 MHS GTEN 7, Gallup 2 RCHS SOFT 18, 23, Thoreau 3, 0 WHS BASE 2, 5, Miyamura 17, 15 WHS SOFT 12, 13, St. Michael 2, 8 Mar. 16, Wednesday RCHS BASE 7, Navajo Pine 5 Mar. 17, Thursday GHS JV BASE 15, 15, Thoreau 2, 0 MHS BASE 7, Los Lunas 6 (14 innings) MHS SOFT 22, 18 Grants 6, 6 MHS BTEN 6, Moriarty 3 MHS GTEN 9, Moriarty 0 WHS BASE 8, Santa Fe Indian 29

Mar. 18, Friday RCHS SOFT 11, Grants 7 WHS SOFT 9, McCurdy 2 WHS SOFT 12, Santa Rosa 0 Mar. 19, Saturday GHS BASE 1, Los Lunas 27 RCHS SOFT 12, Laguna Acoma 6 WHS SOFT 1, Raton 5 (Finals, Pecos Tournament) Mar. 22, Tuesday GHS JV BASE vs Wingate, DH 4/6 SCORE NOT REPORTED GHS SOFT 6, 8, Kirtland 2, 7 WHS BASE vs Gallup JV, DH 4/6 SCORE NOT REPORTED WHS SOFT 2, 4, Grants 12, 19 Mar. 23, Wednesday RCHS SOFT vs Laguna Acoma, 4 Mar. 24, Thursday GHS SOFT @ Rio Rancho Invite, TBA GHS JV SOFT @ Piedra Vista Invite, TBA MHS SOFT @ Kristen Griego Tourn, TBA RCHS BASE @ Zuni, 3 DH ToHS Softball Tournament, TBA WHS BASE @ Pecos Tournament, 4

CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED ARTS CRAWL COORDINATOR gallupARTS is seeking a coordinator for the monthly downtown ArtsCrawl.

If interested, email letter of interest and resume to: gallupArts@gmail.com PHOTOGRAPHER Gallup Sun is looking for an on call, general assignment/sports photographer. Must write captions and get names for pics.

Email resume/samples: gallupsun@gmail.com PORTER/DETAILER Ed Corley Nissan We are currently taking applications for Porter/Detailer positions.

Full time position. Must be dependable.

Must be 18 years of age or older.

Clean driving record and Valid driver’s license is required.

Apply in person at 1000 W. Jefferson Ave. in Gallup.

REPORTER WANTED Gallup Sun is looking for a dedicated reporter to cover public safety and general assignment.

Ability to take own photos preferred. College degree and social media savvy preferred. For consideration, 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 Lou. Sign on bonus available to the right candidate!

SERVICE ADVISOR Ed Corley Nissan is seeking one qualified, experienced candidate for the position of service advisor. Must be dependable, personable, likeable and outgoing. Clean driving record and Valid Driver’s license required.

SIGN ON BONUS for the right candidate! See Brian at Ed Corley Nissan 1000 W. Jefferson in Gallup.

CLASSIFIEDS

(Ford), DH 4/6 GHS TEN vs Grants (Ford), 3 MHS BASE @ Espanola, 3/5 MHS SOFT @ APS (Atrisco), 4 ToHS BASE vs Navajo Pine, DH (Mickey Mantle), 3/5 Mar. 30, Wednesday MHS B TEN vs Grants, 3 Mar. 31, Thursday GHS JV BASE vs Tohatchi, DH 3/5 GHS SOFT vs Bloomfield (Ford), DH 4/6 GHS JV SOFT vs Bloomfield (GHS), 4 GHS TEN vs Moriarty (Ford), 3 MHS BASE @ Moriarty, 3/5 MHS G TEN @ Grants, 3 RCHS BASE @ Thoreau, 10 ToHS BASE @ Gallup JV, DH 3/5 Apr. 1, Friday GHS BASE vs Moriarty, DH 11/1 GHS JV BASE @ Moriarty, DH 11/1 GHS SOFT vs Farmington, DH 3/5 GHS B TEN vs Rehoboth (Ford), 4 GHS T & F @ Pegasus Invite (PSS), TBA MHS SOFT @ Aztec, DH 3/5 RCHS B TEN @ GHS (Ford), 4 RCHS T&F @ Ramah/Zuni Meet (PSS), TBA WHS T & F @ Pegasus Invite (Ramah/Zuni) 3

HOME FOR RENT Stagecoach Neighborhood 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms home Dining Area, Garage Big Back Yard Call Patricia 505-879-7611 MOBILE HOME RENTALS MOBILE HOME SPACES Mobile Home Spaces – Single wide – any size $200/mo. Double Wide $260/mo. Call Mike 505870-3430 or Carmelita 505-8704095.

