Adult-sized tricycle stolen from disabled vet

A woman with disabilities who lives on a fixed income told police someone stole her means of transportation: a bright red, adult-sized tricycle valued at $350.

The tricycle had been chained to a staircase at Colony Woods apartments, 1301 W. 24th St. The 55-year-old victim, Lenita Rose, told police she noticed it was missing about 1:20 a.m. Tuesday when she came outside planning to ride it to the convenience store.

Rose, a Navy veteran who has arthritis and a previously broken back, said she used the tricycle to get around because she was having trouble balancing on a two-wheeler. She thinks someone stole it to make a quick profit.

“I wouldn’t dream of doing this to someone else, and I just hope that somebody chooses in their heart to return it,” she said. “If not, it’s something that I don’t have the money to replace right now.”

Anyone with information about the vehicle can call the Crime Stoppers tips hot line at 843-TIPS.

Navajo justice experts to speak at Haskell

The Navajo approach to criminal justice will be discussed tonight at Haskell Indian Nations University’s Cultural Center and Museum. The program, which is free and open to the public, begins at 7 p.m.

Presenters include Robert Yazzie, retired chief justice for the Navajo Nation, and Philmer Bluehouse, a Navajo peacemaker.

“We’re very fortunate to get them,” said Dan Wildcat, a member of the Haskell faculty. “They are doing some training on peacemaking and violence reduction at the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth and they let it be known that they wanted to visit Haskell. We are honored to have them.”

In 2000, Navajo Nation Council overhauled its criminal code, switching to a system built on reconciliation rather than punishment. The council governs the 26,000-square-mile Navajo Reservation, which includes parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah.