BLACK HAWK
versus
LEHIGH TOWNSHIP

July 29, 1997 Update
On or about July 18, 97, we received a call from a Township resident, and we investigated and found it to be true, that another Township Supervisor had recently purchasd property in a Residentially zoned part of the Township. This Supervisor, Larry Skinner, now has goats housed on his R-1 property, without a variance or special exception.

July 21, 1997

Blackhawks filed an Answer To Defendant's Motion To Dismiss with the Court.

July 17, 1997

Defendant's attorneys filed a Motion To Dismiss this case with the Court.

July 3, 97

Law Firm from West Conshohoken, Pa. was hired (firm consists of 26 attorneys) at taxpayer's expense.

June 6, 1997

Court denied Petition For Reconsideration

May 30, 1997

Filed Petition To Reconsider Temporary Restraining Order.

May 28, 1997

Court denied Petition For Temporary Restraining Order.

May 16, 1997

Filed Petition for Temporary Restraining Order

May 12, 1997

Filed Petition to Proceed in Forma Pauperis (waives paying court/filing fees) Accepted by the Court.
Filed Petition To Appoint Council

May 15, 1997 Update
*
On Monday, May 12, 97 Dennis & Debbie Blackhawk filed a Civil Rights Complaint, Motion To Proceed In Forma Pauperis, and Petition for Appointment of Legal Counsel with the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania located in Scranton, Pa. The complaint cites numerous civil rights, discrimination and freedom of religion violations. The defendants are Lehigh Twp., Pa. et. al. seeking $1,000,000 in compensatory and punitive damages. A jury trial was demanded.

We've had enough of unconcerned attorneys, bullying by pompous township officials, and political juggling. We're tired of the white man's ignorance of our religious beliefs and persecution of our ancestral beliefs. We are FULLY backed by AIM Pennsylvania, 99% of the area residents, and concerned brothers and sisters.

Although the case citations, court game plan and evidence is well in hand, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or questions.

We will not buckle down to live the white man's ways or be ruled by tyranny.

Wanishi and Wopila to all of you for your past support. We'll keep you informed.

Prologue
*

According to Yick Wo v. Hopkins, 118 U.S. 356 (1886) (USSC+)

Background in a Nutshell
*
In March, 1995 Dennis Blackhawk, Lenape, returned to his hometown, Weatherly, Pennsylvania. He had just resigned from his job as a BIA policeman at Pine Ridge because he was tired of hearing his professional peers brag regarding their relationship with Dick Wilson's GOONS (Guardians of the Oglala Nation) during the Wounded Knee seige of '73.

With Dennis came three foxes, two raccoons, one peacock, one peahen, a domesticated ferret, and two black bear cubs. Dennis first enountered the bear cubs at a game farm in Minnesota in 1994. The encounter with the cubs was peculiar because since he was a child he had experienced a recurring dream in which two bear cubs walked in circles around him.

The cubs and Dennis took to each other and, rather than see them be shipped off to a zoo or medical experiment station, he purchased the cubs. They had been declawed by the game farm and could not be released to the wild. It appeared that his dream had come to life.

Dennis and his companions returned to Weatherly and, with his wife Debra, a homestead was set-up on three acres of land. Pens were built for the animals which exceeded anything required by the state or federal government. All relevant permits were in order. They settled in...they were happy.

And the wheel turns...
*
In September of 1995 Dennis petitioned the Lehigh Township Board of Supervisors to house wildlife on their property. The petition was necessary because the property is zoned R-1, residential. The request was denied.

Dennis asked the Board to reconsider inasmuch as State and Federal permits have certified that he legally certified to house his animals. Both the State and Federal Government state that he is licensed to operate a "sanctuary dedicated to preserving wildlife." The Zoning Board said no.

Now things start to get sticky...it just so happens that the Township Supervisor Frank Raynock has built pens for deer on "his" land which is also zoned R 1, residential. No permits have been issued for these deer. No violations have been issued by the Township for these deer...and the Supervisor can not be reached for comment.

As a result of Blackhawk's push for his permit he is now being harassed by the Township as they allege that he was never granted permission to "live" on his property...this, all of a sudden, after two years!

Support Solicited
*
Please refer back to the excerpts from the Supreme Court decision at the top of this page...what is good for the Township Supervisor, Frank Raynock, appears not to be good for Dennis Blackhawk. This must be underlined and corrected as soon as possible!

In order to bring this imbalance to light, and to help Dennis with his fight for justice, your email support is needed. Please fill out the input form below...your "comments" will have the most impact...thank you for any attention you can give to this issue




By My Signature I Support The Call For A Variance and Equal Application of The Law!

My name:
My e-mail address:
City of Residence:
State of Residence:
Date of Signature:
Comments To Blackhawk and the Zoning Board:





Email Campaign Site

Anna Mae Aquash Archive

Relinquishing A Legacy of Hatred,
Embracing Respect for All Life
Conversations with
Dino Butler©

AIM Home Page

Wounded Knee Home Page

First Nations



This site is maintained by JS Dill.

Please provide an opinion regarding this article/site...