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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.

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Schedules Mar. 25, Friday GHS SOFT @ Rio Rancho Invite, TBA GHS JV SOFT @ Piedra Vista Invite, TBA MHS SOFT @ Kristen Griego Tourn, TBA ToHS Softball Tournament, TBA WHS BASE @ Pecos Tournament, TBA Mar. 26, Saturday GHS BASE @ Bernalillo, DH 11/1 GHS SOFT @ Rio Rancho Invite, TBA GHS T & F vs Route 66 Classic (Tohatchi, Thoreau, Rehoboth, Bosque School, Cottonwood Classical Prep, Miyamura, Grants, Navajo Pine, NACA, Wingate) MHS BASE vs Los Alamos, 11/1 MHS SOFT @ Kristen Griego Tourn, TBA MHS TEN @ Belen, 11 MHS T & F @ Route 66 Classic, 9 RCHS T & F @ Route 66 Classic, 9 ToHS Softball Tournament, TBA ToHS T & F @ Route 66 Classic, 9 WHS BASE @ Pecos Tournament, TBA WHS T & F @ Route 66 Classic, 9 Mar. 29, Tuesday GHS JV SOFT @ Thoreau

SHINGLE ROOFERS NEEDED Job location: Becenti, Tohatchi and Window Rock. Native American Preference Applies. Must have shingle experience. Must have tools. Fax resume to (505) 244-1250 Or call (505) 244-1252 ask for Lauren or Kristi

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it’s recess!

EDUARDO VALDA, DDS Birth to 21 s Hospital Dentistry s Emergency Service Physically & Developmentally Challenged Children and Adults We Accept NM Medicaid s Hablamos Español

you made the team!

spring is here! it’s graduation!

505-721-0040

107 W. Green Ave. s Gallup, NM 87301 www.smallfrydentistry.com Gallup Sun • Friday March 25, 2016

21

COMMUNITY CALENDAR MARCH 25-31, 2016 FRIDAY MARCH 25

NTUA Fort Defiance District Office Customer Service Department.

LIVE MUSIC Max Williams…Singer Songwriter takes center stage from 7:30-9:30 pm at Coal Street Pub, 303 W. Coal Ave. (505) 722-0117 SUNDAY MARCH 27

FAMILY MOVIE (ALL AGES) Join us for a free family movie.

Starts at 4 pm. Children’s Branch, 200 W. Aztec Ave. Film: Into the Woods

EASTER VIGIL Join us for an Easter Vigil at the Church of the Holy Spirit, from 6:30 am-8 am. For more information please contact (505) 863-4695.

Location: 1334 S Country Club Dr.

VETERANS MINI-STAND DOWN Join us for the first Annual Dine’ Hoghaan Bii Development, Inc., Veterans Mini Stand. Begins: 8:30 am. Please confirm if you’d like to provide your services. Table and chairs will be provided for information booths. Inform all veterans, families, and service members. Refreshments and lunch will be provided for registered veterans and service members.

Bring your DD214 or VA ID. This is an alcohol and drug free vent.

Registration for the 5K fun run/ walk and Zumba begins at 3:30 pm. For more information please contact, Duane Haven (505) 8791003. Location: Fire Rock Navajo Casino, E. Center 249 Rt. 66.

MONDAY MARCH 28

COMPUTER CLASSES The Octavia Fellin Library is offering free computer training: Pinterest. Class size is limited to 10 participants per session.

Registration is required. For more information please call, (505) 863-1291. Begins: 11 am. Location: Main Branch, 115 W. Hill.

SPRING BREAK BASH Join us for Spring Break Fun as we have a fun day each day of break.

Starts at 2 pm. Activity: Cartoon Binge Fest. Location: Children’s Branch, 200 W. Aztec Ave. Free.

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE Join us to observe Good Friday at the Church of the Holy Spirit.

Starts at 7 pm. For more information please contact (505) 863-4695.

