Pepper spray stops accused ax wielder
Jim Maniaci
Diné Bureau
WINDOW ROCK — No one was injured when Navajo police used pepper
spray to force a Shiprock man from his home after people told police
he was carrying an ax around a subdivision.
Police arrested Wilson Tso, 44, on charges of disorderly conduct and
obstructing an officer in the performance of duty when he refused
to obey orders to come out Wednesday. Overcome by the spray, he was
taken into custody unharmed, according to police.
The report came in around 9:20 p.m. and the first officer on the scene
at the Indian Village subdivision found Tso had gone inside, locked
the door and refused to come out.
Although a SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactics) team arrived on the
scene, along with extra police officers, commanders decided to avoid
using deadly weapons to get Tso out of the house, and were able to
get the pepper spray inside through an open window, according to the
report.
ATV rollover
SHIPROCK — Two young men were injured March 11 when their all-terrain
vehicle hit a log and flipped them off, inflicting head injuries.
District officers were called to Fifth Lane and Mesa Farm Road (BIA
Route 364) shortly before 6 p.m. where they found the driver, Michael
Williams, 18, who lives at that location, and a 12-year-old boy who
lives on Troy King Road in Farmington, sitting near the off-road vehicle
bleeding heavily from their heads. They didn't wear safety helmets.
Williams told officers he was traveling fast and hit a log. The impact
threw his younger passenger off the back of the ATV and it rolled
over even though he was still at the controls.
DUI list
The Navajo Department of Corrections booked the following adults on
charges of driving while under the influence of alcohol.
Shiprock (March 3-19) Martha Yazzie, 30, Shiprock; Harry Cisco, 43,
Shiprock; Michael P. Lafferty, 40, Fruitland; Lorenzo Harvey, 38,
Rock Point; Myron Benally, 38, Leupp; Harrison Nez, 37, Sanostee;
Travis Clark, 25, Red Mesa; Marcus Blackwater, 20, Shiprock; Monty
Begaye, 22, Cortez; Raylin Sandoval, 20, Montezuma Creek; Lionel Joe,
20, Shiprock; Sam Seumptewa, 37, Upper Fruitland; and Racine Ironwing,
23, Ojo Encinco.
Crownpoint (March 19) James Brown, 46, Borrego Pass; Isaac Hosteen,
23, Pinedale; Jim Ortiz, 40, Torreon; Victor Nelson, 25, Mexican Springs;
Benny Brown, 47, Thoreau; and Lloyd Kelly, 26, White Horse Lake.
Kayenta ( March 17-19) Reddye Ben Jr., 34, Baby Rocks; Leonard Darren,
18, Kayenta; Normacita Sheddy, 18, Kayenta; and Andy Bedonie, 20,
Oljato.
Tuba City (March 15-19) Sterling Luther, 23, Tonalea; Winfield Yazzie,
20, Tuba City; Sam Benally, 44, Tuba City; Jimmy Walker, 26, Tuba
City; Milfred Huskie, 19, Cameron; Timmy Begay, 34, Dennebito; Dennis
Mott, 32, Cedar Ridge; Lawrence Goldtooth Jr., 21, Tuba City; Tommy
C. Lanza, 25, Moencopi; Larry Tony Strong, Tonalea; and Lenora Tso,
64, Moencopi.
Window Rock (March 16-19) Katherine Begay, 43, Chinle; Laymond Yazzie,
19, no home town listed; Harry Dawes, 40, Fort Defiance; Steve Earl
Begay, 34, Kinlichee; Harrison Tsosie, 38, Ganado; Alden Ashley, 21,
Fort Defiance; Corbert Goldtooth, 29, Fort Defiance; and Terry W.
Arviso, 37, Window Rock.
Chinle Stanley G. Young, 46, Kayenta; Dennis T. Begay, 37, Rock Point;
James Brown, 61, Chinle; Jerry Thompson, 33, Shiprock; Frank Halwood
Jr., 32, Chinle; Norman Dick, 28, Lukachukai; Johanson Cook, 38, Crownpoint;
Dee Dee Nalwood, 38, Chinle; Christopher Elliott, 38, Tsaile; Arthur
Bahe, 39, Many Farms; Bobby Jones, 27, Chinle; Eddie Tsosie, 41, Bird
Springs; Oliver Yellowhair, 26, Chinle; Damon Yazzie, 21, Dinehotso;
Devan Bahe, 19, Many Farms; Terry Butler, 34, Many Farms; Raymond
Davis, 32, Lukachukai.
