Community News May 20, 2009
Fishing for a Cure
Pictured:(l-r) Brian Marshal and Doug Cates with Shirley Dawson. Brian and Doug took first place at the Fish for a Cure tournament that was held.
It Was a Big Snake, But Friendly, By Ted Lake
Velma and Myles Hodson live near Roosevelt Lake. From time, to time, they keep us posted by e mail on latest happenings there, including a snake incident last week and the changing of the guard at the Roosevelt Lake Ranger Station. Myles told us they " spent most of last week working on their cooler and finally got it running Thursday. Velma was resting for a minute outside and young Tim came bouncing up and hollered, "Snake!" Velma had a 3 foot king snake under her chair right next to her feet. Needless to say we both raised our legs. The snake finally slithered out from under Velma's chair and she grabbed a stick and steered it away from the house. Hope it is still hanging around though, as they will eat rattlesnakes. We have a family of foxes living down at the corner." "Tonto National Forest District Ranger Gary Smith has retired - he had been here at Roosevelt for at least 7 years and that is quite long for a ranger to stay around. His replacement is a woman who seems to have transferred up from the Mesa District. Her name is Louise Congdon."
Pinal County Getting Natural Gas Center
It is an underground storage facility, which could hold as much as 20 billion cubic feet of natural gas as a result of a deal signed between the El Paso Corporation and NGS Energy LP. According to the Phoenix Business Journal, this proposed facility could begin operations by 2012 if the project receives approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. This new facility is planned in the area of Picacho Basin, where it would have access to seven natural gas pipelines as well as two several proposed natural gas fired power plants.
San Carlos Needs Building Inspectors
Construction started on May 4 for 28 new Homes on the San Carlos Apache Reservation, and the San Carlos Housing Authority is taking qualification letters from building inspectors for the 240-day project. Inspectors must be able to read blueprints and working drawings, keep accurate records of progress reports and contract payments, coordinate test requirements, work with the Contracting Officer and arbitrate between him and the architects and contractors, and make the final home inspections. Inspectors should have a high school diploma or GED, and a driver's license. A trade certificate is advisable but not required. Experience in contract work and a variety of construction areas and inspection will be considered. Applicants must be aware of Native American Housing rules under HUD, and be sensitive to reservation issues. Extra preference will be given to Indian applicants, especially Apaches. Three copies of the inspectors' applications must be in the Housing Authority office by May 22, 2009. For comparison purposes, they must follow a specific pattern. Get more information from the San Carlos Housing Authority in person (Highway 70 at Moonbase Road), or call 978-475-2346. Project information is available online.
Lions White Cane Days!
Lions White Cane Days! Donate May 22 & 23 to give the gift of vision to needy individuals in our community. Lions will be at the Post Office early Friday morning, and the Banks all day. Lions will be collecting donations at both Safeways and Fry's during the day Friday and Saturday
National Trails Day
American Hiking Society's signature trail awareness program, National Trails Day, inspires the public to seek out their favorite trails to discover and celebrate trails while participating in educational exhibits, instructional workshops and trail work projects. Explore trails in Arizona by visiting Arizona State Parks. When you visit a participating State Park between now and National Trails Day on June 6, 2009, register to win State Parks merchandise including a set of Arizona Trails Guides, an annual pass and two-night stay in a cabin or yurt. Download and print the registration form at AZStateParks.com/ trails, hike a trail at one of the parks and drop it off. Participants must be 18 to enter and entries must be completed and dropped off by June 6, 2009. For information about Arizona State Parks call 602-542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free 800-285-3703 or visit the website at AZStateParks.com.