Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Forest Officials Say No Threat of Agent Orange

Tonto National Forest officials say that smoke from the managed fire in the Pinal Mountains is not carrying Agent Orange.

Spokesman David Albo told 3TV in Phoenix that they did use the chemical in the 1960’s, but it is not a threat today. Tests in the 1970’s showed minimal risk and tests in the 1990’s showed no risk.

The forest office has been flooded with calls complaining about smoke. Albo says they know it’s inconvenient for residents irritated by the smoke, but the trade-off is not having a catastrophic wildfire threatening local communities sometime in the future.

SGCEDC Revolving Loan Program

The Southern Gila County Economic Development Corporation’s Revolving Loan Program is now accepting applications. The program was created to help small businesses gain access to capital to create a new business or expand an existing business.

For information call 812-3056 or email sgcedc@cableone.net.

Supervisors Meet Today

Gila County Board of Supervisors meets this morning (Tuesday) at 10:00. They’ll discuss and possibly approve Supervisorial and College District redistricting mapping alternatives to be presented to the public during the second round of public hearings that starts tonight. They will also elect a new Chairman and Vice-Chairman.

The agenda also includes an amendment to a contract with the Governor’s Office of Energy Policy that adds an additional $300,000 for funding for weatherization services.

Police Log

Miami Police arrested 32 year old Pearl Crawford for conspiracy to commit aggravated assault and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.

Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested 32 year old Rhea Tucker at a residence on Montecito for aggravated harassment.

Globe Police arrested 35 year old Frank Membrila at a residence on 3rd Street for violation of a court order.

A juvenile was arrested for shoplifting at a business on Hill Street.

29 year old Cory Riley was arrested on a child support warrant.

Officers are investigating a theft at a residence on Manzanita.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Visitors Fee Angers Prison Reform Groups

The Arizona Department of Corrections is now charging a $25 fee for adults who want to visit inmates at its 15 prison complexes.

The New York Times reports that the one-time “background check fee” has angered prisoner advocay groups and family members of inmates. Many families already have the expense of traveling long distances to the remote areas where many of the prisons are located.

Critics say that the fee could have a negative effect on public safety by discouraging family visits. They say continuing family contact is one of the best ways to encourage prisoners to go straight when they get out of prison.

The money raised by the fee is supposed to go to repair and maintain the prisons. But a lawsuit filed against the Corrections Department by a Tempe prison reform group claims that the fee is a pretext for raising money “for general public purposes” in a time of severe budget cuts. They say this is unconstitutional because it amounts to a special tax on a single group.

Second Round of Redistricting Meetings

The Gila County Board of Supervisors is holding the second round of public hearings on proposed alternative plans for redistricting the Supervisor and Community College Districts.

Second Round Meetings begin tomorrow (Tuesday) at 6:pm at the Gila County Courthouse. Another meeting will be held Wednesday at 6:pm at Tonto Basin School. Meetngs have also been scheduled in Payson, Hayden and Whiteriver.

The proposed alternative maps will be available for viewing at the public meetings. Starting tomorrow (Tuesday) they will also be available on the Gila County Website at www.gilacountyaz.gov.

You may make comments at the meetings, online, or by sending a letter to the Gila County Elections Department.

Wildfire Smoke Precautions

Smoke from the Frio fire continues to cause concern among Globe-Miami residents. The Gila County Division of Health and Emergency Services says that wildfires can cause irritation to the eyes and respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.

Protect yourself by limiting smoke exposure. Stay indoors as much as possible. Air conditioners have filters that help minimze smoke particles. If you use evaporative cooling, minimize the effects of smoke by closing air intake vents. Call your doctor if you have severe reaction to smoke exposure.

Local fire officials say that smoke levels should dramatically reduce in a couple of days.

Event information and updates are posted on the Gila County Emergency Hotline. Dial 402-8888 locally or 1-800-304-4452 extension 8888.

Fire Update

Globe Ranger District fire specialists continue to manage two lightning-caused wildfires. The Frio fire in the Pinal Mountains has burned 2,100 acres.

The 650 fire north of Superior in the Superstition Mountains has burned 3,800 acres.

The current monsoon humidity makes it possible to allow lightning-caused fires to play their natural role in the ecosystem.

Fiesta Subcommittee Meets Today

The Town of Miami Fiesta Subcommittee meets today (Monday) at 4:pm at the Miami Town Council Chambers.

Police Log

Nobody was hurt in a two vehicle accident early Saturday afternoon near McDonalds. A driver was cited for failure to make a proper right turn.

There was a non-injury accident Saturday evening at the Highway 60/70 junction. A driver was cited for failure to indicate a turn.

A one vehicle accident occurred Friday night on Golden Hill Road. Medical personnel responded. The car was towed and a patient refused medical treatment.

A man was injured Friday evening on Maple Leaf when the car he was working on slipped off the jacks. He was taken to the hospital.

Saturday morning Globe Police detained a juvenile after a domestic incident at Copper Country Mobile Home Park.

40 year old George Snelling was arrested Saturday afternoon for theft.

19 year old Brandon Clark was arrested Friday night at a residence on Jones Street for trespassing and underage consumption.

41 year old Albert Anzaldua was arrested at a traffic stop for driving with a suspended license

Officers are investigating a theft; criminal damage at the Smoke Em Shop; and shoplifting at the Hunter Drive Circle K.

Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested 40 year old Michael West for child abuse, aggravated assault/domestic violence and endangerment.

42 year old Brian Langenbach was arrested on a bad check warrant.

