Gallup Sun • Friday DECEMBER 16, 2016

E FRE

Does ‘Rogue One’ meet expectations?

Film Review Page 18

VOL 2 | ISSUE 89 | DECEMBER 16, 2016

November Teacher of the Month. 15

‘YOU’RE IN’ GABSA picks new board

BY BERNIE DOTSON SUN CORRESPONDENT

T

he Gallup Amateur B a s e b a l l S of t b a l l Association elected new member s to the organization’s Board of Directors during an open meeting on Dec. 12. The meeting lasted one hour and was held at Gallup City Hall.

Mayor Jackie McKinney

presided over the meeting for about 35 minutes. Outside of folks connected to the league, nobody attended the meeting.

“This is the annual meeting that takes place every year,” McKinney said. McKinney is a volunteer announcer at some league games played at Ford Canyon Park. “When you leave

this meeting, you will have new officers,” McKinney said to those in attendance.

WHO’S WHO? Tammy Houghtaling was elected president; J.P. Madrid is the new league vice president by absentia; Amanda

Carey was voted in as board secreta r y; Ch r ista Ra ney remains treasurer; and Tommy Gonzales, Jr., is the president of league baseball. Madrid will also serve as the organization’s umpire agent. The board position as president of softball will be solidified at a later meeting.

Charles Lundstrom, who

helps run a similar baseball league in Grants, attending the meeting and asked about bringing over two teams which’ll play in the Willie Mays and Pee Wee Reese divisions. The folks in attendance welcomed

GABSA | SEE PAGE 21

Certificate & Associate Programs 19 Associate’s Degrees 18 Certificate Programs

Why Students Succeed: 18:1 Student to Faculty ratio Most classes capped at 25 students TRiO Student Support Services Veterans Resource Center Student Life Center Career Services Accessibility Resource Center Intramural Sports Writing Center Lobo Academy UNM-Gallup 705 Gurley Ave. Gallup NM 87301 505.863.7500 www.gallup.unm.edu

/unmgallup

/unmgallup /unmgalluptv Notice of Non-Discrimination: The University of New Mexico-Gallup, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University of New Mexico - Gallup is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race/ethnicity, color, national origin, age, spousal affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, medical condition, disability, religion, pregnancy, genetic information, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries or complaints may be addressed to the Office of Equal Opportunity whose Director serves as the 504/ADA Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator on UNM main campus: 505-277-5251.For referrals to main campus see: UNM Gallup Title 1X Coordinator; Director of Student Affairs, SSTC Room 276. Telephone: 505-863-7508.

For Referrals 2 Friday December 16, 2016 • Gallup Sun to main campus regarding Section 504 compliance; Student Success Specialist, Gurley Hall Room 2205 B. Telephone: 505-863-7527.

NEWS

NEWS Gallup Council approves cemetery ordinance amendment POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT OK’D

By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

T

he Gallup City Council approved a measure Dec. 13 rega rd i ng grave sites at the cityowned Hillcrest Cemetery. The action took place at the regular city meeting and was not met with opposition by council members or the general public.

Cit y At t or ney G e or ge Kozeliski introduced the matter, saying during the past year the city of Gallup has taken over the opening and closing of graves at Hillcrest. There is another city-owned cemetery and that is the Sunset Cemetery on Gallup’s west end.

The amended ordinance does not pertain to Sunset.

“Since the city changed the rules regarding burials of more than one casket per lot, there has been an increased demand for the burial of cremains,” Kozeliski said. “This proposed ordinance (amendment) will allow up to six cremains per lot, or one casket and up to three cremains per lot.”

Kozeliski said the matter came about as an agenda item after being under consideration for quite a while by the various city departments. He said it came up at the city meeting because all of the departmental players simply had time to put the measure through its proper channels.

“The ordinance sets the rules of the cemetery for burials,” Kozeliski explained.

Kozelisk i noted that Hillcrest contains an area for veterans. The state of New

4

NEWS

FOUR DAY WORK WEEK Money saving move? Or a 3-day weekend for county workers?

City Attorney George Kozeliski Mexico plans to construct a veterans cemetery in Gallup within the next two years.

Kozeliski noted that Rollie Mortuary of Gallup used to do the openings, which were independent of the city. The city took over the openings after Rollie didn’t do them, he said.

Mayor Jackie McKinney said after the council meeting that the burial matter is something

very relevant in Gallup.

As far as previous amendments to the cemetery ordinance, Kozeliski said the city made a small amendment a few years back to allow two caskets per lot, but Tuesday’s amendment “puts more specifics in it and addresses the cremains burial, which has become a more often used burial method than five or ten years ago,” Kozeliski said.

Also at the meeting, the Gallup Council approved a power purchase agreement with Mangan Renewables of California to purchase energy production from a photovoltaic facility to be constructed and operated on city-owned property.

Gallup Electric Director Richard Matzke introduced the matter to council members and pointed out that the city council authorized staffers in May

2016 to move ahead with negotiating a power purchase agreement with Mangan, an entity that was selected as the top responder to Gallup’s request for proposals.

“The proposed purchase agreement conforms to the city’s (RFP) and incorporates the proposal submitted by Mangan Renewables,” Matzke told council members.

Specifically, Matzke said the agreement provides for Mangan to build and operate a 7.8 MW photovoltaic generating facility south of Interstate 40 between Allison Road and the Muñoz Overpass. Furthermore, Matzke said the agreement provides for the city to purchase the production capability from the plant at a cost of $0.0475/ KWH over a 25-year term. “The city will have the option to purchase the facility anytime after the seventh year of commercial

operation at fair market value,” Matzke said.

Matzke noted that the measure will save the city $20,000 within the first year of operation over power purchased from Conti nenta l Div ide, and will save approximately $750,000 over the remaining term of a city power purchase agreement with Continental Divide, he said.

Matzke said the city will perform a $50,000 system impact study to determine what modifications to the Gallup electric system might be needed to accommodate the connection of the photovoltaic facility.

C it y C ou nc i lo r A l l a n Landavazo asked Matzke if similar projects exist around McKinley County. Landavazo also inquired about “walk away” penalties with respect t o t he cit y a nd M a nga n Renewables.

Veterans honored at Hillcrest Cemetery on Memorial Day 2016. A new grave site ordinance was voted in by City Council Dec. 13. Photo Credit: Ryan Hudgeons

6

GALLUP SUN BUSINESS DIRECTORY PAGE 12!

WEEKLY CRIME BLOTTER See who is on the naughty list this week

9

NEW LEADERSHIP Diné College chooses new president

10 21 FATAL FIRE

Shiprock house fire claims one life

MIND/BODY CONNECTION Introducing ‘Coach’s Korner’ with Greg McNeil

Gallup Sun • Friday December 16, 2016

3

McKinley County tables four-day work week idea 2-1 COMMISSION VOTE MEANS MATTER TO COME UP AGAIN

burden,” Armstrong told commissioners. “You are here as public servants. I don’t think you’ve talked to enough people on this.”

A r mstrong sa id rea l estate agencies do business

By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

T

he McKinley C o u n t y B o a r d of Commissioners tabled a long-running push to establish a four-day work week for administrative offices and departments. The action took place at the Dec. 13 county commission meeting and after some very persuasive arguments by members of Gallup’s rea l e st at e a nd ba n k i ng communities.

The 2-0 commission vote to bring the matter back up at a future meeting was done so that members of the public could contribute to the matter. Commissioners Carol Bowman-Muskett and Tony Tanner (commission chairman) agreed to table the issue.

Com m is sioner Genev ieve Jackson abstained from voting, but not before saying that she thought the required leg work and publicity on the four-day work week idea had already run its course.

WORK WEEK | SEE PAGE 22 County Manager Anthony Dimas

Commission Chairman Tony Tanner

“Wherever we can save will help us,” Bowman-Muskett said. “But I’m all for hearing from the public and the community on this issue. That is what my vote is for.”

McKinley County Manager Anthony Dimas told commission members that converting to a four-day work week would lead to hundreds of thousands of dollars savings in operational costs. Dimas said there have been meetings with county administrative and managerial staff and surveys suggests a desire to go to the four-day work week. The

Commissioner Genevieve Jackson

departments that would be excluded from the proposal include the McKinley County Adult Detention Center, the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office, Metro Dispatch and Thoreau Ambulance, among ot her cou nt y emer genc y responder agencies.

THE CONS Betty Armstrong, a realtor with Century 21 of Gallup, said the county is playing with fire by flat-out wanting to convert to the four-day work week and not including the opinions of

Commissioner Carol Bowman-Muskett

taxpayers in the decision. Once commissioners hear from constituents, then you’re talking about a different ball game, Armstrong suggested.

“For us, it represents a

THANK YOU ADVERTISERS Amazing Grace Insurance - 18 Butler’s - 17 Bubany Insurance Agency - 8 Bureau of Elections - 10 El Morro Theatre - 18 Gallup McKinley County Schools - 9 Law Office of Barry Klopfer - 8 Pinnacle Bank - 6 RAH Photography - 11 Rico Auto Complex - 5 Small Fry Dentistry - 16 Thunderbird Supply Co. - 4 TravelCenters of America - 7 (Motel) TravelCenters of America - 24 (Holiday Specials) UNM-Gallup - 2

4

Friday December 16, 2016 • Gallup Sun

Gallup Sun Publishing, LLC Publisher/Editor Babette Herrmann Advertising Raenona Harvey Latasha Chee Correspondents Bernie Dotson Tom Hartsock Lealia Nelson Calendar Editor Mia Rose Poris Photography Ryan Hudgeons Knifewing Segura Design David Tsigelman On the Cover: Photo of a baseball game taken during the GABSA 2016 season at Ford Canyon Park. Photo by Ryan Hudgeons The Gallup Sun, published Fridays, is not responsible or liable for any claims or offerings, nor responsible for availability of products advertised. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Gallup Sun distributes newspapers in McKinley, Cibola and Apache counties.

Office (By Appointment): 102 S. Second St., Gallup, NM 87301 The Gallup Sun, pending USPS number 1, is mailed weeky.

Application to mail at periodical rates is pending in Gallup NM. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Gallup Sun, PO Box 1212, Gallup, NM. Mailing Address: PO Box 1212 Gallup, NM 87305 www.gallupsun.com Phone: (505) 728-1640 Fax: (505) 212-0391 gallupsun@gmail.com Letter to the editor/guest column ACCEPTED BY EMAIL ONLY. State full name and city/town. No pen names. ID required. All submissions subjected to editor’s approval.

Guest columnists, email Sun for submission requirements.

NEWS

Dead Horse Giant dead body identified

Suicide at jail; inmate hung himself, police report states

By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

A

Yatahey man is dead after an apparent suicide last week a t t he McK i n ley County Adult Detention Center, records show.

Sgt. Elreno Henio of the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office wrote in a police report that on Dec. 9 Thomas YazzieJoe, 28, was discovered dead by a jail booking officer who was making routine rounds.

Henio recorded that YazzieJoe was booked earlier in the day on aggravated battery and aggravated assault charges.

The police report states that Yazzie-Joe was “aggressive and disorderly” during the booking process.