Also, Romero Blinkey, 24, Lukachukai; Dean James, 30, Round Rock;
Delbert James, 31, Sanostee; Mario Nez, 22, Lukachukai; Doreen Tso,
22, Lukachukai; Teresa Draper, 26, Chinle; Kee Begay, 40, Many Farms;
Arthur Bia, 44, Lukachukai; Abby Butler, 56, White Cone; Bennie Arvessto,
49, Chinle; Richard Begay, 20, Pinon; Frank Tsosie Jr., 36, Whippoorwill;
Johnson Wagner, 44, Many Farms; Richard Wagner Jr., 24, Chinle; Olsen
Chischilly Jr., 20, Chinle; and Gregory Nakai, 19, Round Rock.
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Tribal census short on staff
Jim Maniaci
Diné Bureau
WINDOW ROCK — The federal census in the largest area in the continental
U.S. began Monday with 300 fewer workers than needed as the Navajo
Nation attempts to obtain a head count that could provide at least
$30 million annually in federal grants.
The event began with speeches and the signing of a proclamation called
"In the Spirit of Unity."
The U.S. Census Bureau is finally recognizing Indian tribes on a government-to-government
basis. In the past, the tribal counts went through the U.S. Bureau
of Indian Affairs.
Arbin Mitchell, manager of the Local Census Office (LCO), said 1,497
people were offered training for census jobs and 1,157 completed the
program.
"We will be doing replacement training next week," Mitchell
said. He said the 304 people who didn't complete training either attended
only a portion or finished but didn't report for work as invited.
To cover the Navajo Nation, Mitchell told the crowd that the Window
Rock Local Census Office (with its Tuba City sub-office) must cover
a larger area than any of the 520 LCOs on the continent. He has said
he needs 1,500 people.
Navajo government leaders have poured more than $100,000
into the effort in two years, in part because of concerns that census
officials would do no better this year than in 1990. After the last
count the Census Bureau estimated one in eight Indians were missed.
This meant that instead of the 1990 count of 157,716, the Navajo Nation
count should have been 177,431. Since each person is worth $165 in
federal aid, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, that meant
the tribe received about $3.3 million less annually than it would
have with the higher count.
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Schoolhouse reborn as art gallery, talent
center
Christian Oberholser
Special to the Independent
EL MORRO — After standing vacant for many years, the old El Morro
schoolhouse once again is serving as a community hub.
In its reincarnated state, the Old School Gallery is no longer used
as a two-room schoolhouse. It is now a community center for traditional
and contemporary arts.
Located a mile east of El Morro National Monument along State Road
53, the Old School Gallery serves both as an operating gallery and
performing arts center for the diverse cultures in the area.
Currently on display at the gallery is an exhibition called "Heart
and Soul," sponsored by El Morro Area Arts Council. The exhibit
will run through April 25.
The current exhibition is one of four thematic exhibitions held annually.
Local artist Lisa de St. Croix's entry, "Longing" is an
oil painting on panel. The painting depicts one of many Hindu temples
she and her husband visited on a recent trip to south India.
"I use my dreams, travels and the glorious landscape in El Morro
area as a way to explore the mystery and sacredness I feel in the
land around," St. Croix said.
More of her paintings can be seen at the Coffee Shop in Gallup through
March.
Recent exhibitions titled "Cabin Fever," "The Secret
Garden" and "Spirit of the Land" featured 50 artists
from Ramah, the area around El Morro, Ramah Navajo Reservation and
Zuni Pueblo.
Since its beginning two years ago as a small group of artists who
wanted to keep The Blue Corn Gallery open, El Morro Area Arts Council
has also transformed the Old School Gallery into a small performing
arts center.
Flanked by a powder room and a dressing room, the small stage and
seating area for 80 provide an intimate setting for folk music artists
as well as classical guitarists.
A transplant from Minneapolis to Zuni, singer/songwriter/recording
artist David Levin recently performed songs from his current CD at
the Old School Gallery. His style has been compared to Sting and Paul
Simon.
Elementary students from Pine Hill, Ramah and Zuni also participate
in three-student art exhibitions annually. The artwork, from kindergarten
through fifth-grade students, includes watercolors, crayon and weavings.
In addition to regularly scheduled exhibitions and live performances,
the arts council also encourages the sharing of creative ideas through
educational workshops.
Beadwork, pastels and ceramics workshops are offered at the Old School
Gallery. Many free, art-related organizations such as a book club,
fiber group and ballroom dancers keep the gallery's lights turned
on almost every night.
El Morro Area Arts Council is working on two immediate goals to extend
its artistic outreach. It is planning to bring artistic programs into
the schools serving the diverse student population of Pine Hill, Ramah,
Zuni Pueblo and the Ramah Navajo Reservation.
