Keeping warm



Strong winds and snow flurries Saturday morning caused Jason McClelland and other participants at the Grants Invitational track meet to huddle under blankets in attempts to keep warm.

Women's Cancer Support Group member Joyce Graves, left, listens as Dorothy Allen shares her experience dealing with breast cancer. The group meets each Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. in the Senior High Room of the First United Methodist Church.

Photos by Jeff Jones

 

---

Tribe seeks state funds for clinics
Senior centers also needed

Jim Maniaci
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — Two of four Navajo Nation bills in the Arizona Legislature worth about $27 million are continuing their way toward approval, while one has died and another was detoured to accomplish its purpose.

But with Gov. Jane Hull saying there is no discretionary money, Navajo President Kelsey A. Begaye may have to sit down with the former Navajo Reservation teacher to find some money. Hull predicts $400 million less will be available than the Legislature believes.

The two bills for senior citizen centers and reservation hospital-clinics advanced from the House Appropriations Committee to the Rules Committee, which will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday. If that committee approves them, they will advance to a Committee of the Whole (the full House acting as a committee). Once Senate versions are reconciled, the bills would go to Hull for approval or veto.

Killed by the House Appropriations Committee was HB-2977 to provide $5.4 million to build six one-stop welfare-to-work (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) offices in Fort Defiance, New Lands, Dilkon, Tuba City, Kayenta and Chinle.

With about 30 very visible Navajo senior citizens in the audience, the House Appropriations Committee forwarded HB-2533. It would provide almost $7 million in the two-year budget to build 20 new Hopi and Navajo senior citizens centers. The new fiscal year will begin July 1.

As amended by the Indian Affairs Committee, HB-2533 would provide the state Economic Security Department with $1.6 million this coming fiscal year to build centers in Tees Toh, Le Chee, Low Mountain, Fort Defiance, Rough Springs and Bird Springs. The following year the ESD would get $4.6 million to build the centers in Dennehotso, Dilkon, Mexican Water, Cove, Blue Gap, Greasewood Spring, Chilchinbito, White Cone, Sweet Water, Wide Ruins and Hard Rock.

On the Hopi Reservation ESD would be given $300,000 the first year for a center at Kykotsmovi, with $479,590 the second year for Hotevilla and First Mesa Consolidated Villages.

The Senate Appropriations Committee also approved its version of the bill, according to Mellor Willie, President Begaye's legislative liaison.

When the bills reach the floor, Willie said it will be crucial for even more elderly reservation residents to ride the buses to the capitol in Phoenix.

He said a large crowd "affects the consciences of the legislators in voting." He invited elderly residents and their supporters to contact the Office of the President-Vice President at (520) 871-6352 if they are interested in making the long journey.

Willie said the pair of bills easily should pass the Rules Committee, but does not know when the House will consider them.

The medical bill would provide $4 million a year for the next four years to rebuild Sage Memorial Hospital in Ganado and $1 million a year for the next four years to erect a clinic at Dennehotso, about 25 miles east of Kayenta.

Initially HB-2531 would have provided $28 million for the two projects, but the Health Committee cut it down to $16 million for Sage and another $4 million for Dennehotso, eliminating $4 million for four years for Chilchinbito, near Kayenta. Kayenta is the largest community on the Navajo Reservation without a full-fledged Indian Health Service hospital.

Sage showing age

Sage is the oldest Navajo Reservation hospital and the only one that is not part of the IHS system that the tribal government, through a non-profit corporation, is trying to take over through a $443.1 million contract now being negotiated with the IHS.
Founded in 1901, the hospital's original remaining building is now more than 90 years old. Hull delivered one of her children at Sage when she was a teacher on the reservation.

About 63,000 patients a year are seen, including some 7,000 people who used the emergency room last year.

Since most of the annual $14 million budget goes directly to patient care, the buildings are falling apart, the hospital told the
Legislature's study committee in late November. The hospital gets about $7.5 million from third parties such as Medicare, the
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and insurance plus another $6 million from the IHS since 95
percent of its patients are Indians. But unlike an IHS institution, its services are available to everyone.

Currently Sage has 10 doctors, seven physician's assistants, five dentists, a radiologist, a surgeon, an anesthesiologist, two
ophthalmologists and a psychiatrist, with a cardiologist and a pulmonologist having visiting privileges.

If the Legislature approves the new funds, the medical staff would be enlarged with the expanded facilities. Patients requiring
CAT scans and other special X-ray-type services now must be wheeled in the open across the street, even in cold weather, the
hospital notes.

