Gallup Sun • Friday September 2, 2016

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VOL 2 | ISSUE 74 | SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

GMCS Board Relationship Status Story Page 3

Hired Fired Superintendent Frank Chiapetti

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NEWS

NEWS State scolds Gallup-McKinley’s Board of Education SKANDERA READY TO LOWER THE BOOM ON GALLUP

Priscilla Manuelito

PED Secretary Hanna Skandera

By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

T

he New Mex ico Department of P u bl ic E duc a t io n a p p e a r s a d a m a nt t hat t he Ga l lup -McK i n ley County School Board comes up with a corrective action plan to right its past and current shortcomings. The premise was outlined in an Aug. 22 letter from Paul Aguilar, deputy secretary of finance and operations at PED, to School Boa rd President Pr iscilla Manuelito.

“In an open meeting on Aug. 15, discussion around the Johnson O’Malley Program Ag reed Upon procedu res report resulted in the board stating they do not accept or ‘honor’ the report because the board did not approve of the auditor and claimed that the auditor is biased,” Aguilar wrote. “The findings identified in the report are very concerning to the department. It is particularly concerning of the board’s unwillingness to accept a report that clearly identifies internal control issues as well as allegations of fraud, waste and abuse.”

Aguilar went on to say that an action plan made by the McKinley school district is due within 30 days. The school board met Aug. 24 in a closed session, allegedly NEWS

Joe Menini

to d i scu s s, a mong ot her things, Superintendent Frank Chiapetti’s contract.

No action was taken after a marathon four-hour meeting that was attended by more than 100 people.

C o nt a c t e d t h i s we ek , board member Joe Menini, a retired Gallup educator, said the entire board is set to meet Sept. 2 at the district office, along with the board’s attorneys, to discuss several matters.

Joh nson O’Ma lley is a financial supplemental assistance program to aid Native American students.

“The letter is pretty clear,” Menini said. “I am hopeful that something comes out of our meeting this week.”

But the agenda for the Sept. 2 meeting lists only one item – a closed-session discussion centered on the superintendent.

The agenda states: “Limited Personnel Matters Related to super v ision of S u p e r i n t e n d e n t ; pr e s e n t at ion of eva luat ion of t he Super i ntendent; cons i d e r a t io n of c o m pl a i n t from Superintendent a nd d iscussion on the

Sandra Jeff

employment contract of the Superintendent.”

SKANDERA GETS INVOLVED In a separate correspondence, state Secreta r y of Education Hanna Skandera sent a terse one-page letter dated Aug. 24 to the five members of the Gallup-McKinley Cou nt y School Boa rd of Education.

In the letter, Skandera wrote, “My office has received a number of complaints regardi ng t he Ga l lup -McK i n ley County School Board. These complaints have come from numerous sources, including the city of Gallup [Mayor], a st at e S en at or, a st at e Representative, district staff, the local business community and other concerned community members.”

Sk a nder a s a id t he l i s t of c om pl a i nt s r e g a r d i n g t he boa rd i nclude s: overs t eppi n g it s aut hor it y i n rega rds to the day-to day a ffairs of the distr ict; i nt e r fe r i n g i n p e r s o n nel mat ter s; rolli ng quor u ms; violating the open-meetings

Bud Adcock Eileen Adcock

Lynn Huenemann act; a nd ser ious f ina ncia l mismanagement.

Skandera wrote that she is aware of alleged wrongdoings that include a school-board member ser ving who does not live in the district; board members harassing district staffers; and a board member who attended a conference and requested reimbursement for expenses, even though that board member did not attend the conference as a representative of the McKinley district. “ T he a ut hor it y of t he school board and its

Kevin Mitchell me m b e r s a r e def i ne d i n st ate st atute,” she w rote.

“As a result, I am directing the School Board to undergo training specific to its roles a nd responsibilities. Th is training must be completed w it h i n 60 days w it h documentation of attenda nce provided by the New Mexico School Boards Association.”

Fur thermore, Skandera wrote that failure to meet the directive could lead her office

EDUCATION | SEE PAGE 7

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Gallup Sun • Friday September 2, 2016

3

GPD chief speaks to chamber members

Perez said.

Ga l lup Cit y Ma nager Maryann Ustick said such a program is already put on by local police and fire departments during the summer.

Ha r t sa id there a re 67 sworn positions at the Gallup Police Department, with 11 positions open, a nd three prospective hires currently attending the state police academy.

Upon taking the top GPD job at the end of June, Hart began looking into restructuring patrol.

By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

N

ew Ga llup Police Department Chief Phillip Hart spoke to more than a dozen member s of t he Gallup-McK inley Chamber of Commerce Aug. 17 at the i nv it at ion of t he Ga l lup McKinley County Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber set up the session so the business community could get to know the new police chief.

A t t he me e t i n g , H a r t sha red new depa r tmenta l ideas and goals about safety and security measures for the community.

“It went well,” Bill Lee, chamber executive director, said afterward. “It was a good chance for the business community and others to meet our new police chief.”

Ha r t touched on topics ra ng i ng f rom cit at ion s to the importance of crime prevention to GPD promotions.

The new chief has promoted a handful of officers since a ssu m ing the job on Ju ne 28.

4

GPD Chief Phillip Hart. File Photo “Safety is important, and we want to work with the business community,” the police chief said. “I have felt welcomed since I arrived in Gallup to do this job.”

Har t talked about pa nhandling and when the act is considered criminal. He said no one should take perceived criminal matters into their own hands.

“If you suspect something is wrong, just call the police,”

Friday September 2, 2016 • Gallup Sun

Chamber of Commerce CEO Bill Lee. File Photo Hart said. “We’ll get somebody on it.”

A lice Perez, the executive director at the Gallup Community Pa ntr y, a sked about a junior police and fire academy. She said there are high-school students in the community who a spire to careers in law enforcement and firefighting, and such an academy could aid in professional development down the road.

“I th ink th is would be something very worthwhile for the kid[s] at an early age,”

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Gallup Sun Publishing, LLC Publisher/Editor Babette Herrmann Editorial Assistant Mia Rose Poris Advertising Raenona Harvey Correspondents Bernie Dotson Andy Gibbons Tom Hartsock Photography NativeStars Calendar Editor Lealia Nelson Design David Tsigelman On the Cover: The fate of GMCS Sup. Frank Chiapetti’s position is in the hands of the School Board.

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NEWS

GPD promotes four more HART LOOKS OUT FOR FELLOW OFFICERS

By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

G

allup Police Depar tment Chief Ph i l l ip Ha r t pro moted four officers in a formal ceremony held Aug. 26 at the El Morro Theatre at 207 W. Coal Ave. Several dozen officers, family members, and friends gathered at the theater to honor the officers who have moved up in the ranks. The promotions come at a time when the police department is going through some senior departmental retirements.

“Each of these officers is deserving,” Hart said. “They’ve earned the respect of everyone in the community, most of all their fellow officers.”

Hart said at least one of the promoted officers has already begun serving in the new position, and the others are moving into their new assignments

as the promotions take effect through the ranks.

Hart told the officers and their families that their jobs and lives will change with the promotions and the additional responsibilities that accompany them, but he’s confident the officers will rise to the challenges.

A pin was attached to each officer by a family member.

Franklin Boyd Boyd was promoted from captain to deputy police chief, second in command at the department.

Boyd, who hails from Ft. Defiance, Ariz., was acting police chief for about eight months prior to the arrival of Hart. He was promoted to captain about four months before former Gallup Police Chief Robert Cron’s retirement earlier this year.

“This isn’t about me,” Boyd said after receiving the promotion. “This is about the other

people here with me. They’re going to command the future.

Mark Spencer Spencer was promoted from patrolman to sergeant.

“It’s something that I’m very thankful for,” Spencer said, noting that he’ll now be with the day shift as a result of the promotion. “Today is a special day.”

A 12-year veteran originally from Red Rock, Spencer has worked in the detective division for a number of years.

Francie Martinez Martinez, who attended the police academy with Spencer, was promoted from patrolman to lieutenant. Martinez is a career Gallup officer.

Edwin Yazzie Yazzie was promoted from lieutenant to captain. Hart noted that Yazzie has filled almost all police roles at the department while in Gallup — from narcotics to patrol to the detective division. Most recently, he oversees the K-9

Mark Spencer, Francie Martinez, Edwin Yazzie, and Franklin Boyd of the Gallup Police Department received promotions Aug. 26 in a ceremony at the El Morro Theatre. The promotions were part of several done this year under new Police Chief Phillip Hart. Photo Credit: NativeStarts unit.

Gallup City Councilor Linda Garcia, a retired municipal legal clerk and one of a few council members who attended the promotional ceremony, said, “I’ve worked with each of them over the years. They are very deserving of the honor.”

Mayor Jackie McKinney said Hart, who was hired at the end of June, is off to a good start.

“The department has seen its share of retirements and vacancies this year alone,”

McKinney said. “The new chief has things moving in the right direction.”

Cron and former deputy police chief John Allen retired within months of one another.

The most recent promotions at the GPD were Nicola Martinez, Anthony Seciwa, and Terrance Peyketewa, each to the rank of sergeant.

Marinda Spencer, public information officer with the GPD, said there will likely be more promotions within the next few months.

Man killed crossing I-40 ID’d

By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

A

pedestrian trying to cross Interstate 40 near mile-marker 20 died Aug. 27 after he was hit by two tractor-trailers, officials said.

Capt. Marinda Spencer of the Gallup Police Department said Jeremiah Begay, 23, of Wide Ruins, Ariz., was hit at about 7:50 pm by a semi that failed to stop. He was then hit by another truck. The driver of the first semi did not stop, but the second driver stopped and exited his vehicle to see what was going on.

“The first semi-truck has not been located,” Spencer

said. “There are indications that [Begay] was intoxicated.”

Westbound traffic along the interstate near exit 20 was diverted for a little more than two hours. Spencer said the victim was barely identifiable.

While crossing is not condoned, Spencer said it’s not uncommon for people to cross that stretch of highway to get to Walmart and the retail sector along U.S. 491.

A police investigation of the matter is ongoing.

The last 18-wheeler death along that stretch of I- 40 occurred in November of 2014. In that incident, George Morgan, 51, of Mexican Springs was killed while trying to cross the highway.

Jeremiah Begay, 23, was killed Aug. 27 while trying to cross I-40. Photo Credit: Courtesy NEWS

Gallup Sun • Friday September 2, 2016

5

Gallup Council supports skateboarding park COULD PARK BE READY IN 2017?

By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

T

he Gallup City Council unanimou sly suppor ted a f u nd i ng pla n to build a public skateboarding park near the Gallup Cultural Center a long Histor ic Highway 66. The matter was an agenda item at the Aug. 23 regular city meeting and was introduced by City Public Works Executive Director Stan Henderson.

“The project is running i t s c o u r s e ,” H e n d e r s o n told council members.

“Tentatively, we’re looking at construction to start at some point in 2017.”

The council vote wa s for a re solut ion con nect ed t o a st ate f u nd i ng a g reement i n t he a mou nt of $195,0 0 0.

A n a s s o c i a t e d r e s olut ion con f i r m s t he cit y’s a ccep ta nce of the agreement a nd desig nates a cit y rep re sent at ive rega rd i ng t he a g reement .

Councilor Yogash Kumar Henderson said the exact location of the pa rk w i l l b e by t he old a b a n doned caboose near downt ow n a nd a lon g H i s t or ic Highway 66.

“The nor th- ea st cor ner of the park is the caboose,” Henderson said. “That’s the plan right now.”

Other locations

Mayor Jackie McKinney considered in the past by City Council included a spot east of the Larry Brian Mitchell Recreation Center along East Montoya Boulevard. The city recommended that location because it is set off of a main road and near an interstate exit.

