Goddard and Police Officials Oppose Concealed Carry Proposal

Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard and 10 Arizona law enforcement officials have announced their strong opposition to another proposed gun law. They say a bill being considered in the Senate Judiciary Committee would significantly loosen Arizona’s gun l;aws by allowing gun owners to carry a concealed weapon without a permit.

Arizona currently requires gun owners applying for a concealed carry permit to take an eight hour course in gun laws and gun safety, and to pass a shooting test. All but a few states have similar laws. The new bill would drop the permit requirement and allow all gun owners 18 years old and over to carry concealed weapons.

Goddard says allowing all gun owners to carry concealed weapons would create greater risks for law enforcement and community safety. He says officers would have to treat every person they come in contact with as if they are armed. That would create large and unnecessary risks.

Globe Council Meets Monday

Globe City Council meets Monday at 6:pm. The agenda contains several revisions to the City Code. These include changes relating to restaurants and obstruction of water meters.

There will be an Executive Session to discuss Police Chief interviews and a broadband license agreement.

Next Pinto Valley Project Blasts Are Monday Night

The next blasts on the US 60 Pinto Valley project will be Monday night at 10:pm and 1:am. Drivers can expect delays of up to 15 minutes.

Gas Prices Still Rising

AAA Arizona says the average statewide gasoline price is currently just under $2.65 a gallon. That’s an increase of more than ten cents since last week. The nationwide average is $2.685 for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline.

Globe-Miami prices are around $2.52.

Sheriff's Office Assists Out-of-State Agencies

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office has recently been able to successfully assist two out-of-state law enforcement agencies by locating people believed to be in this area.

On Monday (June 15), the Sheriff’s Office received a call from the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Department in Louisiana. They requested help locating two children who were with their non-custodial parent. The children were ages 11 and 14, one with a medical condition that needed attention. The children were listed on the National Crime Information Center and with the National Center for Missing Children. Their mother has been in hiding for the last two years and has changed her name several times in an effort to conceal her identity.

Barbara Collins and her children were located Tuesday at a residence in Star Valley. Collins was using the name Samantha Stewart. The chidlren were removed by deputies and returned to the father who has sole legal custody.

Last Friday the Sheriff’s Office received a call from the Klamoth County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon. They requested help locating four people who were believed to be in this area. There was a court order to remove two children from their mother. All four people and the two children were located Sunday (June 14) at a camp in Flowing Springs. They were all living in one tent. Drug paraphernalia was found inside the tent.

The children were placed with CPS foster care until their grandparents—who have full legal custody—came to pick them up.

Police Log

Gila County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 hangup yesterday evening at a residence on Black Warrior Canyon. The Sheriff’s Office also received a call from a neighbor reporting a domestic disturbance. 24 year old Jaime Pena was arrested for assault/domestic violence.

A deputy responded to a report of a burglary at a residence in Pueblo Heights Mobile Home Park. During the investigation, 39 year old Coleen McNamara was arrested on outstanding warrants for driving under the influence of drugs and driving with a suspended license.

Phoenix Police arrested 27 year old Anson Kinney of Peridot on a warant for use of marijuana.

Globe Police contacted 31 year old Robert Verdugo at a residence on Pinal View Deive. Verdugo was arrested in connection with a burglary that occurred on Tuesday on Skyline Drive.

18 year old Ray Robles was arrested after a fight yesterday evening in the area of Sixth and Cedar Street. Robles was charged with disorderly conduct/domestic violence.

Two people were arrested at a traffic stop last night. 18 year old Jose Dorame was charged with DUI, underage consumption of alcohol and driving with a suspended license. 18 year old Christopher Leach was charged with underage consumption and possession of an open container.

Obituary

Richard Donald Dale of Globe passed away last Sunday at Copper Mountain Inn. He was 84. He is survived by hs wife Barbara; his daughter; his son Mitchell Dale of Globe and 2 other sons; and 5 grandchildren.
Services for Richard Dale will be private.

Senate Panel OKs Ban On Cell Use While Driving

An Arizona Senate panel has approved a bill to restrict texting and cell phone use while driving. The East Valley Tribune reports that the bill would allow cell phone use only with handsfree devices. There would be exceptions allowed for emergencies and some other circumstances. The bill now goes to the full Senate.

Summer Solstice at BTO

The Boyce Thompson Arboretum presents live music and extended hours this Saturday evening to celebrate the summer solstice.

Mesa guitarist Deane Stanton will entertain between 6 and 7:30pm. Bring your own BBQ or buy hot dogs in the picnic area.

Free Entry This Weekend at National Parks

The first of three free summer weekends at national parks takes place tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday. Entry fees being waived range from $3 to $25.

The next two free weekends will be July 18-19 and August 15-16.

'Dump the Drugs' Event Saturday

A ‘Dump the Drugs’ event takes place Saturday from 8:am until Noon at Fry’s.

You can help prevent accidental poisoning and prescription drug abuse by bringing in your unused or expired prescription and over the counter medications.

Republican Club Meets Saturday

The Cobre Valley Republican Club meets Saturday at 9:am at the Country Kitchen.

