ADEQ Announces Fish Consumption Advisory for Roosevelt Lake and Lake Pleasant

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued a fish consumption advisory. It recommends that people limit consumption of certain fish caught from Lake Pleasant and Roosevelt Lake. This brings the total number of Arizona lakes affected by fish consumption advisories to 13.

Tissue samples taken of fish caught in the lakes contain elevated levels of mercury. The advisory covers largemouth bass and channel catfish in Roosevelt lake. It does not limit use of the lakes for fishing, bird watching, swimming or other recreational uses. There is also no limit on eating sunfish from the lakes.

The advisory for Roosevelt Lake recommends no consumption of largemouth bass or channel catfish for children under six. For children 6 to 16 and adult women, the recommended limit is one 8 ounce fish meal a month unless a doctor supports a higher consumption rate. The limit for adult men is five 8 ounce fish meals per month.

Click here for ADEQ’s fish advisory consumption advisory fact sheet.

Globe Council Meets Monday

Globe City Council meets Monday at 6:pm. There will be a staff presentation and staff discussion about special needs and priorities of the Globe Public Library’s portion of the 2009-2010 budget.
Vice Mayor Carmen Casillas will give a presentation about the Parks and Recreation Committee. The presentation includes proposed new recreational activities and projected costs of recruitment for a new Recreation Manager position.

5-Year Construction Program Hearings

The State Transportation Board is holding Public Hearings to provide formal comment for the proposed 5-year construction program. The Arizona Department of Transportation’s construction program is based on projected transportation revenue. About $600 million less is expected over the next five years. That will result in the deferral of highway projects around the state.

Public hearings will be held in Phoenix on May 8; in Flagstaff on May 15; and in Tucson on June 5.

Gas Prices Remain Stable

Gasoline prices across the state and across the nation continue to remain stable. Arizona motorists are currently paying an average of a little less than $1.91 for a gallon of regular unleaded. That’s a drop of almost a penny since last week. AAA says the nationwide average is $2.05 a gallon. Globe-Miami gasoline prices are around $1.92.

'Moon Over Buffalo'

The Copper Cities Community Players comedy production Moon Over Buffalo begins tonight (Friday) at 7:00 at the Cobre Valley Center for the Arts. Performances are also scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday) night and next weekend. Tickets are $15.00 each.

Scammer Claims to Represent Globe PD

Globe PD has received a report from a citizen about a telephone scam. The caller claims to be affiliated with the Globe Police Department and that he is calling to collect money to sponsor police functions. It appears at this time that the caller is targeting businesses in the local area.

Globe PD says it does not solicit donations. It is recommended that if you receive such a call, don’t give the caller any information.

Cinco De Mayo Fiesta Tomorrow

The Cinco De Mayo Fiesta takes place tomorrow (Saturday) in the Old Dominion parking lot in downtown Globe. Opening ceremonies begin at 11:00. The Cinco De Mayo Queens will be introduced at 11:15.

Ballet Folklorico performs at Noon. The Grand Opening of the Latinos Art Exhibit at the Cobre Valley Center for the Arts takes place from 2 until 3.

Other special performances continue throughout the afternoon with a Jalapenos Eating Contest at 4:15. The Royalty Crowning starts at 5:30 and the Grand March is at 6:00. Music and entertainment continues until 10:pm.

Police Log

Two people were arrested after an assault yesterday in the Gila County Jail. 20 year old Joseph Silvas was charged with aggravated assault, dangerous assault on a prisoner and tampering with evidence. 32 year old Roy Reyes was charged with threats and intimidation.

Globe Police arrested 53 year old Bartholomew Stago for failing to register as a sex offender.

Yesterday morning an officer took a report of criminal damage to a businesss on Hill Street. 61 year old Norman Schlimmer was contacted and arrested for the criminal damage. Schlimmer was also charged with driving with a suspended license from an earlier case.

Officers are investigating a report of harassing phone calls taken from a resident on Salas Lane.

Roads to White Mountain Lakes Now Open

ADOT has reopened the roads to the lakes in the White Mountains for the summer season. State Route 261 between Springerville and Big Lake is now open. So is SR 273 between Sunrise Park and Big Lake.

