EPA Says Toxic Releases Decreased in Arizona

The US Environmental Protection Agency says toxic releases into the environment from facilities in Arizona dropped 9% in 2007, the latest data available. The EPA says the decline is mainly due to a decrease in on-site land releases from mining facilities. The data comes from the EPA’s Toxics Release Inventory, commonly referred to as TRI. It’s one of the EPA’s largest publicly available databases, giving communities valuable information on more than 650 toxic chemicals released by various industries.
The information is calculated by the facilities and reported to the EPA, as required by law. The latest information shows that overall on-site land releases decreased by 8%. Air releases decreased by 13%. But water releases increased 17%.
According to the EPA, the top two Arizona facilities for total releases of all chemicals are Freeport McMoran Miami and the Asarco Ray Complex.

EPA Region 9 TRI Home
City, County and Facility TRI Information
State Fact Sheets

State Unemployment Rate Rising

Arizona’s unemployment rate rose four tenths of a percent to 7.4% in February. That’s less than the national rate of 8.1%. The Arizona Commerce Department says Arizona is on pace to reach 8 percent in two or three months. Unlike January’s negative job growth, five out of the eleven major job sectors grew slightly, but at a far below seasonal average pace. The one sector that showed the most growth was government, as state and local school personnel had a seasonal return to work.

Pinto Valley Project Blasts

The next blasts on the US 60 Pinto Valley project will take place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. There will be at least three blasts each day. The first blast will be around 10:am and the last blast no later than 2:30pm. Drivers can expect delays of up to 30 minutes following each blast. There may be brief delays at other times during the day.

Miami Council Hears Presentation on New Waste Water Treatment Facility

Miami Town Council had a special meeting Thursday night. Freeport McMoran Miami Environmental Manager Jay Spehar gave a presentation about the proposed new waste water treatment facility. The facility will be constructed and turned over to the Town of Miami by the fourth quarter of 2010. The new facility will replace the old system which has evaporative ponds on top of the tailings across from Walmart, which need to be closed and environmentally reclaimed. The new state of the art plant will have a capacity of 640,000 gallons of water a day, nearly doubling the capcity of the old facility. This has the potential for additional revenues for the Town of Miami, since Miami will then be better able to serve the areas of Claypool and beyond.

APS Offers College Scholarships

APS is sponsoring scholarships to ASU West and Maricopa Community Colleges for the 2009-2010 school year. To be eligible, applicants must have at least a 3.0 grade average, be an Arizona resident and have financial need. Students may apply online. Links are on the APS Web site. You can access that APS Web page here.

Great American Cleanup Coming Up

Globe Clean and Beautiful is asking Gila County Supervisors and Town Mayors to proclaim the week of April 19 as Great American Cleanup Week in honor of Earth Day. To join in, gather friends, your church group, your family or your classroom and select a project. This can be removing graffitti, picking up litter or a beautification project. If you would like your participation included in the Great American Cleanup report, contact Sharon Winters with Globe Clean and Beautiful or Fernando Shipley at Globe City Hall.
Greenwaste fees at the landfill will be waived on Saturday, April 18 to help groups with their projects. Greenwaste includes tree limbs, weeds, brush and leaves.
For assistance with clearing your property of debris, applications are available from the City of Globe, the Town of Miami, the Chamber of Commerce or the Gila County Planning and Zoning Office.
For information, to volunteer or report your group project, call Sharon Winters at 402-8531.

Police Log

Last night Globe Police contacted 44 year old Todd Hamlet at a residence on Prickly Pear. Hamlet needed medical treatment at the time and was taken to Cobre Valley Hospital. After he was released, Hamlet was charged with aggravated assault and resisting arrest.

22 year old Ashley Frantom was arrested yesterday on a charge of fraudulent schemes.

A 67 year old Phoenix man was arrested by the Gila County Sheriff’s Office yesterday after brandishing a weapon to some children at Roosevelt Lake.

Deputies issued an Attempt to Locate for 30 year old Rhea Tucker after a domestic incident on Montecito Drive.

Globe Police are investigating a report of a stolen vehicle taken early this morning at the Circle K on 7th Street; a report of intimidation at High Desert Middle School; and a burglary from a residence on S. Third Street.

