Domestic violence awareness

Consuelia Henio, Miss Ramah Navajo, looks at one of the shirts on the Clothesline Project that was part of the March Against Domestic Violence in Gallup on Friday.

Participants in the march carry a part of the Clothesline Project.

Photo's by Michael Fagans

 

Monday
October 9
2000

( selected stories )

| Weekend | Oct 6 | Oct 5 | Oct 4 |
| Oct 3 |

— Contents —

Fry, Engh suspects in other murders


Navajo homes to get water, sewer

Ramah woman killed

Sports


Grants captures district opener

Session attacks racism

Cool nights draw mice
Beware of hantavirus

Reduce risk of fire by getting chimney cleaned

San Rafael man charged in shooting
Grand jury indicts others


Deaths


 



Fry, Engh suspects in other murders


S.J. Ludescher
Staff Writer

FARMINGTON — Robert Fry and Leslie Engh are sitting in San Juan County Detention Center without bail, waiting for a late spring trial in the murder cases of Betty Lee, a 36-year-old single mother of five from Shiprock, and Donald Tsosie, a 41-year-old father of five from Ganado, Ariz.

In addition to the charges already filed, detectives continue to investigate the possible participation of the suspects in several other unsolved Farmington murders.

The murder of Matthew C. Frank Trecker, 18, of Farmington, is one of those cases.

Matthew's parents, Jeff and Christina Trecker, attended a hearing Friday in Aztec District Court dealing with the Lee and Tsosie murders. They are hoping that their presence will motivate the authorities to push the investigation and solve the murder of their son. Fry, one of the accused murderers, is the last known person to see their son alive.

Trecker and Joseph Fleming, 24, also of Farmington, were murdered on Thanksgiving 1996 in a novelty shop called the Eclectic. According to the Treckers, Fry had admitted to Farmington police that he and his friend, Harold Pollack, were the last to see Matthew alive, about 3 a.m. Details from the scene, the parents claim, indicate there was no sign of a fight or struggle and that the murderer had to be someone they knew.

Between 7 and 8 a.m., the bodies of the boys were found, with multiple slashes and throats cut "brutally murdered," Jeff Trecker said. A passerby noticed a broken shop window and reported it.

The small shop had become a hangout for some local youth, including Fry. The Treckers said they knew a lot of the kids. They were attracted to the shop because of the weird variety of items available for sale: crystals, martial arts weaponry and cultist implements.

"The kids hung there because they had computers, too," Christina Trecker said. "They'd play Masquerade, a game similar to Dungeons and Dragons."

Some of the kids, including Fry, named their group "The Wild Bunch." They used citizen band radios, played CB tag and all of them had "handles," or nicknames. Christina Trecker claimed that after her son's death, that group changed names several times: to Wilder Bunch, then EPAAC, and finally, KKK Krazy Kowboy Killers.

Coincidentally, Engh's booking statement describes an "EPAAC" tattoo on his arm.

But some of the kids, Matthew told his parents, would get carried away, cutting themselves and acting odd.

"Matthew wasn't like that. But, he wanted to be around there because he wanted to look out for some of his friends," she said.
Matthew also told his parents some of the underage girls who loitered there had trouble fending off the advances of older men and it concerned him.

When his friend, Fleming, quit his job as the night security guard, Matthew told the owner, Alex Markadius, that he would keep an eye on the shop. According to Trecker's parents, Matthew had taken over security guard duties about 10 days before his murder, a job that required him to stay overnight in the store.

"Matthew was like that, everyone liked him. He helped everyone," Christina Trecker said. "In fact, only a few months before his death, he had helped the local police find a missing girl. He was that kind of person, kind-hearted."

Trecker was scheduled to start classes at San Juan College the following January on a full scholarship. He had been planning to be an emergency medical technician.

The night before Thanksgiving was the last time the parents saw Matthew alive. "He was going to spend the night at the shop. We took him and his friends Thanksgiving dinner.

"I had the feeling that something was wrong, that there was something weird about the shop, but I ignored it. I figured he was a big boy and he should be with his friends if that's what he wanted to do," she said.

