March 11, 2017

Voters Guide, Page 6-7

State champions, Sports Page 1

Weekend March 11-12, 2017 Number 90 Volume 130

A day in the Life Page 21

GALLUP, NEW MEXICO 87301

©2016 THE GALLUP INDEPENDENT CO. http://www.gallupindependent.com

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PHONE 505-863-6811

Coleman charges dropped Attorney says state plans to prosecute Indian trader on other claims

By Bill Donovan Independent correspondent cops@gallupindependent.com

Coleman

GALLUP — The continuing legal battle surrounding Indian trader Steve Coleman took another twist Friday when the McKinley County District Attorney’s Office announced it was dropping the state charges against him.

Coleman, 56, was scheduled to go on

trial Tuesday on two counts of receiving stolen property. Earl Rhodes, the prosecutor in the case, filed a motion, however, telling District Court Judge Robert Argon that his office was no longer planning to prosecute him on those charges.

Instead, he added in his motion that his office was planning on filing additional felony charges against Coleman next week.

The state charges — which center on accusations that Coleman had in his posses-

sion artwork stolen from the homes of two Gallup residents in 2005 and 2006 — were filed in May. There had been questions from the beginning as to whether these charges could be filed because of the statute of limitations. Coleman’s attorney Steve Seeger last week filed a motion arguing that these charges should be dismissed because the

See Coleman, Page 5

HUMANS HURT HABITATS

McKinley to readdress uranium mining halt

By Sonia Waraich Staff writer county@gallupindependent.com

GALLUP — Annie Benally was only in high school when uranium mining began in her community of Red Water Pond Road. At the time, none of the residents were told of any of the environmental or health impacts of uranium mining.

“We were just told we’re getting a uranium mine and jobs,” Benally said.

Four decades later, Benally, whose home is surrounded by three abandoned uranium mining and processing sites that have yet to be cleaned up, said she has seen both the uranium miners and those downwind from the mines die in droves, primarily from cancer, and can’t sit back and let the prospect of uranium mining continue to loom over the area.

While she wasn’t able to attend the Jan. 3 meeting of the McKinley County Board of Commissioners, when the commissioners voted to turn down a

See Uranium halt, Page 5

By Vida Volkert

Blood test ruled valid in vehicular homicide case

Staff writer eastnavajo@gallupindependent.com

By Bill Donovan

Cable Hoover/Independent

The moon rises over the summit of Mount Taylor in Grants Wednesday.

Elk stable, deer in decline in New Mexico

G

Independent correspondent cops@gallupindependent.com

RANTS — While the elk are stable in New Mexico, the deer population is in decline, according to researchers.

The New Mexico Wildlife Federation reports the state’s native elk, the Merriam’s elk, was driven to extinction by market hunting and uncontrolled grazing in the early 1900s. Numerous organizations then started transplanting small groups of a different subspecies, Rocky Mountain elk, from the Yellowstone region to areas ranging from the Pecos and Sangre de Cristo mountains to the Jemez Mountains, Mount Taylor and Grant County.

In little more than a century, elk numbers rose from zero to at least 70,000, and perhaps as many as 95,000, according to the state Department of Game and Fish.

The elk population at Mount Taylor,

See Elk, deer populations, Page 5

Cayla Nimmo/Independent

A herd of elk roam the grounds surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park northeast from Crownpoint March 4.

GALLUP — A district court judge refused to suppress the results of a blood-alcohol test in a vehicular homicide case.

Darryl Paul, 26, of Thoreau, is scheduled to go on trial April 11 on charges of homicide by a vehicle (DWI) in connection with the May 11, 2013, death of Sandy Lisa Tom, 19, of Churchrock, who was a passenger in his car at the time.

Paul’s case was hung up over a year Paul because the crash connected to the case occurred in a portion of land that was part of a jurisdictional dispute. A 2015 New Mexico Supreme Court ruling upheld the jurisdiction of the state,

See Paul case, Page 5

Lundstron bill seeks cracksdown on store-front lenders

By Sherry Robinson Independent correspondent

SANTA FE — This might be the year the state finally gets a handle on store-front lending.

House Bill 347, by Rep. Patty Lundstrom, D-Gallup, would make loans of $5,000 or less subject to the Small Loan Act, eliminate processing and

handling fees, cap annual percentage rates at 175 percent, exempt refund anticipation loans, and make lender reports confidential. It would also ban payday loans, loans for less than four months, single payment loans and balloon payments. However, delinquent fees would rise from 5 cents to 10 cents per dollar loaned, and the charge for insufficient-fund

checks would be $35.

The House Judiciary Committee approved the bill on a 9-1 vote Thursday night, sending it to the House floor.

“We need to make sure the consumer financial market works for everyday New Mexicans, not just the well-connected,” Lundstrom said in a statement. “New Mexicans deserve access to loans with fair inter-

est rates, without hidden risks and outrageous fees attached.”

During her first appearance before the committee, its members balked at the 175 percent interest rate — groups such as grassroots economic development advocacy organization Prosperity Works have advocated 36 percent — but lenders have insisted that they can’t survive at the lower rate. Com-

mittee members and advocates also wanted the tax refund anticipation loan included in HB 347. Lundstrom has said those loans are a different animal.

Although the Small Loan Act regulates lending in the state, the Legislature did away with usury rate limits years ago, so lenders can charge what they want for interest and fees.

Rates on title loans have soared upwards of 450 percent

See Legislature, Page 5

Page 2 —

The Independent — Gallup, N.M. — Saturday, March 11, 2017

Back when Feb. 6, 1932 Charles Vidal, one of the founding fathers of Gallup, died today of a heart attack.

Vidal, who was 73, moved to Gallup in 1888.

Ten years later, he established the Vidal Hardware Company, a business that flourished in downtown Gallup for nearly a century.

Vidal himself operated the business until he retired in 1919.

Born in Farno di Rivira, in northern Italy, Dec. 20, 1859, Vidal left his homeland when he was 14 years old.

For the next 14 years he traveled throughout Europe and northern Africa, spending time in Algeria, Germany and France before coming to the United States in 1886. After landing in New York, he spent the next two years in Missouri and Oklahoma.

“He came to Gallup as a man of 30 and worked here as a miner,” the Gallup Independent article stated.

After working in the mines for a few months, he became a contractor for the Gallup-Fort Defiance, Arizona, route during which “he had some of the most colorful pioneer day experiences between 1892 and 1896.”

It was during this time he proposed to a widow, Mrs. Dominica Rollie, mother of Dominic and Joe Rollie, of Gallup, and John Rollie, who is in South America.

Marriage stilled the urge to travel, which is why he decided to start his own business.

After the death of his first wife, he married his sister-in-law, Miss Rosina Percarlo.

Other children who are listed as survivors were S.P. Vidal, who is a county commissioner, and P.J. Vidal — children of his first marriage — and Joe, Charles Jr., Katherine and John — children from his second marriage.

Funeral services were held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Vidal was also a member of the Foresters of America.

During his years with the club, he was elected to every official position, serving as treasurer until just a few years ago.

— Bill Donovan, correspondent

LOCAL

‘IT’S ALL IN THE HEART’ Coyote Canyon runner to compete in annual Baker to Vegas Relay Run Staff writer education@gallupindependent.com

Training session at Gallup Fitness Center The long-distance runner begins each day by running

NTUA to break ground on HQ FORT DEFIANCE, Ariz.

— The Navajo Tribal Utility Authority’s management board and employees will be celebrating the groundbreaking of the utility authority’s new headquarters complex in Fort Defiance, Arizona, starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday.

The event will start at the old Fort Defiance school, and shuttle rides will be provided to the groundbreaking site east of the Fort Defiance Hospital, Deenise Becenti, the utility authority’s spokeswoman, said.

“We’ve been in our present headquarters office since the early 1960s, so we are very excited to open new doors,” Becenti said.

Lunch will be served.

By Shaquana Desiderio

GALLUP — Your palms sweat as you stand at the starting line. The only opponent worthy of challenging you is the scorched, monolith of a hill standing before you.

Suddenly, your heart convulses in your chest as you see your teammate racing toward you to release the baton that marks the beginning of an unforgiving and perilous journey through the abyss of Death Valley, California.

For Nelson McCabe, of Coyote Canyon, a two-time runner in the annual Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay, running is the standard routine of life. The 55-yearold runner has been running since the early 1970s as a teenager in high school.

Throughout his running career, he has attended 32 marathons, including the Boston Marathon in which he placed 598 out of 17,813 runners in 2000. He was 32 at the time.

The Coyote Canyon celebrity will embark yet again on the Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay to support police organizations from all over the United States. McCabe will be among 27 officers from the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety running a total of 120 miles through the desert region of Baker, California, to Las Vegas, Nevada, March 25-26.

“It was an honor because my father served as police officer back in the ‘70s and I have a son right now working with the law enforcement in Crownpoint, New Mexico,” McCabe said.

Initially, McCabe was approached by a private investigator from Shiprock to participate in this year’s run.

He called McCabe and asked him if he would be interested in competing. McCabe agreed wholeheartedly, so the training began.

What’s News

— Vida Volkert, staff writer Cable Hoover/Independent

Runner Nelson McCabe is planning a run from California to Las Vegas.

5 miles in the morning and ending each day with 5 miles in the evening. McCabe said he completes a total of 60 miles a week on average.

He trains at the Gallup Fitness Center by running on the treadmill for five to six hours. His routine always begins with a stretch, a run, biking and side-steps. He follows that up with an occasional weight-lifting session to help build leg muscle.

For some runners, daily runs are crucial for conditioning the body. But for McCabe, training also includes taking aerobics and Zumba classes at the fitness center.

“Aerobics is a good workout,” McCabe said. “Zumba is also fun. I found that these workouts really focus your mind.”

In addition to his extensive training at the fitness center, McCabe said he also runs 10 miles around the vicinity of Gallup, running both sandy hills and paved roads to train for the upcoming relay run in Baker.

McCabe said running hills daily is crucial for building leg muscle and helps when he’s face to face with a road notoriously known for its winding hills through the seemingly endless desert.

He is often complimented and encouraged by others at the fitness center for his physical demeanor and passion for running. McCabe said a lot of people have either said, “You look good for a 55-year-old,” or, “Man, you don’t even look that old,” to which McCabe replies: “It’s

all in the heart. You just got to train and exercise.”

Such compliments from locals have greatly inspired his motivation to keep running. He looks forward to competing in the relay for two consecutive years.

Baker to Vegas Relay Race This annual race is conducted each year by the Los Angeles Police Revolver and Athletic Club. Each relay team is divided into sections according to each participant runner. For the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety team, participants will be divided into 27 sections. McCabe will compete in the seventh section, which is 6-7 miles through arid landscape and blazing heat.

He will run the same section he ran the previous year.

McCabe had no problem accepting a section infamously known as Death Valley for its desert terrain.

He was asked to compete in this same course by the team leader who felt this was something the 55-year-old could accomplish easily.

“I like the challenge,” McCabe said. “I had a team mate tell me that the reason I was chosen to run the same section again was because I was a strong runner. I’ve met some people that said it was the toughest course.”

In 2016 the team finished fifth place in the overall relay race in 14 hours and 20 minutes at 6:40 a.m. They also took first in the mixed

division, which was based on their individual race times.

McCabe’s family members, including his son, have expressed their concerns about his general health given his recent knee surgery, but he is eager to run despite all challenges.

“My son last year told me he was worried about the race, but I said that I could make it and that I never really had any problem,” McCabe said. “I just go out there and enjoy myself.”

The team this year anticipates to finish in first place for the overall relay race.

McCabe hopes to beat his personal time.

Advocate for health As an advocate for health, McCabe has competed in every Just Move It running event for the past four years.

“I just encourage a lot of people to run,” McCabe said.

“I always tell them you just have to run your heart out, wherever you are, just take your time. You’ll always feel better.”

He talked about encouraging people with diabetes to run. Many of the people he talked to said they consider him a role model for the younger generation. McCabe said he plans to continue running and advocating for health on the reservation.

“I’ll still be running even when I’m 80 years old,” he jokingly added while playing footage from his marathon race in Boston.

Senate panel OKs $6.1B budget bill SANTA FE — The Senate Finance Committee approved a $6.1 billion budget bill, along with $350 million in tax increases Friday.

The measure moves to the Senate floor.

The committee’s Democratic leaders have said they opposed making any more cuts to public schools, health care and other state services. The measure offers a small increase for schools and the courts along with a slight reduction to higher education.

Gov. Susana Martinez has said repeatedly that she would not approve tax increases, although she might look favorably on closing some loopholes.

— Sherry Robinson, correspondent

Santa Fe County man sentenced for tribal trespass ALBUQUERQUE — A Santa Fe County man was sentenced to 90 days in prison for trespassing onto Nambe Pueblo land despite being banned by tribal leaders.

Federal prosecutors said 32-year-old Steve Romero pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of criminal trespass during a hearing Friday in Albuquerque. As part of his sentence, he must also serve a year of supervised release.

Romero, who is not a pueblo member, was charged in June after he entered tribal land after being banished by the tribal council.

— Associated Press

OBITUARIES/LOCAL

Deaths

The Independent — Gallup, N.M. — Saturday, March 11, 2017 — Page

3

Shirley A. Bowman

Calvin John Tsosie

CROWNPOINT — Funeral services for Shirley A. Bowman, 67, will be at 10 a.m. Monday, March 13, 2017, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Gallup. Burial will be in Tohatchi Community Cemetery. A viewing will be at 9 a.m. Monday, March 13, 2017, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Bowman died March 8, 2017, in Crownpoint. She was born Feb. 25, 1949, in Rehoboth, into the Sleeping Rock People Clan born for the Folded Arms People Clan.

Bowman attended Churchrock Elementary School and Jefferson Elementary School and graduated from Wingate High School in 1967. She attended Western New Mexico University in Silver City, the University of New Mexico-Gallup and Diné College in Tsaile, Arizona. Bowman worked for the Gallup Independent and the FBI in Washington. She was a teacher’s assistant at Chuska Boarding School in Tohatchi, a Navajo language and culture teacher at Crownpoint CommuniShirley A. ty School, and a Bureau of Indian Education language teacher at Diné College Bowman in Crownpoint. She was a professor at Highlands University, Navajo Technical University, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Duke University, University of New Mexico, Harrisburg University, University of Southern California and University of California at Berkeley. She was also an editor for numerous publications. She enjoyed weaving, gardening, traveling, cooking, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, and loved being a grandma.

Survivors include her sons Charley H. Begay Jr., Hagan H. Begay and Derek H. Begay; daughter Debbie L. Begay; brother Raymond Bowman; sisters Grace B. Etsitty and Shirleen B. Capitan; and one grandchild. She was preceded in death by her father Arthur Bowman; mother Elizabeth Bowman; brother Arthur Bowman Jr.; maternal grandparents Charlie Shirley and Annie Shirley; and paternal grandparents Ben Bowman and Alnosbah Bowman.

Pallbearers will be Damian Arthur Abeita, Cameron James Abeita, Derrick Begay and family members.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

NASCHITTI — Funeral services for Calvin John Tsosie, 59, will be at 10 a.m. Monday, March 13, 2017, at Naschitti Christian Reformed Church. The Rev. Bobby Boyd will officiate. Burial will be in Naschitti Community Cemetery.

Tsosie died March 6, 2017, in Albuquerque. He was born Dec. 15, 1957, in Rehoboth, into the Towering House People Clan born for the Salt Water People Clan.

Tsosie attended Naschitti Elementary School and Intermountain Indian School. He worked in Idaho and received his certification in auto mechanics in Lawton, Oklahoma. Tsosie also worked with cattle and horses at home and in Arizona and was a brick layer and stone mason for Gallup Indian Medical Center.

He had various jobs as a security guard and in elder home care. Tsosie enjoyed playing drums, gardening, doing woodwork, leather crafting, cooking and riding horses. He loved the Lord and reading God’s word.

Tsosie also loved the outdoors, camping at Bible conferences, visiting family, and his nieces and nephews.

Survivors include his wife Virginia Tsosie, of Manuelito; daughter Jamie Astor, of Reno, Nevada; brother Joseph Tsosie Jr., Terry Tsosie and Andy Tsosie, of Naschitti; sisters Ethelyn Rodriguez, of Bloomfield, Thelma Lou Tsosie, of Naschitti, Sophia Peshlakai, of Naschitti, Selma Johnson, of Churchrock, and Esther Lou Tsosie, of Naschitti; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Joseph Tsosie Sr., mother Esther B. Tsosie and brother Andrew Tsosie.

Pallbearers will be Andrew Zechariah Tsosie, Terrance Tsosie, Terry Tsosie, Anthony Tsosie, Aiden Tsosie and Anthony Steven David.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the Naschitti Chapter House.

Cope Memorial is in charge of arrangements.

John Emerson Largo Jr. AZTEC — Funeral services for John Emerson Largo Jr., 85, will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 11, 2017, at Tinian Mission Church west of Torreon. The Rev. Edison Ramone will officiate. Burial will be in Star Lake Cemetery.

Largo died March 5, 2017, in Aztec. He was born Jan. 3, 1932, into the Salt People Clan born for the Tall House People Clan.

Largo served with the Farmington Police Department and started with the Navajo Police Department in Window Rock, Arizona, as a patrolmen. He achieved the rank of captain at the Shiprock Navajo Police Department and the rank of major at the Crownpoint Navajo Police Department. Largo graduated from the University of Virginia with a master’s degree in criminal science and graduated from the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He continued to work with the Crownpoint Police Department under the Bureau of Indian Affairs Criminal Investigation until his retirement. Largo enjoyed fishing, sports, and spending time with his family and John Emerson grandchildren.