Deputies are investigating a theft at Triple Nickel Storage.

Miami Police arrested 42 year old Troy Milam on a child support warrant.

Obituary

Patricia Irene Gayle of Claypool passed away Friday in Gilbert. She was 76. She is survived by her husband Charles; 8 children, including Lori Galvan and Misti Katich of Miami; her brother Thomas Cook of Claypool; 24 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Visitation for Patricia Gayle will be Saturday at 10:am at Miles Funeral Services Globe. The funeral is at 11:00.
The family suggests that memorials be made to Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix.

Friday, September 2, 2011

AAA Offers 'Tipsy Tow' Labor Day

AAA is offering the free Tipsy Tow service again this Labor Day to encourage motorists to not drink and drive.

The service will begin at 6:pm Sunday and run through 6:am Monday. Tipsy Tow provides a one-way ride for the driver, one passenger and their vehicle for no cost for up to 10 miles. Call 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357).

Gas Prices Moving Up Again

Gasoline prices are moving up again. AAA says that Arizona drivers are paying an average of a little more than $3.38 a gallon, an increase of more than 4 cents from last week. The national average is up nearly 5 cents from last week to almost $3.63 a gallon.

AAA says that Arizonans taking a road trip this weekend will spend 25% more on fuel than they did last year. Last Labor Day the cost of a gallon of gas was a little less than $2.71.

Here in Globe-Miami gas prices are around $3.39 a gallon.

Fire Update

The 650 fire in the Superstition wilderness north of Superior has burned 2,500 acres. The Frio fire in the Pinal Mountains has burned 1,000 acres.

Globe and Miami may experience light to moderate smoke throughout the day. Globe Ranger District fire specialists are allowing the lightning-caused fires to play their natural role in the ecosystem.

For more information call the Globe Ranger District office at 402-6200. You can stay up to date on prescribed fires at the Tonto National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/Tonto.

Police Log

Nobody was hurt in a two vehicle accident early yesterday afternoon on Ash Street.

Globe Police arrested two brothers who were fighting last night at Ash and Hill Streets. 27 year old Gary and Richard Waddington were arrested for disorderly conduct.

Globe Police are investigating a theft report taken at a business on US 60.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

DPS Conducts 'Operation Safe Passage'

The Arizona Department of Public Safety will have high profile enforcement on Arizona’s Interstate highways on Friday.

DPS Officers are stationed every 10 miles to ensure that the Interstates are free of traffic incidents. They are targeting hazardous moving violations including speed, following too close, and unsafe lane usage, as well as impaired driving and occupant restraint violations. Most patrol vehicles will be marked but several unmarked enforcement vehicles will participate.

The goal of "Operation Safe Passage" is to reduce fatal crashes on the busiest travel day of the holiday weekend.

DPS Conducts 'Operation Safe Passage'

The Arizona Department of Public Safety will have high profile enforcement on Arizona’s Interstate highways today (Friday). DPS Officres are stationed every 10 miles to ensure that the Interstates are free of traffic incidents. They are targeting hazardous moving violations including speed, following too close, and unsafe lane usage, as well as impaired driving and occupant restraint violations. Most patrol vehicles will be marked but several unmarked enforcement vehicles will mparticipate. The goal of Operation Safe Passage is to reduce fatal crashes on the busiest travel day of the holiday weekend.

No Construction Closures Over Labor Day Weekend

The Arizona Department of Transportation says that no construction closures are scheduled over the Labor Day weekend. This includes Friday afternoon when the heaviest traffic conditions are expected.

Some existing work zones remain in place and drivers are urged to use caution in areas where lane changes may be needed.

Before you start out on your trip, you can check on highway conditions at www.az511.gov or by dialing 511 on your telephone.

Update: Globe Ranger District Managing Two Fires

Globe Ranger District fire specialists are currently managing two lightning caused wildfires. The Frio fire has burned 750 acres in the Pinal Mountains. The 650 fire northwest of Superior has moved into the Superstition wilderness area and is around 1,900 acres in size.

The Kellner fire in the Pinal Mountains is now contained.

Visitors and residents may see light to moderate smoke throughout the day, with the possibility of smoke drifting towards Globe and Miami.

Due to the current monsoon humidity, these lightning-caused fires can be allowed to play their natural role in the ecosystem.

For more information call the Globe Ranger District at 402-6200.

Police Log

A two vehicle accident involving a motorcycle occurred yesterday morning on Highway 60 in front of Fry’s. The motorcycle driver was taken to Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center.

Yesterday Globe Police arrested 50 year old Zena Williams for theft and criminal damage.

47 year old William Laborine was charged with theft.

33 year old Jason Steveson was arrested for fraudulent schemes.

48 year old Richard Marin was arrested on a warrant for disorderly conduct/domestic violence.

Officers are investigating a report of fraudulent schemes taken at a business on Ash Street; criminal damage at a business on Ash Street; a burglary at a business on Broad Street; a theft at a residence on South Broad Street; a harassment report taken at a residence on High Street; and an auto burglary at a residence on Hackney Hill.

Gila County Task Force arrested 47 year old Guillermo Vargas for possession of dangerous drugs for sale

52 year old Raymond Allen was arrested on warrants  for issuing a bad check and fraudulent schemes.

Obituary

Reed W. Halverson of Globe passed away last week at Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center. He was 79. He is survived by his wife Marilyn; his sister; 2 daughters, including Donna Gustafson of Globe; 3 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.
A private graveside service for Reed Halverson will be held in the near future.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made Bank of America account 457020669553 which will benefit the Globe High School Band Program.