He was dead the next day.

The Treckers have spent the last four years investigating the death of their son. They have tried every possibility for closure in their son's death: writing to "Unsolved Mysteries," talking to FBI agents, pleading with the state attorney generals.

One of the most disturbing things about the case, the Treckers said, was the lack of interest local authorities seem to pay to the initial investigation.

"Less than 48 hours after the murders, police allowed Markadius who was considered a prime suspect to gain access to the store and clean up the mess, destroying all of the evidence," Jeff Trecker said. "There was no attempt made to match bloody footprints found at the scene to anyone except Markadius. The prints were larger than his feet. There were no DNA samples done."

A private investigator hired through the nonprofit agency, Justice Alliance of North America, an organization that works on the solving of difficult murders on behalf of the survivors, turned up evidence that Markadius had been using an alias and had been convicted in Oklahoma of a kidnapping and sexual liberties with a minor.

About a year after the murder, Markadius left New Mexico.

Melton said that a motive for the murders had not yet been determined. "We don't know what his motivation may have been, but given his (Fry's) propensity for violence, we do believe that he has murdered two people ( Lee and Tsosie.)"

In the murder of their son, the Treckers believe that Matthew was not the target for the killing, but just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. The Treckers believe that Matthew's friend, Fleming, was the planned
victim.

Another mystery

In another related unsolved case, Be Pernell Tewangoitewa of Bloomfield was last seen by his sister driving away from Gator's Bar in Farmington on May 29, 1998, Farmington Police Sgt. Doug Kennedy said.

Fry worked at Gator's as a bouncer during this period of time. Engh was also known to frequent the establishment.

According to his sister, Tewa was going to the an area of Farmington known as "The Glades" to party with some friends.
His car was found at the site, burned, with no trace of Tewa. He has never been found.

"It's important to remember that this is still classified as a missing person, since we have never located him," San Juan County Sheriff Detective Sgt. Bob Melton said.

"When a person is missing for that long, we have to believe he's been a victim," Kennedy said. "None of his family members have ever heard anything from him since then."

Since the publicity about the cases, however, Melton said he had received some more circumstantial evidence about the Tewa incident but still is not ready to charge anyone in the incident.

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Navajo homes to get water, sewer

Jim Maniaci
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — The Inter-Government Relations Committee approved $17.9 million worth of contracts in September and $19.7 million in August, with much of the money going to bring water and sewer service to people for the first time.

In September, the committee approved the following contracts:

$1.8 million to the Navajo Utah Commission and the Navajo Housing Authority for housing rehabilitation using U.S. Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA) funds.

$1.6 million for sewer improvements in the Forest Lakes, Aneth, Counselor, Shiprock, Chinle and Sanostee Chapters.

$125,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to the tribal EPA to continue underground storage tank monitoring and $40,000 from the federal EPA for the UNC and Prewitt Super Fund Sites program; $1.1 million to Navajo EPA from the
U.S. Justice Department to hire seven environmental police officers for three years; $213,333 of which $53,333 will be tribal money for the Navajo EPA underground injection control program; $466,667 of which $116,667 will be tribal money and the rest from the U.S. EPA to continue the public water systems supervision program.

$50,000 from the Bureau of Indian Affairs to the tribal Education Division for the committee on Navajo Specific Education Standards.

$10.3 million from the U.S. Labor Department for the tribal youth opportunity grant plan under the Workforce Investment Act.
$885,000 for the Indian Health Service to extend water and sewer service to 120 homes in the Aneth, Beclabito, Burnham, Cudeii, Hogback, Mexican Water, Nenahnezad, Newcomb, Red Mesa, Red Valley, San Juan, Sanostee, Shiprock, Sweet Water, Teec Nos Pos, and Upper Fruitland Chapters.

$401,000 for the IHS to extend water and sewer service to 40 homes in the Counselor, Huerfano, Nageezi, Ojo Encino and Torreon Chapters; $335,000 for the IHS to extend water and sewer service and plumbing to 25 homes; and $157,000 for the IHS to do the same in the Teestoh, Bird Springs, White Cone, Dilkon and St. Michaels Chapters.