Largo Jr. Survivors include his daughter Christina Martin, son Christopher Largo and brother Kenneth Largo. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Largo; sisters Elizabeth Ramone, Bertha Mescal and Marie Largo Sam; brothers Jose Largo, Fred Largo and Steve Henderson; and parents John Chavez Largo and Marta Delgarito Largo.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Tinian Mission Church.

Cope Memorial is in charge of arrangements.

Prison fugitive who killed 2 on run dies in Colorado lockup ALBUQUERQUE (AP) — An inmate convicted of killing two people in New Mexico while on the run after escaping from an Arizona prison has died at a maximum-security federal prison near Florence, Colorado.

John McCluskey, 52, died Tuesday. The Federal Bureau of Prisons website confirmed the death.

Prison officials did not return calls for comment about how McCluskey died. During court proceedings several years ago, attorneys said he was in poor health.

McCluskey escaped from a state prison in Kingman, Ari-

zona, July 30, 2010 along with inmates Tracy Allen Province and Daniel Renwick. McCluskey’s girlfriend Casslyn Mae Welch helped them escape.

Days later, McCluskey and Province carjacked Oklahoma residents Gary and Linda Haas at an Interstate 40 rest stop just inside the New Mexico line. McCluskey shot and killed the couple near Tucumcari, New Mexico. The escaped inmates then drove the Haas’ trailer to a remote part of Guadalupe County and set fire to it with the dead couple inside.

McCluskey and Welch were arrested in Arizona,

Aug. 19, 2010, after a highly publicized nationwide manhunt. Province was arrested in Wyoming.

In 2013, a federal jury in Albuquerque convicted McCluskey of murder. He was sentenced to life in prison after a jury considering the death penalty could not reach a unanimous verdict required to impose it.

Province is serving a life sentence in a state prison in Arizona. Welch is in a federal prison in Fort Worth, Texas.

One of McCluskey’s attorneys, Gary Mitchell, could not be reached for comment Thursday.

GALLUP AND VICINITY WEATHER High

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

67° 28° Low

Sunny to partly cloudy and mild

ALMANAC Statistics for Gallup (Lat. 35.5N, Long.

108.8W) for yesterday.

Temperature High .............................................. 72 Low ............................................... 21 Normal high .................................. 55 Normal low ................................... 22 Barometer at 1 p.m. ............ 30.20 in.

Humidity at 1 p.m. ..................... 12%

Precipitation 24 hrs ending 1 p.m. Friday ..... 0.00” Month to date ............................ trace Normal month to date .............. 0.27” Year to date .............................. 2.65” Normal year to date .................. 1.80”

Partly sunny and Mostly sunny and mild mild

69°/28°

68°/31°

SUN AND MOON Today

Warm with plenty Mainly cloudy and mild of sunshine

72°/33°

Sunrise ........... 6:31 a.m. ..... 7:30 a.m.

Sunset ............ 6:19 p.m. .... 7:20 p.m.

Moonrise ........ 5:41 p.m. .... 7:41 p.m.

Moonset ......... 6:03 a.m. ..... 7:39 a.m.

The patented AccuWeather.com RealFeel Temperature® is an exclusive index that combines the effects of temperature, wind, humidity, sunshine intensity, cloudiness, precipitation, pressure and elevation on the human body.

RealFeel Predicted Temp Temp

MOON PHASES Full

Last

71°/34°

TEMPERATURES Tomorrow

New

Mar 12 Mar 20 Mar 27

First

Apr 3

SKY WATCH Arcturus of Bootes is a red giant, 25.7 times that of the sun.

TODAY’S NATIONAL FORECAST Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bands are highs for the day.

FORT DEFIANCE, Ariz. — Funeral services for Billy Tsosie, 63, will be at 10 a.m. Monday, March 13, 2017, at Upper Room Church in Salina Springs, Arizona. The Rev. Frank James will officiate. Private disposition will be in Salina Springs.

Tsosie was born July 2, 1953, in Ganado, Arizona, into the Bitter Water People Clan born for the Towering House People Clan.

Tsosie graduated from Chinle High School in 1970 and continued his education at Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute where he received a degree in telecommunications. He worked more than 20 years with Navajo Communications and was a dedicated worker and kind man. Tsosie loved music and had a passion for playing his guitar.

Survivors include his daughters Teresa Tsosie, Christina Tsosie and Davina Tsosie; brother Joe Tsosie; sister Oleta Curtis; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother Hijobah Tsosie and father John Hasteen Bizaholoni.

Pallbearers will be J.D. Charles, Lewis Spencer, Larry Curtis, George Tsosie, Joe Tsosie and Jodie Tsosie.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Upper Room Church at noon March 13, 2017.

Area in brief Talent show GALLUP — Auditions for the Gallup High School Team Bengals Talent Show will be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, and Thursday, March 16, in the Gallup High School auditorium. There will be a fashion show as a feature in the event. Auditions are open to all high school and middle school students in the district. Students must audition in order to perform in the talent show Saturday, April 1.

The audition fee is $10 and all proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society/ Relay for Life.

Information: 505-721-2518

Baahaali Chapter BAAHAALI — The Baahaali Chapter Veterans will have a meeting at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 11, and a chapter meeting at 10 a.m. Monday, March 13.

Information: 505-778-5788

Elite Invitational Tournament GALLUP — The Elite

REGIONAL

Today noon .............. 72° ........... 62° Sunday noon ............ 70° ........... 62° Monday noon ........... 75° ........... 61° Tuesday noon ........... 76° ........... 65° Wednesday noon ..... 70° ........... 65°

EXTREMES

Yesterday Tomorrow Aspen 57/27/pc 49/23/pc Colorado Spgs. 54/23/pc 67/30/pc Cortez 69/24/pc 66/31/pc Durango 67/24/pc 61/30/pc Moab 74/36/pc 71/38/pc Pueblo 61/27/pc 74/31/pc

High: Yuma, Ariz. ......................... 91° Low: Flag Island, Minn. ...............-15° New Mexico

High: Alamogordo ........................ 82° Low: Angel Fire ............................ 16° Arizona

High: Yuma .................................. 91° Low: Bellemont ............................ 23°

WEATHER TRIVIA™ Q: Where did the blizzard of 1888 reach its full fury?

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. © 2017 Saturday, March 11

Invitational Tournament will be from Friday, March 17, through Sunday, March 19.

Divisions are high school boys and girls and 12 and under coed. Entry fee is $150 for high school divisions and $120 for 12 and under co-ed.

Information: Dion Mitchel, 505-879-3128

Yesterday Tomorrow City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Bullhead City 84/55/s 91/66/pc Casa Grande 87/52/s 87/54/s Coolidge 88/50/s 87/55/s Flagstaff 66/27/s 66/32/pc Globe 82/48/s 79/49/s Grand Canyon 70/26/pc 67/27/s Kingman 80/42/s 83/47/s L. Havasu City 89/59/s 92/63/pc Mesa 87/58/s 88/59/s Phantom Ranch 72/42/pc 69/35/pc Phoenix 90/58/s 89/62/s Prescott 75/39/s 76/40/s Sedona 79/52/s 77/51/pc Tucson 91/54/s 88/55/s Winslow 82/33/s 76/37/s Yuma 91/58/s 92/62/pc

Alamogordo Albuquerque Angel Fire Carlsbad Chama Clayton Cloudcroft Clovis Farmington Grants Hobbs Las Cruces Las Vegas Los Alamos Raton Red River Roswell Santa Fe Silver City T or C

Fastpitch softball meeting GALLUP — The Gallup NAFA Wood Bat Fastpitch Softball 2017 League meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, at the Gallup Aquatics Center on Boardman Avenue.

Information: C.B. Barton, 928-245-8775; or Kimmeth Yazzie, 505-593-1640

71/45/pc 70/43/pc 52/23/pc 67/43/s 52/25/pc 71/33/s 57/32/pc 69/37/s 68/33/pc 70/27/pc 61/44/pc 73/46/pc 67/30/pc 61/36/pc 68/27/pc 48/21/pc 70/41/c 66/33/pc 70/41/s 72/47/pc

Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

Don’t drink and drive The truth well told

Independent

TEMP. TRENDS Actual

Average

3

4

Record

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

REGIONAL FORECAST Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s high’s and tonight’s low’s.

Richfield 63/35

Delta 65/35

St. George 78/49

Montezuma Cortez Creek 67/32 73/38 Kayenta 67/39

Lake Havasu City 90/62

Grand Canyon 66/30

Yesterday Tomorrow Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W 82/39/s 76/44/s 59/16/s 79/43/s 60/30/pc 60/34/pc 64/41/pc 65/42/pc 72/30/pc 74/21/s 72/42/s 81/44/s 70/27/pc 67/30/s 66/28/pc 63/26/pc 76/40/s 71/33/s 75/38/s 81/49/s

GALLUP — The Republican Party of McKinley County will have a meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 23, at Sammy C’s Rock N’ Sports Pub & Grille, 107 W. Coal Ave., in Gallup.

Information: 505-796-6433

GALLUP — The Bereavement Support Group will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 15, and at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at the Gallup Masonic Center, 4801 E. Historic Highway 66.

Information: Robert, 505863-4627

lic hearing at 10 a.m. Monday, March 13, 2017. The Community Land Use Planning Committee is working toward its recertification. Community input is needed.

NEW MEXICO City

Republican Party meeting

Crownpoint Chapter Bereavement CROWNPOINT — Crown- Support Group point Chapter will have a pub-

ARIZONA

National (for the 48 contiguous states)

A: The Hudson Valley and New England

TODAY

Billy Tsosie

Chinle 69/34

Tuba City 72/38 Window Rock Flagstaff 67/28 Gallup 65/33 67/28 Holbrook Zuni 73/35 68/32

Phoenix 89/61

Durango 63/31 Shiprock 70/37 Crownpoint 65/34 Grants 69/29 Albuquerque 73/40

Socorro 78/40

Mesa 87/58

Salida 56/35

Roswell 81/38

Truth or Consequences Las Cruces 80/46 80/45

Tucson 89/56 Nogales 86/47 Heroica Nogales 85/50

Ciudad Juárez 84/52

El Paso 84/51

24-HOUR CONDITIONS Today

4 am Humidity 64 Wind Direction VAR Wind Speed 3 Barometer 29.99

8 am 62 VAR 1 30.05

Noon 23 NNE 6 29.95

4 pm 8 pm 12 am 4 am 19 40 61 77 NNE VAR VAR VAR 9 3 2 3 29.86 29.96 30.08 30.19

Page 4 —

The Independent — Gallup, N.M. — Saturday, March 11, 2017

OPINION New York Times editorial

Missing in action on immigration McKinley County makes the right decision

T

he McKinley County Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting Tuesday afternoon to clear up a possible problem centered around the commission’s recent decision to reject efforts by local environmental groups to pass a resolution calling for a three-year ban on any uranium mining on county lands.

The groups wanted the ban to allow the commission time to delve deeper into the issue to see what possible effects uranium mining had on the area and its people.

The commission, which has been looking at renewed uranium mining as a possible source of new income, rejected the idea.

Just days after that vote, however, officials for the New Mexico Environmental Law Center issued a news release saying it planned to file a lawsuit against the county for not giving proper notice for the meeting.

In most cases like this, such a notice is ignored and either the group backs off its intention or there is a legal battle, but in this case the county did something that is not done very often: The county decided to hold a “We agree that any meeting to readdress the issue to make certain the uranium mining in county complies with the this area would be state Open Meetings Act. County Attorney bad for the Doug Decker, when he discussed the reasonenvironment, at ing behind the meeting, least until more stressed that the county studies are done on officials still feel that notification was safety measures ... ” proper given, but there is a possibility that if this made its way to a court hearing, the county would be found to be in the wrong and would be forced to hold a meeting to address the issue again anyway in order to comply with state law.

To avoid that possibility and save a lot of taxpayer money that would have gone to pay for the legal battle, the county decided to go ahead and hold that meeting, which is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon after the commission has it regular meeting Tuesday morning.

However, anti-uranium groups said they feel proper notice wasn’t given since the meeting was originally planned for the second week of January and they only learned about the meeting during the New Year’s holiday, at which time it was too late for many of them to make arrangements to attend and — as we all know — the public has a fundamental right to know.

They also said they had been working with the county for several weeks on the ordinance banning uranium mining, but the meeting that took place in January did not address the actual ordinance, instead adding three other options for the county to consider.

The county selected the third option, which took the teeth out of the ordinance and turned it into a resolution that would not ban uranium mining, but rather support the efforts of any groups that might want to hold public meetings in the area to collect and analyze information on the impacts of uranium mining.

The groups say the meeting is not intended to revisit the moratorium and will instead revisit the third option selected by the commissioners, making it a meeting only for show.

We agree that any uranium mining in this area would be bad for the environment, at least until more studies are done on safety measures, and we hope the commission uses this second chance to listen to the concerns of its county citizens and do what is best for the entire community.

In this space only does the opinion of the Gallup Independent Editorial Board appear

“I

have never had a problem speaking truth to power,” said John Kelly, the retired general, in January. “I firmly believe that those in power deserve full candor and my honest assessment and recommendations.”

Well, then. If Kelly was speaking honestly — under oath, at the hearing on his nomination to be homeland security secretary — what has he been waiting for? Why is he not out there reminding all who will listen, but particularly his boss, President Donald Trump, of the sensible things he told senators barely two months ago, explaining what a reasonable border and immigration policy might look like?

Instead, Kelly is giving every indication that he and his vast department are fully on board with executing Trump’s fixation on protecting the nation from an imaginary siege at the southern border, while waging an all-out deportation campaign against millions of unauthorized immigrant workers and families who pose no threat to the nation. It’s a misguided, self-destructive direction to take the country.

Kelly should be stepping on the brakes, not the gas.

The latest evidence, first reported by Politico, is a draft Department of Homeland Security budget that would bulk up border spending at the expense of the Coast Guard, the Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The Coast Guard would be cut 14 percent, from $9.1 billion to $7.8 billion. Cuts to the TSA and FEMA would be about 11 percent, to $4.5 billion and $3.6 billion, respectively.

The senselessness of such cuts is obvious if you understand some basic concepts. Like, the Coast Guard guards our coasts. It plays a major role in interdicting drugs at sea.

The TSA keeps bombs off our planes. FEMA helps people after disasters. If your goal at Homeland Security is security for the homeland, you recognize that the job is more complicated than contracting out one 2,000-mile wall.

Kelly showed he understood this when he spoke to the Senate.

On the wall: “As a military person that understands defense and defenses, a physical barrier in and of itself will not do the job.”

On Central American migrants: “They don’t — most of the time don’t — come here for any other purpose than

to have some economic opportunity and to — and escape violence.”

On drug smuggling in areas such as the Gulf of Mexico: “The beauty of it down there,” he said, is that United States vessels regularly capture drug shipments “in oneton, two-ton, three-ton lots,” whereas “a big take at the southwest border of, say, cocaine or something like that, might be five, 10, 15 kilos.”

On drug smuggling in general: “If we were to block the network so nothing could get through the southwest border, the so-called balloon effect, they would find other ways around it. The profits are so outrageous, that is why I believe it’s all about the demand.”

The entire hearing might boil down to one exchange.

“What is your highest priority when you are considering anti-terror efforts?” Sen. Jon Tester of Montana asked.

“Stopping them somewhere well away from our country,” Kelly replied.

That is, not at the Mexican border, or the interior.

These were rational words by a seemingly sensible nominee. But in the weeks since there have been daily accounts of parents, children and students terrorized and deported in raids by ICE and the Border Patrol. The Muslim ban has been rejected by the courts and now revived.

The Homeland Security Department is considering separating Central American children from their mothers at the border, a shocking abuse of traumatized families who — as Kelly himself admits — are fleeing for their lives. He defended the policy as a way of deterring migrants from the dangerous trip. That is cruelty disguised as compassion.

His plan to create an office to publicize crimes by unauthorized immigrants — shaming and demonizing the entire population — is more nakedly vicious, guilt by association, a reflection of the old strain of U.S. intolerance that brought us internment camps and miscegenation laws.

Is Kelly — a tough, sensible general — being silenced? If he can’t get the message to Trump directly, why doesn’t he get booked on “Fox & Friends,” the morning talk show that doubles as the president’s daily intelligence briefing? If he won’t speak the truth, he’s misusing his power.

The Washington Post Writers Group

Down the conspiracy rabbit hole

W

ASHINGTON — When he was Ronald Reagan’s secretary of state, George Shultz was once asked about the CIA’s disavowal of involvement in a mysterious recent bombing in Lebanon. Replied Shultz: “If the CIA denies something, it’s denied.”

Has there ever been a more dry, more wry, more ironic verdict on the world of espionage? Within it, there is admission and denial, smoke and mirrors, impenetrable fog and deliberate obfuscation. Truth? Ask the next guy.

Which is why my default view of espionage is to never believe anyone because everyone is trained in deception. This is not a value judgment; it’s a job description.

We learn, for example, from Tuesday’s spectacular WikiLeaks dump that among the CIA’s various and nefarious cybertools is the capacity to simulate intrusion by a foreign power, the equivalent of planting phony fingerprints on a smoking gun.

Who are you going to believe now?

