Gamerco shooting victim dies
Staff Report
GALLUP — State police confirmed that a man shot in the head
Thursday in Gamerco died Friday afternoon at San Juan Regional
Medical Center.
McKinley County Sheriff's Department deputies and New Mexico State
Police were sent at 3:45 p.m. to the corner of Marble and Pillar
streets after a report of a shooting at the trailer. Pedro Ramirez,
21, of Gallup, was found with a gunshot wound in the trailer.
State Police still aren't sure whether Ramirez killed himself
or whether someone shot him. Thursday, police detained a young
man but didn't release his identity or what he was doing in the
vicinity of the trailer.
State Police criminal agents are investigating the incident.
Ramirez's uncle, Quirino Ramirez, said Thursday that his nephew
doesn't live at the trailer but was doing some work there.
"It's so sad," the uncle commented Thursday, before
he learned his nephew had died...
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Gallup teen princess leads memorial
Andrea Egger
Staff Writer
GALLUP — God Bless America.
That was the song a group of Red Rock Elementary fifth graders, with
voices like angels, sang part of and then got the teary-eyed audience
to join in singing at the conclusion of a school assembly Friday to
commemorate all the deceased firefighters, police and citizens in
Tuesday's World Trade Center and Pentagon terrorism activities.
Sherelle Lynne Walker, 16, a Gallup High student who lives in Red
Rock, celebrated her 16th birthday in an unusual way, by organizing
the assembly and assuring the presence of hundreds of parents, police,
firefighters and Med Star Ambulance workers at the school's gymnasium
at 10 a.m.
Beyond turning 16 on such a day of tragedy, Walker was moved by the
trauma she witnessed in the news.
The reigning princess of Walk With the Warriors of Gallup, Walker
appeared in full princess gear, including a Native
American costume and an elaborate silver crown. She wore white satin
gloves.
At the program's start, second-grader Miranda Huffman sang the national
anthem in a crystal clear, womanly voice surely to make the tiny girl
the next Britney Spears or Jessica Simpson.
Principal Chantal Irvin briefly spoke.
"Unfortunately, this sad even brought us all together. What this
assembly is all about is a joining of all Americans," Irvin said.
She thanked all the firefighters, police and "countless volunteers
who work around the clock."
She introduced Valerie Walker-Ben, Sherelle's mother, and her aunt,
Cheryl Walker Charles, who created the red, white and blue ribbons
with a single rose which Sherelle Walker distributed this week to
firefighters, police, and Friday, to students and teachers. Many police
officers also wore black ribbons over their badges.
"We're here to remember all the innocent victims of this horrible
attack," Irvin said.
Sherelle Walker spoke next and involved the students, reminding them
to thank veterans, firefighters and police for their work.
She pointed attention to the red in their pins. She asked students
to yell, "Made the right choice" together to commemorate
fighting for the country.
Next she asked children to yell, "We're thinking of you,"
for the white ribbon, which symbolized "all the little kids and
mommies who went to heaven."
Sherelle Walker next drew students' attention to the blue ribbons,
which stood for the firefighters and police. She asked the students
to turn to these people lining the walls of the gym and yell, "Thank
you!"
Finally, the teen told the group that the rose symbolized healing.
At her cue, everyone in the room yelled, "God Bless America."
Then, the princess introduced U.S. Marines Reserve Officer Jason Charles,
her uncle, who brought his young daughter on stage. "Each of
you have parents or someone to watch over you," Charles said.
He said growing up, freedom is guaranteed by veterans of wars who
make sacrifices for America. "When you see a veteran, say 'Thank
you' to them and hug them so what they did won't go unnoticed,"
Charles said.
Sherelle Walker then waved her gloved hands in sign language to a
song about freedom. "Oh, great spirit, keep us free," went
part of the song. "Make me wise to understand what it takes to
walk in beauty as I learn to walk this sacred land."
At the song's conclusion, Sherelle Walker addressed the room again.
"God Bless America. Thank you."
Gallup Fire Chief Louie Chavez took the microphone and learned most
of the students had seen news accounts of the "great mess"
in the east. He asked them to remember the images of people running
from crashing debris, and emergency staff running toward the danger.
"That's our job. As soon as the alarm goes off, our No. 1 instruction
is to go where there's trouble," Chavez said, getting choked
up.
