News July 1, 2009
New Globe School Budget $9.2 Million, by Ted Lake
A new fiscal year 2009-2010 budget for the Globe Unified School District for $9.2 million has been approved by members of the school board. Dr. Jeff Walker, Director of Business Operations for the Globe Public Schools, said some $1.1 million officials made in reductions will help balance the new budget. He said funding provided by the state for each student was dropped to $244 which was having an impact to the local district. Dr. Walker said we can expect the new budget to be revised many times during the year. In other district business matters, the Globe School Board: Gave their approval to waive usage fees for Signal Peak Community Foundation to use High Desert Middle School gymnasium, auditorium, cafeteria and campus on August 1, 2009 for a Fencing Tournament fundraiser from 8:00 a.m. to 8pm; and on August 8th for for a Carnival/fundraiser/regional youth activity from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Board members also are allowing the to use of the Globe High School Gym on Friday, August 7, from 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. for an Alumni basketball game with Miami A donation on behalf of the Globe High School Football Club from Thomas M. Thompson in the amount of $100 was accepted. Thee was also the acceptance of a STEM Grant from Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold in the amount of $3,100 . The monies are to be used for the purchase of Elmo Document Cameras and Science Kits for the 5th Grade The Globe High School Football team and its coach were given the green light to attend football camp at Camp Pendleton, California. Team members have already raised $4,500 to pay for the event.
Miami Moves Forward To Replace Sewer System, by Chuy Canizales,Mayor, Town of Miami
As reported by the contractor, Pro-Pipe, hired to video tape the Miami sewer lines, Miami 's waste water collector system is 100% inadequate. The system has been described as Arizona 's biggest Environmental Hazard and yet the town is struggling to get the funding needed to replace the system. The sewer lines have been in place since the early 1920’s and little has been done to replace the antiquated infrastructure since then. Trunk lines are collapsing almost weekly, the lift station pumps are damaged to the point of being replaced or rebuilt regularly due to the sand that is infiltrating the system. The Miami town council has brought this issue to local entities for help, especially to those that the system would be affecting, i.e., the Pinal Mt. Sanitation District, Cobre Valley Sanitation District, The City of Globe and Gila County. BHP Billiton, who hopes to rid itself of their current septic system in Little Acres and tie in to Miami’s sewer system was asked to join in the struggle. Charlotta Copper Company is hoped to provide the required Environmental Impact Report for the grants. Through DMR's that have been granted by the City of Globe, Gila County and both sanitation districts, the town of Miami expects to have an opportunity to increase its revenues, but unless the collection system is replaced, there is little hope of bringing added customers to take advantage of the brand new, state of the art waste water package plant that is being provided the town by Freeport- McMoRan Miami, Inc. The work continued with this week’s positive actions including the WIFA board’s approval to provide $26,700 in grant money to help fund the required Engineering Report for the hopeful stimulus funding through USDA. These are efforts that are being pursued through help by the City of Phoenix . Gila County has pledged $7500, and the Pinal Mt. Sanitation District was asked to contribute $50,000 as their contribution to what must be recognized as a regional waste water issue and become a part of the effort to provide service to their constituents in the unincorporated area. Supervisor Mike Pastor provided positive news from Congressman Ed Pastor's efforts to provide up to $400,000 in aid from his contingency funds in September to fund a new grit separator and 6 pumps for the pump station across from Wal-Mart. Finally, during the WIFA board meeting on Thursday, June 25th, the town was asked to consider accepting a $4,000,000 line of credit at a 1% rate from WIFA to help the town get over the hurdles that come up, to move the town forward to achieving the USDA funding that has been estimated to be anywhere from 15 to 18 million dollars, depending on the final engineering report. Of course, the $4,000,000 line of credit is pending on the WIFA board’s next meeting and approval of the town's application. The hurdles include lobbying, grant writing, emergency repairs, etc. Should the town use any of the $4,000,000 line of credit, it would repay the loan from the expected USDA grants. Miami's waste water collection system is a major task that must be completed to avoid ADEQ violations, fines, even disincorporation. Should the town be unable to fix this problem, it would have no choice, but to disincorporate and allow the county to assume the responsibility. No one wants to see that happen
What Should the Policy be for High School Strip Searches?