Transportation Board to Consider US 60 Pavement Preservation

The State Transportation Board meets tomorrow (Friday) at 9:am in Cottonwood. The Board is expected to award nine more projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These projects include pavement preservation on US 60 from the Miami city limits to McMillan Wash.

Bill Would Ban Smoking with Minor in Vehicle

A bill now advancing in the state legislature would make it illegal to smoke in vehicles in which a child is riding. A Senate committee has approved the bill and it now goes to the full Senate for a vote.

The Arizona Republic reports that the bill would make smoking in a vehicle with a minor present a nonmoving civil traffic violation with a penalty of $50 for each person under 18 in the vehicle.

Tribal 'World of Work' Classes

San Carlos Tribal Social Services is sponsoring four evening classes on July 6-9. The “World of Work” classes are designed to prepare tribal members for employment. All General Assistance clients are urged to attend.

Topics covered include employment applications, developing resumes, choosing the right job, work ethics, interview techniques, job search strategies, dress for success and creating your portfolio. Classes will be held at the community college in San Carlos. Transportation will be provided upon request.

Classes are available on a first come first served basis. Sign up at Tribal Social Services or call 475-2313.

Police Log

Nobody was hurt in an accident yesterday morning at Oak and Hill Street. One car was towed.

Globe Police arrested 22 year old Tianna Bowser for fraudulent schemes after she tried to cash a stolen check at Bank of the West.

49 year old Kathy Bowen was arrested at a traffic stop last night for extreme DUI.

24 year old Anthony Garcia was arrested yesterday on a DUI warrant.

Officers arrested 23 year old Natasha Darnell for shoplifting at Walmart.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested two people after a disturbance yesterday afternoon on Grover Canyon. 26 year old Erlinda Ramirez was charged with criminal damage and assault/disorderly conduct. 30 year old Paul Echevarria of Phoenix was arrested on a California warrant for assault.

Deputies are investigating a report of a stolen vehicle on Locomotive Drive and a report of a stolen gun from a vehicle in San Carlos.

Globe Police are investigating an assault that occurred in the area of Hackney and Broad and a related disturbance at an address on Tremont.

Obituary

Tex Harney of San Carlos passed away Sunday at Copper Mountain Inn. He was 63. He is survived by his brothers Gene and Jerry; and his sisters Isabelle Stevens, Ruby Harney, Rebecca Rogers and Dollie Hooke.

The wake for Tex Harney is tomorrow (Friday) at 4:pm at Ruby Harney’s residence. The funeral is Saturday at 1:pm at World Evangelism Revival Church.

FDA Says Zicam Can Cause Smell Loss

The US Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning that Zicam nasal spray could permanently damage your sense of smell.

The FDA says consumers should stop using Zicam Cold Remedy nasal gel and related products immediately. About 130 consumers have reported a loss of smell after using Zicam products since 1999.

The product is produced by Scottsdale based manufacturer Matrixx Initiatives. The company says it is voluntarily withdrawing the products but says the FDA action is unwarranted.

GCCC Meetings on Thursday

The Gila County Community College District Governing Board is holding two public meetings tomorrow (Thursday). The meetings start at 3:pm by ITV at Gila Pueblo Campus Room 520.

The 3:00 meeting is a Truth in Taxation Hearing and Public Budget Hearing. The Board will present the proposed 2009-2010 budget.

Immediately following that meeting, the Board Chair will call to order a Special Board Meeting to adopt the budget.

Health Secretary Plans to Improve Indian Health Care

US Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says she plans to launch a multiyear effort to improve health care for Native Americans. Sebelius calls the current system a “historic failure.”

She told the Associated Press that part of her strategy is to recruit more providers for reservations and to focus more on preventative care. Sebelius says her department is also increasing the size of the Public Health Service. Part of that agency’s mission is to dispatch doctors to reservations.

The government is required to provide American Indians with free health care on reservations. But the Indian Heath Service only has about half the money it needs.

Senate Tries Again and Passes Handgun Bill

The Arizona Senate took another vote Tuesday and passed a bill (18-10) to allow people with concealed carry permits to take handguns into restaurants that serve alcohol.

The bill failed the day before on a 14-14 tie when one supporter was absent.

Pinto Valley Project Begins Night Blasting

The Arizona Department of Transportation will try to reduce traffic delays from the US 60 Pinto Valley project by switching to a nightime blasting schedule. The next blasts will be on Thursday night and Friday morning at 10:pm and 1:am. Blasts are also scheduled for Monday night and Tuesday morning at 10:pm and 1:am. Following the blasts there will be one lane of traffic available with pilot cars guiding vehicles through the work zone in alternating directions. Drivers can expect delays of up to 15 minutes.

ADOT has also started a night shift truck hauling operation from 8:pm until 4:am. There will be brief traffic delays throughout each shift.

Police Log

Globe and Canyon Fire Departments responded to a structure fire yesterday morning in a shed at El Maguey Drive in Miami. No injuries were reported.