"We're here to help you kids if you're injured in a fire in your
house, if you're in trouble. That's what we do. Also because we love
you kids," he said.
A teary-eyed Chavez added the nation will have to pick up the pieces,
pray, and move on.
Gallup Police Chief Daniel Kneale asked who of the students are afraid.
Most hands raised up.
"It's natural to be afraid, but you don't have to be," Kneale
said. "We would stand in the way of whatever would hurt you.
"We love you very much. In fact, when you go home, tell your
parents you love them. Just be kids, like you're supposed to. Let
us worry about the bad things."
Kneale added as the children grow up and the emergency workers in
the room retire or die, many of the children in the assembly will
become those people protecting and serving.
Celeste Nicola introduced a moment of silence, asking students to
take that time to pray for the families of the deceased and those
working to repair the damage in New York and Washington. She asked
for prayers for the tireless work of the Red Cross. The school collected
donations in a jar at the school office.
Next, fifth graders gathered noisily on the stage and began singing
"God Bless America." The tearful crowd joined in as an appropriate
end to the emotional assembly.
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Students face tragic events
Tara Drolma
Staff Writer
GRANTS — "Our trust in the world has now faded away sadly."
Tracy Smitt and Shanae Eggert.
Those words were written by two fifth grade students at Mesa View
Elementary School one day following the tragic attack on New York
and Washington.
Mesa View Elementary fifth grade teachers Patti Black, Debbie Quinn,
and Amy Cameron asked their children to write about their feelings
following Tuesday's attack on their homeland. The children are 10
and 11 years old. What follows are excerpts from those essays. Amanda
Ballew and Riley Martinez:
"We wish this didn't happen to our country." Ashley Gallegos
and Desirea Ballew:
"We are outraged that people had to jump out of the World Trade
Center windows for fear of being burned alive." Catherine and
Lauren Uttaro:
"We don't know who they are going to bomb next, but I just want
to tell you that we don't want to go to war." Adriana Miramontes:
"I would have given my life to all the people who died...People
all over the world are feeling pain for those families. My family
is feeling pain. My mom cries when she hears that they have found
another person. I will always remember this day 'till the rest of
my life." Jessica Anne Miller:
"I think the people who caused the airplanes to crash should
suffer. They should not be rejoicing for all the stuff they did...
It is terrible how selfish people can get...I really hope there is
not a war because my brother will have to be in it." Tracy Smitt
and Shanae Eggert:
"My partner and I feel very unhappy about this situation. It
makes us feel very unsafe to live in America. It makes us very furious...We
feel that whoever did this should be punished for killing others...Firefighters
had enough courage to sacrifice their lives for others. We feel that
if we were firefighters, we would have done the same as they did by
helping others... We feel a monumental tragedy has struck our nation.
Our hearts go out to all of the families affected by these tragic
events. Our trust in the world has now faded away sadly. Can you believe
how many people died in these events? It is a very sad day in America."
Catherine and Lauren Uttaro:
"The bombing on America makes my partner and I feel bad and horrified
that we might go to war if we find out who is responsible. I think
the fact that more people died now than when people died at Pearl
Harbor is scary...Even the kids on the planes died that were 3 and
4 years old." Kyle Henderson and Francis Malaj:
"This tragedy seems devastating to many of us. It makes me feel
like I have no hope. The fact that I am 11 years old and this is really
big. Who would have thought someone would do this? I would not want
to go to war. Both of my parents were involved in previous wars, Desert
Storm. I also think that the people who did this should go to jail."
Marlene Peters:
"We are going to catch the people who did this one way or another."
Amanda Ballew and Riley Martinez:
"We feel devastated from what happened...We are very sad...We
even feel bad when the people didn't want to burn to death so they
jumped off the buildings. We wish this didn't happen to our country...A
lot of kids went home with no moms or dads...People are having a hard
time now that their family did not survive." Amanda and Riley:
"When we watch the news we saw people jumping out of the buildings.
We did not know when it would end and we hope it will end." Bianca
Soberanez, Tracey Gardea and Michelle Labbe:
"We saw some people falling from the Towers...It was a terrible
thing to do to us." Erin Rowe:
"I saw on the news that some people thought the bombing was funny,
but this is not the case at all...this has effected my younger sister
Amber ...she had a dream she was working in the Trade Center and was
unable to get out of the building...My Aunt was at the Boston Airport
when all this happened and my grandfather went for her from Wyoming!"