Obituary

Henry Zaye, Jr. of San Carlos passed away Tuesday at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix. He was 57. He is survived by his brothers Marston Zaye, Sr. and Mark Zaye, Sr.
The wake for Henry Zaye, Jr. is Sunday at 7:am at the Marston Zaye residence in Bylas. The funeral is Sunday at 1:pm at Lighthouse Assembly of God Church.

Brewer Establishes Stimulus Website

Governor Jan Brewer has launched a new Web site dedicated to providing information on the federal stimulus dollars made available to Arizona through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. It is intended to help citizens track expenditures in an open, accountable and transparent manner. The funds will be used to create jobs and promote economic growth. Future capabilities being determined for the web site include: a breakdown of all stimulus funds released to Arizona; state and federal press releases on the stimulus package; search services and applications for grants.The site will update and add information as it becomes available. The new web site is at www.azrecovery.gov.

Gila Historical Society Meets Friday

The annual meeting and election of Gila County Historical Society officers will be held tomorrow night (Friday) 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. The public is invited to attend.

Gas Prices Continue to Drop Statewide

Arizona gasoline prices have fallen for the fourth straight week. AAA Arizona says motorists are paying an average of slightly more than $1.94 for a gallon of regular unleaded. That’s a decrease of more than four cents since last week and the lowest average pump price in six weeks. The national average dropped almost two cents to $1.92 a gallon. Here in Globe-Miami, the average price is around $1.95.

Phoenix Mayor to Visit Miami

Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon will visit Miami this Sunday. Gordon will meet privately with Miami Mayor Chuy Canizales and representatives of Freeport McMoran at 10:am. This will be followed by a tour of the Miami Collection System and possibly the treatment facility. Gordon will meet at 11:20 with other elected officials in the Globe-Miami and San Carlos area. Miami Mayor Canizales says Gordon recognizes the need for technical support and assistance for rural Arizona communities and is receptive to lending the resources of the state’s largest city.

Evaporative Cooler Tune-Up and Repair Program

The Low Income Evaporative Cooler Tune-up and Repair Program is available once again through the Gila County Housing Service. Residents 60 or over, or those under 60 with a disability may qualify for this assistance. The program is for people who do not have the resources or family and friends to help them with startup or repairs of their evaporative coolers. Applications are being taken by telephone and in person by contacting the Gila County Housing Office at 425-7631.

Police Log

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested 49 year old Connie Bruccheri on warrants for possession of marijuana for sale and possession of dangerous drugs for sale.

A juvenile was referred by Globe Police for underage consumption in connection with an incident that occurred Tuesday at the Globe Education Center.

Officers are investigating a hit and run non-injury accident in the Cobre Valley Hospital parking lot; disorderly conduct at Domino’s Pizza; a theft at Copper Country Mobile Home Park; and criminal damage to a vehicle at Copper Country Mobile Home Park.

Nobody was hurt in a two vehicle accident late yesterday morning at Highway 60 and Main Street. One vehicle was pulling a boat.

Globe Police received a 911 call last night about somebody burning brush in the area of Bucky O’Neal. An 11 year old boy was contacted and referred for reckless burning. He was released to the custody of his mother.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a theft report taken at a residence on Euclid Loop.

Obituary

Lisa Renee Martel of Globe passed away Tuesday at Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn. She was 48. She is survived by 3 daughters, including Megan Crawford of Globe; 2 sisters, including Brena Kennedy-Van Drome of Globe; 3 brothers; her companion Jesse Horta; and 5 grandchildren.
A Memorial Service for Lisa Martel will be held Saturday at 11:am at the Dream Manor Inn in Globe.

Solar Scout Program Trains Unemployed Workers for 'Green' Job

MSNBC reports that many local, state and federal government agencies are developing “green” training programs for laid off workers. To help with this process, the Arizona Solar Power Society has developed several entry level solar training programs that will provide a way to get a start in the solar energy industry. The Solar Scout Program teaches workers how to use Google Earth to look for south or west facing rooftops by zip code, and then use solar direct mail marketing programs to alert customers about the benefits of solar heating systems. Qualifiesd leads are then sold to solar installation companies for a commission. Workers can sign up for these free training programs at www.meetup.com/arizona-solar-power-society/calendar.
The Arizona Solar Power Society is also seeking funds to establish professional solar installation training centers around the state that would generate more than 10,000 jobs.