ADOT closes the highways each winter when snowfall begins and reopens them in the spring.

State Route 473—the road to Hawley Lake—is also open.

Salado People Topic of First Friday Program

Eddie Colyott is the guest speaker tomorrow night (Friday) at 6:pm at the Bullion Plaza Cultural Center and Museum. Colyott is a Tonto National Monument park ranger. He’ll talk about primitive technologies of the Salado people. The program is free and refreshments will be provided.

Book Sales This Weekend

The Friends of the Globe Public Library Book Sale is going on tomorrow (Friday) from 10 to 5 and Saturday from 10 to 4 at the Library on South Broad Street.

The Friends of the Miami Memorial Library Used Book Sale takes place Saturday from 9:am until 1:pm at the Miami Library on Adonis Avenue.

EPA Awards $82m for Arizona Water Projects

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $82 million in Recovery Act funds to improve aging water and wastewater infracstructure in Arizona. The money will help state and local governments finance many overdue improvements that are essential to protecting public health and the environment.

Dripping Springs Fire 90% Contained

The Dripping Springs Fire in the Payson Ranger District of the Tonto National Forest is now 90% contained. The human caused fire began Monday morning one mile east of Pine. It has burned 46 acres

SR 87 Southbound Lanes Will Close on Monday

The Arizona Department of Transportation is closing the southbound lanes of State Route 87 near Sunflower from May 4 through May 20. Traffic will be shifted to one lane in each direction on the northbound lanes.

Both southbound lanes at the SR 188 junction will close at 9:pm Monday. Traffic will be routed through Globe until 5:am. At that time, one lane in each direction will be opened to traffic on Highway 87’s usual northbound lanes.

The construction activity is part of the work to repair the highway and slope affected by last year’s landslide near Slate Creek.

Police Log

Globe Police arrested 19 year old Roger Johnson on a warrant for child molestation and indecent exposure.

Last night officers arrested a Horizon Human Services patient for making threats and intimidating other patients and the facility’s personnel. 36 year old Jason Bayness was booked into the Gila County Jail.

43 year old Teresa Hayton was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs.

The manager of McDonalds called Globe Police to report an intoxicated man in the parking lot. At first 39 year old Ralph Francisco gave a false name. He was charged with false reporting to law enforcement.

Gila County Task Force conducted a traffic stop yesterday afternoon on Jess Hayes Road. 18 year old David Nez was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. A passenger was referred to juvenile probation.

Gila County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a stolen vehicle from a a residence on Globe Avenue.

Globe Police are investigating a burglary from a vehicle parked on South Broad Street and a report of shoplifting from a business on Hill Street.

Obituaries

Beth Sage of Globe passed away Sunday at St. Joseph’s Hospital. She was 85.
A Memorial Service for Beth Sage will be held today at 5:30pm at First Presbyterian Church.

Charlotte Ann Winters of Claypool passed away Friday at Cobre Valley Community Hospital. She was 67.
A Memorial Service for Charlotte Winters will be held Saturday at 10:am at the Miami Church of Christ.

Roger Preston of Whiteriver passed away Friday. He was 49. He is survived by his wife Rosie; his parents Hart and Sharon Preston; 3 brothers; 2 sisters; 3 sons; 2 daughters; and 6 grandchildren.
The wake for Roger Preston will be Saturday at 6:am at the Hart and Sharon Preston residence. The funeral is Saturday at 1:pm in the San Carlos High School Gym.

Nightime Delays on US 60

The Arizona Department of Transportation says there is no blasting scheduled on the US 60 Pinto Valley project through next Friday, May 8. But crews are hauling rock from 7:pm to 4:30am in the area of Pinto Creek Bridge to just west of Pinto Valley Road. Drivers can expect delays of 10 to 15 minutes.

US Department Secretaries Restore Endangered Species Act Consultations

The US Interior Secretary and the Secretary of Commerce have announced{pdf} that their departments are revoking an eleventh hour Bush administration rule that undermined Endangered Species Act protections. Their decision requires federal agencies to once again consult with federal wildlife experts before taking any action that might affect threatened or endangered species.