Helping local artists demonstrate their artistic techniques of storytelling
and paper-making in school classrooms is also part of the council's
educational goals.
Gallery winter hours for the "Heart and Soul" exhibition
are: Fridays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturdays, noon-6 p.m.; and Sundays,
11 a.m.-4 p.m. The office, gallery and performance space are handicapped
accessible.
| Top |
Grants approves contract with OMI
Tom Purdom
Staff Writer
GRANTS — After votes at Monday's city council meeting there will
be fewer city employees.
And for those employees left with three or more years of service there's
good news raises but for those with three years or less there are
no raises, just more work.
In a move seen before when Grants contracted with Operations Management
International, Inc., to run the sewer and water operations, the city
approved another contract with OMI to maintain city parks...
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Greenhouse may be sold
Tom Purdom
Staff Writer
GRANTS — The defunct Colorado Greenhouse, a 20-acre greenhouse
on the eastern edge of the city, may be bought to help settle a bankruptcy
case.
Auxiliary City Attorney Gail Gottlieb brought the news to the city
council meeting Monday, but she also warned that the case is not a
done deal.
Colorado Greenhouse Inc., headquartered in a Denver, Colo., suburb,
filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Jan. 31 in Colorado. The greenhouse
grew hydroponics tomatoes...
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Publisher, DA dispute over public record
Bill Donovan
Staff Writer
GALLUP — The Gallup Independent and local law enforcement officials
are embroiled in a dispute over a police report.
The paper, at the direction of Publisher Robert Zollinger, has filed
a formal request to the Gallup Police Department for a copy of the
initial police report dealing with the incident on March 13 that led
to the death of three members of the Hobb family of Navajo, N.M.
"The public has a right to know what happened that day,"
Zollinger said. "There are still a lot of questions about what
happened that have not been answered by the police or anyone..."
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Drivers see lower prices in Grants
Many factors can influence gasoline cost
Mary E. Davis
Staff Writer
GRANTS — Anyone who owns a car, a truck or even a lawnmower knows
that gas prices have skyrocketed in the past few months. Few know
why.
But even knowing doesn't help those who are struggling to pay the
additional cost of taking their kids to school every day or trying
to make it to work with a few bucks in their pocket and the gas gauge
near empty.
Howard Lackey, a Grants resident, once spent $60 a month on filling
the tanks of his car and truck, which he uses to take his children
to school and for doctor's appointments. It's now costing him $75
to $80 a month...
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Poet brings vivid imagery to Gallup
Elizabeth Hardin-Burrola
Special to the Independent
GALLUP — Acoma writer Simon Ortiz known for his vivid imagery
of Southwestern Indian life in Pueblo villages, reservation communities,
and border towns like Gallup will read excerpts from his work Thursday.
Ortiz, a nationally recognized figure in the field of Native American
literature, will be at the University of New Mexico's Gallup campus.
The readinand the Ramah Navajo Reservation.
Helping local artists demonstrate their artistic techniques of storytelling
and paper-making in school classrooms is also part of the council's
educational goals...
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Teachers can keep time to prepare
Zarana Sanghani
Staff Writer
GALLUP — Officials for Gallup-McKinley County Schools quashed
rumors at Monday's school board meeting that the district was planning
to cut teachers' prep time.
Tom Payton, president of the local school employees' union, said teachers
called him after hearing reports that the administration would reduce
or eliminate the one-hour preparation time they get during the school
day.
The board has not considered decreasing prep time, School Superintendent
Robert Gomez said...
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Sports Briefs
GABC registration
GALLUP — The Gallup Amateur Baseball Congress will be holding
registration for all players in Sandy Koufax (age 13-14), Mickey Mantle
(age 15-16) and Connie Mack (age 17-18) on Sunday, March 26 and Sunday,
April 2 from 2-6 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, the Sandy Koufax
(upper field) concession stand.
The cost is $25 per player and please bring a copy of your birth certificate.
Games will begin after the high school season ends.
There will be a coaches meeting on Wednesday, March 22 at 7 p.m. at
Quick Print & Copy, 921 W. Aztec. If anyone is interested in managing
or coaching a team or would like additional information, please contact
863-2147...
| Top |
Deaths
Pascal "Pat" Martin
PHOENIX — Services for Pascal "Pat" Martin, 56, will
be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 21, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic
Church in Houck, Ariz. Father Cormac Antram, O.F.M., will officiate,
assisted by Deacon Daniel Nez-Martin. Burial will follow at the family
cemetery, three miles north of Sanders, Ariz.