Of the $16 million, $6 million would be used to renovate the present facilities and $10 million for the
addition.

License-plate detour

The bill that was detoured (HB-2300) involved issuing special Navajo Nation auto license plates.

It was killed at the Senate Appropriations Committee level, so the tribe will now take its potentially profitable effort to the Arizona Transportation Department's inter-agency committee on special licenses.

While the state, under the bill, would keep $8 of the $25 annual fee for its cost of stamping, printing, and selling the special plates at Motor Vehicle Division offices state-wide, the tribe would receive $17 for each one sold.

And there are more than 71,000 licensed vehicles on the reservation.

However, since regular plates cost $10 for two years, according to Navajo Nation Council Public Safety Committee member Harry Williams, the Public Safety Division's Highway Safety Department cannot expect to gross $2.8 million a year, which is what it would get if everyone on the reservation bought one.

But Navajo DPS leaders told the tribal committee, it's all profit, since the Navajo Nation wouldn't incur the expenses of producing and distributing them.

| Top |

---

Smallcanyon faces recall

Larry Di Giovanni
Staff Writer

KAYENTA, Ariz. — Enough certified signatures on recall petitions were turned in for one board member of the Kayenta Unified School District Kennard Smallcanyon.

Thus, there will be a recall election in Kayenta Tuesday. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday within six school district precincts.

On July 5, when the recall signatures were due at the Navajo County Superintendent's Office, there were more than 400 signatures apiece for three school board members targeted for removal: Smallcanyon, with 422; Daniel Peaches, 460; and Harry Sombrero, 416. However, 371 valid certified signatures were required to place each of their names on the recall ballot.

Only Smallcanyon was opposed with enough certified signatures, 381.

Challenging him in Tuesday's recall election will be four opponents: Aaron Bradley, George E. Sisco III, Eugene Charley and Raymond Laughter.

The recall effort against Smallcanyon, Peaches and Sombrero began nearly a year ago. Smallcanyon's four-year term expires Dec. 31, 2002.

Peaches and Sombrero, whose board terms expired in December, were defeated in the Nov. 7 election. Elected from the field of eight candidates were Jimmie Austin II, Elwood Saganey and Naomi Sisco.

"The recall election came about initially because Smallcanyon, Peaches and Sombrero led the attempt to remove Superintendent Tommy Yazzie," said one Kayenta resident who did not wish to be identified. "Things started to go downhill from there."

Yazzie has remained on administrative leave since July. The acting superintendent is William Allsbrook. Yazzie and
Smallcanyon are not listed in their local phone book and were unavailable for comment.

In the incumbent's (Smallcanyon's) three-paragraph response to the recall petition, also on Tuesday's ballot, Smallcanyon said, "I would like to say that I am sorry that this came about so soon in my term of office."

Smallcanyon said that in a positive move, he along with two other board members voted to eliminate school board travel altogether, and may be the first board members to do so "in the history of public schools."

"Sadly, this recall relates back to a governing board meeting that held people, with a following, accountable for their actions," he said. "The people who were held accountable subsequently gathered their people, and fed them a lot of misinformation about board member actions, which in turn developed into this recall."

Ten grounds were listed for the recall effort, and will be placed on the top section of Tuesday's ballot, in both English and Spanish:

1. Violation of open meeting laws

2. Unethical school board behavior.

3. Micro-managing the school.

4. Lack of concern for quality education.

5. Creating poor morals and harmony within the school.

6. Lack of representation within the community by the school board.

7. Division among school board members.

8. The increase of students who will not graduate this year.

9. Important positions are not filled within the high school.

10. Destruction of good relationships among the school administrators and teachers.

| Top |

---

Milan stab victim listed as 'critical'

Tara Drolma
Staff Writer

GRANTS — A Milan woman is in critical condition after being stabbed Friday night. This was the third violent crime Milan Police have responded to in just over a month.

Milan Police Officer Pat Salazar said Katherine Harry, 59, 707 Russell St., called the Police Department for help about 8 p.m. Friday. She told them Felix Griego had stabbed her. Griego was arrested at the home and charged with aggravated battery, a third-degree felony, and tampering with evidence.

Salazar said dispatcher Monica Sandoval took the call from Harry who told her Griego had stabbed her and was standing next to her in the kitchen. She kept Harry on the line while she radioed for an ambulance and notified Salazar and Tomas Archuleta who were on duty that night.