Teara Prince and Stacie Oso:
"We think that it was scary to see people jumping for their lives
from a 110-story building...It was a mistake to mess with the United
States of America (whoever it was). Now President Bush has to go through
a lot of trouble to find the people that did all of that stuff. He
may have to start World War III and that is going to be horrible!
Now our trust in the world is fading away..."
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Bengals outlast wind, rain and Ravens
Carrie Loretto
Sports Editor
GALLUP — In a game dotted with blooper highlight reels, the Gallup
Bengals prevailed 21-8 over the visiting Rio Grande Ravens at Public
School Stadium Friday night.
A lost possession on a penalty during a punt and a fumbled snap that
ended in a two-point conversion were the two most notable plays that
the Bengals survived to capture their first home victory in four years.
"It was one catastrophe after another, but they stuck with it
tonight," first-year coach Gary Lunsford said. "We finally
starting making some plays in the fourth quarter that we hadn't been
able to do."
The 2-1 Bengals started off practically flawless, capping their first
possession of the game 63 yards in seven plays with a run through
the middle by senior quarterback Jared Montano. Montano keyed the
drive with a series opening 26-yard scramble after escaping the grasp
of a defender near the line of scrimmage and completeing a 25-yard
pass to Mitch Haight on third-and-8.
However, the success of that drive almost became an afterthought despite
the defense forcing Rio Grande to punt for the second time in the
game.
While the Bengals were waiting for the punted ball to roll dead near
the endzone, they were called for a holding penalty.
Because the ball was not downed until after the penalty had been called,
Rio Grande retained possession after picking up the first down after
the penalty was marked off. On a kicked ball, the play is not dead
until a player from either team touches the ball.
The Bengal defense held once again, but on Gallup's next offensive
series, Montano lost hold of a pitch in the backfield that resulted
in a 12-yard loss on the opening play and Gallup was forced to punt
after two plays.
Rio Grande then took an 8-7 lead with 8:01 left in the first half
when linebacker Jason Chavez picked off Montano and returned the interception
68-yards for a touchdown. The Ravens lined up off the ball to set
up for the extra-point kick. The snap was fumbled and Doug Modania
hit an open Jose Hernandez in the back of the endzone for the two-point
conversion.
Gallup was unable to capitalize on a Raven personal foul penalty and
Rio Grande didn't do much after a 25-yard run by Modania on a fake
punt.
Neither team looked very good in the third quarter as they traded
penalties and punts. Rio Grande did get a 47-yard field goal attempt
into the wind at the beginning of the fourth quarter.
Gallup took over on the 20-yard line and marched upfield on a 15-play
scoring drive behind Adam Becenti and Montano.
Becenti grounded out 31 yards on six carries. Montano, who carried
the ball five times for 36 yards, capped the drive with a five-yard
run up the middle. He also ran in the two-point conversion to put
Gallup back in control 15-8 with 4:18 left in the game.
The newly inspired defense set up the Bengals' last touchdown.
The defense stuffed Ravens' quarterback Moya Moses to no gain on a
run and a two-yard loss on a pass to Delano Dotey.
Next, Bengal linemen Kevin Walsh and Haight rushed Moses into an interception
to Brian Long to set Gallup up on Rio Grande's 20-yard line.
Six plays later, Becenti ran in for a four-yard touchdown.
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Grants loses homecoming game to Robertson
Santiago Ramos
Staff Sports Writer
GRANTS — Missed scoring opportunities proved to be crucial as
Grants came up short, losing 20-12 to unbeaten Robertson Friday night
that spoiled its homecoming celebration.
Grants stormed back from a quick 20-0 deficit in the first period
but blew several scoring opportunities. The Pirates had one touchdown
called back and came up short on two late drives in the final minutes
of the game.
"We whipped them (Robertson) everywhere except on the scoreboard,"
Grants head coach Jerry Burns said. "We got down 20-0 in the
first quarter and we didn't quit. The players showed a lot of character.
We came back and just ran right at them. But it's the little things
that we didn't do that cost us. One day we'll be a good football team."
Grants, 1-2, will travel to Taos next Friday. Robertson, perfect at
4-0, will host Moriarty next week...
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City could reach deal on downtown bank building
Bill Donovan
Staff Writer
GALLUP — Gallup City Manager David Ruiz is optimistic that a
deal can be arranged in which the city will purchase the former downtown
Bank of America building.