High Court Ruled AZ Strip Search Unconstitutional: Safford, AZ - Yesterday's ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that the strip search of a 13-year old eastern Arizona girl was unconstitutional could help provide schools with valuable guidance, according to some involved in the case. National Association of Social Workers attorney Carolyn Polowy fi led a friend-of-thecourt brief in the case, and says the ruling will give schools some much-needed guidance when it comes to developing policies for student searches. "This helps to give the schools some more substantive issues to consider before conducting such a search. " (contd.) Podcast and entire story available: http://www.newsservice.org/ index.php
DPS seizes more than $1.3 million during the month of May
Several traffic stops by Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers along with the efforts of DPS criminal investigators resulted in the seizure of $1,333,247 in drug money during May of 2009. All of the money seized was U.S. currency. The largest money seizure by DPS during a single traffic stop occurred May 7 when a DPS officer stopped a vehicle on eastbound I-10 at milepost 195 (near Casa Grande). After stopping the 2002 Ford pickup truck for following another vehicle too closely, a consent search revealed $377,790.00 bundles of currency hidden in a tool box in the bed of the pickup truck. org
CVCH Becomes Smoke-Free
On July 1, Cobre Valley Community Hospital will implement a Smoke-Free Campus Policy. Smoking will no longer be permitted on the campus of CVCH, its vehicles, and its off-site facilities. The tobacco-free policy is a way that Cobre Valley Community Hospital can demonstrate our ongoing commitment to healthy living. Our Mission is YOUR Health.
Statement By Governor Jan Brewer
"Today's decision by the United States Supreme Court in Horne vs. Flores is a very important ruling that says Arizonans, and not federal judges, should determine the success of English Language Learner programs in Arizona's public schools." I congratulate Superintendent Tom Horne and leaders of the Arizona Legislature who vigorously pursued this case on behalf of the citizens of Arizona despite resistance from the previous Administration and our Attorney General. "Although I am very pleased to learn of the State of Arizona's victory in the courtroom, I am even more pleased that we are winning this effort in the classroom. A recent report from the Arizona Department of Education reflects very positive progress with the state's new models that include actual English language development - Arizona students that have gained proficiency in English have more than doubled over the last two years to nearly 40,000 students." "This ruling also promises to restore an important balance across the United States between judicial consent decrees and the inherent value and importance of protecting elected official's ability to improve and modernize state programs in our democratic form of government."
High Desert Middle School Student Attends Junior National Young Leaders Conference
M a d i s o n Taylor Farley a student at High Desert Middle School, recently returned from the Junior National Young Leader's Conference in Washington D.C. She was nominated by her fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Debbie Haverland for her outstanding academic achievements, good leadership skills and great behavior. Madison was able to have this great opportunity because of the support of our local community. Madison would like to thank everyone who contributed to the funding of her trip by purchasing items sold during fundraisers. She would like to give a special thanks to : Eddie Esparza at Guayo's on the Trail, Rita Martin at Irene's, Safeway of Globe, Fry's, 5D Mining and Construction, DalMolin Excavating, Sadie Tomerlin Dalton and staff at the Gila County Recorder's Office, Bebe and Liz Rivera with Earth Mover Tires, Mitch and Louie Vuksanovich with MV Enterprises, Betty Dal- Molin, Michelle DalMolin, Beverly Tomerlin, Terpa Tomerlin, Ben DalMolin, Fankie DalMolin, Carol DalMolin, Debbie Archuleta, Sharon Listiak, SylVia Armijo and all the other family and friends that helped with, and contributed to fundraisers.
Superior 4th of July
The Town of Superior Parks and Recreation has planned several Fourth of July activities: Games, prizes and a food court at Besich Park on Main Street, free swimming at the pool noon to 4 p.m., a 2:30 pm. "mud bowl" at Roosevelt School, a 6 p.m. parade on Main Street and 8:30 p.m. fireworks off the mine tailings. Join the community and celebrate our freedom!