As he pulled up to the house in his patrol car, Salazar said he turned his spotlight onto the house and he could see Griego
leaving the home. Thinking Griego might be armed, Salazar ordered him to place his hands over his head and drop to the ground. Griego complied and Salazar placed him in handcuffs. Salazar said he searched Griego, but didn't find any weapons.
After cuffing Griego, Salazar said he went into the house to assist Harry. Harry, who was in the kitchen, was holding her right
side and bleeding profusely.

Shortly after Salazar had handcuffed Griego, Archuleta arrived at the scene. He said he administered basic first aid to slow the bleeding and tried to calm the victim, who was still conscious, until the ambulance arrived about 10 minutes later.

Salazar said New Mexico State Police Officer Mitchell Bengston and deputies from the Cibola County Sheriff's Office arrived as back up. Bengston placed Griego in his patrol car and secured him.

Archuleta said Harry told several officers Griego had stabbed her. He said after Griego was read his rights he made several statements that he had committed the crime.

Archuleta said Griego had hidden the knife in the backyard. Officers were unable to find the weapon, until about an hour later when Griego told them where he had hidden it.

Harry was taken to Cibola General Hospital where she remains in critical condition.

Two murders in eight days

After 22 years without having a single homicide, there were two murders within eight days in Milan in the past month. On Feb. 5, Arcy Martinez, 61, of Milan, allegedly shot and killed Andrew Vallejos, 33, also of Milan, and wounded Ralph Gonzales, 41, of Grants.

Martinez was arrested for the murder of Vallejos and has been charged with an open count of murder and one count of
aggravated battery resulting in great bodily harm for allegedly shooting Vallejos to death and wounding Gonzales.

Just eight days later on Feb. 13, Christopher Pervorse, 46, the manager of Bowlin's Bluewater Travel Center and Dairy Queen,
was shot six times in the right side about 7:30 p.m. after he gave a stranger a ride into Milan.

The suspect in the Pervorse murder case, James L. Bell, dumped his body on the ground at the Cross Roads Motel in Milan and
fled with Pervorse's new Dodge Ram pickup truck. There is a warrant for the arrest of Bell who is last known to have been in
Hemett, Calif.

Milan Police Sgt. Jerry Stephens said Bell, a 25-year-old black male, is charged with one open count of murder and one count
of unlawful taking of a motor vehicle. Officers have retrieved the stolen vehicle, but they are still looking for Bell.

Police Chief Alfonso Martinez said these were the first homicides in Milan in 22 years that he remembers. He said there were
two homicides in Milan in 1979 in separate incidents. A gas station attendant at what used to be a Texaco Station on E. Santa Fe
Avenue was murdered in the same week as one of the Milan murders. All of the homicides occurred at gas stations and involved
the attendants.

Martinez said the men were murdered with no apparent provocation. Burglary was not involved and police could not determine
a motive for the shootings.

At the time authorities thought the suspect in all of the murders was the same person, but they were never able to prove it or to
bring the cases to court. The murders remain unsolved.

| Top |

---

Gallup girls edge Pirates in Grants invite

Michael Peretti
Staff Sports Writer

GRANTS — The Gallup girls track and field team edged Grants in the Grants invitational Saturday, winning by only one point, while the Gallup boys had to settle for second to Bloomfield.

The Gallup girls topped the 15 school field with 107 points, followed by Grants (106), Bloomfield (75), Aztec (63), Piedra Vista (45), Cobre (19), Thoreau (17), Menaul (15), Crownpoint (13) and Hope (11).

In the boys competition Bloomfield won the early events and kept their lead throughout. Bloomfield finished with 97.5,
followed by Gallup (66.5), Piedra Vista (64), Aztec (60), Grants (43), Cobre (37), Thoreau (28), Hope (18), Ramah (12), Menaul (10), Crownpoint (7) and Tohatchi (3).

Also competing in the invitational was Bernalillo, Newcomb and Navajo Pine.

Dominic Sategna from Bloomfield finished as the high point honors with 23.5 points. Erin Lewis and Antonia Dominguez both
from Grants picked up high point players for the girls, each with 20 points.

In the girls 3200 meter run Erin Lewis took first for Grants with a time of 12:07, followed by Roxanne James from Gallup
(12:38), Antonia Dominguez from Grants (13:23), Tawnya Louis from Grants (13:50), Rebekah Martinez from Aztec (13:57)
and Christina Johnston from Gallup (14:06).

