Two speeds...



Mary Tsosie directs traffic around a road construction zone just south of Chinle, Ariz. Tsosie said she has been doing this kind of work for seven years.

Photos by Jerry W. Kelley

UNM: It's time for a Gallup dormitory

Bill Donovan
Staff writer

GALLUP — Officials at the local branch college feel the time has come for the building of the campus' first dorm.

Robert Carlson, director of the UNM-Gallup Branch, said that after a long period of meetings and discussion, branch officials have decided that the idea of a residential dorm will work.

"As a campus, we are now in agreement about the dorm," he said.

College officials have been looking at the idea for the past several years and pondering the question of whether the building of a dorm will create more problems than it will solve and whether there are enough students to justify the building of a dorm.

Carlson said that surveys have been done which have indicated that there is enough interest to justify the building of a 190- bed facility dorm.

"We're sure enough to go ahead with it," he said.

The college is looking at building a dorm based on the pods and not the standard individual rooms, mainly because the pod idea will save the college and the students who board there money.

Under the pod system, there will be a bathroom for every two students. Four students will share a kitchen.

Carlson estimated that the rent will be about $300, which he pointed out is very competitive with the local market, where a two bedroom resident structurerents for about $600 a month.

The dorm will house only single students. Carlson said the college looked at providing a dorm for married students but gave up on the idea when studies indicated that the college would have to charge $1,000 a month, which Carlson said was viewed as too high for this area.

One of the main reasons why Carlson and others in the college are so high on a dormitory is a feeling that have a residential dorm will improve campus life.

"We will be able to do a different type of program if we have a residential dorm," he said, adding that a dorm "will add to our ability to educate."

It will also allow the college to sponsor seminars and educational programs during the summer which concentrate on the unique cultural aspects of this area, he said.

But even with Carlson and other college officials behind the proposal, the possibility of the college getting a dorm in the next two years is still, at best, 50-50.

The reason is financing.

Carlson said that the college is now beginning to look at financing possibilities to raise the $6 million needed to build the dorm.
The best possibility, he said, is a state financing program which would allow for the issuing of a bond which would be paid back through dorm rental fees.

If everything goes well, Carlson said, the dorm would be up and running as early as the fall of 2003.

As for the site, Carlson said that is still up in the air.

"We're looking at a couple of possibilities with an area overlooking Boardman Avenue as the most likely," he said. "But nothing has been finalized."

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Navajo foster parents far too scarce
More applicants sought in Chinle

Larry Di Giovanni
Staff Writer

MANY FARMS, Ariz. — The life of a Navajo foster parent is busy, personally rewarding and accompanied emotional highs and lows.

For Annette Grey Bear of the West Mesa subdivision in Many Farms, the greatest joy is seeing her two children, Allison, who is almost 10, and Deleno, 6, accept their temporary siblings with an all-in-the house means all-in-the-family approach.

The sorrow comes in saying goodbye to a child who has been your own for several months, with solace and hope coming from the knowledge that his or her once volatile home life is now stable enough for a return.

Grey Bear recently returned an infant to his family, a baby boy she had nurtured from three weeks of age to one day shy of three months. She has worked with the Navajo Nation's Chinle Regional Division of Social Services since last October, becoming a licensed and certified foster parent.

"My kids kept telling me, 'Are we going to get another baby?' I said, 'It's up to the department over there (in Chinle)," Grey Bear recalled.

Grey Bear, who is single and makes ends meet on child support, says being a foster parent is the most rewarding experience she has known. While caring for the baby boy, she was also caring for three siblings, two girls and a boy ages 12 to 6. She had them for four months. Add Allison and Deleno to the mix, and niece Sara Ann, 1, whom she cares for from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and that's seven kids to watch.

Neighbors often send over their children, picking them up after work around 5-6 p.m. "And I don't charge," she said.

"If you enjoy kids the way I do, then it's not difficult," Grey Bear offered. "I love being around children."

For the past two weeks, Grey Bear has once again taken into her home four children not her own. They are siblings ages 1, 5, 8 and 12. The older two go to Many Farms Elementary School.

"They're already attached (to the family)," she said.

