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Joshua Lavar Butler, for the Navajo-Hopi Observer

Stories by Joshua

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Growing up on the Navajo Nation and seeing helpless animals hurt, hungry, abandoned, abused and often, ignored, was enough motivation for Zachary Bauer to pursue a degree in veterinary science and to possibly open his own clinic someday, preferably in Tuba City.

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The Asdzáán Be’eena’ or Female Pathways Program, a research study conducted between Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health, community members and cultural experts from the Navajo Nation, is recruiting female participants from Tuba City and Chinle.

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Monument Valley graduate overcomes grief, challenges to embark on college, career
Tristan Fall Gray to pursue dream of Early Childhood Development degree

Tristan Fall Gray, 17, graduated May 15 from Monument Valley High School with 12 college credits under her belt in early childhood education through a dual enrollment program at Northland Pioneer College.

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Tuba City Regional Health Care warns of possible third wave of COVID-19 cases
Hospital reports increase in cases over the last month; asks public to remain vigilent

Tuba City Regional Health Care Corp. recently reported an increase in new COVID-19 cases in the last month after a major decline in cases over the last few months.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged the Navajo Nation in the past year and the only remedy to defeat this “enemy” is by getting the vaccine according to Peter MacDonald Sr., former tribal chairman and Navajo Code Talker.

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Pharmacy Tech Training Program set to graduate first cohort
Graduation May 13 at Tuba City Regional Health Care Corp.

The first cohort of the Pharmacy Technician Training Program at Tuba City Regional Health Care Corp. will graduate March 13. The cohort began Jan. 6 and ended March 6.

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Greyhills Academy High School junior, Tori Hemstreet, is on her way to Norfolk, Virginia, to represent her school at the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium scheduled April 15-18.

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Coconino County Elections wins award for Native American elections outreach
The election office also opens temporary office at Flagstaff Mall

Coconino County Recorder’s Office has an award-winning outreach program thanks to their Native American Elections Outreach Program and staff.

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The Kayenta Middle School Boys Basketball team concluded their season with an impressive 19-1 overall record and as champions of the Northern Arizona Interscholastic Conference (NAIC) defeating Chinle Jr. High School with a score of 45-43.

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Jayda Chee, a senior at Tuba City High School, had another stellar year of volleyball winning player of the year honors, leading her team to winning the 3A North Conference Championship and now signing a letter of intent Jan. 15 to play college volleyball at Glendale Community College.

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Financial literacy and education is not common ground in many Native American communities and this often hinders economic progress for many tribal members across the country.

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It was a page out of a Christmas storybook as children were filled with anticipation and excitement, parents and elders smiled and socialized, and volunteers cheerfully passing out hot drinks and serving hot meals while spreading goodwill to others Dec. 25 at the Community Christmas Dinner in Tuba City.

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It’s that time of the year again — time to get pumped up and set those new year’s resolutions for healthier eating, fitness and losing some pounds.

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Seeking joy during the holidays: Miss Native America USA shares her experience with depression
Lexie Michael James shares her experience with depression while using her platform to shed light on mental health issues

Lexie Michael James, 23, a Hopi tribal member and the reigning Miss Native American USA, has made it her mission to advocate the importance of suicide prevention and mental health wellness as her main platform issue titled, “The journey is not over: Suicide prevention and mental health wellness.”

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Students win big at Greyhills Academy High School science fair
Science fair winners earn possible entry to Navajo Nation Science Fair Feb. 27 in Church Rock, New Mexico

The big winners were 11th-graders Marina Rodriguez and Tori Hemstreet with their entry titled, “Air filtration of particulate matter using charcoal from Pinus Ponderosa.”

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The popularity of vlogging is a fairly new concept that has emerged on the internet in the last few years.

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Chris Greyeyes, first-year head coach of the Colts, said he is excited for the boys.

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In May, the center was finally open to all veterans as a place to access the internet for free to check eligibility of their benefits, to job search, apply for school or employment, to create a resume or just to check their email.

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Monument Valley High School inducts new members to Hall of Fame
Elvina Clark-Joe, Dallas Gilmore, Harlan Herder, 1987-88 boys cross-country team honored

Some of the best of the best student-athletes from years past were inducted into the 2019 Hall of Fame at Monument Valley High School Nov. 1 during the school’s last home game of the season.

