Man pulls knife on city police
No one hurt
Tanya Brazil
Staff Writer
GALLUP — A Tohatchi man was arrested Saturday after police said
he assaulted two people and then pulled a knife on officers at the
Hacienda Motel on East Highway 66.
The suspect, Alvin Fuson, 36, was booked into McKinley County Adult
Detention Center for battery on a household member, possession of
a controlled substance (marijuana) and three felony counts of aggravated
assault on a peace officer.
According to a police report, Fuson became upset while at the motel
and began assaulting his girlfriend, Jane Tsosie, 31, also of Tohatchi.
A witness, Calvin Fuson, 30, told police he was in the motel room
when the suspect kicked the victim in the stomach repeatedly and caused
her to fall down.
Police said the suspect then began following the witness and Tsosie
as they walked to a convenience store to call police.
At that point, the witness said he approached the suspect and told
him "to leave Jane alone and that it was enough."
But Alvin Fuson hit him in the face, he said, and they fought until
the suspect got up and headed back toward the motel, police said.
When police checked the couple's motel room, they found the suspect
inside, waving a knife toward officers and making cut marks on his
own stomach and arm, a police report said.
Ignoring repeated orders to put the knife down, the suspect began
telling the officers that if they put their guns down on the ground,
or if they brought his girlfriend or mother over, he would put his
knife away, police said.
When the suspect then tried to open a propane can with a pair of pliers,
officers sprayed him with pepper spray, recovered the knife and arrested
him.
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Mural is tool to recovery
Michael Fagans
Staff Photographer
GALLUP — Manuel Peshlakai is not your typical Na nizhoozhi Center
(NCI) resident.
His recovery tool is the paintbrush and his canvases are the walls
of NCI. Peshlakai lives in his art and gets his inspiration from his
culture.
Over the years Peshlakai has sold drawings and paintings on the streets
of Gallup for money. He has also been an off and on again resident
of NCI since 1993, painting seven murals while being treated.
Peshlakai got the idea of painting murals from the time he lived in
San Jose, Calif., and saw miles or murals along the highways.
For his latest project, NCI encouraged Peshlakai by asking him to
be a 30-day resident and paint the mural that now dominates the entire
wall of a dormitory area. For Peshlakai, this was a job that he took
seriously.
In the past Peshlakai has struggled with not finding support or encouragement
for him to continue with his art. Alcohol was a tempting alternative
in those times.
"There were times that I felt I couldn't succeed and got depressed,"
he said. Now Peshlakai believes that some of the people at NCI look
up to him and he feels the strength that comes from support.
Peshlakai's work is one of the ways he can give something back to
the place that has helped him.
"I want to fly everybody out of here," he said, pointing
to one of the eagles he has painted.
Quietly woven into his work that portrays traditional themes, Peshlakai
includes faces in silhouette, symbols, stories and inspirational messages
for the residents to see.
As with all artists, Peshlakai sees where improvements can be made
on his earlier work and he feels that many of the murals are not finished
yet.
Part of the therapy for Peshlakai is the time he spends thinking while
painting.
While working on the mural he describes as his latest "hit,"
Peshlakai thought positively and dreamed. His goal, now that he has
completed the mural and reached 60 days of sobriety, is to paint murals
in town for interested businesses and organizations.
His motivation is to break the dangerous cycle that he has been living
and become a successful artist.
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Founders' family gets key to city
Grant brothers settled town
Tara Drolma
Staff Writer
GRANTS — Twenty-six descendants of Angus, Lewis, and John Grant
the founding fathers of Grants arrived early Saturday by bus to visit
the town that bears their family name. The visit was part of a family
reunion that had been held in Albuquerque.
Members of the Chamber of Commerce welcomed them to Grants and gave
them coffee and cookies and a guided tour of the Mining Museum.
Carmen Morin, executive director of the Grants/Cibola County Chamber
of Commerce, presented Richard Angus Grant, great-grandson of Angus
Grant, and Richard Wilson, grandson of Lewis Grant, a key to the city.
The men, who are from California, accepted the key on behalf of the
family.
Richard Grant recalled visiting Grants in 1958 for the town's 75th
anniversary celebration. Grant was 5 years old and he remembers his
father, his two uncles and his aunt were given a key to the city.
In 1882, the three Grant brothers had contracted to build the railroad
for this section of the state and they established a camp here for
the workers.
Don Jesus Blea had homesteaded on the south side of San Jose Creek
near a group of cottonwoods in 1872 and the area was named Los Alamitos
or The Cottonwoods.
For several years the railroad ended in Grants and the camps were
established to continue the work to the west. The town was first called
Grant's Camp, then Grants Station, and finally, just Grants.
As the railroad moved west, so did the brothers. Katherine Grant,
the sister of the three brothers, stayed in New Mexico after the rest
of the family went on to California with the railroad.
She married a Macpherson and members of the family are still in Albuquerque.
The majority of the family lives in California.
Surprisingly, the town does not have a picture of the three brothers,
but that may be remiedied in the future.
Before her father died, the daughter of Angus Grant was able to get
an oral history of his life. Her family has promised to share that
information with the Chamber so that the town will have it.
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Ramah captures District 1A title
Michael Peretti
Staff Sports Writer
RAMAH — It took only three plays in the second half for Ramah
to become the District 1A football champions.
Ramah had already built a 37-0 lead going into the half and scored
on their first two posessions to give them a 50-0 advantage which
ended the game on the "mercy rule".
Ramah completed their regular season undefeated with a 7-0 mark, 4-0
in district.
"I think this team is as good as any team in the state,"
said head coach Ron Stevenson.
The Mustangs earned a first round bye in the state playoffs and will
play the winner of Melrose-Logan Nov. 4.
Ramah scored on eight of their nine posessions in the game, losing
the ball on downs in the second half for the only posession that they
did not score.
Ramah came out and ran the ball 13 times for a total of 84 yards and
four touchdowns. Carrizozo had 56 yards on 19 carries.
Ramah passed the ball 12 times, completing eight for 156 yards, three
touchdowns, and two PATs. The Mustangs also had a punt returned 56
yards for a touchdown.
Carrizozo only completed three passes out of 10 attempts, picking
up 35 yards.
Carrizozo turned the ball over three times, once on an interception
and twice on fumbles.
Ramah's leading rusher was Austin Clawson, picking up 48 yards on
six carries and scoring one touchdown. Clawson also had one catch,
a 27-yard touchdown catch for his second score of the day.
Reginald Antonio added 23 yards on two carries and a touchdown for
the Mustangs.
Cagney Martine caught two passes, both were PAT passes.
Carrizozo's leading rusher was Chris Margis, picking up 34 yards on
seven carries. Lane Dixon added 16 yards on nine carries.
Ian Anderson hd two catches for 60 yards for Ramah, one a 40-yard
touchdown catch. Wesley Grassie also had a touchdown catch, a 20-yard
catch to score the final touchdown of the game.
Matt Offutt caught two of the Grizzlies three passes, totaling 21
yards. Lane Dixon had the only other catch for 14 yards.
Ramah had three players with pass attempts. Tucker Simmons passed
4-of-7 for 70 yards to lead the team in passing. Simmons also broke
the game wide open with a 56-yard punt return for a touchdown to put
the Mustangs up 25-0 in the first half.
Ramah ran 23 plays from scrimmage, scoring in under three plays on
six of the teams seven scoring drives.
It took Ramah six plays to score on their first posession, but from
that point on scored in under three plays.
Carrizozo was penalized three times for 35 yards, while Ramah was
only penalized once for 15 yards.
"The kids came out and played good, the defense stepped up and
played real good," said Stevenson. "We have come out and
played focused every game this year."
Stevenson said he thinks the Mustangs have a real good shot in state,
and that he thinks they are in the top three in state. "I think
Floyd is the team to beat, but I think we can do it."
Mike propels to top
Santiago Ramos
Staff Sports Writer
CHURCH ROCK — The weather failed to dampen the drive of the top
Indian cowboys and cowgirls trying to qualify for the Indian National
Finals Rodeo during the 25th Annual Navajo Nation Cowboys Association
Regional Finals that ended on a dreary, wet and cold Sunday afternoon
at Red Rock State Park.
