Kirkpatrick Amendment Helps Communities Get Wildfire Assistance

The US House of Representatives has approved an amendment to the Federal Land Assistance, Management and Enhancement Act. The amendment was introduced by First District Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick. It is intended to help cut through red tape to make it easier for cities and towns to receive federal funds to combat wildfires. The amendment allows communities in wildfire prone areras that make a good faith effort to prepare for the season to access necessary resources by allowing them to be declared “fire ready.” This makes them eligible for Firefighting Capability Grants.
Under the original terms of the bill, communities would have had to meet five different criteria. The FLAME Act establishes a fund dedicated solely to suppressing wildfires, which has taken up nearly half the Forest Service’s budget in recent years, forcing cuts in other vital programs. The bill now goes to the US Senate.

Pump Prices Tighten as Oil Rises

Arizona gasoline prices tightened up this week as crude oil prices reached new highs for the year. Statewide, motorists are paying an average of $1.935 for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline. That’s a dcrease of less than a penny fom last week. Prices in Globe-Miami are around $1.92.
AAA says the price of crude oil rose this week to its highest level in almost four months, pushed largely by a rally in the stock market. Crude prices have increased more than 20% since the beginning of the year.

Pinto Valley Project Blasts Next Week

The next blasts on the US 60 Pinto Valley project are scheduled for Monday (March 30) through Thursday of next week. There will be two or three blasts each day. The first blast will be around 10:am and the last blast will be 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.

Dark 'Earth Hour' Intends to Enlighten

Millions of people around the world will be celebrating Earth Hour tomorrow (Saturday) from 8:30 until 9:30pm, their local time. People are asked to turn off non-essential lighting, gaze at the stars and reflect on the connection between energy use and the health of the planet. Emergency lighting, televisions and computers can stay on. The main point of Earth Hour is to unite people, companies and governments around the world through the symbolic flip of a switch. It is not a black out. It is a symbolic, voluntary power down of non-essential, decorative lighting.
More than 2500 cities in 82 countries are participating. That's quadruple the number that participated last year.
The international event was started two years ago by the World Wildlife Fund. The group has persuaded countries around the globe to dim the lights on their most iconic buildings. Scheduled to go dim or totally dark are the Eiffel Tower, Niagra Falls, the Las Vegas Strip, Manhatten’s Broadway, the Golden Gate Bridge and many others. Many locations are having star parties and other special events.



Click here for a list of fun things to do during the “dark hour.”

Police Log

Globe Police arrested 46 year old George Moran yesterday for shoplifting at Auto Zone.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a domestic disturbance last night at a residence on Cooley Ranch Road.

Obituaries

Dorothy Jean Smith passed away Tuesday at her home in Globe. Sh was 78. She is survived by her companion Ray Gonzales; 2 sons; and 3 grandchildren.
A graveside service for Dorothy Smith will be held this morning (Friday) at 10:00 at Mt. Breeze Memorial Gardens in Miami.

Eva K. Kentera passed away Monday. She was 102. She is survived by 3 children; 7 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
Visitation for Eva Kentera will be Monday from 9 to 10:am at Miles Funeral Services Miami. A graveside service will be held Monday at 11:am at Serbian Cemetery in Central Heights.
Memorial donations may be made to the Serbian Cemetery.

Former Miami resident Richard Campos passed away last week. He was 55. He is survived by 2 children; 5 grandchildren; 2 brothers; and 2 sisters.
Visitation for “Rick” Campos will be held Monday from 12:30 until 2:pm at Community Church of New Thought in Mesa. Also on Wednesday at 9:am at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Miami. Rosary is at 9:30 and the Funeral Mass at 10:am.

Congress Approves Protection of Arizona Public Lands

After years of debate, the US Congress has passed legislation that permanently protects more than 3.3 million acres of public lands in Arizona. The bill now goes to the president for his expected signature. The legislation designates more than 2 million acres of wilderness in nine other states and establishes or expands several national parks. The bill also permanently recognizes more than 850 federal sites nationwide under the National Landcape Conservation System, such as national monuments, wilderness areas and scenic trails. The Arizona Republic reports that the most watched provision of the bill in Arizona is the addition of Fossil Creek to the national list of Wild and Scenic Rivers.
Passage of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act means that it will be much harder for industrial or commercial development to take place at monuments in Arizona.
Republicans say the bill will cost jobs and shut off access to natural gas deposits.