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New highway signs honor Native American veterans despite partisan politics
Sen. Jamescita Peshlakai helps push legislation through House for signage honoring Native veterans

Peshlakai explained that her journey to rename the highways began in 2013 when she was approached by then-Hopi Tribal Chairman Herman Honanie.

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The Tuba City High School Lady Warriors volleyball team are the 2019 3A North Regional Tournament Champions and conference champions once again defeating the Page High School Lady Sand Devils Nov. 2 at the Nash Center in Kayenta.

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The Tuba City service area is currently dealing with a syphilis outbreak.

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When Reva Chissie Hoover was asked to serve as one of three grand marshals of the 2019 Western Navajo Fair parade, she was shocked and asked, “Why me?”

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Maegan Dougi of Tuba City crowned Miss Western Navajo 2019-2020
Dougi’s platform will promote Navajo language; seatbelt and car seat safety

Maegan Dougi was crowned Miss Western Navajo 2019-2020 during the 2019 Western Navajo Fair Oct. 10.

Learn how to manage your money, budget, save
Nine-week course taught by Susan Sekaquaptewa

Have you ever wanted to learn how to pay off your debt, learn to budget, save money and to give generously?

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Muay Thai fighter Mikel King defeated in “Rumble on the Rez”
King’s student DeAngelo Steginks wins fight in first round knockout

It was not the outcome fighter Mikel King or his swarm of fans had hoped for as he was defeated by Christopher Figueroa in the “Rumble on the Rez” Muay Thai heavyweight title fight Oct. 11 during the Western Navajo Fair in Tuba City, Arizona.

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A portion of Tuba City's “Pothole Alley” repaired
Road rehabilitation costs more than $1 million

A portion of “Pothole Alley,” also known as N608 or Peshlakai Road, in Tuba City was recently improved thanks to collaboration of several entities at a price tag of more than $1 million.

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The Tuba City High School Lady Warriors volleyball team continues its winning ways.

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The Tuba City High School Lady Warriors volleyball team continues its winning ways.

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A new generation of Hopi, Tewa leaders and professionals
Hopi Leadership Program launches sixth cohort of 18 members; Spring youth leadership program to be offered in 2020

New members represent villages, clans, organizations and local businesses throughout the various Hopi and Tewa communities on the Hopi Reservation.

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In place of Columbus Day, the city of Flagstaff will celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day Oct. 14.

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Tuba City Lady Warriors win Snowflake Volleyball Invitational
Tuba City volleyball works to defend regional title

The tournament attracted 16 of the best high school volleyball programs in the state and region.

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Mikel Wayne King, 27, is not your average Kun Khmer and Muay Thai fighter.

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The next Miss Western Navajo will be crowned Oct. 10 during the Western Navajo Fair in Tuba City, Arizona.

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It was a dream that came true on Sept. 6 for Tuba City Regional Health Care Corp. as they celebrated the grand opening of their brand-new 24,000-square-foot Sacred Peaks Health Care Center at its new location on the east side of Flagstaff on Highway 89.

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Tuba City Starlings return from Hawaii victorious
Starlings finish tourney 7-1; losing only one game to Mauloa 18s

The Tuba City Starlings 17s volleyball team are tournament champions once again as they returned home from the Aloha Summer Classic held June 14-16 in Hawaii.

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A historic 20th century-era home on Main Street in Tuba City is receiving a breath of new life thanks to efforts of donors and staff at Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation (TCRHCC) to help patients and families impacted by cancer and sexual assault.

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Childcare center attracts U.S. Rep. O’Halleran to Tuba City High School
Tuba City childcare center achieves four star rating

The four star rating of Tuba City High School’s Child Development Learning Center attracted interest from U.S. Rep. Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ), who personally visited the school March 19 to learn more about what the program does and who they partner with to provide a quality program for children 3 to 5 years of age.

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Sydney Haley Tsinigine will be one of 18 contestants vying for the coveted title of Miss Indian World April 23-27 at the Gathering of Nations event in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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Three eighth-graders from Tuba City Junior High School joined more than 1,000 students from across the state of Arizona to compete in the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair where 743 projects were judged April 4-5 at the Phoenix Convention Center.

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Bashas’ Diné Market opens eighth store on the Navajo Nation in Sanders
Sanders, Nahata Dziil shopping center celebrates grand opening

It was a day worth waiting for as hundreds of community members and dignitaries gathered April 3 to celebrate the grand opening of a long-awaited shopping center that will primarily serve the communities of Sanders and Nahata Dziil off Interstate 40.