This Blog Has Moved!

Dear Reader,

This blog has moved to roland.blogspot.com.

Thanks for being a reader of this blog! I hope you will stay with me.

Sincerely,
Roland Foster

GCC Now Offers Fire Science Associate of Applied Science Degree

Gila Community College announces that a Fire Science Associate of Applied Science degree is now available. It is for students who either plan to enter employment or who are currently working in fire services or related fields and want to upgrade their knwledege and skills.

GCC also offers a Certificate of Proficiency in Fire Science. The Fire Science Certificate program prepares students for service as firefighters in rural settings.

Fire Department Operations I will be offered this fall on Wednesdays from 5 to 9:50pm. Fire Department Operations II will be offered during the Spring 2010 semester.

Adult students interested in either program are encouraged to call Dean Patricia Burke at (928) 425-8481.

(In the photo, Globe Fire Chief Al Gameros and Dean Patricia Burke finalize paperwork for the new Fire Science AAS degree.)

Arizona Gets $53M for New Charter Schools

State School Superintendent Tom Horne has announced that Arizona will be getting more than $53 million over the next five years to help open an additional 92 charter schools.

Horne says the new schools will provide “rigorous academic programs” for “at risk” students in inner city and poor rural areas.

The Arizona Daily Star reports that existing charter schools that want to use federal dollars to open new branches will have to show a record of success in meeting the goals of the grant. They will also have to prove that they have a better than average record at academic achievement and in getting students to graduate.

Globe Council Meets Monday

Globe City Council meets Monday at 6:pm. The Council will consider a test removal of traffic signals at the intercsection of Cedar and Broad Streets.

They will also vote on a Resolution to provide procedures for public participation in preparing the Globe Northeast Area Plan.

The Council will also consider an ordinance concerning riding on sidewalks.

Gas Prices Rise But Still at Four Year Low

AAA Arizona says gasoline prices are starting to rise again but are still at a four year low. Arizona motorists are currently paying an average of just under $2.51 for a gallon of regular unleased gas. That’s an increase of 1.5 cents since last week. But Arizona’s July average of $2.545 is the lowest statewide fuel average for the month of July since 2005.

The nationwide average price is close to $2.52.

Globe-Miami prices are a fraction of a cent lower than last week at a little more than $2.48 a gallon.

Season Ends for Local Swimming Pools

Today (Friday) is the last day to enjoy the Miami Hostetler Swimming Pool. Swimming is free today from noon until 4:pm.

The last day of the season for the Globe Community Center Swimming Pool is Sunday. The pool will be open on Sunday fom Noon until 5:pm.

Police Log

Globe Police arrested 40 year old Rudy Mojica on charges of domestic violence and criminal damage after he turned himself in at the Gila County Sheriff’s Office.

30 year old Rhea Tucker was arrested yesterday on outstanding warrants for aggravated assault/criminal damage and child abuse, and for false reporting to law enforcement.

DPS arrested 42 year old Magalita Swimmer on warrants for failure to appear on a bad check charge.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested 37 year old David Wagner for assault/domestic violence, and threats and intimidation.

Depuites are investigating an assault that occurred at a residence on Marion Canyon Road.

Obituaries

Nancy Slick Gilson of San Carlos passed away Sunday at Kindred Hospital in Phoenix. She was 78. She is survived by her sons Robert Garcia and Kenneth Gilson; her daughter; and two brothers.

The wake for Nancy Gilson is tomorrow (Saturday) at 4:am at Apache Independent Church. The funeral is at 10:am.

More Stores Accepting Food Stamps

USA Today reports that more and more retail stores are now accepting food stamps—now known as Electronic Benefit Transfers. Family Dollar and other stores say their earnings have been stable during the recession partly because they participate in the federal food stamp program, now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

In its third quarter earnings report, Family Dollar cited the debit-like EBT cards as one of the reasons for its success in the current economy.

Other stores now accepting the EBT card include Target, Costco and Seeven-Eleven.

An estimated 39 million people currently receive food stamps. Arizona and several other states have seen a 30% growth in the numbr of people using food stamps in the last year.

Click here for eligibility guidelines and here for a breakdown on what you can and cannot buy using the EBT cards.

Gila County Historical Museum Hamburger Fry

The monthly Gila County Historical Museum hamburger fry is tomorrow night (Friday) at the museum on Broad Street. The fundraiser takes place on the last Friday of each month through September. It starts at 5:30, and it’s $5 a person for hamburgers, chips, salads, cowboy beans, desserts and drinks.

Concert in the Park Features 'Gone Country'

Tomorrow night’s (Friday) Concert in the Park features Gone Country. It’s at Miami Memorial Park from 6:30 until 9:30pm. Bring your lawn chairs and coolers. Staff from the Miami Recreation Department will have food items to sell.

AAA Launches Online Community for Teen Drivers

AAA has launched an online social community designed especially for teen drivers. Teens are invited to log onto aaateendriving.com to share their on the road experiences with other teens. There are also safe driving tips and other resources.

The site has introduced a Teen Driving public service announcement contest. Teens interested in entering the contest should create a 60 second PSA designed to build awareness on the biggest issues facing teen drivers.

Entries must be submitted by August 31. The top five PSAs will be posted on the Web site, where the public will be invited to vote for their favorite. The grand prize is $2,000. The second place winner will receive $700 and third place will receive $300.