Golden Eagle Distributors, Inc. Encourages Celebrating Freedom Responsibly
Whether it's celebrating our country's heritage with fireworks, a barbecue or fun on the water, one way to demonstrate true American spirit is by being a designated driver or a designated "skipper." Golden Eagle Distributors, Inc., the local Anheuser-Busch distributor, reminds adults that making responsible choices can help everyone enjoy a fun, safe holiday. "As adults sport their red, white and blue this Fourth of July, we remind everyone to include a designated driver – or skipper – while celebrating our nation's heritage," says Kimberly A. Clements, President at Golden Eagle Distributors, Inc. "Whether you’re enjoying a backyard barbecue with family and friends or boating on one of our state's waterways, we encourage everyone to make smart, responsible choices." According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, drunk-driving fatalities during the Fourth of July holiday period are down 75 percent since 1982. This trend is headed in the right direction thanks in part to strong law enforcement, communitybased alcohol awareness and education programs, and the nearly two out of three adults— 137 million Americans--who have either been a designated driver or been driven home by one. Other tips to enjoy safe celebrations over the Fourth of July holiday include: Be a Responsible Host. Offer non-alcoholic beverages for guests who do not drink alcohol and others who are designated drivers and skippers. Always serve food when serving alcoholic beverages, and stop serving alcoholic beverages at least one hour before the party ends. Finally, arrange safe rides home for all guests. Drive Safely. Make sure everyone in the vehicle wears a seat belt and everyone in the boat wears a life jacket. Always be alert and in control of your vehicle. Resist the urge to speed by making sure there is plenty of time to reach your destination. Be Responsible on the Water. Before hitting the water, check all equipment and brush up on boating safety. When on the water, obey all rules and regulations regarding distance, buoys, channel markers and no-wake zones. Locally, Golden Eagle Distributors, Inc. offers a Water Safety program at area lakes to encourage safe boating and litter prevention. Since 1982, Anheuser-Busch and its wholesalers have invested more than $750 million in national advertising campaigns and community-based programs to promote responsible drinking and prevent alcohol abuse. In 2009, the company ranked first among all companies for social responsibility in FORTUNE magazine’s "World's Most Admired Companies" list. For more information on these efforts and the progress being made, visit HYPERLINK "www. beeresponsible.com".
Gila County Probation Department Invites Community
Please join us for our first annual Community Forum to be held in two locations: in Globe on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 from 6 – 8 PM at the City of Globe Chambers, 150 N. Pine St. and in Payson on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 from 4 – 6 PM at the Payson Town Hall Meeting Room, 303 N. Beeline Highway. This is our opportunity to share with you our roles and to hear from you, our "customers", about your questions, comments, and concerns related to probation in our county. For additional information about the Community Forum, please contact Frank A. Owens, Chief Probation Officer, Gila County Probation Department, at (928) 425-7971, or visit our website at www.supreme. state.az.us/gilasc/prob/prob.html. These forums coincide with National Probation, Parole and Community Supervision Week, July 19th – 25th, 2009. This week is a time to recognize the work that probation, parole and community supervision professionals have done for our public safety since 1841. They are a critical part of the public safety system. Our own Gila County probation professionals are a Force for Positive Change by assisting our community's juvenile and adult offenders to become productive members of society. Members of our community are encouraged to join together during Probation, Parole & Community Supervision Week to honor those who work to make our communities a safer place to live.
All Post Offi ces Open on July 3
All Post Offices in the U.S. Postal Service's Arizona District, which covers the state of Arizona, will be open on Friday, July 3, but many will shorten retail lobby hours and close at noon. Regular mail delivery for July 3 will be unaffected by the change. In Post Offices where retail counters and access to Post Offi ce Boxes are co-located, PO Box mail access will only be available until noon in offices closing early. Revised hours will be posted at each Post Office and commercial customers are asked to check with their Bulk Mail Acceptance Unit for July 3 hours of operation. Customers may call 1-800-ASKUSPS for information about specific Post Offices. In addition, mail should be deposited into blue collection mailboxes by noon for early pickup on July 3. Customers requiring postal services later that day are encouraged to contact their local postmaster. Post Offices will be closed Saturday, July 4. Sunday/Holiday Express Mail only will be delivered on the Fourth of July. All Post Offices will be open and regular mail delivery will resume Monday, July 6.
Pylo Power Camp is Back!