$49,500 from the New Mexico Office of Indian Affairs for the Navajo Uranium Workers Bureau in Shiprock.

$109,181 from the National Park Service for the Navajo Historic Preservation Department.

The committee also approved raising the tribal share to one-half in the Coconino County trash transfer station program and adding three more Western Agency chapters Bodaway-The Gap, Tonalea and Kaibeto to the original four Cameron, Toh Nanees Dizi (Tuba City), Leupp and Le Chee.

In August, the committee approved:

$229,301 of which $34,395 is tribal money and the balance ,U.S. EPA funds for Navajo EPA to continue the pesticide enforcement program and $50,000 (all from the U.S. EPA) for the Upper Fruitland seepage study.

$180,000 from Utah for the Navajo Social Services Division's Child Protective Service.

$724,040 for two years from the U.S. Social Security Act to promote family stability, enhance parents functioning properly and protect children.

$3.8 million for a tourist center at the entrance to the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park in the Oljato Chapter with $2.8 million for the Arizona Department of Transportation, $400,000 each from the tribe and the Utah Department of Transportation and $50,000 each from the Utah Travel Council, San Juan County and the Four Corners Economic Development Corporation on a 20 acre parcel at U.S. 163 and Bureau of Indian Affairs Route 42 for an interpretive center, arts and crafts market place, food concessions and an recreational vehicle park.

$8,754 from the Arizona Governor's Division for Children to the Central Navajo Youth Corrections Facility at Chinle.

$27,700 from the New Mexico Office of Indian Affairs to the Cudeii Chapter for a drug and alcohol counselor.

$160,000 of which $40,000 is tribal money and $120,000 U.S. EPA money for the Navajo EPA asbestos program and $453,947 of which $22,697 is tribal money to continue the air quality control program.

$156,721 to the Public Safety Division for a Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant from the U.S. Justice Department.

$280,000 for the Diné Education Division to pay for Navajo students in the Northern Arizona University bachelor of science nursing program at Ganado.

$46,760 from the Diné Education Division for 40 Navajo summer school students at the University of New Mexico Albuquerque campus; $38,475 for 50 Navajo summer school students at the University of Arizona and $5,546 for 50 Navajo summer school students at Arizona State University Tempe campus.

$6,000 for the Navajo Utah Commission and the State Of Utah to do a housing weatherization program.

$340,000 from the New Mexico Office of Indian Affairs for sewer and electric power projects at Newcomb, Shiprock and San Juan Chapters.

$2.1 million for the IHS to extend water and sewer service to homes in Monument Valley, White Mesa to Kaibeto, Casa Del Echo Mesa, Dynamite Hill, Oljato and Chichilbinto; $1.6 million for the IHS to extend sewer and water service in Chinle, Lukachukai, Winslow, and White Mesa to Red Lake communities; $1.5 million for the IHS to extend water and sewer service in Tuba City, Gallup and Whippoorwill.

$925,000 for the IHS to extend water and sewer service in Chinle, Lukachukai, Tuba City, Winslow, Gallup, Klagetoh, Coal Mine Mesa, Low Mountain, Tolani Lake, Red Mesa, Shiprock, Mulholland Well and Nahodishgish; $3.1 million for the IHS to extend water and sewer service 75 sites in Red Rock, Bread Springs, Counselor, Franciscan Lake and Naschitti; $1.3 million for the IHS to extend water and sewer service to 62 sites in Tsayatoh, Pigeon Springs and Smith Lake.

The IHS work is done under Public Law 86-121.

The Inter-Government Relations is composed of the chairmen of the Navajo Nation Council's 11 standing committees and the speaker.

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Ramah woman killed

Tanya Brazil
Staff Writer

GRANTS — A Ramah woman died Sunday night after police said she rear-ended another vehicle and was ejected from her Jeep Grand Cherokee at the 89 mile marker on Interstate 40 in Grants.