Judge Rules AHCCCS Discriminated Against In-Home Care

A federal judge has ruled that the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System violated federal law by discriminating against people who sought in-home care from the state’s Medicaid program. The Tucson Citizen reports that the judge upheld an injunction against AHCCCS in a class action lawsuit filed in 2000.

AHCCCS Director Anthony Rogers says the class action suit was based on isolated cases and does not reflect changes that have been made since the suit was filed.

Poll Shows Arizonans Back Temporary Tax

A new Channel 8-ASU poll shows that most Arizona voters would support a temporary 1% sales tax increase to help balance the state budget. The Tucson Citizen reports that 60% say they would support the increase, 35% oppose it.

Arizona has a projected $3 billion shortfall in the next state budget. Governor Brewer has proposed the temporary tax increase to help balance the next several budgets.

Police Log

Nobody was hurt in a two vehicle accident shortly after Noon yesterday at Kaiser Crossing.

A few minutes later there was a hit and run accident in the area of Highway 60 and Kaiser Crossing. 18 year old Sean Palmer was located later and charged with leaving the scene of an accident.

Officers are invesigating a report of criminal damage to a business on Hill Street.

Obituary

Elmer Boni of San Carlos passed away Friday at Mt. Vista Medical Center in Mesa. He was 97. He is survived by his stepson “Gene” Astor and his sister Maryland Boni-Thomas.
The wake for Elmer Boni will be Saturday at 4:pm at Elmer Boni’s residence. The funeral is Sunday at 2:pm at Freedom Holiness Church in San Carlos.

Early Intervention Program

The Miami School District and the Arizona Early Intervention Program are looking for children 36 months old and younger and for educationally at risk 3 and 4 year old children with disabilities or developmental delays. Babies may be eligible for services if your preschool aged child lives in the Miami District and meets the necessary criteria.
Screenings will be conducted tomorrow (Wednesday) and on May 6 at Miami High School. To schedule an appointment call 425-3271, ext. 2353.

Candlelight Ceremony to Honor Crime Victims and Families

The Gila County Attorney’s Office of Victim Services invites the public to a special candlelight ceremony to honor crime victims and their families. It will be at the Gila County Courthouse tomorrow (Wednesday) at 6:30pm. It's part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

Globe School Board Meets Wednesday

Globe School Board meets tomorrow night (Wednesday) at 6:00 at the Mofford Activity Center. They will discuss and then approve one of two proposed budget reduction options for 2009-2010.
There will also be a presentation by the High Desert Middle School Drama Club.

Pleasant Valley Trailwork Volunteer Weekend

Pleasant Valley is looking for volunteers for a camping trip this weekend to help clean up the Reynolds Creek area. If you are interested or would like more information call Jean at 520-884-5550 ext 8.

Dripping Springs Fire Spreads to 60 Acres

At least 100 firefighters are working to extinguish the Dripping Springs Fire on the Tonto National Forest. The fire was first reported around 6:am yesterday (Monday) about a mile east of Pine. Six hotshot crews—including Globe Hotshots—are on the ground, along with two air tankers and three helicopters. The fire has spread to 60 acres.

The fire is moving north up the Rim away from the community of Pine. No structures are threatened but there is a red flag warning. The weather forecast for the Rim country is calling for winds up to 50 miles per hour.

The fire was apparently started by a careless camper. Investigators have found an abandoned campfire at the source.

Police Log

Globe Police conducted a follow up investigation on the home invasion of April 20. They arrested 23 year old Carlos Havercorn for aggravated assault and armed robbery.

Officers responded to a fight involving three people yesterday afternoon under the bridge at Connie’s Store. 18 year old Neil Goseyun was arrested for disorderly conduct. His brother Jason was turned over to San Carlos Police.

61 year old Norman Schlimmer was arrested early this morning at the Circle K on Santee for disorderly conduct and shoplifting.

A Sheriff’s deputy and Tri City ambulance responded to a report of a man slumped over the wheel at the Claypool Circle K. 47 year old Robert Dalgarn did not need medical attention but he was arrested for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office arrested 55 year old Joan Cook of Globe on a warrant for failure to appear on bad check charges.

Globe Police are investigating a report of a broken window at a business on East Ash Street and a burglary at a residence on East Maple.

