Tuesday, July 7, 2009

US 60 Gonzales Pass Project Nominated for National Award

Photo:US60Study

The US 60 Gonzales Pass reconstruction project is one of two ADOT projects that have been nominated for national awards. The project between Superior and Florence Junction converted 10 miles of US 60 from a two lane road to a safer four lane divided highway. It was opened to traffic 10 months ahead of schedule.

The Gonzales Pass project and the Regional Freeway System in the Phoenix area were nominated for the prestgious America’s Transportation Awards. The competition recognizes the best transportation projects in the country—projects that are on time, on budget, and demonstrate innovative management.

ADOT says both projects have improved traffic flow and regional connectivity and have helped Arizonans get safely where they need to go.

Recovery Act Funds Go To San Carlos Apache Economic Development

Representative Ann Kirkpatrick announces that the US Treasury Department is making nearly $130,000 in Recovery Act funds available for economic development on San Carlos Apache lands. The funds are part of $8 million in technical assistance grants for community development financial institutions serving Native communities.

The San Carlos Apache Tribe is in the process of establishing a non-profit organization that will provide small business lending and financial services on tribal lands. The funds are being distributed to help them get their organization off the ground as part of the Native American CDFI Assistance Program.

Image:SanCarlosApache

Beer Tree Crossing Closed Wednesday

Gila County Public Works announces that Beer Tree Crossing at the train tracks will be closed to traffic tomorrow (Wednesday) from 6:am to 4:30pm. There is also a possibility that it may be closed on Thursday to complete the work.

If you have any questions, contact the Gila County Public Works Division at 402-8532.

Miami Council Special Meeting Tonight

Miami Town Council is having a Special Meeting tonight (Tuesday) at 6:30. The Council will discuss and possibly act on the procedures and process of the Town Administrator taking vacation leave.

Police Log

Globe Police responded to a 911 call last night from Gas and Go. 59 year old Raymond Ybarrondo of Payson was arrested for misuse of 911 and use of a telephone to harass.

A Gila County Sheriff’s deputy arrested 21 year old Michael Miranda for telephone harassment.

19 year old Timothy Bush was arrested yesterday for extreme DUI.

46 year old David Worley was arrested for possession of dangerous drugs.

Globe Police are investigating a burglary on Jess Hayes Road.

Miami Junior High School Registration

Registration for students attending Miami Junior High School starts today (Tuesday) and ends Thursday. Hours are 8:30am until 2:pm. Classes begin on August 3.

Students who wish to participate in athletics should have their physical and apprpriate paperwork turned into the office in time for the first day of school.

There have been a number of changes to the dress code. Information about the changes is available at the school office.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Arizona Could Have More DOs Than MDs

Photo:Life123

An article in the Portland Oregonian says that Arizona schools will soon be graduating more doctors of osteopathy than medical doctors. There will be twice as many DOs graduating in 2012 than MDs. That gap could increase if the University of Arizona is unable to expand its medical school in Phoenix.

Midwestern University in Glendale graduated its first DO class in 2000. A.T. Still University in Mesa will graduate its first DO class in 2011. Their expected total of 350 in 2012 is expected to ease a growing doctor shortage. Arizona has one of the worst ratios of primary care doctors per resident.

Like MDs, DOs are licensed to diagnose illness, perform surgery and prescribe medicine. DOs say their emphasis is on a more holistic view of medicine and that they believe in the body’s ability to heal itself. Their education also includes instruction in osteopathic manipulative treatment.

The number of osteopathic doctors has increased 67% nationwide since 1990.

Supervisors Meet Tuesday

The Gila County Board of Supervisors meets tomorrow morning (Tuesday) at 10:00. The meeting includes the public sale of several unnecessary public roadways.

The Board will consider Intergovernmental Agreements with the City of Globe, the Town of Star Valley, the Town of Hayden and the Town of Miami; and a Transit Agreement with the Payson Senior Center. The agreements provide Local Transportation Assistance Funds for senior center transportation.

Arizona Has 25,000 Homeless School Children

The Arizona Republic reports that the number of homeless school children in Arizona has exceeded 25,000. That’s an increase of nearly 18% in the past year.

Educators say the increase is due to the soaring rate of unemployment and foreclosures. About two thirds of the state’s homeless students live in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has provided Arizona with $1.9 million to give homeless children as young as preschool age equal access to free public education.

