1. “GPD officers cleared in Sylversmythe shooting” by Bernie Dotson. Reportedly, the 300 pound-plus Sylversmythe lunged at several officers with a knife that he wielded as a weapon. The incident happened in the wee hours of the morning at Gallup Housing Authority’s Arnold Street complex in the summer of 2016.
2. “Tohatchi wins NM 3A championship” by Bernie Dotson.
The Tohatchi girls basketball team won the New Mexico 3A state basketball championship behind 20 points by junior point guard Kalian Mitchell and 18 points by Cheyenne Begay. The team is one of the best in the history of state sports. Now a senior, Mitchell made all-state in the 8th grade and has made first or second team all-state since then for consecutive years.
The Lady Cougars beat Eunice 57-50 in March and became the sole team in Tohatchi basketball history to win a state championship.
3. “Beloved elections director, husband, father passes on” by Babette Herrmann. Rick Palochak was a familiar name to reporters who covered politics, particularly during election times. Palochak worked tireless hours with area journalists to make sure every detail was correct.
4. “Kentucky fugitives caught in Gallup” by Bernie Dotson. David Thomas and Elizabeth Neal were apprehended by the GPD at the Super 8 along West Historic Highway 66. The pair shot two people in Owen County, Kentucky, and made their way to Gallup. The GPD received a tip that the two, along with two kids, were at the Super 8 and apparently on the run.
5. “Native American themed films feature star power” by Dee Velasco. The Gallup Film Festival kicked off yet another successful year, showcasing films such as “The Watchman’s Canoe,” which was made by filmmaker Barri Chase of Washington. The festival has proven that it is one of Gallup’s top annual attractions with respect to star power. At the 2017 film festival were film starts Adam Beach and Thoreau’s own Roger Willie.
By Bernie Dotson
For the Sun