According to Mayor Jackie McK i n ney, t he Sout hwest

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Friday September 2, 2016 • Gallup Sun

Indian Foundation has said it will move the caboose to another spot near downtown.

The caboose was once owned

by BNSF Railway, but was abandoned years ago. The city kept the area around the caboose clean, going as far as removing graffiti from it.

Henderson said there’s yet to be a name proposal for the park, but that matter could come up at a future council meeting.

At one point, the state gave a $50,0 0 0 g r a nt for design, and City Councilor Yogash Kumar has also promised $5,000.

T he e st i m at ed co st of t he sk ate pa rk i s a rou nd $ 4 42 ,0 0 0 0, of f ici a l s h ave said.

The Tony Hawks Foundation, which supports recreational programs that create skate parks, has committed $10,000 to the construction of the project.

“You have that accounted for?” Ku ma r a sked of h is donation. Henderson sa id yes.

The rest of the funding stream for the skate-boarding park is based on a $100,000 don at ion f rom SW I F a nd another $10,000 that SWIF raised from a gofundme.com account.

McKinney said skate-park project bids are expected to

go out at some point in the fall.

Henderson informed council members that because the $195,000 is a state legislative grant, there’s no matching amount required from the city. The legislative gra nt revision date is June of 2020.

Henderson noted a project shortfall of roughly $143,000.

A next step in the project will be “to secure funding in its entirety,” Henderson said.

Another project discussed du r i ng t he Aug. 23 meeting was a $4.5-million state grant to replace the bridge at Allison Road. McKinney sa id t hat g ra nt w i l l f u nd the total cost of the bridge replacement.

In the past, city officials have said replacing the outdated bridge is the first step i n t he possible const r uction of a bigger $40-million A l l i son Cor r idor P rojec t which, among other things, would re-route traffic from U.S. 491.

A lso at the meeti ng, McKinney re-appointed Carol Sarath, Janet Tempest, and Rhonda Gishi-Chicarello to the Octav ia Felli n P ublic Library Board. And Gallup Pol ice Depa r t ment Ch ief Ph illip Ha r t a n nou nced F ra n k l i n Boyd a s deput y police chief of the GPD.

NNPD officer killed in highway collision Staff Reports

A

Navajo Nation Patrol Officer was killed Aug. 30 in a head-on collision that took place near Mile Post 15.5 on Navajo Route 64 between Chinle and Tsaile, Ariz.

The Navajo Nation Police Department has identified the patrol officer as Leander Frank.

According to Jesse Delmar, director of the Division of Public Safety, Frank had been

dispatched to a call in the Tsaile area.

It was reported that Frank’s veh icle wa s approach i ng another vehicle. Both vehicles tried to avoid each other but collided head-on in the middle of the highway.

Frank was killed instantly. All passengers from the other vehicle survived the crash.

The accident is currently being investigated by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

NEWS

GPD captures Desiderio

SUSPECT REPORTEDLY STABBED VICTIM NEAR CAMILLE’S

By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

204 W. Coal Ave | 505-722-8982

O

ne of McK i n ley C ou nt y ’s mo s t wa nted is now behind ba rs at the McKinley County Adult Detention Center on an aggravated battery with a deadly weapon charge, officials said.

Ma r inda Spencer, public information officer at the Gallup Police Department, said Darrell Desiderio, Sr., was taken into custody Aug. 5 after a brief chase downtown.

According to the arrest warrant, Desiderio is being held on a $10,000 cash-only bond.

“We were able to apprehend [Mr. Desiderio],” Spencer said.

“He put up a short chase, but he is now in jail.”

Desider io, 39, wa s the prime suspect in a downtown stabbing that took place Aug. 18. The name of the person stabbed was Andrew Garcia, Jr., age unavailable, who was flown by medical helicopter to an Albuquerque hospital where he was treated for life-threatening injuries. Garcia said at the time that he confronted Desiderio because he believed Desiderio stole his brother’s backpack.

Accor d i n g t o w it ne s s

EDUCATION | FROM PAGE 3 to take action and indefinitely suspend the board. Such an action has not occurred in Gallup in recent memory.

Besides Menini a nd Manuelito, members of the school boa rd include Vice P resident Kev i n M itchel l, Secretary Lynn Huenemann, and board member Sandra Jeff. Jeff is a former member of t he New Mex ico House of Representatives and the newest member of the board. Originally from Crownpoint, Jeff has been accused of residing in the Albuquerque area.

Board member Huenemann NEWS

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Darrell Desiderio statements, Desiderio and Garcia got into the fight about 9 am, and the incident moved from the McKinley Courthouse square to near Camille’s. A police repor t on the matter states that Gallup Police Officer Douglas Hoffman spotted Desiderio in a vehicle on Aug. 24 near the intersection of Coal Avenue and Fourth Street.

Hoffman wrote in the report that he recognized Desiderio as someone who was wanted by the law. Upon seeing Hoffman, Desiderio bailed out of the car and ran south with Hoffman in pursuit. Hoffman and GPD Officer Dominic Molina caught Desiderio as he tried to scale a wall. said he received the two pieces of correspondence, but he’s not exactly sure how Aguilar and Skandera gathered the information contained in the letters.

“I was never interviewed by a nybody a s fa r a s the contents of the letters go,” Huenemann said. “How did they get the information in which the contents of the letters are based?”

A s of pre s s t i me, neither Mitchell nor Manuelito, t h e b o a r d’s pr e s i d e n t , returned phone calls seeking comment.

The Sept. 2 Board of Education meeting starts at 1:30 pm, 640 Boardman Dr.

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WEEKLY DWI REPORT Staff Reports Legal limit is .08 Michelle Raphealito Aug. 20, 9:33 pm DWI Traveling we s tbou nd on Hwy. 264 near the 11.5mile marker in Yatahey, McKinley C o u n t y Sheriff’s Office Deputy Tammy Houghtaling noticed a vehicle turning east on 264 from Sagebrush Avenue; the passenger-side headlight was not working. Houghtaling pulled the white Chevy pickup over near the 12-mile marker.

The driver, Raphealito, 36, said she misplaced her Arizona license. She smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot, watery eyes.

She failed field sobriety tests and blew .00 during breath testing; she was taken to a local hospital for a blood draw before booking.

Garrett Etsitty Aug. 20, 7:15 pm DWI, Aggravated Traveling northbound on N.M. 602 near the 24-mile m a rker i n R e d R o ck , M C S O Deputy Ivan Tsethlikai, Jr. noticed a grey Chevy pickup headed southbound, veering into the northbound lane.

Tsethlikai turned around and pursued the pickup, which was unable to maintain its lane.

Tsethlikai pulled the vehicle over at the 20-mile marker.

Etsitty, 42, had bloodshot, watery eyes and slurred his speech. He staggered when asked to exit the vehicle, and used the truck for balance.

Etsitty refused field sobriety tests and blew .22 and .23 during breath testing.

Gerard John Aug. 19, 3:17 am DWI, Aggravated On patrol, stopped at the

stop sign at Patton a nd A z t e c avenues, Gallup Police Department O f f i c e r Ter ra nce Peyketewa noticed a silver Chevy Malibu heading south, dragging its front bumper as it drove. The driver began to wave as he passed.

John, 21, said he was a mechanic and was headed home; the bumper’s clips had come off. A passenger was asleep with a container of alcohol between his feet.

John had bloodshot eyes and smelled of alcohol. He refused field sobriety and breath testing. He was booked and processed.

Corey L. Chee Aug. 18, 6 pm 2nd DWI, Aggravated MC S O d e pu t i e s we r e advised of a vehicle with a possibly drunk driver and a domestic dispute inside. The white Chevy Silverado was not

able to maintain its lane, according to the caller.

M C S O D e p u t y A r n o l d Nor iega stopped the vehicle near the Safeway at 980 U.S. 491 in Gallup. MCSO Deputy Tammy Houghtaling made contact with Chee, 27, who smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot eyes. A 19-month-old baby was in the back seat.

Chee failed field sobriety tests and had a suspended license from a previous DWI. He blew .17 and .16 during breath testing. He was booked on charges of child abuse and a suspended or revoked license, as well as a second DWI. Arman J. Martine Aug. 16, 12:53 am DWI, Aggravated G P D O f f i c e r A n d r e w Thayer was d i spat ched to 650 Dani Dr. i n reference to a reckless driver.

Thayer pulled the suspect vehicle over, and found Martine, 33, who smelled of alcohol and had red, watery eyes. He was unsteady on his feet.

He failed and then refused field sobriety and breath tests. “ T wo bags of a g reen leafy substance was found on Martine,” according to the report, and narcotics charges are pending.

Sylvia Blackgoat Tsosie Aug. 16, 6:50 pm 3rd DWI, Aggravated M C S O Deputy Ivan Tset h l ika i, Jr. initiated a traffic stop on a black fou r- door Nissan that had swerved over the meridian on U.S. 491 near mile-marker 3 in Gamerco.

Tsethlikai pulled the vehicle over near mile-marker 2.

A female passenger with a can of beer between her legs was passed out. The driver, Tsosie, 39, had watery,

WEEKLY DWI | SEE PAGE 11

WEEKLY CRIME BLOTTER Staff Reports

COURT CASE 8/22, GALLUP At 8:19 a m, McK i n ley County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Paul Davis, Jr. was notified of a bomb threat by staff at the District Court, 207 W. Hill Ave. Upon arrival at the court, Davis met with the clerk who’d received the bomb-threat call.

The clerk told Davis that the caller said, “I’m going to blow all you p---sies up… all of you,” and then hung up.

“The caller sounded young, like a teenager and spoke in gangster/thug slang,” the police

report states.

A search of the premise was conducted and no suspicious items were found. Employees were allowed to reenter the cour t, and the clerk who received the call filled out a Department of the Treasury Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms bomb-threat checklist, a standard survey about the details of the threat.

SHOTS ANYONE? 8/23, GAMERCO Just before 7 pm, MCSO Deputy Johnson Lee wa s

CRIME BLOTTER | SEE PAGE 9

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Friday September 2, 2016 • Gallup Sun

Phone: (505) 722-9331 Fax: (505) 722-9335

NEWS

McKinley County OK’s 2018-2022 ICIP list SUMMARY: ROAD IMPROVEMENTS TOP LIST

By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

T

he McKinley C o u n t y B o a r d of Commissioners unanimously approved 46 projects at a special meeting Aug. 23 connected to the fiscal year 2018-2022 Infrastructure Capital Improvement.

Topping the ICIP list were improvements to roads, which have been a county priority for years, according to McKinley County Roads Superintendent Jeff Irving.

The list prioritizes big-ticket countywide infrastructure projects, and now goes to the state Department of Finance and Administration for further review.

Commissioner Genevieve Jackson did not attend the meeting and a request dealing with facilities management was temporarily put aside due to her absence. Brandon Howe, a regional planner with the Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments, told the panel that COG updated the plan.

The list totals about $94 million and contains several repeat projects from past ICIP lists, particularly regarding road improvements.

“I think the roads issues are important to everyone,” Irving said. “Yes, there are roads in the county that need improvement. That’s part of what this list is about.”

The top -three projects on the list deal with road improvements.

MANUELITO CANYON BRIDGE “A bypass was built in 2013,

CRIME BLOTTER | FROM PAGE 8 dispatched to 704 Portal St. in reference to shots fired at the residence. The female caller, who was at the residence at the time of the shooting, said a man shot at her boyfriend.

