Fry's Lays Off 90 Arizona Workers

Fry’s Food Stores has laid off about 90 grocery workers in response to the recession. Fry’s has a total of about 18,000 employees in Arizona at 120 food stores. Its market share is estimated at 21%, behind Wal Mart at 24% and ahead of Safeway at 18%. The President of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union told the Tucson Citizen that none of its members were affected by the cuts. He says it must have been mainly management and salaried workers.

Fry’s is the second Arizona grocery chain to lay off workers this year. Last month Basha’s laid off 350 employees in response to falling profits and increased competition.

Benefit Dance on March 28

A benefit dance for Barbara Pena will take place at the American Legion on Saturday, March 28. Dinner will be from 6 to 7:pm, with a dance from 8:pm until Midnight. Tickets are $10. They may be purchased at the Globe Safeway. For information contact Anna Rose at 812-4204.

'Dump Your Drugs Day'

Tomorrow (Saturday) is “Dump Your Drugs Day” at the parking lot at Fry’s. Between 11 and 4, workers will take your expired and unused prescription drugs for disposal. It’s important to get these drugs out of your medicine cabinet to keep them from getting into the hands of young children. Flushing them is not a good idea because that can affect the water supply. There will be free hot dogs, raffles and more at the Fry’s parking lot.

State Improves, But Still Struggling to Provide Mental Health Care Services

A new national report card indicates improvement, but says Arizona is still struggling to deliver mental health care services. The National Alliance on Mental Illness gave Arizona a “C.” Arizona received a “D” the last time the study was conducted three years ago.

Two months ago an independent court monitor blasted Maricopa County’s mental health care services. Gov. Jan Brewer has appointed a bipartisan panel to recommend reforms.

Benefit Barbecue Saturday

A benefit barbecue for the local American Cancer Society Relay for Life will take place tomorrow (Saturday) starting at Noon at the Copper Spike Train Depot in downtown Globe. The barbecue is presented by the Thompson, Montgomery and DeRose relay team.

Disabled Get Budget Reprieve

A Maricopa County Superior Court judge has indefinitely suspended cuts to state programs that serve the developmentally disabled. The Arizona Republic reports that the ruling suspends at least $18 million in cuts that the Department of Economic Security ordered to help the state resolve a $1.6 billion deficit.

Disabled advocates argued that the cuts were made quickly and indiscriminately, without regard for the thousands of vulnerable people who depend on state services. They say that they accept that there will be budget cuts but that they shouild be involved in the process.

Police Log

While conducting a follow up on an incident reported February 25, a Globe Police officer arrested 45 year old George Miller on additional charges of domestic violence and criminal damage.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested 32 year old James Chavez yesterday on warrants for criminal trespass, assault, criminal damage and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Deputies are investigating criminal damage to the windows of a vehicle on Bailey. Also a report of theft and criminal damage by a family member at a residence on Golden Hill.

Obituaries

Brenda Anderson of Globe passed away Thursday. She was 41.
Inurnment for Brenda Anderson will be Tuesday (March 17) at 10:am at Globe Cemetery.

Mary Lopez passed away Tuesday at her home in Miami. She was 77.
Visitation for Mary Lopez will be Wednesday (March 18) at 9:am at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church. Rosary is at 9:30 and the Funeral Mass is at 10:00.

Burial of cremains for Debi Roberts will be tomorrow (Saturday) at 11:am at Pinal Cemetery in Central Heights.

13th Annual Intertribal Pow Wow

The 13th Annual Apache Gold Casino Resort Intertribal Pow Wow runs Friday through Sunday. The Pow Wow features hundreds of Native American singers, dancers and artisans. There are arts and crafts vendors, food booths and daily shows. The doors open at 5:pm Friday and the Grand Entry is at 7:pm. Saturday the doors open at 10:am and the Grand Entry is at Noon and 7:pm. On Sunday the doors open at 9:am and the Grand Entry is at Noon.

Copper Coffee and Craft Fair

The 26th Annual Copper Coffee and Craft Fair will be held Saturday from 10:am until 1:pm at the Cobre Valley Country Club, featuring coffee, tea, finger foods and a local artisan’s market. It’s sponsored by the Women’s Auxiliary to the American Institute of Mining Engineers Pinal Mountain Section. Donations at the door support local scholarships and elementary education.

Apache Leap Mining Festival

The 21st Annual Apache Leap Mining Festival begins Friday and runs through Sunday in Superior. Friday’s opening ceremonies will honor several of Superior’s legendary residents. There will be local entertainment and the annual “Shicken Chick” dance. Saturday’s activities include a parade at 10:am, mining competition, salsa contest, a horseshoe tournament, chihuahua races, entertainment and demonstratioons. All three days will feature a carnival, food booths and game booths.