Pylo Power Camp has successfully trained Globe-Miami athletes for the last two years giving these individuals a conditioning and explosive edge like no other. Designed for the fall High School and Jr. High athlete. this program is guaranteed to increase speed, jumping and reaction times. Past participants have included 3A State Baseball player of the year Brady Wager, Gladis Enriquez- All conference volleyball, 3A Baseball All Star players Damon Valencia, Kyle Quidoz, and All State baseball player Billy Kidd. These athletes as well as many others have experienced the tremendous benefi ts of PyIo Power! Camp will begin July 6th and run for four weeks meeting on every Mon., Wed., and Thurs. at 9 am in the Globe High Gymnasium. Pylo Power is open to all young athletes from the Miami-Globe area who wish to develop an athletic edge for this new school year. Camp cost is $60 for the four weeks, if you have any questions please call 928-200-4612.
Miami Man Murdered
On Wednesday June 24,2009 at approximately 11:15 PM, officers responded to a residence on Live Oak Street, reference to gunshots possibly being heard. While officers were en route, Miami Police Department received another call from a male subject reporting that his brother had been shot. Officers arrived and found the victim, laying on his bedroom floor with a gunshot to the facial area. According to the reporting party and only other person in the home, he heard a loud bang and went outside to see what the noise was. As he came back in he saw that his brother was laying on the floor, in his bedroom, with the wound to his face. Tri-City paramedics immediately arrived on scene, but subsequently pronounced the subject deceased. Miami detectives along with the County Attorney's Office investigated the crime scene on the night of the shooting. Detectives determined that the shot had come from the exterior of the residence and that the shooting was intentional rather than accidental. Several leads have been followed up. This case is still pending
Railroad Car Derails In Miami
On June 29 at about 6:20 pm the Arizona Eastern Railway General Superintendent Johnny Holguin received a call that a group of railroad cars had rolled and run into another group of railroad cars derailing a boxcar in the crossing at Loomis Ave. A thorough investigation was conducted by railroad officials and it was determined to be sabotage. This is a federal offense and anyone that has any information about this is urged to contact the railroad at 928-473-2447 x 23 or 928-812-2756. The Arizona Eastern Railway would like to remind the public how dangerous it is to mess with and around railroad cars. You can get seriously hurt or even killed. We urge parents to talk to their kids about the dangers of playing on the railroad tracks and around trains.
Pinal $400 Million Budget, by Heather Murphy
The PINAL Board of Supervisors approved a total County budget of $400.2 million, which includes a $0.20 reduction in the primary property tax. This tax reduction represents a decrease of about $20 on a $100,000 home. Last fi scal year's budget was capped at $458 million, but the county curtailed spending signifi cantly though a hiring freeze, mid-year budget cuts, a freeze on travel and training and other budget balancing measures. Just two years ago, the County's budget was capped at $475 million. "Clearly, the building slowdown and current economy are reflected in the changes we have implemented over the past year," Chairman David Snider said. "This budget reflects an appropriately lean posture for fiscal 2009-10. What I want residents to know, though, is that we're fully focused on delivering quality service." In a message to employees, County Manager Terry Doolittle stated that good news sometimes comes with a caution attached. President Obama's stimulus plan includes money (FMAP funds) to assist in providing medical care to those who lack insurance or are in the AHCCCS program. The county recently learned that those funds will be distributed between the State and Arizona counties to offset what they would normally pay the state to provide care to AHCCCS clients. This was a one-time, unexpected windfall.
VA Reopening Health Care Enrollment to Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which now has nearly 8 million Veterans enrolled in its award-winning health care system, is poised to welcome nearly 266,000 more Veterans into its medical centers and clinics across the country by expanding access to health care enrollment for certain Veterans who had been excluded due to their income. "This incremental approach to expanding enrollment ensures that access to VA health care for a greater number of benefi ciaries does not sacrifice timely access or quality medical care for those Veterans already enrolled in VA's health care system," Dr. Gerald Cross, VA's Acting Under Secretary for Health, said. "Over the next four years, we hope to provide enrollment to more than 500,000 Veterans." Under a new regulation effective June 15, VA will enroll Veterans whose income exceeds current means-tested thresholds by up to 10 percent. These Veterans were excluded from VA health care enrollment when income limits were imposed in 2003 on Veterans with no serviceconnected disabilities or other special eligibility for care. There is no income limit for Veterans with compensable service-connected disabilities or for Veterans being seen for their service-connected disabilities. Veterans who have applied for VA health care but were rejected due to income at any point in 2009 will have their applications reconsidered under the new income threshold formula. Those who applied before 2009, but were rejected due to income, must reapply. VA will contact these Veterans through a direct-mail campaign, Veterans service organizations, and a national and regional marketing campaign. Information about enrollment and an income and assets calculator are available at www.va.gov/ healtheligibility. The calculator provides a format in which Veterans enter their household income, number of dependents, and zip codes to see if they may qualify for VA health care enrollment. In addition to applying online, Veterans may also contact VA's Health Benefi ts Service Center at 1- 877-222 VETS (1-877-222-8387). Each VA medical center across the country has an enrollment coordinator available to provide Veterans with enrollment and eligibility information.