Eva Maria, 46, was pronounced dead at the scene by an investigator from the Office of Medical Examiner, police said.

The three-vehicle accident occurred, police said, when Maria struck another eastbound vehicle that had applied its brakes and started to exit at the 89 ramp.

Maria's Jeep then fishtailed into a third vehicle, which caused her vehicle to go totally out of control and into the median, a police report said.

After rolling about two and half times, the jeep came to a rest on the westbound lefthand lane.

At some point, Maria was thrown out of the vehicle and landed in the same lane, police said.

None of the passengers in the other vehicles was injured, police said, and all were wearing seat belts except for Maria.

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Begay ropes in all-around honors

Santiago Ramos
Staff Sports Writer

SHIPROCK — Former world champion Garrison Begay of Greasewood, Ariz. roped in all-around honors by placing in the money in three events during the Shiprock Fair Rodeo that ended Sunday afternoon at the Shiprock Fairgrounds.

Begay, who received a two-horse trailer for the all-around honor, pocketed winnings totalling an impressive $3,094.06 by placing first in the team roping and steer wrestling and third in the calf roping.

Former world champion Karl Dennison of Tsaile, Ariz., was the runnerup all-around cowboy and received a saddle.

The team of Garrison Begay and David Platero topped the field in the lucrative team roping competition with a fast run of 5.8 seconds that paid $3,014.82 for the team. The team of Karl Dennison and Rex Begay placed second with a 5.84 ($2,456.52).
The team of Grant Skeet and Kurt Etsicitty took third with a 6.02 ($2,009.88). The team of Garrett Yazzie and OJ Williams placed fourth with a 6.09 ($1,451.58). The former world championship team of Reggie and Lucius Sells and the team of Donovan Yazzie and Leonard Nez tied for fifth with 6.48s ($836 per team). The team of Ervin Rogers and Ricky Kee placed seventh with a 6.50 ($334.98) while the team of JR Nez and Harrison Begay took eighth with a 7.02 ($223.32).

Garrison Begay also placed first in the steer wrestling with a quick takedown of 3.29 seconds that was worth $1,109.25.
Harold Manuelito was second with a 4.05 ($918) with Matt Henry third with a 4.39 ($726.75). Tommy Cornfield finished fourth with a 4.43 ($535.50) while Art Arviso Jr. was fifth with a 4.48 ($344.25). Robert Tom rounded out the top six places with a 4.49 ($191.25).

Anders Perry won the calf roping with a winning time of 9.05 seconds for first place money of $954.80. Darrell Nez placed second with a 9.24 ($746.10) with Garrison Begay third with a 9.27 ($477.40). Former world champion John Boyd Jr. took fourth with a 9.72 ($238.70).

Harry Yazzie was the top bull rider with a winning score of 79 that paid $1,442.88. Jarvis Woody, who trails front runner and former two-time world champion Julius Y. Begay who has an insurmountable lead in the season standings, claimed second with a 77 ($1,175.68). Darren Francis finished third with a 76 ($961.92). Larry Tsosie Jr. and Manuel Harry tied for fourth with 73s ($614.86 each). Delbert Buck was sixth with a 72 ($267.20). Ty Arviso was seventh with a 70 ($160.32). There was a three-way tie for eighth with Philbert Carlston, Alfonso Francis and Lem Johnson with 67s ($35.62 each).

Ramos Benny won the saddle bronc with a winning ride of 76 that paid $922.80. Former world champion Archie Becenti and Benson Kee tied for second with 69 scores ($576.75 each). Henry Barlowe finished fourth with a 65 ($230.70).

Former world champion Bennie Begay claimed the bareback with a 77 score that was worth $554.50. Johnny Raye was second with a 69 ($332.70) with Ray James third with a 68 ($221.80).

Jami Stevenson won the barrel racing with a winning run of 17.534 seconds that was worth $738.63. Leeja Bitsui finished second with a 17.548 ($611.28) with Yolanda Nez third with a 17.812 ($483.93). Roqui Willeto was fourth with a 17.813 ($356.08) with Odessa Yazzie fifth with a 17.863 ($229.23). Shannon Burnette, who was leading in the season standings, and Rayennagail Yazzie tied for sixth with 17.876s ($127.35 each).