I can assure you that some enterprising Trumpite will use this revelation to claim that the whole storyline pointing to Russian interference in the U.S. election was a fabrication.

And who was behind that? There is no end to this hall of mirrors. My rule, therefore, is: Stay away.

Hard to do with Washington caught up in one of its periodic conspiracy frenzies. Actually, two. One, anti-Donald Trump, is that he and his campaign colluded with Russian intelligence. The other, anti-Barack Obama-CIA-“deep state,” is that Obama wiretapped Trump Tower to ensnare candidate Trump.

The odd thing is that, as of today, there is no evidence for either charge.

That won’t, of course, stop the launch

of multiple all-consuming investigathan a zombie invasion. Nevertheless, tions. one could spin a milder — and more (1) Collusion: plausible — scenario of executive James Clapper, Obama’s director abuse. It goes like this: of national intelligence, who has The intelligence agencies are been deeply and publicly at odds with allowed to listen in on foreigners.

Trump, unequivocally states that he But if any Americans are swept up has seen zero evidence of any Trump in the conversation, their part of it is campaign collusion with Russia. Nor supposed to be redacted or concealed has anyone else. to protect their identity. According The contrary suspicion arises to The New York Times, however, because it’s hard to explain why the Obama administration appears to Michael Flynn falsely have gone out of its way to denied discussing sanctions make sure that information with the Russian ambassapicked up about Trump dor and why Jeff Sessions associates’ contacts with falsely denied having Russians was as widely any contacts at all. That disseminated as possible. suggests concealment. But Under Obama, did the there was nothing inherentagencies deliberately abuse ly inappropriate with either the right to listen in on forbehavior. So why conceal? eigners as a way to listen in, Suspicion, nonetheless, improperly, on Americans?

Charles is far short of assertion — If they did, we will find Krauthammer out. But for now, all of this and a fairly thin basis for a major investigation, let is mere conjuring. There is alone for a special prosecutor. To no evidence for either the collusion prosecute what exactly? or the wiretap charge. We are headed (2) Wiretap: down a rabbit hole. An enormous The other storyline is simply amount of heat and energy will be fantastical. Congressional Republiexpended, ending — my guess — cans have uniformly run away from roughly where we started.

Trump’s Obama-wiretap accusation.

What a waste. There is a major naClapper denies it. FBI Director James tional agenda waiting to be debated Comey denies it. Not a single memand enacted. And there is trouble beber of Trump’s own administration is yond the cozy confines of the capital willing to say it’s true. that needs to be confronted. Self-creLoopier still is to demand that ated crises can leave us distracted, Congress find the truth when the spent and unprepared when the real president could just pick up the phone thing hits. and instruct the FBI, CIA and DNI It’s unquiet out there. North Korea to declare on the record whether this keeps testing missiles as practice for ever occurred. And if there really attacking U.S. bases in Japan. Meanwas an October 2016 FISA court while, we are scrambling to install an order to wiretap Trump, the presianti-missile shield in South Korea as dent could unilaterally declassify the early as next month. Fuses are burninformation yesterday. ing. When the detonations begin, we’d The bugging story is less plausible better not be in the rabbit hole.

LOCAL

The Independent — Gallup, N.M. — Saturday, March 11, 2017 — Page

Uranium halt

Coleman

Continued from Page 1 proposed three-year moratorium on uranium mining in the county, she said she is going to make sure to attend the special meeting regarding the activity at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Commission Chambers on the third floor of the McKinley County Courthouse, 207 West Hill Ave., in Gallup.

The special meeting will not discuss the original ordinance that proposed the county place a three-year ban on uranium mining, processing and exploration and conduct a minimum of six public meetings to gather information on the impacts of uranium mining.

Tuesday’s meeting will instead discuss the resolution that was passed by the commission Jan. 3, which states the county will support any group’s effort to hold public meetings within the county to gather information and will help connect those groups to other agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and other levels of government that may be able to help.

Reasons for filing Open Meetings violation The meeting is being held in response to an allegation of an Open Meetings Act violation the county received Feb. 15 regarding the Jan. 3 meeting.

Susan Gordan, coordinator with the Multicultural Alliance for a Safe Environment, a statewide alliance of organizations dedicated to helping communities impacted by uranium in the Southwest, said the alliance notified the state Office of the Attorney General

5

Mining updates The U.S. EPA and Navajo EPA will give a detailed update on the activities at the Northeast Church Rock mine, the Kerr-McGee/Quivira mines and the United Nuclear Corporation Mill site from 4-7 p.m. April 11 at the Gallup Community Service Center, 410 Bataan Veterans St. that proper notice wasn’t given ahead of the meeting.

The date of the meeting was changed at the last minute, Gordon said; the meeting was originally scheduled to take place the second week of January, but the group’s members found out during the New Year’s holiday that the meeting would be taking place Jan. 3.

Gordon said that didn’t give the members — including the Red Water Pond Road Community Association, of which Benally is a member — time to make arrangements so they could attend the meeting.

Only three county residents — Janene Yazzie, Talia Boyd and Mervyn Tilden — ended up speaking in support of the moratorium.

The Jan. 3 meeting also did not discuss the ordinance Gordon said the alliance had been working on with the commission for several weeks. The meeting instead included that ordinance as one of four options the commissioners could approve. The third option, which was approved and is the subject of the special meeting Tuesday, was selected.

Yazzie told the commissioners they had not received any information about the four options until shortly before the meeting while they had been working on the moratorium for three years.

County Attorney Doug Decker said members of the county felt enough notice had been given — the Open Meetings Act requires a minimum of a 72 hour notice — but were holding the special meeting to avoid a costly legal battle. If the alliance were to win the legal battle, the county would have to revisit the issue anyway.

Reasons for nixing the moratorium At the Jan. 3 meeting, the commissioners gave a number of reasons for rejecting the moratorium. For instance, Commissioner Bill Lee pointed out that about 80 percent of the county’s 5,450 square miles of land was under the jurisdiction of the Navajo Nation, which passed a permanent ban on uranium mining more than 10 years ago, and other tribal land, so the county only has jurisdiction over the remaining 20 percent.

Gordon said that doesn’t change the fact that the people asking for the moratorium are still county residents, who live and vote in McKinley County and “the county commissioners should be responsive to the community members who are asking for this ordinance.”

While there is no active uranium mining or processing on any of the county’s land, there are proposed mines that could happen on privately owned land surrounded by the Navajo Nation, Gordon said.

Commissioner Carol Bowman-Mus-

kett made the motion to accept the third option, citing the state’s funding issues as the reason to keep from financially obligating the county in any way.

Decker said passing the ordinance as is could also cost the county $35,000$50,000 in legal expenses if a legal challenge came up.

But Gordon said the moratorium wouldn’t financially burden the county as much as commissioners believe because the county would not be conducting an intensive public health survey; it was being asked to hold six information-gathering meetings over the course of the three years.

Decker, however, said the costs would be down the line when an ordinance would be passed after the threeyear moratorium ran its course. The county would be responsible for the enforcement and administrative costs, he said.

The reasoning behind selecting the third option was that the groups could connect with agencies that had the resources to conduct the information-gathering meetings, Decker said, and it would not obligate the county to conduct those meetings.

While the county can put in place land-use moratoriums, they could only be for limited amounts of time as determined by the Supreme Court, Decker said.

Commissioner Genevieve Jackson unsuccessfully tried to table the action for a month to gather more comments from the public since those in favor of the moratorium had not seen the four options ahead of time and letters were still coming in from others as the meeting was starting.

The motion died for lack of a second.

Continued from Page 1 prosecution could not prove that Coleman received these stolen items within the period when the charges could be filed.

The prosecution still has the option of filing charges stemming from other arts and crafts items found in Coleman’s house that are alleged to have been stolen from area residences.

This includes several rugs that were stolen from local historian Martin Link in 2015, which Link identified from photos taken by the New Mexico State Police after Coleman was arrested for shooting and killing his neighbor’s dog.

In two weeks, Coleman is scheduled to start serving a seven-year federal prison sentence for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Paul case Continued from Page 1 so McKinley County District Attorney Karl Gillson refiled the charge.

In February, however, Paul’s attorney Steve Seeger filed a motion arguing that a U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding the taking of blood-alcohol samples at a hospital may have a bearing on the case.

In Birchfield v. North Dakota, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a motorist couldn’t be deemed to have consented to a blood test voluntarily if there was an implied threat by the arresting officer that failure to agree would result in a higher criminal penalty.

But District Court Judge Robert Aragon said the Birchfield decision doesn’t apply in this case.

When Paul was transported to the hospital, his blood was drawn and revealed a blood-alcohol level of .10. Aragon ruled that he agreed to the blood test before police read to him the part of the Implied Consent Advisory that deals with possible penalties if he refused to allow the blood-alcohol test to be done.

“The defendant was never told that he would suffer loss of privileges or a greater criminal penalty if he refused to take the test,” Aragon said in his ruling.

Legislature Continued from Page 1 and installment loan interest can be even higher.

Governor’s veto fallout

Cable Hoover/Independent

Vegetation is exposed by the melting snow on the upper slopes of Mount Taylor in Grants Wednesday.

Elk, deer populations Continued from Page 1

gastrointestinal tract of animals that acts as a habitat for bacteria and other microorganisms that help break down plant tissue.

Cole said the deer population has gone from 8,000 to about 5,000 in about 20 years on the Navajo Nation,.

“One of the things that we know, from 20 years ago, our fawn per doe ratio was way better,” Cole said. “We used to have 50 to 60 fawns per 100 does. Now we are seeing 15 to 20 fawns per every 100 does. It usually is one of two things, habitats or predators.”

however, has been in decline. In response, the department cut the number of antlerless licenses there.

Jeff Cole, wildlife manager with Navajo Nation Fish and Wildlife, said the Navajo Nation has seen an increase in elk and that some of the new herds may have migrated from Mount Taylor.

“Our numbers are increasing. We didn’t have elk 20 years ago. They are on the rise right now,” Cole said Friday. “They basically moved in from Arizona, mostly, and from Mount Taylor, from the Grand Canyon, and from Colorado. I think there was a lot of restoration around us and that is resulting in them coming to us now.”

Deer healthy at El Malpais, El Morro

The deer are not as vigorous Studies show the deer population in the state has been in decline for several decades, and scientists believe drought and human encroachment are causing their habitats to shrink. As a result, the deer are not as vigorous.

The New Mexico Wildlife Federation reports deer north of Interstate Highway 40 are generally doing better than those to the south because the north part of the state tends to receive more moisture and habitat goes hand in hand with precipitation.

“Due to the relatively small size of

Vida Volkert/Independent

A mule deer stands alert on Mount Taylor in Grants in this undated photo. their rumen, deer require high levels of nutritious forage,” the Wildlife Federation reports. “While elk are generalist grazers that can live on lower quality of forage and have adapted to a wide range of conditions and vegetation, deer need quality forage typically

found in early-stage plant communities such as green, leafy forbs and select brush species like mountain mahogany — species that thrive after fires, clear cuts, even plowed fields and landscaped lawns.”

The rumen is a portion of the

Steve Baumann, resources management chief at El Malpais and El Morro national monuments, said the deer population seems relatively healthy at the monuments in the Zuni Mountains.

He said the numbers have not gone down. What has changed is the deer and pronghorn antelope habitats and, with that, their movement patterns.

“The animals are going to go where the vegetation is, and that could be in response to drought,” Baumann said, adding that deer and pronghorn are being spotted on higher elevations searching for forage, where they may become more vulnerable to predators.

Fallout from the governor’s veto of the “Teachers are Human Too” bill continues.

House Bill 241 would have allowed teachers to take up to 10 sick days without it affecting their performance evaluations. The Senate passed the bill unanimously Monday; the House had passed it 64-3.

Gov. Susana Martinez wrote in her executive message that she believed in having teachers, not substitutes, in the classroom and said the bill would increase costs.

Sen. Craig Brandt, R-Rio Rancho, wrote in a message on social media site Twitter: “It’s inexcusable that the governor would veto HB 241. I will be moving to override this veto.”

Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard, D-Los Alamos, who is an educator and one of the bill’s sponsors, said, “Gov. Martinez could not have had the best interest of New Mexico kids, parents, or teachers in mind when considering this legislation.”

Winter Shelter If you see a person down and out or if somebody needs shelter for the night, please call Metro Dispatch:

505-722-2002

Page 6 —

The Independent — Gallup, N.M. — Saturday, March 11, 2017

VOTERS GUIDE

Gallup City Council Districts 1 & 3 March 14, 2017

District 1

Linda Garcia runs unopposed, wants to continue work

By Kyle Chancellor Staff writer city@gallupindependent.com Twitter: @KylechanCity

GALLUP — District 1 City Councilor Linda Garcia, who is running unopposed in the March 14 regular municipal election, wants to continue working for better salaries for city employees while continuing to be a voice for her community.

Garcia, 61, was born and raised in Gallup and has been the District 1 councilor for the past four years. Before she was a councilor, she worked for the city for 25 1/2 years as a legal assistant in the city’s prosecution office. After retiring from the city, Garcia became involved with a neighborhood association on the north side as a

way to help deal with several “drug houses” in the neighborhood. She said their association has two active groups that she meets with monthly to discuss neighborhood issues.

Garcia said the first four years in the position have been Linda Garcia a learning experience for her.

She said she still wants to work on some of her original priorities, including better wages for city employees and infrastructure improvements.

As a former city employee, Garcia said she knows the wages could be better. She said she would like to see the wages be comparable to neighboring cities such as Farmington, but Gal-

lup hasn’t gotten there yet. She said this was still on her priority list after four years.

Another issue Garcia said she still would like to work on is infrastructure improvements, especially speed bumps on neighborhood streets.

Garcia said the administration been a big proponent of infrastructure improvements such as streets and sidewalks. She said she wants to continue using her discretionary funds for streets in her district.

She also hopes to get some speed bumps on neighborhood streets. After hearing complaints from constituents about speeding vehicles on neighborhood streets, Garcia went to Public Works Director Stan Henderson to ask about the speed bumps. Because they make it difficult for snow plows, Henderson suggested other options

including digital speed signs and more stop signs, Garcia said. But she hopes to get more speed bumps.

“These next four years, I am going to put as many speed bumps on residential streets as I can,” Garcia said.

On panhandling, Garcia said that other than ordinances the council has passed, there isn’t much more the city can do. Unless officers witness the crime of aggressive panhandling, individuals have the right to be there, Garcia said.

On a different note, she said the city is focusing, and will continue to focus, on the treatment of individuals who suffer from substance abuse.

She said the city could “absolutely do more,” but they are trying and planning to continue looking for avenues for treatment, calling it a “must.”

District 3

Angela Chavez focuses on business, city infrastructure

By Kyle Chancellor Staff writer city@gallupindependent.com Twitter: @KylechanCity

GALLUP — District 3 Gallup City Council candidate Angela Chavez hopes to fix major issues such as city infrastructure, panhandling and lack of businesses downtown if elected in the March 14 regular municipal election.

Chavez, 51, owner of Angela’s Cafe, has lived in Gallup for the past 24 years and is passionate about what she calls the “little hidden treasure” that is Gallup. In her time here, Chavez and her former husband have owned three separate businesses with the cafe being the most longstanding.

Chavez said the biggest issues she would like

to see fixed if elected are the state of the city’s infrastructure, especially waterlines and streets; the lack of businesses and overabundance of empty buildings downtown; and the prevalence of panhandlers.

Chavez said the current Angela Chavez administration’s priorities have been misplaced, and she described Gallup’s infrastructure as “crumbling.”

“Spending money on the airport should not be a priority,” Chavez said. “Closing Third Street to change the crossing should not be a priority.”

Chavez said streets are an issue that everyone

in town deals with and that the city should focus on remedying. She added she would like to see a full-time grant writer hired by the city as a constant effort to bring in funds that could be used to fix infrastructure.

Chavez said panhandling in Gallup has created an environment that is unsafe for residents and unappealing for visitors.

“I feel, as a citizen, uncomfortable to do some things in town,” Chavez said. “Panhandling and public intoxication has become excessive.”

She said the city should pursue creative solutions to help those on the streets dealing with addiction. She suggested putting individuals to work instead of taking them to Na’nizhoozhi Center Inc. for detox, from which they are just turned back out on the streets.

“There are solutions to this, we just have to find them,” Chavez said.

Another important issue Chavez would like to see focused on is the amount of vacant buildings downtown as well as the need for more businesses in the area. She said “economic repositioning” could be beneficial for the city and could improve the downtown area.

She added the city should implement some sort of ordinance or incentive that could help fill vacant downtown buildings with new, different businesses. Additionally, she said the old school mentality of keeping out competition held by some business owners downtown is only detrimental to the area and the city. The city as a whole needs more things for both visitors and residents to do, she said.

Esco Chavez wants to improve on what Gallup’s got

By Kyle Chancellor Staff writer city@gallupindependent.com Twitter: @KylechanCity

GALLUP — District 3 Gallup City Council candidate Esco Chavez wants to expand mainstay Gallup events, bring in more visitors through “sports economics” and focus on infrastructure improvement if elected in the March 14 regular municipal election.

Chavez, 59, was born and raised in Gallup.

He said he began working for the city at the age of 14 while still finishing his diploma at Gallup High School. After college, Chavez spent 10 years teaching at Gallup Middle School. While there, he coached the football and wrestling. In 2000, Chavez began again working for the city as parks superintendent before being promoted to the di-

rector of the parks, recreation and senior programs. Chavez spent 10 years in the city before moving back to teach at Gallup-McKinley County Schools.