Lee arrived at 904 Draco St., where the female caller and her boyfriend, Cruz H. Palomino, 40, waited. They both appeared to be intoxicated, with bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. Palomino NEWS

Commissioner Carol Bowman-Muskett

Commissioner Genevieve Jackson

but the main thing that needs to be replaced is the bridge,” Irving said about the bridge.

The bridge was constructed during the Korean Conflict days more than a century ago and needs to be replaced.

The cost of the project, as listed on the ICIP list is $4 million.

Springs are at the top of the list because McKinley County is close to having right-of-way rights on those projects.

“Is there an issue with the road needing to be realigned?”

Commissioner Carol BowmanMusket t a sked I r v i ng on improvements to County Road 1.

Ir ving said realignment wasn’t necessary, but he’d look i nto t hat a spect of improvement.

COUNTY ROAD 19 CR 19 runs north from Prewitt to New Mexico 509.

Irving said the road is paved in spurts, with gravel and dirt sections, too.

The El Segundo Coal Mine and a Bureau of Indian Affairs school both lie along it.

“The road takes on an added importance in that it impacts economic development,” Irving said.

Commissioner Tony Tanner

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Darrell Jimson, director of facilities management with McKinley County, distributed a separate list of projects totaling $113,740. A $4.8-million sports center was put to the side in favor of improving courthouse security.

“These projects are things that have to be done at some point,” Jimson said, noting that,

overall, facility security can be a bit more fortified.

He said problems include injured civilians and judges’ cars being broken into. Jimson recommended the installation of a $74,000 surveillance camera.

Commissioner Tony Tanner, whose term will be up at the beginning of the year, said this was the first time the Board of Commissioners was seeing the information Jimson presented.

“I think this is important, but we haven’t seen this before,” Tanner said. “I think we need a formal meeting on this. I appreciate that you’ve brought this to us.”

Generally speaking, Jimson said he was requesting $100,000 in ICIP funds to install bulletproof and shatterproof tint at the offices of the county clerks, treasurers, and assessors. He mentioned swipe cards for access to county buildings, and bulletproof tint for ground-floor county offices.

DEER SPRINGS ROAD Dear Springs Road connects Mexican Springs to Twin Lakes in the eastern section of the Navajo Nation. Irving said the road is a regional route that connects two chapter houses.

It’s also a school-bus route.

Manuelito, CR 19, and Deer

This photo depicts what one of many unpaved reservation roads look like on the Navajo Nation. McKinley County is looking to pave and make improvements to some roads and bridges to make traveling safer for residents. Photo Credit: Navajo Dept. of Transportation

told Lee that he rents a trailer to the man who allegedly shot at him and owes him rent money.

According to the report, Palomino said he wanted his tenant to vacate the trailer, and while he spoke to the tenant’s wife, the tenant pointed his gun at Palomino and told him to leave. The tenant then pointed the gun in another direction and shot one round.

Palomino said he wanted Lee to kick his tenant out of the trailer, and became angry when

Lee said he could not, as this was a civil case. Palomino also had a warrant out for his arrest.

Lee went to 705 Granite St. to talk to the tenant, but the man he encountered there said he was the tenant’s son and knew nothing about the incident in question.

Lee went to the Portal location to speak with the proper suspect.

At 704 Portal St., Lee made contact with the tenant’s wife, who said she did not know

where her husband was. She said she and her husband had an agreement with their landlord to would move out on Aug. 24, which was the next day. While her husband went to get something for the move, Palomino and his girlfriend arrived, drunk. Palomino was holding a crowbar.

Palomino told his tenants he was going to “shoot them out of” the trailer. He then walked to his vehicle, and the wife then heard a loud pop.

Lee retur ned to Draco Street, where Palomino was still located, and arrested him for his bench warrant.

A neighbor told MCSO that she’d seen Palomino and his girlfriend arrive at the victim’s home and “start yelling and causing problems,” according to the report. The neighbor did not see a gun or hear shots.

Palomino was booked on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and a bench warrant.

Gallup Sun • Friday September 2, 2016

9

Obama commuted sentences of two New Mexicans this month

By Matthew Reichbach NM Political Report

I

n his latest batch of commutations, Barack Obama commuted the sentence of someone with New Mexico ties arrested for a drug offense, the third time he’s done so in the last 13 months.

Obama announced the commutations of sentences to 111 individuals Aug. 29, bringing his total to 673 commutations, more than the last 10 presidents combined.

This was Obama’s second big batch of commutations, largely for nonviolent drug offenses, this month.

Earlier this month, Obama commuted the sentence of Jose Carlos Arras, Jr. of Albuquerque.

Arras was convicted in 2002 of transporting more than 200 pounds of marijuana with the intent to sell. He was sentenced to more than 21 years in prison.

Arras’ sentence now ends Dec. 1.

This week, Obama also a n nou nced he g ra nted a commutation of the sentence of Randolph S. Gustave of Albuquerque. Gustave was convicted in 2001 to nearly 23 years in prison for “intent to distribute in excess of 1,000 kilograms of marijuana” in the Western District of Pennsylvania. His sentence

U.S. President Barack Obama will now end Nov. 1.

According to a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article from the time of Gustave’s arrest, he was part of “a suspected drug ring” in 2000.

The Post-Gazette listed Gust ave a s bei ng from Duquesne, Iowa, though the White House release said he is from Albuquerque.

Last year, Obama commuted the sentence of John M. Wyatt of Las Cruces. Like the others, he was originally sentenced to more than 20 years in prison for distribution of a large quantity of marijuana.

At that time, Obama noted if these drug crimes happened today, the sentences would be much shorter.

While Congress shortened the penalties for many of these nonviolent crimes, the changes

were not retroactive.

Obama has granted more commutations than any other president, which can reduce sentences, but he has been more strict in issuing pardons, which eliminates a conviction and clears the convicted person’s record.

As of August, Obama had pardoned just 70 of those who sought pardons, denying more than 1,600 others. The White House has not announced any new pardons since the Justice Depa r tment la st publicly updated its numbers Aug. 12.

Neil Eggleston, the White House Counsel to the President, urged Congress to enact more criminal justice reform.

“While I expect that the President will continue to grant commutations through the end of this administration, the individualized nature of this relief highlights the need for bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation, including reforms that address excessive mandatory minimum sentences,” Eggleston wrote Aug. 29 in a blog post. “Only the passage of legislation can achieve the broader reforms needed to ensure our federal sentencing system operates more fairly and effectively in the service of public safety.”

Visit: www.nmpoliticalreport.com

Navajo Nation raises flag at Dakota Access Pipeline blockade camp Staff Reports

C

ANNON BA LL , N.D.- O n T ue s d ay, Aug. 30, President Russell Begaye and Vice President Jonathan Nez traveled to Ca n non Ba ll, N.D., to speak with Standing Rock Sioux Chairman David Archambault II, show their

support for the tribe’s opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline and present the blockade camp with a Navajo Nation flag.

“Tribes from other nations are going there to show their support,” President Russell

FLAG AT DAKOTA | SEE PAGE 12

Navajo Nation Vice President Jonathan Nez and President Russell Begaye stand next to the Navajo flag they both hoisted at the DAPL protest site, near Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota. Photo Credit: Courtesy

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Friday September 2, 2016 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

Heinrich highlights new security enhancement measure at Sunport and how we live.”

“TSAs Visible Intermodal Prevention a nd Response Program Teams in conjunction with our federal, state and local partners, play a significant role in safeguarding the traveling public,” Allison said. “The VIPR Teams provide a critical law enforcement presence to protect travelers in all modes of transportation.

I would like to thank Congress

Staff Reports

A

LBUQUERQUE – On Aug. 26, U.S. Senator M a r t i n Hei n r ich, D -New Mex ico, joined Director Roder ick Allison of the Transportation Secur ity Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement/ Federal Air Marshal Service, a component of t he U.S. Depa r tment of Homela nd Security, at the Albuquerque International Sunport to highlight a legislative measure the senator led to enhance U.S. airport and mass transit security.

The measure was included in the bipartisan, bicameral Federal Aviation Administration extension.

In the wake of the terror attacks over the last year in Paris, Brussels, and Istanbul, Heinrich led the effor t to expand the number of Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response teams from the current 31 to as many as 60, to enhance the security presence in pre-screening airport areas and other transportation facilities, especially in non-secure “soft” target areas at airports like check-in and baggage claim areas.

The measure also updates federal security programs to prov ide active shooter training for law enforcement and increase the presence of

WEEKLY DWI | FROM PAGE 8 bloodshot eyes and slurred her speech. She smelled of alcohol and failed field sobriety tests.

MCSO Deput y Josie Bowman arrived on the scene and attempted to wake up the passenger who was “really intoxicated,” according to the report. When finally woken up, she was disorderly, and was taken to a detox center.

Tsosie blew .26 and .25 during breath testing. She had a bench warrant for a previous aggravated DWI. Tsosie was transported to jail and booked.

Randall Jim Aug. 15, 4:40 pm DWI MCSO Deput y Iva n Tsethlikai, Jr. was dispatched NEWS

and Senator Heinrich for their continued support of TSA and the VIPR Program.”

He i n r ic h a n d A l l i s o n observed a scheduled VIPR operation at the Albuquerque International Sunport, and discussed how airport, and overall transportation security, has been enhanced as result of Senator Heinrich’s measure.

TSA’s VIPR teams provide a

full range of law enforcement and security capabilities. The exact make-up of each VIPR team is determined jointly with local law enforcement in collaboration with Federal Air Marshals, explosive detection canines, TSA officers, and other TSA security personnel.

These teams work in conjunction with local transportation security and local law enforcement partners.

Martin Heinrich federal security teams with bomb-sniffing canines at these non-secure areas.

“I’d like to thank Director Allison for his leadership to strengthen security at our nation’s airports. While we relentlessly target terrorists overseas, it’s critical that we make every effort to secure our airports, train stations, and bus depots--the places Americans rely on to go about their daily lives,” Heinrich said.

The senator a lso sa id, “That’s why I worked with leaders in both par ties to create these additional safeguards. By employing these commonsense safety measures, we will intelligently respond to threats. And by preserving our freedom to go about our daily lives, we will ensure that the terrorists have failed to change who we are to the 4-mile m a r ke r of U.S. 491 in Gamerco in reference to a traffic stop with a possible drunk driver.

At the scene, Tsethlikai met Deputy Merlin Benally, who had stopped a gray Nissan fourdoor that had been reported earlier for drunk driv ing.

Benally noticed the vehicle was unable to maintain its lane.

Jim, 53, smelled of alcohol and failed field sobriety tests.

He was transported to a local hospital for a blood draw; he was diabetic, and appeared confused. Jim was cleared and transported to the Gallup Adult Detention Center for booking.

On Aug. 26, Sen. Martin Heinrich met TSA Office of Law Enforcement/Federal Air Marshal Service Director Roderick Allison at the Albuquerque International Sunport to highlight an airport and mass transit security measure. Photo Credit: Courtesy Enrique Gonzales Aug. 14, 12:01 am DWI G P D O f f i c e r Timothy Hughte was d ispatched to Interstate 40 at the 16 - m i le we stbou nd off-ramp in reference to a crash with injuries.

At the scene, Hughte found a blue truck that was rightside-up between the off-ramp and I-40.

Gonzales, the driver, was sitting on the ground by the driver’s side of the truck. He smelled of alcohol and complained of back, neck, and

head pain. He said he’d driven too fast, tried to stop, and the breaks locked. Gonzales, 29, said the car fell into the ditch, rolling once.

He was transported to a local hospital in back and neck braces. There, he was given a blood draw.

Devin Gibson Aug. 13, 12:09 am DWI M C S O D e p u t y A r n o l d Noriega was a dv i sed of a po s s ible drunk driver i n a si lver pa ssenger car traveling westbound on N.M. 371 near the 2-mile marker.

