Arizona Supreme Court Seizes Control of Globe Regional Court

The Arizona Supreme Court has seized control of the Globe Regional Justice Court. The Arizona Supreme Court issued an Administrative Order giving oversight of the day to day operations of the Globe Regional Court to Presiding Superior Court Judge Peter Cahill. At Cahill’s request, the Administrative Office of the Courts conducted an operational and financial assessment on March 11-13. The results showed numerous cases of processing inefficiencies, causing significant delays in issuing warrants, setting trials and hearings, and other activities. The financial management portion of the review identified multiple instances of noncompliance with Minimum Accounting Standards. The Administrative Order reassigns Judge Patty Nolan to perform only duties assigned by Judge Cahill.

Globe Council Meets Monday

Globe City Council meets Monday night at 6:00. The Council will consider and possibly authorize Globe’s application for 2009 Community Development Block Grant funds. They will also consider and possibly appoint former mayor Stanley Gibson to represent Globe at the Central Arizona Association of Governments Management Committee meetings and the Transportation Technical Advisory Committee.

Bill Would Expand Anti-Drug Trafficking Program to Include Arizona District One

Arizona Representative Ann Kirkpatrick has introduced a bill in the US House of Representatives that expands an anti-drug trafficking program to include District One law enforcement. The bill gives local, state, and tribal law enforcement new access to resources and information, helping them to shut down drug trafficking routes through the First Congressional District. The Southwest Border Narcotics Reduction Act will add seven Arizona counties to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program run by the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Eight of Arizona’s 15 counties are already part of the program. The bill brings Gila, Graham, Greenlee, Apache, Coconino, Navajo and Yavapai Counties into the program. Kirkpatrick says that the HIDTA program has been extremely successful in the Arizona counties already enrolled. Meth seizures in those counties fell by almost 40% over two years, and cocaine seizures dropped by almost a third.


(High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas)

Arizona Pump Prices Among the Lowest in the Country

Arizona’s gasoline prices are continuing to stabilize and are among the lowest in the country. Statewide, motorists are paying slightly less than $1.94 for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline. That’s an increase of less than one half cent from last week. Globe-Miami prices are around $1.93. The nationwide average continues to inch upward to $2.045, an increase of nearly four cents from last week. AAA says that in addition to calming crude oil prices, Arizona has additional gasoline supplies available due to a significant drop in fuel consumption in California.

US 60 Pinto Valley Blasting Alert

The next blasts on the US 60 Pinto Valley project are scheduled for today (Friday). There will be two or three blasts, with the first blast 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.

San Carlos Apache Tribe Dedicates Renovation of Ernest Stanley Memorial Hall

The San Carlos Apache Tribal Council invites everyone to the dedication ceremony for the renovation and expansion of the Ernest Stanley Memorial Hall tomorrow (Saturday) at 10:am in Bylas.

7-Mile Spring Fling on Saturday

The 7-Mile Spring Fling will be held at Mahsill Park tomorrow (Saturday) . It kicks off with a walk at 6:30am. The first 50 people who sign up will receive a T-shirt. Other activities include a co-ed softball tournament, a horse shoe tournanment, co-ed volleyball tournament and a 3 on 3 basketball tournament. There will be games for the children and an Easter Egg Hunt, and also a gospel singspiration in the evening.

First Friday Program Highlights Route 66

Tonight's First Friday program sponsored by the Bullion Plaza Museum and the Gila County Historical Museum features Richard and Sherry Magnum. They will present a program on Arizona’s historic Route 66. It’s at the Miami Memorial Library, starting at 6:pm. The program includes lots of old photographs, maps and colorful illustrations. It’s free and will be followed by light refreshments.

Police Log

One person received a neck injury in a two vehicle accident yesterday morning at Story Street and Russell Road. One car was disabled and was towed away by Action Towing.

Nobody was hurt in a hit and run accident involving two vehicles that occurred early yesterday afternoon on North Broad Street. One vehicle left the scene of the accident. The case is being investigated.

A man was taken to Cobre Valley Community Hospital last night with a non life threatening stab wound to his abdomen. At first the man reported that it was self inflicted, but he later decided that he wanted to file charges against another person who apparently caused the injury. The case is under investigation.

Obituaries

James Hilliard of Globe passed away Monday at Heritage Health Care Center. He was 74. He is survived by 3 daughters, including Karen Mediz of Globe; 3 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
Services for James Hilliard will be private.

Former Globe resident Louise Cubitto Gibbs passed away February 8 in Sun City. She is survived by three daughters, including Claudia Cubitto of Globe; her mother; six siblings, including Claudia Sue Armer of Globe; 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
A memorial celebrating the life of Louise Cubitto will take place at the home of Claudia Sue and John Armer on Saturday, April 11 at 12:30pm.