Chavez said the city should be focusing on expanding and better utilizing its assets in or- Esco Chavez der to bring in more visitors.

He said this could be done by putting turf on the fields of the soccer complex or finishing the turf on all of the fields of the baseball complex, followed by bringing in and promoting regional and national tournaments to the city. Chavez calls this “sports economics,” and believes the city could benefit from it.

Chavez also said events like the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial, the Wild Thing Rodeo and the

Lions Club Rodeo could be huge draws for the city if utilized and promoted better.

Other issues Chavez said he’d like to see fixed if elected are the conditions of city streets and the prevalence of panhandlers.

“You hear it everywhere you go, it’s always potholes and panhandlers,” Chavez said.

Chavez said that when he ran for mayor eight years ago, potholes were a priority to be assessed, and not much has been done since then. He said the city needs a solid plan, such as patching or repaving one block a week until the entire city has been fixed. Chavez said the city had crews in the 1970s that would drive around almost constantly hot patching potholes. He said now the city is always “passing the buck” on fixing roads.

Panhandlers are another big problem for both residents and visitors of Gallup, he said.

“You know, people are accosted by panhan-

dlers, and we have, I don’t know how many ordinances, but how many people are getting arrested?” Chavez asked.

Panhandling is not illegal, but aggressive panhandling is — wherein people ask others repeatedly for money even after being denied or ask for money in an aggressive way.

Chavez said Gallup could begin a program, like the one being used in Albuquerque, in which the city gathers panhandlers or homeless individuals each day and gives them a job pulling weeds or picking up trash. Chavez said that needs to be a part of the process that gets individuals into treatment, into jobs and out of the cycle of alcoholism.

Chavez said the opportunity to run for City Council is his chance to give back to the community he calls home.

“I want to be a voice for this community,” he said.

Yogash Kumar wants to continue infrastructure, economic growth

By Kyle Chancellor Staff writer city@gallupindependent.com Twitter: @KylechanCity

GALLUP — District 3 City Councilor Yogash Kumar said he has stuck to his priorities the past four years and will continue to work on infrastructure improvements and economic development if re-elected in the March 14 regular municipal election.

Kumar, 51, moved to Gallup in 2001 and has spent the past four years on the Gallup City Council. He is also on the Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors and owns three hotels locally as well as

others across the state.

Kumar said the priorities he started with four years ago still ring true today, and he will continue to work on them if re-elected to the position. Those priorities are systematic infrastructure improvement as well as improving tourism and eco- Yogash Kumar nomic development.

Kumar said the administration he has been a part of has spent more money on infrastructure and done more infrastructure improvements than past administrations. As a part of systematic infrastructure improvements, the city has be-

gun sidewalk and gutter construction projects in each of the four districts. The first two parts of the projects took place in Kumar’s district along Country Club Drive, between Logan Street and Philipina Avenue, and on Red Rock Drive.

Kumar also said that he has put aside $800,000 in bond funds for street remilling in his district.

On economic development, Kumar said there is still work to do. He said that over the past few years, he has taken it upon himself to attend conferences and other educational opportunities — at his own expense — to better serve the economic needs of Gallup.

The number of vacant buildings downtown is often a concern of citizens and tourists alike.

Kumar said the city cannot force building owners to open businesses in those locations, but they can make downtown more attractive in the hopes of bringing new businesses to the area.

Part of this is about to happen, Kumar said, as the city prepares for the Coal Street alley cleanup project. He also said lodgers tax funds can be targeted better to bring more tourists to the area.

On panhandlers, Kumar said there is not much more the city can do to curb the issue.

He said the city has approved ordinances aimed at aggressive panhandlers, but unless they are caught in the act by police officers, the ordinances cannot be enforced. He added that individuals panhandling have a right to be there, as long as they are not being aggressive.

■ The District 1 and District 3 Gallup

City Council positions will be decided

by Gallup residents who live in those districts in the March 14 regular municipal election.

■ Polls will be open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at all regular city voting convenience centers.

Independent file photo

In this April 7, 2009, file photo, poll worker John Carabajal, left, stands by the ballot machine while Frank Sanchez fills out his ballot at Redrock Elementary School in Gallup during a Gallup City Council runoff election.

VOTERS GUIDE

The Independent — Gallup, N.M. — Saturday, March 11, 2017 — Page

7

THE BEST CANDIDATE?

Cayla Nimmo/Independent

From left, District 1 City Councilor Linda Garcia, District 3 City Councilor Yogash Kumar, and District 3 candidates Angela Chavez and Esco Chavez participate in a forum hosted by KGLP and the Gallup Independent at the Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce in Gallup March 1.

City Council hopefuls address alcohol problem, Indian center, recycling, state budget at forum Regional Behavioral Health Center in Shiprock for treatment. She said NCI had “gone to hell” and needs to be revived to better serve people, adding there should be more than a 12-hour hold for individuals. She suggested holding individuals until they could be picked up by a family member or friend.

By Kyle Chancellor Staff writer city@gallupindependent.com Twitter: @KylechanCity

G

ALLUP — Candidates and incumbents in the upcoming municipal election for two seats on the Gallup City Council discussed improving Gallup, substance abuse issues, infrastructure and recycling during a candidate forum March 1 at the Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce.

The forum, organized by 91.7 FM KGLP and the Independent, gathered the three candidates for District 3 — incumbent Yogash Kumar, Angela Chavez and Esco Chavez — as well as District 1 incumbent Linda Garcia, who is running unopposed.

Raymond Calderon, president of the board of KGLP, and Richard Reyes, city editor of the Independent, moderated the forum. Calderon and Reyes fielded questions from the community prior to the event and created other questions about pertinent issues facing Gallup.

Denying liquor licenses, limiting package sale hours One of the first questions asked was on the issue of alcohol sales.

Recently the City Council voted against the transfer of a dormant package liquor sales license to a location on the north side. There is also a bill working its way through the state Legislature, tailored for McKinley County, that would limit hours in which alcohol can be sold.

The candidates were asked if they thought these were effective methods for curbing alcohol abuse.

Kumar said these methods absolutely help. He said there is no reason to sell alcohol at 7 a.m. when people are going to work. He added that the council denied the license transfer because of the issues voiced by the residents of the north side, but it can still be approved by the Alcohol and Gaming Division of the state Regulation and Licensing Department.

“10 o’clock is a good time to sell alcohol in our district or in our city,” Kumar said. “7 o’clock’s just way too early.”

He went on to say that he believes Casa San Martin, aka St. Joseph’s Soup Kitchen and Shelter, and liquor stores in the area are to blame for a lot of the vagrant issues the north side faces.

Angela Chavez said she didn’t think denying transfers or changing the hours of sale were effective tools for curbing the issue. She said the time of drinking isn’t the issue as much as the irresponsible sale of alcohol. She said limiting sales or transferring ties up development for those who want to open businesses.

“We need to deal with the actual

Indian center

Cayla Nimmo/Independent

District 1 City Councilor Linda Garcia participate in a candidate forum hosted by KGLP and the Gallup Independent at the Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce in Gallup March 1. use of programs such as Rehoboth issue at hand and we have to help McKinley Christian Health Care the people who have the problem,” Services’ substance abuse treatment she said. “So I don’t think time has program and Na’nizhoozhi Center Inc. anything do to with it.”

Detox to help people break the cycle She added that she didn’t believe the transfer of the license should have of addiction. But he said that was hard with the number of liquor licenses been denied. She said it was a business that wasn’t able to be created, as held by gas stations all over town, well as lost jobs and gross receipt tax making alcohol easily available.

Garcia called the issue of subrevenue for the city. stance abuse “out of control” and Esco Chavez told the audience that Gallup has been dealing with the said the city needs an inpatient and outpatient treatment center. She comissue of alcohol abuse for decades.

He said alcoholism is a disease of the mended RMCHCS for its work on the treatment center, calling it a great mind, soul and body. He said the deopportunity to nial of a transfer help individuals. and limit of sale She agreed with time doesn’t fix Esco Chavez, the problem, but saying that transfers it. He prevention was said the solution To hear the full audio the No. 1 priority for the probof the forum online visit: and should be lem is prevenstarted early. She tion, which he also suggested believes should tinyurl.com/GallupForum working together start in the with the state, schools. the county, the Garcia said Navajo Nation she believes the methods are effective and local churches to solve the proband any positive way to get away lem. from alcohol is a plus for the city. She Kumar said the city is trying to said her decision to vote to deny the do as much as it can to help solve the license transfer came from the comissue of substance abuse by workments of her constituents, adding that ing with organizations such as the she is a voice for the people. She said Behavioral Health Investment Zone, changing the time of sales would also RMCHCS and NCI Detox. He said help the situation. it’s important for those receiving treatment to also be learning skills What more could be done and getting help with housing instead being put on the streets. to combat substance abuse? of just “It’s a never-ending battle, but we The candidates were later asked have to have these programs, make if the city could do more to combat sure they’re out there and help who we substance abuse in our area. can that want be helped,” Kumar said.

Esco Chavez doubled down on Angela Chavez said the city is his statement that the city should taking steps to help the situation, partner with the schools to push early but there are bigger steps to take. prevention of alcohol abuse.

She also commended RMCHCS for “We need to start prevention its work and added the city needs to early,” he said. “We need to start back more private sector involvement teaching our children the dangers in the solution. and the destruction of alcohol.”

She also suggested possible transportation for patients to the Navajo He said the city needs to make

Listen

The candidates were asked a question sourced from a community member from the Independent’s Facebook page regarding whether they thought Gallup should have an Indian center and, if so, what services it should provide.

All four candidates agreed the city needs an Indian center and that it could serve to teach visitors about the cultures of the people that surround Gallup.

Angela Chavez said the center could be placed into one of the vacant buildings downtown instead of having the city build a completely new facility.

Esco Chavez said the city had an Indian center in the past and thinks the city should have one again. He also said the city could put the center on land already owned by the city in a building that is centrally located.

Garcia hinted that an Indian center is already in the early planning stages by the city, adding that it could be funded through grants or Arts and Cultural District funds.

Kumar also hinted at a possible Indian center in the works, adding that an Indian market had also been discussed. He said he approached the owner of the Helig-Meyer building located on the East Y about purchasing the building for the center, but the cost was high.

said because of commodities prices, a curbside recycling program was too costly for the city. He added the program did not need to make a profit for the city, but it needs to be able to sustain itself financially.

State budget The candidates were asked, with the projected budget shortfall coming out of the legislative session, how the shortfall would impact Gallup and what should the city do to minimize any negative economic impact.

Esco Chavez said he did not know how much money the city got from the state, but did not think the budget shortfall would have much, if any, impact on Gallup.

Kumar and Garcia both said the budget cuts will affect Gallup and have already begun to affect programs and organizations in the city. They added the city will have a strategic planning summit at the end of March in which officials will discuss where cuts need to be made in the city to minimize the economic impact.

Angela Chavez said the cuts will definitely impact Gallup and that the community as a whole needs to make cuts. She said public safety and schools are usually where cuts from the state affect local communities, and the city needs to focus on funding those areas.

She suggested the city stop buying property, stop needless infrastructure expansions, such as at the airport, and focus on supporting programs that may lose vital funding.

The regular municipal election is scheduled for Tuesday, March 14.

Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at all six voter convenience centers around the city.

THE NEW MATH

Recycling Over the past year and a half, the City Council has twice voted against the issue of curbside recycling despite surveys and a vote by the community in favor of the program. The candidates were asked if they supported a curbside recycling program.

Garcia, Esco Chavez and Angela Chavez all spoke in favor of a curbside recycling program implemented by the city. Esco Chavez and Garcia both said they were in favor of the program as long as there is not an extra cost to customers. Esco Chavez suggested using the environmental surcharge fund, which comes from an existing 4 percent charge on each resident’s utility bill, to pay for the program while Garcia said she was told the surcharge would quickly run dry if used for recycling.

Angela Chavez said she supported curbside recycling, and if the citizens voted to approve the program and wanted to pay for it, then the city should support it.

Kumar said he did not support the initiative at this point in time. He

•

• • • •

The city of Gallup charges an environmental surcharge fee that tacks on an extra 4 percent on your utility bill each month.

The fee generates more than $945,000 a year.

The environmental fund currently holds about $9 million.

Curbside recycling has been estimated to cost about $1.2 million to startup.

The estimated cost to run the program every year is about $200,000.

HOW WILL THAT DRAIN THE ENVIRONMENTAL FUND?

The Gallup City Council is using the environmental fund as a slush fund for pet projects such as $3 million to impove the golf course.

Bring Gallup into the 21st century Tuesday, March 14.

VOTE WISELY — The Independent

Page 8 —

The Independent — Gallup, N.M. — Saturday, March 11, 2017

LOCAL

Standing Rock Sioux chairman addresses thousands at DC march

By Marley Shebala Diné Bureau navajo1@gallupindependent.com

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Thousands of Native Americans and allies from across the country responded Friday to the Native Nations Rise March announcement by Standing Rock Sioux Chairman Dave Archambault II. Archambault said in a news release that thousands of individuals from across the country gathered at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Office in Washington and marched to a rally at Lafayette Square.

The Washington Post reported that when marchers reached the Trump International Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue, they erected a teepee and chanted “Donald Trump has got to go” and “Shame!”

Archambault said Standing Rock inspired a global movement from Cannon Ball, North Dakota, to states across America and countries throughout the world for people to stand up for tribal sovereignty and the rights of

indigenous people.

He recalled that from the beginning, those seeking to build an empire described Native American ancestors as “limited owners” or mere occupants of the land and they were allowed to do as they wished.

Centuries later, Archambault said, this occupation of land is still happening.

“We see the alleged minority community interests of Bismarck, North Dakota, outweighing the interests of our entire tribe,” he said. “We see corporations being allowed to take shortcuts with the federal government that bypass regulations put in place to protect basic human health.

“Many tribes across this country and Indigenous Nations around the world are struggling with this very same problem — the imperialistic, conquistador spirit is so deeply embedded in Western and capitalistic society that hundreds of years later, our government is using the exact same arguments to disavow the safety and well-being of entire populations,” Archambault added.

“We are in dark and unknown territory,” he

said. “Fellow Americans; allies, I stand with you.

I hope that you understand that this is the way my fellow Native Americans have felt for centuries. Now we are all in the same boat. We are facing a regime that has no regard for American values, and does not hesitate to fly in the face of the law to benefit the immature antics of an unhinged leader and his moneyed friends. We are here to resist hate and fear.”

Archambault also presented a list of demands, which include: ■ President Donald Trump must meet with tribal leaders to hear why it’s critical that the U.S. government respect tribal rights and work with tribal leaders.

■ Tribal interests cannot continue to be marginalized in favor of the interests of corporations and other governments. Consultation is not enough; tribal leaders require consent.

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and Sens. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington; Jon Tester, D-Montana; Al Franken, D-Minnesota; Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii; Heidi Heitkamp, D-North

Udall grills Interior secretary on priorities for Indian country

Dakota; and Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nevada, called on Trump to demonstrate a commitment to working with tribes by retaining the White House Tribal Nations Conference and the White House Council on Native American Affairs Monday.

Udall said in news release these institutions are instrumental in promoting government-to-government collaboration between the executive branch and tribes and ensuring the White House and executive agencies are participating in meaningful consultation with tribal leaders and upholding trust and treaty obligations.

In a letter to the president, the senators wrote: “The Federal Government has a unique nation-to-nation relationship with American Indian and Alaska Native tribes grounded in the United States Constitution, treaties, federal statutes, and Supreme Court decisions. Tribal consultation is the bedrock on which that nation-to-nation relationship is built and, for eight years, the Tribal Nations Conference has served as a signature example of the Executive Branch’s efforts to improve consultation.”

Music to read by

By Kathy Helms Cibola County Bureau cibola@gallupindependent.com

GRANTS — Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, in his first appearance before the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, was questioned Wednesday by U.S. Sen. Tom Udall on the Trump administration’s priorities for Indian country. Udall, D-N.M., is vice chairman of the committee.

Joining Zinke on the witness panel was Paul Torres, chairman of New Mexico’s All Pueblo Council of Governors and the former governor of the Pueblo of Isleta.

Udall emphasized the importance of a strong government-to-government relationship between the federal government and Indian country and asked Zinke to commit to meaningful consultation with tribes on issues affecting their communities.

“Chaco Culture National Historic(al) Park in northwest New Mexico and its surrounding area holds enormous significance to the tribes in that area,” Udall said. “However, Chaco is in the middle of one of the most productive oil and gas regions in the country.”

He asked whether Zinke would ensure the ongoing joint resource management planning effort between the Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Indian Affairs continues so that a balance can be struck between adequately protecting Chaco and allowing for responsible development while ensuring tribes are intimately involved in the process.

Overcoming inconsistency “Consultation has been inconsistent at best,” Zinke said. “So I will commit to work together to continue that. But we have to also continue to improve what the consultation is so there’s an expectation among peers

Courtsey photo

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall directs questions to Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke in his first appearance before the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Wednesday in this screen grab. as you enter the consultation hiring freeze would impact New Mexico pueblos. processes.

“The hiring freeze that’s “On the issues of sovereignty and consultation, I being proposed is going to challenge that not every tribe be very detrimental,” Torres has the same aspirations and said. “For example, Isleta goals,” Zinke said. “We have Pueblo took 90,000 acres of to work through that in a pru- land into trust last year. It dent and timely fashion to get took us 18 years to get that a product that is acceptable to land into trust. The ball was in the hands of the BIA. the nations.”

