Zuni paper releases premiere issue filled with pueblo news

By Pamela G. Dempsey
Staff Writer

The Zuni Post: The Voice of the A:Shiwi, a 12-page weekly newspaper, makes its debut today in and around the Pueblo of Zuni. From the first page to the last, readers are treated to what they really want to know what's happening in the Pueblo of Zuni. [Courtesy Photo]

GALLUP — Zuni news is abundant and a team of young entrepreneurs hope to capture it all on paper.

The Zuni Post: The Voice of the A:Shiwi, a 12-page weekly newspaper, makes its debut today in and around the Pueblo of Zuni.

From the first page to the last, readers are treated to what they really want to know what's happening in the Pueblo of Zuni.

Back-to-school activities, a new school principal, Zuni water, the upcoming Zuni fair, and Zuni life fill the pages of the premier publication.

But the news doesn't stop there and it's all Zuni.

Mark Barbone, design and production manager, said the minimalist design of the paper was refined several times.

"The design is based on (Zuni) pottery and art," Barbone said.

His layout includes bold, black and white lines some thick, some thin, and some angled.

"It looks good," he said. "It turned out nice."

Other Zuni-oriented details include weather icons based on pueblo designs, a Zuni to English crossword puzzle, and local recipes such as blue corn pancakes.

Barbone, like Managing Editor Darren Chapman, is a graduate of the University of New Mexico's Electronic Publishing Program, offered only at the Gallup Branch.

Mary Beahm, their former professor, said she thought it was good that her students accomplished what they set out to do.

"I'm so excited that they're doing something with what they've learned," she said.

Chapman, who once interned at A:Shiwi Messenger a previous start-up publication geared towards Zuni said he was happy with their premier issue.

"It's something I really wanted to do," Chapman said. "Seeing it in newsprint is a dream come true."

Check out the weekly cartoon "Two Houses from the Center of the Universe" that follows the antics of Dibb and is created by another one of Beahm's former students, Robin Lasiloo.

The Zuni Post: The Voice of the A:Shiwi will be published each Wednesday at a $1 an issue. For more information, call (505) 782-3336 or log on to: http:www.zunipost.com.