Father, daughter swept away in floodwaters

TOHATCHI – Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye and Vice President Jonathan Nez were saddened to learn about a tragic accident that took place in Tohatchi Sept. 2, involving a father and daughter who were swept away in flash flood waters, ultimately losing their lives. This accident has devastated the community.

It has been reported that Jay Levier entered floodwaters after his daughter Aschley fell in trying to save her dog.

“We need to constantly remind our Navajo people to stay away from floodwaters, flood zones and to be aware of the power of flood waters. The bodies of Jay and his daughter Aschley were said have been washed five...

Slew of vehicle break-ins, burglaries beset neighborhood

An east-side neighborhood in Gallup is taking steps toward becoming more proactive in solving and preventing crimes. A meeting held three weeks ago at Roosevelt Elementary School discussed a number of vehicle break-ins and burglaries around Gallup’s Roosevelt neighborhood.

Kelly Akeson of the Gallup Police Department introduced residents to the idea of a Neighborhood Watch Program. City Councilor Linda Garcia, whose council district includes Roosevelt, organized the Aug. 25 meeting. Afterward, she said things are off to a great start.

“This is a step in the right direction,” Garcia said. “There have been some problems...

Conservation Voters New Mexico, through its political action committee, announced Sept. 1 the continuation of its efforts to build a strong political voice for air, land, and water by endorsing candidates who will work to protect New Mexico families and communities.

Two candidates noted in the announcement — incumbent Sharon Clahchischilliage and newcomer GloJean Todacheene — face-off for the District 4 seat of the New Mexico House of Representatives.

Liliana Castillo, communications manager at CVNM, said the group’s action fund endorses candidates running for the state House of Representatives, state Senate, and Secretary of State in the Nov. 8 general election.

“When it...

ROOFER ESCAPES WITH MINOR INJURIES

By Bernie Dotson

Sun Correspondent

One person was injured in a roofing accident caused by a blowtorch that was too close to a gas line, officials said. Gallup Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Jesus Morales said construction workers were repairing one of two roofs at a home at 215 W. Lincoln Ave., when an explosion occurred at about 5:50 pm Sept. 7.

Workers were warming up tar to slather on the roof prior to laying shingles.


Antonio Castaneda, 41, a worker with Dominguez Construction of Gallup, was working atop the home. He said he was using the torch and it apparently got a little too close to the line.

“That was it,” he said. “It just got...