In the 1600 meter run Felicia Guliford from Gallup took first and qualified for state with a time of 5:34. Taking second was
Lewis from Grants (5:53) followed by James from Gallup (6:17), Candice Begay from Thoreau (6:22), Lonetta Gallegos from
Grants (6:27) and Louis from Grants (6:29).

In the 800 meter run Erin Lewis from Grants took first with a time of 2:33.26 followed by Michelle Hall from Gallup (2:40.86),
Carmen Leer from Bloomfield (2:44), Begay from Thoreau (2:49), Laura Wegoner from Bloomfield (2:51) and Price from
Aztec.

In the 400 meter dash Sunny St. Clair took first for Gallup with a 64.63. Taking second was Cassandra Ping (67.29 followed by Guitierrez from Menaul (68.38), Cobre from Piedra Vista (69.23), Kayla Brown from Bloomfield (69.9) and Carissa
Watson from Aztec (71.1).

In the 200 meter dash Aztec's Kami McKinzie took first (27.49) followed by St. Clair from Gallup (28.84), Ping from Th
oreau (29.06), Calah Wood from Piedra Vista (29.08), Butler from Crownpoint (29.45) and JoAnn Kolb from Gallup (29.48).
Kami McKenzie placed first in the 100 meter dash, finishing with a time of 12.99. Wood from Piedra Vista placed second
(13.60), followed by Kolb of Gallup (13.7), Waatler of Menaul (13.71), Megan Montoya of Grants (13.74) and Natalie Jaramillo of Grants (13.89.

In the 300 meter hurdles Vaness Hubbarrd from Gallup to first (53.65) followed by Danner from Hope (55.89), Jaramillo from Grants (56.08), Nipper from Piedra Vista (56.35), Taylor from Aztec (57.40) and Peterson from Piedra Vista (58.57).

The 100 meter hurdles were won byRochelle Finch from Bloomfield (15.47) followed by Laci Candalaria from Bloomfield (16.85), Vanessa Hubbard from Gallup (19.98), Mindy Reinhart from Bloomfield (17.06), Lindsay Peterson from Piedra Vista
(17.85) and Stewart from Hope (17.89).

In the 1600 meter relay Bloomfield took first (4:28) followed by Grants (4:36), Aztec (4:38), Gallup (4:47), Piedra Vista (4:58)
and Hope (4:59).

Aztec took the 800 meter relay with a 1:58.64, followed by Piedra Vista (1:58.76), Grants (1:59.50), Crownpoint (2:01.43),
Thoreau (2:03.86) and Hope (2:04.06).

Bloomfield also won the 400 meter relay with a time of 52.18, followed by Grants (54.06), Piedra Vista (54.77), Gallup
(54.82), Menaul (54.8) and Hope (55.89).

Gallup won the medley relay with a 4:29.06, followed by Piedra Vista (4:59.27), Aztec (5:04.51), Grants (5:07.33), Hope
(5:11.470 and Menaul (5:15.54).

In the triple jump JoAnn Kolb from Gallup took first with a jump of 31 ft. 3 in. Followed by Dominguez from Grants (30'10"),
Brittney Gillespie from Aztec (30' 7 1/2"), Hubbard from Gallup (30'6"), Vicki Klein from Aztec (30' 3 1/2"), and
Higenbotom from Menaul (29' 8 1/2").

Dominguez from Grants took first in the long jump with a jump of 15 ft 10 1/4 in, followed byShanaz Diaz from Gallup (15' 7
1/2"), Sunny St. Clair from Gallup (15' 2 1/2"), Hubbard from Gallup (15' 2"), Gillespe from Aztec (14' 7 1/4") and Leer
from Bloomfield (14' 5 3/4").

In the high jump Dominguez of Grants took first with a state qualifying jump of 5 ft. She was followed by Finch from
Bloomfield (4' 10"), Megan Savage and Stesha Vickers from Piedra Vista (4' 8") and Amy Dessan and Mioshia Wagoner from
Gallup (4'6").

In the pole vault Montoya from Grants took first with a state qualifying jump of 8ft. Behan of Aztec also qualified with a jump
of 7ft. 8in. And Higgen from Menaul with a 7ft. 6in. jump. Harrison from Bloomfield (7'0"), Erin Lewis from Grants (7'0")
and Jaramillo from Grants (6'0") placed in Grants.

In the discus North from Cobre took first, qualifying for state with a throw of 112ft 6 1/2in. She was followed by Brown from
Bloomfield (111'11"), Lucero from Grants (105'1"), Cook from Crownpoint (91'0"), Waggoner from Gallup (91'0"0 and
Ford from Aztec (83'0").

North also took first in the shot-put with a throw of 32ft., 6 1/2 in. Brown from Bloomfield took second (32' 3 1/2"), Robbi
Lucero from Grants (29' 11 1/2"), Sonia Brown from Gallup (28' 9"), Cook from Crownpoint (27' 9 1/2") and Manuelito from
Crownpoint (27' 7").

in the javelin Brown from Bloomfield took first with a state qualifying throw of 116 ft. 6in. She was followed by Crystal
Richardson from Gallup (97' 10"), Ford from Aztec (96' 3 1/2"), Davis from Aztec (95' 1/2"), Crotts from Cobre (89' 9 1/2")
and Kenneth from Crownpoint (89' 9 1/2").

In the boys 3200 meter run C.R. Davis from Gallup took first with a time of 10:21, followed by Ryan Dodson of Gallup
(10:49), Darren Benally of Gallup (11:11), Garcia of Bloomfield (11:30), Allan Tsosie of Tohatchi (11:530 and Dwight Carlson
of Tohatchi (12:06).

Davis also took first in the 1600 meter run with a 4:56.42 time, followed by Parks of Aztec (5:03.67), Dodson of Gallup
(5:04.19), Hatley of Aztec (5:04.51), Louis of Grants (5:10.11) and Woods of Cobre (5:10.97).

In the 800 meter run Parks from Aztec took first with a 2:12.01 time, followed by Davis of Gallup (2:12.91), Benavidez of
Cobre (2:15.76), Norton of Crownpoint (2:21.44), Brent James of Grants (2:25.25) and Jordan of Piedra Vista (2:24.99).

In the 400 meter dash three Piedra Vista players placed one, two, three. McClellan (53.43), Lomareau (55.17), and Burgess
(55.31) finished ahead of Munoz from Cobre (55.84), Womble from Bloomfield (56.64) and Norton from Crownpoint (56.7).

Michael Lambson from Thoreau took first in the 200 meter dash (23.36) followed by Harrison of Bloomfield (24.14), Nix of
Aztec (24.71), Koerber of Gallup (24.76), Wade Pynes of Grants (25.01) and Philip Elkins of Thoreau (25.02).

In the 100 meter dash Lambson took first for Thoreau (11.41) followed by Harrison from Bloomfield (11.66), Elkins from
Thoreau (11.75), Anderson from Piedra Vista (11.76), victor Patel from Grants (11.79), and Pynes from Grants (11.94).

Salegna from Bloomfield took first in the 300 meter hurdles with a time of 41.6. Himes from Bloomfield took second (43.26
followed by Montoya from Cobre (43.33), Will Belletto from Gallup (43.78), Petree from Aztec (44.5) and George from Aztec
(44.94).

In the 110 meter hurdles Sategna from Bloomfield took first (14.35) followed by Himes from Bloomfield (15.21), Castillo
from Grants (16.69), Birell from Hope (16.73), and Belletto from Gallup (17.06).

In the 1600 meter relay Piedra Vista took first with a time of 3:39.26 followed by Cobre (3:39.58), Hope (3:56.36), Gallup
(3:57.06), Grants (4:01.03), and Bloomfield (4:18.16).

Grants took first in the 800 meter relay with a time of 1:37.86 followed by Thoreau (1:40.10), Gallup (1:40.46), Aztec
(1:40.72), Ramah (1:42.41) and hope (1:43.06).

In the 400 meter relay Bloomfield took first with a time of 45.05, followed by Piedra Vista (45.32), Cobre (45.38), Aztec
(46.17) and Grants (46.54).

In the medley Gallup took first with a time of 3:56, followed by Aztec (3:58), Grants (4:01), Piedra Vista (4:05), hope (4:16)
and Thoreau (4:18).

In the shotput Rotuno from Menaul took first (47'2") followed by Corbett from Bloomfield (46'4") and Boehm from
Bloomfield (44'4").

McClelland from Piedra Vista took first in the javelin with a state qualifying throw of 171'2", followed by Montoya of Cobre
(156'9"), Tucker Simmons of Ramah with a state qualifying throw (151'2"), Harrison of Piedra Vista (138'11"), and Brian
Long of Gallup (137'1").

