Tribe Sues Freeport Subsidiary

The online Zonie Report says that the Tohono O’odham Nation is suing a subsidiary of Freeport McMoRan. The tribe claims that the Cyprus Tohono Corporation released hazardous substances such as sulfuric acid, damaging the area’s natural resources.

The mining activities allegedly occurred 32 miles southwest of Casa Grande on land the tribe leased to Cyprus Tohono.

The tribe says the US Environmental Protection Agency is investigating.

Miami Council Agenda

Miami Town Council meets Monday at 6:30. The agenda includes a Resolution authorizing the application for 2009-2010 Community Development Block Grant Funds.

The Council will determine the next step in the process to raise waste water collection system rates to meet state and federal expectations.

They will consider an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Arizona Department of Transportation about updating the Town of Miami’s traffic lights.

They will discuss the continued services of volunteers, and the setting of goal dates for completing state mandated audits.

And the Council will consider an Intergovernmemtal Agreement with Gila County for Local Transportation Assistance Fund money for the Miami Senior Center.

Globe Council Meets Monday

Globe City Council meets Monday at 6:00. The Council will consider an offer from Gila County to contribute $10,000 of its allocation of the state’s Local Transportation Assistance Fund to be used specifically for transportation related costs incurred by the Globe Senior Center.

They will possibly select one of the 11 proposals for development of the Northeast Globe Area Plan.

The Council will consider Vice Mayor Cassilas’s recommendation to waive fees for youth groups for the use of field lights at Globe baseball and soccer fields. This would be for official games and tournaments, not practices. The proposal also establishes a $100 cleaning deposit for each applicant.

Councilmembers may also provide direction to the the City Manager about proposals from Web designers to develop and maintain a City of Globe Web site.

Obituary

Bernando Nosie of San Carlos passed away Tuesday at Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix. He was 47. He is survived by his wife Evelyn; 6 daughters; his son; his sister; and 2 brothers.
The wake for Bernando Nosie is Sunday at 4:pm at the Nosie residence. The funeral is Monday at 2:pm in the Rice Primary School Activity Hall.

Free Weather Class Saturday

The National Weather Service is offering a free training class in Globe tomorrow (Saturday) to teach people how to properly identify and report significant weather conditions. The class is from 2 to 4:pm at the Gila County Division of Emergency Management on Apache Avenue. To register or for information call 402-8805.

Gas Prices Continue Upward Climb

The price of gasoline continues its upward climb. AAA Arizona says motorists statewide are paying an average of $2.30 for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline. That’s an increase of more than 16 cents from last week. The nationwide average increased more than 11 cents to just under $2.45 a gallon. Prices in Globe-Miami are around $2.27.

Police Log

One person was injured in a two vehicle accident yesterday afternoon in the area of Highway 60 and Walmart. He was taken to Cobre Valley Community Hospital. The other driver left the scene. 54 year old David Kluver of Queen Creek was located a short time later. He was charged with DUI, leaving the scene of an accident, and failure to control a vehicle to avoid an accident.

A minor injury accident occurred on Highway 60 near Kentucky Fried Chicken. One car was towed from the scene.

Nobody was hurt in a two vehicle accident yesterday morning in the Ruiz Canyon area. One driver was cited for failure to yield.

Globe Police arrested 51 year old Beatrice Martinez shortly after midnight at a residence on Escalera. She was charged with domestic violence and assault.

The Gila County Narcotic Task Force arrested 30 year old Jennifer Green on a warrant for failure to appear on charges of criminal trespass and possession of a dangerous drug.

DPS Phoenix arrested 33 year old Waylon Ijacich of Miami on warrants for DUI and disorderly conduct/fighting.

The Sheriff’s Office is investigating a theft at a residence on Mendoza; criminal damage to a residence on Cooley Ranch Road; and a theft from the Apache Gold Casino parking lot.

Globe Police are investigating a report of criminal damage to a vehicle in the area of Willow.

Obituaries

Harvey Bendle of Peridot passed away Saturday at Trillium Specialty Hosptal in Mesa. He was 60. He is survived by his wife Lolita; his son Harty; his daughters Harvina and Cassandra Bendle; his brother; 5 sisters; and 3 grandchildren.
The wake for Harvey Bendle is today (Friday) at 4:pm at the Bendle residence. The funeral is Saturday at 1:pm at San Carlos Riverside Church.