Yazzie-Joe was placed in a single cell without another inmate to avoid fighting and confrontations with other

inmates, the police report states. Steve Silversmith, jail warden, said there is no evidence to suggest that others aided in the death.

A jail officer checked on Yazzie-Joe and could not definitively see him through the cell door window. That bed check led to the discovery that Yazzie-Joe was hanging from a telephone headset cord, the police report states.

CPR was started by jail personnel, but to no avail, the police report states. MedStar arrived and there was still not a detected heartbeat, according to the police report.

County Attor ney Doug Decker lamented the suicide.

He said one thing that will be examined in the coming weeks by jail personnel is a consideration of shortening the phone cords in question so as to prevent such a happening in the future.

By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

T

he body of a ma n fou nd decea sed near the Dead Horse G i a n t a lo n g Ne w Mexico 566 has been identif ied a s Jones Ir v ing, 61, according to a police report.

D eput y Ga r yl le Ja me s of t he McK i n le y C ou nt y Sher i f f ’s O f f ice recorded t h at pa s ser sby a nd some people hanging around the area reported that the body was motionless in the early morning of Dec. 8.

“I a r r ived on the scene a nd saw a ma le st a nd i ng nea r t he ent r a nce of t he Dead Horse Gia nt,” Ja mes recorded in the repor t. “I saw fou r people st a nd i ng around what appeared to be a body laying on the ground.”

The deceased was a relative of someone who happened to

be frequenting the gas station at the time of the discovery, the police report states.

The body was found south of the Mustang Giant gas station along New Mexico 566 and north of Red Rock Park.

Officials at the MCSO ruled t he i ncident a n ex posu re death. The body wa s sent to the Medical Examiner’s Of f ice i n A lbuquerque to det er m i ne t he c au se a nd time of death, officials said.

2016 BUICK ENCORE

$5,000

PURCHASE CASH1 ON SELECT 2016 ENCORE VEHICLES IN STOCK

220 S. FIFTH • GALLUP, NEW MEXICO 87301 (505) 722-2271 • www.ricoautocomplex.com Limited to dealer selected vehicles in stock, while stock lasts. Not compatible with special finance, lease and some other offers. Take delivery by 12/30/16. See participating dealer for details. ©2016 General Motors. All rights reserved.

1

GMUW0586000_RicoDEC_10x6.25.indd 1 NEWS 220 S. FIFTH • GALLUP, NEW MEXICO 87301 (505) 722-2271 • www.ricoautocomplex.com

AM Gallup Sun • Friday December 16, 12/7/16 2016 8:59 5

Judge: Hooper WEEKLY CRIME BLOTTER must serve probationary term Staff Reports

JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER ASSAULTS

By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent

T

he for mer cor rections officer who was charged in April 2016 with smuggling contraband into the McKinley County Adult Detention Center received an 18-month prison sentence Nov. 21. A judge ordered that part of the sentence suspended, and Terrance Hooper must serve that same amount of time on supervised probation.

That was the sentence handed down by Eleventh Judicial District Court Judge Robert Aragon regarding the Hooper case.

“You did take an oath and in a very real sense, you swore to protect us and the U.S. Constitution,” Aragon told Hooper during proceedings. “If we can’t trust the people who wear a badge, then you can’t trust anyone.”

Hooper, 24, was employed as a jail officer at the county detention center when it was discovered that he was part of a multi-person scheme to bring methamphetamine into the facility. He was subsequently arrested by undercover officers with the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit.

Kerry Comiskey, deputy district attorney representing the 11th Judicial District, told Aragon that Hooper was arrested when another inmate overheard Hooper telling his girlfriend about the scheme to bring the meth inside the jail.

She was told who to call and staff at the jail. The undercover sheriff’s officers took things from there.

At the time of the initial arrest, Hooper was sent to jail at the Cibola County Detention Center for safety reasons, jail officials said at the time.

“I hope you realize that you got a real break today,” Aragon told Hooper. “I want you to remember this and teach your children how costly this can be.”

A previous court appearance by Hooper resulted in a rescheduling because a plea agreement before A ragon placed restrictions on the length of a sentence.

Hooper told Aragon that he was raising two children and said he recognized the error of his ways. Hooper was initially jailed on a conspiracy to bring contraband into a detention facility, which is a fourth degree felony.

There have been three attempts in 2016 by jail corrections officers to bring contraband into the jail. Each time, the incident was squashed by officers with the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office.

Hooper is not eligible to be hired again at the detention center, officials have said.

12/9, 12/12, GALLUP 12/9: Alejandro Bustillos, a 15-year-old inmate at the JDC allegedly hit correction officer Jasper Willie in the face. According to McKinley County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Christopher Tsosie’s report, the assault occurred while Willie escorted 13 inmates indoors after some recreational time in the yard.

Bustillos repor ted ly started arguing with inmate Christopher Jim. When he got between the two, Bustillos hit Willie in the right ear. The report has been sent to the District Attorney’s office for review.

12/12: MCSO Deputy Jeff Barnhurst was dispatched to the JDC shortly before 2 pm to take a report on two inmates that got into a fight.

Barnhurst stated in his report t h a t s u p er v i s or A nd r ew Becenti witnessed inmate Jesse Rodriguez, 17, say something to inmate Travis Wayne Nolan, 15.

Nolan then proceeded to put Rodriguez in a headlock and flip him onto the ground where he started punching him in the face. Barnhurst said that “no statements” were made by either of the boys.

A few hours later, another f ight broke out involv ing Rodriguez. Deputy Salina Brown stated in her report t h a t J DC O f f icer T y s on Nolcott was escorting inmate Mauricio Cuevas, 17, back to his cell when another inmate started hitting him. A fight then

Secure your peace of mind with our new

DIAMOND SECURE ACCOUNT A checking account with valuable financial features plus Identity Theft Protection and Cellular Telephone Protection

Open a Diamond Secure Account or switch your current checking account today!

GALLUP 108 E. Aztec Ave. • 150 W. Maloney Ave. 1804 E. Aztec Ave. • nmpinnbank.com MEMBER FDIC

Insurance products are not insured by FDIC or any Federal Government Agency; not a deposit of or guaranteed by the bank or any bank affiliate.

16_BC05_GALLUP_DIAMONDSECURE_AD.indd 1

6

Friday December 16, 2016 • Gallup Sun

8/5/16 3:48 PM

ensued.

Rodriguez said that Cuevas came up behind him and called him a “B-tch N-g-a” and hit him twice with a closed fist on the left side of his cheek, and had spit on him as well. Cuevas admitted to hitting him two to three times. Both juveniles were advised that a report would be on file and forwarded to the Juvenile Probation Officer.

STABBING ATTACK 12/3, YAHTAHEY McKinley County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Nacona Clark was called to a local hospital to take a report on an alleged horrific stabbing.

The victim, a 26-year-old woman, told Clark that she was stabbed near “T and R.” She mentioned a possible female suspect’s name, and went on to tell a terrifying tale.

The victim, who appeared highly intoxicated, said that she caught a ride in a white in color four-door passenger car near KFC north. Clark asked if she usually catches rides from strangers, and the victim reportedly said that she felt safe because “there were three girls and a dyke.”

From there, things got plain scary with one suspect reportedly saying, “hurry, get it over with” and “kill her.” One of the passenger’s pulled out a knife and began stabbing her. The suspect was wearing a clown mask, according to the victim.

She was able to fight off her attackers and escape from the vehicle.

Deputies took photos of the victim’s stab wounds and placed the her tattered clothes into evidence.

DRUNKEN MESS 12/1, MENTMORE A man attempting to “fix the electricity” at a Mentmore r e s i dence wa s r e p or t e d ly assaulted by two men. In addition to getting punched in the face, the alleged hoodlums rammed into his gate. He was

able to call police and hold down one of the men that hit him, Thaddeus B. Tsosie, until MCSO Deputy Roxanne King arrived.

According to the report, Tsosie, 37, refused to cooperate with King as she wanted to handcuff and detain him in her patrol unit while she safely investigated the incident. King requested another unit so she could detain the intoxicated, combative Tsosie.

The man also said his wife was assaulted by Tsosie as she attempted to padlock the gate at their nearby residence, slamming her against the truck bed.

While King inter viewed the couple, the female victim noticed a car leaving the property. She yelled at the woman identified as Treva Silversmith, 57, to stop the vehicle. But King said she drove toward her instead, prompting her to step out of the way.

King quickly regained control of the situation, and took Silversmith’s keys. She was booked on a DWI, and for battery and assault on a peace officer. Tsosie was booked on the charges of battery, disorderly conduct, and resisting an officer.

VAGUE DETAILS 11/30, THOREAU MCSO Sgt. Elreno Henio had just started his shift when a motorist alerted him to a man standing alone near the 2 mile marker on N.M. 371.

The 44-year-old man was reportedly “intoxicated and looked disoriented,” according to the report. He had a cut to the forehead that was bleeding. The victim said that he was behind the Red Mesa store when two men started hitting and kicking him, eventually asking him “where was their money.”

He said that he lost consciousness, a nd when he awoke he tried to hitchhike to his home in Mariano Lake.

Instead, he got a ride to a hospital in Gallup. Henio stated in his report that he found a bottle of mouthwash in his jacket sleeve. With vague

CRIME BLOTTER | SEE PAGE 7 NEWS

CRIME BLOTTER | FROM PAGE 6 descriptions of the suspects, the deputy was unable to pursue any possible leads at the time.

SORDID DETAILS 11/30, CHURCH ROCK W hen MCSO Deput y Lorenzo Guerrero met up with Raymond Edison, Jr. at a local hospital, he claimed that he had been stabbed in the left hand and left forearm by four men while he walked home from Fire Rock Casino.

But, Guerrero sensed something fishy going on as Edison, 27, “changed his story about seven to ten times on what occurred,” according to the report.

During one of the last tales, Edison said his wife stabbed him during a heated argument, but the deputy noted that he couldn’t provide any details about his spouse, not even her birthday.

A c a l l t o t h e Na v a j o Nation Crownpoint Police Depa r tment shed some light on the situation. NPD Officer Largo told Gurrero that he was dispatched to a Church Rock residence in reference to an intoxicated ma n (Edison) “destroy ing property at the residence.”

Largo said this is how Edison

sustained the hand and arm injuries.

Largo said he would return to t he hospit a l to a r rest Edison. It’s unclea r what charges he was booked for by the NPD

NO WORDS 11/29, THOREAU An evening of binge drinking for two men entered the bizarre zone, then quickly turned violent. MCSO Deputy Arnold Noriega was called out to a home in Thoreau where a mom claimed that her son was assaulted by his dad after he caught his dad receiving fellatio from his friend.

According to the report, the 24-year-old son was sleeping when he heard a commotion in the living room. When he walked into the room, he caught his 45-year-old father receiving oral sex from his friend.

The son, then went to his mom’s room to notify her of the incident. When the mom we nt t o i nve s t i g a t e , t he father pushed her a nd his son down, hitting his own hea d on t he d res ser. T he son said his father put him in a choke hold and that he passed out.