School districts across the state have applied for federal stimulus grants.

Image:AZDOE

Police Log

A two vehicle accident caused unknown injuries yesterday evening in the Fry’s parking lot. No further information is available.

An unoccupied car at Mesquite and Hill Streets rolled down a hill early Saturday afternoon and hit an APS pole. Nobody was hurt. The owner of the vehicle was cited for having faulty equipment.

A tree fell on some power lines Saturday evening on South Fourth Street. Globe Fire Department and APS were called to the scene and repairs were made.

Globe Police arrested 47 year old Rita Betoney for assault Saturday afternoon at Horizon Human Services.

30 year old Justin Flores was arrested Saturday for aggravated assault in connection with a case reported last week.

Globe Police are investigating a report of a burglary taken at a residence behind AM/PM.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a burglary at a residence on Glendale Avenue, and criminal damage at the Shamrock Docking station in Claypool.

Obituaries

Visitation for “Rudy” Perez is today (Monday) at 9:am at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church. Rosary is at 9:30 and the funeral is at 10:00.

Joseph P. Cano of Claypool passed away last week at Copper Mountain Inn. He was 79. He is survived by his children Jim, Jerry, Thomas and Pat Cano; Joann Hernandez, Mary Sels, Linda Chavez and Lorraine Gonzales.
A Memorial Service will be held today (Monday) at 1:pm at First Southern Baptist Church.

Friday, July 3, 2009

$32 Million for Arizona Afordable Housing

Photo:affordablehousingonline.com

Representative Ann Kirkpatriock announces that the Department of Housing and Urban Development is making more than $32 million available for affordable housing projects and creating construction jobs in Arizona. The funds are being provided through the Tax Credit Assistance Program, which helps state housing finance agencies spur stalled rental projects.

Investment in low income housing has plunged during the economic downtourn. Kirkpatrick says this makes it more difficult for working families to access quality housing options. It also contributes to job losses in the construction industry. TCAP offers new incentives for investors.

TCAP will benefit more than 35,000 families nationwide. Its effects could especially impact Arizona, where residential construction has been especially slowed by the recession and where foreclosure rates are the fourth highest in the country.

Tribal 'World of Work' Classes

San Carlos Tribal Social Services is sponsoring four evening classes this week (July 6-9). The “World of Work” classes are designed to prepare tribal members for employment. All General Assistance clients are urged to attend.

Topics covered include employment applications, developing resumes, choosing the right job, work ethics, interview techniques, job search strategies, dress for success and creating your portfolio.

Classes are available on a first come first served basis. Sign up at Tribal Social Services or call 475-2313.

GCC Offers Summer Science Camp to Seventh Graders

Gila Community College is offering a one week science camp to this fall’s 7th graders. The focus of the science camp will be on the environmental impact of the regular things we do every day.

The facilitator is Globe High School biology teacher Aaron Burk. The camp will be July 20-24 from 8:am until noon at the Gila Publo Campus. Camp size is limited to 20 students.

There is no charge for the camp. It is funded through the GEAR-UP grant. To enroll your 7th grader, fill out an admission form at the Gila Pueblo Campus Administration Office.

Detention Superviosor and Officer of the Quarter

Gila County Sheriff John Armer announces that Sgt. Kevin Fane has been selected Detention Supervisor of the Quarter. Jane Holst has been named Detention Officer of the Quarter. They are being recognized for their outstanding job performance and work ethic.

AAA Offers Free 'Tipsy Tow' Service

Image:ibabuzz.com

AAA Arizona is offering its free Tipsy Tow service to drivers who have too much to drink during the Fourth of July holiday. The service starts at 6:pm tonight (Friday) and runs through midnight Saturday.

During this period, drivers, potential passengers, party hosts, bartenders and restaurant managers can call AAA to request a free tow home of up to 10 miles. The program is open to everyone. You don’t have to be a AAA member to take advantage of this service.

Tipsy Tow will provide a one way ride for the driver, one passenger and their vehicle. It will not provide a ride to any location other than their home, or to a hotel if the motorist is, or plans to become, a guest.

Gas Prices Lower This July 4

Motorists across the state and the country can celebrate lower gas prices along with the Fourth of July weekend. AAA says the Arizona statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $2.64. The nationwide average is $2.63. Here in Globe-Miami, prices are around $2.54.