The city has been negotiating with an investment company handling
the deal for about a month and Ruiz said the two are close to an agreement.
He declined to say just how close the two are money-wise but indicated
it was less than $100,000.
Bank of America moved out of the building in late August, using its
branch next to the post office as its headquarters. It had indicated
that the downtown office located across from City Hall would be ideal
for the city if it wanted more office space...
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Long Walk trail legislation passes
Larry Di Giovanni
Staff Writer
GALLUP — U.S. Rep. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) testified this week before
the House Committee on Resources on the need to change the National
Trails System Act so that the Long Walk corridor can be designated
as a national historic trail.
The committee amended Udall's Long Walk legislation, House Resolution
1384, thereby approving the request. Udall, a member of the Committee
on Resources, offered an amendment in accordance with a law passed
in the 105th Congress requiring a feasibility study by the National
Park Service prior to designating or acquiring sites.
The Long Walk began in 1864, forcing more than 8,000 Navajos living
on their homelands in what is now New Mexico, Arizona and Utah to
make a 350-mile trek to Bosque Redondo. Many involved in the roundups
and marches carried out by U.S. Cavalry under the command of Col.
Christopher "Kit" Carson died from exhaustion along the
way, and some were shot by Cavalry officers...
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Airmail may resume this weekend in U.S.
Tom Purdom
Staff Writer
GRANTS — When the Federal Aviation Administration grounded
America's airlines the United States Postal Service took a deep
breath, regrouped and the mail continued to be delivered.
In response to horrific terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center
twin towers in Manhattan and on the Pentagon in Washington D.C.,
Tuesday by three jet-fuel-laden commercial airliners, the FAA grounded
the nations airliners and put a complete halt on airmail, overnight
delivery and express mail service. The FAA lifted the ban on commercial
flights, but still will not allow commercial aircraft to carry the
mail as of Friday. U.S. Postal Service officials hope commercial
aircraft used to ship mail from one part of the United States to
the other will resume sometime this weekend, but there are no promises,
according to information on the U.S. Postal Service gathered on
the Internet. In fact, as of late Friday the U.S. Postal Service
issued no press releases on its Internet site stating that full
air service has been restored...
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Murder suspect may fight extradition
Andrea Egger
Staff Writer
GALLUP — Suspected murderer Rocky Yazzie of Chinle, Ariz.,
remains in Rapid City, S.D., while he and his attorneys decide whether
he will waive extradition or fight it in the murder of his aunt
in Gallup.
Lola Yazzie, 49, was found dead, stuffed underneath her bed, at
804 Alto St. in Red Hills Mobile Home Park on Aug. 23. Gallup Police
determined through investigation that she'd been there at least
two weeks.
The Office of the Medical Investigator in Albuquerque determined
she died of strangulation. While her family members don't claim
Yazzie as a relative, Lola Yazzie's friends said she introduced
Rocky Yazzie, 25, as a nephew weeks before her death.
Yazzie was captured a week ago there after Gallup Police tracked
him, with the help of the Rapid City Police Department and the FBI,
through the Navajo Nation to Rapid City. Yazzie maintains an identification
card from Rapid City. He also has an address in Albuquerque...
Frula Folk open Gallup concert season
Elizabeth Hardin-Burrola
Special to the Independent
GALLUP — The first performance in the Gallup Community Concerts
2001-02 season is just a couple of weeks away, and season tickets
are now on sale.
The tickets can be purchased from members of the community concerts
association, through the mail, or on Saturday afternoons (noon-3
p.m.) at Coyote Books, 112 W. Coal Ave. Tickets will also be sold
at the door during the first concert.
The season, which is made up of five performances, begins in early
October and runs through mid-March. All performances will be at
the Gallup High School auditorium. Four of the concerts will be
evening performances that start at 7:30 p.m.; the February concert
will be a Sunday afternoon show at 3 p.m.
Pianist Christina Pegoraro, one of the best interpreters of Cuban
music, will open the concert season with a performance on Thursday,
Oct. 4...
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Deaths
Tom Serna Sr.
GALLUP — Services for Tom Serna Sr., 67, will be held at 10 a.m.
Monday, Sept. 17, at St. Francis Church. Father Ulrich Pax will officiate.
Burial will follow at Gallup City Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 16, at Cope Memorial
Chapel. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16, at Cope
Memorial Chapel.