Brewer Reestablishes State Parks Task Force

Governor Jan Brewer has signed an Executive Order to reestablish the Governor’s Sustainable State Parks Task Force, which will begin work immediately.
The Sustainable State Parks Task Force was originally created in 2008 by executive order, but no progress has been made to date. Governor Brewer has re-assembled a group of leaders from across the state to provide recommendations for the future of Arizona State Parks. The deadline for their recommendations is October 31.

Lee Kornegay Parent/Teacher Conferences

Lee Kornegay School is having Parent/Teacher Conferences Thursday from 4 to 7:pm in the school library. Classes will be dismissed at 12:Noon.

Bill Targets Teacher Contracts

Arizona teachers may not learn until June if school districts plan to renew their contracts. The Arizona House Appropriations Committee has voted to eliminate a requirement that districts notify teachers whose jobs may be eliminated by budget cuts by April 15. The Arizona Republic says district officials have told lawmakers that the budget picture for the next fiscal year won’t be clear enough next month to determine accurately what layoffs may be necessary. The Arizona Education Association opposes the bill because it would give teachers less time to look for new jobs.

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SR 77 Work Extends to Weekends

The Arizona Department of Transportation is widening a two mile segment of State Route 77 between Winkelman and Globe.
Beginning Saturday, March 28, construction crews will haul materials on weekends from 6:am to 6:pm. A pilot vehicle will escort traffic through the project. Expect delays of up to 30 minutes.
The highway will continue to be closed for blasting operations Monday through Friday from 6:am to 6:pm. Construction is expected to continue until mid-May.
State Route 77 will be open every night from 6:pm until 6:am for restricted northbound and southbound travel. One lane will be open, with traffic signals at each end of the work zone to control one way traffic.
Road conditions and restrictions information can be found by dialing 511 or visiting ADOT’s travel information site at www.az511.com.

Police Log

Gila County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a one vehicle rollover on Bixby Road shortly after midnight. No one was around the vehicle when deputies arrived. The driver--22 year old Michael Barber--was contacted at his residence and arrested for DUI.

Nobody was hurt in a three vehicle accident yesterday around noon on Highway 60 at Kaiser Crossing. One driver was issued a citation.

A kitchen fire was quickly put out by Globe Fire Department yesterday evening at a residence on Sunset Drive.

Globe PD received numerous calls about a man in a hospital gown crossing Highway 60 near Fry’s. A records check showed that the man was listed as a missing person from Pinal County. The man was arrested for an open container.

Two juveniles were arrested for aggravated assault yesterday afternoon after a disturbance at Globe Education Center.

A 37 year old New Mexico man was arrested for extreme DUI and indecent exposure shortly after midnight at a business on Highway 60.

Obituary

Mark Loren Upshaw of Peridot passed away Saturday at San Carlos Hospital. He was 34. He is survived by his children Jalen, Jaden and Jacob Upshaw; his father Frederick; his mother Marylita Upshaw; his companion Stephanie Steele; 6 sisters and 4 brothers.
The wake for Mark Upshaw will be Friday at 4:pm at the Frederick Upshaw residence. The funeral is Saturday at 1:pm at Burdette Hall.

Veterans Clinic Shuttle to Phoenix

Starting March 30, there will be a shuttle service from Globe to the Veterans Medical Center in Phoenix. The shuttle will start at the Globe Clinic at 7:30am on Mondays and Wednesdays and stop in Superior at 8:am. The shuttle will return as soon as the patients’ appointments are completed, but no later than 1:30pm. Wheelchair access is not available for this service. Veterans should call seven days ahead of time to schedule their rides. Call 602-277-5551, ext. 7451.

Pinto Valley Project Blasts

The next blasts on the US 60 Pinto Valley project are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday at 10:30am and 2:30pm. Drivers can expect delays of up to 30 minutes following each blast. There may also be brief delays at other times during the day.