Location: 1334 S. Country Club Dr. LIVE MUSIC The Pat n Mike Show…Variety takes center stage from 7:30-9:30 pm at Coal Street Pub, 303 W. Coal Ave. (505) 722-0117 SATURDAY MARCH 26 NAVAJO TRIBAL UTILITY AUTHORITY PUBLIC NOTICE Attention: there’ll be a Houck Area NTUA Electric Customers Scheduled Electric Power Outage from 11 am-3 pm. NTUA is working on a major upgrade at the Houck Sub-station and will have to turn off electric power to safely complete the job. NTUA apologizes for the interruption. The electric outage will impact all customers along I-40 from Lupton to Navajo, AZ. NTUA advises customers to anticipate and prepare for this four-hour outage. If you have any questions pleas call (928) 729-5721 or 1-800-528-5011 and ask for the

CINEMATICA IN GALLUP Hemlock-Ektomorf-Incide-Cinematica in Gallup starts at 7pm.

Location: Wowie’s, 1500 S. Second St. TUESDAY MARCH 29 BRAS ‘N’ BOOTS FUNDRAISER Join us for a fun fundraiser: Bras ‘N’ Boots. The event raises money to purchase prostheses and bras for the Cancer Center Gift Center.

It’ll be an evening of fun and silliness. This event will also promote awareness for breast cancer survivors in our community. Events include: Stuff the Bra with cash, Bra Pong, Decorated Bra Auction and more. For more information or to make a donation please call (505) 863-3075 or (505) 722-2175. Starts: at 6:30 pm. Location: Angela’s Café 201 E. Hwy 66.

VETERANS BENEFITS FAIR The Navajo Technical University is teaming up with the New Mexico Department of Veteran’s Services and Dine Hoghaan Bii Development. They’ll present the first-ever Navajo Technical University Veterans Benefits Fair. Military veterans, Guard, Reserve, and transitioning active-duty personnel are encouraged to attend and bring their spouses and families.

A free lunch will be provided for all attendees. This is an excellent opportunity for veterans to find out about federal, state, and local veterans benefits and programs in the eastern Navajo Nation area.

Begins: 10:30 am. Location: Lowerpoint Rd state Hwy 371.

COMMUNITY PROVIDERS MEETING Join us at Sammy C’s and consider ordering something. The space has been provided for free. This meeting is open to anyone who provides services in one form or another to the people of Gallup.

Please come and let us know how we can work with you. Our aim is to work together as a professional community. If you’d like to receive the agenda for the next month please email Erika Hayes, Erika. hayes@state.nm.us or call (505) 722-4391. Starts at 12 pm. Location: 107 W. Coal Ave. TEEN FILM MAKER’S SPACE Teens participating in the Teen Film Festival are welcome to attend free help sessions to create and edit their films. Computers will be available to work on films

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and a video camera will be on site.

Starts at 4 pm. Location: Children’s Branch, 200 W. Aztec Ave. Free.

GALLUP-MCKINLEY COUNTY SCHOOLS Join us for a gifted advisory council meeting. Parents of GMCS students identified as GIFTED are invited to the meeting at the Educational Development Center. For more information please call (505) 721-1800. Begins: 6pm. Location: 1000 E Aztec. Ave. NAVAJO NATION Join us for the Build Foundations to Enhance Dine Bikeyah’s Ecostyem Through Hozho. The DNR Summit will be a one-stop shop for the public to learn about an array of natural resource-related issues and how to access the services of the many DNR departments. The mission of DNR is to preserve and protect the natural resources of the Navajo Nation, for the benefit of future generations and the public. Registration is free. For more information please call Kayla Bia (928) 871-6447 or Irma Roanhorse at (928) 729-4029.

Location: Twin Arrows Resort and Casino, Window Rock, AZ. TALKING CIRCLE Join us for, Talking Circle, a support group for Combat Veterans.

The group sessions are facilitated by the Chinle Vet Center. For more information please call, (928) 205 3345 or the Chinle Hospital Counseling Services at (928) 674-7377.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 30 THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Join the Church of the Holy Spirit as we host a four session health-related teaching series. This is based on the research work of Dr. Michael Greger’s best-selling book: How Not to Die. The group will focus on the chapters, How Not to Die from Heart Disease; How Not to Die from Diabetes; How Not to Die from Liver Disease; and How Not to Die from Kidney Disease.

Greger advocates eating a wholefood plant based diet and refers to 50 years of nutritional studies, as the basis of his recommendation to learn more visit: nutritionfacts. org. Starts at 7pm. Location: 1334 Country Club Dr. CITY OF GALLUP Join us for a monthly meeting with Councilor Linda Garcia, District 1. Garcia will be there to listen to your concerns. It’s a great opportunity to share ideas. We welcome your compliments and complaints.

Feel free to bring a friend or two.

If you have any questions please call Linda Garcia, at (505) 8794176. Starts: at 6:30pm. Location: 607 N Fourth TODDLER TIME (AGES 2 TO 4) An active and energetic program for toddlers, featuring music, movement rhymes, and stories.