Lukeas Paul Ortega passed away Wednesday at his home in Globe. He was 17. He is survived by his father Joseph Ray Ortega; 2 brothers, including Jose Ray Ortega; his sister Anissa McBride; and his grandmothers Margaret Hernandez and Connie Ortega.
Visitation for “Luke” Ortega will be Monday at 10:am at Holy Angels Catholic Church. The funeral is at 11:00.

West End Blues

Early and Wet Monsoon Predicted

The National Weather Service says this year’s monsoon season should arrive early and be at least as strong as last year. That’s when storms dropped almost six inches of rain in Phoenix—twice the normal average.

KTAR in Phoenix reports that the Weather Service says May’s unusual weather is a preview of what’s ahead. Most of the rain should be in the eastern third of the state, possibly concentrated in the southeast.

Last summer’s monsoon included hurricane-force winds in August that downed power poles in Phoenix, tore the roof off homes, and heavily damaged ASU’s indoor football practice facility.

Legislators Pass School Tax Credits Bill

The Arizona legislature has approved a bill to create new school tax credits to help foster care and disabled students attend private schools. The bill now goes to Governor Jan Brewer, who called the lawmakers into a special session last week on that issue.

The Arizona Republic reports that the bill creates corporate tax credits for business donations to groups that provide students with tuition grants.

The law is a reaction to an Arizona Supreme Court ruling that says two voucher programs for foster care and disabled children are unconstitutional.

Horne Changes School English-Screening Process

State schools Superintendent Tom Horne has ordered Arizona schools to simplifiy the method used to screen students for enrollment in a four hour daily English immersion course. He says too many children are being identified as English learners because they are behind academically, not because they have problems with the language.

Some teachers, lawmakers and attorneys say the changes are a way to save money at the expense of students. Horne says these are false accusations made by “idiots.”

The Arizona Republic reports that the US Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights is being asked to investigate.

Jacque Durbin Becomes Certified Court Executive

On May 15, Gila County Superior Court Deputy Administrator Jacque Durbin became a Fellow and Certified Court Executive of the National Center for State Courts’ Institute for Court Management. Durbin and 21 others from across the country took part in graduation ceremonies at the US Supreme Court in Washington, DC.

Durbin was a member of the first graduating class of Arizona’s “Court Manager Program.” She was then accepted for participation in the national program in 2007.

The Court Executive Development Program at the National Center for State Courts is the only program of its kind in the United States.

Blasts Today on US 60

The next blasts on the US 60 Pinto Valley project are scheduled for today (Thursday) at 10:30 and 12:30. Drivers can expect delays of up to 30 minutes following each blast.

Summer Reading Program Begins June 10

The Globe Public Library launches its annual Summer Reading Program on Wednesday, June 10 at 10:am with a festival that includes songs, crafts and prizes.

The Summer Reading Program will meet on Wednesday and Thursday mornings for four weeks. The purpose is to promote reading during the summer break.

Police Log

Nobody was hurt in a two vehicle accident yesterday just before Noon on Highway 60 near Cobre Valley Motors.

Globe Police responded to a report of a shoplifter in custody at a store on Highway 60. 25 year old Marlene Pazzi was arrested for the incident.

33 year old Chad Wenger was arrested yesterday for harassment.

A Gila County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a hit and run accident on Morrow Avenue. The suspect was an inmate on work release. 46 year old Ruben Lianoz was re-arrested and charged with criminal damage/domestic violence and leaving the scene of an accident.

The Sheriff’s Office is investigating a report of criminal damage to a vehicle at the Motor Vehicle Department and a report of harassment taken at the Gila County Courthouse.

Globe Police are investigating a hit and run early this morning to a vehicle parked on South Broad Street.

Art

Arizona Smoking Drop Largest in Nation

A new report released Wednesday says that the number of adult Arizonans who smoke dropped by nearly 20% since 2007. That’s the sharpest decline in the nation. The Arizona Daily Star reports that the American Lung Association study shows that the percentage of Arizonans 18 and older who smoke dropped to about 16%. That translates to about 170,000 fewer people who smoke.