AZ Gas Prices Fall Below $2

Arizona gas prices fell below the $2 mark this week as oil prices responded to news of lower demand and the possibility of further cuts in production. AAA reports that statewide, motorists are paying an average of just under $1.99 for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline. That’s a decrease of more than two cents from last week. The average gas price in Globe-Miami is around $1.92 a gallon.

You can visit www.AAA.com/fuelfinder to locate the station with the cheapest gas in your neighborhood.

US 70 Erosion Control Project

The Arizona Department of Transportation has started an erosion control project on US 70 at Salt Creek, about 30 miles east of Globe on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. The work consists of construction of erosion control and slope stabilization at the outlet of three 13 foot diameter pipe culverts. The work is on the south side of the highway with construction traffic leaving and entering the highway. ADOT advises drivers to slow down and be alert for construction vehicles and workers. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of April.

Rest Rooms at Salt River Canyon Rest Area Closed for Repairs

The Arizona Department of Transportation has closed the restroom facility at the Salt River Canyon rest area for repairs. The rest area will remain open but there is no projected date at this time for reopening the restrooms. ADOT advises travelers that the nearest available restrooms are at the junction of US 60 and State Route 73, about 25 miles east of the Salt River Canyon.

Miami School Board Meets Tonight

The Miami School Board meets tonight (Thursday) at 6:30 at the Miami High School Library. In addition to Old and New Business, the meeting includes a Work Session. Items to be considered include closing Las Lomas Elementary School, school position cuts and changes, and employee and retiree insurance.

Police Log

Gila County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to Pioneer Pass in the Pinal Mountains early yesterday morning for a report of a one vehicle accident. The vehicle was reported off the roadway on a ledge and the occupants were not able to get out because they were afraid that the car would tip. Tri City Fire, Canyon Fire and J & S Towing responded to assist. The occupants were safely removed and the vehicle was recocovered. 21 year old Rebekah Castaneda was cited and released for DUI.

Miami Police arrested 43 year old Rachelyn Kenton on a warrant for false reporting to law enforcement.

Globe Police responded to a 911 call about a domestic assault last night on Euclid. 39 year old Ronnie Holguin was arrested for aggravated domestic assault. The victim was treated for minor injuries at the scene.

Yesterday morning Globe Police responded to a report of a truck that hit a traffic light at Hill and Ash and left the scene. Dennis Glecker was contacted a short time later and was issued a citation.

Officers are investigating criminal damage to newly poured concrete in the alleyway behind Broad and Cedar; a screen door and window pane at the Tonto Hotel on Mesquite Street; several windows at the Knight’s Inn; and a window at the Smoke ‘Em Shop on Highway 60; criminal damage to property on Kline Street; and criminal damage to a business on West Oak Street.

A check cashing business called Globe Police to report a person in their store with a fraudulent check. The officer determined that this was a check from an international scam. No report was taken.

Obituaries

Violet Polk Bond of Gilson Wash passed away Tuesday at Banner Baywood Medical Center in Mesa. She was 68. She is survived by her sons Brian, Robbie, Daniel and Louis Bond; her sisters Janice and Jacqueline Polk, Regina Bead and Claudette Dan; her brother Steven Polk, Sr.; and 2 grandchildren.
The wake for Violet Bond will be held Sunday at 4:pm at the San Carlos Skill Center. The funeral is Monday at 2:pm at the Full Gospel Church.

Deborah Roberts passed away yesterday (Wednesday) at Cobre Valley Community Hospital. She was 54. She is survived by her daughter; her mother June Gates; her brother Rick Gates; her significant other George Gates; and 2 grandchildren.
Services for Debi Roberts will be private.

Arizona Certifies 'Mature Worker Friendly' Employers

The State of Arizona is giving a stamp of approval to employers who want to tap the experience and passion of older workers. The Arizona Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging and the Arizona Department of Commerce have released a list of 46 Arizona employers who have been certified as Mature Worker Friendly Employers. The program is part of the Arizona Mature Workforce Initiative, which provides recognition to employers who commit to creating a workplace environment that values the experience and skills of mature workers. The initiative also helps employers attract and retain mature workers. Among the employers that have received certification are the City of Casa Grande and United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona. The certified employers benefit from increased company visability through free job postings on the Web site, free advertising and free training at the biennial Governor’s Conference on Aging. Employer applications to the program will be accepted again this summer. For more information, visit the Mature Workers Web site.