Martin died March 16 in Phoenix. He was born in 1943 into the One
Who Walks Around You People Clan for the Edge Water People Clan.
Martin was residing in Tempe at the time of his death. He was employed
by Wrico Metal Stamping Company and Aero Space Stamping. He lived
in Albuquerque 1977-93, where he began his employment with Aero Space
as a machinist. He held positions at General Dynamics, Navajo Trailer
Sales, and Fort Wingate Army Depot. From 1964-68 he lived and worked
in Dallas, Texas, where he trained as a machinist.
He attended Sanders Elementary School, Sherman Indian High School
and graduated from Phoenix Indian High School. He served in the U.S.
Army and was stationed stateside 1969-1971. In his early years he
lived in Sanders and Chambers, caring for livestock.
Survivors include his sons, Pascal Martin Jr. of Las Vegas, Nev.,
Marty Martin of San Antonio, Texas, and Mark Martin and Gabriel Martin,
both of Albuquerque; daughter, Patricia Martin of Albuquerque; stepchildren,
Avis Mullins, Valentino Watchman and Michael Mullins of Albuquerque,
Delphine Gurley and Tammy DeWeese of Gallup; brothers, Pat Ashley
of Chinle, Ariz., Pete Martin of Phoenix and Joe Martin of Flagstaff,
Ariz.; sisters, Carla Lobb of St. George, Utah, and Maria Martin of
Phoenix; and 25 grandchildren.
Martin was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Mullins-Martin; parents,
John and Esther Lewis Martin; and grandfathers, Hosteen Nez Kimball
and Jack Lewis.
Pallbearers will be Martin's immediate family members and friends.
The family will receive friends and family after the burial services
at the Houck Chapter House.
Jimmy Mariano
SMITH LAKE — Services for Jimmy Mariano, 67, will be held at
10 a.m. Wednesday, March 22, at the Church of Latter Day Saints. Brother
Lambson will officiate. Burial will follow at the Thoreau Community
Cemetery.
Mariano died March 16 at the Gallup Indian Medical Center. He was
born April 12, 1932, in Rehoboth into the Salt Water People Clan for
the Two That Came to the Water People Clan.
Mariano attended school at the Sherman Institute in 1945. He was employed
with the Union Pacific Railroad for 57 years. His hobbies included
seek-a-word puzzles and watching animal/nature movies.
Survivors include his wife, Elsie Mariano of Smith Lake; son, Milton
Mariano of Thoreau; daughters, Rosita Black of Albuquerque, Laverna
Mariano and Loretta Mariano, both of Vanderwagen; brothers, John Willie
Mariano, Joe Woody Mariano and Harry Mariano, all of Continental Divide
and Harold Mariano of Dulce, Ariz.; sisters, Grace Emerson and Nancy
Ramone, both of Continental Divide and Harriet James and Arretta Kai,
both of Farmington; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Mariano was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Helen Johnson
Mariano; brothers, Jones Mariano and Joandy Mariano; and sister, Alice
Mariano.
Pallbearers will be Tommy Yazzie, Roy Ramone, William Begay Jr., Harry
Mariano, Melton Mariano and Alfred Mariano.
The family will receive friends and family after the burial services
at the Thoreau Chapter House.
Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Lucille Polich
GRANTS — Services for Lucille Polich, 83, will be held at 11
a.m. Wednesday, March 22, at the Grants Mortuary Chapel. The Rev.
Jeff Johnson will officiate. Burial will follow at the Grants Memorial
Park.
Visitation will be 3-7 p.m. today, March 21, at the Grants Mortuary.
Polich died March 18 at the Four Corners Good Samaritan Center in
Aztec. She was born March 13, 1917, in Bitter Wells, Texas, to Joel
Josiah Yates and Ethyle Lambeth Yates.
Survivors include a son, Don Polich of Aztec; brothers, Joe Yates,
Dugan Yates and Roy Yates, all of Milan; five grandchildren; and seven
great-grandchildren.
Polich was preceded in death by her husband, John Polich, and a daughter,
Beverly Thigpen.
Pallbearers will be Melvin Brazell, Calvin Brazell, Rick McCoy, Bobby
Joe Yates, Ellis Yates and Ken Polich.
Tom Herbert Grey Jr.
CROWNPOINT — Services for Tom Herbert Grey Jr., 51, will be announced
at a later date.
Grey died March 20 in Gallup. He was born Dec. 18, 1948, in Crownpoint.
A family meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, at the
Mariano Lake Chapter House.
Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
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