One advantage Grey Bear has is an immediate family within close distance. Her mom, Annie Tayah, works with victims of sexual abuse and lives in the West Mesa subdivision, a Navajo Housing Authority complex, near her daughter. One of her brothers lives there, and just "two doors down" is cousin Darlene Jene, who runs a foster family receiving home.

"My mom's a social worker, so I know many people within the Many Farms and Chinle communities," Grey Bear said. "They were wondering, 'How did you get that many kids?' At first, I referred to them as my foster daughters and foster sons.
Thereafter, they were my sons and daughters."

As a volunteer foster parent, Grey Bear performs all of the obligations that real parents do, and gets reimbursed for expenses by Social Services. She works on homework with her foster children, and attends parent-teacher conferences. Her home is a cable-TV free environment. Instead she encourages her charges to work on brain teasers, such as puzzles. Their favorite game lately
is "Twister."

"They're always supporting me," Grey Bear said of her own family. "They're behind me 100 percent."

More parents sought

Chinle social worker Charlotte Begaye, who handles licensing of foster parents, said the need for more foster parents within the Chinle Agency is perhaps greater than it has ever been. There are just six foster families available right now, and one soon won't be. That's what makes volunteers like Grey Bear so precious.

There are between 60 and 80 children in the Chinle service area in need of foster homes each month. Social workers always make a major effort to keep siblings together while their real parents undergo intervention, therapy, counseling and other forms
of treatment. The first choice is to send children to another family member, such as a grandparents' home.

The second choice is a licensed Navajo foster parent like Grey Bear. However, due to a major shortage of foster parents,
children often get sent to group homes, such as Hogan Hozhoni or Christian Child Care Center in Gallup.

"Our homes are overflowing ... I consider it a crisis situation," Begaye said.

Begaye said the Chinle service area's goal is to recruit three foster families in each of the area's 15 chapters. That would be quite
a feat going from six foster familes to 50. But if those who have room in their houses and hearts realize the need, such is
possible.

Prospective foster parents are invited to visit the Social Services office in Chinle, where they can meet with one of the Foster
Care Staff. Both single parents and married parents are eligible. Those visiting should bring their Certificate of Indian Blood,
Social Security cards, income verification, birth certificates and vehicle information.

The Chinle chapters are: Black Mesa/Kitsillie, Blue Gap/Tachee, Chinle, Forest Lake, Hardrock, Low Mountain, Lukachukai,
Many Farms, Nazlini, Pinon, Round Rock, Rough Rock, Tsaile/Wheatfields, Tselani/Cottonwood, and Whippoorwill.

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Woman is pistol whipped

Staff Report

GALLUP — Police arrested a Gallup man after his girlfriend said he tied her up and gagged her, then pulled a gun on her and started playing Russian roulette.

Gallup Police investigated a domestic dispute involving a handgun at 12:30 p.m. Sunday at 504 S. Seventh St., according to a report.

When officers arrived, victim Lorena Galan, 18, had crawled out a window. Galan told police the following.

Her boyfriend, Gerald Fernandez, 27, of the above address, accused her of having sex with another man. He punched her four times in the face.

Then he tied her up with shoelaces and gagged her with a bandanna. Fernandez then pulled out a revolver and emptied it of all but one bullet.

He began pointing the gun at her head and pulling the trigger, "Russian-roulette-like." Then he pointed the gun at his own head and pulled the trigger.

After doing this four times without shooting her or himself, Fernandez pistol-whipped her about 20 times with the gun. She pretended to be unconscious.

Fernandez untied her. After he left the room, Galan called the police.

During the encounter, Galan told the police Fernandez took nail clippers and cut two small pieces of skin off her left arm.

Emergency medical technicians transported Galan to Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital, where she was treated for bruises to both eyes, scratches on her arms and two contusions to her head, according to the report.

Police investigated the scene and located a shoelace, a blue bandanna, and a pair of laceless running shoes. They took these into evidence.

A pair of clippers also was tagged into evidence.

Police arrested Fernandez and charged him with aggravated kidnapping and four counts of assault with intent to commit a violent felony, all felonies, and aggravated battery on a household member, a misdemeanor, according to the report.

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Athletes of the week

Abelita Rose Freeland
Staff Sports Writer

The Athletes of the Week for March 5-10 are Kirtland-Central Bronco Dax Crum and Tohatchi Lady Cougar Kyla Bitsilly.