Guided Wildflower Walks at BTA

Boyce Thompson Arboretum Horticulture Director Steve Carter says the state park has received seven inches of rain over the past four months, in the right places at the right time. This means that March and April will be the perfect time to see wildflowers. Staff and volunteers will lead guided tours every Sunday through April 12.

Guided Bird Walks continue during March and April.

A guest reader is featured at the Arboretum every Sunday in March in the Children’s Garden, where children can get to know some of the best books about the Sonoran desert.

And horticulturist Kim Stone will lead a tour through the forested areas of the Arboretum this Sunday (March 15) from 1:30 until 3:30pm.

The Annual Spring Plant Sale runs from March 13 through 29.

Food Bank To Open Miami Branch

The Gila Community Food Bank will open a branch office in Miami on April 1. The branch location will be at 505 Live Oak Street. They plan to be open Monday through Friday, but exact hours have not yet been determined. Until then, people in Miami who need emergency food may go to the Food Bank’s satellite at First Southern Baptist Church on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 until 11:30am.

Public Invited to Benefit Barbecue

The law firm of Thompson, Montgomery and DeRose is involved as a team this year in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. The team invites the public to a barbecue fundraiser this Saturday at the Copper Spike train depot in downtown Globe. Grilling starts at Noon with all proceeds going to benefit the local Relay for Life which is scheduled for May 15 and 16 at Harbison Field.

Globe Parks and Recreation Committee Meets Tonight

The City of Globe Parks and Recreation Committee meets tonight. The agenda includes an update on the Boys and Girls Club; a discussion of the City Pool; and a discussion of the Recreation Manager position. The meeting starts at 7:00 in the Globe City Hall Conference Room. It is open to the public.

Police Log

Miami Police arrested 36 year old Patrick Weaver on a warrant for probation violation for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Around 2:30 this morning Globe Police were dispatched to a hit and run accident at the Copper Parrot. 28 year old Leonard Thompson was located and cited for DUI.

About 5:00 this morning officers were dispatched to a 3 vehicle non-injury accident at Broad and Cedar. When officers arrived all of the vehicles were unoccupied. The case is under investigation.

Nobody was hurt in a two vehicle accident yesterday afternoon at Euclid and Ash. One driver was issued a citation.

Globe Police are investigating an assault that occurred Monday night at Copper Country Mobile Home Park; criminal damage to two vehicles at Cobre Valley Motors; criminal damage to a vehicle on South Seventh Street; criminal damage to a car window on La Mesa Terrace; and a broken window at Edward Jones Investment office.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a theft of an ATV from a residence on Inspiration Drive.

GCC Cosmetology Call for Admissions

Gila Community College and Gila Academy of Cosmotology is having a call for admissions meeting for those who want to start the Cosmetology Program this fall. The meeting is on Saturday, March 21 at 5:30pm in Gila Pueblo Campus Room 522. Fall semester cosmetology classes begin on July 27 and this meeting is essential for anyone who wants to start at that time. Application packets for the program are available at the Administration Office of the Gila Pueblo Campus. Students must bring a completed application packet with them to the meeting on March 21.

Globe Library Movie and Game Days

The Globe Public Library will show a Disney movie tomorrow (Thursday) 2:pm. They will also have Game Days for ages 8 to 17 on Friday and Saturday from 2 to 4:pm.

Transportation Board Picks Projects This Friday

The State Transportation Board is expected to decide on Friday which of the more than 100 statewide ready-to-go highway projects will move forward for federal funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Board will hold its reguilar monthly meeting at 10:am on Friday (March 13) in the Arizona Department of Transportation Auditorium in Phoenix. Local officials and community members will have an opportunity to address the board during the meeting. Contracts expected to be awarded at the meeting include the repaving of State Route 188 in Gila County near State Route 87.

Pinto Valley Project Blasts

The next blasts on the US 60 Pinto Valley project are scehduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 11:am and 1:pm. Drivers can expect delays of up to 30 minutes following each blast. There may be brief delays at other times during the day.

SME Meeting Scheduled for March 17

The Pinal Mountain Section of SME--the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration--will hold their March meeting Tuesday at 5:pm at the Cobre Valley Country Club. The program will be given by Dr. Lee Allison, who is the State Geologist and Director of the Arizona Geological Survey. The public is invited. Reservations must be made by Sunday at 473-7510.

VIN Etching Event a Success

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office held a Vehicle Identification Number etching event last Saturday. The event was held in conjunction with the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority. The Sheriff’s Office etched VIN numbers into 64 vehicle windows.

