News May 27, 2009
GCC Offers Free Homebuyer Classes
Gila Community College, Century 21 Platinum Real Estate, and Service First Realty are sponsoring free homebuyer classes in June. The classes will be held on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 6th, 13th, and 20th and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 27th, all at the Gila Community College Gila Pueblo Campus, 8274 Six Shooter Canyon Road in Globe, room 522. There will be no break, so plan to bring a sack lunch. The fi rst class on June 6th will cover the following: What is your FICO score? Dos and don'ts for establishing your credit. Credit Repair guest speaker, Keri Sterling from Sterling Credit Restoration. Getting a Loan, guest speakers from USDA Loans and Anthony Rodarte from Mortgage Beacon, LLC. To learn more about this fourpart class series or to reserve your seat, call Gila Community College at 928-425-8481, Century 21 Platinum Real Estate at 928-402-4740 or Service First Realty at 928-425-5108. Gila Community College is committed to being a good community partner.
American Veterans Traveling Tribute at Gila County Fair
This fall there will be a blending of two special events as the Gila County Fair and Radio Station KQSS bring together the American Veteran's Traveling Tribute, to be a part of a special "Celebration of Freedom" county fair event. This Veteran's Tribute brings a display of a 7/8 replica of the famous Vietnam Wall in Washington, D. C., plus tributes to all American veterans of all wars. The many colorful and informative displays will be shown at the Gila County Fairgrounds September 17-20, during the Gila County Fair. Plans are to set up this spectacular display on the infi eld of the horse racing track, and to have it open continually from the beginning of the fair to the end. It is free for all to visit and will have some very special programs associated with the "Celebration of Freedom". A special committee has started to work on the veteran's tribute, from set up, to parade, to all that is necessary to present this famous traveling tribute to Globe-Miami and extended communities in the surrounding part of central Arizona. Heading the steering committee is Sherron Lavin, with Debbie Guthrey continuing as County Fair chairman. Contact person for more information, to help with the tribute and/or the county fair, to offer ideas or suggestions, the contact person will be Donna Anderson, 928-425-2753 or 928-812-2969.
Students awarded scholarships
Photo by Dara Heward: Several hard-working seniors were recently informed that they had been awarded academic scholarships, to help pay the way to a post secondary education. The students were all part of the College Preparatory Academy, which has done a fantastic job guiding students down the path to success. Those receiving scholarships are: Ryan Powers - ROTC (ARMY) -$16,000 to $18,000 per semester: Ben Navarro - Wildcat Excellence - $8,500 a year, plus an additional scholarship of $2,500 per semester.: Sam Leverance - NAU Dean’s Scholarship - $10,000 a year for a total of four years.: Torrie Yerkovich - NAU Make a Difference - $20,000: Roddy Garcia - Gates Millennium Scholarship - 100% of all expenses for entire post secondary career.: Julian Guerrero - NROTC - Up to $180,000 (tuition, fees, books, plus a monthly stipend): Mary Marcanti - ASU Provost - Total of $7,500: Dani Woods - Award of Excellence - Total of $3,500: Mary Emily Eubank - Western Undergraduate Exchange - $9,346 & Colorado State Honors Award -$2,000
Hamburger Fry
The all-you-can-eat hamburger fries are back in full swing at the Gila County Historical Museum with the next one scheduled for this Friday, May 29, at the museum grounds on North Broad Street (US 60). Everyone is invited to enjoy an evening spent outdoors at the museum, having dinner of hamburgers and fixings, beans, chips, salads and desserts for just $5 per person. Serving begins at 5:30 p.m..
Inmates Moved to Florence After Tucson Escape Fails
Two inmates serving life sentences in the Arizona Department of Corrections, attempted to escape from the Arizona State Prison Complex-Tucson Wednesday night (May 13 )but were apprehended before reaching the prison’s outer perimeter. Joshua Aston, 22, is serving a life sentence for the brutal slaying of a Del Monte Fresh Produce regional manager in western Maricopa County in 2004. Aston was admitted to ADC in May 2007. John Wells, 48, has been incarcerated in ADC for 11 years after being transferred from Maryland after convictions on three armed robbery charges and three escapes. The men activated a zone alarm system near the perimeter fence at about 9 p.m. By 3 a.m. Thursday, the men were apprehended inside the perimeter. The attempted escape is still under investigation. Both men have been transferred to the maximum security unit at the Arizona State Prison Complex-Eyman in Florence .