Arizona Lung Association President Bill Pfeifer credits 2006 voter approval of some of the toughest anti-smoking legislation in the nation.

House OKs Bill to Make Arizona 'Grand Canyon State'

A lot of people may not know that Arizona’s nickname “the Grand Canyon State” isn’t official. The Arizona Republic reports that the state House has voted overwhelmingly in favor of correcting that. The bill now goes to the state Senate, which so far hasn’t considered anything but budget bills.

State Historian Marshall Trimble told lawmakers that he wasn’t aware that the nickname wasn’t official until a California fifth grader e-mailed him about it.

Bill Would Legalize Some Fireworks

Legislation to legalize sparklers and some types of fireworks is one step closer to becoming law. The Arizona House approved the bill on Tuesday and sent it to the Senate.

The Arizona Daily Star reports that the industry backed bill would allow sparklers and fountain fireworks that shoot flames and sparks. It would not legalize firecrackers that explode or shoot into the air.

Supporters say these devices are safe and don’t need government regulation.

Two governors vetoed siminlar bills.in the 1990’s, citing safety concerns.

Police Log

Globe Police and EMS responded to an ATV rollover accident yesterday on North Broad Street in front of Big O Tires. The driver was taken to Cobre Valley Community Hospital.

A Gila County Sheriff’s deputy arrested 26 year old Levi Sullivan at a traffic stop yesterday for driving under the influence of drugs and possession of marijuana.

28 year old Laverne Copeland was arrested for extreme DUI.

29 year old Albert Reyes was arrested on warrants for threats and intimidation, child support and driving with a suspended license.

Mirror Sequence from 'Duck Soup'

Global Survey Finds People Optimistic

In spite of current economic woes, a new global survey finds that 90% of people around the world expect the next five years to be as good or better than life today. LiveScience.com reports that 95% expect their life in five years to be as good or better than it was five years ago.

The researchers conclude that human beings are naturally optimistic. Past studies have also found optimism to be a common human trait. For example, most people expect to live longer and be more successful than average.

Optimism is a healthy trait to have. A decade-long study published in 2004 found that those with brighter outlooks had a 55% lower risk of death during the study period.

The latest survey is based on data from 140 countries and more than 150,000 adults.

San Carlos Apache Tribe Transportation Study Meetings

The San Carlos Apache Tribe Economic Development Department and the Arizona Department of Transportation will hold two public meetings on June 24, 2009. The public is invited to attend the meetings and learn about the San Carlos Apache 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 on Wednesday, June 24 from 3 to 5:pm in Bylas and from 6 to 8:pm in San Carlos. For more information, contact Tribal Transportation Planner Barney Bigman at 475-2331.

Globe School Board Meets Wednesday

Globe School Board meets tomorrow (Wednesday) at 6:pm at the Mofford Activity Center. The agenda includes approval of several 2009-2010 handbooks, including the Copper Rim, High Desert Middle School, Globe High School, and the District Coaching Handbooks.

Study Says SAT Coaching Doesn't Help Much

A study released Wednesday shows that SAT prep courses that cost parents hundreds and even thousands of dollars aren't really much help.

The National Association for College Admission Counseling says that on average the prep tests might help a student gain 30 points on the test, which is based on 2,400 possible points.

The study also warns school admissions offices not to rely too much on SAT or ACT tests because differences in scores could be the result of measurement error and unequal access to coaching.

The Washington Post reports that test preparation has become a $4 billion business. SAT coaching ranges from free practice tests to one on one tutoring that can cost more than $200 an hour.

Police Log

Globe Police arrested 44 year old Rosalinda Skinner for domestic violence, disorderly conduct and criminal damage after a disturbance yesterday at a residence on North Broad Street.

A 911 call reported that 46 year old Julia Usry had assaulted her husband and left in her vehicle. She was contacted a short time later and arrested for domestic assault.

24 year old Erica Columbus and 23 year old Jessica Morales were cited and released for disorderly conduct after a disturbance last night at Globe Mobile Home Park.

Last night a Gila County Sheriff’s deputy took a report of shots fired in the area of Highway 60 and Calle De Loma. A man reported that he was traveling westbound when someone in the vehicle next to him discharged an unknown firearm toward his vehicle. Nobody was hurt. The damage appeared to be caused by an air soft gun or something similar. The case is under investigation.