In the discus Boehm (136'1"), Corbett (132'3") and Wilson (128'5") all of Bloomfield finished one, two, three. Johnson of
Crownpoint (123'3") finished fourth.

In the triple jump Gunn of Piedra Vista (41'0") took first followed by Himes from Bloomfield (40'0"), Scott from Aztec (38'3
1/2"), Forgue from Cobre (37' 9 1/2"), Abeita from Hope (39' 9") and Maurice Guliford from Gallup (36' 9 1/2").

In the long jump Scott from Aztec took first (19'7 3/4") followed by McClellan of Piedra Vista (19'3"), Eric Lujan of Gallup
(19'2 3/4"), Zach Koerber of Gallup (18' 3 3/4") Abeyta of Hope (18' 3 3/4") and Austin Clawson of Ramah (18' 1 1/4").

In the pole vault Sategna from Bloomfield took first (11'6") followed by Hare from Bloomfield (10'6"), Cash from Grants
(9'6"), Gutierrez from Grants (9'0"), McCollam from Gallup (9'0") and Gutierrez form Gallup (8'0").

In the high jump Pickard from Aztec took first (6'0") followed by Jace Blea of Ramah (5'10") who qualified for state, Lujan of
Gallup (5'10") and Patel of Grants (5'8").

Kirtland wins state championship over Academy

Santiago Ramos
Staff Sports Writer

ALBUQUERQUE — An inspiring, gutsy performance by 6-foot-1 sophomore guard Dax Crum in the final minutes lifted Kirtland Central to a dramatic 53-44 victory over traditional powerhouse Albuquerque Academy during the Class AAAA state finals Saturday afternoon at University Arena.

Crum, who starts despite having to play with a deformed right hand that looks more like a stub, buried a game-tying three-pointer with over three minutes remaining and then with the final outcome still up in the air, nailed a perfect 4-for-4 at the free
throw line along with grabbing two crucial rebounds and a steal in the final minute of play. Crum's performance slammed the
door on Academy's bid for a 10th state championship.

"I got caught up in the moment," the soft-spoken Crum said in the packed media room after Kirtland claimed its first boys state
title since the 1978 state championship team to go along with the girls claming their 14th state title last week. "We have a long
trip home and I didn't want to lose to them."

"Sometimes Dax tries to do more than he can do," Kirtland coach Steve Scott said of Crum. "I have to settle him down once in a
while. But he's a risk taker and a survivor. He's a great inspiration."

After prevailing in a pair of overtime games over No. 6 Artesia in the regional finals and top-ranked Los Alamos in the state
semifinals, Kirtland Central (22-3), who was ranked No. 7 in the final coaches poll, was able to knock off perennial state
power and former nine-time state champion Albuquerque Academy (22-5) and avoid its third consecutive overtime contest and
gain more respect around the state.

"We're happy to get a blue (state trophy)," Scott said. "Farmington beat us in the district finals so we wanted to play them again
and that didn't happen. But it was an honor to play coach Brown and Academy's quality kids with their tradition and program. I
told them 'you're champs just like every team here'. We had a long trip to Hobbs and beat Artesia in overtime. Then we came
here and beat district champs Los Alamos and Academy and that speaks a lot for the kids."

"We got beat by a good team," said veteran Academy coach Mike Crown as his Chargers lost to the Broncos for the second
straight time in a state championship game, the last time during the 1978 Class AAA state finals when Kirtland won 62-59.

The Broncos slapped a box-and-1 defense on the Chargers and their top player, 6-4 senior guard Cody Toppert, the Class 4A
leading scorer after leading the Class 3A in scoring last year, shutting down Toppert to just a pair of free throws in the third
period after pumping in 13 points in the first half.

"We got out of our offensive flow in the second half," Brown said.

Brown agreed that the inspired play of Crum fueled the Bronco victory and sealed the Charger loss that led to its fifth state runnerup trophy, fourth in the last seven years.

"No. 10 (Crum) hit that 3 that tied the game and that fueled the Bronco rally," said Brown whose team was unable to match the
1997 state semifinals matchup when his team beat Kirtland Central. "He's awesome with his leadership out there. He was a lot
of spirit."

Academy led for most of the opening period as Toppert, who is heading to Cornell this fall, dominated from the floor offensively, tallying eight of his team's first 16 points.

After trailing by six points, 16-10 in the first period, the Broncos gradually drew closer before tying the game at 23-all on a pair of free throws by freshman Devon Manning.

The third period was also close with four ties.

Academy led for the final time in the fourth period at 43-40 after Carlos Martinez sank a pair of free throws.