Noriega noted that the suspect reeked of alcohol and was intoxicated. The kitchen table was covered with empty beer

WARRANT ARRESTS 12/13 Lionel Tsosie Vernon Yazzie 12/12 Gualena Descheney Shawntay Hunter Gerald Bia Travis Touchine 12/11 Myron Gray 12/10 Wilson Watchman 12/9 Patrick Brown Leander Yazzie 12/8 Jerome Rockman Miguel Yazzie 12/7 Fersheldon Billie Alex Forkner Jason Frank Shane Williams 12/6 Bennie Watchman, Jr. Padilla Isaac 12/5 Hoqard Kintuck Paul Begay Gerald Nutlouis NEWS

Kristy Bahe Danny Walker 12/3 Leander D. Dawes 12/2 Julianne Pinto Armondo L. Eddie Irene George Chad Jones Travis L. Pinto Victor Badoni Anthony White 12/1 Anthony F. Romero Theo Whitehair Bernadette David­son Seth Jay Dixon Brunson James 11/30 Phillip Begay Brian James Donovan K. Barney 11/29 Kenneth Martinez, Jr. 11/28 Leroy S. Bitsie 11/27 Vernell Watchman Janine Nicole Holden

cans and multiple shot glasses.

The father tried to tell a different story about what happened, but eventually told the deputy the truth.

When asked whether he was engaging in oral sex with his best friend, the father “chuckled and stated that he has to get it somewhere if his wife doesn’t do it.”

The father was charged with aggravated battery and battery against a household member.

ONLINE CHILD PREDATOR 11/28, WINGATE A 15 -yea r- old For t W i n ga t e g i rl s a id a m a n named Jeffrey, who she was chatting with on Facebook, sent her “x-rated photos” of h i m sel f. Accord i ng t o Deputy Noriega’s report, the girl claimed that Jeffrey told her that he was going to hurt the girl’s family and kill her sister if she didn’t send him nude photos of herself.

The victim sent some photos of her breasts and the perpetrator sent photos of his penis in return. MCSO Inv. Joey Guillen took the girl’s phone into evidence so he

R

TravelCenters of America

could track where Jeffrey was calling from.

INCIDENTS

VEHICLE VS. PEDESTRIAN 12/9, CHURCH ROCK A pedestrian lost his life while walking on N.M. 118, a ccord i n g t o MC SO Sg t .

Henio’s report. Jason Lewis, 45, was struck by a white GMC pick up tr uck dr iven

by Calvin Thompson shortly before 6 pm.

Lewis had been seen in the area earlier that day, and was reportedly intoxicated. The MCSO DWI units helped direct traffic while Navajo Police Department officers conducted their onsite investigation.

WATER IN FUEL 12/3, Gallup Deputy Guerrero was dispatched to Gas Max on U.S. 491 in response to three vehicles stranded after fueling up with gas. According to the police report, the owner of Gas Max, Bruce Nicholson, said that he received a deliver y of ga s w it h a “la rge amount of water in it,” and that the fuel had “more water than usual.”

Two of the three drivers said their vehicles sustained fuel pump and filter damage as a result of the tainted fuel. The report states that Nicholson had the vehicles towed back to his station and made the appropriate repairs.

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

MEET OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM!

Monday thru Thursday

Any 2 nights

$64

$119

Weekly Rate

30 Days

$599

$205

Free continental breakfast, must have coupon – Good only at TA Gallup, NM. I-40 & Hwy 66, Exit 16 3404 W. Highway 66, Gallup, NM 87301

(505) 863-6801

www.ta-petro.com Gallup Sun • Friday December 16, 2016

7

Staff Reports Legal Limit is .08 Matthew Smiley Dec. 13, 1:14 am Aggravated DWI Smiley had reportedly hit a nother veh icle at Goodfella’s and f led t he s ce ne, according to McKinley County Sheriff’s O f f ice Deput y A r nold J. Noriega’s report. But, the calling party wasn’t about to let him get away and proceeded to follow Smiley on to I-40 westbound.

The calling party was trailing the suspect in a white Buick with its hazard lights turned on, making it easy for Noriega to catch up with Smiley who was driving a gold Ford F-150.

When he caught up with Smiley, the deputy noted the strong smell of alcohol wafting from the vehicle. Smiley, 31, showed the classic signs of intoxication – bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech, and the smell of booze on his breath.

Smiley fa iled the f ield

WEEKLY DWI REPORT sobriety tests and blew a .17 twice during the two required breath tests.

Christian Yazzie Dec. 6, 6:03 pm Aggravated DWI Ya zzie was reported for reckless driving by a nother driver, who said that he nea rly hit other vehicles, a pedestrian and a pole before stopping at T & R Market.

When MCSO DWI Task Force Super vising Deputy Tammy Houghtaling approached the vehicle, Yazzie, 25, was passed out behind the wheel. Houghtaling opened the door and grabbed the keys out of the ignition. She noticed that Yazzie had a several cans of booze in the vehicle, including an open container.

Houghtaling noted that Yazzie showed the signs of

Law Office of Barry Klopfer P.C. Barry KIopfer Attorney at Law

Practice Areas: DWI Defense Semi-Truck Accidents Navajo Employment Law 224 W. Coal Ave. Gallup, NM 87301 Klopferlaw.com

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

intoxication, and when he awoke, he told her that he wanted to go home. She got him to exit the vehicle, and he had a difficult time standing. In the meantime, his Chihuahua jumped out of the vehicle, which distracted him. Before she could run any tests, he jumped into his car and locked the door.

Houghtaling placed the keys on the hood. Yazzie jumped out of the car and took off running. She tasered him, but he kept running. He then ran into a man and stumbled onto the ground. The deputy was able to detain him at this time. He did submit to a breath test and blew a .31/.32. His Chihuahua was taken into safekeeping at Gallup-McKinley Humane Society.

Fidel A. Apache Dec. 1, 6 pm 3rd DWI A woman hauling a trailer on the interstate was reportedly hit by Apache as he attempted to pass her on the shoulder as she traveled on I-40. MCSO Deputy Jasmine Jaramillo made contact with the woman Apache had hit. She said that Apache pulled over at first, offering money, but refused to wait until officers arrived at the scene.

Meanwhile, Deputy Merlin Ben a l ly loc a t ed A pa che,

43, driving a Toyota Camry, heading eastbound on I-40 near mile marker 26. Deputy Houghtaling arrived at the scene and by that time Apache was standing at the rear of his vehicle, swaying and appearing to be “highly intoxicated,” the report states.

Apache admitted that he was “f - - ked up.” He consented to having his blood drawn to determine his blood alcohol content. Results are pending.

Treva Silversmith Dec. 1, 6:13 pm Aggravated DWI Silversmith, 57, was not only arrested for d r iv ing d r u nk, but for putting her ha nds on MCSO D e p u t y Roxanne K i ng. K i ng noted i n her repor t t hat Silversmith was driving toward her and was told to stop. She stepped out of the way to avoid being hit.

K i n g t old S i l ver s m it h to get out of the ca r, but instead, according to MCSO Deputy Lorenzo Guerrero’s repor t , she pu shed K i n g

two to three times in the chest area. Guerrero stated that Silversmith refused to answer questions and take the required breath tests.

She was also charged with a s sau lt a nd bat ter y on a peace officer.

Leo Tom, Jr. Nov. 22, 4:30 pm 4th DWI M C S O Deputy Ivan Tset h l i k a i, J r. p u l l e d Tom, 52 , ov e r a f t e r he pulled into the business of Joe Milo’s at 1628 State Highway 602 without using his turn signal. There were three men in the vehicle, and Tsethlikai watched as the passenger lifted a can of an unidentified beverage and took a swig.

As Tsethlikai approached Tom, he could smell liquor coming from his breath, and noted that he had bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. He told the deputy that he had two cans of beers. Tom exited the vehicle upon request, but became argumentative when asked if he would engage in field sobriety tests, reportedly saying, “Just take me to jail,” twice.

However, he did agree to take the breath tests and blew a .31 and .30.

STAY UPDATED FIND US ON FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/ Gallupsun

Make your payment and get service at one great location!

CALL (505) 863-3836 311 South 3rd Street, Gallup, NM Fax: (505) 863-6310 •Auto • Home • Commercial • Mobile Home • Motorcycle • Boat • RV • Bonds 8

Friday December 16, 2016 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

Diné College announces new president Staff Reports

T

SAILE, Ariz. – After an exhaustive search, Diné College ha s a nnounced its next president Dec. 15. “I am pleased to inform you that the board of regents has named Dr. Charles “Monty” Roessel a s t he nex t pre sident of Diné College,” reported Greg Bigman, president of the college’s board of regents.

According to Greg Bigman, “The decision by the board was a very tough one with three uniquely outstanding candidates. The selection of Dr. Roessel marks a significant milestone in the history of Diné College by having a President with deeply rooted ties to the founding and legacy of the institution. Dr. Roessel has a vested interest, compassion, and leadership to take Diné College to the next level.”

Dr. Roessel is the former Director of the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) where he oversaw 183 K-12 schools

Dr. Charles “Monty” Roessel. Photo Credit: Courtesy and two Tribal Colleges and Universities. As the Director, Dr. Roessel spearheaded a $1 billion reform and reorganization effort that focused on tribal sovereignty, self-determination and self-governance as a cornerstone of school improvement. During his tenure, the bureau increased its budget by $143 million.

Prior to his work at the BIE, Dr. Roessel served as the Superintendent of Rough Rock Com mu n it y S chool

where he i mplement ed a Navajo Language Immersion program, improved the financial operations, and secured $56 million in funding that resulted in the construction of a new elementary school, dormitories and renovation of the high school. He is a former Adjunct Instructor at Diné College, an award-winning author and an appointed member for editorial board of the Journal of American Indian Education.

“I t ha n k t he Boa rd of Regents for this opportunity to lead such a distinguished institution and I look forward to working with the faculty and staff of Diné College to further its reputation as the preeminent tribal college in the country,” Roessel said.

Di né Col lege’s I nter i m President, Dr. Martín Miguel A hu ma da , applauded t he selection of Dr. Roessel to ser ve as the institution’s next President.

As he stated, “I am delighted that the Diné College Board of Regents has embraced a true

pioneer in Indian education— as well as a seasoned and strong leader who possesses a national-level perspective on tribal schools and colleges— to steward our institution into a very bright future.”

The board’s selection of Dr. Roessel marks the culmination of an extensive twomonth nationwide search.

A 7-member P re sident ia l Search Committee, chaired

by Dr. Tommy Lewis, was instrumental in the process of reviewing applications and interviewing semi-finalists for the position. The committee consisted of representatives from the Diné College Board of Regents, faculty, staff, students, community, and our institution.

Dr. Roessel will officially start his role as President on January 3, 2017. He will become the seventeenth president in the College’s 49-year history.

Dr. Ahumada has served as Interim President of Diné College for a year and originally joined Diné College two

years ago as its Provost. After January 3, 2017, Dr. Ahumada will continue pursuing on h is long-held interests in creating and overseeing an independent Diné College Philanthropic Foundation.

ACCT suppor t ed Di né College through their extensive network in the search process and guidance in selecting a candidate. ACCT serves 1,200 colleges and the ACCT is a non-profit educational organization whose mission is to assist community colleges with recruitment, selection and retention of Presidents with the highest caliber.