San Carlos Announces Fire Restrictions
Pursuant to San Carlos Apache Tribal Ordinance No. 88-03, the following acts are prohibited within the specified boundaries of the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation No restrictions in place for burning slash or organic matter.However, a burn permit must be obtained from Tribal Forestry. A courtesy call to Phoenix Dispatch (928) 475-3096 or 1-866-746-6516 and the San Carlos Fire Department (928) 475-5022 or (928) 475-2879 is required prior to ignition. No camp fires on the Nantac Rim area Butane only. San Carlos Lake and Talkalai Lake areas can have campfires within well established fire ring. Burning is also restricted at the Point of Pines, Seneca Lake, Ten of Diamond, ,Upper Cenga, Shoe Tank, Dry Lake, Highway Tank, Park Cabin, Anderson Flat, Mineral Strip area and anything above the rim. These restrictions are being implemented for public safety and because of high fire hazard conditions on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation. San Carlos Agency in cooperation with the Branch of Law Enforcement Services will monitor and enforce these restrictions. For further information regarding these restrictions, please call (928) 475- 2326. The San Carlos Agency has been delegated the authority to lessen or increase fire restrictions in recreational areas and residential areas as conditions warrant. These orders became effective at 10:00 a.m., on May 13 and will remain in place until rescinded or superseded .
Multiple Burglary Suspect Nabbed in Superior
On Monday, May 11th, 2009 James Lee Roy Cox of Apache Junction was arrested at a residence in the 700 block of Main Street in Superior, AZ., after a month long investigation into the theft of copper wire from a mine site owned by Kalamazoo Mining Corporation located at Mile Post 108 Highway 79. Mr. Cox was charged with crimes involving approximately $10,000 in copper theft and damages to the mine site. The plant manager, Don King, for Kalamazoo Mining Corporation said he was very happy with the outcome of the investigation. The mine site has been burglarized at least three times during March and April of this year and although Mr. Cox has only been linked to two of the burglaries at this time, Detective Mike Hughey with the Pinal County Sheriff's Office Property Crimes division said, "We are still investigating the other burglary and if we can link Mr. Cox to that one, he will face additional charges." Lieutenant Harry Grizzle stated, "The arrest of Cox is the direct result of good old fashioned police work and tremendous follow- up by detectives." During the initial burglary, responding deputies observed a vehicle in the area of the mine. As the vehicle left the area, deputies copied down the vehicle license plate number, hoping if they did not catch someone at the mine, that it would lead investigators to the suspect. Following the incident, the deputy turned the license plate number over to investigators who were able to make contact with the vehicle owner in the Apache Junction area who reported that her daughter and her daughter's boyfriend had possession of the vehicle in Tucson. Detectives were able to locate the vehicle owner's daughter with the assistance of Pima County Adult Probation. The woman told investigators that she had not seen her boyfriend, James Lee Roy Cox, in over a week. She also told investigators that Cox's parents lived in Superior. Investigators were able to locate the residence in Superior and when they went to the residence and knocked on the door, Cox answered. Cox was interviewed and subsequently arrested for his involvement in the mine burglaries. Mr. Cox was booked into the Pinal County Adult Detention Facility in Florence and charged with Burglary, Theft, and Possession of Burglary Tools. He has been released from custody after posting a $5,000 bond. Detectives are also seeking information regarding a man only identifi ed as "Paul" allegedly from the Tucson area. If anyone has any information regarding this subject, they are urged to contact Det. Mike Hughey with the Pinal County Sheriff's Office at 800-420-8689 or by calling James Lee Roy Cox Silent Witness.
Globe Community Center Swimming Pool Opens
The City of Globe Community Center Swimming Pool will open on Tuesday, May 26th, 2009, at noon. The hours will be 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. seven days a week. There will be adult (18 years and over) lap swimming from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Daily rates are $1.00 for ages 12 and under; $2.00 for ages 13 to adult. Swim passes are also available at $230.00 for a family and $80.00 for singles. Due to structural problems, we are unable to open the baby pool. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions, please call City Hall at 928-425-7146 or you can call the pool directly on Sunday at noon at 928-425-8446.
Not Just a Job, A Career!
Gila Community College is accepting applications for admission into their two mining technology programs for the fall 2009 semester. The two programs are Electrical and Instrumentation Technology and Industrial Plant Technology. Both programs train students for careers in high-demand fields. The Electrical and Instrumentation Technology program prepares students for a thriving career as an industrial electrical and instrumentation technician. The Industrial Plant Technology Program prepares you for a successful career in mechanical maintenance and repair occupations. Upon completion of one of these programs the student will have earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree and be prepared for certification exams. The first step to getting started in one of these two career fields is to complete an admissions form and take placement tests. The forms and testing are available at the Gila Pueblo Campus, 8274 Six Shooter Canyon Road in Globe. For more information call Dean Patricia Burke at 928-425-8481. The programs will fill on a first come, first serve basis so get started now to secure your seat. Gila Community College is committed to workforce development for the twenty-first century.