Noriega noticed the car and pulled it over at Red Fern Avenue and N.M. 371 in Thoreau. Gibson, 20, had bloodshot, watery eyes, and quick, slurred speech. He smelled of alcohol and failed field sobriety tests. Gibson blew .14 twice during breath testing.

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Gallup Sun • Friday September 2, 2016

11

How did an alleged killer fall through the cracks?

By Joey Peters NM Political Report

A

mong questions following the gruesome rape and murder last week of an Albuquerque girl that sent shockwaves across New Mexico is how one of the alleged perpetrators was present to commit the violence in the first place.

Fabian Gonzales, one of three being charged in the murder of 10-year-old Victoria Martens, was supposed to be on supervised probation for a separate crime for a year-and-ahalf before the night of Martens’ death.

In February 2015, a judge sentenced Gonzales, 31, to two years of probation after he pleaded guilty to battery and abandonment of a child.

This two-year probation sentence, however, was never enforced.

The sentence prohibited Gonzales from using illegal drugs and subjected him to random drug testing. Police say illegal drugs played a role in the killing of Martens. Gonzales allegedly injected her with methamphetamine before raping and stabbing her.

On Feb. 25, 2015, Second Judicial District Court in Bernalillo sent the details of Gonzales’s probation sentence in an email to the state Corrections Department to enforce.

But the state Corrections Department has claimed for the past week that it never got the

FLAG AT DAKOTA | FROM PAGE 10 Begaye said. “As tribes, we all face encroaching environmental and spiritual destruction.

We need to support each other in carrying on the fight. If we don’t, no one else will do it for us.”

The Standing Rock Sioux opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline has elicited the support of many Native American tribes across the nation who have chosen to stand in solidarity with the

12

Alleged child murderer, rapist Fabian Gonzales

Victoria Martens of the alleged perpetrators of this crime to supervised probation,” Noel wrote. “Our records confirm court staff sent that Judgement and Sentence to you agency on February 25, 2015.”

email.

Alex Sanchez, the Correction Department’s deputy secretary of administrative support, reiterated this in an interview Aug. 30.

“We maintain we did not receive it,” she said.

Jim Noel, the court executive officer for Bernalillo County district court, countered that he’s “very confident” his employees “did everything they were supposed to do” in sending Gonzales’ probation information to law enforcement authorities.

Noel said this was the general understanding of how the process worked at the time.

“What they’re claiming is implausible,” he said of the Corrections Department.

Noel said as much in an Aug. 29 letter to Corrections Department Secretary Gregg Marcantel. “ T he Depa r t ment of Corrections (DOC) has suggested it never received the Judgement and Sentence in a prior matter that ordered one

The court sent Gonzales’ probation sentence to two Corrections Department email addresses on Feb. 25, 2015. One of the email addresses was a generic one for court orders while the other address, according to Sanchez, was an internal address for officers to alert other officers when an offender’s case changes jurisdictions.

That first generic email address, according to Sanchez, “did not exist in February 2016.”

Instead, courts were support to send sentencing information to “a single staff member” who would handle the process, Sanchez said.

Sanchez could not name the

tribe. The opposition has sparked nationwide media attention.

The Navajo Nation has donated $1039.45 to support the needs of those occupying resistance camps, many include Navajo tribal members. The donation went toward purchasing water, toiletries, plates, utensils and food for the blockade camp that is set up near the disputed project site, which is only miles from the Standing Rock Sioux reservation.

T he propo s ed Da kot a Access oil pipeline would

carry more than 400,000 barrels of crude oil a day from the Bakken region of western North Dakota across South Dakota and Iowa to connect with an existing pipeline in Illinois.

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has filed a complaint in federal court which states that the construction and operation of the Dakota Access pipeline threatens the Tribe’s environmental and economic well-being. The complaint also states that the pipeline would damage and destroy sites of great

Friday September 2, 2016 • Gallup Sun

DID ANYONE RECEIVE THE EMAILS?

staff member the Corrections Department staff member who was in charge of receiving sentencing information at the time.

“That was right at the moment we were changing to a different staff member,” she said.

As for the second email that Bernalillo County court sent Gonzales’ probation information to, Sanchez still said her department didn’t get it.

Sanchez said she isn’t sure why, but she speculated that the size of the PDF attachment may have played a role.

“I personally believe it was the size,” she said. “I can’t say for sure.”

Though the second email address was “an internal email where officers could email different districts when offender was changing district,” Sanchez said the state found that courts were previously sending sentencing information to it “in our review of how this happened.”

Because of this, she said the Corrections Department is currently reviewing emails sent to this internal address to see if they missed other sentences that were sent this way.

But Sanchez maintained that the depar tment still never received the email that included Gonzales’ sentencing information.

The PDF file in question also featured 22 other cases besides

Gonzales’, all of which Noel said a quick review on nmcourts.gov shows “had some action from Corrections.”

Sanchez, for her part, said only six of those other cases made it into the Corrections Department’s system. Three of them are because case officers submitted their own notes on the cases while the three others are because the case officers “were aware because of prior supervision” they had done on the cases, Sanchez said.

In the summer of 2015, communication between courts and the Corrections Department on cases like this changed. Now, courts don’t have to send files of cases to the state. Instead, the state is automatically updated when a judge makes a sentence on a case.

Still, Bernalillo County district court spokesman Tim Korte said courts had an understanding to send sentences through the email address. He added that Bernalillo County district court would send an average of 15-25 cases a day this way to the Corrections Department.

“Our understanding is for many many months, if not years, this was the process the courts were using to enter probation cases,” he said.

Read Bernalillo County court’s email and Jim Noel’s letter to Greg Marcantel at nmpoliticalreport.com.

Visit: www.nmpoliticalreport.com

historic, religious, and cultural significance to the Tribe.

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is also concerned that digging the pipeline under the Missouri River would affect the tribe’s drinking water supply.

“We were very honored to have had the opportunity to visit the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and raise our own Navajo Nation flag,” Vice President Jonathan Nez said. “President Begaye and I wish the best for the Standing Rock Tribe and hope their efforts will not go unnoticed. We stand with you

Standing Rock!”

Last Tuesday, Aug. 23, the Office of the President and Vice President issued a letter supporting the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in their opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline.

“In defending their traditional homeland against development that could potentially harm their lands and the purity of their natural resources, the Navajo Nation stands in support of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe,” President Begaye said.

OTHER CASES MAY BE UNACCOUNTED FOR

NEWS

OPINIONS Dear Editor,

I

n recent months, the consideration for obtaining curbside recycling has continued.

Currently, the city of Gallup has started staffing the recycling drop off centers with expanded hours. This has made recycling in Gallup more convenient to the public and is a positive step. The August non-binding referendum saw a favorable vote for curbside recycling with an added fee tacked on to their monthly utility bill.

McK inley Citizens’ Recycling Council continues to educate the public on the value of curbside residential recycling and has initiated a petition drive to place a binding commitment on curbside recycling on the March 2017 ballot.

This petition is for placing an ordinance where the city will institute dual-stream curbside recycling with all costs to be borne from the Env ironmental Tax Fund.

Dua l- st rea m recycl i ng is

where each resident will sort recycling into two bins, one for cardboard and the second for other recyclables, such as paper, plastic, tin, aluminum.

Dual-stream recycling is more beneficial in collecting recyclables because of lower levels of contamination. Thereby, a higher quality of recyclables will be collected — a higher quality product is more marketable.

Our petition calls for a separation of corrugated cardboard from other recycled items because it is currently the most valuable.

Bio-PAPPEL, in Prewitt,

MADAME G

takes old corrugated cardboard collected in GallupMcKinley County and re-uses it to make new corrugated cardboard, thereby diverting a high volume of material from the Red Rocks landfill, saving the city transportation and tipping fees.

The petition requires the city pay for the implementation of the residential curbside program from the Environmental Tax Fund. The fund is the result of a 4 percent surcharge on monthly city utility bills.

Though many city residents are willing to pay an additional fee for the convenience of

curbside recycling, the stated concern by some city officials that an additional fee would cause hardship on some city residents would be moot with the program cost covered by the Environmental Tax Fund.

The reduction of solid waste from the regional landfill, fostering a sustainable community, preserving our planet by conserving natural resources — these are environmental issues.

Visit recyclegallup.org for more information.

Shafiq Chaudhary McKinley Citizen s’ Recycling Council, Gallup

GUIDE TO THE STARS WEEK OF SEPT. 2 - 8

Rituals have power and can assist us through challenging times. In Santa Fe, the burning of Zozobra or “Old Man Gloom” kicks off the Fiesta weekend. It’s a chance to put all your frustration, anger, and sadness into the puppet that’s lit on fire. If you can’t make it to the capital, consider making a ceremony of your own that banishes the gloom. Madame G wishes you well.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct.22)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

You may feel a little stuck. Maybe you’re in a job you don’t really like or maybe the shine is simply wearing off. If you’re running low on the energy you had during the Spring — don’t despair. It’s actually good to slow down and reassess. What do you really want? Madame G suggests you take the time to figure out the answer. Good luck!

Is your life dramatic? Look for the common factor, it might be you.

It’s easier to see the faults in other people. Sometimes it’s too painful to see them in ourselves. By the same token, you may feel more vulnerable than usual. It’s unlikely that you’re really experiencing such careful scrutiny. It might be that you’re looking for anger in others and finding it. Breathe deep and show kindness. Live well!

You may have faced some harsh criticism recently. It’s never fun to be at the wrong end of a stick. You may even feel a little bruised. But just get up and dust it off. Your lesson isn’t to take a beating like Nate Diaz. It’s OK to occasionally duck the blows. Treat others as you would have them treat you.

Spread kindness.

Reach out to your loved ones this week — they need it. It’s always hard to watch a loved one suffer.

But you can always offer your friendship and support. Try not to be judgmental or angry, allow them to have their own issues.

You don’t need to fix the problem — they may just need your ear.

Love them!

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

You’re a hero among men and women. You can usually do what no one else can — or what they refuse to do. However, it’s in your best interest to slow down. Even though you’ve a million and one projects, you’ll help no one if you fall sick or hurt yourself. If you’re hopping from one project to another, try sticking with one and doing it very well. You get the pleasure of accomplishment with the power of your valuable energy.

The past couple of weeks have been interesting. You might even be ready to run for the hills. But a Scorpio doesn’t run — they tactfully retreat or go down fighting. It’s in your nature to keep on moving and fighting.

Don’t allow the judgements or opinions of others to prevent you from living your dream. Don’t live someone else’s life. Live your own!

Remember, you’re also the sign of the phoenix — you’ll rise from the ashes. What’s next?

Smile! But only if you feel like it. Nothing can feel worse than having everyone expect you to smile when you’re sad. Though you’re normally a very kind and cheery person, even you’re allowed a little human emotion like sadness or melancholy.

Remember that this too shall pass. You’ve better things to do than regret. Take time for yourself, and remember, you’re only human.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

A new chapter is difficult and exciting. But you’re just the person for the job. It’s a wonderful time to reach into your circle to assist you. Do you have an artist friend who can mock up your company’s new logo? Maybe you went to school with a content marketer or an accountant.

Whatever the case, use your resources and thrive. Live long and prosper!

What comes up must come down.

If you’ve been putting good effort into a project, it will return very good results. However, if you’ve been neglecting your life plans, you may find that they appear a little neglected. You’re at a crossroads and you must make a choice. There are consequences for each decision you make.

Ensure the decisions are ones that you can live with.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) It’s challenging being a single parent or just “adulting.” Life is not always fair or easy. But that doesn’t mean you should give up hope. It usually means you should give up hope of control. If you’re feeling a little run down, try letting go. Let go of past hurt.