The Boa rd of Regents wou ld l i ke t o t h a n k t he AC C T, e a c h m e m b e r o f t he P r e s id e nt i a l S e a r c h Committee, and applicants for their contributions. “The selection process brought about a l ively d iscussion among the College’s stakeholders regarding their individual and collective goals, needs, and dreams for the i n s t it ut ion,” s a id R egent Bigman.

To Our Students, Teachers, Parents, Staff and Community

Gallup McKinley County Schools NEWS

Gallup Sun • Friday December 16, 2016

9

Shiprock house fire claims life Staff Reports

S

HIPROCK – On Dec. 13, a house fire in Shiprock, N.M., claimed the life of an unident i f i e d m a l e . T h e Na v a j o Nation Police and Fire Department responded to the fire.

The fire was reported to have taken place north of Bluff Road and east of 4th Lane.

The Shiprock Police Department

was on-scene within eight minutes after the fire was reported and the Shiprock Fire Department was there within 12 minutes. Support was also given by the Ojo Amarillo and Newcomb Fire Departments. The NNFD had enough support and manpower that they didn’t need to alert the San Juan County Fire Department.

After the fire was extinguished, a burnt, deceased human body was discovered within the residence.

A residence that caught fire in Shiprock Dec. 13, smolders after being extinguished. Photo Credit: Courtesy

10

Friday December 16, 2016 • Gallup Sun

“While we deeply regret hearing that a life was lost in the fire, we applaud the Shiprock Police Department and the fire departments of Shiprock, Ojo Amarillo and Newcomb for coming to the assistance of the family who lost their home and loved one,” President Russell Begaye said.

Begaye said that previously, the fire departments in this area were comprised of volunteers. Currently, these positions are being staffed by fire

fighters in paid positions which enables the department to respond quicker.

The president said he appreciates the ability of the Shiprock Fire Department to respond in a quick and timely manner and also for providing protection for the Navajo people.

The case is being referred to t he S h ipr o ck Nav a jo Cr i m i n a l Investigations in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Office of Medical Investigations.

The Shiprock, Ojo Amarillo and Newcomb fire departments came together to extinguish the blaze. Photo Credit: Courtesy

NEWS

‘Changing of the Guard’ Photos by Ryan Hudgeons

Three recently elected county officials took the oath of

office at the County Courthouse in commission chambers. Judge Louis DePauli, Jr. did the swearing in on Dec. 14.

County Clerk Harriet Becenti.

County Commissioner Bill Lee with his wife Jennifer.

County Treasurer Ernest Becenti, Jr.

Place an tribute in the Gallup Sun It will last the whole week and forever on GallupSun.com Easy form to fill out. Starting under $10.* Artistic, customized tributes available.

Phone: (505) 728-1640

Email: gallupsun@gmail.com

*Prepayment Required. Cash. M.O. Credit Card.

NEWS

RAH Photography Meeting all of your photography needs!

Sports, Weddings, Seniors, Newborn, Maternity, Events, Quinceañeras, Graduations, Families and much more!

Contact us to book today! tod (505)863-6084 www.facebook.com/rahphotography www,RAHPhotography.com Gallup Sun • Friday December 16, 2016

11

GALLUP SUN BUSINESS DIRECTORY AUTOMOTIVE Rico Auto Complex GMC Buick Full Service Garage (505) 722-2271 220 S. 5th St. ricoautocomplex.com

FURNISHINGS

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT

FEED & TACK

CONSTRUCTION

DEMENTIA/ALZHEIMER'S - Caregiver & Community Training - Home Assessments - Family consultations - Private Grief Counseling

Cowtown Feed & Livestock HUNTINGTON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, LLC

GallupWellness@yahoo.com (505) 615-8053 - Robert

Construction, Roofing & Remodeling Free estimates in town Phone: (505) 870-8214 Email: J.huntingtoncc@gmail.com

Cows Horses Pets (505) 722-6913 14 Hamilton Rd. Gallup, NM

HIGHER EDUCATION

HOME HEALTH

INSURANCE

INSURANCE Bubany Insurance Agency

Electronics Appliances Carpet (505) 863-9559 1308 Metro Ave

JEWELRY REPAIR

Associates & Bachelor Degrees (505) 863-7500 705 Gurley Ave

Personal Care Services, Inc & Enterprises

JEWELRY SUPPLY

OFFICE SUPPLIES

Life Auto Rentals Full Service Agency Se Habla Español (505) 863-8086 102 E. Aztec Ave

(505) 863-5898 1613 S. 2nd St.

OIL CHANGE

Butler's Office City Feathers, Hides & Skins 1833 S. Second St Gallup, NM 87301 (505) 722-5051

TRUCK STOPS

TA Travel Center 3404 W. Hwy 66 Fuel Food Motel (505) 863-6801

(505) 722-4323 1907 W. Historic Hwy 66 thunderbirdsupply.com

s want p! r e d a e R us u to pick

r gre today fo s u L I A

l deals!

specia ates and

at r

(505) 728-1640

gallupsun@gmail.com | www.gallupsun.com

12

RAH Photography

Meeting All of Your Photography Needs!

(505) 863-6084 Facebook.com/rahphotography RAHPhotography.com

Get Noticed. And get more customers in the door for only $60 for six weeks!

Call Ad Rep Raenona @ (505) 879-1941 or (505) 728-1640 today.

- IT'S FREE! - IT'S FREE ONLINE! - LARGE DISTRIBUTION ZONE - CAPTIVATING COVERS

or EM

Ed Corley Nissan

Home of the $18.88 Oil Change All Makes & Models!

1000 W. Jefferson Ave Gallup, NM 87301 (505) 863-6163

PHOTOGRAPHY

Introducing Gallup Sun Biz Directory

the ADVERTISE inGALLUP SUN

CALL

Office Printing Book Nook Teaching Supplies (505) 722-6661 1900 E. Hwy 66

Home Auto Life All Types of Insurance!

(505) 863-3836 311 S. Third St.

Friday December 16, 2016 • Gallup Sun

GALLUP SUN ARCHIVES Effective June 24, 2016, ALL Gallup Sun *archives (past issues) will be mailed.

Must provide exact release date and mailing address.

Send info. and check or money order for $1.50 to: Gallup Sun PO Box 1212 Gallup, NM 87305 *Based on availability.

Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe & Gallup Sun Presents Teacher of the Month! Pick up 2016 – 2017 School Year entry form

Nominate Your Teacher

at Camille’s Include…

Teacher’s Name - Grade - School Reasons for Nomination!

Your Contact Info.

Winner receives prizes and recognition in Gallup Sun.

Camille’s • 306 S. 2nd St., Gallup, NM • (505) 722-5017 NEWS

OPINIONS ROLL CALL

By Bernie Dotson

T

oday is Dec. 16 and there are about two weeks or so left in 2016.

Boy how time flies!

As 2016 draws to a close, let’s reflect on the year we are about to leave behind: Did you have goals? Did you reach or surpass those goals?

If you didn’t reach your goals, the bright side of the situation is that there is still some time left to achieve them, so don’t give up.

Many changes are ahead for

Looking ahead to 2017 us as a country. There is a new president and a new vice-president of the United States. No one knows where the newness of everything will take us, but of course we hope and pray for the best.

There will be a new county official in office come January with Bill Lee, president of the Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce and a former county manager, taking over for Tony Tanner. Lee is a people-person and is well-like by most folks around McKinley

County.

No doubt about it, though: Change is definitely upon us.

Change can be positive or

MADAME G

negative, depending on how one chooses to deal with it.

It is a good thing that most people choose to accentuate the

positive. That is, God blesses us everyday for being on the face of this Earth. For that everyone should give thanks.

Those who bring, share and create positivity within the community, without expecting personal gain or recognition, we salute you.

Let us continue to search for ways and resolutions to end negativity. Let’s move toward equality for all. We have to keep in mind that there are different strokes for different folks, and we have to, at the very least, have respect for everyone around us.

Have a good end of 2016 and make 2017 even better.

GUIDE TO THE STARS WEEK OF DEC. 16

On December 19, Mercury goes Retrograde and the Sun enters Capricorn on December 21. You may experience a shift in your mental state. If you’ve been under stress this will be a welcome respite. Consider reading Mark Manson’s self-help book, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck. Madame G suggests you get out there and enjoy what’s left of 2016. Have fun!

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct.22)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

What’s waiting for you around the corner? In all your excitement and exuberance don’t forget to look both ways as you cross the street.

Don’t knock people down to feel good. Your happiness doesn’t require the misery of others. Take stock of your surroundings and smile. There’s enough love and compassion to spread around.

Live long and prosper!

You’re a handsome lad or lady!

It’s in the way you walk and talk (just don’t let it get to your head).

Everyone appreciates your smile and sage advice. But, friends and loved ones will be turned off by arrogance. Provide the information you can and let them decide how to best move forward.

Don’t be discouraged when they nod their heads and go. They’re listening.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

Don’t gloat! It’s an ugly color on you. If you find yourself in the situation where some else has lost, don’t rub it in their face.

You’ve won. Let it go. Consider that while you laugh or mock the failure of this one person—there will be others to mock your next fall. Be kind. Be humble. Show gratitude to the ones around you and create a loving community full of supporters.

The Sun will enter your sign this week, congratulations! You may experience a surge in energy.

Grab it with full force and enjoy your weekly foray into madness.

How will you handle these new experiences? If you’re prone to acting like Scrooge take a deep breath: Bah humbug! If you’re a little livelier, of the Eeyore variety, try putting on a Santa hat or something.

A loved one needs an intervention, or five? You don’t know if this is the right course or not. It’s not always easy to know when our innocent children, or lifelong friends are lying to us. It’s often easier to take the easy road and roll it all up under the rug. You’re not the ruler of all things, dear Leo. Perhaps the advice comes too little too late. Maybe there’s only so much you can do.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Luck is alluding you. Is there a reason for this? Maybe you’ve converted to a new cell phone company and the old one hexed you. Maybe it’s time to re-evaluate where you stand with yourself.

You’re the guide of your own life, the creator of your story, and the hero of your own journey. Stop giving away your own power. Own your mistakes. Live!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

You’re a seeker on a never-ending quest. Don’t despair! This is your life. Make the most out of challenging situation and you’ll experience gratitude. Do more than make appreciation a form of practice. Instead incorporate the feeling of generosity into your spirit. Smile bright at each new person you meet. Smile even bigger for old friends. Tis’ the season…Happy Holidays!

Virgo (Aug. 23- Sept. 22)

OPINIONS

You’re at a cross roads. If you head in one direction, you’ll head down a well-known path. Make another decision and you’ll head in another (perhaps unknown) direction. Whatever the outcome, this is your life. It’s up to you to live in a beautiful state or a suffering state. Even in the direst of situations you may discover who you really are and what you’re meant to be. C’est le vie.

You may have experienced a few unpleasant truths either about yourself or those around you.

Don’t despair! You’ll get there.

Take this with a measured dose of humility and start planning.

Preparation is the best trick.