Globe School Board Meets Wednesday

The Globe School Board meets Wedneday at 6:pm at the Mofford Activity Center. The agenda includes a presentation on the Globe Unified School District Archive Project and an update on district events. The Board will consider approving salary schedules for the next school year and district instructional calendars for the next two years.

Miami Looking For Volunteer Fire Fighters

The Town of Miami is looking for trained fire fighters to start forming a Volunteer Fire Department. Gila Community College is trying to arrange scholarships for people who need training and certification. The sign up lists are at Miami Town Hall. You don’t have to be a resident of Miami to be a volunteer.

Globe Alumni Picnic April 4

The Globe High School Alumni Picnic will be held on Saturday, April 4, at the Indian School Park in Scottsdale. It starts at 11:am. The cost is $12 a person, children under 10 are $6. This includes a fried chicken meal, a volleyball game and door prizes. RSVP by calling Cathi Nugent at 480-946-5966.

Gas Prices Likely to Stay Low This Summer

The Houston Chronicle says a combination of big oil supplies and drivers putting fewer miles on their cars will probably keep gasoline prices low through the summer. One expert says prices could even drop to $1.75 a gallon by April. The poor business climate may keep gasoline prices from rising as much as they usually do during the spring and summer months. It is not certain that lower than normal prices will encourage Americans to start using more gasoline again. In recent years, Americans have begun to drive less and make other fuel-saving changes.

Wildland Firefighters Attend Academy in Prescott

About 900 current and future wildland firefighters from 27 states are in Prescott to learn about wildfires. The seventh annual Arizona Wildfire & Incident Management Academy is the largest firefighting school in the state. Classes began Saturday and continue until Friday.

Miami Council Asks Residents to Help With Fire Prevention

The Miami Town Council has issued a press release concerning the current fire protection situation. The Council says it is doing everything it can to ensure the most efficient fire protection possible while protecting the assets and financial abilities of the town. The Town of Miami has enlisted the cooperation of the City of Globe and the Globe Fire Department. Globe Fire Department is monitoring and testing the fire hydrants within the town limits and will conduct fire inspections. The Council says it is working to either establish a new agreement with Tri City Fire Department or set up a local volunteer fire department. In the meantime, they ask Miami residents to do everything they can to minimize the potential for fires. This includes clearing away dry foliage, undergrowth or piles of debris that may be close to your home or a structure. Report fire hazards to the Town Hall or Miami Police Department. The Council also urges you to make sure you have a working fire alarm system in your home and to create a plan for emergency evacuation in case of fire.

Police Log

One person was flown out by Air E Vac after a single vehicle rollover accident around 1:00 this morning.

Miami Police arrested 29 year old Crystal Warren for assault/domestic violence.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office Task Force arrested 49 year old Luther Pearce for possession of dangerous drugs.

Apache Junction Police arrested 42 year old John Smith of Globe on a child support warrant.

The Sheriff’s Office is investigating a report of threats taken at Miami High School; the theft of a washing machine from a residence on Pinal View Drive; and a report of a broken car window at the Gila County Courthouse.

Globe Police are investigating a report of an assault of a juvenile near Globe High School.

Obituary

Emma Allmendinger of Globe passed away Sunday at Heritage Health Care Center. She was 96. She is survived by her son; 3 daughters, including Sylvia Roberts of Miami; 2 sisters; her half sister; 5 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.
Visitation for Emma Allmendinger will be Friday at 9:30am at Miles Funeral Services Globe. The funeral is at 10:00, with interment at Mountain View Memorial Gardens in Mesa.

Report Says Arizona Needs to Do More For Child Care

A new report shows that Arizona has made progress in providing healthy and safe child care, but more needs to be done. The National Association of Child Care Agencies ranks Arizona 24th among the states. Some of Arizona’s weaknesses include the fact that child care center directors are not required to have college degrees and teachers only need a high school diploma or GED.
The Arizona Daily Star reports that the average score was 83 out of 150 points, which the association says translates into an “F.” Arizona scored 87 points. But the state Office of Child Care Licensing says it found a few inaccuracies in the report.