Serna graduated from Gallup High School. He served in the U.S. Marines.
He was employed as a taxi driver, and for the Port of Entry, BIA,
Creamland, Valley Gold, Budweiser and Shalimar.
His hobbies included raising pigs, fishing, bowling, watching UNM
Lobos basketball, and listening to Spanish music.
Survivors include his wife, Adella Serna; sons, Arthur Serna, Amadito
Serna, Tony Serna and Tommy Serna Jr.; daughter, Debbie Serna Mazon
of Gallup; and seven grandchildren.
Serna was preceded in death by his daughter, Donna Serna; parents,
Cleofias and Amado Serna; brothers, Donald Serna Sr., Ambroso Serna
and Alfonso Serna; and sisters, Nellie Cordova and Alice Serna.
Pallbearers will be Andy Lucero, Donaldo Serna Jr., Alfonso Cordova,
Chris Mazon, John Gonzales, Pat Gonzales and Martin Delgado.
Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Rose Plummer
BRIMHALL — Services for Rose Plummer, 84, will be held at 10
a.m. Monday, Sept. 17, at Cope Memorial Chapel. Elders Creighton and
Sevilla will officiate. Burial will follow at Fort Defiance Community
Cemetery.
Plummer died Sept. 12 in Brimhall. She was born Dec. 5, 1916, in Coyote
Canyon into the Bitter Water for the Red Running Into Water.
Plummer was a rug weaver, rancher and medicine woman (hand trembler).
Her hobbies included horseback riding and watching television.
Survivors include her sons, Leo Plummer of Brimhall, Nelson Plummer
of Window Rock, and Harrison Plummer of Coyote Canyon; daughters,
Loretta Dennison of Brimall, Alice Walden of Wichita, Kan., and Louise
Begay, Narcissa P. Jones and Eleanor Maloney, all of Coyote Canyon;
brother, Leonard Peshlakai of Green Bay, Wis.; sister, Rena Peshlakai
of Coyote Canyon; 50 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren and 20
great-great grandchildren.
Plummer was preceded in death by her husband, Emerson Plummer; daughter,
Katie Johnson; brothers, Samuel Silversmith Sr., Len Peshlakai and
Archie Peshlakai; and sister, Peshlie Emerson.
Pallbearers will be Eric Watson, Arthur Jones Jr., Elden Begay, Roland
Maloney and Byron McCabe and Preston Jones.
Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Gladys Jo Norris
GALLUP — Graveside services for Gladys Norris, 101, will be held
at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 17, at Sunset Memorial Park. Brother Andy
Brooks will officiate.
Norris died Sept. 13 in Gallup. She was born June 7, 1900, in Winchester,
Ky.
Norris worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad for 42 years. She
moved from Tucson, Ariz., to Gallup in 1985.
Survivors include her son, Leslie Hadden of Gallup; sisters, Olive
Bitticks of Fort Worth and Winnie Bridges of Tempe, Ariz.; three grandchildren
and seven great-grandchildren.
Norris was preceded in death by her husbands, Charles Monroe Hadden
and Hugh Norris; parents, Joel Thomas and Eleanor Perkins; two brothers
and six sisters.
Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Pamela Kay Blakeman
LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Services for Pamela Blakeman, 49, were held
at 1:30 p.m., today at the Church of Christ. Matthew Killough officiated.
Burial followed at Grants Memorial Park.
Blakeman died Sept. 10 in Albuquerque. She was born Feb. 16, 1952
in El Paso, Texas.
Blakeman was a homemaker and enjoyed traveling the world.
Survivors include her husband, Daniel of Lakewood, Colo.; mother,
Bertha Boyd of Grants, sons, Jeff Garden of Sioux Falls, SD and James
Garden of Cubero; sisters, Gail Barnes of Grants, Jackie Heath of
San Rafael and Joan Von Wolff of Las Cruces and five grandchildren.
Blakeman was preceded in death by her father, Frank Boyd and daughter,
Lisa Danielle Blakeman.
Pallbearers will be Stephan Enders, Melvin Heath, Richard Von Wolff,
Karl Von Wolff, Lloyd Von Wolff and Pleasant
Gaines.
Scott Allen Carey
GALLUP — Services for Scott Carey, 23, will be announced at a
later date.
Carey died Sept. 11 in Roswell. He was born Sept. 22, 1977 in Gallup.
Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
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