Gather all the information you can for the next stage. Gather the essential tools, ready the gear, and embark on your next story.

Take action now! GO!

What’s your purpose in life? You won’t find it sitting on the couch or at the bottom of a bag of potato chips. It’s out there in the big, wide, world. Maybe it’s inside your own head. You won’t find it in the TV or with an iPhone in your face. Go outside. Take a breath of fresh air. Inhale the scent of New Mexico’s winter breeze and make your mark. You can!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

You can be a real wanker! Don’t you just love the Brits! They have such colorful language. But, you may want to consider what your making out of the situation you call life. Is this the reality you want? Perhaps you conquered a new challenge or started a new job. Whatever the case, do your best. Put one foot in front of the other and keep marching forward.

You’ve got this!

Need a mental health day? Maybe you’re worn a little thin by coworkers. Perhaps customers are driving you up the wall. Take a day out for yourself. If you don’t take care of yourself no one will.

Don’t be a martyr. The key to happiness is sharing love with family and friends. You won’t find it with a bunch of dead saints.

Cheer up! Christmas is almost over.

Gallup Sun • Friday December 16, 2016

13

Tax on out-of-state business purchases aims to keep New Mexico competitive taxes on eligible purchases.

It’s hard for the state to know what it might be missing out on, according to Richard Anklam, president and executive director at the New Mexico Ta x Resea rch Institute, because compliance is “voluntary,” just as it is for reporting GRT. Businesses are required to pay the tax, but it’s up to them to initiate that process.

By Finance New Mexico

L

ots of New Mexico business owners don’t realize they’re required to pay a “compensating tax” for business-related purchases they make on the internet or in a state that doesn’t charge sales tax.

Some know they’re supposed to but they ignore it, assuming the state will never discover the nonpayment.

Most of the time, that’s a safe assumption because the state can’t monitor everything a business does.

But it’s risky, nevertheless, because an audit could uncover the nonpayment and this discovery could result in a hefty fine — especially if the business acquires much of its raw materials from out of state, depriving New Mexico of significant tax revenue.

COST OF GETTING CAUGHT

EVEN THE PLAYING FIELD The compensating tax is a “use” tax that’s imposed on the value of property that a company acquires from an out-of-state business — typically through an internet-based vendor — that would have been subject to the gross receipts tax (GRT) if it have been purchased in New Mexico.

It doesn’t apply to purchases made by individuals for personal use.

Businesses are required to report such purchases on the New Mexico Tax & Revenue Department’s combined reporting system — the same place they report and pay GRT — and they’re supposed to pay 5.125 percent for goods and 5 percent for services.

If the business paid sales taxes to the vendor’s state, that amount can be deducted from what the business would owe New Mexico, and if the business paid more than New Mexico’s top GRT rate of 5.125 percent, the compensating tax would be waived.

From the state’s perspective, when a business evades this tax, it’s giving a competitive advantage to companies from states that don’t assess gross receipts or sales taxes and thus

undermining economic development at home. It also deprives the state’s general fund of vital revenue and shrinks the funds the state uses to help small cities and counties.

Businesses that follow the law contribute $47 million to the state’s annual revenues. While that’s a fraction of New Mexico’s total tax revenue, it might be more significant if all businesses — especially those that source much of their raw materials out of state — declared and paid

Getting the best deal on the purchase of office equipment, furnishings and supplies makes business sense, and it’s understandably tempting to buy from a seller that doesn’t add sales taxes or GRT to the final bill.

While tax officials don’t have the resources to track such purchases by businesses or to enforce the law before the fact, when they audit a business they suspect of GRT tax evasion, they also check for compliance with the compensating-tax law.

“The biggest offenders are small businesses,” A nkla m sa id, either because they don’t understand the compensating tax or don’t believe it applies to them.

For more information about this tax and the products and services it applies to, visit http://www.tax.newmexico.gov/Businesses/compensating-tax.aspx.

Finance New Mexico assists individuals and businesses with obtaining skill s and funding resources for their business or idea. To learn more, go to www.

FinanceNewMexico.org

Republican Party of New Mexico State Central Committee elect new chairman, state party officers.

By W. Tucker Keene

A

L BUQU E RQU E – R y a n C a n g iolo s i was elected State Cha ir ma n, Rick Lopez was elected First Vice Chair and Phil Archuletta was reelected. Second Vice Chair.

Cecelia C De Baca was elected First Congressional District Vice Chair, Andrea Moore was elected Second Congressional District Vice Chair, and Sherry Morrison was elected Third Congressional District Vice

14

Deniece Cornett

Friday December 16, 2016 • Gallup Sun

Chair.

Bernadette Granger was elected Secretary, and Deniece Cornett was elected Treasurer.

“I’m honored t o h ave been elected Chairman of t he Republ ica n Pa r t y of New Mexico, and would like thank Debbie Maestas for her dedication and unwavering commitment to the party,” sa id Republica n Pa r ty of New Mexico Chairman Ryan Cangiolosi. “John and I ran a hardfought race and I look forward to working together to

build the Republican Party. We need to unite the party behind our common goal of electing Republicans across the state and promoting our shared message of economic prosperity, safer communities and an education system that truly prepares our children for the future. I have been active in the party for the past ten years and am excited to continue fighting for those principles in my new role as Chairman.”

“I a m so t ha nk f u l for the opportunity to serve as

Chairman of the Republican Party of New Mexico over the past two years,” said outgoing Republican Party Chairman Debbie Maestas. “As State Chair I have gotten to know Ryan well, and know that he can unify our party and has the knowledge and experience necessary to turn New Mexico red in 2018. I look forward to continuing to be an active member of the Republican Party of New Mexico and continuing to help Republicans win elections across the state.”

OPINIONS

COMMUNITY November Teacher of the Month TEACHING KIDS THEIR ABCs AT JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

By Babette Herrmann Sun Editor

A

s Mrs. Lori Trujillo talks about her career as a teacher of nearly 13 years, she helps students fit the missing letters on an alphabet puzzle type exercise, gently asking each kindergarten student where that “P” “T” or “S” letter belongs.

She offers a warm smile of encouragement and positive reinforcement to her young pupils. Learning the alphabet and some basic writing skills are just a small part of teaching kindergarten, said Trujillo, who was selected as Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe’s November Teacher of the Month.

Tr u jillo explained that learning how to talk a student through these alphabet lessons creates a connection to what’s on paper. As a young student approached her with his assignment she had him utter the letter “B” multiple times so he could readily make the sound-to-letter connection.

It’s one of the many joys of laying out a roadmap for the youngest of students, as Trujillo says their “eyes are so open” in wonderment of their environment.

“They say what’s on their mind and they’re honest,” she added.

Trujillo, who was raised in Albuquerque, is practically a New Mexico native. Her family re-located from Illinois to the Land of Enchantment when she was a child. She began her career in education as a teaching assistant, and has done her share of library work, tutoring and substitute teaching.

She fondly recalled one of her first jobs in education, which entailed watching over middle school students who were in a bit a trouble.

“They called me the suspension lady,” she said, giving away a big smile.

In 1997, she made the move with her husband to Gallup.

Some years later, she would graduate from college thanks to the GOALS 2000 program.

“I was very fortunate,” she said, of being accepted into the competitive degree program.

GOALS 2000 was signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1994. Congress appropriated millions of dollars to pay for the education of would-be teachers.

With her college education completed, Trujillo was hired at Jefferson Elementary School

Mrs. Lori Trujillo helps a student with her alphabet assignment. Photo Credit: Ryan Hudgeons COMMUNITY

where her primary focus has been on early childhood education.

When she first started teaching, the school was experimenting with combining grade levels.

So, she taught some K-1 combined classes and taught one or both grades until she was assigned to the kindergarten level exclusively.

“I like working with them at the early stages,” she said.

And she gets the pleasure of familiarizing her students with technology in the classroom. A lot ha s cha nged, she said, over the course of her 26 years of working in education.

Gone are the days of library microfiche and index cards.

Students and teachers are expected to possess computer skills.

“Even kindergarteners are expected to take a test on a computer,” she said.

While being technologically savvy has its advantages in the digital age, Trujillo said she wants kids to not only talk, but to touch things so they can best connect with their surroundings.

“I do agree with technology,” she said. “Its’ the way of the world. But it doesn’t’ allow them to touch and feel, and talk

From left, Mrs. Lori Trujillo accepts a gift box full of soaps and lotions from Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe Manager Carolyn Stansberry. Photo Credit: Ryan Hudgeons with one another.”

It’s that problem-solving attitude that keeps her moving

forward with technological and educational advancements.

Trujillo lauds her coworkers for creating a dynamic work environment.

“We have a wonderful staff here,” she said. “Everyone is willing to sacrifice and to do their part to make this such a good school.”

She encourages anyone interested in teaching to start out as a teaching assistant or work at a local school in some capacity to get a feel of the classroom and overall environment. Her experiences prior to college helped her to hit the ground running after earning her teaching degree.

To nominate your favorite teacher or professor, drop by Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe, 306 S. Second St., and fill out short form stating why your teacher is the best in the west – or at least Gallup.

Gallup Sun • Friday December 16, 2016

15

Gallup Christmas tree lighting ceremony 2016 Photos by Ryan Hudgeons

I

t was chilly evening, but that didn’t stop Santa Claus and his helpers from making children’s evening a little warmer, and brighter Dec. 10.

Local radio personality Sammy Chioda hands cookies out to folks that attended the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Courthouse Square Dec. 10.

Santa taking a break in Gallup Dec. 10.

Santa stands poised next to the county Christmas tree.

Santa in his element. Hanging with kids and listening to their holiday wishes and cheerful voices.

Scenes from the Red Rock Craft Fair

It's Recess Time!

School Has Started!

You Made You Made The New Friends SMILE BECAUSE… Team!

Photos by Ryan Hudgeons

Local artists pause and smile for the camera during the Red Rock Craft Fair Dec. 10.

John and Rachel Overheim of artoverkill.threadless.com. They produce all original designs.

Eduardo Valda, DDS

Birth to 21 – Hospital Dentistry – Emergency Service Physically & Developmentally Challenged Children and Adults

We Accept NM Medicaid – Hablamos Espanol 107 W. Green Ave. Gallup, NM 87301

505-721-0040 | www.smallfrydentistry.com 16

Friday December 16, 2016 • Gallup Sun

Scores of photography art pieces by John Van’t Land Photography.

COMMUNITY

ArtsCrawl Community Brainstorm Session

By Rose Eason

W

e have some exc it i n g new s: ArtsCrawl is shaking things up a bit this year. Instead of doing an ArtsCrawl every month, we’re re-structuring the program to be a season of 10 events, taking a hiatus this January and February to plan really exciting things for March – December 2017. While this means no ArtsCrawl in Januar y and February 2017, we’ll be back and better than ever on March 11, 2017.

Interested in helping us plan the 2017 ArtsCrawl season? Everyone is invited to the ArtsCrawl Community Scenes from the December 2016 ArtsCrawl. Photo Credit: Ryan Hudgeons

Brainstorm Session on Saturday, Jan. 14 from 4:30 – 6:30 pm in the Second Street Event Center in downtown Gallup.

