'Medical Tourism' is Increasing

The Arizona Republic reports that many Amricans are traveling abroad to get hip replacements and other medical care. Estimates vary, but it is believed that at least 85,000 people and possibly as many as 750,000 people a year go outside the US for health care.

Cost is a major factor, but so is specialized treatment. Some procedures can be done abroad but not in the US.

A survey released by the Commonwealth Fund shows that the percentage of Americans who are struggling to pay medical bills jumped from 34% in 2005 to 41% in 2007. The US Census Bureau estimates that more than 45 million Americans lack health care coverage.

Resources such as the Medical Tourism Association and MedtoGo.com help make medical tourism possible.

Bill Would Punish Lobbyists Who Lie

The Arizona Senate Government Committee has voted unanimously to impose stiff penalties on registered lobbyists who knowingly provide false information to lawmakers and other public officials. The East Valley Tribune reports that violaters could be prohibited from being a lobbyist for three years, with a fine equal to what they are paid by their client.

Similar bills haven’t made it very far during the past two years.

Gas Prices Still Rising

Gasoline prices have increased for the seventh straight week. AAA says Arizona motorists are paying an average of just over $2.55 for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline. That’s an increase of 12 and a half cents from last week.

The national average is $2.63, an increase of six cents.

Prices in Globe-Miami are around $2.47.

Police Log

Globe Police and EMS responded to an accident at noon yesterday at the railroad crossing near Vonnie’s Pizza. No further information is available.

An officer arrested two people yesterday in connection with a burglary report taken on Wednesday. 52 year old Tina Garcia and 56 year old Kathryn Brown were both charged with felony theft.

45 year old Thomas Givens was arrested last night for DUI and possession of marijuana.

An officer took a report of shoplifting at the Circle k on Hunter Drive. The suspect left the area on foot and then was picked up by a car that was parked behind the store. The case is under investigation.

Officers are investigating a theft from a vehicle at J&S Towing; criminal damage to a house on South Sutherland; criminal damage to the Arizona Republic building; and criminal damage to Yesterday’s Treasures.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a burglary at a residence on Yuma Trail.

Obituaries

Sarah Nicole Russell of San Carlos passed away Tuesday at Phoenix Childrens Hospital. She was 14. She is survived by her parents Anthony and Anna Russell; her brothers Uriah, Isaiah and Elijah Russell; and her sister Andrea.
The wake for Sarah Russell is tomorrow (Saturday) at 4:pm at the Russell residence. The funeral is Sunday at 1:pm at San Carlos Intermediate School.

Former Globe resident Beverly Wager of Mesa pased away Wednesday.
Visitation for Beverly Wager is tomorrow (Saturday) at 9:am at Holy Angels Catholic Church. Rosary is at 9:30 and the funeral is at 10:00.

Saturday is 'National Get Outdoors Day'

Saturday (June 13) is National Get Outdoors Day. It is a new annual event to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun. Participating organizations—including the US Forest Service—are offering opportunities for families to experience traditional and non-traditional types of outdoor activities. The purpose of National Get Outdoors Day is to encourage visits to public lands and to reconnect youth to the great outdoors.

Food Bank Miami Branch Grand Opening

Gila Community Food Bank is celebrating the opening of their Miami branch Saturday from 10:am until noon. Everyone is invited enjoy light refreshments and see the facility on Adonis Street, just behind the Hi Tyme appliance store.

Flag Day Celebration

The Globe-Miami Flag Day celebration begins Sunday at 2:pm at the Globe Community Center. There will be a horseshoe tournament, sack races for the kids, his and her 3-legged races, a watermelon eating ontest and a water balloon toss. Barbeque food and homemade desserts will be on sale.

Arizona To Recieve Education Stabilization Funds

Governor Jan Brewer has announced that Arizona’s application for the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund has been approved by the US Education Department. More than $680 million is now available for Arizona under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. An additional $335 million will be available this fall.

The money will be used to help keep teachers employed, in spite of deep budget cuts at the state level. The funds will also be used to improve teacher quality, upgrade assessment methods and turn around underperforming schools.

Police Log

Canyon Fire Department and Stateland Fire responded to a report of a brush fire with a structure fire on Whitehorse Lane in Dripping Springs. 36 year old Randy Gilliam was arrested for reckless burning and felony criminal damage.

An unoccupied motor home was engulfed in flames early this morning in the area of Devereaux and Sutherland. A report was taken for arson.

Globe Fire Department quickly put out a trash can fire in the area of Hill and Sutherland.

Globe Fire responded to a boat on fire yesterday at a residence on Hill Street. The extent of damage is unknown. There were no reported injuries.

Shortly after midnight, an employee at the Drift Inn called Globe PD to report a customer broke the door to their cooler and was causing a disturbance. 28 year old David Scott was contacted at Hackney and Broad Street. He was given medical treatment for his hand and arrested for criminal damage.