Let go of anger. Let go of misery.

You’ll feel stronger and wiser for having lived this portion of your life. You’ve got this!

OPINIONS

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) You’re an idea machine. But you must take some sort of action.

It’ll probably hurt a little, too.

All action will end with some negative results. You’re plans will not go perfectly according to plan.

That’s OK! Sometimes you just have to improvise. You can do this. You’ve thought it through to the end and you’re ready. Act now!

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Helping a loved one through a life event can be daunting, especially if they’re not seeing the issue clearly. Don’t push them into what you think is right. Help them come to the conclusion on their own. Be clear about your feelings and what you mean. But don’t try to force your values on them. It’s not your life — even if you’re a spouse. Let them feel your love. Be kind!

Gallup Sun • Friday September 2, 2016

13

Relationship figures big in six-year journey to start pet-care business

lot of lost sleep, countless tears and a lot of determination. And it was all worth it.”

Two years after it opened, the mobile grooming business and Pet Planet are growing so well that the Garcias are thinking about expanding their petcare universe.

By Finance New Mexico

B

y the time they had adopted seven dogs f rom f r iend s a nd neighbors, David and Juliana Garcia concluded that Las Cruces sorely needed a business that served animals and the people who love them.

The couple bought a van with their savings to start a mobile grooming business for large pets. By the time they were ready to buy a second van to accommodate their growing client base, the Garcias were thinking about opening a hotel and day camp, with spa services on the side, for dogs and cats.

In the challenging years between conception and creation of Pet Planet (petplanetcomplex.com) in 2014 — years that coincided with the deepest recession in nearly a century — the young entrepreneurs drew on their passion for animals and their financial partnership with The Loan Fund to sustain them.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING In 2008, the Garcias purchased the land on which they planned to build Pet Planet and lined up a construction loan through a traditional lender.

MORE THAN MONEY

David and Juliana Garcia combined their passion for animals with their financial partnership with The Loan Fund to open a pet grooming business. Photo Credit: Finance New Mexico Then the real-estate market crashed, and the bank withdrew its loan offer.

The couple approached The Loan Fund in 2010 for money to buy the second van.

“We made this choice with two things in mind: one, not financing the entire project on our own, and two, establishing a relationship with a lending company (that) could see we were serious and responsible business owners,” Juliana Garcia said.

T wo yea r s lat er, t hey returned to The Loan Fund seeking a construction loan to build Pet Planet.

“The Loan Fund took the

time to understand our personal situation and needs,” Garcia said. “The service was so personalized that it was a no brainer to get our second loan with them. The trust they have had in us is something for which we will always be grateful.”

No r m a Va l d e z , d i r e c tor of lending at The Loan F u nd, wa s i mpre s s ed by t he couple’s wel l-w r it t en plan to start a business that catered to clients who expect high- quality care for their pets — a nd their tenacity and perseverance during a series of construction-related setbacks.

“We financed construction of the building,” Valdez said, “and provided guidance and payment flexibility,” during challenges that included an unlicensed contractor who failed to obtain permits and left the Garcias responsible for $32,000 in unpaid bills from subcontractors.

“There was no way to get our money back,” Garcia said.

“The Loan Fund extended our interest-only portion of the loan until we could figure out what we were going to do — and then again when our second contractor took longer than expected (to finish the project).

It took a lot of extra money, a

The support they received from The Loan Fund wasn’t just financial, Garcia said. The Loan Fund’s expertise and moral support were just as important.

“When you go through something like this, having people emotionally understand your struggles is huge,” she said.

Supporting businesses like Pet Planet is a core mission of the nonprofit, community development lender, which specializes in lending to small businesses and startups that lack the track record to qualify for a more traditional loan. The Loan Fund can be reached toll free at (866) 873-6746 or online at loanfund.org.

F in a n c e Ne w Me x i c o a ssi st s in div i du a l s an d b u sin e sse s with obt ainin g s k i l l s a n d f u n din g resources for their business or idea. To learn more, go to FinanceNewMexico.org.

Report takes in-depth look at state K-12 spending INCREASES DON’T MATCH INFLATION, STUDENT POPULATION GROWTH

By New Mexico Voices for Children

A

L B UQ U E R Q U E — W hen f u nd i ng i s adjusted for inf lation, New Mexico was still spending less per student on K-12 public education in 2015 than it did before the recession. In the two years since then, funding increases — which amounted to less than 1 percent a year — have still been too low to keep pace with inflation and student population growth.

A report released Aug. 31

by New Mexico Voices for Children takes an in-depth look at K-12 spending in New Mexico — both the funding

14

that is funneled through the state equalization guarantee and so-called “below-the-line” spending going to specific programs that are not available at all schools.

What’s more, the funding problem predates the recession. The report shows that SEG funding rose steadily between the 1984-85 school year and the 2008-09 school year, but when that same funding is adjusted for inflation, a very different picture emerges.

“Inf lation-ad justed SEG funding actually shows periods of decrease that are not evident in the nominal funding,” James Jimenez, executive director of New Mexico Voices for Children, said. “This

Friday September 2, 2016 • Gallup Sun

means that spending was not keeping pace with inflation in those years so the money that districts had to spend had lost some of its value.”

The report also shows that while funding was being significantly cut during the peak years of the recession, student population was slowly growing.

“When the state funding doesn’t keep up with inflation and student enrollment, our schools end up having to do more with less money, and that means fewer resources in the classroom,” Charles Bowyer, executive director of NEA-New Mexico, said.

The report also touches on a lawsuit before district court alleging that the state has not been

meeting its constitutional obligation in funding public schools.

“Ou r schools lack the resources necessary to provide children with the opportunities they need to succeed—such as universal early childhood care and education, extended learning opportunities, reading and math coaches, and summer school programs,” Gail Evans, the legal director of the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty — which filed the lawsuit on behalf of parents — said.

“This is true particularly for children who live in poverty, or are English language learners.”

Another notable conclusion in the report is that the growth in below-the-line funding has increased far more significantly

than growth in SEG funding since fiscal year 2012.

“The state equalization guarantee was really put in place because children in low-income school districts don’t always have access to the kinds of learning supports that all kids need to be successful,” Jimenez said. “Given that New Mexico has the highest child poverty rate in the nation, it’s more critical than ever to ensure that all of our children have the best chance at success. But in education, as in many aspects of life, you get what you pay for. When we try and provide education on the cheap we sell not only our children short but our state’s economic future as well.”

OPINIONS

Part 2 of 2: What “Can be Done”

By Deniece Cornett Candidate for Cibola County Treasurer

P

ay your employees better wages and follow your own operating policies, as well as HR standards. When hiring, you should already have a value scale for education, experience, skills, and certifications. This value scale is used to determine what the position’s total value is as far as base pay. The value scale is also used to determine which candidate is interviewed, and subsequently hired.

What do you pay them?

Use this scale again to determine the pay to offer above base if that person had more education, experience, skills, and certifications than the job description requires.

Don’t claim to be working on a “Step Increase” advancement scale, if you are not.

E specia l ly, don’t m islead employment candidates with false statements regarding annual increases that “follow the step increases for that pay grade.” If you are going to say you use that type of increase system, then actually use it.

Basically, pay your employees for their value.

To the matter of excessively high self raises for t ho s e m a n a ger s r u n n i n g th i ngs. In a time of h ig h unemployment, layoffs, and high Obama Care costs, you have chosen to give yourself a 10-12 percent raise annually.

If you are not the actual person doing the work, you don’t deserve the raise.

A hiring and raise freeze should be across the board. It is not ethical to take advantage of the local taxpayers just “because you can.” The elected officers are just as

guilty to have approved your excessive raises as you are to give yourself one.

If your community needs housing, build it. Don’t farm out the project. Don’t hire contractors who do not hire 80 percent of the project workers from the local unemployment pool.

We spoke about a skilled workforce in a prior paragraph. Here is where those skills will come into play for the community. Revitalization of existing properties is a novel idea . Retrof it older building to be used for housing and small business.

Japan has developed an apartment design that is very similar to the American college apartments, or a New York one-room efficiency apartment.

Who says a grand-scale luxury apartment complex is required or even needed?

Look to the “basics” of life food, water, clothing,

and shelter. In the United Kingdom, they do not have large kitchens or large refrigerators. They don’t have large washers and dr yers. They have kept things small and manageable for centuries. As each technology comes along, it must be able to scale down.

Wasteful spending. These two simple words say it all.

Stop spending on Christmas List things. Does a county office really need new office fur niture w ith ever y new employee or manager hired, especially when you had just purchased new office furniture only a few months before with your prior manager? The answer is “NO. You don’t.”

There should be a property control policy in place that does not allow for the wasteful “Christmas List” spending for new furniture, computers, cars, trucks, televisions, recliner chairs, shelves, or other items for at least 5-10

years. For some items there will be a useful life of only five years, or as long as 20 years.

But replacement in a matter of months is very unacceptable.

Another wasteful act is taking unnecessary travel to the nation’s capital, destinations you would never have been able to go to on your own dime, and to a training to try and quickly obtain a certification you should have obtained closer to home years earlier.

Buying in order to keep up with the neighbor has to end.

And misuse. If you have policies in place, actually follow them. If your policies state that “NO Government Vehicle is to be Used as a Personal Vehicle”, stick to that. Tax payers are being taken advantage of if you are using government vehicles for personal use. Tax payers pay for the purchase of the vehicle itself, maintenance to it, insurance, and fueling.

No tax payer would willingly approve wasteful and unofficial use of a government vehicle. Those with annual salaries over $40,000 who are not an on-call emergency employee should not have take-home cars, and tax payers should NEVER have to pay for their transportation.

Costs effectiveness analysis annually is necessary now more than ever to evaluate what has worked and what doesn’t. Every quarter, governments should have a detailed report on the state of the particular government, a “Real Managers Report.”

Yes, much like a state of the union, but for local (village, cit y, a nd cou nt y) gover nment. All departments must

provide their report to include a budget status. The problem.

Always the problem.

You will also have to hire executive managers and middle managers who are truly qualified and experienced. Many of today’s managers and supervisors lack the educations, skill, and experience to provide or even understand these reports, accounting basics, or effective management. Training an old dog with complacency is hard, and in some cases never going to happen.

W h at “Ca n Be Done” ?

Moving past the “Way Things Are”, “Business as Usual”, and “This is the way it has always been” attitudes and transitioning into the new millennium is a wonderful start.

Do something to make things better. Don’t wait for someone else to do it for you.

They may just be waiting to take everything from you if you are so willing to let them.

Government help to keep and create jobs, and stop your excessive spending. Don’t look at everything as a, “What can it do for me.” Look at it as a way to build a stronger more vibrate community that grows with the times, not dies from fighting change.

T her e a r e, of cou r s e, mountains to speak of when enacting a change to the old way for a better way. Well, to sum it all up, brainstorming is great, but we need ACTION not TALK. Correction: In our Aug. 26 issue, the Sun made an error on D. Cornett’s title.

Deniece Cornett is a candidate for Cibola County treasurer. We regret the error.

FOX RUN GOLF COURSE For safety reasons, the Fox Run Golf Course will be closed to public access until further notice. Major work is currently being done to re-seed and hydro-mulch a large portion of the golf course. To prevent harmful contact with the fertilizer and chemicals used in the process, the golf course will be closed to walkers and joggers on a temporary basis. The paths and trails at the golf course will be reopened to walkers and joggers later this year. The golf course is also expected to be reopened for play in the Spring of 2016. Updates on the Fox Run Golf Course will be posted on the City of Gallup’s website at: www.GallupNM.gov.