“BIA, they don’t have U.N. Special Rapporteur Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, who enough employees to get held tribal consultations in work done in the first place, Window Rock, Arizona, and so if we lose approximately Albuquerque in February re- 4 percent of the employees garding energy development in any federal agency due to on tribal lands, said in her retirement or whatever, in end of mission report that a matter of just a few years, the United States’ regulatory you’re not going to have very regime has failed to ensure many employees left, and for effective and informed con- sure, nothing will get done at sultations with tribal govern- that time,” he said.

Zinke left the commitments.

“The breakdown of com- tee meeting early, but Udall munication and lack of good said it is critical that he hear faith involvement in the re- from tribal leaders and that view of federal projects has he will hold Zinke to his left tribal governments func- promise to return before the tionally unable to participate committee.

“So far, the actions by in consequential dialogue with the United States on President Trump and his adprojects affecting their lands, ministration have not assured territories and resources,” me that they will uphold the federal government’s trust Tauli-Corpuz said. and treaty obligations, so it is imperative that we hold Hiring freeze Secretary Zinke accountable impacts to his promise today to work Udall asked All Pueblo to improve tribal consultation Council Chairman Paul Tor- and always respect tribal sovres how a proposed federal ereignty,” Udall said.

Cable Hoover/Independent

Seattle-based singer and songwriter Jill Cohn performs at the Octavia Fellin Public Library in Gallup Thursday.

Golf gifts up lobbyist spending to $250K, other spending not reported

By Sandra Fish New Mexico In Depth

SANTA FE — Lawmakers can look forward to some golfing once the legislative session ends, thanks to $28,000 in gifts from the New Mexico Golf Tourism Alliance.

That’s just a portion of the nearly $250,000 lobbyists have reported spending on lawmakers during the session through March 8. The number only includes spending of $500 or more at a time, which lobbyists or their employers are required to report to the Secretary of State within 48 hours.

But some lobbying groups question what must be reported now or later when more comprehensive reports are due in May. For instance, neither ProgressNow New Mexico nor Everytown for Gun Safety has reported spending on canvassing to encourage support of House Bill 50, which would expand gun background checks in the state.

Sen. Clemente Sanchez, D-Grants, noted such activity Monday in questioning a bill that would have required lobbyists to report what measures they lobbied on and the posi-

tions they took. Sanchez voted against the measure, which was tabled by the Senate Rules Committee.

Pat Davis, executive director of ProgressNow, acknowledged the canvassing.

“Everytown has given a grant to ProgressNow to canvass their members,” Davis said. “They’ll report it according to their rules.”

A spokeswoman for Everytown said the group’s lobbyists won’t report the spending until May. “We have provided a grant to support this work for $12,500,” Mackey Reed wrote in an email.

“It will be part of our spending report after the legislative session ends.”

The National Rifle Association last month reported spending more than $44,000 on a digital campaign aimed at defeating HB 50.

Meanwhile, lobbyists haven’t reported spending on several items that were on the social calendar or mentioned by lawmakers, including the 100th Bill Party Feb. 24, a dinner at the Bull Ring sponsored by the New Mexico Association of Community Colleges Feb. 23, and a reception at Rio Chama sponsored by New Mexico

Health Care Executives March 2.

New Mexico In Depth tried to contact lobbyists affiliated with some of the events, but hasn’t heard back.

Other recently reported spending included $4,468 for a House Appropriations and Finance Committee dinner at Coyote Cafe Feb. 27 sponsored by the Lensic Performing Arts Center and reported by lobbyist Mark Duran.

Lobbyist John Anderson reported spending $4,020 on the same committee Feb. 11, but his report didn’t say what the spending was for, where it took place or which of his 11 clients sponsored the spending.

And Stephanie Ly, the president of the American Federation of Teachers New Mexico, reported spending $2,118 for an appreciation lunch at Picolino Italian restaurant.

Woman stabs husband, is charged

By Bill Donovan Independent correspondent cops@gallupindependent.com

GALLUP — A Gallup woman was arrested Tuesday after a family argument led to the stabbing of her husband.

Renee Deweese, 38, was charged with aggravated battery on a household member.

Gallup Police found Robin Deweese, 38, coming out of his house bleeding heavily from his right arm. He originally told police he had fallen on a knife.

After finding a huge amount of blood in the kitchen, police interviewed Renee Deweese who reportedly said, “I stabbed him,” adding the two argued over family matters and she became angry.

She reportedly said she stabbed him with a steak knife but did not know what happened to the knife.

LOCAL

The Independent — Gallup, N.M. — Saturday, March 11, 2017 — Page

9

3 Mexican citizens sentenced for selling meth

By Nathan J. Tohtsoni Shiprock Bureau navajo2@gallupindependent.com Twitter: @njtohtsoni

ALBUQUERQUE — Three Mexican citizens who were arrested for selling narcotics in Shiprock have been sentenced in Albuquerque federal court and will be deported.

Miguel Rangel Arce, 36, was sentenced on a methamphetamine trafficking charge Tuesday to 10 years in prison. Rogelio Santiago Quiroa-Valdez, 25, was sentenced Thursday to five years for the same charge.

Luis Rangel Arce, 45, and the two men were among eight San Juan County residents charged with federal narcotics trafficking offenses.

The three men were arrested in May during

a law enforcement operation that included the execution of two search warrants at residences in Shiprock and Kirtland. The investigation was initiated in response to an increase in meth trafficking in the Shiprock area. The investigation identified eight defendants who were indicted on five charges. Law enforcement authorities seized more than 2 1/2 pounds of meth, 10 firearms, approximately $1,600 in cash and a vehicle during the investigation.

The indictment charged the three men with participating in a meth trafficking conspiracy between November 2015 and March 2016, and with distributing meth on six occasions between January 2016 and March 2016. They were indicted in April.

Miguel Rangel Arce pleaded guilty Aug. 30 to participating in a methamphetamine traffick-

Mount Taylor reflection

ing conspiracy and admitted that from Nov. 24, 2015, through March 17, 2016, he conspired to distribute between 500 grams and 1 1/2 kilograms of meth to an undercover officer.

Quiroa-Valdez pleaded guilty Aug. 30, admitting that on Feb. 24, 2016, he distributed 85.5 grams of meth to an undercover police officer.

Luis Rangel Arce pleaded guilty Aug. 16 to distributing methamphetamine Jan. 11 and 14, 2016. In entering the plea, Luis Rangel Arce admitted distributing 63.17 grams of meth to an undercover officer Jan. 11, 2016, and distributing 55.3 grams of meth to an undercover officer Jan. 14, 2016. He was sentenced Jan. 5 to seven years in prison and will be deported following his prison sentence.

The trio will be deported to Mexico after they complete their sentence.

The other five defendants were indicted on drug trafficking charges. One pleaded guilty and was sentenced Sept. 27. Three have entered guilty pleas and are awaiting sentencing. The other two defendants have entered not guilty pleas and are awaiting trial.

The case was investigated by a multiagency team, including Homeland Security Investigations’ Albuquerque office and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Region II Narcotics Task Force with assistance from the Farmington office of the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement, Shiprock Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety, New Mexico State Police, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, Farmington Police Department and New Mexico National Guard.

Legler new head of Grants chamber, mining museum

By Kathy Helms Cibola County Bureau cibola@gallupindependent.com

Cable Hoover/Independent

Melting snow collects in the ruts of an off-road trail and reflects the trees covering the mountainside on Mount Taylor in Grants Wednesday.

Restaurant report

By Independent staff

GALLUP — The New Mexico Environment Department released 14 reports for inspections of food service locations conducted between Feb. 25 and March 9, of which 13 were approved and one facility — Pronto Fina — was voluntarily closed as a result of new ownership.

Four facilities had at least one violation: Fratelli’s Pizza, Wendy’s No. 3436, Big Cheese Pizza and Denny’s. Fratelli’s had the most violations at seven, but six were corrected on site.

Eight facilities had no violations noted, four were noted as being very clean, one was noted as keeping its food within a good temperature range, one facility was not serving food and another facility was not open at the time of inspection.

Etsitty Food Stand Flea Market in Gallup Status: approved. The inspector wrote the facility was very clean and no violations were noted.

Peace of Pie Various mobile locations in Gallup Status: approved. The inspector wrote the facility was not in operation at the time of inspection and no violations were noted.

Subway No. 55178 830 N. Highway 491 in Gallup Status: approved. The inspector wrote the facility was very clean and no violations were noted, but added hand soap needed to be replaced in the food preparation area.

Fratelli’s Pizza 1209 N. Highway 491 in Gallup Status: approved. The inspector noted seven violations, six of which were corrected on site.

The violations include: The prep counter was covered with food and food containers were on the debris; bulk sauces were not covered and labels were not in place; the prep table had cheeses on it at 46 degrees; prep items were not labeled and the walk-in fridge did not include labels; the handwashing sink was being used for lettuce preparation; a bowl used for flour was stored in flour and sauce cups were used as utensils in the prep sink; and the Plexiglass sneeze guard was broken and cracked. All but the last violation were corrected on site.

Kentucky Fried Chicken 1050 N. U.S. Highway 491 in Gallup Status: approved. The inspector wrote the facility had good food temperatures and no violations were noted.

Mustang No. 196 1058 S. New Mexico High-

way 602 in Vanderwagen Status: approved. The inspector noted no food was being served at this location.

El Sabino Store 1863 New Mexico Highway 602 in Vanderwagen Status: approved. The inspector wrote the facility was very clean and no violations were noted.

Wendy’s No. 3436 2410 E. Historic Highway 66 in Gallup Status: approved. The inspector noted two violations: The prep table near the drive-thru had all items out of temperature ranges, which was corrected on site, and food debris was on the fryer in the back of the facility.

McDonald’s 2300 E. Historic Highway 66 in Gallup Status: approved. The inspector wrote there were no violations noted.

Papa Johns 2102 E. Historic Highway 66 in Gallup Status: approved. The inspec-

tor wrote no violations were noted.

Chili Factory 1834 E. Historic Highway 66 in Gallup Status: approved. The inspector wrote it was a very clean facility and no violations were noted.

Big Cheese Pizza 1516 E. Historic Highway 66 in Gallup Status: approved. The inspector noted one violation: the lid on the flour bin was broken, but the issue was corrected on site.

Pronto Fina 2424 E. Historic Highway 66 in Gallup The facility was closed because of new ownership.

Denny’s 3810 E. Historic Highway 66 in Gallup Status: approved. The inspector noted three violations related to food debris: There was debris behind the ice machine, some microwaves had food debris in them, and the shelf where the microwave was located had food debris on it.

GRANTS — Tammy Legler was welcomed as the new executive director of the Grants-Cibola County Chamber of Commerce and the New Mexico Mining Museum during a reception Friday.

“I am honored to accept this position with two organizations that I truly believe in, and I am excited to work together with other local organizations to collaborate and bring new opportunities to the community and our membership,” Legler said.

Legler had served as interim executive director of the chamber and mining museum since October. She also served as museum manager and executive assistant since 2013.

Chambers play a critical role in the success of the business community, Legler said, adding that she has a deep commitment to providing the membership with opportunities and resources that will help them make the connections they need to thrive.

“We have a great foundation to build on, strong community traditions, and I look forward to reaching new levels of service to our community and our membership,” she said.

Legler plans to focus on setting up events for the June 10 Hard Hat & Boots Gala honoring women in uranium mining and getting ready for the Fourth of July celebration. Her goal is to increase attendance and bring in visitors from outside the community.

Legler also is working on better exposure for the mining museum, which celebrated its

Courtesy photo

Tammy Legler is the new executive director of the Grants-Cibola County Chamber of Commerce and the New Mexico Mining Museum.

30th anniversary in 2016. live here and they don’t even “Last year we had around know.”

8,300 people in to see the Although “Discover Grants” museum,” she said. “These has always been the main are mostly foreign travelers slogan of the chamber, Legler that are on Route 66 traveling said they recently came up with and experiencing the Mother a new theme, “Explore Grants,” Road.” which includes a mobile appliThe museum’s exhibits take cation and a team made up of the visitor from prehistoric many organizations to speardays through the carrot-growhead the initiative designed to ing years, logging of the Zuni bring more awareness to Cibola Mountains while also highCounty’s stretch of Route 66. lighting the cultures of the There is even a postcard indigenous peoples in the area. that highlights 66 things to do One exhibit is dedicated to and see in Cibola County.

Patricio “Paddy” Martinez and “We figured if we could his discovery of uranium in collaborate and have one main the Haystack area. campaign, it might help us “It’s very informational, complete what we need to do,” especially for those who say, Legler said, rather than dupli‘Well, how did you find the cating services. uranium?’” Legler said. “We Online: @exploregrants, look forward to exhibiting the @cityofgrants, #ExploreGrants, museum more. A lot of people #GrantsNM and grants.org

Page 10 —

The Independent — Gallup, N.M. — Saturday, March 11, 2017

NATION

Top Marine asks women to ‘trust us’ in nude-photo inquiry

By Lolita C. Baldor Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Fewer than 10 female victims have come forward so far in the investigation into nude photos of female service members that were posted online without their permission, the top Marine general said Friday. He pleaded with female Marines to “trust us” and reach out to make complaints or seek help.

“I need their help,” said Gen. Robert Neller, the Marine commandant. “I’m going to ask them to trust us. I understand why that might be a bit of a reach for them right now. But I can’t fix this. ... The only way there is going to be accountability in this is somebody comes forward and tells us what happened to them.”

Former and current female Marines

have said their photographs and those of women in other services were shared on social media without their consent. The other military services say that they are now looking into the matter to see if their service members are involved, but they say so far no other victims have come forward.

Nude photographs of female Marines and other women were shared on the Facebook page “Marines United,” and the accompanying posts included obscene and threatening comments.

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service launched an investigation into the matter and is urging victims of the photo-sharing to come forward. NCIS says it has received numerous tips.

Speaking to Pentagon reporters, Neller expressed frustration and disgust at the nude-photo sharing. He acknowl-

edged there are a lot of unanswered questions about what happened, how many people or Marines were involved, and what some of the legal parameters will be for punishing service members who posted or shared the photos or who made threatening comments about them.

He said the controversy has an effect on the entire Marine Corps and the investigation must be done carefully.

“We don’t want to be in a hurry. We want to make sure we’re thorough and we’re within the law,” Neller told a Pentagon news conference.

Neller has created a task force to look at the scope of the problem and any underlying issues, and to develop plans for any corrective actions, policy changes or additional training that may be needed.

Active-duty Marine Marisa Woytek

and former Marine Erika Butner appeared at a news conference in Los Angeles Wednesday to applaud the investigation.

Butner, 23, who served for four years before leaving the Marines in 2016, said she contacted investigators in January and told them there was an online storage drive that contained “indecent photos of women from all military services, organized by name, rank and even where they were stationed.”

The women’s lawyer, Gloria Allred, said there may be hundreds of such postings and that they prompted pornographic and violent replies, including some recommending that female Marines be raped or shot.

Victims can reach the NCIS by going to http://www.ncis.navy.mil/ContactUs/Pages/ReportaCrime.aspx.

Official: Fire still burning hours after Iowa derailment

AP photo/Hussein Malla, file

In this Feb. 23 file photo, Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas listens to his Lebanese counterpart Michel Aoun address a speech, at the presidential palace, in Baabda east Beirut, Lebanon.

Palestinian leader invited to White House in Trump call RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — A spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the U.S. president Friday invited him to visit the White House to discuss resuming peace talks, the first contact between the two leaders since Donald Trump took office in January.

Spokesman Nabil Abu Rdeneh said Abbas received “a very important call” from Trump in which he was invited to the White House, and that he would attend “very soon.”

White House press secretary Sean Spicer confirmed the invitation to Abbas.

“We are ready to deal with President Trump and the Israeli government to resume the negotiations,” Abu Rdeneh said. “If the Israelis are ready, President Abbas has committed himself to a peaceful deal with President Trump.”

Abu Rdeneh added that “President Trump is a very honest man, very courageous man, looking for a deal, a just deal.”

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli government.

The last round of U.S.-mediated peace talks collapsed in 2014.

Friday’s call was the first between Trump and Abbas since Trump took office.

In his efforts to secure Palestinian statehood, Abbas has spent many hours on the phone and in meetings with U.S. presidents and secretaries of state over the past decade, but has been unsuccessful when reaching out to Trump — until now.

GRAETTINGER, Iowa (AP) — A fire sparked by the derailment of a freight train hauling ethanol through rural northwest Iowa continued to burn strong nearly 15 hours later, but appears not to be leaking any significant amounts of ethanol into a creek at the site, an Iowa environmental official said Friday.

“There was a pretty big explosion about 45 minutes ago” at the site of the fire, Iowa Department of Natural Resources field office supervisor Ken Hessenius said around 3:15 p.m. Friday. “No one can get within about a third of a mile of the fire yet. It’s still pretty dangerous there.”

The train derailed and burst into flames around 1 a.m. Friday as it crossed a trestle bridge over Jack Creek that empties into the Des Moines River. It happened near the small community of Graettinger, about 160 miles northwest of Des Moines. Two train crew members escaped unharmed and no injuries have been reported.

Officials expected the fire to burn out by Saturday, allowing investigators and railroad crews to better assess the damage and clean up the area, Hessenius said.