April Pablo was the top breakaway roper with a quick run of 2.16 seconds that paid $731. Leah Stevenson finished second with a 3.36 ($356.90) with Dee Dee Fowler fourth with a 4.29 ($182.80).

The rodeo announcer at Shiprock was bilingual rodeo announcer Ernie Manuelito, the 1999 NNRCA Rodeo Announcer of the Year.

The NNRCA regional finals are set for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 21-22, at Red Rock State Park. Oct. 16 is the last day for confirmations to fill the top 15 for regionals. Entry fee for the regional finals is set at $250 per event and $250 per man in the team roping. Added money is $700 per event, $1,400 for team roping. Stock contractors will be Casper Baca Rodeo Company and L/W Roping Club. There will be three go rounds beginning Saturday at 1 p.m., Saturday evening at 7 p.m. and the final performance Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. Contestants will be required to check in by 12 noon, no later on Oct. 21. The officers and Board of Directors will be presenting the Top 15 contestant jackets at 12:30 p.m. so please be prompt in paying up, picking up your contestant numbers and ground rules. The eligibility list for the sudden death concept for eligible contestants will be posted. In order to be on the list, contestants must have participated in 10 of the scheduled rodeos.

Thoreau wins homecoming

Abelita R. Freeland
Staff Sports Writer

THOREAU — The Thoreau Hawks beat the Zuni Thunderbirds 48-16 for a homecoming victory Saturday.

"I think we had them scouted out pretty good, the boys didn't find anything they weren't expecting," head football coach Dick Heward says. "We did our scouting and homework on them. At halftime the boys said they didn't see anything that we didn't tell them about."

The Thunderbirds took an 8-0 lead in the first quarter when Bobby Bowekaty scored from one yard out with 6:12 left in the quarter.

Thunderbird quarterback Shawn Simplicio had a successful 7-yard pass to Jamie Hooee taking them down the Hawks' 11 and Faron Sanchez rushed for 11 yards during the drive.

Zuni converted a successful two point try with a pass to Latone, putting Zuni ahead.

The Hawks made a quick come back 20 seconds later. Hawk Jeremy Mazon returned the kickoff 18 yards. And Michael Lambson ran the ball for a 57-yard touchdown. Chris Green attempted the PAT that was good for an 8-7 score.

Afer holding Zuni, Hawk Virdell Brown blocked a punt to give Thoreau possession at the Zuni 38.

The first play was fumbled by Mazon, but he recoverd and in three plays marched the Hawks down to the 16 yard line.
Lambson rushed for nine yards and Adam Pina 12 to get the Hawks closer, but a couple of penalties backed them up.

With a first-and-30, a reverse to John Ledingham netted 16 yards. At the Thunderbird 24, Lambson had a break through rush for the touchdown with 1:42 left in the quarter. Green had an unsuccessful PAT but Thoreau led 13-8.

The rest of the quarter didn't go well for Zuni after Green's 45-yard kickoff. Zuni registered a couple of penalties, an incomplete pass and minimal gains offensively.

From his own 18-yard line punter Simplicio missed the ball which ended up in Zuni's end zone, giving the Hawks the safety and two more points.

Following the free kick, Pina rushed 38 yards for the touchdown after gains of four and eight yards. Green's PAT was successful, putting Thoreau up 22-8 just over a minute into the second quarter.

After picking up a first down, a penalty stalled Zuni's next drive but a Thoreau fumble on Simplicio's punt gave the Thunderbirds another opportunity.

Zuni's Latone recovered the fumble on the Hawks' 37-yard line.Zuni now had the opportunity to stage their next come back, with plenty of time left before half time.

Zuni made their first down with a two yard rush by Sanchez, another three yards by Sanchez and a six yard rush by Jason Ukestine. Ukestine got the ball up the Hawk 24.