Artists, business owners, ArtsCrawl enthusiasts, and creative folks of all stripes: come

share your ideas and input to help make 2017 the best year of ArtsCrawl yet.

We’ll present the themes for the upcoming season and you can tell us what you’d like to see! Light refreshments will be

served. See you there! RSVP is requested but not required to: artscrawl@galluparts.org or (505) 488-2136.

Get the latest on ArtsCrawl on Facebook @A r tsCrawl Gallup.

SCENES FROM THE RED ROCK CRAFT FAIR

From left, Mariah Lujan and Majeda Jawad of Majeda’s Handbags pose for the camera Dec. 10.

COMMUNITY

Gallup Sun • Friday December 16, 2016

17

‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ stuns visually, but fails dramatically RATING: «« OUT OF 4 RUNNING TIME: 134 MIN.

By Glenn Kay For the Sun

I

f you’re a fan of the new slew of Star Wars films, I have some good news.

Based on the reaction of the audience at a preview screening, you’re probably going to enjoy Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. It is a very slick and well-produced film that looks even more spectacular than last year’s Episode VII: The Force Awakens. However, it’s also unlikely to do much that will hook those (myself included) who aren’t already big aficionados of this cinematic universe.

Set just before the events of Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope, this story revolves around a mission to discover a design weakness in the villainous Empire’s Death Star space station. We follow Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones), a young woman whose scientist father Galen (Mads Mikkelsen) was kidnapped by the bad guys to help engineer the destructive floating orb. While searching for her dad, she ends up in the company of a rag-tag outfit of rebel ne’er-do-wells who go on a suicide mission to steal the

Felicity Jones plays the leading role of Jyn Erso in ‘Rogue One.’ The film gets kudos for its stunning cinematography, but suffers from some stilted dialogue and predictable plotting. Now playing. Photo Credit: Lucas Film Ltd. Death Star secrets and share its weaknesses.

Obviously, the movie suffers to some degree just for being a prequel. While we don’t know the specific details, viewers familiar with the original film will know how events are going to play out. There aren’t a lot of story surprises and it does kill some of the suspense. And the movie goes on plenty of tangents to reference to the original film, even rolling out some old characters via CGI technology. It’s an interesting experiment, but overall the familiar faces recreated using

computer-generated effects appear odd and off-putting.

At least the rest of the film looks incredible. The cinematography from Greig Fraser (Lion, Foxcatcher) is consistently stunning. In fact, it’s a better looking movie than the previous installment and many of the vistas closely hark back to the original series. These landscapes and crowded otherworldly marketplaces are impressive, as are the massive battles and shots of x-wings and tie fighters making elaborate maneuvers. If nothing else,

the photography is consistently wondrous to behold.

Unfortunately, the movie’s biggest problem appears to be the rebels themselves. Unlike other films in the series, this effor t has a somber tone.

That means that there isn’t much banter. There is a lot of exposition and tech-talk, but it quickly becomes tiresome.

The film’s lead robot gets in a few cracks and amusing comments, but there’s almost no witty back and forth or spark between the characters. In fact, most of the humans come

Josie J Paiz

207 WEST COAL GALLUP 505.863.1250 www.elmorrotheatre.com Facebook @elmorrogallup &

E V E N T S

Agent

With almost 40 years experience we are here to serve your Insurance needs, providing friendly customer care with many companies to choose from …

C E N T E R

MOVIE TICKETS $5 AT ALL TIMES CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER FREE WITH ADULT FOR FILMS

DECEMBER 16-22 FRI @ 5:30PM, SAT @ 2 & 5PM SUN @ 2PM, MON-THR @ 3PM

across as unmemorable and as a result we never get emotionally invested in their plight.

When the talking machines make a stronger impression than the people, it’s a problem.

And that’s too bad, because this Star Wars film has an interesting and unusual angle; focusing on smaller, unknown characters and their selfless and sometimes sacrificial acts in the name of a cause. If they had been developed further and we had cared more about these people by the end of the feature, it would have a far greater impact. Instead, it feels dramatically stiff.

This reviewer could probably sit back and enjoy the images in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story all day long. It’s enjoyable in the moment, but I couldn’t help but feel like this was a missed opportunity. The movie doesn’t feel like a necessary footnote in the saga, isn’t as exciting as it should be and didn’t leave me caring about the characters. However, it is impressive on a technical level.

The gasps of joy from the crowd lead me to believe that to fans of the series, its shortcomings will be ignored. If you love Star Wars, you’ll probably be thrilled.

Otherwise, you may continue to find yourself shrugging at this current phenomena.

Visit: cinemastance.com

A FEW OF THE POLICIES WE OFFER INCLUDE: • Life, Auto, Rentals, and Commercial Property.

COME BY OUR OFFICE

AND LET US ASSIST YOU • Liability and Worker's Comp, among others.

WITH YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS. Also get a quote online for Auto Insurance daily @ Amazinggraceinsurance.net

SPANISH SPEAKING STAFF AVAILABLE

Office Hours:

FRI @ 8:30PM, SAT @ 8PM SUN @ 5 & 8PM, MON-THR @ 7PM 18

Friday December 16, 2016 • Gallup Sun

Mon-Fri - 9 to 5 Sat - 9 am to 2 pm Sun - Closed am

pm (Closed from 1-2)

102 E. Aztec Office: 505-863-8086 Cell: 505-870-3948 COMMUNITY

DVD/Blu-ray Roundup for Dec. 16, 2016

By Glenn Kay For the Sun

I

t’s another busy week filled with a wide variety of releases arriving on DVD and Blu-ray. 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! Ben-Hur - This lavish and expensive remake of the of t he 1959 Charlton Heston classic t a n ked at the box office and with critics. It uses a great deal of CGI to update the tale of a prince falsely accused of treason who returns to his homeland to seek revenge.

Critics suggested that while the spectacle was still grand, the movie was otherwise unremarkable and dramatically flat. Now viewers can make up their own minds. It stars Jack Huston, Tony Kebbell, Rodrigo Santoro, Nazanin Boniadi and Morgan Freeman.

Bridget Jones’s Baby - The third movie in the Bridget Jones series (after the much admired original from 2001 and terribly received first sequel in 2004) finds the title character separated from Mr. Darcy and attracting the attention of a wealthy new suitor. Events become complicated when she gets pregnant and isn’t sure who the father is. Most reviews found it funnier than the previous film, but also admitted that it was slight and only mildly enjoyable in comparison to the original. Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, Jim Broadbent and Gemma Jones return, alongside newcomers Patrick Dempsey and Emma Thompson.

Equity - An investment banker uncovers a tech company scandal and must clean up the mess while identifying the persons responsible in this independent drama. Of course, the problems are deep and multi-layered as Federal Agents get involved in the process and begin to threaten the protagonist’s own career. Notices were very good, complimenting the performances for their detailed character work and COMMUNITY

appreciating the tale’s unique perspective. It features Anna Gunn, James Purefoy, Sarah Megan Thomas, Alysia Reiner and Craig Bierko.

Florence Foster Jenkins The world’s worst opera singer is the subject of this comedic period biopic from director Stephen Frears (Dangerous Liaisons, High Fidelity, The Queen, Philomena). It follows a New York socialite who doesn’t let a complete lack of talent prevent her from living her dream to perform in public. Overall, the press were very positive about the endeavor, calling it an entertaining and upbeat romp that manages to deliver a warm and emotional finale. It stars Meryl Streep, Hugh Grant, Simon Helberg and Rebecca Ferguson.

I Am Not a Serial Killer This small, independent thriller certainly bears some similarity to the TV series Dexter. It involves a teenager with the homicidal tendencies of a serial killer who attempts to keep his deepest, darkest urges in check. Eventually, the lead must use his skills to help identify another killer in the neighborhood. Reviews were very strong, suggesting that it was an entertaining little film possessing a unique voice and that sets it apart from other titles of its ilk. The cast includes Max Records, Christopher Lloyd, Laura Fraser and Karl Geary.

Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children - A teen watches his grandfather get attacked by a strange creature and decides to investigate his elder’s wild stories he’s been told to see if they are true. Of course, they are real and the youth is introduced to bizarre peers with unique talents. The latest from d i rector T i m Burton (Batman, Beetlejuice, Edwar d S c i sso rh an d s, Frankenweenie) earned more positive reviews than negative. A few felt that it was overstuffed and could’ve benefited from more time with the characters, but overall most called it a fun, lively and heartfelt adventure flick for the whole family. It stars Eva Green, Asa Butterfield, Chris O’Dowd, Allison Janney and Terrence Stamp.

S out h si d e Wit h You Barack and Michelle Obama are the subjects of this tale, which is set in 1989 and focused on the first date between the

future US President and First Lady. The story follows a day with them in Chicago. This small, independent drama received a lot of praise over the summer, although it hasn’t really gotten much a push during this awards season.

Critics believed that it was a sweet film with a big heart that resonates with deeper themes and meaning. It stars Tika Sumpter, Parker Sawyers, Vanessa Bell Calloway and Phillip Edward Van Lear.

Suicide Squad - In this DC C o m i c s adaptation, a group of imprisoned super-v illains are recruited by the government for an incredibly dangerous mission. It was a big hit at the box office this summer… but that’s about where most of the positives end. This movie was ripped apart by the majority of critics and audience reaction wasn’t much better. The story was blasted for being thin and full of holes and most felt that the excellent cast were stranded in sub-par material. It features Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman, Viola Davis, Cara Delevingne, Jai Courtney, Adewale AkinnuoyeAgbaje and Jay Hernandez.

BLASTS FROM THE PAST! Wow! There’s a ton of interesting titles this week. Arrow Video always load their horror and cult movie titles with bonuses and their newest Blu-rays are no exception.

Creepshow 2 (1987) is the follow-up to the 1982 anthology horror hit that features new tales of the macabre. The disc comes with plenty of cast and crew interviews as well as other notable extras.

Also scheduled this week from Arrow is Hellraiser: The Scarlet Box Limited Edition Trilogy. It contains new, high definition transfers of the first three films in the Hellraiser series. Frankly, you really don’t need to watch any more after the third. This includes Hellraiser (1987), Hellbound: He l lrai se r II (1988) a nd Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth (1992). That’s a whole lot of

different kinds of Hell. All have audio commentaries and there are so many other extras (including an unrated version of III and lengthy documentaries and interviews about the production on all three films) that there’s just too much to list here. There’s even a bonus disc with bonuses about series creator Clive Barker. If you want to learn more, just check out this link.

A nd we’re just getting started. Scream Factory! are keeping things festive with a Collector’s Edition Blu-ray of Black Christmas (1974). This one helped introduce North America to the slasher genre; it involves a group of college students being stalked my a mysterious killer. Their inept boyfriends and a less-than-effective police force leave the women fending for themselves. It’s actually quite effective and scary, thanks to the efficient work of director Bob Clark (Deathdream, Porky’s, A Christmas Story). This 2 disc set is loaded with features like multiple audio commentaries, footage from a 40th anniversary screening, interviews with cast and crew members, archival interviews and advertising and loads more.