Crum, who scored seven of his 14 points in the final minutes of the Bronco run that sealed the state title, nailed a huge three-pointer, falling backwards to the floor after being fouled on the shot by Matt Rosett, that tied the game for the final time with 3:20 left in the game.

The Broncos pulled ahead with 1:35 left on a 15-footer from the free throw line by senior forward Tarren Wethington.

Academy then turned the ball over as Crum picked off a Charger pass that led to 6-4 senior post Zach Hohenberg being fouled. However Hohenberg missed the 1-and-1. Toppert, who finished with just a pair of free throws in the second half, grabbed the
rebound and passed the ball off to Scott Koller who was fouled. Koller sank one of the two free throws that cut the Bronco lead
down to one point with 49 seconds left.

In the final 49 seconds, the Chargers sent the Broncos marching to the free throw line where they added to their lead.

After missing a 1-and-1 earlier, Hohenberg this time buried two free throws for a 47-44 lead.

"I had a chance to redeem myself," Hohenberg said. "I got my confidence up. The first ones were just practice shots."

The Chargers missed on a pair of shots by Toppert and Rosett before Crum again came through with a crucial rebound.

Crum, who also plays soccer, baseball and track, was perfect in sinking both free throws and then came back to sink two more
at the 12.2 second mark that iced the game, 51-44.

The Broncos, who outscored the Chargers 17-8 in the final period, drove the final nail into the Chargers' coffin when all-district
5-10 senior forward Pat Crawford, who also finished with 14 points, added two more free throws as Kirtland picked up its
second state boys basketball title, the first for the newly realigned Class 4A.

"I guess this shows who we are now," Crawford said. "We're a great team. All the South teams don't give the North credit."

Kirtland's Crum and Crawford paced the Broncos with 14 points each. Kenny Smith scored eight points and grabbed 10
rebounds.

Academy's Jared Koller led the Chargers with 16 points with Toppert finishing with 15 points along with 13 boards.

Both teams were nearly even from the field, with Kirtland shooting 33 percent (15-of-45) with Academy hitting 38 percent (17-
of-45).

"Kirtland was Cinderalla all the way," Brown concluded.

Overhearing this in the press media room, Scott shouted: "I had the slippers on tonight."

| Top |

---

Black ice, snow cause accidents

Andrea Egger Rider
Staff Writer

GALLUP — Various car accidents closed parts of Interstate 40 Saturday night as black ice and snow descended on Gallup.

Everyone's sick of the snow and cold winter, but New Mexico State Police Capt. Glenn Thomas remembers being a rookie here 20 years ago. This is a normal winter, he said, and the past few years of milder weather have been unusual.

"It's been busier than the last two years, but some people say we are having a normal winter and the other two weren't normal," Thomas said.

No injuries were reported in three accidents that occurred within an hour late Saturday near the Fort Wingate exit of I-40, according to McKinley County Sheriff's Department reports. Sheriff's Lt. Clayton Garcia reported the pell-mell accidents which he witnessed around 11:50 p.m. while he was trying to help people in one accident...

| Top |

---

Cancer fighters share stories, sorrow, humor

Elizabeth Hardin-Burrola
Special to the Independent

GALLUP — Joyce Graves will always remember that day nearly eight years ago.

The longtime local kindergarten teacher was already dealing with one traumatic medical crisis her husband had recently fallen off the roof of their house while doing maintenance work when her doctor called with more traumatic news. The frightening lump
she had discovered in one of her breasts was cancerous and needed to be removed immediately. It was July 28, 1993.

"That is a date you'll never forget," Graves said, relating memories of the time.

Four days later, Graves underwent segmental surgery that removed about a quarter of her breast. And while Graves' husband Paul was beginning to heal from his injuries, Joyce Graves began her arduous cancer treatment, requiring chemotherapy and radiation...

| Top |

---

---

Deaths

Oscar Redhouse

NAVAJO, N.M. — Services for Oscar Redhouse, 43, were held at 10 a.m., today at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Chinle, Ariz. Father Blaine officiated. Burial followed in Chinle Community Cemetery.

Redhouse died March 7 in Gallup. He was born Oct. 4, 1957 in Many Farms into the Red Running into the Water for the Red Bottom People.

Redhouse attended Window Rock High School. He was employed with Kerr McKee Mines and with N.R.P.I. He participated in Song and Dance and NAC meetings. His hobbie was beadwork.