OPINIONS

Gallup Sun • Friday September 2, 2016

15

COMMUNITY Local artist’s silver work is a family affair

By Andy Gibbons III Sun Correspondent

Y

ou don’t have to live in Gallup long to notice the important role art plays in the community. Whether it’s the monthly second-Saturday “Arts Crawl” or the frequent dances and per for mances outside the courthouse, there’s always art to be appreciated by locals and tourists alike.

Ira Custer is a local artist who makes silver jewelry out of his home in Gallup. He runs a business known as Custer Designs and works with other local artists, among which are members of his own family.

For Custer, working with silver has been a family affair since he began as a small child.

His father casted silver jewelry, and eventually trained his son in the art.

“I’m only going to show you once, and if you can’t learn it once, then you have no business doing it,” Custer’s father told the young Custer, who quickly learned the traditional way to make silver jewelry.

Tradition and ar t seem to r un in Custer’s fa mily.

One of his grandfathers was a silversmith, and his other grandparents were, respectively, a medicine man and rug weaver.

Custer is quick to express gratitude for those grandparents, Frank and Annie Apache, who helped raise him and teach him Navajo while he lived in a Hogan during his formative years.

Growing up in the area and graduating from Gallup High School in 1984 has deeply con nected Cu ster to h i s community.

“G a l lu p i s a lo t l i ke Mayberry [in the Andy Griffith Show], you can’t turn a corner without shaking someone’s hand,” he said.

At the age of 10, Custer had his first run with silverwork, which ended in a burn after he had been told to not go near the work area.

A small wound, though, could not burn up Custer’s

16

Local artist Ira Custer speaks with attendees at a recent art show in Santa Fe. Photo Credit: Ira Custer

A traditional corn maiden made using the tufa casting method. Photo Credit: Ira Custer

Friday September 2, 2016 • Gallup Sun

curiosity for the art. He soon g rew compet ent i n bot h sand-casting and tufa-casting silver.

Tufa casting may well be the more difficult method. It involves making a mold out of hand-picked volcanic rock that goes through a process of sawing, cutting, grinding, and then finely carving details. The hot liquid silver is poured into the mold, and takes its shape.

The silver can be further decorated with inlaid turquoise, coral, and other materials at the artist’s discretion.

When silverwork became a career in the late ’80s and ’90s, Custer made many connections at art shows throughout the Southwest.

“Cellphones weren’t as popular back then,” the artist said, referring to the difficulty of building a network of art-buying connections.

Nevertheless, Custer now has a suitcase full of prize ribbons from art shows, and he’s even been a judge at competitions.

Custer continues his work locally and travels to art shows like the upcoming Kewa Pueblo

(formerly Santa Domingo) Annual Arts & Crafts Market held Sep. 3-5.

Custer is also passing his torch to the next generation, as the tradition of silver work continues in his immediate family. He’s proud, he said, of his daughters — and even one of his daughters’ boyfriend’s is making beautiful silver creations. “ Un fo r t u n a t e l y, t h e r e is a lot of youth out there waiting for their parents or gra ndpa rents to get their next check instead of going out a nd work i ng,” Custer said. “I knew of a blind older man that made broomsticks because he found a way to work and provide.”

Custer hopes others will, like him, find creative ways to provide for themselves. Still, he said, the required travel and tight schedules of artists are demanding.

“I was for tunate to be able raise my family with this career,” Custer said.

If you are interested in purchasing Custer’s work, you can reach him by email at: custerdesigns@yahoo.com.

A saddle ring showcases several methods Custer implements in his art. Photo Credit: Ira Custer COMMUNITY

Official: Annual Ceremonial coming ‘back’ EVENT PRESIDENT PREDICTS EVENT WILL GROW

By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

I

t’s not a stretch to say the annual Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial was losing some of its appeal to people not only from New Mexico and Arizona, but throughout the United States.

The rodeos weren’t what they used to be. Exhibit Hall participation was down. And enthusiasm for the event — which has been one of Gallup’s most popular throughout its 95-year history — was paling.

Not anymore, the event’s current president said.

“We think we can keep growing and growing and mak-

“That event brought the house down,” Byerley said.

“It was a big hit. People from all over — especially the area folks from around the Navajo and Zuni reservations who’ve been coming here for years — just loved it.”

The Old School Days Rodeo was held on the last day of the event and featured, along with buffalo riding, no admission fee. The city’s Business Improvement District picked up Sunday’s $10 fee, which was implemented in 2016 and allowed people to attend the rodeos, dances, and exhibits for one price — a first for Ceremonial. “[Old School Days] hasn’t

Young buckaroos get ready to compete during the 95th Annual Intertribal Indian Ceremonial Rodeo. File Photo used to be,” he said. “I think you’d see more artists as a result. The $75,000 to $100,000 prize range is a good goal.”

It’s also important, Byerley said, to draw even more people to Ceremonial from Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Flagstaff.

“We’ll have several new committees” for 2017, he said.

“We got to get more people from those three locales. That’s a start.”

The event president mentioned the need for social-media outlets like Facebook and a revamped website to spread

the event’s reach.

“I want to do more stuff in town, in Gallup,” Byerley said.

“You know, do some things to get people to come downtown and to go to the various places downtown. I’m also thinking of maybe getting weavers and painters downtown.”

Byerley said he wants to keep people in Gallup for three or four days, wherein they’d attend the event for a day or so and then visit other venues and attractions. Adding an extra day or two in 2017 is an idea that’s on the table, too.

B y e r l e y, w h o o w n s Cowtown Feed and Livestock off U.S. 491, noted that New Mexico Tourism Department Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Latham visited this year. He thanked the city for its support, and said more locals have been curious about becoming involved with all aspects of the event.

“I’ve been meeting and talking to a lot of the old-timers from all around the area,” Byerley said. “The Ceremonial is back, and we’re going to grow.”

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Dudley Byerley ing the event as popular and as well-attended as it used to be,” Ceremonial President Dudley Byerley told the Sun this week.

“We think we can get the big advertisers again. We want to include downtown a little more.

We’re excited for what next year holds.”

Overall, Byerley said this year’s event went well, with a few “hiccups,” as this was the first time many volunteers and regulars worked together.

Despite any growing pains, Old School Days Rodeo, which was brought back for the first time in decades, proved a huge draw.

COMMUNITY

been around in almost 50 years,” Byerley said.

He c r e d i t e d Jo e a n d Cindy Tanner with making the Exhibit Hall a popular attraction.

“They did a wonderful job.

There were a lot of people in there. Ben Welch [city community services coordinator] did an excellent job of helping, as well as troubleshooting.”

Byerley, a n Ok la homa native who grew up around rodeos of every kind, said he’d like to raise the prize money for artists who have booths in the hall.

“I want to get it to where it

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17

Filipino Extravaganza a community success CULTURAL SHOWCASE INVITES APPRECIATION OF DIVERSITY

Story and photos by Andy Gibbons III Sun Correspondent

T

he Philippines is a countr y in Southeast Asia m a de up of 7,6 0 0 islands inhabited by islander s w it h d iver se cu lt u ra l backgrounds.

On Aug. 26, community members experienced a culture very different from that of the American Southwest when citizens who ha il from the Philippines hosted a “Filipino Cultural Extravaganza” at JFK Middle

School, 600 Boardman Dr. With over 400 people in attendance, the event presented logistical challenges — from seating to food quantity — for its planners.

While the singing, dancing, and acting performances meant the audience had to stand, in the end, there was enou g h food a nd f u n for everyone, with some Filipino families waiting for the end of the line so non-Filipino attendees could experience the unique Southeast Asian cuisine.

Dr. Christopher Gonzaga, a F ilipino doctor a nd

Filipino dancers pull off a difficult dance involving lit candles balanced on the heads of the female dancers.

Event leaders take the Sun backstage to see the Filipino band perform a song that was translated into English for the audience.

The Filipino Cultural Extravaganza showcased food recipes from the Philippines. Over 400 people were served after the performances. c o m m u n i t y l e a d e r, s a i d t he tu r nout “wa s rea l ly

Filipino dancers perform a dance unique to their culture.

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Friday September 2, 2016 • Gallup Sun

8/5/16 3:48 PM

overwhelming.”

In a message to the Sun, Gonzaga wrote: “To be able to gather people from different races, religion, professions, walks of life, etc. and give them a night hopefully they can’t forget. I was amazed that people stayed a nd hopefully had a good meal.”

The event also provided an avenue for Filipino families and friends to reconnect amidst busy lives and careers.

Such reu n ion s were “a sight to behold!” Gonzaga

said.

The money raised by the event benefits the Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Ca re Ser v ices Cha r ity Invitational’s goal. The 20 th a n nua l f u nd ra iser is spe cif ica lly a imed at funding and building a new commun it y wel l ne s s center t hat will ser vice Gallup in many ways.

For i n for mat ion on upcoming events on Sept.

9, 10, and 17 that benefit the Cha r it y Inv itationa l, contact: Monica Greene at (505) 863-7282.

COMMUNITY

Tohatchi netters blank Wingate, 3-0 SENIOR CHEYENNE BEGAY SHINES IN WIN GAME TWO The second game started much like the first. The Lady Cougars got out to a 9-2 lead, and most of the Wingate home fans in the Bear Den were waiting for Pinto or senior middle hitters Tonya Fuson or Ricondra Yazzie to pick things up.

Howard made some substitutes, but kept athletic Begay in the game for most of the second set. Junior Vaneisha Cecil was strong on defense for the Lady Cougars and Tohatchi never trailed the rest of the game.

Pinto, who has already been accepted to Haskell Indian Nations University in Kansas, was all over the court in defense for Wingate and couldn’t position herself long enough at the net on offense to set up the taller Yazzie or Fuson.

GAME THREE The third game saw Begay turn things up a notch on offense. At one point, she effortlessly hit consecutive beh i nd-t he -back d ipsy- do shots for winners. The Lady Cougars led 6-0 with less than four minutes off the clock, and Wingate looked like they were wonder i ng what h it them.

The answer? Begay, whose defensive and offensive efforts were simply too much for the Lady Bears.

Begay played a complete game and finished with eight kills, four digs, and a pair of aces. Junior Lady Cougar Brianna Denetso recorded eight aces in the win. Cecil had four kills and three digs for the Lady Cougars.

Advertise in the Sun! Call for Great Rates & Ad Specials today.

Tohatchi’s Cheyenne Begay goes up for a shot against Wingate at the Aug. 30 volleyball game at Wingate High School. Tohatchi is 4-0 on the year. Photo Credit: NativeStars

By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

T

he Toh a t ch i H ig h School Lady Cougars w it h stood sever a l comeback attempts by Wingate and won the Aug. 30 non-conference contest 3-0 in a match played at Wingate High School. Tohatchi improved to 4-0 and Wingate fell to 0-3 on the year.

Both teams went to state last year, but lost in the early rounds. The Aug. 30 outcome was 26-24, 25-17, and 25-17 in favor of the Lady Cougars.

“We just played very good defense and [Cheyenne Begay] was a factor in the win,” Lady Cougars first-year Head Coach Darrell Howard said. “They made moves in each of the three games, but our defense showed up and made stops.”

Begay, who plays outside hitter for the Lady Cougars, has impressive defense and offense skills in volleyball, and is also an all-state basketball player for Tohatchi.

GAME ONE The District 1-3A Lady Cougars jumped out to a 7-1 COMMUNITY

lead in the first set behind a slew of Wingate net errors. The usually consistent Lady Bears couldn’t get hits off set ups by senior setter Paige Pinto.