Chamber Mixer on Wednesday

The Chamber of Commerce monthly mixer will be held tomorrow (Wednesday) from 5 to 7:pm at the Gila Historical Museum.

Next Thursday (March 19) the Chamber’s membership luncheon will be held at Noon at Joe’s Broad Street Grill. The guest speaker will be Resolution Copper’s Adam Hawkins, who will discuss the status of the land exchange now before Congress. The cost of the lunch is $11 and reservations are requested.

Police Log

Chandler Police arrested 36 year old Quent Jones of Globe yesterday on a warrant for failure to comply on charges of theft.

Miami Police arrested 36 year old Patrick Hernandez for criminal trespass and loitering.

The Gila County Task Force arrested 39 year old Leoniel Anderson on a warrant for failure to appear on charges of aggravated assault and possesion of drug paraphernalia. Also arrested was 29 year old Jennifer Green for disorderly conduct and hindering prosecution.

Nobody was hurt in a single vehicle accident late last night in the area of Lipton and Tremont, but Globe Police arrested 19 year old Thomas Phillips for DUI.

After 911 hangups from a residence on Tremont early this morning, 18 year old Nathan Zaragoza was contacted and arrested for underage consumption.

35 year old Bianca Acton was arrested yesterday on a child support warrant.

Officers are investigating criminal damage to windows at Cobre Valley Motors; an attempt to cash a fraudulent check at the Fry’s Plaza; and a burglary at Connie’s Store.

Globe Police are investigating criminal damage to mailboxes on Jess Hayes Road.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office is investigating criminal damage to mail boxes in Ice House Canyon and a theft of money from a residence on Beer Tree Crossing.

Three juveniles were seen breaking windows and damaging an unoccupied residence on Ruth Avenue.

Underage Drinking Coalition Meets Today

The Copper Basin Coalition meets today (Tuesday) at Noon at 143 S. Broad Street. If you are concerned about youth alcohol use in our community, you are invited to attend.

Obituary

Carlton L. Jones of Roosevelt passed away Monday. He was 71.
Services for Carlton Jones will be private.

Ingo Radicke Dies at 71

Longtime Globe resident and cable television manager Ingo Radicke passed away Friday at Hospice of Arizona in Scottsdale. He was 71. Ingo and his family moved here in 1967, where he became manager of the cable system now known as Cable One. He was very active in poliics and local community activities, as well as various boards and commissions affecting statewide concerns. Ingo was president of the local Chamber of Commerce twice and was a delegate to the Republican National Convention twice. He retired in 2005 but continued to be active in community activities.

The funeral for Ingo Radicke will be Friday (March 13) at 11:am at Lamont Mortuary. A reception will follow at Pinal Mountain Elks Lodge. The family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arizona Exports to the World Grow in 2008

The Arizona Commerce Department says there are some bright spots in Arizona’s economy. Foreign countries continued to show their desire to purchase Arizona-made products last year. Exports from Arizona to the rest of the world grew by more than half a billion dollars. Electrical machinery was the most in demand, accounting for $7.2 billion in exports. Other products that showed significant demand increases include optics and medical instruments, and vehicles. Mexico is Arizona’s largest trading partner, with $5.9 billion in goods purchased last year. The Commerce Department says Arizona’s exports have grown by more than $1.4 billion since 2006.

Census Canvassing Begins in Late March

Beginning late this month, the US Census Bureau will be sending out address canvassers. The canvassers will walk or drive through neighborhoods to make sure that all addresses are in the Bureau’s database when the questionaire is delivered in March of next year. This early operation is important to ensure a complete and accurate account when the actual census takes place. Listers will wear an official identification badge and use hand held computers with maps on them to verify and list structures, including the collection of GPS coordinates for each location. All information collected by Census employees is kept strictly confidential and is not shared with any other persons, institutions or agencies.

San Carlos Transportation Study Public Meetings

The San Carlos Apache Tribe Planning and Economic Development Department will hold two public meetings on Saturday, March 28. The public is invited to attend and learn about progress on the development of the Tribe’s Long Range Transportation Plan Update. Tribal Planning staff, ADOT representatives and the project consultant will be there to answer questions. The meetings will be held at the Bylas Exhibit Hall from 1 to 3:pm and at San Carlos Burdette Hall from 4 to 6:pm.

Goddard Announces Student Contests

Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard announces two contests for Arizona students.

An arts contest for high schoool juniors focuses on elder abuse. Students are asked to submit original posters, poems or essays that address the question, “Why should I care about elder abuse?” Submissions must be received by 5:pm on March 31. Winners receive first, second and third place prizes of $500, $250 and $100.