Globe Sanitation Department Begins Summer Hours on Monday

The City of Globe Sanitation Department will begin summer hours on Monday, March 30. Summer hours are 6:am to 2:30pm.
Globe residents will need to put their garbage out one hour earlier to ensure pickup.

Besh Ba Gowah Open House This Weekend

Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park is celebrating Arizona Archaeology Awareness Month this weekend with an Open House on Saturday and Sunday. Park admission is free on Saturday but returns to $3 general admission on Sunday. Events include guided tours both days at 10:am and 2:pm.

'Shoot and Scoot' Immuniztion Clinic on Saturday

The Gila County Health Department presents the "Shoot and Scoot" Immunization Clinic on Saturday for working parents. It will be from 8:am until Noon at the Gila County Health Department Office on Apache Avenue.
W.I.C. will also be available.

San Carlos Transportation Study Public Meetings

The San Carlos Apache Tribe Planning and Economic Development Department will hold two public meetings on Saturday. 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.

First ADOT Economic Recovery Projects Advance This Week

The first round of state highway construction projects to be advanced by federal economic recovery funds will be advertised for bids this week. The Arizona Department of Transportation says these 14 projects are the first of 41 projects that have been approved by the State Transportation Board. Among the first 14 projects are safety improvements to State Route 87 between Payson and Pine in Gila County.
The remaining economic recovery projects will be advertised in the near future. They include pavement preservation on US 60 between Miami and McMillan Wash. All transportation projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act must be completed within three years.

Miami School Board Meets Tonight

Miami School Board meets tonight (Thursday) at 6:30pm in the Miami High School Library. The agenda includes a Work Session to discuss budget issues and possible action on employee and retiree insurance, closing Lee Kornegay Middle School, and school position cuts and changes.

Police Log

One driver was taken to Cobre Valley Community Hospital after a two vehicle accident yesterday morning at the Highway 60 and 188 junction. A driver was cited for failure to stop for a red light.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested 19 year old Joshua Robles on a warrant for assault/domestic violence.

A Gila County Task Force agent arrested 48 year old Jesse James on a warrant for assault and domestic violence.

A deputy was dispatched to the Department of Motor Vehicles for an altered VIN number on a quad. The vehicle was impounded for further investigation. 45 year old Mitchell Moffett was arrested for false reporting.

Globe Police are investigating a burglary from a vehicle at the Wendy’s/Shell station

Bill Would Cut License Frame Fines

A bill to reduce the fines for covering the word “Arizona” on license plates has won preliminary approval in the Arizona House. The Arizona Daily Star reports that District 5 Representative Bill Konopnicki says he wasn’t able to get legislators to completely repeal the statute that was passed last year. But the new bill would reduce the fine for the first offense in any 12 month period to $30 The proposal also says a police officer cannot pull someone over just for an illegal license plate frame. Citations can only be issued if the motorist is pulled over for some other reason. Konopnicki says this is an issue of personal property rights.

Safe Home Network Meets Thursday

The Gila County Safe Home Network is holding its monthly meeting tomorrow (Thursday) from 10:30 until 11:30am at Joe’s Broad Street Grill. The Safe Home Network is a coalition of groups, agencies and individuals who deal with or who are interested in the prevention of domestic violence in Gila County.

Selling Turtles is Illegal

The Gila County Health Department reminds the public that it is illegal to sell turtles. Turtles have salmonella in their intestinal tracts. The salmonella can spread to children who handle the turtles and then put their hands in their mouths. There have been several cases in the past few months. The common factor has been children who have handled turtles for sale. If you see someone selling turtles, get their name and license plate number and contact Joe Kline at the Gila County Health Department. The number is 402-8669.

Food Handler Training in Bylas

A Food Handler Training Class will be held at the Bylas Head Start on Friday, April 3, at 10:am. For information contact the Office of Environmental Health and Engineering at 475-7213.

Obituary

Former Globe resident Jennifer (Palmer) Horta passed away last week at Banner Desert Medical Center. She was 39.
Funeral services for Jennifer (Palmer) Horta will be held Saturday at 11:am at Desert Cross Lutheran Church in Tempe.
An education fund has been established for Jennifer's daughter Ashlea c/o Desert Cross Lutheran Church, 8600 S. McClintock, Tempe, AZ 85284

Globe Parks and Recreation Committee Meets Tonight

The City of Globe Parks and Recreation Committee meets tonight at 7:00. They’ll discuss a possible new pool and discuss fees for the use of lights at the City’s ball fields.