Additionally, they have a Col lector’s Edition Blur ay of t he cult, sci-fi / a dvent u re / horror flick, Dreamscape (1984). It’s about a man with psychic, dream-sharing capabilities who travels into the nightmares of others. The hero attempts to help the US President, who is being tormented by an evil presence in his sleep. While the effects may seem a bit dated by today’s standards, this is a solid picture with plenty of thrills and chills. The impressive cast includes Dennis Quaid, Max Von Sydow, Christopher Plummer, Kate Capshaw, Eddie Albert and David Patrick Kelly.

Besides an impressive transfer, the disc includes an audio commentary and numerous new bonus interviews with Quaid and the rest of the cast and crew, reflecting on the production. And there are some other bonuses too.

The Man Called Noon (1973) is a western with Richard

Crenna about a gunfighter with amnesia who attempts to find out how he lost his memory and why. When I was a kid, I was a big fan of the goofy comedy Moving Violations (1985), which followed a bunch of eccentrics forced to attend remedial traffic school after various comic mishaps on the road.

It starred Bill Murray’s younger brother John Murray, along with Jennifer Tilly, James Keach and Fred Willard. I’m looking forward to revisiting it, although I imagine the movie doesn’t hold up particularly well. Still, those looking for some 80s nostalgia may get a kick out of it.

Finally, Kino are bringing the little-known movie The Park is Mine (1985) to Bluray. It stars Tommy Lee Jones and Helen Shaver and is about a Vietnam vet who decides to seize control of Central Park to bring attention to those who served in the war. If Tommy Lee Jones wants the park, then you can be damn sure he’s gonna have it. I’ve never seen this one, but it sounds intriguing.

Criterion also have some Blurays of classic titles filled with extras. They include the classic film-noir, The Asphalt Jungle (1950), starring Sterling Hayden and directed by the great John Huston (The Maltese Falcon, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, The African Queen).

Roma (1972) is from filmmaker Federico Fellini and is an Italianlanguage feature about the various goings on in the Italian city.

Expect loads of bonuses with both of these titles.

Whew boy! Shriek Show have a real stinker coming your way, if you’re a fan of the worst in cinema... and let’s face it, a lot of us are. You’ll now be able to purchase and enjoy Dracula Vs. Frankenstein (1971) in high definition. It’s an absolutely terrible, low-budget, drive-in oddity which features a much lamer-than-it-sounds showdown between the two legendary horror characters. The only way to describe it is… painful.

YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS! Here are some picks for the youngsters.

Jungle Emperor Leo Pound Puppies: Puppy Party Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Earth’s Last Stand

Gallup Sun • Friday December 16, 2016

19

CBPP Report: New Mexico among states with highest income inequality Income Inequality in New Mexico: A Snapshot

By New Mexico Voices for Children

A

LBUQUERQUE—New Mexico is among the states with the highest income inequality in the country, according to a new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. New Mexico ranks 12th in the country, with its richest residents—the top 5 percent of households—having average incomes 15 times as large as the bottom 20 percent of households and five times as large as the middle 20 percent of households.

The top 5 percent of New Mexico’s households receive 19 percent of the state’s income, even without counting capital gains.

The report, How State Tax Policies Can Stop Increasing Inequality and Start Reducing It, also shows that the concentration of income among the wealthiest residents is striking in every state—reflecting three-and-a-half decades of unequal income growth: • The top 1 percent’s share of income rose in every state and the District of Columbia—and it doubled nationally, from 10 percent to 20 percent— between 1979 and 2013, according to

Richest households capture largest share of New Mexico income

Top 5% of households…

receive 19% of income

The top 5 percent of households receive 19 percent of the income, even without counting capital gains.

Ratio of average household income for the richest 5 percent of households to the poorest 20 percent of households, 2015

Income inequality has grown in recent decades

+55%

Income change for top 1 percent of households since 1979

-9%

New York

Income change for all other households

After decades of growing inequality, New Mexico's richest households have dramatically bigger incomes than its poorest households.

$17,064

Poorest 20%

$52,747

Middle 20%

$254,096

Top 5%

Source: CBPP analysis of 2015 American Community Survey household income data. Income includes estimated SNAP payments, payroll taxes, and federal income taxes (including Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit) but omits capital gains income.

Incomes are for family of four in 2015 dollars. Top 1 percent comparison extends through 2013 and uses IRS data from EPI, “Income Inequality in the U.S. by state, metropolitan area, and county,” June 16, 2016. For more details see CBPP, “How State Tax Policies Can Stop Increasing Inequality and Start Reducing It.” This is the first in a series of products produced jointly by CBPP and EPI to explore inequality across the states and policies to reduce it.

a recent analysis of IRS data.

• The average income of the top 5 percent of households in every state is at least 10 times that of the bottom 20 percent, even excluding capital gains.

• In the ty pical state, the average income of the richest 5 percent of families ($325,928) dwarfs that of the poorest 20 percent ($22,014) a nd m idd le -i ncome fa m ilies ($66,165).

For more than three decades, income gains in the American economy have accrued largely to the richest households, while many middle and lower-income Americans haven’t shared in the nation’s growing prosperity. This has reduced opportunities for working people striving to get ahead and weakened our overall economy.

“Though the growth in inequality reflects a host of long-standing national and global economic trends some of which are outside state policy-makers’ control, New Mexico’s policy choices can make matters worse or improve them,” said James Jimenez, executive director of New Mexico Voices for Children, which works with the CBPP. “New Mexico has taken numerous actions — such as cutting income tax rates at the top and raising gross receipts taxes — that expanded inequality by shifting more of the tax responsibility to lower- and middle-income

20 Friday December 16, 2016 • Gallup Sun

California Connecticut Louisiana

Incomes of richest households dwarf those of poorest The top 5 percent of households have average incomes 15 times as large as the bottom 20 percent of households and 5 times as large as the middle 20 percent of households.

New Mexico Among States with Highest Income Inequality

19.9 16.7 16.6 15.8

Massachusetts

15.8

Illinois

15.6

New Jersey

15.6

Florida

15.6

Georgia

15.6

Texas

15.4

Kentucky

15.2

New Mexico

14.9

Mississippi

14.8

North Carolina

14.7

Tennessee

14.7

Alabama

14.6

South Carolina

14.6

Arkansas

14.5

Rhode Island

14.5

Oklahoma

14.4

residents. The state should adopt a more balanced approach that increases the share of taxes paid by high-income earners.”

The report offers recommendations about how state tax policies can be used to begin to reduce inequality. They include: • Retain or expand taxes on inherited wealth, such as the estate tax.

• Eliminate costly and ineffective tax breaks for corporations.

• Expand earned income tax credits, such as New Mexico’s Working Families Tax Credit, which boost incomes among low-and moderate-wage working families.

• Maintain an overall tax system that raises sufficient revenue to pay for the building blocks of shared prosperity.

“The fact that the lion’s share of income gains has gone to the wealthiest residents contradicts the basic American belief that hard work should pay off—that the people who contribute to the nation’s economic growth should reap their share of the benefits of that growth,” said Elizabeth McNichol, a senior fellow at CBPP the author of the report. “Such inequality is both a barrier to Americans striving to provide for themselves and their families and a drag on future economic growth.

Reducing it should be a high priority for state policy-makers.”

COMMUNITY

SPORTS 360 PERSPECTIVE ...

The Coach’s Korner: Resolution Success in 2017

By Greg McNeil Sun Columnist

A

s Ch r i s t m a s d ay comes and goes like the steady urgency of BNSF trains and the upcoming New Year is fast on its heels there is little doubt that our minds once again turn towards our health and the resolutions we plan for 2017. However, as the seasons pass we get older and the lack of success from the previous years becomes increasingly difficult to take. Your New Year resolutions need to work for you, but how? What will be different this year than the previous year?

Thankfully there are a few steps you can take that will put you on the path to greater success in 2017. Let us begin.

Step one. Review the past year and take note of any setbacks that may have derailed your progress. Did old or untreated medical conditions such as nagging back pain, knee pain or gout interfere with your progress? Issues involving any parts of the skeleton system create instability of movement, pain and considerable discouragement. Check these off right away before you get started.

Step two. Review your plan before you start. What do you need to be consistently successful in 2017? Can you successfully train on your own or do you require instruction?

Do you need a facility closer to you or one that has hours that fit your schedule? Make your plan with the intent to succeed.

Step three. How will you measure success? Is it 5lbs lost, 10lbs gained on the bench press or the ability to move with SPORTS

greater ease? A sound understanding of nutrition can help with the fluctuating nature of weight loss as well as having an application for what we do when we start lifting weights. The ability to apply resolutions to your overall lifestyle greatly improves your chances for success.

Remember, the point of the New Year’s resolution is to increase your chances of success in areas where you have not succeeded. To succeed in 2017 you need to review, plan, develop new skills and then train like champions.

Coach G G reg McNeil is a S t r o n g F i r s t In s t r u c t o r, P rofe ssio n a l Stre n gth & Conditioning coach, Licensed Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Life Coach, Author and the owner of Gallup School of Strength (www.gallupschoolofstrength.com)

‘YOU’RE IN’ GABSA picks new board | FROM PAGE 1 Lundstrom’s suggestion at the two teams joining GABSA. Lundstrom noted that the Grants summer baseball and softball league is going through some growing pains, saying the number of participating teams in that league has dwindled over the years. Lundstrom pledged to help out in whatever capacity possible.

“We’re very happy with the new board members,” Houghtaling said. “I think everyone looks forward to the start of the 2017 season.”

Raney noted that last year’s city league featured teams ranging in age from 5 to 18 years old. There were a little more than 1,100 participants in the league, which is comprised of baseball and softball teams, Raney said.

In existence for four years, the Gallup Amateur Baseball Softball Association, commonly called the “city league,” is very popular. At least one of the teams has gone to Puerto Rico to play in the past-season.

That team lost both times, but players, parents and coaches have said the trips were good experiences for the kids.

The league games take place at city ball fields.

Photos from the youth 2016 baseball/softball season. Taken at Ford Canyon Park. Gallup Amateur Baseball Softball Association elected a new board this past week. Photo Credit: Ryan Hudgeons Gallup Sun • Friday December 16, 2016

21

WORK WEEK | FROM PAGE 4 on a daily basis with banks and the county treasurer’s office, and excluding Friday’s presents big problems with respect to closing sales and with regard to the finalizing of documents.

Other realtors felt the same way and told commissioners.

Jeannie Miller of Gallup’s Washington Federal asked the Board of Commissioners to think about the long and shor t-ter m i mpact of t he decision. But it was the arguments from the realtors that attended the meeting that struck a chord.

“You’re talking about a

whole day,” Karla Benefield, also of Gallup’s Century 21, said. “This makes it difficult for people to move into homes.

This is a big deal.”

CULTURAL CHANGE? Dimas called the matter something akin to “cultural change,” saying folks get so used to doing things one way that there is no consideration for doing them another way.

“We have had meetings. We have talked to our employees.

It will take some getting used to, but everybody is in favor of it,” Dimas said.

Jackson suggested that

High School Sports Scoreboard

people know what a fourday work schedule means and, therefore, personal and professional schedules can simply be reset. “I think t’s something that people will get used to,” Jackson said. “After a while, it (the work week change) grows on you.”

