Nevada news briefs from Reno, Sparks

Thursday, March 7, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

The Haven in downtown Reno is set to close on Friday. Catholic Community Services made the decision to shut down the operation after the director resigned in the wake of ongoing funding problems.

Social workers on Wednesday said without support, the Haven's clients will end up in jail or back on the streets.

Norma Brownell, president of the Reno Alliance chapter, said she will meet with Catholic Community Services officials to discuss transfer of the program.

"We want to see the service continued in a user-friendly manner," Brownell said. "When people called the Haven they reached somebody and got help. We are losing a unique service."

Meanwhile, other mental health and homeless services representatives agreed to take steps to try to minimize the crisis that may result with the Haven's shutdown.

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Washoe Count School District spokesman Steve Mulvenon on Wednesday said one 14-year-old girl could face a long suspension because she was found with 16 grams of cocaine - enough to be charged with drug trafficking.

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Yong Soon Walker, 54, faces an additional charge of domestic battery for the alleged incident that occurred Tuesday.

The woman was arrested Feb. 14 after she stabbed her husband, Aubrey Bruce Walker, 63,in the abdomen with a butcher knife.

She was released on her own recognizance and the couple resumed living together after Aubrey Walker was released from Washoe Medical Center.

Aubrey Walker called sheriff's deputies Tuesday night after they began an argument that escalated to violence.

He told deputies that his wife began hitting him and kicking him in the ribs and stomach, where he still has stitches from his previous wounds.

"I don't know if I can trust her anymore," he said. "I'm just sick of her using me for a punching bag whenever she gets made."

Authorities said Mrs. Walker appeared intoxicated during both incidents.