Miami Public Hearing Tonight

The Town of Miami is holding a Public Hearing tonight (Wednesday) at 6:30 about the rate increase for sewer, garbage and trash services.

Police Log

There was an accident yesterday morning at Kaiser Crossing involving a semi truck and a passenger car. One driver was cited for making an unsafe lane change. He was taken to Cobre Valley Community Hospital.

An ATV rolled over late yesterday afternoon at Copper Country Mobile Home Park. The driver was treated at the scene and then taken to Cobre Valley Hospital.

Miami Police arrested 20 year old Brandon Warren for theft and possession of stolen property.

Gila County Task Force arrested 20 year old Joshua Anderson for false reporting to law enforcement and warrants for disorderly conduct and shoplifting.

Globe Police are investigating a report of a forged check and a burglary at a residence on South Hill Street.

Obituaries

Harold Adam Cook of San Carlos passed away Sunday at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix. He was 25. He is survived by his mother and stepfather Margo and Aloysius Cruz; his girlfriend Talia Chatlin; his brothers Ethan and Jonah Cruz; his sisters Alicia, Elize and Lendra Cruz; and his grandmother Nell Cook.
The wake for Harold Cook will be Sunday at 4:pm at Nell Cook’s residence. The funeral is Monday at 2:pm at San Carlos Miracle Church.

Pete DeAnda passed away Monday at his home in Miami. He was 82. He is survived by 2 daughters, including Linda Pastor; his son; 6 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
Visitation for Pete DeAnda will be Monday at 9:am at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church. Rosary is at 9:30. The funeral is Monday at 10:am.

Lupe Vasquez Yanez passed away Tuesday at her home in Globe. She was 92. She is survived by 3 sons, including John Yanez; 2 daughters; her sister Margaret Sanchez; 3 brothers, including Joe Vasquez of Globe; 21 grandchildren; 49 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren.
Visitation for Lupe Yanez will be Sunday at 6:pm at Lamont Mortuary (Correction.)Rosary is at 7:30pm Sunday at Holy Angels Catholic Church. The funeral is Monday at 10:am.
The family suggests that donations may be made in Lupe’s name to the Gila Community Food Bank.

Next 'First Friday' Program on April 3

The next First Friday program presented by the Bullion Plaza Museum and the Gila County Historical Museum will be on Friday, April 3. Richard and Sherry Magnum will present a program on Arizona’s historic Route 66. It will be at the Miami Memorial Library, starting at 6:pm. The program is free and will be followed by light refreshments.

Veterans Counselor at DES Office on Wednesday

Veterans Benefits Counselor Valerie Williams will be at the Globe Department of Economic Security office tomorrow (Wednesday) from 9:am until 3:pm. If you need help with medical ratings and benefits, disability claims and pensions, healthcare, records requests, home loans or information about education and training benefits, call 928-425-3101, ext. 1008 for an appointment.

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 tomorrow night (Wednesday) from 7 to 9:pm. For information, contact the Gila County Division of Emergency Management.

Lawmakers Invite Your Budget Ideas

Arizona’s budget problems are so bad that state lawmakers are asking the public for ideas about what to do about it. Republicans announced at a news conference on Monday that they have a worksheet that eliminates about $2.5 billion of the expected $3 billion shortfall. They say they will post a link on the Legislature’s Web site where you can email ideas on how to fix the budget without raising taxes. Until the state Senate sets up its email link, Sen. Pamela Gorman of Anthem invites you to send ideas to her at pgorman@azleg.gov.

Arizona Could Lose Stimulus Money

State officials say Arizona could lose $1.6 billion in federal stimulus funding. A federal agency has determined that Arizona is not in compliance with a prohibition against health care rollbacks. The Arizona Republic reports that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has determined that the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System violates a stimulus program prohibition against tightened eligibility standards. AHCCCS requires that some enrollees requalify every six months instead of once a year. The federal agency has given Arizona until July 1 to make corrections. Governor Jan Brewer has asked the US Department of Health and Human Services to reverse the determination. She says Arizona’s requirement is not restrictive but merely a matter of timing.

Police Log

Globe Police arrested 23 year old Daniel Alvarez for domestic violence/assault after a disturbance yesterday morning at a residence on High Street.