Flu Vaccine Still Available

The Gila County Health Department announces that flu vaccine is still available. Children’s flu shots are free. Adult flu shots are $30 or free with proof of Medicare Part B. For information call 402-8811..

Obituary

Belinda Louise Patten of Peridot passed away last week at Kindred Hospital in Phoenix. She was 66. She is survived by her sons Sam, Cleon and Hugh Patten and Nathaniel Kenton; her daughter Carolinda; her brother Daniel McIntosh; 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
The wake for Belinda Patton is today (Friday) at 4:pm at the Patton residence. The funeral is Saturday at 2:pm at San Carlos Miracle Church.

New Hours For Miami Library

Starting next week, the Miami Memorial Library will have new hours of operation. The library will be open from 10:30am until 6:pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; 10:30am until 5:pm on Fridays; and Saturdays from 9:am until 1:pm.
The library will be closed for Easter on Friday and Saturday, April 10 and 11.

Goodard to Attend Nearby Regional Events Today

Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard will take part in three nearby regional events today. He will address more than 100 elder service and elder abuse prevention specialists at the annual Pinal-Gila Elder Abuse Conference at the Apache Gold Casino. Goddard will discuss the increase in neglect and financial abuse of seniors during difficult financial times. He will speak at about 12:15pm.

Goddard will meet with San Carlos Apache Tribal leaders and law enforcement officials at 2:pm. at the San Carlos Police Department. He will discuss issues of common concern, including the prevention of methamphetamine abuse and consumer fraud.

Goddard then travels to Superior to meet with town officials at 4:00 to discuss issues including effective law enforcement partnerships and prevention of financial exploitation of seniors.

Police Log

Globe Police arrested 27 year old Adam Garcia last night for domestic violence and criminal damage in connection with an incident reported on Tuesday. Garcia’s mother—45 year old Linda Garcia—was charged with hindering prosecution.

54 year old Pamela Victor was arrested at a traffic stop early this morning. She was found to be driving intoxicated with her 15 month old grandchild unrestrained in the front seat. The child was turned over to San Carlos Child Protective Services.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested 33 year old Michael Wilson for domestic violence.

A deputy assisted Globe PD with a pursuit on Russell Road. The car ended up in an accident on Forest Service Road 55. Medical personnel were dispatched and J&S Towing was called to pick up the vehicle.

Globe Police are investigating a report of criminal damage taken at the Dollar Tree and criminal damage to an electronic message board on Highway 60.

Obituaries

Charley Kenton of Cutter passed away Sunday at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix. He was 49. He is survived by his wife Denise; 3 daughters, including Shelby Kenton of Cutter; 2 sons, including Jeffrey Kenton of Cutter; 2 sisters, including Rachelyn Kenton of Cutter; his brothers Sam and Russell Kenton; and 1 grandchild.
The wake for Charley Kenton will be Saturday at 4:pm at the Denise Kenton residence. The funeral is Sunday at 1:pm in the San Carlos High School Gym.

Betty Jane Bullis of Peridot passed away Monday at San Carlos Hospital. She was 66. She is survived by her brothers Herbert Stevens and Ray Stevens, Jr.; her sister; 13 children; 45 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
The wake will be Monday at 4:pm at the Betty Bullis residence. The funeral is Tuesday at 9:am at St. Charles Catholic Church in San Carlos.

Nearly $200 Million Stimulus Funds for Arizona 'Green' Projects

Arizona is going to receive nearly $200 million in federal stimulus money for energy and environmentsal programs. The funds are intended to help state and local governements and individual homeowners come up with new ways to conserve energy,generate electricity and promote alternative fuels. The Arizona Capitol Times says significant portions of the money could be used to provide financial assistance for solar energy products around the state. A wide variety of other projects are eligible for grant money. Under the Weatherization Assistance Program, Arizona families who earn up to $44,000 for a family of four will be eligible for up to $6,500 per home for energy efficiency upgrades. The US Department of Energy says this can help homeowners reduce energy bills by up to 32%. The State Energy Program also will provide rebates to homeowners for audits that will help them determine how to make their homes more energy efficient, and install the improvements to put those efficiencies into practice. Upgrades for government buildings and the development of alternate fuels and renewable energy programs will be funded as well.

Arizona House OKs Transportation Bill

The Arizona House has overwhelmingly approved a bill that could set the stage for the construction of new toll roads. The bill sets the ground rules for the Department of Transportation to enter into “public-private partnerships” on state transportation projects. These could—but would not necessarily--include toll roads. The bill now goes to the state Senate. Arizona law already allows toll roads but none have been built. The Arizona Republic reports that current statutes are considered outdated.