He also said it did not appear any significant amounts of ethanol had spilled into the creek after staff from his agency checked downstream. A water sample from the creek hadn’t yet been lab tested, but Hessenius said the water appeared uncontaminated after “a smell test.”

Courtesy of KTIV via AP

In this photo made from a video shot and provided by KTIV, several tank cars burn after a freight train, carrying ethanol, derailed around 1 a.m. Friday near the small community of Graettinger in northwestern Iowa. Environmental experts were checking for ethanol leaks after the freight train derailed and burst into flames as it crossed a trestle bridge over a creek that empties into the Des Moines River.

Officials asked residents of since 2006 that released a comthree homes — each at least a bined 2 million gallons of the half-mile from the derailment fuel. Among them was a July — to evacuate, the Palo Alto 2009 accident in Cherry ValCounty Sheriff’s Office said. ley, Illinois, that killed a womThose residents were allowed an and injured nine people, into return home Friday after- cluding two firefighters, when noon after officials determined a Canadian National Railway the fire did not pose a risk to Co. train derailed at a highway them, the sheriff’s office said. crossing and burst into flames.

Palo Alto County emergenRailroads in the U.S. have cy management director Mark seen a huge surge in shipments Hunefeld said at least 27 of 101 of ethanol over the past two cars derailed. decades, transporting more Railroad personnel were than 333,000 carloads of the able to unhitch 74 loaded tank- fuel in 2014 compared to fewer ers and move them away from than 40,000 carloads in 2000, the site. Each tanker carries according to the Association about 25,000 gallons. of American Railroads. More There have been at least recent figures are not yet availseven significant accidents in- able, said association spokesvolving trains hauling ethanol woman Jessica Kahanek.

No f lush, no shower: Mississippi capital city in a water pinch

By Emily Wagster Pettus Associated Press

JACKSON, Miss. — Portable toilets are parked outside the Mississippi Capitol, city residents are stocking up on bottled water and restaurants are evaluating whether they can stay open with little or no water from the tap.

About 40,000 homes and businesses in Jackson, Mississippi, will be without water or will experience low pressure this weekend because the city is replacing a major water pipe that’s damaged.

Like other cities across the nation, Jackson faces the expensive challenge of aging in-

frastructure. The concrete water main in Jackson dates to the early 1990s and is broken in several places. It is one of many problematic pipes in a city where boil-water notices are common.

Officials say they expect water service to be affected from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon for about 60 percent of people living or working in the city of 171,000.

The city has distributed bottled water and told people to prepare for the outage by filling bathtubs so they can flush toilets and wash dishes. Fire departments from the suburbs are on standby to respond in Jackson, if needed.

Public libraries are closing, and some downtown hotels are turning away guests for the weekend. Portable toilets are also set up outside other government buildings, including the Governor’s Mansion.

Diane Alford, owner of the Two Sisters Kitchen, said her restaurant near the Capitol is always closed Saturday and she is planning to open for lunch this Sunday, as usual. The after-church crowd there fills up on fried chicken, creamed corn and bread pudding with pecans.

Alford said the state Health Department told her she could serve a limited menu of fried chicken and biscuits if the restaurant has low water pressure. But she said it’s an allor-nothing proposition: If the water pressure is acceptable, the restaurant will offer its full home-style buffet that customers expect, or if the pressure is low, she will close for the day.

“We’re doing everything we can to be prepared,” Alford said. “Fingers crossed and prayers said.”

Nation in brief Judge exempts Syrian family from Trump ban MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A federal judge in Madison has issued an order temporarily blocking President Donald Trump’s administration from enforcing his new travel ban against a Syrian family trying to reach Wisconsin.

A Syrian man filed a complaint in federal court in Madison Friday alleging the travel ban is unconstitutional and will prevent his family from leaving Aleppo and joining him in Wisconsin. The man had challenged Trump’s first travel order as well but U.S. District Judge William Conley had put the lawsuit aside after a federal judge in Washington state blocked that the Trump ban in February.

Hours after the man filed his new complaint Conley issued a temporary restraining order barring Trump’s administration from enforcing the ban against the man’s family, saying the family is in danger.

Panel rules Venezuela won’t have to pay $1.4B to Exxon Mobil WASHINGTON (AP) — A World Bank arbitration panel has determined that Venezuela will not have to pay $1.4 billion to Exxon Mobil Corp. for confiscating company assets during a wave of nationalizations.

The Washington-based panel issued a ruling that annulled most of the $1.6 billion judgment against Venezuela. The decision was celebrated in Caracas, where the socialist government of President Nicolas Maduro is facing a cash shortfall triggered by collapsing oil production.

Exxon Mobil had asked the bank’s investment dispute panel for $16.6 billion for the seizure of its Cerro Negro facilities in the Orinoco Basin under then-President Hugo Chavez.

A lawyer for Venezuela said Friday that the decision was “correct and courageous.”

White House submits some paperwork for ag secretary WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House has submitted nomination paperwork for agriculture secretary pick Sonny Perdue — more than seven weeks after President Donald Trump nominated him.

The Senate Agriculture Committee received the nomination Thursday. But it still doesn’t have Perdue’s ethics paperwork or FBI background check.

The forms are necessary to schedule a confirmation hearing.

Dog takes over as tiger cubs’ nanny at Cincinnati Zoo CINCINNATI (AP) — The Cincinnati Zoo has called again on a canine to play the role of nanny for other animals’ babies.

The latest assignment for Blakely the Australian shepherd is to be a companion for three Malayan tiger cubs.

Their mother’s maternal instincts didn’t kick in after their Feb. 3 birth, and zoo staffers have been caring for them.

The 6-year-old male dog provides snuggling, warmth and a climbable body.

Dawn Strasser, head of the Cincinnati Zoo’s nursery staff, says Blakely serves as “the adult in the room,” teaching them behaviors such as checking them when they get too rough or aggressive.

The cubs are expected to move into the zoo’s Cat Canyon this summer.

Blakely has helped raise baby cheetahs, wallabies, bat-eared foxes, and an ocelot, among other young animals.

WORLD

World in brief Slovenia winemakers want permit suspended SEZANA, Slovenia — Slovenian winemakers said Friday they expect the European Commission to suspend the procedure of issuing a permit to Croatia to use the Teran red wine brand in the 28-nation bloc.

The head of a Slovenian group to protect Teran, Marjan Colja, told The Associated Press that his group has “no doubt” documentation presented by Croatia has been “partly forged.”

The European Commission has allowed Croatian winemakers to use the name under certain conditions, but Slovenia has challenged the decision, demanding a review of the case. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said during a recent visit to Slovenia that the commission will look into Slovenia’s complaint.

“Teran is more than a wine,” Colja said. He added that in Slovenia’s Kras region, in western Slovenia, “we don’t have other industry and because of that Teran is so important.”

German police arrest woman, seek man over double killing BERLIN (AP) — German police said Friday they have arrested a 49-year-old woman and are seeking her brother in connection with the killing of two elderly people in February.

In a statement, Bavarian police said the woman was arrested in the eastern German town of Prenzlau on suspicion of accessory to murder.

Her brother, identified by police as 43-year-old Robert Pludowski, is believed to have fled the country. Pludowski, who was described as possibly armed and dangerous, is wanted on suspicion of murder and robbery.

The two victims — a 76-year-old woman and an 81-year-old man — were discovered dead Feb. 26 at a house in Koenigsdorf, about 19 miles south of Munich, police said.

The 76-year-old owner of the house was found with serious injuries and couldn’t yet be questioned. The female suspect had previously worked as a caregiver for the injured woman, police said.

The Independent — Gallup, N.M. — Saturday, March 11, 2017 — Page

11

Hungarian leader defends law criticized by UN

By Pablo Gorondi Associated Press

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Hungary’s prime minister on Friday defended a new refugee law that was criticized by the United Nations and human rights groups.

The new rules allow for the detention of all asylum-seekers, including unaccompanied minors older than 14, in shipping container camps on the Serbian border.

The Office for the High Commissioner of Refugees said the detention of asylum-seekers “will have a terrible physical and psychological impact on women, children and men who have already greatly suffered.”

But Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that the law was in line with European Union legal standards.

Orban disputed the idea that asylum-seekers in the border transit zones, which he compared to those at airports, were being locked up against their

will.

“No one is under arrest, so anyone who believes they don’t want to wait in the transit zone for the closure of their case can leave toward Serbia,” Orban said in Brussels after an EU summit. “We are not locking anyone up anywhere.”

Orban, an early supporter of President Donald Trump, also said that while no national leaders attending the EU summit objected to the new Hungarian rules, he expected a debate on the matter with the European Commission.

The new asylum rules, including the automatic deportation to Serbia of any migrant who cannot prove his legal right to be in Hungary, can be applied during a state of emergency because of migration, which was recently extended until Sept. 7.

Regarding repeated reports, including this week from humanitarian aid group Doctors Without Borders, of dozens of migrants claiming

AP photo by Petr David Josek

In this Sept. 24, 2015, file photo, a man carries a child to board a train at a station near the village of Zakany, Hungary. UNICEF, the United Nations’ children’s agency, says it is alarmed by the new Hungarian law. to have been beaten or at“The aim of these press at- borders of Serbia and Croatia tacked with dogs by Hungar- tacks is to discourage the po- in 2015 to stop the migrant ian border guards, Orban said lice and soldiers,” Orban said. flow and expects to complete Hungary built fences pro- a second, sturdier fence along Hungarian authorities had no tected with razor wire on the the Serbian border by May 1. evidence of such cases.

Sweden detains Bombardier employee for bribery

By David Keyton Associated Press

STOCKHOLM — A Russian employee in the Swedish offices of plane and train maker Bombardier has been detained in pre-trial custody for two weeks on suspicion of aggravated bribery, a Swedish prosecutor said Friday.

Thomas Forsberg said Evgeny Pavlov, a Russian national living in Stockholm, was one of several Bombardier employees “suspected to have been colluding” with Azerbaijan railway authorities “in order to adapt a contract” to fit Bombardier.

Forsberg said Pavlov worked with Bombardier Transportation Sweden AB. On LinkedIn, Pavlov described himself as “Head of sales, Marketing and Country coordinator for the north region.”

Pavlov was ordered held in pre-trial custody to prevent him from fleeing or tampering with evidence. Two others were briefly detained during the week but were released, Forsberg told The Associated Press.

Both remain suspects while the investigation continues. Formal

AP photo by Soren Andersson

Defense attorney Cristina Bergner, left, and her client, a Bombardier employee, third left, appear prior to the pre-trial at the Stockholm District Court, Sweden, Friday. A Russian employee in the Swedish offices of plane and train maker Bombardier has been detained in pre-trial custody for two weeks on suspicion of aggravated bribery, a Swedish prosecutor said Friday. charges have not yet been made. in October 2016 during a for having favored the Bom“All I can say is that my search of Bombardier offices bardier contract.” client denies any wrongdo- in Sweden were considered ev“Despite the fact that Boming,” said his lawyer, Cristina idence in the case. bardier was in fifth place in Berger, adding it was up to the He said that the suspicion terms of price, it won the conStockholm District Court to is that Azerbaijani officials tract in 2013 and competitors decide on March 24 whether cooperated with Bombardier, with better prices were disqualto remand Pavlov in custody. which is headquartered in ified by the railway authority in Forsberg said emails seized Canada, to “receive rewards Azerbaijan,” Forsberg said.

In 2013, Bombardier was part of a consortium awarded a $288-million contract to supply signaling equipment for a 503-kilometer (312-mile) track along a corridor connecting Asia and Europe to Azerbaijan Railways. Bombardier then said it was its “first major signaling contract in Azebaijian.”

Forsberg said Azerbaijani companies made $56 million in earnings from the contract.

The allegations against Pavlov also included dealings with a private company that joined the consortium that won the tender with Bombardier.

Swedish broadcaster SVT and news agency TT report that the private company, based in London, added 550 percent to the overall price when selling the equipment to Bombardier Azerbaijan.

Bombardier Inc. spokeswoman Barbara Grimm said the company is cooperating with Swedish authorities and will provide more information when available and appropriate.

If tried and found guilty, the maximum penalty in Sweden is six years, Forsberg said.

6 people killed near Mexico resort

AP photo by Cem Bakırcı

Cholera reaches South Sudan’s second-largest city, UN says

Helicopter crash kills 7 people

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — South Sudan’s cholera outbreak has reached the country’s second-largest city, the United Nations said Friday, while the number of cases nationwide has risen beyond 5,500.

The U.N. humanitarian agency said cases of the sometimes fatal gastrointestinal disease have been confirmed in Malakal, which has been ravaged by the country’s three-year civil war.

Cholera now has been confirmed in 14 of South Sudan’s counties, with at least 137 deaths since June.

Those counties include the two that recently were declared to be in the grip of famine, Mayendit and Leer.

But the cholera response in Mayendit remains disrupted after local authorities told aid workers late last month to leave the area because of fighting, the deputy spokesman for the U.N. secretary-general, Farhan Haq, told reporters Friday.

ISTANBUL (AP) — A helicopter crashed on a highway on Istanbul’s outskirts Friday after apparently hitting a television tower in dense fog, reports said.

All seven people on board were killed, the city’s mayor said.

The Sikorsky S-76 was carrying an executive of the Eczacibasi group of companies, four of his Russian guests and two pilots.

Gov. Vasip Sahin said that the helicopter crashed in Istanbul’s Buyukcekmece district after taking off from Ataturk Airport, adding that the cause of the crash was under investigation.

Authorities initially recovered five bodies from the crash site, but Mayor Kadir Topbas later said that all seven on board were killed.

Thick black smoke could be seen billowing from the crash site in video shown on Turkish network DHA. The DHA news agency said the helicopter’s rotor blade hit a vehicle, smashing its windscreen and causing its roof to sink in. Its driver escaped unhurt but in shock, the agency said.

Firefighters work on the site shortly after a helicopter with seven people inside crashed in Istanbul’s Buyukcekmece district, Friday. (/Depo Photos via AP)

Witness Fikret Karatekin, a taxi driver, told CNN-Turk television by telephone that the helicopter slammed into the tower before crashing on the highway.

The tower, which is no longer used for transmitting television signals but has a restaurant at the top, didn’t appear to be damaged.

Eczacibasi is one of Turkey’s top conglomerates that is involved in pharmaceuticals and

building products. Bulent Eczacibasi, who heads the company, told reporters near the scene that the Russians on board the helicopter were clients who had been invited to visit a ceramics fair. They were being transported to visit the company’s factory near the town of Bozuyuk, 120 milessouth of Istanbul.

The Turkish national who was killed headed the company’s operations in Russia, he said.

SAN JOSE DEL CABO, Mexico (AP) — Prosecutors said six bodies had been found dumped on Thursday and Friday around the twin resorts of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, which has been the scene of increasing violence in recent months.

The prosecutors’ office said a woman’s body was discovered on a road leading to the airport along with several doses of methamphetamine and marijuana. The bodies of three men were found wrapped in plastic bags and a tarp in San Jose del Cabo and the bodies showed signs of torture. A man and a woman were found shot to death in the area near the airport.

Elsewhere in Mexico, prosecutors in the central state of Puebla said Friday that they had arrested 87 suspects linked to a kidnapping and fuel-theft gang.

The state prosecutors’ office said members of the gang were responsible for killing three state detectives who were investigating kidnappings by the gang, known as “The Bucanans.”

The agents’ slaying earlier this week led to a huge operation in which police detained suspected gang members and police officers and a mayor who allegedly collaborated with the gang.

Authorities seized 16 rifles, hand grenades and 4,600 rounds of ammunition.

The gang, whose nickname apparently refers to a liquor brand, allegedly controlled most illegal activity in the area around the town of Atzizintla near Puebla’s border with Veracruz state.

LOCAL

The Independent — Gallup, N.M. — Saturday, March 11, 2017 — Page

21

day in the

St. Michaels, AZ

Cable Hoover/Independent

Elijah Joe, right, wins the ball from Brandon Leekity during a game of jump ball at St. Michael High School in St. Michaels, Arizona, Friday.

Cable Hoover/Independent

Delila Nakaidine, right, and the rest of the District 1A girls state champion basketball team ride on a float during a parade to honor their victory at St. Michael High School in St. Michaels, Arizona, Friday.

Cable Hoover/Independent

Kylen Smith rides on an all-terrain vehicle with Joel Smith and Perci Smith during a parade at St. Michael High School in St. Michaels, Arizona, Friday.

Cable Hoover/Independent

Gerald Ben, right, Matthew Yazzie and other members of the boys basketball team hang banners on their float during a parade at St. Michael High School in St. Michaels, Arizona, Friday.

Want to appear in “A day in the Life?”

Email our photographers at Gallup.Photo@ gmail.com

Page 22 —

The Independent — Gallup, N.M. — Saturday, March 11, 2017

TEMPO

Community Calendar Teen Film Festival GALLUP — The Octavia Fellin Public Library will have the fifth annual Teen Film Festival Saturday, April 29, at El Morro Theatre in Gallup. Submissions are to be no more than 7 minutes long and are due Saturday, April 1.

Information: 505-726-2120 or childlib@ gallupnm.gov

Makers Club GALLUP — The Makers Club’s Pi Skylines will be at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, at the Octavia Fellin Public Library Children’s Branch.

Crafty Kids GALLUP — Crafty Kids’ St. Patrick Shamrock Jewelry will be at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at the Octavia Fellin Public Library Children’s Branch.