Native Air Presents Check to the Cure
Photo Courtesy of Native Air: Rob Campion, Director of Business Development at Native Air, presents a check from funds raised through the company's "Flight for the Cure" fundraising program, to Alison Levin, Special Events Manager for Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s Phoenix affiliate. Native Air's Flight for the Cure program donated a percentage of every air medical services flight the company flew between December 2008-February 2009 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s Phoenix affiliate. The total was about $15,000. Native Air Operates from 17 bases throughout the state.
Board Adopts Tentative Budget: 50 Layoffs Planned, by Joe Pyritz and Heather Murphy
The Pinal County Board of Supervisors has adopted the tentative 2009-2010 budget for the fi scal year beginning July 1. Additional revisions in some of the details are likely before the final budget is adopted on June 24. When introducing the budget, the County Manager acknowledged the aggressive decline in revenues that prompted two rounds of budget cuts, a freeze on hiring and travel and about 37 layoffs during the current fi scal year. The layoffs stemmed from cuts in grant or state-funded programs. "Our economy has taken a drastic hit and it's affecting us all, from all angles. The state continues to wrestle with a deficit of historical proportion. It is still unknown what effect state cuts will have on our county budget," County Manager Terry Doolittle said. The budget session opened with a recap of achievements during the 2008-09 budget year, including an increase in the childhood immunization rate of 18 percent, a landmark accord with the Union Pacifi c Railroad to help fund grade-separated crossings, a reduction in the tax rate and earning a high, stable bond rating. The tone changed swiftly when the discussion shifted to increased demand for home health care services – up 13 percent over the prior year – and the sobering account of the revenue declines. Building permits are down by 61 percent, the county sales tax is down 15 percent and state shared sales tax is 23 percent lower than the prior fi scal year. The tentative budget is $33.6 million less than the budget approved for 2008-2009. The total amount of the budget from all funds is $412,193,853. This amount cannot be increased but could be further reduced. The County Manager and Budget Director have offered the Board monthly briefings on the state of the county's finances since the start of the year. . Public health and safety are top priorities. Doolittle has outlined that the goal of the budget is to deliver quality service to the public, preserve vital programs and minimize the loss of jobs. Layoffs, he said, are a necessary reality due to the economy, funding cuts and shifts in priority to ensure that the needs of the community are met. Approximately 50 current county employees will be affected by the layoffs. Layoffs are not anticipated to affect public safety, probation officers, the County Attorney 's office or positions in the Justice and Superior Courts. These cuts are in addition to the 37 positions that were eliminated in Fiscal Year 2008-09 due to reduced revenues or grants that were not renewed. Also proposed was an across the board pay cut of five percent (5%). The Board of Supervisors has requested a work session or series of work sessions to look at strategies that might result in no salary cuts or a smaller reduction in pay. The lack of answers from the state fostered debate over whether a pay cut could be scaled back or eliminated altogether. The three Supervisors offered differing opinions on how to approach the delicate balance between program, personnel or pay cuts and achieving a balanced budget. " We face some grim and realistic choices," Chairman David Snider said. "To have a balanced budget we could drain the rainy day fund to meet the obligations of on-going salaries remaining untouched, lay additional people off or institute salary reductions. I do not see many favorable choices there." "In the private sector, they have been dealing with these issues for the past couple of years. I think we should count ourselves lucky for not having to consider this until now," Chairman Snider added. District 2 Supervisor, Bryan Martyn, said he was uneasy about voting for the tentative budget with so many questions unanswered. "I think this warrants more discussion," Supervisor Martyn said. "We need to examine going into our fund balance. I don’t know what the long term risk could be by dipping into the rainy day fund. I would like to see more options." Additional budget work sessions have not been scheduled. The Board adopted the tentative budget but will look at the array of possible strategies to address the shortfall before adopting the fi nal Pinal County budget on June 24. District 1 Supervisor, Pete Rios, explained that adopting the tentative budget does not tie the hands of the Supervisors if they want to consider other budget balancing options.
Congresswoman Has Top Attendance Recordy, by Ted Lake
Newly elected District #1 Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick (D AZ) stays on the job and has a top attendance record. According to data from the Washington Post, Kirkpatrick only missed 3 votes during the lst session of Congress, which is 1%. The Post said Kirkpatrick voted 86.4% of the time with her democratic collegues. Kirkpatrick, who is a Flagstaff Attorney and a former state lawmaker was born in McNary.