Arizona motorists are paying nearly $1.50 less per gallon this year than the all time high of $4.09 last July 3.

Police Log

Nobody was hurt in a one vehicle accident yesterday afternoon on Jess Hayes Road near the Community Center. The driver was cited for failure to control a vehicle.

Globe PD and the Public Works Department were dispatched to set up barricades in the area of Beer Creek Crossing because of flooding.

Lightning caused a small fire on a hill in the area of East Maple Street. The fire was quickly put out by Globe Fire Department.

Globe Police arrested 20 year old Jimmy Morales yesterday morning for shoplifting at the Claypool Safeway.

Officers are investigating criminal damage at the new theater site on Broad Street.

Obituary

Sally Anne Fernandez passed away Wednesday at St. Josephs Hospital. She was 67. She is survived by her husband Patrick; six children; her brother and 2 sisters.
A Celebration of Life for Sally Fernandez will be held Saturday, July 11 at 11:30 at the Gila County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Globe-Miami Independence Day Celebration

Photo:BobJagendorf

Globe-Miami’s Independence Day Celebration begins Saturday morning at 9:00 with a parade in downtown Globe.

Activities at Miami Memorial Park start at 11:00.

The annual fireworks display Saturday night in Claypool will be provided by Freeport McMoran Copper Company.

Food and family activities will be hosted by the Claypool Moose Lodge beginning at 3:pm.

Free Swimming Saturday at Hostetler Pool

The Miami Hostetler Pool will celebrate Independence Day with free swimming on Saturday from 11:am until 4:pm. There will be music on the deck all day long. Hot dogs will be available for 50 cents.

Fun activities include water baloon bombing at 11:30, watermelon races at 12:30, money toss at 1:30, duck hunt game at 2:30, and racing and diving games at 3:pm.

Fireworks Friday at the Casino

The Apache Gold Casino Resort presents their annual fireworks display tomorrow night (Friday) shortly after dusk. Hot dogs and soft drinks will be available outside with music provided by DJ Scott.

Image:CasinoGuide2.com

Amado Receives Three Felony Convictions

Gila County Attorney Daisy Flores has announced that an eight person jury returned three felony convictions on Wednesday afternoon against 28 year old Christopher Amado, formerly of Claypool.

Amado was convicted of two counts of misconduct involving weapons and for possession of marijuana. One of the misconduct counts was because Amado was a prohibited possesor. The other count was for possessing a sawed off shotgun. It is illegal in Arizona to possess a shotgun with a barrel length of less than 18 inches, or any firearm made from a rifle or shotgun that has an overall length of less than 26 inches.

Sentencing is set for July 31 in Gila County Superior Court before Presiding Judge Peter Cahill.

Three People Arrested for Burglary in Tonto Basin

Three people have been arrested in Tonto Basin in connection with a burglary earlier this week at the Cactus Flats Bar. About $400 worth of alcohol was stolen and $900 in damages was done to the building.

A Gila County Sheriff’s deputy learned the location of a drinking party in Tonto Basin and assembled a team consisting of deputies, the Gila County Task Force and the US Forest Service.

26 year old Aaron Hill, 19 year old Justin Watson and a 16 year old juvenile were all charged with burglary, theft, criminal damage, aggravated assault on a peace officer, threats, and possession of stolen property.

Globe Library Will Close for the Holiday Weekend

The Globe Public Library will be closed Friday and Saturday in observance of the Independence Day weekend. The library will reopen Monday at 10:am.

Next Pinto Valley Project Blasts Will Be on Tuesday

The next blasts on the US 60 Pinto Valley project are scheduled for Tuesday at 9:30 and 11:30pm. Drivers can expect delays of up to 30 minutes following each blast.

Hauling operations are scheduled from 8:pm to 4:am Tuesday through Thursday. Delays of up to 15 minutes are possible.

Work will stop at 2:pm today for the Independence Day holiday and will resume at 5:am Tuesday.

Special Globe School Board Meeting Today

The Globe School Board has a Special Meeting today (Thursday) at 4:pm at the Mofford Activity Center. It includes an Executive Session for legal advice concerning financial, personnel and contract issues.

Police Log

Last night a citizen called Globe Police to report following an erratic driver from Top of the World into the Walmart parking lot. Two people from California were arrested on drug charges.