Wingate Head Coach Karen Malone said the team misses A sha nti A ntonio, Nizhoni Young, and Keziah Pine. The trio graduated, and Antonio proved the perfect complement to Pinto, whose eye-popping eight assists per game last year were, in part, the result of getting the ball to Antonio near the net or flying slams from the corners.

The high-flying Antonio, who was all-state for three years, was a superstar at the net, and when Antonio wasn’t hitting kill shots, Pine was at the net waiting to finish.

Wingate (District 1- 4A) stormed back late in the first set, but Begay was just getting warmed up, and the Lady Cougars pulled together to hold Wingate at bay. The Lady Bears tied the game at 14-14 and that was the closest they got, other than a 24-24 tie near the end of the first set.

“We’re still getting used to each other,” Malone said. “We lost our whole starting team from last year.”

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19

‘The Light Between Oceans’ looks gorgeous, but needs to dive into choppier waters RATING: «« OUT OF 4 STARS RUNNING TIME: 132 MIN.

By Glenn Kay For the Sun

D

irector Derek Cia nfra nce ha s become known for his heavy and searing dramas revolving around family, as witnessed in films like Blue Valentine and The Place Beyond the Pines. His latest is called T he Light Between Oceans, and it certainly shares similarities with previous films; while there isn’t a big cast, it looks like an epic and features oodles of torment among the inner lives of its characters.

Based on novel by M.L. Stedman, this period piece is set in Australia following the end of the First World War. Vetera n Tom Sherbou r ne (Michael Fassbender) takes on a position as lighthouse keeper on an island. Despite his intentions to maintain a solitary lifestyle, he falls for and marries a local woman named Isabel (Alicia Vikander), who soon joins him at his post. Together, they attempt to start a family, leading to tragedy and marital stress. However, the pair gets an unexpected surprise when a rowboat arrives carrying a

‘The Light Between Oceans,’ starring Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander, is a beautiful film that ends up feeling rather traditional, stiff, and by-the-numbers. Now playing in theaters. Photo Credit: Entertainment One baby.

There’s plenty to compliment about the production. As expected, the lead performances are excellent.

While the story seems simple enough at the outset, there’s a lot beneath the surface. Isabel becomes increasingly desperate to start a family. Tom knows how difficult their isolated situation is and wants to

make his wife happy, acquiescing to her demands.

There’s plenty of distress, and its always clear and visible on the performers’ faces.

As events progress and become more complicated, one can see their decisions eating them up from the inside.

The cinematography is also exceptional. As expected, there is a lot of ocean photography

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with some gorgeous shots of the sea. When the weather turns and storms hit, it’s impressively shot and visually sweeping. Even the tall grass and island itself are beautiful to look at, adding scope and, in some respects, mirroring the emotional states of the characters at particular times in their respective lives.

Despite all the plusses, there’s still something slightly

off about the final product.

Persona lly, I think it ha s more to do with the original material than the actual filmmaking.

After an impressive beginning that sets up the stakes and a revelation that causes great complications and tension between the leads, the tone remains surprisingly muted and the drama doesn’t escalate to the heights it should.

The story puts Tom and Isabel in a difficult position and forces them to make tough calls, but it really pulls its punches when these choices are actually made. Essentially, the child-obsessed Isabel is forced to select between one of two characters. It’s meaty stuff dramatically, but every time the story seems to be getting into interestingly messy (and potentially ugly) territory, it turns away and gets back on the straight and narrow. In the end, this tale ends up feeling a bit traditional, stiff, and by-the-numbers.

Thematically, it all ties together — the importance of understanding forgiveness is frequently reinforced; however, that doesn’t make for intense and tension-filled drama.

The Light Between Oceans is handsomely mounted and impeccably acted, but one wishes that it was willing to delve into choppier waters and deeper moral ambiguity than it ends up exploring.

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DVD/Blu-ray Roundup for Sept. 2, 2016

W

elcome back to another look at highlights coming your way on Bluray and DVD. There are a couple of big hits arriving, as well as some intriguing older films.

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!

Citizen Soldier - This documentary follows the National Guard’s 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team stationed in Afghanistan. Cameras are mounted on helmets and move with them as they perform a tour of duty. Reception from the press was decent for the doc. Several believed it provided an interesting, first-person perspective from the front lines, although others felt a little uncomfortable about the film and said it seemed more like a recruitment than an actual examination of the troubles in that part of the world.

The Jungle Book - Disney’s been in the habit lately of producing live-action remakes of their animated properties. The latest is this fable (based on the work of Rudyard Kipling) about a boy living in the jungle who befriends a bear and must escape the clutches of a nasty tiger. The public and press loved what they saw, giving it high marks and earning massive box-office returns. It has been called an excellent family film that deftly blends computer imagery with strong live-action performances. The movie stars Neel Sethi and features the voices of Bill Murray, Ben K ingsley, Idr is Elba , Lupita Nyong’o, and Scarlett Johansson.

Me Before You - Romance fa ns looking for a weepy COMMUNITY

tearjerker will likely want to check out this film, which was a sleeper success at the box office this summer. The story involves a relationship that blooms between a wealthy, paralyzed Londoner and his small-town-raised caretaker. It divided critics, although more gave it a passing grade than a failing one. About half thought it was earnest and the performances were strong enough to recommend; others found it formulaic and obvious in its emotional manipulations. The cast includes Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin, Vanessa Kirby, and Charles Dance.

T he Phenom - Here’s a baseball drama that got strong reviews over the summer, but only managed a very limited release at cinemas. It’s about a major-league rookie pitcher who struggles with his new position and is demoted to the minors. A sports psychologist is sent in to help the youngster, revealing the kid’s deep-seated issues with his father. As mentioned, reaction was positive, stating it was a surprisingly uncharacteristic sports movie that favors relationships over the game itself and provides some excellent performances from its well- established cast. Johnny Simmons, Ethan

Hawke, Paul Giamatti, and Alison Elliott headline the feature.

W h at Hap pe n ed , Miss Simone? - This documentary arrived last year courtesy of Netflix and is now being given an official DVD/Blu-ray release.

It documents the story of the legendary singer/songwriter and activist, Nina Simone, who dabbled in various music genres that include jazz, blues, folk, and R&B (to name but a few). Reviews were very strong for the feature. While a few thought it oversimplified its subject, almost all suggested the rare recordings and previously unseen footage revealed over the course of the running time would captivate fans.

BLASTS FROM THE PAST!

feature, commentar y with film scholars, new interviews with historians, writers, cast members, and the daughter of Welles, along with many other bonuses.

Not only that, but Criterion’s also got a Blu-ray of T he Immortal Story (1968), one of the last pictures Welles managed to finish before his death (he also concluded work 1973’s F for Fake, but several other features he was shooting piecemeal over the years were never completed). This color film made in France only runs 60 minutes and aired as a TV-movie, but is still well-regarded. It’s about a rich merchant who hears of a strange sailor’s legend and attempts to play it out in real life. The disc includes another film historian commentary track, interviews, and a documentary on Welles, among other bonuses.

woman whose fiancé disappears; she makes a deal with the devil to try and find him.

Scorpion releasing also have an interesting title coming to Blu-ray. On a different tact, Barbarosa (1982) is a Western about outlaws starring Gary Busy and Willie Nelson — the cast alone should pique some interest. The movie has developed a strong following over the past couple of decades with genre enthusiasts. Now you can own it in widescreen high-definition.

Finally, Image is putting out The Commitments (1991) on Blu-ray for the first time ever.

This Irish musical drama from director Alan Parker (Bugsy Malone, Fame, Pink Floyd The Wall, Mississippi Burning) is about a group of poor kids forming a soul band. The film caused quite a sensation during its original release. If memory serves, it’s a fun little flick. Released as a 25th Anniversary Edition, the disc features retrospective interviews with the director, as well as a commentary and behind-the-scenes featurettes.

YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!

Actor/director/writer Orson Welles had quite a career with highs like Citizen Kane (1941) and Touch of Evil (1958), as well as terrible lows (most notably, freaking out while doing a voice-over for a frozen peas commercial and getting drunk on the set of another — you can see what I’m talking about further down the page).

Still, no one can dispute that he was an extremely talented filmmaker who continued creating cinematic works outside of the studio system after the majors had had enough of his antics.

Criterion’s bringing two of the Welles’ lesser-known but very interesting independent efforts to high definition. Chimes at Midnight (1965) is a French production directed by Welles based around the character of Falstaff from Shakespeare’s Henry IV. Many consider this title visually spectacular and as strong as his most beloved films. The Blu-ray release contains a new restoration of the

Kino has another Fritz Lang movie on the way. Destiny (1921) is a thriller about a

Here are some titles youngsters may be interested in.

Mir a c u l o u s: Ta l e s of Ladybug & Cat Noir: Spots On! My Little Pony Friendship i s M a g i c : E v e r y p o n y ’s Favorite Frights Pound Puppies: Halloween at Shelter 17

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CALENDAR COMMUNITY CALENDAR SEPT. 2 - 8, 2016 FRIDAY Sept. 2 E PLURIBUS UNUM: DINÉTAH Sept. 2 -12, Axle Contemporary mobile gallery launches its project documenting the people of the Southwest in Gallup, Window Rock, and beyond.

The portrait studio will be open, for free, for all members of the community. Bring any small object of personal significance to hold for your portrait. Photos are immediately printed; one is given to the participant (no charge); one is wheatpasted to the exterior of the mobile studio-gallery; a third will be part of an exhibit of the entire project at the Navajo Nation Museum in Window Rock, Ariz. A book will be published with the entire collection of photographs, writing by participants, and a singular image on the cover created by blending the hundreds of individual portraits.

Copies of the book will be distributed for free to all of the participants. Visit axleart.com for exact dates and locations.

FAMILY MOVIE At 4 pm, a family film for everyone to enjoy.

Children’s Branch, 200 W. Aztec Ave. Film: Disney’s Hercules KARAOKE Karaoke at Sammy C’s with DJ Marvelous. 9 pm.

107 W. Coal Ave. (505) 8632220.

SATURDAY Sept. 3 OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS Meetings every Saturday at 10 am, First United Methodist Church, 1800 Red Rock Dr., corner of Nizhoni/Red Rock. Enter northwest corner off Nizhoni: Library room. Contact (505) 307-5999 or (505) 721-9208.

FATE’S HIGHWAY Fate’s Highway at Sammy C’s with James Mecale features country, rock, Spanish, and blues tunes.

10 pm – 1 am. 107 W. Coal Ave. (505) 863-2220.

SUNDAY Sept. 4 CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Join us for the Holy Eucharist. Begins: 10:30 am.

For more information, please call (505) 863-4695.

Location: 1334 S. Country Club Dr.

MONDAY Sept. 5 CITY OF GALLUP’S SUSTAINABLE GALLUP BOARD First Monday of the month, from 3 - 5 pm.

Community members concerned about conservation, energy, water, recycling, and other environmental issues are welcome. Call Bill Bright at (505) 722-0039 for information. Octavia Fellin Library: 115 W. Hill Ave.

WEDNESDAY Sept. 7 TODDLER TIME (AGES 2 TO 4) An active and energetic program for toddlers, featuring music, movement rhymes, and stories.

Starts: 10:30 am. Children’s Branch, 200 W. Aztec Ave. Free MISS NAVAJO NATION PAGEANT Sept. 7 - 10, join us for the Miss Navajo Nation Pageant. There will be sheep butchering, bread making, contemporary and traditional skills, and an interview by the Navajo Panel of Judges. Office of Miss Navajo Nation: (928) 871-6379. Visit navajopeople.org/blog/miss-navajo-nation-pageant for exact times and locations.

Window Rock, Ariz.

