State Glance
No signs of strife before Phoenix man allegedly shot family
PHOENIX — Any discord between Anthony Milan Ross and his wife, Iris, appeared to have been pushed aside for Christmas.
The Phoenix couple, who were in the process of divorcing, each got to see their two children during the holiday.
Pam Alexander, whose daughter is roommates with Iris Ross, says there was nothing alarming when Ross called and his wife left to pick up the kids Monday.
But police say Ross gunned down his 38-yearold estranged spouse and both children.
He is being held without bail on three counts of firstdegree murder and other charges. It was not clear Thursday if he had an attorney.
Friends and family are still trying to wrap their heads around what led the vegan author and motivational speaker to allegedly kill his entire family.
Navajo officials remember female judge as role model
WINDOW ROCK — Navajo Nation officials say Marie Roanhorse Neswood, the first woman to be confirmed decades ago as a tribal district court judge, has died. She was 85.
Officials said Neswood, who was originally from the Navajo community of Crystal in western New Mexico, died Sunday. They did not immediately have any details about the cause of death.
Navajo Council Speaker LoRenzo Bates said Wednesday that Neswood represented her community and the rest of the tribe with dignity and pride during her time on the court and as a member of the Tribal Council.
Neswood was a member of the judicial branch from 1976 to 1989.
She also worked for the Office of the Chief Prosecutor and the Navajo police department. She was elected to the council in 1991.
A funeral Mass was scheduled for Friday in St. Michaels, Arizona.
Tortoise that serves as Bullhead City mascot marked in pink
BULLHEAD CITY — Bullhead City’s unofficial mascot got an unwanted makeover when someone colored the toenails of the concrete tortoise and added eyelashes.
The Mohave Daily News reports police are looking for whoever vandalized the giant sculpture last week. It sits in front of the Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce sign on Highway 95.
Two residents were able to remove most of the bright pink markings on the desert tortoise named “Poki.”
The Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce is researching ways to remove the last traces without damaging the concrete.
Former part-time Bullhead City resident Bill Hayes donated the tortoise to the city in 2014 after he moved to Montana full time.
Visitors often stop to take photos with Poki, touted as the world’s largest desert tortoise.
Arizona authorities investigate copper wire thefts
PRESCOTT — Sheriff’s deputies in one Arizona county say they are investigating a rash of copper wire thefts.
Yavapai County deputies say they’ve been notified of several thefts in recent months and they’re asking the public to help watch for suspicious activity in the late night or early morning hours along major roadways.
Most recently, deputies were dispatched to a spot along Interstate 17 after state transportation workers noticed the lights over the on-ramp were not working.
It was discovered that copper wire had been pulled from the power box and junction boxes that feed the street lamps in the area. In all, more than 1,700 feet of wire was missing.
The theft of copper wire from junction boxes that control street lamps in Prescott Valley and Seligman also have been reported since September.
Changes to Phoenix Chinese Cultural Center blocked for now
PHOENIX — A threejudge panel of the Arizona Appeals Court has blocked — at least for now — lower court rulings that would let a construction company make changes to the distinct exterior of Phoenix’s Chinese Cultural Center.
The judges on Wednesday stayed enforcement of a Dec. 1 Maricopa Superior Court decision lifting restrictions on the commercial complex, a move that could have allowed alterations to begin.
Members of the Asian community say the center’s Chinese-style exterior design should be preserved.
True North Companies has sought to renovate 98 of the 103 condominium units it owns at the site. Proposed renovations include overhauling the center’s iconic tile roof and prayer garden.
The owners of a restaurant in the complex appealed the Dec. 1 decision, arguing that renovation plans would drive away customers.
Pinal County attorney working to incarcerate fewer people
CASA GRANDE — Pinal County’s top prosecutor wants to re-emphasize a diversion program for individuals whose minor offenses might otherwise put them behind bars for a year.
Pinal County Attorney Kent Volkmer says it doesn’t make sense to incarcerate everyone for every mistake that they make.
The Casa Grande Dispatch reported Tuesday that the diversion program allows individuals who may be charged with a crime to participate in community service and educational programs in hopes of remedying the behavior that initiated the original arrest.
Charges against participants are dropped at the end of the program.
Volkmer’s office is also re-examining how it charges individuals who’ve previously been convicted of a felony.
According to Volkmer, the changes have lowered jail population numbers and freed up more time for police officers.