With the points doubled for each of the three go rounds plus the average,
the race to determine the season champions in each of the eight events
was wide open. With a sudden death format, rodeo contestants who experienced
a solid regional finals performance were justly rewarded with a berth
to the INFR.
Fruitland breakaway roper Jacey Mike, who was sitting in seventh place
in the season standings prior to the regional finals, was one of those
fortunate contestants that had a super showing at the regional finals,
picking up the all-around cowgirl honor but more importantly earning
an INFR birth. Donavan Yazzie of Albuquerque grabbed the all-round
cowboy honor.
"I am very excited to be going," said the 23 year old Mike
who earned her second straight INFR trip. "I was pleased with
my performance considering I pulled my back last week. My back is
okay, but it still aches."
Representing the NNRCA at the INFR are the team of Roderick and Reginald
Tso of Blue Gap, Arizona and the team of Tedson and Clarence Yazzie
of Mexican Springs in the team roping: Julius Y. Begay of Shiprock
and Jarvis Woody of Rock Point Arizona in the bull riding; Robert
Tom of Pinion Arizona and Tyrone Tsosie of Window Rock in the steer
wrestling; James Hunt Jr. of Toadlena and Patrick Smith of Steamboat
Arizona in the saddle bronc; Ernest Bitsui of Steamboat and Bennie
Begay of Rockpoint; Donovan Yazzie of Albuquerque and Benson Charley
of Standing Rock in the calf roping; Shannon Burnette of Window Rock
and Leeja Bitsoi of Twin Lakes in the barrel racing; April Pablo of
Crownpoint and Jacey Mike of Fruitland in the breakaway roping.
The team roping combination of Roderick and Reginald Tso won the regular
season team roping title. The team of Tedson and Clarence Yazzie won
the average with a 24.48 on three runs. The team of Dennis Begay and
Rudy Yazzie took second with a 25.03, with the team of Tso and Tso
third (25.77). The team of Garrison Begay and Darryll Boyd placed
fourth (33.03).
The team of Yazzie and Yazzie won the third go with a 6.52 run, the
fastest of the rodeo. The team of Tso and Tso was second (8.23) with
a team of Ervin Rogers and Rickey Kee third (8.53). The team of Begay
and Yazzie was fourth (9.62). The team of Victor and James Begay Jr.
won the first go with a 6.98. The team of Begay and Yazzie took second
(7.96). The team of Alfonso Begay and Elrid Tahe was third (8.71)
with a team of Yazzie and Yazzie (9.24). The team of Nelson Long and
Alvin Willie won the second go with a 6.80. The team of Begay and
Begay was second with a 7.02. The team of Begay and Boyd finished
third (7.22) With a team of Begay and Yazzie fourth (7.45).
Former two-time world champion Julius Y. Begay will be heading back
to the INFR by easily winning the bull riding season title. Begay
was leading with 192 points to Jarvis Woody's 137 points going into
Sundays final go round. Woody ended claiming the average with a 238
total with three solid rides of 80, 80, 78. Begay finished second
in the average with a 222 total with Morgan Wilson third with a 160
on two and Lance Yazzie fourth with a 144 on two. Wilson won the third
go with an 81 score, the highest of the rodeo. Woody was second (78),
followed by Begay (77) and Adrian Yellowman (74).
Woody took the first go with an 80 score, followed by Ty Arviso (74),
Yazzie, (73), with Begay and Vincent Shorty tied for fourth (69).
Woody also posted and identical 80 to win the second go round, just
ahead of Wilson (79). Romeo Maryboy finished third (77) with Begay
fourth (76).
Tyrone Tsosie beat out Robert Tom for the bulldogging average, 17.82
to 18.02. Tom had a slim two-point lead over Tsosie , 121 points to
119 after two go rounds. Donavan Yazzie finished third (34.64) with
Sheridan Jodie fourth (36.04).
Former two time world champion Jacob Antone won the third go with
a 4.85 second takedown with Ernest Tso second (5.18), Willard Henry
third (5.75) and Jodie fourth (6.71). Garrison Begay won the first
go with a 4.39, with defending all-round and steer wrestling Ed Holyan
second with a 4.84. Tsosie placed third (4.96) with Tom fourth (5.06).