MAKER’S CLUB (AGES 7 AND UP) A club for kids interested in science, math, building, and inventing. Each week features a different challenge, project, or experiment. This week: catapults. Starts: 4 pm.

Children’s Branch, 200 W. Continued on page 23

22 Friday September 2, 2016 • Gallup Sun

CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED INDEPENDENT CONTRACT DRIVER/ GALLUP/ZUNI/ PINEHILL Time Critical/Same-Day de­livery is what we do. If you have a SUV, Mini-van or larger and are looking to operate 5 days a week, this is perfect opportunity for you to grown your own business. DMC Logistics is the Southwest’s leading transportation logistics provider, and we can off you contract opportunities.

Contact Allen at 505-2173147 and put your vehicle to work delivering for DMC Logistics’ customers!

Contractors will need to be at least 21 years of age, and speak, read and write English. Must own a smart phone. Also, our customers require a drug screen, plus a background and motor vehicle report on all interested contractors.

Job Location: Gallup, NM (will be driving to Zuni and Pinehill) Job Hours: 1045 to 1500 Required education: High school or equivalent Required experience: Geographical familiarity of the areas of Gallup, Zuni, and Pinehill. IC experience preferable (length of experience doesn’t prevent consideration). This is contract work-not employment. Required licenses or certifications: Valid Driver’s license, Vehicle registration and leasing documents for the required vehicles.

EMERGENCY RESPONDERS WANTED Kurtz Industrial Fire Services, Inc. is the provider of Emergency Response, Fire and Safety for Western Refinery located in Gallup, New Mexico. We are currently in the process of looking for qualified, highly motivated individuals.

Exceptional Benefits Package available -Competitive wages -Health, Dental, Vision, Aflac, & Life Insurance -401K with company match -Tuition Reimbursement Requirements • First Responder or EMT-B license • Must obtain EMT-B license within 12 months • FFII or Basic Ops certification

CLASSIFIEDS WEEKLY RATES

FIRST 25 WORDS: FREE! 26-50 WORDS: $5 51-75: WORDS: $10 76-100 WORDS: $15

$5 PER WEEK FOR EACH ITEM: TEXT BOX, HIGHLIGHT, ALL CAPS, PIC/LOGO EMAIL : GALLUPSUN@GMAIL.COM DUE: TUESDAYS 5 PM AD RUNS 4 WEEKS, UNLESS SPECIFIED • AHA CPR card • Valid Driver’s License • Successful background investigations with MVR, & criminal records, • Physical fitness/agility • Drug/alcohol screening Please send your resume to heidi@kurtzems.com TEACHER WANTED Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf needed in W i n d o w Rock, Arizona. Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind offers competitive salary, incredible benefits package and retirement plan. $1,500 signing bonus to qualifying certified teachers, and $1,500 relocation bonus to qualifying out of state residents. Apply today!! WWW. APPLITRACK.COM/ASDB/ ONLINEAPP or contact Craig Wagner at (520)-7703019 orRecruitment@ASDB. AZ.GOV. ASST. ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE The Gallup Sun is looking for that special someone who knows the community well and could put in a minimum of 20 hrs per week seeking new accounts for the Sun. Candidate must have reliable transportation, and some customer service or past sales experience. The hired candidate will work closely with current account executive. Must own computer with Internet access and printer/scanner. For consideration, send resume to: gallupsun@gmail.com HOMES FOR SALE Cozy Cabin 2 bedroom cabin in the Zuni Mountains 20 minutes from Grants, NM $78,000.00 505-240-2112

MOBILE HOMES MOBILE HOME SPACES Mobile Home Spaces – Single wide – any size $205/mo.

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

SERVICES FOREVER STRONG Personal Fitness Trainer Wowie’s Gym $25.00 Hourly Rate Monday, Wednesday, Friday 5:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Tuesday & Thursday 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Call: 505-728-2499 or email: foxlover48@gmail.com LEARN ROSARY MAKING Ideal business for Catholics or anyone.

For complete step-by-step instructions and sample Rosary, rush $3.00 for postage & handling to: Mr. R.T. 6742 Omega Drive Sand Diego, CA 92139-3847 VEHICLES 2016 ATV Spanking Brand New (4x4) 400 CF-MOTO ATV Mileage: ZERO Sticker Price $4559 + $160 Taxes Total 4719 Will sell for $4200 505-287-3357

MAIL DELIVERY 1 year subscription. Send check for $59.95 to:

Gallup Sun Publishing PO Box 1212 Gallup, NM 87305

CLASSIFIEDS

COMMUNITY CALENDAR SEPT. 2 - 8, 2016 Continued from page 22

Aztec.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT MOVIES Join us for a free family movie.

Starts at 5 pm. Popcorn is provided. Library Main Branch, 115 W. Hill Ave. Film: Gods of Egypt OPEN-MIC NIGHT Local talent takes center stage from 7:30 - 9:30 pm at Coal Street Pub, 303 W. Coal Ave. (505) 722-0117.

THURSDAY Sept. 8 NEW MEXICO LIVESTOCK BOARD AT THE STATE FAIR Opening day of the New Mexico State Fair. It is also Law enforcement day. The New Mexico Livestock Board will have a booth to answer questions about our programs, career options (law enforcement or livestock inspectors), and personnel. Please come by, 8 am - 4 pm, and visit with the inspectors, and meet the new state veterinarian, Dr. Ralph Zimmerman.

Expo New Mexico, 300 San Pedro Dr. NE, Albuquerque.

TRAIL FUNDING WORKSHOP From 9 am to noon. Trails are a good investment in community health and welfare, but they require funding to cover costs such as surveys, signage, trailhead amenities and construction. The purpose of this workshop is to provide Navajo Nation communities with resources, tips and tricks for obtaining funds from government agencies, private businesses and foundations. The workshop features four presentations by people who have successfully raised millions of dollars for trail projects. The second session will provide an opportunity for attendees to meet with the presenters in small groups, ask questions and get advice about specific projects. Navajo Nation Museum, Window Rock, Ariz.

CALENDAR

NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING WITH COUNCILOR FRAN PALOCHAK We invite residents of District 4 to visit with Councilor Fran Palochak at our meeting beginning at 6 pm. Councilor Palochak will be there to listen to your concerns.

It’s a great opportunity to share ideas and we welcome your compliments and complaints. Please join us and feel free to bring a friend or two. Residents outside of District 4 are also welcome to attend.

Stagecoach Elementary School, 725 Freedom Dr. CRAFTY KIDS (ALL AGES) Fun crafts for the whole family (all ages). Starts at 4 pm. This week: Hand print rose craft. Children’s Branch, 200 W. Aztec Ave. MS EXCEL BEGINNING COURSE A beginner’s course in Microsoft Excel, from 5 - 7 pm.

Octavia Fellin Library: 115 W. Hill Ave.

ONGOING ARTSCRAWL ArtsCrawl is held the second Saturday of every month from 7 to 9 pm, downtown Gallup.

CARS N COFFEE Every Sunday in the Camille’s parking lot from noon to 2 pm. Check out cars – new, old, vintage, and bikes. Cruise at 1:30 pm. Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe, 306 S. Second St. CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION CLASS RMCHC Women’s Health Unit offers childbirth education classes, at no charge, every second Saturday of the month in the RMCH Library, 1901 Red Rock Drive, from 9 am-1 pm. Contact WHU at (505) 863-7026.

COME TO THE WATERS A nine-week exploration of some of the Bible’s more than 800 references to water — from the waters of chaos at the beginning of earth’s story to the river of the water of life in John’s

CALENDAR

Revelation – begins Aug. 31. Written by Judy Record Fletcher, this study will help participants to understand and articulate our faith through rich imagery and interaction with the issues we deal with everyday. The study begins at 7 pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 151 State Highway 564 (Boardman Drive) – the Church on the Hill near Orleans Manor Apartments. All are welcome. For more information, call the church office (505) 905-3247.

COMMUNITY PANTRY The Hope Garden is offering organic produce for sale from 10 am - noon, Tue - Fri. We are located at 1130 E. Hassler Valley Rd. All funds go to helping feed local folks. For personal attention, call (505) 7268068 or when visiting ask for Vernon Garcia.

FRIDAY NIGHT HOOTENANNY Gallup’s longest-running live show! Every Friday night from 7 - 9 pm. Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe, 306 S. Second St. GALLUP-MCKINLEY COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY Wednesdays are low-cost Spay and Neuter Days, at the Gallup-McKinley County Humane Society.

For more information, please call (505) 863-2616, or email: gmchumanesociety@gmail.com. Location: 1315 Hamilton Rd. GALLUP SOLAR The nonprofit hosts educational presentations and offers potential solutions about all things solar, every Wednesday evening 6 - 8 pm. Your questions, ideas, and expertise are welcome.

For info call: (505) 7289246, 113 E. Logan.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY YARD SALE The fundraisers are open 9 am - noon every Saturday.

If you have household items to donate or wish to volunteer on construc-

tion or another service call Bill Bright at (505) 7224226, Warehouse Lane off Allison Road.

RECYCLING COUNCIL McKinley Citizens Recycling Council is a local nonprofit 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 Recylegallup.org.

SUMMER INDIAN DANCES Join us for Summer Nightly Indian Dances from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Summer Nightly Indian Dances have been happening in the Gallup area for 24 years. We are excited to be in our new facility at the Gallup Courthouse Square.

Visitors to Gallup can take the opportunity to visit and learn from the many different dance groups. For more information, please call (505) 722-2228. Begins: 7 pm. Location: The Courthouse Square on Aztec Avenue between Second and Third Streets.

SAVE THE DATE GALLUP SUNRISE KIWANIS RUN FOR FUN The 37th Annual Run For Fun will be held Sept.15 at 6 pm at the Gallup Sports Complex, 925 Park Avenue.

Registration is free and T-Shirts will be awarded to the first 100 runners/ walkers, 12-years-of-age or younger. The run/walk courses are within the Sports Complex distances of 1.5 and 3 miles. This event is held to promote youth fitness in Gallup and McKinley County. For information contact: John at (505)-863-3770.

100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PULITZER PRIZE Octavia Fellin Public Library is one of six libraries in New Mexico to

partner with the New Mexico Humanities Council, to bring a very special reading grant, “5 Pulitzers in 5 Months” to our community. As a recipient of this grant, the library reads and discusses five Pulitzer-winning and nominated books.

Next discussion: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz, Sept. 20, 6 pm in the Main Library Meeting Room, 115 W. Hill Ave. BASIC COMPUTER CLASSES Sept. 27 - 28, join the SBDC for a Community Ed Personal Enrichment event.

Topics include: computer vocabulary, operation of programs, email information, Internet aid for online search, and creating your own documents. Course fee: $100. Additional class dates: October 4 - 5 and 11 - 12. Begins: 5 pm. For more information, please call Denise Silva (505) 8637743 or email dsilva@unm. edu. Location: UNMG Calvin Hall, 203 College Rd. ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI PARISH FIESTA Oct. 2: Mass begins at 10 am. Blessing of animals at noon. Bike run, food, games, entertainment.

Performance by Starlette Dancers and Bengal Girls, Dylan Vargas Karate demonstration, fire safety house, and lots more!

Pie-eating contest! Karaoke contest! Drawing for the Calcutta Raffle starts at 5 pm — grand prize is $10,000. Tickets are $100 each, with only 350 tickets to be sold. For fiesta or ticket information, call Father Abel at (505) 863-3033 or Fran Palochak (505) 879-6570. St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 411 N. Second St. To post a nonprofit or civic event in the calendar section, please email: gallupsunevents@gmail.com or fax: (505) 212-0391. Deadline: Monday at 5 pm.

Gallup Sun • Friday September 2, 2016

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