AG Announces Settlement with Michelin

Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard has announced a $375,000 muti-state settlement with the Michelin tire company. The settlement has to do with claims Michelin made in its advertising of fuel efficient tires.

The states allege that the advertisements did not adequately disclose that the savings were based solely on savings in fuel costs, not the cost of the tires. The states’ review of Michelin’s own studies also found that in some classes of tires, a Michelin tire was not the most fuel efficient.

The investigation did not question the safety or quality of Michelin tires.

Michelin cooperated with the investigation but denies any wrongdoing.

Arizona’s portion of the settlement will be $22,500, which will be used for consumer fraud prevention.

Miami Council Meets Monday

The Miami Town Council meets Monday at 6:30pm. The agenda includes a bid proposal for the replacment of the air conditioning units at the Miami Senior Center.

The Council will also consider adopting a resolution of support for a Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center to be located in Southern Gila County.

Globe Council Public Hearing and Regular Meeting

Globe City Council meets Monday at 6:pm, following a Public Hearing at 5:45. The Public Hearing is to discuss proposed use of grant funds from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.

The Regular meeting agenda includes a presentation about the preliminary design contents of the City of Globe’s proposed Web site.

New Rules for Airline Travelers

The first phase of new Transportation Security Administration rules go into effect today (May 15). When airline passengers book a flight, they are now required to give their full name exactly as it appears on their driver’s license or other travel ID.

Starting August 15, passengers will also be asked for their date of birth and gender when making reservations. The federal agency says this will boost security by making it easier to match identities and avoid mismatching a passenger to a similar name on the “no fly” list.

Republican Club Meets Saturday

The Cobre Valley Republican Club meets tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 9:00 at the Country Kitchen. They’ll talk about the upcoming Community Flag Day celebration. Everyone is invited.

Old Appliance Discard Event at Landfill

The Russell Gulch Landfill is having a “free day” for old appliances tomorrow (Saturday) from 6:am until 3:30pm. This includes refrigerators, washers, dish washers, dryers, portable trash compactors and water heaters. Other metal items will also be accepted.

The County will handle freon removal from the applianaces, so please do not tamper with the freon lines. All other debris will be at the regular price.

Obituary

Deborah Jane Hallock Fenn of Phoenix passed away Saturday. She was 58. She is survived by her husband John; her son and her sister.
The funeral for Deborah Fenn is this morning (Friday) at 11:00 at Miles Funeral Services Miami.

Josephine Ellen Shedd passed away Wednesday at Heritage Health Care Center.
The funeral for Josephine Shedd will be Sunday at 2:30pm at Griffiths Mortuary in Kearny.

My Baby Just Cares for Me

Interior Department Announces Arizona Stimulus Projects

The US Interior Department says it will spend $319 million in economic stimulus money on more than 240 Arizona projects.

$180 million of that money will go to the Bureau of Indian Affairs for the construction of schools, libraries and modest energy efficient homes, as well as road and bridge maintenance.

More than $15 million goes to the Bureau of Land Management. Some of that will go to the remediation of abandoned mines.

Nearly $22 million will go to National Park Service projects in Arizona. These include the correction of drainage deficiencies on trails to protect historic archeological sites at the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument.

Relay for Life is This Friday Night Through Saturday Morning

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life takes place tomorrow night (Friday) through Saturday morning at Harbison Field.

Teams of local citizens will get together at 4:pm. They will walk until 8:am to raise money and to raise awareness about cancer.

Cancer survivors will walk or wheelchair the first lap beginning at 6:00. The highlight of the event is the Luminaria Ceremony held after dark to honor cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost their battle against cancer.

Those who attend are requested to bring a canned food item. Ensure drinks are especially appreciated because that is what cancer victims use to build up their strength. The canned items will be used instead of sand to hold the luminaria bags down.

Transportation Board Expected to Approve First Economic Recovery Projects

The State Transportation Board is expected to formally award six transportation contracts at this week’s meeting. The meeting is tomorrow (Friday) at 9:am in Flagstaff. The projects are the first of 41 statewide projects moving forward with the help of federal stimulus funds. Once awarded, the projects are expected to start construction this summer. They include shoulder widening and safety improvements on State Route 87 between Payson and Pine in Gila County.

The Transportation Board meeting will also include a discussion—but no action—on the state’s five year highway construction program.

Gas Prices Jump 8 Cents a Gallon

AAA Arizona says the average gasoline price in Arizona has increased more than 8 cents over the past week. Arizonans are paying an average of slightly more than $2.01 for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline. The national average increased more than 12 cents to more than $2.26 a gallon. Globe-Miami prices are around $1.97 a gallon.