Should McKinley County end up going with a new work week and new work schedule, the new county office hours would be from 7 am to 6 pm, with at least one halfhour for lunch breaks, Dimas has said. Armstrong said in a subsequent comment at the commission meeting that an idea the county might want to consider is employing a “skeleton crew” type of work force on Friday.

“I don’t think you’re really losing if you do it that way,” A r m s t ron g s a id . “ T h a t ’s another way of looking at it.”

A profes sor f rom Sa n Juan College in Farmington a dd re s s ed t he McK i n ley County Commission about a month ago and spoke about the pros (mostly pros) and cons of a four-day work week. San Juan

County switched to the fourday system in 2013.

The four-day work week would be administered on a trial basis for up to three years, unless terminated by the board of Commissioners or made permanent by a personnel

ordinance amendment, county officials have said.

When the work week matter does come back up, Tanner won’t be a commissioner. Bill Lee won the District 3 commission seat and starts the job in January.

the ADVERTISE inGALLUP SUN

- IT'S FREE! - IT'S FREE ONLINE! - LARGE DISTRIBUTION ZONE - CAPTIVATING COVERS

s want p! r e d a e R us u to pick

l deals!

specia ates and

at r

CALL

r gre today fo s u L I A

or EM

(505) 728-1640

gallupsun@gmail.com | www.gallupsun.com

CLASSIFIEDS GALLUP BENGALS Boys Basketball

43-44 12/8: AHA vs Miyamura 46-44

(2-6) 12/13: St. Pius X @ Gallup 50-49 12/12: Bloomfield vs Gallup 52-57 12/10: Carlsbad vs Gallup 65-35 12/9: Gallup @ Artesia 40-63 12/8: Goddard vs Gallup 67-69

(5-2) 12/10: Rehoboth @ Ramah 29-36 12/9: Rehoboth @ Zuni 57-42 12/8: Dulce vs Rehoboth 61-33

Girls Basketball

(4-4) 12/10: Santa Teresa vs Gallup 25-55 12/9: Tularosa vs Gallup 54-55 12/8: Goddard vs Gallup 65-39

MIYAMURA PATRIOTS Boys Basketball

(4-4) 12/13: Thoreau @ Miyamura 42-66 12/10: Miyamura @ San Juan 43-54 12/9: Miyamura vs Fabens 77-58 12/8: Durango vs Miyamura 38-30

Girls Basketball

(2-7) 12/10: Bernalillo vs Miyamura 33-56 12/9: Miyamura vs Cobre

REHOBOTH CHRISTIAN LYNX Girls Basketball

WINGATE BEARS Boys Basketball

(1-4) 12/13: Wingate @ Aztec 42-63

Girls Basketball

(4-3) 12/10: Thoreau @ Wingate 48-59 12/9: Newcomb @ Wingate 43-58 12/8: Whitehorse @ Wingate 26-82 Scores and overall standings feature Gallup, Miyamura, Wingate, and Rehoboth high school varsity teams only, via maxpreps.com. Other high schools are welcome to submit scores and standings. Submit up-to-date varsity team scores/ standings by Wednesday to: gallupsun@gmail.com

22 Friday December 16, 2016 • Gallup Sun

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 HELP WANTED Hiring Warehouse/Delivery Driver Must Have Drivers License & own vehicle Apply at Dynamite Furniture 1102 E Hwy 66 No Phone Calls!

Freelance reporter wanted.

Email resume and clips to: gallupsun@gmail.com No phone calls, please.

YOUR BIZ HERE! Looking for some help? Why not put a shout out in the Sun! First 25 words are FREE! Email it on over to: gallupsun@ gmail.com.

HOMES FOR SALE COZY CABIN Cabin in Zuni Mountains

2 Bedrooms 20 Minutes from Grants, New Mexico 78,000.00 505-240-2112 FOR SALE BY OWNER Gallup, NM 3 Bedroom 2 Bath 2 Car Garage 1/3 acre lot Must sell, leaving country $100,000 505-339-7487 PLACE YOUR REAL ESTATE AD HERE! FIRST 25 WORDS FREE. LOGO and/or PHOTO $5 EACH. APPEARS ON GALLUPSUN.COM FOR FREE! EMAIL: gallupsun@gmail.com CALL: 505-728-1640 HOME FOR RENT 1 bedroom unfurnished house for rent. 1 year lease required.

For information CALL 8634294 before 7 pm

HOUSING WANTED Teacher with good cat seeks Gallup 2-bedroom apartment or house, late Dec., $500/mo if possible, 6-month or mo-tomo lease. 406-217-8698.

MOBILE HOMES MOBILE HOME SPACES Mobile Home Spaces – Single wide – any size $205/mo. Double Wide $260/mo. Call Mike 505-8703430 or Carmelita 505-870-4095.

STORAGE SPACE 1000 sq ft of storage for vehicles or large items. $500/mo.

Call Phyllis 505-870-0730 VEHICLES For sale 1994 crown vic $600 runs great some front-end damage 505-297-3902 SELL YOUR VEHICLE IN THE GALLUP SUN! FIRST 25 WORDS FREE!

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

Gallup Sun Publishing PO Box 1212 Gallup, NM 87305

CLASSIFIEDS

COMMUNITY CALENDAR DEC. 16 - 22, 2016 FRIDAY Dec. 16 NATHAN N. NEZ, SR. ARTIST EXHIBITION Through December, Nathan N. Nez, Sr.’s work will be on display at the Main Library.

Octavia Fellin Public Library, 115 W. Hill Ave. BILL OF RIGHTS EXHIBITION KIOSK An info kiosk in honor of the 225th Anniversary of the Bill of Rights, which was ratified on Dec. 15, 1791 and made officially part of the Constitution.

The kiosk was created by the National Archives in Washington D.C. and contains facts and fun information about one of our country’s most sacred documents — it will be on display until the end of the month. Octavia Fellin Public Library, 115 W. Hill Ave. FREE COMPUTER CLASSES IN DECEMBER! 10:30am – 12:30 pm: Beginning Facebook.

The library is offering free computer training throughout the month of December. Class size is limited to 10 participants per session. Registration is required, to register call (505) 863-1291 or email libtrain@gallupnm.gov or visit the front desk of the library.

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

Children’s Branch, 200 W. Aztec Ave. This week: Arthur Christmas SATURDAY Dec. 17 OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS Overeater’s Anonymous CALENDAR

12-step meetings. Held every Sunday at 6 to 7 pm. at the Hozho Center, 216 W. Maloney. Open to anybody who has a desire to stop compulsive eating. Contact info. (505) 307-5999, (505) 721-9208, or (505) 870-1483.

SUNDAY Dec. 18 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. SUPPORT GATHERING Every Saturday throughout December, from 12 to 4 pm, there will be a Support Gathering for the NO Dakota Access Pipeline Water Protectors and Piñon Pipeline Project Resisters at the Gallup Cultural Center located at 201 E. Hwy. 66. The chapters to be impacted are Nageezi, Lybrook, Counselor, Pueblo Pintado, Whitehorse Lake, Baca-Prewitt and other Navajo Communities along the way.

WEDNESDAY Dec. 21 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 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. Starts: 5 pm.

Children’s Branch, 200 W. Aztec Ave. HOLIDAY HIJINKS FILMS Free weekly movie.

Popcorn provided.

CALENDAR

5:30-8:30 pm. Octavia Fellin Public Library, 115 W. Hill Ave. This week: I’ll Be Home for Christmas NOOMA At 7 pm, a dialogue study of some of the basic elements of Christian faith, with a video curriculum called Nooma created by Rob Bell will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 151 N.M. 564 (Boardman Drive near Orleans Manor apartments).

Each week we will discuss a different topic of our faith. Persons of all faiths or no religious affiliation are welcome. For more information, contact Pastor Lorelei Kay (505) 905-3247.

THURSDAY Dec. 22 CRAFTY KIDS (ALL AGES) Fun crafts for the whole family (all ages). Starts at 4 pm. Children’s Branch, 200 W. Aztec Ave. ONGOING ARTSCRAWL ArtsCrawl is held the second Saturday of every month from 7 to 9 pm, downtown Gallup. Not held January and February.

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.

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 Public Library: 115

W. Hill Ave. COMMUNITY PANTRY The Hope Garden offers organic produce for sale from 10 am - noon, Tue – Fri., 1130 E. Hassler Valley Road. All funds go to helping feed local folks. Call (505) 726-8068 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, Gallup Solar, is hosting free Solar 101 classes about all things related to off-grid solar systems on the first three Wednesdays of each month, 6 - 7 pm, at 113 E. Logan Ave. All welcome any week. No registration required. For info call: (505) 728-9246.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Habitat for Humanity work sessions held each week.

Volunteers to serve on decision making meetings or wish to volunteer at or help fund construction projects. Call Bill Bright at (505) 722-4226 for details.

OPEN-MIC NIGHT Wednesdays: Local talent takes center stage from 7:30 - 9:30 pm at Coal Street Pub, 303 W. Coal Ave. (505) 722-0117.

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. Note: Not held in December SAVE THE DATE UNM-G WINTER BREAK The University of New Mexico-Gallup Campus will be closed for Winter Break from Dec. 23 –Jan. 2. The campus will reopen for business at 8 am. on Jan. 3, 2017.

RMCHCS AUXILIARY AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS Scholarships each fall and spring semester to students pursuing an education in medical or health careers. Applicants must be full time students, have completed 12 college credit hours, and have at least a 2.0 GPA. Application deadline for the spring 2017 semester is Jan. 3.

Applications are available at the UNM-Gallup Financial Aid Office and at the RMCH information desk.

For more information call (505) 863-7325.

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION UNM-G Jan. 7: 9:30-11:30 am. For all incoming freshmen including transfer students.

UNM-G, Student Services and Tech Center Room 200, 700 Gurley Ave. 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 December 16, 2016

23

The Last Minute Christmas SALE

Many items 25% to 50% off!

8.95” Windows 10 Touch Screen Tablet $

129.99

Today

109.97

Today

39.99

$

Today

Naxa 40” LED Widescreen HDTV Today

89.99

59.99

$

Craig 2.1 Channel Tower Speaker System

Craig Quad Core 10” HD Touch Screen $

Craig Quad Core 7” HD Touch Screen Tablet $

249.99

$

Quadrone X-XD $

119.99

Quadrone i-Sight $

149.99

49.97

$

Today

48” Collectible Doll My Best Friend Today

19.99

$

$

74.97

52” Standing Dog & Bear Asst $

49.99

Today

39.97

$

Craig Twin Water Dancing Speakers w/Bluetooth $

34.99

$ $ Today 29.97 Today 112.49 89.99 Travel Centers of America Voted WE EXTENDED OUR SALE I-40, Exit 16 (HWY 66) 12/16 TO 12/21!

BEST 3404 W. Highway 66 Today

$

Prices subject to change, stop by the store today!

TA/Petro locations while supplies last.

additionalDecember items!

24Plus Friday 16, 2016 • Gallup Sun

Gallup, NM 87301

(505) 863-6801

*2015 professional Driver survey

*Results based on TA survey of professional truck drivers.

CLASSIFIEDS