The Sheriff’s Office is investigating a burglary at a residence on Gordon Street and criminal damage at the Pinal Mountain Little League field.

Fine and Mellow

1/5 of Arizona Drivers Would Fail Exam

A national survey says that more than one fifth of Arizonans who have driver’s licenses would not be able to pass a written exam today. Nationally, 20% of Americans with licenses can’t pass the test. In Arizona the number is close to 23%.

A news relaese about the GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test says that the number of drivers with knowledge of basic road rules is decreasing.

Idaho and Wisconsin drivers tied for first in the nation with an average test score of over 80%. The Arizona average score was 76.5%.

Respondents continue to have trouble with questions about yellow lights and safe following distance. Almost everybody knows what a solid line means.

You can take the test yourself online to see how you compare with other drivers. Go to www.gmacinsurance.com.

Globe Pool Opens Tuesday

The Globe Community Center Swimming Pool opens tomorrow (Tuesday) at Noon. Pool hours will be from Noon to 5:pm seven days a week. Adult lap swimming is from 5 to 6:pm Monday through Friday.

Daily rates are $1.00 for ages 12 and under, $2 for ages 13 and older. Swim passes are also available.

Due to structural problems they will not be able to open the baby pool.

Pinto Valley Project Blasts on Tuesday and Thursday

The next blasts on the US 60 Pinto Valley project are scheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday) and Thursday between 10:am and Noon. Drivers can expect delays of up to 30 miniutes following each blast. There may be brief delays at other times duing those days.

Supervisors Meet Tuesday

The Gila County Board of Supervisors meets tomorrow (Tuesday) morning at 10:00. The meeting includes a Public Hearing on a Planning and Zoning Department Case; an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Arizona Emergency and Military Affairs Department for the use of Interoperable Communications Systems; and a $3,200 grant application for funds to purchase equipment for the Globe Regional Constable’s Office.

Miami Council Meets Tuesday

Miami Town Council meets tomorrow (Tuesday) night at 6:30, following a Workshop at 6:15. The Regular Meeting agenda includes an underage drinking ordinance.

There’s an Intergovernemntal Agreement with the Arizona Department of Transportation concerning the updating of the streetlights in Miami.

The Council will consider placing a copper ladle donated by Freeport McMoran in front of the Bullion Plaza Museum.

Councilmembers may go into Executive Session to discuss claims submitted by the Tri City Fire Department.

Police Log

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office, Canyon Fire EMT’s and Tri City ambulance were dispatched to the area of Four Star Mobile Home Park late Saturday night. A man was assaulted. He was flown by helicopter to a Valley hospital.

Nobody was hurt in a two vehicle accident yesterday morning in the Six Shooter Canyon area. One driver was cited for failure to yield to a stop sign.

Three people were arrested yesterday evening at a traffic stop on Manor Drive. The driver—34 year old Stephen Gerardo--was arrested for driving with a revoked license. 27 year old Michelle Vasquez of Mesa was arrested on warrants for driving with a suspended license. 19 year old Jose Casteneda of Superior was arrested on warrants for shoplifting and possession of dangerous drugs.

A Gila County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a report of a hit and run accident in Roosevelt Estates. The driver reportedly hit a utility pole and kept going. The deputy located and arrested 18 year old Danny Schmidt of Show Low for criminal damage, theft of means of transportation, DUI and underage consumption.

Last night a Globe Police officer responded to a report of a naked man near the downtown Safeway. 45 year old Robert Holy was arrested for indecent exposure.

Officers are investigating criminal damage to a vehicle at Copper Country Mobile Home Park,

The Sheriff’s Office is investigating criminal damage to a vehicle parked on Grover Canyon.

Obituary

Longtime Globe resident David Wesley Johnson passed away Friday at Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa. He was 74. He is survived by his wife Ilene; 3 daughters, including Jean Moss and Judtith Bessee of Globe; his son; and 8 grandchildren.
A Memorial Service for David Johnson will be held Saturday at 11:am at the Pinal Mountain Elks Lodge.
Memorial donations may be made to The Apache Shrine Club’s “Clothe a Child” program.

Stringfever Bolero