Former world Champion Ben Bates Jr. won the second go with the rodeo's
quickest takedown of 3.87 seconds. Hollas Jodie was second with a
3.95, followed by Kyle Smith (4.27), and Tom (4.95).
Donovan Yazzie was another contestant able to clinch the regular season
title in the calf roping prior to the third and final go round. Yazzie
was holding a huge 80 point lead over Rodrick Tso. Yazzie capped his
win by winning the third go with a fast 7.99 second run, the fastest
of the rodeo. Darryl Boyd took second with a 9.33 followed by Anders
Perry (9.43) and Alfred Bates Jr. (10.30).
Benson Charley won the calf roping average with a 32.39 total, just
ahead of Gerald Daye (33.38), Bates Jr. (33.62) and Karl Dennison
(36.11). Charley won the first go with a 10.27 with Nelson Long second
(10.81), followed by Yazzie (11.09) and Bates Jr (11.69). Dennison
claimed the second go with a 10.17, nipping Charley with a 10.18.
Daye took third (10.38) with Perry fourth (10.70).
Former two-time bareback and world champion James Hunt Jr. earned
his 19th trip to the INFR by winning the season title.
Hunt placed in the second and third go rounds and also in the average
to turn back his closest challengers Ramos Benny and Patrick Smith
for the season title. Hunt held a slim six point lead heading into
Sundays third and final go round over both Benny and Smith, 140 points
to 134.
Smith claimed the second spot for the INFR in the bareback by winning
the average with a 225 total on three. Benny and Benson Kee tied for
second with 212 total with Hunt fourth with a 197. Smith won the third
go round with a 74 score followed by Benson Kee (72) Hunt (71) and
Benny (69). Omar Bigthumb won the first go with an 81, followed by
Benny and Kee tied with 73s, and Romeo Maryboy and Smith tied with
68s. Smith also won the second go with an 83 score, the highest score
of the rodeo. Veteran former world Champion Archie Becenti finished
second with a 72 with Hunt and Benny tied for third with 70s.
Earnest Bitsui won the bareback season title with 1998 world champion
Bennie Begay claiming the average to make a return trip to the INFR
after missing last year.
Begay enjoyed a solid weekend, pocketing winnings totaling $1,064
with two of the rodeo's highest scores. Begay, who trailed Bitsui
by 16 points going into the final day, won the average with a 239
total. Bitsui trailed in second with a 211 with Lester Jones third
(200). Begay won the third go with an 81, followed by Vernon Jesus
(74) with Jones and Bitsui tied with 71s. In the second go Begay posted
and impressive 85 score with Bitsui (67) in second and Jones in third
(66). In the first go Begay and Bitsui tied for first with 73 scores
with Louis Williams Jr. third (71).
Shannon Burnette clinched the season barrel racing title prior to
the final go round. Burnette was leading Leeja Bitsoi, 255 to 190
with a maximum of 40 points up for grabs with a pair of firsts in
the third go and average. Bitsoi just barely edged out Roqui Willeto
for the average, (49.760 to 49.877), to grab the second spot for the
INFR. Bitsoi posted consistent runs of 16.437, 16.644 and 16.679.
Sue D. Pablo was third (51.000) with Burnette in fourth (51.045).
Willeto won the third go with a 16.447 with Bitsoi second (16.679),
former world champion Tammy D. Tracie third (16.736) and Pablo fourth
(16.996).
Bitsoi won the first and second gos. Bitsoi covered the clover leaf
pattern in 16.437, the fastest of the rodeo to win the first go. Willeto
placed second (16.656), Pablo third (16.995) and Burnette fourth (17.005).
Bitoi also won the second go with a 16.644. Willeto trailed with a
16.774, followed by Burnette (16.943) and Tracy (16.998).
April Pablo and Debbie Robbins were tied in the break away roping
season standings with 143 points heading into Sundays final go round.
Even though she posted a no time, Pablo was still able to finish third
in the average to end up as the season champion while Robbins missed
qualifying. Jacey Mike was the lone breakaway roper to post three
times with a 27.80 total on three runs.