Crum led Kirtland to its first state championship in 23 years with two crucial tree-point baskets, a steal and a rebound.

Crum scored seven of his 14 points in the fourth quarter alone and added six rebounds and handed out three assists.

"It's hard playing a team who is known for winning," Crum said about the Broncos' opponent Albuquerque Academy. The Chargers were shooting for their 10th state title. "But we played good and as a team and came out on top."

"Overall (Dax) did good," said Kirtland coach Steve Scott. "He had a horrible game against Artesia, but it is the nature of the team that if one is off then another picks you up. But he played good against Los Alamos and Albuquerque Academy.

"They were unknown going into state, but they made a name for themselves and all the hard work paied off," Scott added.

"It's pretty nice and exciting," the sophomore said about being name the Independent's Athlete of the Week. "I
have never been honored before."

Crum was held scoreless against Artesia but had two assists and a blocked shot. Against Los Alamos, he had seven points and five rebounds.

Crum felt that the half court basket from Crawford is what kept their heads up to keep going for the championship. "We were down and thought that our season was over, but when he made it I think it just gave us life and hope back and we were humble and it inspired us."

Crum is also proud of the way his whole team came through throughout the entire playoffs and season. "We had fun and we didn't get down on each other. We played together and won."

"It was way exciting and I don't know what to say about the feeling because we laughed and cried but we all had a good time. This is the best season of basketball I have ever had," Crum added.

Crum also competes in soccer, baseball and track.

Tohatchi pitcher Kyla Bitsilly pitched a shutout game against Valley Sanders, with the Lady Cougars winning 10-0. Bitsilly stuck out 12 batters with four looking and eight swinging in her high school debut.

Freshman Bitsilly won the first game ever for Tohatchi's independent team who has just started the softball program and has already set the standard for where the program is should be headed.

"It's an honor," said a stunned Bitsilly about being named Athlete of the Week.

The 15-year-old Bitsilly has been pitching since she was eight, but says it takes a lot of hard work and training. She gets that from her father, who is also her high school coach, Alvin Bitsilly.

"As a father I am proud and as a coach I am excited," said coach Bitsilly.

Bitsilly said that being able to pitch for the first game was not an easy task. "We had to all work for our positions but I showed I wanted it," Bitsilly said. Tohatchi has six other pitchers ranging from ninth to twelfth grade.

Coach Bitsilly said he hopes to see Kyla pitch another game like she had against Valley, but with funds being donated and fundraised with 23 other girls on the team he isn't sure if that is possible.

Coach Bitsilly just hopes the girls can get through the season, but without the schools' financial support, only with transportation, the girls have just enough funds to pay the umpires. The girls buy their own meals after their games.

"As a father, I would like to see Kyla pitch another game like she had, but if the girls want her to then I will allow her to."

With Bitsilly's love for softball, she hopes to take her game to the college level which see saw this past summer in Pennsylvania. Bitsilly was able to watch and participate in a high school summer program where her father said gave her confidence to play under pressure and at a higher level than Little League.

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Kayenta men stabbed at booze party

Dine' Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — Two Kayenta men walked into the Indian Health Service clinic in Kayenta Sunday morning with non-life threatening stab wounds after an alcohol and drug party at the Kayenta police shooting range, Navajo police reported Monday.

The Kayenta Criminal Investigations District report identified them as Jacob Miera, 21, and Ronnie Toledo, 20. The report also identified the suspects as Ricardo John, 20, of Kayenta and a 16-year-old Flagstaff boy. Relatives told detectives the boy had left the area.

No arrests were made as the investigation continues, according to Captain Samson Cowboy of department headquarters in Window Rock.

The public can get into the range because it is open because of cattle grazing, the captain added...

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Sports Briefs

Correction

GALLUP — In Gallup High tennis results reported last week, it was printed that Gallup Bengal Brian Tanner lost to Joey Bringuis of Grants in a number three seed match. Tanner beat Bringuis.

Spring jam basketball tourney

FT. DEFIANCE, Ariz. — The Tse Ho Tso Middle School will be holding the third annual Spring Jam Basketball Tournament from March 30-April 1. The tournament is for 16 and under boys, 14 and under girls, 12 and under boys, 12 and under girls and 10 and under co-ed.