Eighth graders are invited to participate in a poster contest to fight meth. Students are asked to submit original posters using the message “Meth NOT EVEN ONCE,” to help convince their peers of the dangers of methamphetamine use. Submissions must be received by 5:pm on April 15. Winners will receive first, second and third place prizes of $500, $250 and $100, sponsored by Wells Fargo, Free Arts of Arizona and the Arizona Dental Association. Winning works will also be printed on a full-sized poster and used in a statewide public awareness campaign about the dangers of meth.



For more information about both of these contests and contest rules, go to www.azag.gov.

Kirkpatrick Announces JAG Funding

First District Congressional Representatiove Ann Kirkpatrick announces that nearly $1.5 million has been allocated for this district to go to the Justice Assistance Grant Program. The JAG program allows states and local governments to support a broad range of activities to improve the criminal justice system. The funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies and many other components to an effective law enforcement program. Kirkpatrick says that after meeting with local law enforcement agencies, it was clear that the funding was critically needed to fight the spread of drugs and to crack down on other criminal activities.

Globe Council Meets Tonight

Globe City Council meets tonight (Monday) at 6:00 at Globe City Hall. They will consider a revised job description for Globe Police Chief. The current Chief has announced his intent to retire at the end of June. The Council will also consider a proposed Master Intergovernmental Agreement with other Arizona cities and towns to assure Workers Compensation coverage of employees while engaged in joint activities. The agenda also includes a $730,000 purchase order to drill Well Number 6 at the Cutter Well field. This is one of the projects included in the $5 million loan approved by the Arizona Water Finance Authority and connected with voter-approved Water Revenue Bonds.

Supervisors Meeting Cancelled

The Gila County Board of Supervisors meeting scheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday) has been cancelled.

Fair Committee Meets Tuesday

There will be a Gila County Fair Committee meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) at 6:30pm at the Gila Historical Museum. Anyone interested in helping with this year’s Fair is welcome to attend.

More US 60 Pinto Valley Blasts Scheduled

The next blasts on the US 60 Pinto Valley project are sceheduled today and tomorrow (Tuesday) around Noon. Drivers can expect delays up to 30 minutes following each blast. There may be brief delays at other times during the day.

Miami Moves to Stay Tri City Cancellation

The Town of Miami has announced that they have filed a motion in Gila County Court for a ten day stay of cancellation of services by the Tri City Fire Department. This will make it possible for mediation through the court system.

Gila Historical Society Meeting on March 20

The annual meeting and election of Gila County Historical Society officers will be held on Friday, March 20 at 6;30pm at the Gila County Historical Museum. Light refreshments will be offered with a presentation at 7:30 about the Old Dominion Mine Park. The park will be built on the Old Dominion property in Globe.

Weather Watcher Workshop

The National Weather Service is offering free training classes to teach people how to properly identify and report significant weather conditions and contribute to public safety. A class will be held on Wednesday, March 25. For information, contact the Gila County Division of Emergency Management.

Registration Open for Head Start

Registration is taking place for both Globe and Miami Head Start and Early Head Start. The free preschool is for children of low income families, foster children and children with disabilities, regardless of income. To register in Globe call 425-9610. In Miami call 473-3640.

Police Log

Last night Gila County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a woman threatening suicide at Alhambra Mobile Home Park. The woman was taken to Community Bridges for evaluation.

After deputies found a truck laying on its side in Kellner Canyon near the Roundtable turnoff, 43 year old Julie Miller was cited and released for DUI. She was also taken to Cobre Valley Community Hospital to receive medical attention.

Miami Police arrested 42 year old Ernest Salcido yesterday on warrants for a suspended license and disorderly conduct.

DPS arrested 40 year old Arnulfo Garcia on a warrant for a fictitious plates.

On Saturday Florence Police arrested 38 year old Michael Norris of Globe on warrants for child support, assault/domestic violence and criminal trespass.

Globe Police arrested 27 year old Alicia Brown for domestic violence assault Saturday night at a room at Motel 6.

Nobody was hurt in a two vehicle accident Saturday morning on Blake Street.

Officers are investigating reports of criminal damage to a car window in the Wal Mart parking lot; criminal damage to a vehicle at Copper Country Mobile Home Park; criminal damage to a window at DeMarco’s restaurant; criminal damage to a business suite in the Cobre Valley Plaza; criminal damage to a vehicle at a business on South Broad Street; a report of theft by fraudulent schemes at Gila Valley Auto; and criminal trespassing at a residence on Blake Street.