Officers were dispatched to an assault at Horizon Human Services. 27 year old Rachel Arney was arrested for an outstanding warrant. She was also charged with criminal damage for kicking out a patrol unit window.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested 28 year old Bryan Hernandez on warrants for failure to comply on charges of criminal damage/domestic violence, vulnerable adult abuse, aggravated assault, possession of marijuana and child support.

The Drug Task Force arrested 52 year old Patrick Beaton on a warrant for failure to appear on a charge of arson. Beaton was also charged with possession of dangerous drugs.

Globe Police are investigating a theft report taken at a residence on 7th Street and criminal damage to a vehicle at a residence on Ruiz Canyon.

Obituaries

Baby Jayden Joel Hinton passed away Saturday at Banner Desert Medical Center. He was 22 weeks old. He is survived by his parents Shawn Hinton and Elena Pacheco; his grandparents Arnold and Elaine Pacheco, and Vonda Noline and Henry Hinton, Jr.
The wake for Jayden Hinton is tomorrrow (Friday) at 8:am at Arlene Wilson’s residence. The funeral is Friday at Noon.

Douglas Earl Leonard of Safford passed away Tuesday at Scottsdale Healthcare. He was 65. He is survived by his wife Lucilda; his daughters Debra Bull and Kathi Rose; his sons Michael and Jay Leonard; and 30 grandchildren.
Visitation for Douglas Leonard will be Saturday at 11:am at Lamont Mortuary. The funeral is Saturday at 1:pm.

Johnny Canizales of Miami passed away Tuesday at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix. He was 58.
Visitation for Johnny Canizales will be Sunday from 6 to 7:pm at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church. Rosary is at 7:pm. Funeral Mass will be Monday at 10:am

Kirkpatrick Introduces Bill to Help Fire Departments

Representative Ann Kirkpatrick has introduced a bill in Congress to help fire departments continue to hire new personnel. The bill waives the cost sharing requirements for a major grant program so that rural communities can afford to keep participating.

The SAFER program—Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response—helps fire departments hire more firefighters by assisting with their salaries for their first four years.Kirkpatrick says the program has been extremely successful, but its cost sharing requirements have become a burden during the recession.

The bill has been assigned to the House Committee on Science and Technology. It is endorsed by the International Association of Firefighters and by local fire chiefs.

Chamber Mixer at Volvo Rents

The Globe-Miami Regional Chamber of Commerce monthly mixer is tomorrow night (Thursday) from 5 to 7:pm at Volvo Rents on the Globe-Miami Highway in lower Miami.

Dinner and Auction to Benefit GCC Students

The Pinal Mountain Foundation for Higher Education is holding its annual Dinner and Benefit Auction tomorrow (Thursday) night to raise scholarship funds for students attending Gila Community College.

Dinner is at 6:00 at the Dream Manor Inn. The auction begins at 6:45. The cost is $25.

Miami School Board Meets Thursday

The Miami School Board meets tomorrow night (Thursday) at 6:30 in the Miami High School Library.

Study Says Fire Prevention Efforts in Western US Leave Homes at Risk

A report released this week from the University of Colorado at Boulder suggests that federal land managers focus too many wild-fire prevention efforts in remote areas. The study says that only 3% of fire prevention projects between 2004 and 2008 occurred around towns along the edges of wildlands. The researchers say this leaves communities exposed to wildfires.

However, Arizona stands out among the 11 states studied. Arizona has the most fuel reduction projects near communities. State and federal agencies say they have worked with towns and homeownners to clear fuels and create defensible spaces necessary to steer wildfires away from people.

The Tonto National Forest is currently treating almost 8,000 acres of mostly public land near Payson with money from the federal stimulus package.

What To Do If Affected By Wildfire Smoke

The Forest Service says that people in communities near the Pioneer Fire have expressed concern about the intensity and content of the smoke. The Forest Service suggests that residents take some of these actions recommended by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality:

Consider locating to another area temporarily, as long as it is safe for you to do so.
Move indoors and stay there with doors and windows closed.
Run the air conditioning, the fan feature on your home heating system with the heat turned off. This should help some.
Run room air filtration units.
Reduce your physical activity. Do not exercise.

Concern has also been expressed about the area in the Pinal Mountains that was treated with an herbicide similar to Agent Orange in the 1960’s. Fire officials say that if current conditions persist and fire management objectives are met, the Pioneer Fire will not reach that area.

The Pioneer Fire has burned more than 500 acres and is 25% contained. It is located about 8 miles south of Globe.

Police Log

Local fire agencies responded to what was reported to be a structure fire yesterday at Pueblo Heights Mobile Home Park. It was actually a dryer smoking and the structure was OK.