Shortly after midnight a citizen reported seeing a vehicle hit a parked car in the area of Mesquite and High Streets. Two people got out of the vehicle and walked away. 22 year old Billy Moore was located a short time later and charged with aggravated DUI and two counts of criminal damage for the cars he wrecked.

Officers arrested 40 year old Jacqueline Speer for fraudulent schemes in connection with a theft of a debit card reported on June 27.

29 year old Erica Robles was arrested yesterday for failure to return rented items.

23 year old Pamela Zufelt was arrested for shoplifting from the Claypool Safeway.

Globe Police are investigating a theft from a vehicle on Devereaux Street and criminal damage to Trinity Baptist Church.

Obituary

Ethel Bullis Dazen passed away last Friday at her home in San Carlos. She was 70. She is survived by her husband Floyd; her sister; 2 sons and 2 daughters.
The wake for Ethel Dazen will be Saturday at 4:pm at the Bullis-Dazen residence. The funeral is Sunday at 2:pm at Gilson Wash Baptist Church.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

AAA Predicts Less Holiday Travel

Photo:Roadhaus.com

Fewer Arizonans are expected to hit the highways for the Fourth of July holiday this year. But a AAA survey shows that the downward trend may be reversing. AAA says that even though not as many people will be heading out of town as last July 4, the decline in travel is less than it has been on other recent holidays. 718,000 Arizonans are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home.

According to the forecast, there will be 3,000 fewer travelers in Arizona on July 4 this year. That’s a 0.4% drop, compared to a 2.5% decline in recent Memorial Day figures. Travel has been down in Arizona for six consecutive holidays, but the percentage appears to be improving.

AAA says some travelers may be responding to reduced hotel and airline prices. And even though gasoline prices have risen lately, they are far below the $4 statewide average last year.

GCCC Board Meets Thursday

The Gila County Community College District Governing Board meets tomorrow (Thursday) at 10:am by ITV in Gila Pueblo Campus Room 522.

SR 77 Open July 4 Weekend

Photo:ArizonaRoads.com

The Arizona Department of Transportation announces that State Route 77 between Globe and Winkelman will be open for holiday travel between Thursday, July 2 at 2:pm and Monday, July 6 at 8:am.

ADOT is currently widening a two-mile segment of the highway. SR 77 will continue to be closed weekdays until the end of July. The highway is open nights and weekends, but with travel delays.

Tonto Fees Increase If You Don't Have a Pass

Photo:HikingHikersHikingGroup

People who are planning to celebrate July 4 on the Tonto National Forest need to remember to have their Tonto Pass. The daily pass must be purchaed ahead of time from one of the 200 vendor locations statewide.

Tonto public service group leader Delvin Lopez says that even though the Tonto Pass program is three years old, some people still don’t know about the changes. Until now they have been giving Notices of Non-compliance to visitors who don’t have passes. These have cost twice the amount of the pass. Now they will be issuing Violation Notices. These will cost between $56 and $60.

Passes may be purchased at the Globe Ranger District office, Walmart, the Express Stop on East Ash, Circle K, the Globe Shell station, AM/PM, and at Kilmer’s Kountry Store. You can also purchase passes online.

Image:9TimeZones.com

Tonto National Forest Lifts Fire Restrictions

Photo:iNelsons.com

Starting today (Wednesday, July 1), all campfire and smoking restrictions affecting the Tonto National Forest have been lifted. The fire restrictions are no longer needed because fire danger has been reduced by increased moisture and humidity from the annual monsoon season.

Police Log

Three people were arrested at a traffic stop this morning shortly after 1:00. 21 year old Brandon Wright was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. 19 year old Darleen Gallegos had an outstanding warrant. She was also charged with false reporting to law enforcement. 20 year old Alexander Juvera was arrested for underage consumption and open container in a vehicle.

28 year old Joseph Duperron was arrested at a traffic stop early this morning for extreme DUI.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested 59 year old Dennis Heath on a DUI warrant.

Miami Police arrested 21 year old Jacob Napolitano for possession of dangerous drugs and drug paraphernalia, and for driving with a suspended license.

Globe Police are investigating criminal damage to a residence at Copper Country Mobile Home Park.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a theft from a vehicle at a residence on Marion Canyon.