Begins: 10:30 am. Location: 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 at 4 pm.

Children’s Branch, 200 W. Aztec.

This Week: Computer Programming. Free

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 SAVE THE DATE

MARCH FILMS: CELEBRATING WOMEN DIRECTORS Join us for a free family movie.

Popcorn provided. Starts at 5pm.

Location: Main Branch, 115 W. Hill.

Film: Miss You Already OPEN-MIC-NIGHT Local talent takes center stage from 7:30 - 9:30pm 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 MARCH 31 COMPUTER CLASSES The Octavia Fellin Library is offering free computer training: Twitter.

Class size is limited to 10 participants per session. Registration is required. For more information please call, (505) 863-1291. Starts at 3pm. Location: Main Branch, 115 W. Hill.

CRAFTY KIDS (ALL AGES) Fun crafts for the whole family (all ages). Starts at 4 pm. Children’s Branch, 200 W. Aztec. Make: Toilet Paper Roll Train ONGOING 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.

PURPLE HEART DESIGNATION On April 1, join us for a special dedication at the Comfort Suites.

We’ll be designating one of our parking spaces to the Purple Heart Recipients. We’re honored to provide this service for those who have spilled blood for our freedoms. Starts at 4pm. Location: 3940 E Hwy 66.

MCKINLEY COUNTY SENIOR OLYMPICS Join us April 1-2 for the Gallup-McKinley County Senior Olympic Local Game Day. This event welcomes all seniors statewide who are 50-years-old or older. Registration is $15. The registration deadline is March 19. There’ll be 15 sports events including: Basketball Free Throw, Cycling 5K-10K20K, Shuffleboard, and more.

Physical therapist and athletic trainer Anthony Arviso will be on site. Bring comfortable shoes and hats. Don’t forget sunscreen. For more information please contact, Timothy Draper (505) 879-6527.

Location: 925 Park Ave. CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION Please join CYFD in a parade of people who care on April 2. The walk will start at the Gallup CYFD office. Location: 1720 E Aztec.

Begins: 10:30 am. You may also attend mini-information sessions on a variety of topics. Learn how you can help prevent child abuse and help keep children safe. The local police, Sheriff, and Fire Departments and many other agencies will be available to provide information about their role in the community. Booths are open from 11:30 am -3 pm. For more information, please call (505) 863- 9556.

Location: 640 S. Boardman.

AMATEUR RADIO TEST SESSION On April 23, join us for the amateur radio test session. Starts at 12 pm. For more information please contact, Jimmy Graham (505) 7130671 or email k5gra@yahoo.com.

Location: 413 Bataan Memorial Dr. EVENTS AT RIO WEST MALL March 16-26—Easter Bunny Photos: M-F 11 am-7 pm; Sat. 10 am-8 pm; Sun. 12-6 pm.

April 1—Spring Job Fair 12-4 pm.

April 25—Entry Deadline for RMCH Health Fair Poster Contest To post a non-profit or civic event in the calendar section, please email: gallupsunevents@gmail.com or fax: (505) 212-0391. Deadline: Monday at 5pm.

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Gallup Sun • Friday March 25, 2016

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3rd Annual

June 22-25•2016

$14,000 added guaranteed Rodeo Average Winners Will Receive a Martin Saddle Junior High Incentives in all Events*

Entry fees: $250 per event ($500 for team roping).

Parent/contestant team roping & ribbon roping: $300 per team. 80% payback of entry fees plus added money. *

Contestants must have been enrolled in the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade and actively pursuing a high school diploma in the 2015-2016 school year.

Register Online

GallupBest.com

505.863.1272

The City of Gallup is pleased to announce that for the “Best of the Best” Rodeo 2016 All contestant families will have “FREE” admission to all performances at the Best of the Best Rodeo Courtesy of AMIGO CHEVROLET/ TOYOTA 1900 South Second St. Gallup, New Mexico

24 Friday March 25, 2016 • Gallup Sun

• Barrel Racing ($2000 added) • Breakaway Roping ($2000 added) • Calf Roping ($2000 added) • Goat Tying ($2000 added) • Pole Bending ($2000 added) • Team Roping ($4000 added) Specialty Events

• Parent/Contestant Team Roping -Hot Heels Roping Machine to Average Winners

• Parent/Contestant Co-ed Ribbon Roping -Hot Heels Calf Sled to Average Winners

facebook.com/ BestOfTheBestGallup *See website for junior high incentives: www.GallupBest.com

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