Arizona Trail Gets Federal Status

The 800 mile Arizona Trail has been designated a National Scenic Trail. The designation was part of the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act signed last week by President Obama. It makes the Arizona Trail one of 11 routes with National Scenic Trail status.
The trail was first proposed in the mid 1980’s by Flagstaff school teacher Dale Shewalter. The Arizona Daily Star reports that the trail includes previously existing trail segments and about 300 miles of new trails.
Although many people have followed the trail on foot, bikes or horseback, it isn’t quite officially finished. The Arizona Trail Association says there are still about 40 miles to be completed.
The Arizona Trail runs from Mexico to Utah. For a map and other information go to www.aztrail.org. You can also read an e-book here. For a series of articles and pictures click here.

Food Bank Miami Branch Opens Today

Gila Community Food Bank opens its branch in Miami today. The Miami location for Gila Community Food Bank is at 505 Live Oak Street.

Globe School Board Meets Tonight

The Globe School Board meets tonight (Wednesday) at 6:00 with a Study Session followed by the Regular Meeting. The Board meets at the Mofford Activity Center. The agenda for the Regular Meeting includes approval of Salary Schedules for the 2009-2010 school year.

Police Log

A rollover accident yesterday around noon resulted in minor injuries. The juvenile driver was cited and released for reckless driving, failure to control a vehicle to avoid a collision, speeding and driving left of center.

The Sheriff’s Office received multiple 911 calls late yesterday morning about a man in a large truck on Roberts Drive trying to run over a woman in a smaller car. 25 year old Levi Sullivan was charged with threats and intimidation and reckless driving.

A deputy was dispatched to Mckinney Avenue for a report of cruelty to an animal. Someone wrapped a chain around a dog’s neck and secured it with a wire. A neighbor revived the dog. There are no suspects at this time.

Globe Police arrested 29 year old Anthony Guerra on warrants for child support and for failure to appear on charges of aggravated assault, domestic violence and criminal damage.

48 year old Sandra Robles was arrested on a warrant for failure to comply on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sedalia, Missouri Police arrested 29 year old Carl Nagy of Globe on a warrant for forgery, fraudulent schemes and theft.

Obituary

Geneva Cooper of Globe passed away Sunday at Cobre Valley Community Hospital. She was 82.
The funeral for Geneva Cooper will be Friday at 1:pm at Miles Funeral Services Globe.

Nancy Marie Martinez Perez passed away Saturday at her home in Winkelman. She was 38. She is survived by her husband Gabriel; her daughter; 2 sons; her mother; 2 sisters; her brother; and her grandaughter.
Visitation for Nancy Perez will be Friday at 9:30am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hayden. Rosary is at 10:00 and the Funeral at 11:am.

US House Passes Veterans COLA Act

The US House of Representatives has passed a bill to help disabled veterans and their survivors keep pace with the cost of basic needs like food and housing. It increases benefits to match the hikes in prices. The Veterans’ Compensation Cost of Living Adjustment Act was introduced by First District Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick and passed unanimously. It will benefit more than 65,000 Arizonans injured or disabled in service, as well as 3 million aging vets nationwide. This is the first of Representative Kirkpatrick’s bills to be passed by the House. A companion bill will soon be considered by the US Senate. It is expected to pass by a wide margin.

Tobacco Tax Increase Effective Wednesday

The single largest federal tobacco tax increase ever goes into effect tomorrow (Wednesday, April 1). The tax will jump from 39 cents to $1.01 a pack. The increase will finance a major expansion of health insurance for children. The Arizona Daily Star reports that both public health advocates and the tobacco companies are trying to turn the situation to their advantage. Cigarette prices have already gone up to help offset any drop in profits. Medical groups say a tax hike in the middle of a recesssion is a great incentive to get smokers to quit.
Other tobacco products will also see large tax increases.
Congress is also considering legislation to give the Food and Drug Administration the authority to regulate tobacco. That could lead to reformulated cigarettes.

Police Log

24 year old Cassie Shadle was remanded to court on a warrant for failure to appear for sentencing on charges of forgery, theft, fraudulent schemes, possession of drug paraphernalia involving merthamphetamines and possession of marijuana.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested 41 year old Debra Badilla for failure to appear on charges of theft, fraudulent schemes and forgery.

The Drug Task Force arrested 52 year old Rick Fett on a warrant for promoting prison contraband.

28 year old Joseph Duperron was arrested for disorderly conduct.

Deputies did a followup investigation on a theft of a motorcycle from a residence on Central Avenue. An Attempt to Locate and Arrest was issued for Kyle Jay Dickey.