Survivors include his sons Osrick Oscar Redhouse and Davis James of Tohatchi; daughters, Diandra Alise Redhouse of Navajo, N.M.; parents, Bobby and Alice Redhouse of Navajo; brothers, Lorenzo Bahe of Thoreau, Harry Nez of Many Farms, Ariz. and Terry Redhouse Sr. of Chinle, Ariz.; sister, Loberta Redhouse of Navajo and one grandchild.

Redhouse was preceded in death by brothers, Alonzo Bahe and Stephen Redhouse and grandparents, Hosteen and Hasbah Byjoe; and Casey and Jane Redhouse.

The family will meet at Della Yazzie's residence, Many Farms, Ariz immediately following the burial.

Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Tully Clauschee

Services for Tully Clauschee, 72, will be held Tuesday, March 13 at the Potter's House Christian Center, Chinle, Ariz. Burial will follow at Del Meerto Cemetery.

Visitation will be at held at Tse Bonito Mortuary.

Clauschee died March 9. She was born into the Salt for the Towering House.

Survivors include her son, Regis Clauschee of Coal Mine; sister, Edith Young of Phoenix and brother, Guy Clauschee of
Window Rock.

The family will receive friends and relatives after the burial services at the Catholic Hall.

Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Tully Yazzie

FORT DEFIANCE, Ariz. — Services for Tully Yazzie, 59, will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 13 at the Good Shepherd Mission. Margaret Hardy will officiate. Burial will follow at Fort Defiance Community Cemetery.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services.

Yazzie died March 7 in Ganado, Ariz. He was born Aug. 6, 1941 in Fort Defiance into the Water Edge Clan for the One Who
Walks Around You Clan.

Yazzie was employed with OWED as a carpenter, and worked with Damon trucking and construction in Albuquerque. He also
did Silversmithing. His hobbies were playing baseball, fishing, traveling and herding cows and sheep.

Survivors include his son, Tully Yazzie Jr., Nelson Waupeka and Emerson Yazzie; daughter, Arlene Yazzie; brothers, Thomas
Yazzie, Joe Yazzie, Dan Yazzie and Chee Yazzie; sister, Mary Tsosie and 12 grandchildren.

Yazzie was preceded in death by mother, Gle Hae Bah Bershone.

Pallbearers will be family members.

Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Sam Chischilly Sr.

MEXICAN SPRINGS — Services for Sam Chischilly Sr., 73, will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 13 at Tohlakai Christian Reformed Church. Pastor Boby Boyd will officiate. Burial will follow at Lone Pine Cemetery.

Chischilly Sr. died March 9 in Gallup. He was born July 3, 1927 in Mexican Springs into the Mexican People Clan for the Towering House People Clan.

Chischilly retired from NTUA after 15 years.

Survivors include his wife, Hannabah Chischilly of Mexican Springs; son, Sam Chischilly of Kayenta, Ariz.; daughter, Shirley
Chischilly of Glendale, Ariz.; brother, Max Chischilly of Church Rock and Ethel Muskett of Mexican Springs; 14 grandchildren
and nine great-grandchildren.

Chischilly Sr. was preceded in death by his parents, Chischilly Nez and Josephine Chischilly; sons, David Chischilly, Norman
Chischilly, and Samuel J. Chischilly; daughter, Carol Ann Kee; brother, James Chischilly; sisters, Alice Chischilly, Hazel
Palmer and Fannie Watchman.

Pallbearers will be Nolan Chischilly, Roneldo Chischilly, Lewis Espinosa, Willard Kee, Willis Kee and Leland Watson.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Genevieve B. Smith

LUKACHUKAI, Ariz. — Services for Genevieve Smith, 65, were held at 10 a.m., today at Saint Isabel Mission. Burial followed in Lukachukai.

Smith died March 7 in Chinle, Ariz. She was born July 1, 1934 in Lukachukai.

Smith was a rugweaver and homemaker.

Survivors include her son, Jimmy Smith; daughters, Maggie Overturf and Isabel M. Smith; brothers, Wilson McKinley and Leo
McKinley; and 20 grandchildren.

Smith was preceded in death by Paul and Annie Brady, Jim Smith and George Stevens Jr.

Pallbearers will be Wilson McKinley, Leo McKinley, Joe Defoe, R.L. Overturf, Jimmy Smith Jr. and Samuel D. Byjoe.

The family will receive friends and relatives after the burial services at Genevieve Smith's residence, two miles north of
Totsoitp.

Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.