But after that, Jonathan Nelson, sacked Sanchez for a loss of two yards. Following two incompletions, a flag against Zuni took them back to the Hawk 31. Simplicio was sacked on the next play as Zuni turned the ball over on downs.

Zuni's defense created another opportunity for the offense when Hooee came up with an interception.

However, Zuni's offense couldn't do much against the Hawks. Pina even took out Simplicio with a hard tackle as Simplicio recovered his own fumble.

Replacing Simplicio for two plays was Kai Walala. Walala had one two yard rush and a three yard rush before Simplicio was put back in the game.

The Thunderbirds made four more plays before Simplicio fumbled the ball with Hawk Phillip Elkins recovering the ball.
The second half didn't start off any better for Zuni as they fumbled the opening kickoff. Thunderbird Latone was able to recover it at their own 27, but penalties once again plagued the Thunderbirds.

Zuni was still able to drive down to the Hawk 10, where Kalani Eli caught a 10-yard pass for a touchdown 3:40 into the quarter. The two-point conversion was good with a pass to Hooee, making it 22-16 Thoreau.

Sanchez tackled Lambson for a loss seven yards taking them back to Zuni 's32 and Latone tackled Pina for another two-yard loss as Zuni's defense stepped things up.

But Mazon capped Thoreau's drive with a 12-yard rush for the touchdown with 4:12 left in the quarter. Philip Elkins had a 20 yard catch during the drive.

Green made the PAT putting the score at 29-16.

Zuni's offense again failed to produce even after a fumble that was recovered by Hooee.

The Hawks began the fourth quarter having possession of the ball at Zuni 41. It would not be long before a touchdown was scored.

Lambson had a 19 yard rush, another seven yarder, followed with 10 more yards before rushing in for a five-yard touchdown.
Green attempted his fifth PAT for the day and was successful, giving Thoreau the lead 36-16.

Zuni, for the third time in the half, couldn't get a first down again and had to punt the ball which only went to their own 25.

The Hawks moved to the 17-yard line and then attempted a 34 yard field goal with Green making it for a 39-16 Thoreau lead.

Zuni turned the ball over two more times with Thoreau's John Ledingham returning an interception for a 40 yard touchdown.
Green again kicked the PAT, taking the score to 46-16.

"Our backs run well and they had a lot of yards, they had their speed," Heward said. "It was nice to be able to win a game when it's your homecoming. I was especially proud of how the boys took the win and the seniors were well up to it. They wanted to go out winning for their homecoming."

Hawk Chris Green, a transfer from Kansas who didn't play football until this year had hit five of his six PAT attempts and a 34-yard field goal.

Michael Lambson led the Hawks with 161 rushing yards, three touchdowns and one recovery. Adam Pina rushed for 66 yards and one touchdown. Jeremy Mazon rushed for 35 yards and one touchdown and recovered one fumble. John Ledingham scored once.

Thoreau had 10 penalties for -80 yards and three fumbles.

Leading Zuni was Faron Sanchez with 76 yards. Jamie Hooee had 45 yards, one recovery and two interceptions. Jason Ukestine also had an interception. Roylen Latone had 16 yards and two recoveries. Kalani Eli and Bobby Bowekaty each had one touchdown.

Kellan Lementino andRichard Yuselew each recovered a fumble.

The Thunderbirds had 11 penalties for 90 yards and seven fumbles.The Hawks are 4-2 overall and start district this week playing Crownpoint.

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Grants captures district opener

Michael Peretti
Staff Sports Writer

BERNALILLO — The Grants Pirates took control of the game from the first play, and did not lose a step the rest of the way, defeating Bernalillo 30-6 in the Spartans' homecoming game Saturday afternoon.

"Our kids came out and played hard today," said Grants head coach Jerry Burns. "The offensive line did the job for us today."

The offensive line helped open holes for Grants, helping them pick up 312-yards on the ground. The Pirates ran the ball on 62 of their 67 plays. Floyd Brito led the Grants ground attack, rushing for 158-yards on 28 carries, including a 45-yard run and a
1-yard touchdown. Daniel Hunsaker, who scored the game's first touchdown, finished with 65-yards on 15 carries and two touchdowns.