Great Accomplishment for Local 6th Grade Student
Photo by Susan K: 6th Grader, Abram Gates, was recently awarded for making the Honor Roll as well as for his perfect attendance during the 2008-2009 school year. His parents, Arnold Gates and Anna Guerrero say they are extremely proud of him for all he has accomplished. Keep up the good work. Abram, you are well on your way to a very bright future.
2009 Little League Season Underway
The 2009 Superior Little League season has been underway for several weeks. As each week passes, the spectators can truly see the improvement in skills of all the players in the league. The season will continue through Friday, June 12, 2009. Monday and Wednesday night there are Major League Boys (Little League) and Girls' Softball. Tuesday and Thursday evenings both the Minor League (Farm League) and T-Ball teams play. Friday nights belong exclusively to T-Ball games. The first game each weekday night starts at 5:30pm and the second game has a scheduled start of 7:00pm. Inner league games have been hosted in Superior with the Superior Little League teams playing teams from Pinal Mountain Little League and Kearny Little League. Superior teams have all been victorious over the visiting teams. Saturday games are played at 9:00am and 11:00am. Girls' Softball games are played at the High School Softball Field and Majors and Minors games are played at the Little League field. This weekend, Superior Major League and Girls' Softball will play at home in Superior against Kearny and the Superior Minor League teams will travel to Kearny to play this weekend. On Wednesday, June 3, 2009 Toast on Main will host a special fundraiser for the Superior Little League. A special ballpark dinner will be sold during the Wednesday evening games. The meal will feature live fire-grilled sausages and hotdogs from the "Pork Shop" in Queen Creek. “Pork Shop” products are a new item to the menu at Toast on Main and make for a great meal. The bread for the sausages will be made fresh from the Toast on Main bakery. Side items will include coleslaw and chili beans. Dinner will cost $5.00 per person. Proceeds made from the sale will directly benefit the Superior Little League. To purchase tickets for the Ballpark Dinner, please contact Mila Lira at 520.827.0676 or tickets can be purchased at the Little League concession stand.
Fire Season is Here in the Southwest, Submitted Article
Fire is part of our daily lives, we cook, clean, and drive to work in a combustible car yet we still seem to shun away from our responsibility. We know for a fact it gets 104 degrees and we still have a migration from the snow birds. On May 10, 2009 a careless cigarette sets a nine acre fire, forcing people from Globe and San Carlos to put out the blaze that may have caused an accident on highway 70 or even harm the firefighters that keep our desert safe. As we walked away no one hurt this time, nobody's house burned down thank goodness, One thing dawned on me. The desert life that thrives, their baby quails were running around looking for their momma quail and cotton tail had to find another home and the ants that build there may not have enough to last the winter. Also the birds that call that home. Maybe we did lose some homes and displace some animals in this fire. We’ve come a long way to be comfortable to have an ashtray built into our combustible car yet we destroy the desert way of life. If you have a chance, take a walk around your community. Can you move and find a new home? Currently in San Carlos we had forty nine careless fires. If you have property in San Carlos and the house is not lived in, clean around the building and please board them up even the windows. With all the budget cuts nationwide, we also have the same problem. There's not enough to go around and what you can do to your property will help first responders. Knowing you cleaned around your homes makes it real safe for us. Check your water faucet. Have a hose that can go around your house or call Fire Prevention. I’ll tell you if your property is safe I've seen too many homes burnt throughout North America. It only takes one weekend to make it safe. Give us a call at 928 - 475 - 2326. Ask for Fire Prevention. If you live in Globe, ask the Fire Dept. They can tell you and there are tons of web sites you can go to also.