Lost Car Seat
Lost car seat at Guayo's El Rey in Miami on Saturday, 27th. If you have information please call 928-425-7479. Thank you.
Top Salaries Again For Freeport Executives
Despite the recession, the top two executives of Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold were compensated in millions of dollars last year. Richard Adkerson, President and Chief Executive Officer took home some $53.8 million in 2008 while the company's Chairman, James Moffett received $44.8 million in compensation.Cobre Valley Hospital Tobacco Free, By Jesse Bryant
Dear Globe- Miami Community Members, As you may already know, Cobre Valley Community Hospital is going tobacco-free on July 1, 2009. As of that date, no tobacco use of any kind will be permitted - inside or outside - on our property. This initiative also will include the elimination of designated areas outside Cobre Valley Community Hospital where employees, patients and visitors currently use tobacco. CVCH has joined hospitals across Arizona in an effort to become tobacco-free. As a healthcare organization, we are committed to the health and safety of our employees and patients. We believe that we have a responsibility to take a leadership role on this major health issue and allowing people to use tobacco products defeats this purpose. CVCH’s decision to go tobacco- free is not an attempt to force anyone to quit using tobacco products. Rather, the tobacco- free initiative is a concrete way we can demonstrate our ongoing commitment to healthy living. Thank you for your support in the CVCH's tobacco free initiative. Neal Jensen, CEO, Cobre Valley Community Hospital.
Classes for World of Work
Tribal Social Services will be sponsoring four evening classes starting on July 6 -9, 2009. The classes will be on the World of Work. The classes will prepare tribal members for employment. All General Assistance clients are encouraged to attend. Topics to be covered will be employment application, work ethics, developing resumes, choosing the right job, dress for success, job search strategies, interview techniques and creating your portfolio. Classes will be held at the community college in San Carlos. Classes will begin at 5:30 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m. Tribal members who sign up have to be committed to the classes and must attend all four days. Transportation will be provided upon request. Only 15 people will be selected so it will be first come, first serve basis. Sign up will be at Social Services or call 475-2313 to reserve your spot. If the class is popular, Social Services will provide more classes in July.
Five Students Complete GCC Cosmetology Program
Gila Community College and the Gila Academy of Cosmetology would like to congratulate the following students for completing the Cosmetology Program: Caycie Ashby, Alyssa Greenwall, Sarah Groh, Jenny Valenzuela, and Chassidie Van Woesik. These young ladies completed the curriculum requirements and 1600 hours of hands-on training to receive their Certifi cate of Profi ciency in Cosmetology this June. They are now qualified to sit for the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology Examination. Their hard work and diligence has paid off. Fall semester c o sme t o l o g y classes begin on July 27, 2009. Students will attend Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with an occasional Monday. The program features both a certificate pathway and an Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS), both of which will prepare students to successfully complete the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology Examination in order to become a licensed cosmetologist. 1,600 hours of training are required before sitting for the exam. For more information call Gila Community College at 928.425.8481. Step out of the ordinary and train for a career you'll truly love. Gila Community College offers a variety of workforce development programs to meet your needs.
Courting Success and Realizing the American Dream, by Christine Marin
Pictured:Christine Marin: Arizona's Mighty Miami High School Championship Basketball Team, 1951: The second generation of Mexican- Americans, the 'GI Generation' born and raised in the United States, experienced the Great Depression and the Second World War and became political and community leaders in the postwar periods. Historians have not expanded their work to include the history and experience of the third generation, their children. This essay bridges that gap by using sports as a symbol of the American dream. It examines the period from 1947 to 1951 to explain how Mexican-American youths and their Finnish-American coach in Miami, Arizona, promoted Americanization, achieved success and won the 1951 state basketball championship. They revitalized a hometown's pride and team spirit and united a copper community that had a chequered and disturbing history of racism and discrimination against Mexicans and Mexican-Americans. The rise of this third generation through sports enabled their families to realize their dreams of equality for their children. Historians have described the second generation of Mexican- Americans as the 'GI Generation', born and raised in the United States. They experienced American phenomena such as the Great Depression and the Second World War and became political and community leaders in the post-war periods. Historian Mario Garcia has suggested that their politics reflected the twin objectives of ethnic and cultural retention together with integration within the broader Euro-American society. [1] Albert Camarillo used the term ‘GI generation’ to refer to those Mexican-American leaders who became exposed to community and political consciousness as they grew up, and through the examples provided by their neighbors and families. [2] While Garcia and Camarillo have studied the second generation, they have not expanded their work... This will be an on going story.