A woman called the Gila County Sheriff’s Office yesterday morning from a residence on Calle de Loma to report that a man she didn’t know was asleep on her couch.It turned out to be a suspect in several vehicle burglary attenmpts earlier in the morning. 18 year old Zachary Cross was placed under arrest.

21 year old Christopher Castaneda was booked yesterday for assaulting another inmate at the Gila County Jail.

21 year old Carl Teague was arrested at a traffic stop on a warrant for failure to appear on a charge of reckless driving.

Globe Police arrested 27 year old Rodney Shrove at a residence on Devereaux for failure to notify authorities of a change of address as a sex offender.

19 year old Robert Salcido was arrested at a traffic stop on a warrant for failure to appear on a DUI charge.

The Sheriff’s Office is investigating a theft from a vehicle on Robert Drive; a theft from a vehicle on Cross Drive; and criminal damage to a vehicle on Scott Avenue.

Gila Community Food Bank Miami Branch Grand Opening Is This Saturday

Gila Community Food Bank is celebrating the opening of its Miami branch this Saturday. It’s on Adonis Street, just behind the Hi Tyme appliance store.

The new site opened April 1 after United Food Bank asked the Gila Community Food Bank to take over the distribution of food supplied by the USDA, WHEAT, Feed America and other organizations that provide food to keep people from going hungry.

Gila Community Food Bank is a volunteer organization that offers several services, including a Clothing Bank, Help Baby program, Help Yourself co-op food boxes and a 24 hour information and referral phone line. They are also in charge of dispensing food from a produce truck that comes each month from the United Food Bank in Mesa.

The Miami branch Grand Opening is this Saturday from 10:am until noon.

Summer Reading Program Starts Wednesday

The Summer Reading Program begins tomorrow (Wednesday) at the Globe and Miami Public Libraries.

The Globe program begins at 10:am. The Miami Library Summer Reading Program starts at 11:00.

Globe School Board Meets Wednesday

Globe School Board meets tomorrow night (Wednesday) at the Mofford Activity Center. A Study Session begins at 6:00. The Regular Meeting follows at 6:15.

The Regular Meeting agenda includes approval of a series of math textbooks for Copper Rim Elementary School, High Desert Middle School and Globe High School.

Feds Approve Arizona Weatherization Assistance Program

Governor Jan Brewer has announced that Arizona’s plan for Weatherization Assistance has been approved by the US Energy Department. That means that 40% of Arizona’s $57 million program is on its way to the State Energy Office.

The program helps low income families and individuals decrease their monthly utility bills by identifying energy efficiency improvements and then making necessary repairs. The income requirement for households is 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.

For application information in Gila County, call 425-7631, ext 8693.

FDA Warns Against Using Clarcon Skin Products

The Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use skin products made by Clarcon. High levels of disease-causing bacteria were found during a recent inspection.

Clarcon has issued a voluntary recall of some skin sanitizers and skin protectants marketed under several different brand names. These include Citrushield Lotion, Dermassentials, Skin Shield and Total Skin Care.

The FDA says it is especially concerned because the products are promoted as antimicrobial agents that claim to treat open wounds and damaged skin and protect against infectious diseases. But some of the bacteria found during the inspection can cause skin infections and possibly permanent skin damage.

The agency says consumers should not use any Clarcon products and should throw them away.

Police Log

Nobody was hurt in a two vehicle accident yesterday morning at Broad and Oak.

Last night Globe Police received a call about a reckless driver west bound on Highway 60. 30 year old Jason Reyes was stopped and arrested for DUI.

38 year old Troy Murry was arrested at a traffic stop early this morning for DUI.

Officers responded to a report of shoplifting at the Circle K on Santee. The suspect left on foot. 18 year old Jacob Conrad of Superior was located and arrested for shoplifting and carrying a concealed weapon.

A Gila County Sheriff’s deputy arrested 31 year old Renae Haddick on a warrant for failure to appear on charges of burglary and possesion of drug paraphernalia.

A deputy was dispatched to the area of Calle de Loma after a call about several juveniles trying to get into vehicles. When the deputy arrived, he saw a juvenile inside a vehicle. The juvenile fled on foot and was later detained by a Globe Police officer who was assisting. The juvenile was referred for burglary and theft from a vehicle.

The Sheriff’s Office is investigating a report of criminal damage to a residence on Yuma Trail.

Globe Police are investigating a burglary from two trucks belonging to a resident on Bailey Street; a theft from a vehicle on Kofa Pass; and a burglary on South Second Street.

Obituaries

Dorothy Williams of Miami passed away Sunday at Gardener Home in Phoenix. She was 98.
A graveside service for Dorothy Williams will be held tomorrow (Wednesday) at 11:am at Pinal Cemetery in Central Heights.