Grants (4-2, 1-0 in District 3AAA) picked up their first district win of the year...

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Session attacks racism

Staff Report

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Northern Arizona University Personal & Professional Development Programs is sponsoring a four-hour workshop on "Unlearning Racism: The Color of Fear."

The Oct. 25 workshop is designed for community leaders, educators, administrators, organizations, and individuals whose goal is to create opportunities for authentic, honest, and open crosscultural dialogue within their organization.

The workshop will provide a forum for participants to discover conscious and unconscious ways that racism has affected their life. Participants will explore personal perceptions and issues concerning race, conflict, and internalized racism. The workshop includes a 90-minute film, "The Color of Fear..."

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Cool nights draw mice
Beware of hantavirus


Catherine Coolwind Feher
Special to the Independent

KEAMS CANYON, Ariz. — Autumn brings cooler nights and clear, crisp days to the area. It also triggers a search for cozy homes by rats and mice.

Rodents are carriers of hantavirus and plague, so people in Indian Country should be alert.

"So far this year, we have been lucky, we haven't had any human cases of hantavirus on the Hopi reservation," Hopi Environmental Health Specialist Lucas Namoki said. "But that doesn't mean the virus isn't around. Every rodent should be treated as a potential carrier, and people need to protect themselves and their homes."

While the Hopi reservation has apparently been spared hantavirus outbreaks this past summer, Coconino County and western New Mexico have had human outbreaks of the virus...

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Reduce risk of fire by getting chimney cleaned

Tanya Brazil
Staff Writer

GALLUP — Residents who plan to use fireplaces or woodstoves to heat their homes this winter can guard against potential fires and structure damage by having their chimneys cleaned and inspected by trained professionals.

This is National Fire Prevention Week and last week was National Chimney Safety Week.

Raymond Ross, owner of Chimney Sweeps Unlimited, said that the risk of house fires and resulting injuries and fatalities can be greatly reduced by having chimneys cleaned once a year.

"With proper chimney care, chimney fires are entirely preventable," he said. "It all comes down to homeowner maintenance, if they take all the proactive measures to prevent chimney fires..."

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San Rafael man charged in shooting
Grand jury indicts others


Tom Purdom
Staff Writer

GRANTS — After several weeks of not having a grand jury in Cibola County, one was called last week and jurors indicted several people, including Gabriel Mirabal, 19, of San Rafael, on several charges stemming from a shooting.

Mirabal, also known as Gabriel Dubois, was indicted for a Sept. 10 incident involving a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol. He used the weapon to beat Chris Fernandez and because of it was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

He also struck at Pete Fernandez with the same weapon and was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on the same day. He also struck at Paul Vallejos with the pistol, and was charged with yet another count of aggravated assault with a
deadly weapon.

The same day of the assaults Mirabal was charged with shooting at an occupied building and then turned his pistol on a 1990 Nissan truck and a Buick LeSabre. Both vehicles were parked at a party in San Rafael when the shooting broke out...


Deaths

Irene Bustos

ALBUQUERQUE — Funeral Mass for Irene Bustos, 83, will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Gallup. A private disposition will take place at a later date.

Bustos died Oct. 5 in Albuquerque.

Bustos lived in Gallup for 70 years and was a member of the Sacred Heart Cathedral. She resided in Albuquerque and belonged to the Queen of Heaven Parish.

Survivors include her husband, Eddie Bustos; son, Edward Bustos; daughters, Bebe Granados of Poway, Calif., and Kathy Garcia of Albuquerque; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Bustos was preceded in death by her parents, Claudio and Purificacion Lopez; brothers, Joe Tovada and Clyde Lopez; and a sister, Angelina Aguayo.

Donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Organization, 1330 San Pedro NE Suite 205, Albuquerque, N.M. 87110.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Eva Manulito John

COYOTE CANYON — Services for Eva Manulito John, 102, will be announced at a later date.

John died Oct. 6 at the McKinley Manor in Gallup.

Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.



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