Janelle Manygoats finished second with an 8.02 on two with Pablo third
with an 18.95 on two and Joncelita Begay fourth with a 20.67 on two.
Lavina Willie won the third go with the rodeo's fastest time of 2.99
seconds. Manygoats took second with a 3.83 with Mike third with a
6.09. Robbins won the first go with a 3.52 with Robbie Whitehair second
(3.63), Mike third (5.34) and Alfreda Bates fourth (7.82). Pablo won
the second go with a 3.39 with Manygoats second (4.19), Dena Willeto
third (4.67) and Begay fourth (6.35).
Payoff for all events with exception of bareback and team roping were
$400 for first place, $300 for second, $200 third and $100 for fourth
for each go round and the average. The payoff for team roping were
double: $800 for first $600 for second $400 for third and $200 for
fourth. Payoff for the bareback, which had only eight contestants
compared to 15 for the other events were $280 for first, $167 for
second and $112 for third. Points for the regional finals were also
doubled, 20 points for first, 18 for second, 16 for third.
The 25th Annual Indian Finals Rodeo is set for December 6th to 9th
at the New Mexico State Fairgrounds in Albuquerque.
General ad is $12, $16 for chairback reserved and $20 for premium
box seats. There will be a total of eight performances, two performances
daily at 1 and 7 p.m. Contact the INFR office at (505)488-6131, Monday
through Friday form 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Tribes blast 'English only'
Window Rock school chief vows: Diné culture
won't die
Jim Maniaci
Diné Bureau
FORT DEFIANCE, Ariz. — The new superintendent of the Window Rock
Unified School District has promised that cultural programs will continue
no matter what happens on Nov. 7.
J. Ronald Hennings spoke against the English Immersion Initiative
on the Nov. 7 Arizona ballot during the recent dedication of a 48-home
subdivision.
Hennings said that Window Rock's cultural programs, including teaching
the Navajo language, will continue no matter what Arizona voters do
with the proposition that would virtually outlaw bilingual instruction
for limited English-speaking children.
He called the proposition which would allow anyone to sue who feel
teachers and administrators are ducking the law "a mean-spirited
proposal..."
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Hopis: Proposal would hurt culture
Catherine Feher
Special to the Independent
KYKOTSMOVI, Ariz. — A proposed Arizona ballot initiative supporting
the "English-only" movement would damage Hopi education,
language and culture, according to Hopi educators, religious leaders
and a unanimous Hopi tribal council.
Arizona Proposition 203 demands that "all children in Arizona
public schools shall be taught English as rapidly and effectively
as possible," and recommends English immersion for non-fluent
speakers.
"Over 80 percent of our students would be affected here on the
Hopi reservation," Harvey Paymella of the Hopi Tribe's Education
Office said. "Linguists say that a language and a culture can
die out within three generations, and that is frightening to us."
Hopis, like other Arizona tribes, use bilingual education in their
schools. Concern about the initiative, which will appear on the Nov.
7 ballot, led the Hopi Tribal Council to make a resolution against
it. Sixteen council members supported the resolution, none opposed
and none abstained...
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BIA head: Hopi police too slow
Response time to child abuse questioned
Stan Bindell
Special to the Independent
POLACCA, Ariz. — John Wahnee, director of the BIA's Hopi Agency,
said he is concerned whether the BIA Hopi Police are reacting quickly
enough to cases of alleged child abuse on the Hopi Reservation.
Wahnee emphasized that he is not criticizing the local police, but
wants to make sure they have enough manpower to perform their investigations.
"I know a lot of decisions are not made locally," he said.
The Hopi police captain, who noted that his department is 10 officers
short, responded that most child abuse cases are investigated within
36 hours...
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Wolf's killer angry about prison term
Man curses government
Catherine Feher
Special to the Independent
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Angry and surly, an Arizona man convicted
of killing an endangered Mexican wolf cursed the United States government,
the wolves and Americans supporting wolf reintroduction after he received
a sentence of four months in prison.