Nobody was hurt in a two vehicle accident yesterday afternoon at Highway 60 and Russell Road. One driver was cited for failure to control her vehicle.

Officers are investigating a report of a hit and run accident in the Claypool Safeway parking lot.

Obituary

Joe DeAnda of Claypool passed away Friday. He was 90.
Visitation for “Chayo” DeAnda will be Thursday at 9:am at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church. Rosary is at 9:30am Thursday and the Funeral Mass is at 10:00.

Group Says Budget Proposal Would Provide College Aid for 11,000 More Arizona Students

The Campaign for America’s Future says 11,000 more Arizona students could receive Pell Grants if excessive lender subsidies are cut. President Obama’s budget calls for such a cut. The group says this simple change would provide an average Pell Grant of $3,100 to 230,000 students across the state.

Supervisors Meet Tuesday

The Gila County Board of Supervisors meets Tuesday morning at 10:am. The Board will discuss and possibly approve an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Arizona Department of Transportation to design a bridge and approaches over Tonto Creek near Punkin Center. The Supervisors will also consider an amendment to the Operating Agreement between Gila County Community College District and Eastern Arizona College.

School Roundup and Immunization Fair on April 9

Globe and Miami Head Start and the Gila County Health Department are hosting a School Roundup and Immunization Fair for Kindergarten and Preschool students. It will be on Thursday, April 9,.at the Gila County Community Services Building in Central Heights from 9:am until noon. The event will include games and activities for children 3 to 5 as well as opportunities for families to register for Kindergarten, Head Start, WIC and other services. Free immunizations will be given from 10:30 until Noon. Other community agencies will also be there to share information about services for families and children in the Globe-Miami area.

Obituary

R.D. Goins of Globe passed away last week at Banner Baywood Medical Center in Mesa. He was 88. He is survived by his brother and 2 sisters.
Visitation for R.D. Goins will be Wednesday from 9 to 10:am at Sovereign Grace Baptist Church. The funeral is at 10:00.

Medicare to Test Nursing Home Pay Incentives

Medicare officials have announced a four state demonstration to determine if cash incentives will improve the quality of care and efficiency of operations in nursing homes. Nursing homes in Arizona, Mississippi, New York and Wisconsin will be asked to participate.
Participating facilities will be awarded performance points. Those with the highest scores or the greatest improvement will be elligible for a performance payment.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services estimates that at least 100 facilities in each state will apply to take part in the demonstration.
The demonstration is expected to run from July 2009 through June of 2012. At that time its effectiveness will be evaluated for possible changes to Medicare payment policy.

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Bobcat Tests Positive for Rabies

Gila County Rabies Control Department announces that a bobcat from the Dripping Springs area tested positive for rabies on Friday. The bobcat came in contact with 5 dogs. Four of the dogs had been vaccinated for rabies and have been put on 45 day home quarantine. The other dog is on a 180 day quarantine at Rabies Control. The Department reminds everyone to stay away from wild or unfamilar animals. Keep your pets on a leash and make sure their rabies vaccinations are up to date.

Fire Destroys 3 Trailers Near Roosevelt Lake Resort

Three residences in the Sportsman Haven area north of Roosevelt Lake Resort were destroyed Saturday morning after oxygen bottles exploded at 219 Dove Street. A two block area was evacuated. There were no injuries.

Police Log

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested 21 year old Samuel Mesa yesterday on a warrant for criminal damage.

Globe Police arrested 44 year old Robert Holy for domestic violence/assault after a disturbance at Broad and Mesquite.

Miami Police arrested 20 year old Jacob Napolitano on a warrant for failure to appear on charges of threats and intimidation.

18 year old Jacob Smith was arrested Saturday night after a fight in the area of Cedar and Broad. A juvenile was also issued a referral and turned over to a parent.

23 year old Kayleen Channel was arrested Saturday on charges of prescription fraud.

Sheriff’s deputies arrested 29 year old Cristi Hensley on warrants for possession of drug paraphernalia and false reporting.

21 year old Joseph Duarte was arrested on warrents for child support and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Globe Police are investigating a theft from a truck parked at Fry’s and shoplifting at the Circle K on Hunter Drive.

Obituary

Phoebe Reynolds of Globe passed away Thursday at Hospice of the Valley in Mesa. She was 74. She is survived by her daughter Patricia Dominguez; 2 sons, including William Reynolds of Globe; 3 sisters; 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.
Visitation for Phoebe Reynolds is today (Monday) at 2:pm at Miles Funeral Services Globe. The funeral is at 3:00.
Memorial donations may be made to the Gila County Animal Shelter.