The price of crude oil climbed to a six-month high of $60 a barrel this week before settling in the high $50 range. Some retailers are preparing to shift to the federally mandated summer fuel blend which is cleaner burning but more expensive to produce.

New Pinto Valley Project Work Hours

Starting Monday, work hours on the US 60 Pinto Valley project will be from 5:30am to 5:30pm Monday through Friday. No blasting is scheduled for the next several days. Drivers may experience 10 to 15 minute delays as heavy equipment moves through the work area.

Police Log

Globe Police arrested 21 year old Christopher Castaneda on warrants for failure to appear on charges of possession of marijuana, burglary and aggravated assault.

Officers contacted a group of juveniles in an abandoned building near Broad and Mesquite. They were found to be in possession of marijuana. 18 year old Michael Burshia was arrested and booked into the Gila County Jail. The juveniles were issued juvenile referrals and taken back to their high school.

Three juveniles were referred to juvenile probation for shoplifting at a business on East Ash Street.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested 39 year old Patrick Hawksworth on warrants for failure to appear on charges of possession of marijuana and criminal damage.

A deputy took a report of a theft from a vehicle on Remington Road.

Obituary

Horace H. Packard passed away Sunday at his home in Globe. He was 60. He is survived by his son Jimi; his daughter Dianna Morrow; his sister Joella Moyers; his brother “Andy” Packard; and 9 grandchildren.
Visitation for “Junior” Packard will be Saturday at 10:am at Lamont Mortuary. The funeral is Saturday at 11:am.
The family requests donations be made to Lamont Mortuary to help with funeral expenses.

Mommy's Special Day

Mommy's Special Day from Johnny Clark on Vimeo.

US House Passes Credit Cardholders Bill

The US House of Representatives has passed a bill that would protect consumers from some credit card practices. The House’s Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights would prevent punitive interest rate increases unless an account is more than 30 days late. It would also require credit card companies to give 45 days notice for interest rate increases. And it would limit late and over-limit fees and allow consumers to set “hard” limits so purchases would not go through if they push cards over the limit.

A similar bill is pending in the US Senate. There will probably be changes before a compromise bill goes to President Obama, who says he would sign such legislation if it passes.

Credit provider lobbyists are expected to try to dilute the bill.

Globe Lions Club

Globe Lions Club will hear a presentation from Resolution Copper tomorrow night (Thursday) at 6:pm at the Country Kitchen.

The Lions Club reminds you that there are several drop off points in the area for used eyeglasses. You can bring them to the Country Kitchen, Copper Rim School office, Copper Mountain Inn, Heritage Health Care Center, Globe Post Office, Globe City Hall, the Globe Public Library, the Salvation Army Thrift Store, the Claypool Post Office, Palace Pharmacy and Dr. Gustavson’s office.

GCC Board Meets Thursday

The Gila County Community College District Governing Board is holding a special public meeting tomorrow (Thursday) at 3:pm by ITV in Gila Pueblo Campus Room 522.

Brewer Announces Forestry Funding

Governor Jan Brewer has announced that nearly $8 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money has been awarded to the state by the US Forest Service for hazardous fuels reduction and biomass projects. Governor Brewer says the money will help Arizona economically by creating jobs, and environmentally by reducing wildfire risk.

Obituary

Aileen Phillips Gibson of Miami passed away Saturday at Copper Mountain Inn. She was 90. She is survived by her daughter; her son Frank and her brother Reed Phillips of Central Heights; 8 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and many great great grandchildren.
Visitation for Aileen Gibson will be tomorrow (Thursday) from 5 to 8:pm at Lamont Mortuary. The funeral and interment will be private.
Memorial donations may be made to Copper Mountain Inn.

Police Log

One person was air lifted to a Valley hospital after a one vehicle rollover accident yesterday morning on Copper Hills Road.

There was a two vehicle accident last night at Third and Ash Streets. One driver was cited for failure to stop at a red light.

Nobody was hurt in a two vehicle accident yesterday afternoon in the area of Kaiser Crossing.

Officers were dispatched to a residence on Lawrence Street yesterday after a homeowner called to report that her ex-husband was outside breaking things and being disorderly. Officers contacted 48 year old Bradley Thyrion who had an outstanding warrant on a charge of attempted leaving the scene of an accident. The person who called the police—49 year old Patrisha Perez-Chiono-- had an outstanding warrant for failure to appear on charges of theft and fraudulent schemes.

A Globe High School student was found to be in possession marijuana. The juvenile was referred to the Gila County Juvenile Probation Department and released to a guardian.

57 year old Charles Mull was arrested for shoplifting at Safeway and for threats and intimidation.

A woman reported that her 16 year old son had been assaulted at Globe High School by two other juveniles.