Arizona Better Than Most States with Online Records

An audit released Sunday on the availability of online public records found that Arizona provides better records than 35 other states. Fourteen out of 20 types of records surveyed were available online. For example, the Tucson Citizen reports that Arizonans can find out through an Internet search if their doctor or attorney has been cited by state authorities. But you won’t be able to find data on teacher certifications or school safety reports. The survey was conducted by the Associated Press and its member newspapers in partnership with the National Freedom of Information Coalition and other organizations. It was part of the Sunshine Week campaign. Sunshine Week is designed to show the importance of open government and freedom of information.

Supervisors Meet Tuesday

The Gila County Board of Supervisors meets Tuesday at 10:am at the Gila County Courthouse. There are several public hearings on Planning and Zoning Department cases and a Public Hearing on an amendment to the Gila County Building Code. The agenda also includes a Resolution creating a Census 2010 Complete Count Committee for Gila County.

Asarco Proposes $1.1 Billion for Cleanups

Asarco mining company has submitted a proposal to pay at least $1.1 billion to settle the last of its major environmental liabilities across the country. The Arizona Daily Star reports that the company faces nearly $8 billion in such claims from government agencies seeking payment for environmental cleanup and from individuals who say they were damaged by asbestos-based products of an Asarco unit. Asarco says that if the proposal is approved by the US bankruptcy court in Corpus Christi, it would be the largest environmental settlement in history. This is the latest attempt by the copper company to emerge from bankruptcy and sever its connection with parent company Grupo Mexico. Grupo Mexico is expected to object to the settlement and to the proposed sale of Asarco to an India-based company.

Copper Rim Book Fair This Week

The Copper Rim Library is having their Spring Book Fair this week. The hours are 7:45am until 3:30pm. On Thursday they will continue until 7:pm.

State Transportation Board Approves Funding for 41 Highway Projects

The State Transprtation Board decided on Friday to move forward with 41 highway projects with federal funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The board narrowed down a list of more than 100 ready-to-go projects statewide. The approved projects include pavement preservation on US 60 from Miami to McMillan Wash and shoulder widening on State Route 87 between Payson and Pine.
The Arizona Department of Transportation will receive about $350 million in economic recovery funds. The projects are estimated to create more than 13,000 jobs statewide.

Miami Council Meets at 6:30

Miami Town Council meets tonight at 6:30. The agenda includes discussion and possible action on starting a volunteer fire department sign up list. The Council will discuss dedicating the gazebo at Miami Memorial Park to the late Sipie Martinez and amending the long term lease for the restoration and use of the Fitzpatrick/Barcon building.

Globe Council Meets Monday (Revised)

Globe City Council meets tonight (Monday) at 6:00. The agenda includes a request to approve the proposed training partner and related agreement with the National Indian Council on Aging. This is to facilitate the on the job training opportunity for one of their selected trainees to assist at the Globe Senior Center at no cost to the City.
The meeting also includes a staff presentation about proposals to develop the comprehensive Northeast Globe Area Plan. The plan would guide Globe’s future growth along the US 60 route to Show Low within the City Limits. Another presentation is about the proposals received by Globe to launch and develop the City’s Web site.
The staff will give a presentation about the proposed new job classification of “Deputy Librarian” to replace the existing job classification of “Library Assistant,” in recognition of significant changes in the Globe Public Library service environment.
Salvation Army Captain Gary Smith will share ideas on possible ways to help homeless and transient people within the City Limits.

Police Log

Canyon Fire and Tri City ambulance responded to an ATV accident last night near Beer Tree crossing. One person was air lifted to a Valley hospital. The case is under investigation.

Globe Police arrested 27 year old Samantha Kovach and 25 year old Terry Vinsant for shoplifting at the Claypool Safeway.

On Saturday officers arrested 40 year old Maria Dodson for disorderly conduct after a fight at a residence on Devereaux.

Three people were cited for disorderly conduct after a fight Saturday night at the Drift Inn.

Gila County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 19 year old Kyle Dickey Saturday on a warrant for failure to comply on charges of harasssment.

24 year old Francisco Martinez was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear on charges of assault.

47 year old Robert Dalgarn was arrested on a warrant for failure to comply on a charge of possession of marijuana.

A deputy recovered a stolen laptop while conducting a followup investigation on a violation of a court order report that occurred on Friday. The laptop was reported stolen from Miami High School in December.