Benefits of the Pioneer Fire, By Susan K
W. Brad Johnson with the U.S. Forest Service points out new vegetation already starting to grow in what is considered to be "Moderate burn area" in the recent Pioneer Fire: The Pioneer Fire started on May 30, 2009, as a result of a lightning strike in the Pinal Mountains. It grew from a small fire in a green ponderosa pine tree to a final size of 1,633 acres. It burned the top of East Mountain, in areas of ponderosa pine and brush. Forest Road 112, which is the road that accesses Pioneer Pass, became the west boundary of the fire. The forest was a little wetter this year than is normally the case in the summertime around Globe because of the rain that we have received this spring and summer, and the abnormally cool temperatures, This resulted in moderate fire behavior and fire spread that was lower than what we have seen in previous years. The results for your National Forest are that the majority of the fire area burned at low intensity. Very few mature ponderosa pine and oak trees were damaged by the fire, although many smaller trees and brush species were burned. The Pioneer Fire was managed by the Forest Service to allow the fire to achieve resources benefits, while protecting firefighters, the public, campgrounds, electronic sites, cabins, and communities. Because fire plays a natural role in this environment, many of the species of vegetation and wildlife that live here are accustomed to low or moderate intensity fires. From the Forest Service perspective, this fire was generally beneficial to the vegetation, the wildlife habitat.. Quentin Johnson, Fire Management Officer with the Tonto National Forest Globe Ranger District said "Thank you to all of the communities who were affected by the Pioneer Fire for the patience and support during this event." In regards to trees and vegetation affected by the fire Ernie Gipson, Rangeland Management Specialist reported "Wildland fire has played an important role in arid southwest ecosystems by keeping in check the proliferation of woody species such as Manzanita. In much of the areas around Globe where woodland fires have been suppressed for the past 100 years, woody species dominate. If woodland fires are allowed to spread within containment lines it is likely that more herbaceous plant species such as perennial grasses will increase their abundance. The partial mortality by fire of Ponderosa pine trees will allow for more sunlight penetration to the soils on the forest floor. This increased light penetration will also have the effect of improving the habitat for perennial grasses and forbs. Generally, wildland fire benefits the entire ecosystem by increasing the diversity of vegetation." Overall there was Minimal disturbance to Mexican Spotted Owl Habitat, Minimal (if any) impact to Arizona Hedgehog Cactus (as this species generally grows in rocky outcrops out of this fires’ activity) and Minimal scorch to Ponderosa Pine canopy. Of the 1,633 acres only 80 acres registered high in burn severity, 210 registered moderate and the rest registered unburned/ underburned. The cost to fight the Pioneer fire totaled 2.7 million dollar in federal funds. The comes out to be approximately $3.300 an acre. If you count property and communication towers that were saved the cost was far less.
Globe Agent Receives Honors
Debra Fogle, Farmers Insurance Agent in Globe_ has been inducted into the Farmers’ "Topper Club" and invited to attend the 2009 annual meeting of Farmers' top sales producers. Fogle is being recognized by Fanners for outstanding sales achievements during 2008. "Farmers congratulates and is proud to welcome Debra to this year's Topper Club. Debra is committed to providing quality insurance coverage and industry- leading service to Farmers’ customers," noted Executive Vice President of Field Operations, Jerry Carnahan. The Topper Club convention will give Fogle an opportunity to meet with other top Farmers agents and district managers to discuss local, state and national trends and activities affecting the insurance business in their communities. Fogle represents Farmers Insurance through the local agency located at 1700 N Broad St. For an agent near you, call I-800-FARMERS or visit www.farmers.com.