Get Up and Game GALLUP — Get Up and Game will be at 4 p.m. Fridays at the Octavia Fellin Public Library Children’s Branch. There will be family-friendly video games every Friday afternoon.

Marvelous Medicine Show GALLUP — The Octavia Fellin Public Library will present Diana Enright as she portrays Violet McNeal, aka Princess Lotus Blossom, in Violet McNeal’s Marvelous Medicine Show at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 23.

Information: 505-863-1291 or libtrain@ gallupnm.gov

March movies GALLUP — The Octavia Fellin Public Library will be showing “Gracie” at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 15. Popcorn will be provided.

Gallup Solar GALLUP — Gallup Solar is hosting free

Solar 101 classes about all things related to offgrid solar systems from 6-7 p.m. the first three Wednesdays of each month at 113 E. Logan Ave. All are welcome any week. No registration is required.

Information: 505-728-9246

Checkpoints and saturation patrols McKINLEY COUNTY — The McKinley County DWI Task Force — including the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office, Gallup Police Department and New Mexico State Police — will be conducting DWI checkpoints and saturation patrols within McKinley County throughout March.

Law enforcement officers will be targeting impaired drivers on the road and at checkpoints.

By Holiday Mathis

Mercury Is Reborn Mercury moves out of wise, soulful Pisces and into the realm of the zodiac’s firstborn, Aries. This passage represents a quickening. Youthfulness and innocence are implied. The wires of communication are charged with a childlike zest, along with the arrogance forgivable only in children who don’t know any better.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Don’t be quick to assume that another person’s behavior is about you. Most people are focused on solving problems that have little or nothing to do with you.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). People around you will jostle for position, trying to get there faster and first. What if you thought of everyone as you but in a different body? How would you do it differently than they do?

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You may not want to share the conclusions you’ve drawn, as there are many around you, some of them close friends and colleagues, who won’t agree.

Instead, share the facts that led you to draw the conclusion.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’re going to rise to the competition. Do you know who it is? If you don’t have any competition or it’s way too easy for you, this is the time to go find those with the level of skill and talent that will push you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’ll be building on today’s accomplishments, so it’s important that you lay down a solid base. Generally, it will be much better to do something slowly and correctly than fast and wrong.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The key to success will be hidden in something small. Capture it first to allow for the detailed study. Take notes, or record instructions, or take a picture you can zoom in to on a smartphone.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). In a way, it is selfish to point out your own flaws or flubs. It brings the attention to you in a not very educational or entertaining way. Anyway, you’re the only one who will notice if you mess up today, so move right along.

Laguna Elementary second trimester honor roll 3rd Grade Mrs. Casaus B Honor Roll Jasmine Alonzo, Xavier Arkie, Noelle Cerno, Neela Minjares, Talen Riley, Layla Sarracino, Xavier Silva, Shylynn Tsoi, Cooper Twobull.

A Honor Roll Leighton Creager, Elias Sandoval, Kayleeis Scott, Kaleb Vallo.

Mrs. Saucedo B Honor Roll Paul Aragon, Vania Aragon, Uriah Garcia, Logan Hooper , Dominic Jones, Thaniell Lucero, Kyla Sarracino, Julissa Sisneros, Ryan Thomas.

A Honor Roll Raekwon Lucero, Tavani Scott.

4 th Grade Mrs. Stevenson B Honor Roll Santana Cheromiah, Brett Oso, Caysun Ray, LaDanian Vallo.

A Honor Roll Madelyn Brown, Noah Cerno, Evie Galvan, Ezekiel Sarracino, Riko Valencia, Derek Victorino, Lucas Williams, Terrence Zamora.

5th Grade Mrs. Arkie B Honor Roll Bobby Twobull, D’Andre Lucaria, Isaac Sam. A Honor Roll Diontaye Riley, Abby Kie, Vivyana Valencia, D’Andria Riley, LaNia Davis, Desiray Chino, Aiden Garcia, Kylie Jose, LaMayah Victorino.

Sustainable Gallup Board GALLUP — The Sustainable Gallup Board meets from 3-5 p.m. the first Monday of each month at Octavia Fellin Public Library.

When those Mondays are holidays, the meetings are held the second Monday.

Community members concerned about conservation, energy, water, recycling and other environmental issues are welcome.

Information: Bill Bright, 505-722-0039

Habitat for Humanity GALLUP — Habitat for Humanity holds work sessions each week for volunteers to serve on decision-making meetings or for those who wish to volunteer at or help fund construction projects.

Information: Bill Bright, 505-722-4226 Community Calendar runs twice a week, on Wednesday and Saturday. Send all calendar events to community@gallupindependent.com, fax 505722-5750 or call 505-863-6811 ext. 212

Horoscopes by Holiday For Monday, March 13, 2017

Education brief

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Flowers given at random are much more effective than the ones given on a birthday or as an apology. Good luck seems doubly good when it comes from out of the blue. Use the power of surprise to your own benefit.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). One hobby isn’t enough. You need three, really — one that lets you be creative, one that gets you moving physically and one that will help you meet beneficial social and professional contacts.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your competitive advantage is that you pick up conversational cues. This includes taking notice of the topics people bring up. Casual references are often significant and not throwaways.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). What seems like a pesky problem is actually an opportunity to execute a task differently than it’s been done in the past. With your cleverness, you’ll turn this around and shine all the while.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). There is a difference of many, many hours (perhaps years) between intimate knowledge and basic knowledge. If all that’s needed is a basic knowledge, don’t waste time learning more. Get up and running.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (March 13). You crave a life that’s deeper and more profound.

You’ll pass up the values offered in sound bites and snack sizes to devote yourself to mastery and expertise levels of your interests. You’ll strike “gold” in May. Your personal life gets spicy in August.

You’ll take home a trophy before the end of 2017.

Libra and Capricorn adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 2, 17, 3, 33 and 41.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Billy Crystal claims that his wife, Janice, was his first and only date. Whether or not this is actually true, it is emotionally true for him; Pisces people allow more liberties with emotional truth than people with other sun signs, which is part of this sign’s genius.

Emotional truth translates into beautiful art, poetry, music and acting. Crystal’s chart reveals a solid family man — and a gambler when it comes to his art.

To write to Holiday Mathis, visit www. creators.com/author/holiday-mathis and click “Contact.”

Helen Sloan/HBO via AP

In this image released by HBO, Kit Harington appears in a scene from “Game of Thrones.”

“Game of Thrones” and “Veep” were among the top contenders for the 68th prime-time Emmy Award nominations. The shows claimed the top drama and comedy series prizes at last year’s Emmy ceremony.

HBO sets ‘Game of Thrones’ 7th season debut for July 16

LOS ANGELES (AP) — “Game of Thrones” will be back in action in July.

HBO said Thursday that the series will return for its seventh season on July 16.

The season will be the next-to-last for the fantasy saga based on George R.R. Martin’s novels. It will include seven episodes instead of the usual 10 and is debuting later than seasons past. They had usually

begun in spring.

Returning cast members include Kit Harington, Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey and Emilia Clarke.

The delayed debut date for “Game of Thrones” means it will miss the deadline for the 2017 Emmy Awards, a contest it routinely dominates.

Last year, the drama series scored a dozen Emmys.

‘Bridges of Madison County’ author Robert James Waller dies at age 77 NEW YORK (AP) — Robert James Waller, whose best-selling, bittersweet 1992 novel “The Bridges of Madison County” was turned into a movie starring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood and a Broadway musical, has died in Texas, according to his literary agency. He was 77.

Lucy Childs of Aaron M. Priest Literary Agency said Friday that Waller died either Thursday or early Friday. Childs did not know the cause but said the author had been ill.

In “Bridges,” which Waller famously wrote in 11 days, the roving National Geographic photographer Robert Kincaid spends four days romancing Francesca Johnson, a war bride from Italy married to a no-nonsense Iowa farmer.

Waller’s novel reached No. 1 on The New York Times best-seller list and stayed on it for over three years; the Eastwood-directed 1995 movie grossed $182 million worldwide. He wrote a sequel — “A Thousand County Roads — An Epilogue to The Bridges of Madison County.”

Many critics made fun of “Bridges,” calling it sappy and cliche-ridden. “Waller depicts their mating dance in plodding detail, but he fails to develop them as believable characters,” Eils Lotozo wrote in The New York Times in 1993. “Instead, we get a lot of quasi-mystical business about the shaman-like photographer who overwhelms the shy, bookish Francesca with ‘his sheer emotional and

physical power.’”

Readers, however, bought more than 12 million copies in 35 languages.

“Bridges” turned the unknown writer into a multimillionaire and made Madison County, Iowa, an international tourist Robert James Waller attraction.

“I really do have a small ego,” Waller told The New York Times in 2002. “I am open to rational discussion. If you don’t like the book and can say why, I am willing to listen. But the criticism turned to nastiness. ... I was stunned.”

The novel prompted couples across the world to marry on Madison County’s covered bridges.

Around the town of Winterset, population 4,200, tourists arrived by the busloads, buying “Bridges” T-shirts, perfume and postcards. Thousands signed in at the Chamber of Commerce office, where they could use restrooms marked “Roberts” and “Francescas.”

After the novel’s success, Weller left Iowa, where he had grown up, and moved to a ranch in Alpine, Texas, 50 miles from the nearest town. He also divorced his wife of 36 years.

Review: ‘High Noon’ book draws down on Hollywood blacklist Douglass K. Daniel Associated Press

”High Noon: The Hollywood Blacklist and the Making of an American Classic” (Bloomsbury), by Glenn Frankel Years of risking his life to protect his fellow citizens come to this climactic movie moment: The lawman, his gun still hot from a showdown with an outlaw, tosses away his badge, a rejection of the society that has come to disrespect if not loathe what he represents.

For many baby boomers that scene brings to mind “Dirty Harry,” the 1971 crime thriller starring Clint Eastwood that questioned the state of American justice. Others, however, think of “High Noon,” a 1952 Western featuring Gary Cooper as Marshal Will Kane. He finds no help from the citizens of Hadleyville when a gunman comes to town seeking vengeance.

Instead of real-life concerns about crime and justice in the 1950s, director Fred Zinnemann’s film can be taken as a meditation on the Hollywood blacklist. The marshal who goes from

house to house and friend to friend begging for help is not unlike the blacklisted screenwriters, directors and stars who found themselves to be pariahs for refusing to name others who were or had been members of the Communist Party.

Such a reading of a low-budget Western isn’t a stretch when you know the backstory provided by “High Noon: The Hollywood Blacklist and the Making of an American Classic.”

Mixing elements of biography, social history and film analysis, author Glenn Frankel uncovers drama and tragedy not usually found in discussions of moviemaking. His detailed narrative is a primer for those who don’t understand how the blacklist era endangered free speech and other constitutional values.

Screenwriter Carl Foreman found himself in Kane’s boots as his former ties to the Communist Party surfaced while “High Noon” was in production. He tried to zig and zag his way through congressional inquiries about his past, refusing to “name names” to save his own career.

Ultimately he lost his assistant producer’s

credit on the film, sold his share in the production company behind it and spent years in self-imposed exile in Britain.

Even then, Foreman had to hide his talent, forgoing credit (and an Academy Award) for writing the screenplay to 1957’s “The Bridge on the River Kwai.”

(The film academy in 1984 added Foreman’s name to the “Kwai” credits. An Oscar was presented to his widow.)

One would think his friend Stanley Kramer would have backed him all the way. Foreman had written the five films that provided the foundation of Kramer’s production company, among them “Champion” with Kirk Douglas and “The Men” with Marlon Brando. Instead, Kramer sacrificed Foreman to save his company and his own reputation, joining other good men and women who realized the communist witch hunt in Hollywood could not be beaten, only weathered. Kramer went on to produce and direct socially daring films like “The Defiant

Ones” and “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” but he caved when facing a personal moment of truth. He and Foreman never spoke to each other again. And what about that all-American male named Gary Cooper? As his friend Carl Foreman sought help, Cooper was less like Will Kane and more like the townsman who first offers to stand with the marshal but then, when no one else joins the effort, backs out. Indeed, Cooper took a public stand alongside Foreman until the conservative press criticized him for it. He ended up with his second Academy Award — for portraying a man of courage and principle.

On the blacklist himself, the screenwriter Dalton Trumbo would later say there were no heroes or villains during that period, only victims. Looking back, it’s difficult not to see heroic traits in the victims who tried to resist the blacklist and in those who tried to help them — and villainy in those who set about ruining lives for political and personal gain.

Douglass K. Daniel is the author of “Tough as Nails: The Life and Films of Richard Brooks.”

RELIGION

The Independent — Gallup, N.M. — Saturday, March 11, 2017 — Page

Religion in brief

Spiritual Perspectives

Sharing your faith commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus,” Acts 4:16-18, NKJV. “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by The disciples lived in a society much like our own. The rulthe word of their testimony,” Revelation 12:11. ers condemned teaching in the name of Jesus. The disciples’ Many of us recognize the verse above from a song we sing light was shining and the rulers wanted to snuff out that light. in church. If we regularly read and study the Bible, we know It is interesting to note that the rulers acknowledged that these that verse is scriptural. As we reach out to others – friends, “were uneducated and untrained men, and they marveled. And neighbors, co-workers and strangers – do we ever share how they realized that they had been with Jesus,” Acts 4:13. the Lord has made a difference in our life? To witness to othWhen Peter and John were threatened, they answered and ers means to share our testimony. According to the dictionary, said to them: “Whether it is right in the sight of God, you judge. witness is an “evidence of proof, or testimony.”

For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen Sharing our faith is simple. If we feel led to share, and heard,” Acts 4:20. But the rulers were unrelenting in we open our mouth and talk, sharing how the Lord their threats. Scripture states: “So when they had further has worked in our life. Pray first. Our testimony need threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of not be long. Just a few words may be all that is needpunishing them, because of the people, since they all ed to offer someone encouragement and hope. Asking glorified God for what had been done. For the man was the Holy Spirit to work through us for the glory of over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing God is a given. We all have testimonies. Be willing to had been performed,” Acts 4:21, 22.

Fran share.

When Peter and John returned to the other disciBarbano In this day and age, when Christians are conples, they shared what had occurred, and they prayed. demned and laws written to force Christians to act “Now Lord, look on their threats, and grant to your against their faith and beliefs, it is a sad realization to servants that with all boldness they may speak your know our world isn’t much different than what the disciples word, by stretching out your hand to heal, and that signs and encountered. Will the Christians of America submit to worldwonders may be done through the name of your holy servant ly ways and provide services that go against their beliefs, or Jesus,” Acts 4:29, 30. will we all put on the spiritual armor that we have been pro“And with great power the apostles gave witness to the vided and stand strong in the power of the Lord? (See spiritual resurrection of the Lord Jesus and great grace was upon them armor in Ephesians 6:10-18.) all,” Acts 4:33.

The battle against Christians is nothing new. After the The Lord changes not. He is the same yesterday, today miraculous healing of the lame man through Peter and John and forever. His word will not return to him void. He sent the at the temple called Beautiful the two were imprisoned. When Holy Spirit to be with us and help us. He is our comforter, they were taken before the council the next day, the Jewish our guide. When we open our mouth to witness and give God leaders conferred amongst themselves saying: “What shall we glory, the Holy Spirit will be with us and works through us. do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been There is no reason to be afraid to witness. done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, Let your light shine! and we cannot deny it. But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on Fran Barbano is a freelance writer who lives in Ramah with they speak to no man in this name. So they called them and her husband Duane.

By Fran Barbano

China not amused by Dalai Lama’s appearance on John Oliver’s show

By Gerry Shih Associated Press

BEIJING — John Oliver won rave reviews for his “Last Week Tonight” interview showing the Dalai Lama in all his candor and wit. Beijing, however, was not amused.

China’s foreign ministry Tuesday said the exiled Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader had appeared “deceptive” on the HBO show where he criticized some Chinese leaders as small-minded and mocked Beijing’s portrayal of him as “a demon.”

The Dalai Lama’s comments about the contested issue of his reincarnation “appear to be funny and humorous but they’re all lies,” ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters at a regularly scheduled news conference. He dismissed the show that aired Sunday night in the U.S. as merely intended for entertainment purposes.

China’s ruling Communist Party has long depicted the Dalai Lama as a dangerous separatist and frequently objects when he meets with global political leaders and entertainment figures, seeing those events as suggesting he is a world leader himself.

China’s leadership also insists it has the authority to appoint the Dalai Lama’s successor after his death. Traditional beliefs dictate that the highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism will be reincarnated in a boy who would subsequently be recognized as the new Dalai Lama by senior monks. But the current spiritual leader has said he would be happy if the title ends with his death.

During the interview conducted at the Dalai Lama’s residence in India’s northern hill town of Dharmsala, Oliver asked the Dalai Lama if he was worried about the Chinese authorities naming his successor.

The Dalai Lama did not answer the question directly but told Oliver that Chinese hard-liners lacked common sense and “that part of the brain.”

“They describe me as a demon,” the Dalai Lama said, referring to Beijing’s officials.

“Then I immediately (say) I am a demon with horns,” he said, sticking his fingers up on either side of his head to laughter from Oliver and his audience.

“Whatever they want they want to say, that’s their opinion. I have no negative feelings.

I just feel a laugh, like that,” he added. “I practice taking others anger, suspicion, distrust and give them patience, tolerance and compassion. I practice that.”