"People that support the wolves should try living with the goddamned
things. Nobody on that mountain wants the damned things there,"
James Rogers, 21, yelled immediately after his sentencing by Magistrate
Judge Stephen L. Verkamp in U.S. District Court here. "Goddamn
this government, the United States government has too much power."
Rogers, along with a juvenile who faces separate sentencing, was convicted
of the 1998 slaying of Wolf 493. A vocal and outspoken opponent of
reintroduction of Mexican wolves to their natural habitat, he shot
and killed the wolf when it wandered onto his property near Alpine.
He moved the body to New Mexico, and tried to mail the weapon he killed
the wolf with to another state. He was convicted of three federal
counts killing the wolf, moving the body and refusing to report the
killing within 24 hours...
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Gallup secures home game for district tourney
Staff report
The Gallup Lady Bengals lost in three games in their regular season
finale against the Cibola Cougars in Albuquerque, 8-15, 6-15 and
8-15 Saturday.
The Bengals will be the fourth seed for the District 1AAAAA tournament
which begins tonight. Gallup will host Valley at 6:30 p.m. "We
gave them a good fight. We feel that we played them well. We've
played them in the past and they have beat us pretty good but this
time we did better," Lady Bengal coach Rachael Steward said
about the loss to Cibola.
"We went into the game with a lot of confidence and we just
need to go out and play 100 percent. They went in pretty confident,
they just held back in the second and third game," she said.
"Althought the scores don't say much, the girls gave them a
good fight."
The Bengals have beaten Valley in the past and hope to come out
on top to advance to playing Albuquerque High...
Deaths
Sam Roland Largo
PREWITT — Services for Sam Roland Largo, 65, will be held at
11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24 at Rollie Mortuary Palm Chapel in Gallup.
Burial will follow at the Sunset Memorial Park in Gallup.
Largo died Oct. 19 in Gallup. He was born July 7, 1934 in Prewitt
into the Towering House People Clan for the Hungry People Clan.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Alice Largo of Prewitt; sons, Benjamin
Curtis of Gallup, Ermin Largo of Thoreau, Everett Paul Largo of Haystack
and Herman Largo and Sam Largo Jr., both of Prewitt; daughters, Gloria
Castillo of Cuba, Lenora Charley and Marlene Largo, both of Prewitt
and Patricia Laughlin of Navajo, N.M.; mother, Janis Nez of Prewitt;
brothers, Danny Largo of Winslow, Ariz., Hoskie Largo and Calvin Nez,
both of Prewitt and Jimmie Largo of Whitecone, Ariz.; sisters, Elsie
Delgarito of Casamero Lake and Evelyn Largo of Prewitt; 30 grandchildren;
and five great-grandchildren.
Largo was preceded in death by his father, Frank Largo; brother, Ray
Nez; and a sister, Carol Nez.
Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Robert D. Draper
CHINLE, Ariz. — Services for Robert D. Draper, 61, will be held
at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 24 a the Chinle Catholic Church. Father
Blane Grein, O.F.M. will officiate. Burial will follow at the Chinle
Community Cemetery.
Draper died Oct. 19 in Flagstaff, Ariz. He was born Nov. 20, 1938
in Chinle, Ariz. into the Coyote Pass People Clan.
Survivors include his wife, Ruby Draper of Chinle, Ariz.; sons, Glen
Draper of Chinle, Ariz., Orlando Draper and Travis Draper, both of
Phoenix and Darren Draper of Kayenta, Ariz.; daughters, Roberta Tohannie
of Flagstaff, Ariz. and Barbara Bitsuie of San Diego, Calif.; mother,
Janet Descheenie of Chinle, Ariz.; sisters, Cynthia Cooper of Mesa,
Ariz., Louise Dennison of Flagstaff, Ariz., Rose Ferjentsik of Albuquerque
and Eleanor Joe of Scottsdale, Ariz.; and 13 grandchildren.
Draper was preceded in death by his son, Robert Draper Jr. and Warren
Draper; father, Frank Martin; brother, Franklin Descheenie and Wilford
Descheenie; and grandparents, Elouise Draper and Notah Draper.
Pallbearers will be Tony Begay, Jerome Claw, Glen Draper, Orlando
Draper, Travis Draper and Bill Guy.
Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
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