22 year old Daniel Allen was arrested for domestic disorderly conduct after an incident at Cedar and Pine.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested 53 year old Catherine Sharpe after she was treated for a leg injury yesterday evening at Cobre Valley Community Hospital. Sharpe had been involved in an incident earlier in the day at Apache Gild Casino RV Park. She was charged with criminal damage and domestic violence.

A deputy recovered a motorcycle that had been reported stolen last week from a residence near the Fairgrounds.

A Globe Police officer took a report of a possible burglary from a residence on Tonto Street.

Obituaries

Norina J. Bendle of San Carlos passed away Thursday at Banner Baywood Medical Center in Mesa. She was 39. She is survived by her sons Myron and Jaylan Bendle; her daughters Adreana and Karina Bendle; and her parents Wilma and Leonard Gilbert.
The wake for Norina Bendle will be Friday at 4:pm at the Gilbert residence in San Carlos.
The funeral is Saturday at 10:am at St. Charles Catholic Church.

Marion Norman of San Carlos passed away Frisday at Trillium Specialty Hospital in Mesa. She was 57. She is survived by her sons Anthony and Hardy Norman; her daughter Leticia Black; 4 sisters; 4 brothers; 10 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.
The wake for Marion Norman will be Saturday at 6:30am at the Norman residence. The funeral is Saturday at 1:30pm at Burdette Hall in San Carlos.

Marion McKelvy passed away Saturday at Heritage Health Care Center. She was 76. She is survived by her husband Forrest; her son; 2 daughters; 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
A Memorial Service for Marion McKelvy will be held Thursday at 11:am at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.
Donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

You Tube Video of the Day

School assignment to reinterpret the fairytale Little Red Riding Hood.
Inspired by Röyksopps-Remind Me.

Supervisors Meet Tuesday

The Gila County Board of Supervisors meets tomorrow morning (Tuesday) at 10:00. There will be a Public Hearing on a Planning and Zoning Department case. The Supervisors will discuss and possibly act on a letter supporting the consolidation of the Globe and Miami School Districts. They will also consider authorizing a letter of support for the Gila County Safe Home that will accompany a grant application to the Arizona Department of Health Services. And they will proclaim April as Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month and Court Appointed Special Advocate Volunteer Recognition Month.

HHS Announces Additional Funding for Hospitals Serving Uninsured Americans

The US Department of Health and Human Services has announced that Arizona will have access to an additional $2.5 million authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help pay hospitals to treat uninsured Americans. Eligible hospitals are those that serve a disproportionate share of low income and uninsured individuals. Acting HHS Secretary Charles Johnson says the additional funding will help make sure that hospitals can keep their doors open to the people who need care most.

Opponents Speak Out Against Fireworks Bill

Fire officials and a foundation that helps burn victims are speaking out against a bill that would legalize consumer grade fireworks in Arizona. Phoenix Fire Department officials say explosions and people being burned and injured could become more frequent if the bill is passed. The Arizona Daily Star reports that Assistant Phoenix Fire Chief Bobby Ruiz says there isn’t a lot of difference in explosive power between basic fireworks and the professional grade.
The bill’s sponsor—Representative Andy Biggs of Gilbert—says “it’s time for Arizona to get rid of the ‘nanny state’ and allow consumers to purchase fireworks as defined in federal code.”

Globe Council Meets Tonight

Globe City Council meets tonight (Monday) at 6:00, following a Public Hearing on Community Development Block Grants. There will be a special presentation on the proposal by the Globe-Miami School Districts’ Consolidation Committee. The Council will consider approving a $27,000 grant application to purchase computer equipment and related services and supplies for the Globe Public Library. The agenda also includes an amendment to the Interim Emergency Fire Service Agrrement with the Town of Miami.

Police Log

Miami Police arrested 19 year old Darold Baylish and 18 year old Ivana Dia for domestic violence, assault and underage consumption.
31 year old Israel Rodriguez was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear on a charge of unlawful flight.

On Saturday Globe Police arrested 20 year old Shawn Hinton at a traffic stop for driving under the influence of drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested 36 year old Patrick Weaver at a traffic stop for failure to register as a sex offender and for driving with a suspended license.

The Sheriff’s Office is investigating a report of harassment taken at a residence on Short Street.

Globe Police are investigating a report of shoplifting at the Gas and Go Store.