AP photo/Tsering Topgyal, file

In this Feb. 5 file photo, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama speaks on “Reviving Indian Wisdom in Contemporary India” at a public event in New Delhi, India. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang Tuesday dismissed the Dalai Lama as “deceptive” after the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader criticized some Beijing leaders in an interview with British comedian John Oliver.

Elsewhere in the interview, a discussion of alcoholism in Mongolia led to questions about the difference between horse’s and cow’s milk. The Dalai Lama also said he had been good at his job, adding: “I may say, quite intelligent.”

The spat over the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation — and its implications about who will lead Tibetan Buddhism — is one of the biggest points of contention in the long-running feud between the exiled monk and Beijing.

23

The Dalai Lama, who fled to India during an abortive uprising against Chinese rule in 1959, has said he simply wants a higher degree of autonomy for Tibet under Chinese rule.

Growing serious, Oliver asked about the scores of Tibetans who have set themselves on fire in recent years to protest repressive Chinese policies, something the Dalai Lama said saddened him deeply but which he couldn’t openly condemn to avoid hurting surviving family members even more.

“From Buddhist viewpoint, this is self-killing, not good, So therefore, my position is very, very difficult, so best to remain silent, quiet,” he said.

China’s government has accused him of encouraging the suicides as part of a campaign of violent separatism.

The Dalai Lama “is a political exile engaged in anti-China separatist activities under the guise of religion,” Geng said.

“We can now see that he’s also an actor. He’s very good at acting and he’s very deceptive.”

The Dalai Lama interview was called “an unexpected delight” by online news site Vox, while sports and entertainment website Fansided described it as “like a hug for the soul.”

Taizé worship service GALLUP — The nondenominational monthly Taizé service will take place at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 12, at Westminster Presbyterian Church. This is an opportunity to calm and quiet the soul before the new week starts. Music, chant, Scripture and candlelight are part of this special service. The church is located at 151 New Mexico Highway 564.

Information: Kathy, 505-870-6136

School of Ministry GALLUP — School of Ministry day classes will be held 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday through Friday, March 13-24, at Faith Christian Fellowship, 2495 E. Aztec Ave. There is a registration fee.

Information: Text Ken, 505-979-0505; Gladys, 505-9792515; or email fcfgallup@hotmail.com

Senior citizens retreat GALLUP — The Rev. James Walker will offer a day of retreat for senior citizens from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, at the Sacred Heart Retreat Center. The retreat will include a conference, Mass, lunch, and the opportunity for confession and camaraderie. The registration fee is $25 and the registration deadline is Monday, March 13.

Registration: Sister Rene, 505-722-6755 or srrbacke@ dioceseofgallup.org

Lenten services GALLUP — Westminster Presbyterian Church invites the community to participate in a time of self-directed worship, silent meditation and prayer from 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday evenings during the season of Lent. The church is located at 151 New Mexico Highway 564.

Information: Rev. Lorelei Kay, 505-290-5357; or wpcgallup@gmail.com

Stations of the Cross GALLUP — The Church of the Holy Spirit is offering services of Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. Friday, March 17, and Friday, March 31. The church is located at 1334 Country Club Drive in Gallup.

Information: Church of the Holy Spirit, 505-863-4695; or Linda, 505-863-6042

Jemez Pueblo at Congregation Albert ALBUQUERQUE — Congregation Albert will host a Jemez Pueblo Artisan Fair from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, March 19. The fair will feature arts and crafts by more than 25 Jemez artists, Jemez dancers, music and refreshments. The synagogue is located at 3800 Louisiana Blvd. NE in Albuquerque.

Information: Jeff, 505-259-3190; or brotherhood@congregation.org

Prosecutors gone from jobs after AP report on church abuse A North Carolina district attorney said Friday that two assistant prosecutors no longer work for him after The Associated Press reported ex-members of a church said the men, who belong to the sect, derailed criminal investigations into possible abuse by church leaders.

David Learner’s announcement came two days after he asked the State Bureau of Investigation to look into allegations from former Word of Faith members against Frank Webster and Chris Back and four days after the AP story cited nine people who said the men provided legal advice, helped at strategy sessions and participated in a mock trial for four congregants charged with harassing a former member.

“I cannot allow the integrity of the office to be called into question,” Learner said in a statement.

The ex-congregants also said that Back and Webster, who is sect leader Jane Whaley’s son-in-law, helped derail a social services investigation into child abuse in 2015 and attended meetings where Whaley warned congregants to lie to investigators about abuse incidents.

The statement did not say if the men resigned or if Learner fired them, and the district attorney’s office didn’t respond to questions Friday. When the AP story broke Monday, the district attorney said Webster and Back were still employees and it was a personnel issue. On Wednesday, he said the men would keep working for his office during the state investigation.

— Associated Press

Submission of religion briefs

Editor’s Note: Religion Page Briefs for the Gallup Independent’s Saturday newspaper should be emailed to religion@ gallupindependent.com.

Page 24 —

The Independent — Gallup, N.M. — Saturday, March 11, 2017

AUTOMOTIVE

2017 Kia Niro is most affordable hybrid SUV

By Ann M. Job Associated Press

Fact sheet: 2017 Kia Niro

Kia’s newest vehicle, the 2017 Niro, is the lowest-priced, gasoline-electric hybrid SUV on the market and is rated as high as 50 miles per gallon in combined city/highway travel.

Starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $23,785 for a front-wheel drive, fiveseat Niro FE with four-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor and lithium ion battery pack to generate a total of 139 horsepower.

The base price includes an automatic transmission, rearview camera, keyless entry, cruise control, seven air bags, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, audio controls on the steering wheel and a 7-inch display screen in the middle of the dashboard.

Even with luxury features added, such as a Harman Kardon premium sound system, leather-trimmed seats, power sunroof, navigation system and heated steering wheel, the Niro still can be priced under $31,000. This pricing undercuts other hybrid SUVs that combine power from an onboard electric motor with a gasoline engine for optimum fuel mileage, such as the 2017 Toyota RAV4, which starts at $29,990.

However, Toyota’s 2017 Prius c small hatchback remains the lowest-priced hybrid car in the United States with a starting MSRP plus destination charge of $21,035.

While affordability is the Niro’s most attractive trait, this small SUV also appeals with its comfortable seating positions, pleasant driving traits, decent passenger space and flexible, SUV-like cargo room.

Similar in size to the 2017 Honda HR-V and Buick Encore small SUVs, the five-door Niro slots below the Sportage as Kia’s smallest SUV. The Niro is sold only as a hybrid, so the onboard electric motor and lithium ion battery pack supplement the rather meager power — 104 horsepower and 109 foot-pounds of torque — of the 1.6-liter, double overhead cam, direct injection, four-cylinder engine.

Maximum horsepower totals 139, while

By The Associated Press

BASE PRICE: $22,890 for FE; $23,200 for LX; $25,700 for EX; $28,000 for Touring Launch Edition; $29,650 for Touring.

PRICE AS TESTED: $30,545.

TYPE: Front-engine, front-wheel drive, five-passenger, gasoline-electric hybrid, small sport utility vehicle.

ENGINE: 1.6-liter, double overhead cam, Atkinson cycle, direct injection four cylinder mated to a 43-horsepower electric motor and lithium ion battery pack.

MILEAGE: 46 mpg (city), 40 mpg (highway).

TOP SPEED: 115 mph.

LENGTH: 171.5 inches.

WHEELBASE: 106.3 inches.

CURB WEIGHT: 3,274 pounds.

BUILT AT: Korea.

OPTIONS: None.

DESTINATION CHARGE: $895.

Photo by Greg Jarem

This photo shows a 2017 Kia Niro, the lowest-priced, gasoline-electric hybrid SUV on the market and is rated as high as 50 miles per gallon in combined city/highway travel. torque can peak quickly at 195 foot-pounds to The top fuel mileage of 52 mpg in city drivmove the Niro in plucky, but not overtly sporty, ing and 49 mpg on highways is for the base, fashion.

Niro FE model, which weighs the least. City There’s no droning or stressing of a continmileage is rated higher than highway mileage uously variable transmission in the Niro during because the electric power is able to assist more acceleration as there are in most other gas-elec- often in city travel. tric hybrids.

The test Niro Touring, which is the heaviest Kia uses a six-speed, dual-clutch automatic of all Niros at well over 3,200 pounds, was transmission in the Niro for more natural-feelrated at 46/40 mpg by the U.S. government and ing gearing and responsiveness. It worked well averaged 38.8 mpg during the test drive with most of the time in the test Niro Touring model. some aggressive driving. This real world mileBut occasionally, the transition between power age translated to an impressive 462 miles on a sources felt less than seamless. single tank of fuel.

Regenerative braking and the engine help The Niro, which is wider than the HR-V replenish the battery pack, but a plug-in Niro is and Encore, felt stable and roomy and had an due later in 2017. unexpectedly quiet interior.

Back-seat passengers have 37.4 inches of legroom, while there’s nearly 42 inches for front-seat riders. Headroom all around is more than 39 inches.

The luxury features in the Touring model included heated and ventilated front seats, memory driver seat, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, turn signals in the outside mirrors, front and rear park assist, leather, sunroof, 18inch wheels, and premium audio.

Outside styling is mainstream and not particularly memorable, but everything was easy to understand and well organized inside the Niro.

Rear seatbacks fold down flat to expand cargo space. The cargo floor sits up at bumper level, so there’s no lifting heavy objects up and out.

All-wheel drive is not offered on the Niro, and towing capacity is limited.

Lured by deals, car buyers go for SUVs, pickups in February DETROIT (AP) — Lured by Presidents Day deals, U.S. buyers snapped up pickups and SUVs in February, brightening what is usually a lackluster month for the auto industry.

Overall sales of new vehicles fell 1 percent from last February

to 1.3 million, according to Autodata Corp. But automakers made up the difference with strong sales of more profitable SUV and trucks. Sales of the Chevrolet Silverado pickup jumped 17 percent to more than 50,500 trucks. Ford sold nearly 69,000 SUVs — a

February record. Nissan said sales of its Rogue SUV were up 54 percent.

General Motors and Nissan both saw 4 percent sales gains over last February. Volkswagen’s sales were up 13 percent and Honda’s sales were up 2 percent.

But those gains were offset by declines at other automakers. Fiat Chrysler’s sales fell 10 percent, hurt by declining sales of Jeeps.

Toyota’s sales dropped 7 percent.

Ford’s sales fell 4 percent. Hyundai’s sales were flat.

Good deals reeled in buyers.

Ford was offering $15,000 off on a 2016 Focus electric, while GM was offering zero-percent financing and up to $10,000 off certain GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado pickups, according to car shopping site Autotrader. com. Buyers could get $5,000 off a Nissan Altima sedan.

Incentives per vehicle rose an estimated 13.5 percent to $3,443 last month, according to automotive forecasting firm ALG. GM was the biggest spender, at $4,547 per vehicle. Subaru spent the least, at $896 per vehicle, but Subaru’s spending was up 61 percent over last February.

There were several reasons for the flurry of deals. After a seven-year stretch of sales increases — and record U.S. sales in 2016 — demand is starting to slow. Automakers want to hold on to their share of that market and avoid expensive cutbacks in auto production.

“It is taking more effort and more money to move the metal this year than last,” said Michelle Krebs, a senior analyst with Autotrader.

Automakers are also spending more because vehicles cost more.

Consumers are rapidly shifting out of cars and into SUVs and trucks, which cost more money.

Kelley Blue Book said the price people paid for a vehicle last month was up 2 percent from last February to an average of $34,352.

Ford’s U.S. sales chief Mark LaNeve said cars made up 53 percent of new vehicle sales in 2010. In February, they were around 35 percent.

“It is structural and in some ways breathtaking,” LaNeve said. “There’s going to be a car market, but where it eventually gets to, we don’t know.”

The deals will likely continue in the coming months, says Alec Gutierrez, a senior market analyst with the car shopping site KBB. com. The industry has an 80-day supply of vehicles it needs to sell, which is about 20 days more than the level considered ideal. Even if automakers cut production, the deals will ramp down slowly, because automakers lose buyers if they pull back too much.

SOUTHWEST

The Independent — Gallup, N.M. — Saturday, March 11, 2017 — Page

25

New Mexico will work with ICE on inmate status in prison

By Russel Contreras Associated Press

ALBUQUERQUE — New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez on Friday ordered the correction department to work with federal authorities on checking immigration status of inmates serving time in the states’ prisons.

The governor’s office said the administration of President Donald Trump asked New Mexico for permission to interview prisoners who were born in foreign countries.

The interviews by federal authorities are intended at expediting potential deportation proceedings of suspected immigrants living in the country illegally, said Michael Lonergan, a spokesman.

“This is a matter of public safety, as these are all convicted criminals, many of a violent nature,” Lonergan said.

Immigrant inmates determined by federal authorities to

AP photo by Russell Contreras

This Aug. 6, 2012, photo shows Corrections Officer Xavier Hernandez, a U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, walking through the Central New Mexico Corrections Facility in Los Lunas. New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez has directed the state’s correction department to work with federal authorities on checking inmates’ immigration statuses.

The governor’s office said Friday, the Trump administration asked the state for permission to interview prisoners who were born in foreign countries. be in the country illegally will tration two weeks ago request- and Customs Enforcement be deported promptly after fin- ed a list of inmates who were with the list of foreign-born ishing their sentences, Loner- born in foreign countries. inmates and their convictions.

State officials said the corgan said.

S.U. Mahesh, a spokesman Martinez issued the direc- rections department has since for the New Mexico Corrective after the Trump Adminis- provided U.S. Immigration tions Department, said the

agency allows any investigative law enforcement agency to interview prisoners.

“It’s up to the inmates if they want to speak or not,” he said.

Mahesh said the corrections department has 124 foreign-born prisoners. “But we don’t ask inmates about their immigration statuses,” Mahesh said.

Among the foreign-born prisoners are inmates convicted of first-degree murder, rape and credit card fraud. Many are from Mexico while a few are from the Middle East.

The Santa Fe-based immigrant rights advocacy group Somos Un Pueblo Unido said in a statement it did not believe the announcement changed policy.

The correction department “continues to tax an already overburdened criminal justice system and diverts scarce state resources to the enforcement

of a broken immigration system,” the group said.

There are 11 state run and privately-operatedprisons areoverseen the New Mexico Corrections Department with about 7,300 inmates.

The governor’s directive comes as the Democratic-controlled New Mexico Legislature debates a measure to ban state agencies from cooperating with the Trump Administration on immigration enforcement.

Some Democrats want to prevent New Mexico law enforcement from participating in any federal deportation plans.

Martinez’ order also came at a time of heightened anxiety in immigrant communities over the Trump administration’s stepped up immigration enforcement measures and its revised executive order temporarily banning travel to the U.S. from six Muslim majority countries.

Gun bills gets traction in NM Capitol Internet service restored Friday at Roundhouse

By Morgan Lee

Associated Press

SANTA FE — Gun regulations in New Mexico may soon be rewritten in ways designed to avoid shootings in domestic violence disputes and to end free-wheeling firearm rules at the state Capitol.

Some bills that would place new restrictions on the sale and possession of firearms are inching their way through the Democratic-controlled Legislature as lawmakers near adjournment March 18.

Prospects for approval have dimmed for requiring background checks on private gun sales where no licensed dealers are involved, amid intense lobbying by gun-control advocacy groups and the firearms industry.

At the same time, some traditional political opponents of restrictions are embracing a bill

that requires people to surrender their guns if a judge deems them to be a threat to a spouse or domestic partner.

Here are some things to know about pending gun legislation Attorney Hannah Shearer of the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence says gun restrictions linked to domestic violence protect an especially vulnerable population: women who live with abusive partners who have guns.

The center counts New Mexico as one of seven states that have no laws on domestic violence and firearms.

The New Mexico Senate has approved a bill would ban the possession or purchase of firearms by people under permanent protective orders for domestic violence incidents.

The bill would potentially affect thousands of people involved in domestic disputes.

State district courts issued nearly 3,600 judgments for permanent protection orders in 2015. It’s unclear how many of those involved gun owners A Senate-approved bill would make it illegal for anyone but police officers and concealed-carry license holders to carry a gun in the Capitol.

New Mexico currently allows both concealed weapons and guns that are openly worn or carried in the Capitol, including on the floors of the Senate and House.

State police guard the Legislature but do not routinely screen people as they enter the building, and there are no metal detectors. The bill would not change that.

A Democrat-sponsored initiative that would ensure background checks against a federal database for most private gun sales has yet to make it to a floor vote after polarizing

debates in packed committee hearings.

Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard, D-Los Alamos, has rewritten the bill and says it “strikes the right balance between public safety and convenience.”

It includes exceptions for weapons transferred between family members and in casual situations on hunting or sport-shooting outings.

Garcia Richard says she’s concerned about “stranger-to-stranger” sales arranged over the internet or on the sidelines of guns shows without a licensed dealer performing a background check.

Members of the New Mexico Sheriffs Association say the initiative would do little to prevent hardened criminals from getting guns on the black market. The National Rifle Association has urged its members to protest the proposal, saying it opens the door to broader restrictions.

SANTA FE (AP) — The New Mexico Legislature’s website is back up and webcasting has been restored after a problem with internet service resulted in outage.

Legislative officials said Friday’s problems were related to off-site equipment that serves the state capitol. State technicians worked with a private service provider to restore the connection.

With just a week remaining in the 60-day session, the legislative schedule is packed. Viewers missed out Friday morning on committee meetings in which stricter ethics guidelines and a bill to change penalties for marijuana possession were debated.