Obituaries

Claude Bertis McGregor passed away last week at his home in Midland City. He was 85. He is survived by his wife Margaret; 2 daughters, including Barbara Kannegaard of Miami; his brother; 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
At his request there will be no service.
The family suggests that memorial donations may be made to Divine Grace Presbyterian Church.

Geneva G. Farmer Dutro passed away last week at Hospice of the Valley-Palm Valley in Goodyear. She was 78.
Visitation for “Neva” Dutro will be Thursday at 10:am at the LDS Stake Center in Globe. The funeral is at 11:00.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley-Palm Valley and the Gila County Animal Shelter.

AG Launches Internet Safety Program

Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard has launched an Internet safety training program for educators and law enforcement officials across the state. The program will be implemented in 50 Arizona schools to help students and parents to better understand safe use of the Internet and other new communications technology.

The safety program includes a series of three customized video games that teach students how to be safe and responsible online.

Goddard launched the Attorney General’s Internet Safety Schools Tour in 2005. Since then he and his staff have spoken with thousands of middle school students and parents in dozens of schools.

Miami Library Book Sale May 2

The Friends of the Miami Memorial Library will host a Used Book Sale on Saturday, May 2 from 9:am until 1:pm at the library on Adonis Avenue.

Supervisors Meet Tuesday

The Gila County Board of Supervisors meets tomorrow (Tuesday) morning at 10:am. The agenda includes approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Arizona Department of Economic Security for stimulus funding to provide youth, summer youth employment, adult and dislocated work services throughout Gila and Pinal Counties.
The Supervisors will consider a consulting services contract for the Tonto Creek Bridge project.
They will adopt Proclamations declaring May 3-9 National County Government Week and May 7 as the National Day of Prayer in Gila County. And the Supervisors will adopt a Proclamation celebrating the 105th birthday of Globe resident Sara Cook. Sara served many years as a County Clerk and Court Reporter, and as the Globe Librarian.

Brewer Kicks Off Crime Victims' Rights Week

Governor Jan Brewer will help kick off Arizona Crime Victims’ Rights Week this morning (Monday) at the State Capitol by giving the 2009 Triumph Over Tragedy Award to Sharon Sikora. Sikora is a national activist and speaker on drunk driving issues and the survivor of a near fatal traffic accident caused by a drunk driver. Sikora is a past national vice president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and a co-founder of MADD-Arizona. She is also a co-founder of the Ashes to Life support group and the Arizona Children’s Burn Camp.

Kirkpatrick Staff in Globe on Wednesday

Members of Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick’s staff will have open office hours in Globe this Wednesday. They will be at the Gila County Complex on Ash Street from 10:am until 4:pm.

Obituary

Vera Ybarra Renteria passed away last week at her home in Globe. She was 94. She is survived by her daughters Frances Kniffin and Bernice Santillanez; her son Frank Renteria, Jr.; her sister Jesse Guerrero; and 20 grandchildren.
Rosary for Vera Renteria will be tomorrow (Tuesday) at 7:pm at Holy Angels Catholic Church. The funeral is Wednesday at 10:am.

Miami Council Meets Tonight

Miami Town Council meets tonight (Monday) at 6:30. The agenda includes a request for the Council to approve a Social Host ordinance for underage drinking.

Police Log

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested 18 year old Ashley Padilla last night for assault.

Saturday morning deputies assisted the Deaprtment of Public Safety with a vehicle pursuit that began in Phoenix. The deputies successfully used spike strips in two locations and turned the suspect over to DPS.

Sheriff’s deputies and Tri City EMS responded to a report of an assault involving a knife that occurred Saturday night on Pineway in Claypool. 43 year old Eckard Dean was arrested for aggravated assault and a child support warrant.

Globe Fire Department quickly put out a fire Saturday afternoon at a location near DeRose Trailer Park.

Obituary

Norma Frances Platt of Globe passed away Wednesday at Hospice Family Care in Gilbert. She was 67. She is survived by her husband Robin; her brother; and 2 sisters, including Susan Mitchell of Globe.
Visitation for Norma Platt will be at Noon tomorrow (Tuesday) at Miles Funeral Services Globe. The funeral is at 2:00.