Winey Hoffman of San Carlos passed away last week at John C. Lincoln Hospital in Phoenix. She was 67. She is survived by her husband Wilson; 2 sons; 2 daughters; her sister; her brother; and 12 grandchildren.
The wake for Winey Hoffman is tomorrow (Wednesday) at 4:pm at the Hoffman residence. The funeral is Thursday at 1:pm at Grace Lutheran Church.

Auto Insurers Starting to Cover Pets

Some automobile insurance companies are beginning to offer free coverage for pets injured or killed in a car accident. A Farmers Insurance agent in Phoenix told KTAR that customers with full coverage can get up to $600 for veterinary bills or other death costs. The agent says he expects this to become a common industry practice within a couple of years.

So far, no one has filed a claim under the new service, but a lot of people have asked about it.

Readers Choose News that Fits Their Views

A new study by Ohio State University suggests that most people who read media messages tend to choose news that fits their pre-existing views.

LiveScience.com reports that the study tracked how college students spend their time reading articles on controversial issues. Participants spent 36% more time reading articles that agreed with their point of view. Even when the students did read articles that countered their views, they almost always balanced that with reading other articles that confirmed their opinions

However, the study also shows that people with individual confidence and certainty, such as people with strong party affiliation or greater interest in politics, are more likely to read articles with opposing views.

A separate study by a Brigham Young University researcher shows that only 5% of online news readers go to political blogs on a daily basis. But they are the most politically active news consumers.

Supervisors Meet Tuesday

The Gila County Board of Supervisors meets tomorrow (Tuesday) at 10:am. They will consider a Resolution to support the idea of a Gila County Job corps.

There will be a presentation of the Apache Language Voter Outreach Program.

There will also be a presentation about the University of Arizona’s Gila County Cooperative Extension Annual Report and 2009-2010 budget request.

Kirkpatrick Staff in Globe on Tuesday

Staff members from Representative Ann Kirkpatrick’s office will be in Globe tomorrow (Tuesday). Open office hours will be from 10 until 4 at the Gila County Courthouse.

Regular Wednesday office hours will resume on June 17.

Police Log

Nobody was hurt in a two vehicle accident yesterday afternoon on Highway 60 near Big O Tires. One car was towed from the scene.

A car hit a pole Saturday in the parking lot near Beall’s Outlet. One person was taken to Cobre Valley Hospital by private transport.

Two people were arrested after a domestic disturbance last night in the area of Grover Canyon and Highway 60. Gila County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 24 year old Derral Warden for assault doemstic violence. 25 year old Crystal Warden was also cited and released for domestic violence.

28 year old Robert Radcliff was arrested yesterday evening for possession of drug paraphernalia.

The Sheriff’s Office arrested 27 year old Nicholas Garcia on a warrant for failure to appear for arraignment on a charge of possesion of drug paraphernalia.

A Mesa couple was arrested Saturday night after a citizen reported a reckless driver to a Sheriff’s deputy on patrol. After a DUI investigation, 53 year old James Wright was charged with aggravated DUI and possession of marijuana. 53 year old Mariana Wright was cited and released for possession of marijuana.

Miami Police arrested 20 year old Michael Travis on a warrant for assault/domestic violence.

Globe Police arrested 24 year old Christobal Ortiz for assault/domestic violence after a disturbance Saturday at Copper Country Mobile Home Park.

Officers responded to a single vehicle accident late Saturday night in the Two Lanes parking lot. 22 year old Kevin Rambler was intoxicated and had taken the vehicle without the owner’s permission and wrecked it. The owner didn’t want to file theft charges, but Rambler was arrested for aggravated DUI.

Officers are investigating a burglary at the concession stand at the Globe swimming pool.

Gila County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a burglary at August Hills Mobile Home Park.

Second Arrest in Murder Case

Globe Police have made another arrest in connection with the death of Bartholomew Stago. Stago’s body was found May 31 in the area of a wash just east of the 600 block of South Fourth Street. An investigation led to the arrest of 24 year old Sonya Miller. During the investigation, officers learned that 57 year old Charles Mull was also involved in the homicide. A warrant was obtained for his arrest.

With the help of the White River Police Department, the White Mountain Apache Tribe and the San Carlos Police Department, Mull was arrested in White River. Mull was extradited back to Globe and booked into the Gila County jail for first degree murder.

There are no other known suspects, but Globe PD encourages anyone with information about the case to contact Detective Sergeant Durnan, Detective Williams, or the on duty sergeant.

Blasts Today on US 60

The next blasts on the US 60 Pinto Valley project are scheduled for today (Monday) at 10:30 and 12:30. Drivers can expect delays of up to 30 minutes following each blast. There may be brief delays at other times during the day.

Obituary

Bartholomew Stago of San Carlos passed away May 31. He was 53. He is survived by his wife Willa and his brother Elroy Browning.
The funeral for Bartholomew Stago is today (Monday) at 10:am at the Church of Jesus Christ in San Carlos.