Officers are investigating a stolen vehicle from a residence on Hackney.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a report of a theft at Arrowhead Mobile Home Park and thefts from vehicles on Remington Road.

Heavenly Day

Patty Griffin - Oh Heavenly Day from Artists Den on Vimeo.

Arizona's Holiday Travel Expected to Decline

AAA predicts less travel on Arizona highways over the Memorial Day weekend, even though most of the nation can expect an increase in travel this year. This is the first time that the auto club has data specific to Arizona. About 760,000 Arizonans are expected to travel 50 or more miles from home over the holiday weekend. That’s a decline of about 2.5%.

Nationwide, more than 32 million Americans will take to the highways, an increase of 1.5%. AAA says Arizona’s decline can be attributed to the recession, which has hit Arizona harder than other states.

The cost of travel will be less this year, especially the price of gasoline. Motorists are paying about $1.50 less per gallon compared to this time last year.

Planning Meeting for Summer Reading Program

A planning meeting for the Globe Library’s Summer Reading Program volunteers will be held in the library community room tomorrow (Wednesday) at 5:pm. Ideas are needed for stories, songs, games and crafts.

The Summer Reading Program will run for four weeks in June and July on Wednesday and Thursday mornings. The theme is "Be creative @ your library."

Globe School Board Meets Wednesday

Globe School Board meets tomorrow (Wednesday) at 6:pm at the Mofford Activity Center. The agenda includes approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Globe School District and other local schools for participation and support for the College Preparatory Academy. Other items to be approved include graduation requirements and a revision of the 2008-2009 budget.

Kirkpatrick's Staff Office Hours Wednesday

Representative Ann Kirkpatrick’s staff hosts open office hours again tomorrow (Wednesday) from 10 until 4 at the Gila County Courthouse.

Democratic Club Meets Wednesday

The Globe-Miami Democratic Club meets tomorrow (Wednesday) at Noon at Joe’s Broad Street Grill. Speakers will discuss unifying Globe-Miami Schools. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Tonto Fire Restrictions Begin May 14

Fire restrictions go into effect for the Tonto National Forest at 8:am Thursday. Drought conditions and high temperatures have caused fire officials to prohibit most types of fire or fire causing activities across the entire Tonto National Forest. Restrictions also apply to smoking outside of a cleared area, operating internal combustion power tools or equipment with open flames. Use of petroleum fueled stoves, lanterns and heating devices are allowed.

Police Log

Globe Police arrested 26 year old Rachel Hernandez early this morning for aggravated DUI.

Last night Gila County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 68 year old Norman Medlin for disorderly conduct. Medlin became disorderly when deputies contacted him after receiving several 911 hangups from his residence on Woodward Street when he didn’t need assistance.

The Sheriff’s Office is investigating a report of stolen prescriptions from a residence on Alberta Street.

Globe Police are investigating a theft report taken at a business on Hospital Drive and a report of telephone harassment taken at a business on North Broad Street.

Obituaries

Rita Mae Cronin passed away Friday. She was 83.
Visitation for Rita Cronin will be tomorrow (Wednesday) at 9:am at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church. Rosary is at 9;30 and Mass is at 10:00.

Fredrick Lee Crow of Miami passed away Saturday at Heritage Health Care Center. He was 72. He is survived by his wife Mary; his sister; his daughters Julie Mercer, Debbie Spitler and Lois Carter; his son Guy Peterson; 8 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
A Memorial Service for Fred Crow will be held Thursday at 11:am at Pinal Mountain Elks Lodge.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Pinal Mountain Elks.

Frankie Marie Andrews of Globe passed away Friday at Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa. She was 77. She is survived by her husband James; her daughters Jamey Loborine, Tami Lopez and Teri Berumen; 14 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 22 great great grandchildren.
Visitation for Frankie Andrews will be Thursday at Noon at Miles Funeral Services Globe. The funeral is at 1:00.

Sita Sings the Blues

Sita Sings the Blues is a delightful animated film that tells an ancient Sanskript epic with an American jazz age soundtrack. The story behind the story could be a preview of the future of independent film distribution and copyright issues.

You can download the entire film here or stream it live on Google.

The animator--Nina Paley--says copyright laws often prevent independent filmakers from having their films released.

Much of Sita's soundtrack is the music of 1920's jazz singer Annette Hanshaw. The copyright on Hanshaw's recordings was never renewed, but in the US at least, elements of the work remain protected. At first the rights holders wanted more than $200,000 before Paley could release the film. They eventually reached an agreement where she would pay them $50,000 and then release as many as 5,000 copies of Sita on DVD. Promotional copies would be exempt.

So Paley is making Sita available for free. (A promotion.)