Meth Coalition Drive-In Movie-Huge Success
They came, they saw, they learned and they enjoyed – nearly 1077 individuals turned out for the 2nd Annual Gila County Meth Coalition Drive In Movie Night. The event proved to be a huge success once again with a large turnout. Supporters of the coalition of all ages were in attendance and all enjoyed the festivities. Whether it was meeting Marty "the Meth is death" Beaver, Eddie "the Gun Control" Eagle, checking out the K9 Units - Deputy Newman and his dog Zelda from the GCSO in Payson and Officer Hudson and his dog Dewey from the Globe Police Department were there, or watching the Rock star in Race to Witch Mountain there was something for everyone. The Gila County Meth Coalition brings together friends of the community to fight the battle against meth in our Community. Meth is a problem that unfortunately impacts are community but with events like the Drive-In Movie Night and all the other programming the Gila County Meth Coalition does, such as school presentations; we will continue to better our community for the future. At the event all in attendance received free popcorn, soda and hot dog. The Drive-In Movie Night was a great way for families to come together to learn about the dangers of methamphetamines and enjoy a night of good clean fun together. As they exited by the truck loads each vehicle also received a bag filled with information about how to talk to your children about the dangers of drugs. Claudia DalMolin, Chair for the Gila County Meth Coalition and Bureau Commander for the Gila County Sheriff's office wishes to thank Chairperson Dawson, Gila County Attorney Daisy Flores, Arizona Youth Partnership, Lucy Gomez and Cecilie Hudson for the cohesive partnership that has been developed. A special thanks to Sheriff John R. Armer for his support. Thank you to all the staff at the Gila County Sheriff's Office "what teamwork." The Governor's Office of Youth and Families Grant is housed under the umbrella of the Gila County Sheriff's Office. A big thanks to Bobbie and Susie Hollis, Diana Jones and all the drive-in help. A phenomenal job for an endeavor that steers our youth and families in a positive direction
Gila Wrestling Club News
Timothy Hundley AZ Champion 2009: The Gila Wrestling Club wrestled in the Arizona State Freestyle Tournament at Desert Vista High School in Gilbert on May 16. Congratulations to the Gila Monsters that wrestled in the State Tournament, in the Novice Division. Timothy Hundley (140 Ibs) is the 2009 Arizona State Freestyle Champion. In the School Boy Division, Bryce Durbin (98 Ibs.) placed 5th and Tanner Barick wrestled in the 105 lb. weight class. Congratulations to Seth Durbin, Alex Leos, Ned Brown, Luke Burgett, Cody Burgett, Cutter Burgett, Jake Martin, Jonathon Martin, Jarod Hockaday, Brendan (Chief) Sargent, Tristin Burgett, and Ethan Gibson for their participation. Coach Barefoot and the Gila Wrestling club would like to thank Globe High School for the use of the Mat Room.
Polk Receives Diploma
Mr. John Yeoman rewards William Harris Polk for his hard work with a diploma from San Carlos High School. William completed his high school work at the San Carlos High School alternative school in January of this year.
Boy Scouts Sponsoring 2 Triathlons
On August 29th 2009, the Boy Scouts Coronado District and the Try Club of Eastern AZ. will be sponsoring 2 different triathlons, a Sprint (swimming 625 yards, biking 15 miles and running a 5k), as well as a mini triathlon, (swimming 225 yards biking 4 miles and running 1.5 miles.) You can do the Sprint as a team of 2 or 3 people. One person doing each event. Please save the date and get signed up early. This event is open to all Scouts and Non-Scouts. It is a community event designed to help with the growing need to be physically fit in our sedentary world. Please find the attached pdf form and fill out one for each person or team and mail it along with a check to the address listed below. This will be our 2nd year doing the full sprint and we are looking forward to a great turnout. We are also starting a face book group… please join by searching for try club at face book then clicking on the join group link. This will have all the updates and info you need for Triathlons and other fun events in Eastern AZ. Any questions you have about the event e-mail Cherla Ramsey aztryclub@gmail. com I will be at camp most of the summer and will have limited access to e-mail and no access to cell phone. Someone will be collecting and logging the sign up forms as they come into my office in Safford. We are looking forward to having 500 or so people come to this event. Last year we had people from as far away as Texas, Utah, California , and New Mexico , so please share this info with everyone you know and help get the word out. It will be a lot of fun. Now stay in shape and we will see you at the race.
Gov Brewer: Reduce Tution Hikes with Stimulus Money
Governor Jan Brewer has called upon the Arizona Board of Regents with the university presidents to develop a sustainable business model for higher education in the State of Arizona. Bold action is necessary to prepare for increasingly tighter budgets and avoid massive tuition increases. Additionally, the Governor committed to apply university federal stimulus dollars to reducing the level of the proposed tuition hikes. Arizona’s Board of Regents is responsible for setting student tuition rates in the State of Arizona. The federal stimulus funding law, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, provides the Governor authority on how and when the university portion of the federal stimulus dollars is spent. The Governor committed this morning to concentrate the federal university stimulus money on tuition, and spreading the funds over a two year time period. The move is intended to dramatically reduce the size of proposed tuition increases. "By this fall, I want to see a new business model that results in a tuition structure that is accountable, predictable, and affordable to taxpayers, parents and students," stated Brewer. "I intend to apply university federal stimulus dollars to reducing the proposed tuition increases, but make no mistake – without substantial and comprehensive progress on reform the burden of massive tuition increases will return very soon." The Governor called upon the state’s higher education leaders to develop a proposal by the fall that would hold universities accountable to taxpayers for graduation, retention, and transfer rates, as well as provide a more predictable cost for incoming students to obtain a degree.