Awards will be given out at the tournament. For more information contact Jay at (520)729-5938 or Racheal at (520)729-7698.

Rez ball jam tournament

GALLUP — The fifth annual Rez Ball Jam basketball touranment will be held April 6-8 at Stagecoach Elementary School. The tournament consists of eight boys temas and eight girls teams and is open to 14 and under players. Each team iss allowed to have a 10 player roster...

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Deaths

Frank Mora

GALLUP — Services for Frank Mora, 70, will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 28 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Father Jim Walker will officiate. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.

A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m., today at Rollie Mortuary.

Mora died March 23 in Gallup. He was born Dec. 3, 1930 in Gibson.

Mora served in the U.S. Marines during the Korean conflict.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Jean Mora of Gallup; son, Frank P. Mora of Gallup; daughter, Raye Ann Wicketts of Gallup; brother, Lawrence Mora of Albuquerque; sisters, Grace Martinez and Helen Guillen both of Gallup and three grandchildren.

Mora was preceded in death by his parents, Apolonio and Reyes Mora; sister, Virginia Landavazo and brother, Joe Mora.

Pallbearers will be John Archuleta, Martin Guillen, Freddie Martinez, Louie Martinez, Nick Martinez, Mitch Murphy, Jennifer
Wicketts and Patrick Wicketts.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Hazel T. Yazza

FORT DEFIANCE, Ariz. — Services for Hazel T. Yazza, 87, will be held at 10 a.m., March 28, at Fort Defiance, Ariz. Bishop Steven Plummer will officiate. Burial will follow in Fort Defiance.

Yazza was born March 26, 1913 in Many Farms, into the Tabaaha Clan for the Toaheedliinii Clan.

Yazza attended Fort Defiance Boarding School and Albuquerque Indian School up to 7th grade. She had various skills as a
homemaker, rug weaver, school and chapter cook, and coordinator of a famous fry bread contest for 45 years.

Survivors include her sons, Joseph E. Yazza, Sr., Peter Charles, Franklin Cyrill and Daniel Harris; daughters, Charlotte P.
Cayatineto and Linda Little Elk; brother, Jackie Yazzie; sisters, Inez Housewood, Josephine Slinkey, and Nagleebah Jones; 29
grandchildren; 62 great-grand children and 5 great-great grandchildren.

Yazza, was proceeded in death by her husband, Peter Yazza, Sr.; sons, Chester Arthur, Arthur Davis, and Richard Henry;
daughters, Lorraine Yazza and Mae Francis Thompson; parents, Hosteen Yazzie and Bah Yazza; brother, Hosteen Tso; sister,
Yanibah Claw.

Pallbearers will be Curtis Yazza, Hoskie Yazza, Clifford Little Elk, Bernard Cayatineto, Cecil Yazza, Joseph Yazza, Jr., and
Alex Slinkey.

The family will receive friends and relatives after the burial services at Fort Defiance Chapter House.

Donations will be made to Linda Little Elk or Charlotte Cayatineto.

Tso Bonito is in charge of arrangements.

Perfilio Castillo

GRANTS — Services for Perfilio Castillo, 96, will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 27 at San Rafael Catholic Church.
Father Emeric Nordmeyer will officiate. Burial will be held in San Rafael.

Castillo died March 23 in Grants. He was born Aug. 21, 1904 in San Rafael.

Castillo was employed with the railroad.

Survivors include his sons, David Castillo and Bobby Castillo both of Grants, Andy Castillo, Paul Castillo and Carlos Castillo
all of San Rafael; daughters, Susie Harris of San Jose, Calif. and Jennie Barajas and Angie Ramirez both of San Rafael; one sister, Theresa Garibey of Grants; 20 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be David Castillo Jr., Matthew Castillo, Phillip Castillo, Francisco Barajas, Victor Ramirez and Eloy Harris.

Jeanette H. Brown

GANADO, Ariz. — Services for Jeanette H. Brown, 92, will be announced at a later date.

Brown died March 24 in Phoenix. She was born April 5, 1908 in Kinlichee, Ariz.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.