However, fans can help Paley recover her costs by making a donation at Questioncopyright.org.

Read the entire story here or go to SitaSingstheBlues.com.

First Class Stamps Now 44 Cents

The price of a first class stamp goes up two more cents, effective today (May 11). The stamps are now 44 cents each. This is the third straight year rates have gone up in May under a new system that allows annual increases as long as they don’t exceed the rate of inflation for the year before.

Even with this added income, the Postal Service still could run out of money by the end of the year. Much first class mail is being diverted to the Internet and the recession is keeping businesses from sending their usual volume of advertising.

The Postal Service does not get a taxpayer subsidy. It lost $2.8 billion last year. Postmaster General John Potter has asked Congress for permision to reduce mail delivery to five days a week.

Supervisors Meet Tuesday

The Gila County Board of Supervisors meets tomorrow morning (Tuesday) at 10:00. The agenda includes possible Board approval of an architectural services contract that would provide design, construction drawings and bid specifications for the new Gila County Jail Women’s Dormitory in Globe.

SR 77 Weekday Closures Extended Through July

The Arizona Department of Transportation has extended the weekday closures on State Route 77 between Globe and Winkelman. Blasting operations have been extended through July because extra time is needed to excavate the rough terrain and immense amount of rock. Once the blasting is complete, the roadway will need to be repaired and replaced.

SR 77 is closed from 6:am until 6:pm Mondays through Thursdays and from 6 to 3:pm on Fridays. Expect nightime and weekend delays up to 30 minutes while crews are hauling materials.

SR 77 will be open for Memorial Day holiday travel on Friday, May 22 at 2:pm until 8:am Tuesday, May 26.

Miami Receives Cleanup Grant

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded a $200,000 brownfields cleanup grant to the Town of Miami. The money will be used to clean up the Fitzpatrick/Barcon site at 53 Keystone Avenue. The property is contaminated with hazardous materials used in the construction of the site. Since its purchase in 1909, the facility has served a wide range of purposes, including a saloon and rooming house, storage facility, and senior and youth centers.

Grant funds will also be used to provide health, safety and environmental services to area residents.

Miami Council Meets Tonight

Miami Town Council meets tonight (Monday) at 6:30, following a Workshop at 6:15 and a Public Hearing at 6:00. The Public Hearing is about the use of Community Development Block Grant funds.

During the Regular Meeting, the Council will consider the Underage Drinking Social Host and Noisy Assembly Ordinance submitted by the Copper Basin Youth Partnership.

The Council will consider purchasing a security system for the Miami Memorial Library.

The agenda also includes discussion and possible action on establishing a summer pool rate.

Police Log

A small Piper airplane crashed yesterday afternoon at the end of the runway at Cutter Airport. The pilot and 2 passengers were airlifted to Valley hospitals.

Nobody was hurt in a two vehicle accident yesterday afternoon at Oak and Broad Street. One driver was cited for failure to control her vehicle.

There were no injuries in an accident a short while later at Carico and Broad Street. A driver was cited for failure to yield at a stop sign.

An accident Saturday evening on Highway 60 near the Drive In resulted in unknown injuries. A driver was cited for failure to control her vehicle to avoid an accident.

A brush fire was quickly put out by Globe Fire Department Saturday afternoon in the area of Highway 70 and Hunter Drive.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested 38 year old Manuel Casillas after a domestic disturbance at a residence on New Street. Casillas was charged with assault and resisting arrest.

Saturday night a 24 year old Mesa man was charged with aggravated assault on an officer at the Gila County Jail, along with charges of criminal damage and escape.

25 year old Justin Bryant was arrested yesterday on a warrant for failure to comply on a DUI charge.

Miami Police arrested 45 year old Tracy Rodriguez for criminal damage.

31 year old Daniel Demboski was arrested for possession of marijuana.

24 year old Raphael Coppen was arrested on warrants for disorderly conduct and threats and intimidation.

Globe Police arrested 27 year old Michael Fuentes at a traffic stop last night on outstanding DUI warrants.

42 year old Annett Kannon was arrested Saturday for telephone harassment.

57 year old Charles Mull was arrested Saturday night for criminal damage that occurred in the area of Halby Court.

Officers are investigating a burglary at Cobre Valley Glass; a burglary at a business on East Ash; and a theft at the Swap Meet.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a theft of power tools from a residence at Ice House Canyon.

Globe Man Charged with Attempted Murder

A 23 year old Globe man was arrested last night (Sunday) for attempted first degree murder. Gila County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of shots fired in the area of Pueblo and Hopi. Witnesses said that after an argument, David Benthall went to his home, got a handgun and shot at the victim. Nobody was injured. Benthall was also charged with possession of prescription drugs and theft of a firearm.