Yesterday afternoon a man returned to his home on Skyline and surprised someone inside his house. The intruder fled on foot. Police were not able to locate the suspect. The case is under investigation.

A Globe Police officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop around 10:30 last night in the area of Main Street near Copper Country Mobile Home Park.The man on a motorcycle fled from the officer, resulting in a short pursuit. He wrecked his motorcycle near a residence on Main Street in Central Heights. A Gila County Sheriff’s deputy found him hiding in the bushes. 29 year old Brock Sesler was turned over to Globe PD and treated at the scene for minor injuries by Tri City EMTs. Sesler was charged with unlawful flight. He also had an outstanding warrant from the Miami Police Department for driving with a revoked license.

Globe Police arrested 45 year old Manuel Gaona on a warrnt for disorderly conduct.

Officers are investigating a report of criminal damage to a wall in the area of Euclid Avenue.

The Gila County sheriff’s Office is investigating criminal damage to a vehicle at the Claypool Circle K.

State Transportation Board Will Consider 9 More Projects

The State Transportation Board meets Friday at 9:am in Cottonwood. The Board is expected to award nine more projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These projects include pavement preservation on US 60 from the Miami city limits to McMillan Wash.

The Arizona Department of Transportation says that lower than anticipated bid prices for the first projects have resulted in a savings of more than $56 million. This will make it possible to fund additional projects.

Globe Council Special Meeting on Wednesday

Globe City Council holds a Special Meeting tomorrow night (Wednesday) at 6:pm. There will be an Executive Session to discuss Police Chief interviews.

After the Executive Session, Consent Agenda items include the adoption of Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Grant Guidelines relating to an application for Community Development Block Grants.

Kirkpatrick Staff Office Hours in Globe

Representative Ann Kirkpatrick staff members will host open office hours tomorrow (Wednesday) at the Gila County Courthouse from 10:am until 4:pm.

West Receives Support for Renewable Energy

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar spoke to the Western Governors’ Association annual meeting yesterday (Monday). Salazar says the Obama administration will help Western states speed up the development of a system for delivering renewable power to customers in the region.

Salazar says Arizona and three other states will get federal renewable energy planning offices to help make sure projects don’t get stalled in local bureaucracy.

The Denver Post reports that Energy Secretary Steven Chu also announced $80 million in federal stimulus money to develop high voltage transmission networks.

Western governors and Cabinet secretaries also signed an agreement to work together to protect wildlife corridors essential to the survival of migratory animals such as pronghorn, caribou, mule deer, and elk.

Police Log

A car ran off the road and into a fence early yesterday morning on Highway 188 near Killmers. 37 year old Brian Ingram was arrested for DUI.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a report of identity theft taken at a residence in the Dripping Springs area, and vandalism at Gila Community College.

Globe Police are investigating a theft at a business on North Broad Street and a theft at the Cobre Village Apartments.

Bill to Allow Guns in Restaurants Fails (Update)

The Arizona Senate has unexpectedly failed to pass the bill that would allow people with concealed weapon permits to take hanguns into restaurants that serve alcohol.

The Senate vote was a 14-14 tie. The Arizona Republic reports that one presumed backer was absent and the main sponsor then changed his vote to “no” in order to request consideration on another day.

Current state law prohibits possession of firearms in bars and restaurants seling alcohol.

Under the bill, a permit holder carrying a weapon into a restaurant serving alcohol would not be allowed to drink. And it would allow restaurants to still deny entry by citizens with guns by posting a sign.

State Superintendent Wants to Ban Ethnic Studies

State School Superintendent Tom Horne is asking legislators to ban ethnic studies in Arizona public schoools. Horne has announced that a bill will be introduced next week that will prohibit classes “that are designed primarily for students of a particular ethnic group or advocate ethnic solidarity instead of treatment of pupils as individuals.”

The bill would give the state authority to withold 10% of state aid from any school district or charter school which violates the law.

Supervisors Meet Tuesday

The Gila County Board of Supervisors meets tomorrow (Tuesday) morning at 10:00. The agenda includes a $56,000 grant application for the Gila County Early Childhood Screening Program.

The Supervisors will also consider purchasing property from BHP Copper.

University Presidents Propose Lower Priced Campuses Around Arizona

Arizona’s three university presidents are proposing the opening of a fourth, lower priced campus as soon as next year and four similar campuses by 2020. The campuses would only offer bachelor’s degrees with limited majors and have cheaper in state tuition

The plan will be presented to the Board of Regents on Thursday. Many details still need to be worked out, such as funding, locations and academic majors.

The presidents are recommending that the new campuses be operated by an existing university. ASU is the most likely choice.

The Arizona Republic reports that Lake Havasu City, Show Low and Goodyear are among the locations intersted in having a 4 year campus.

Pioneer Fire 45% Contained

The Pioneer Fire—eight miles south of Globe--has burned 1300 acres and is now 45% contained. Full containment is expected later this week. The fire is located at Pioneer Pass, east of East Mountain and west of Highway 77.

Smoke may be visible over the next several days as firefighters continue to mop up, monitor and secure the perimeter, and complete suppression rehabilitation work.

Globe Council Meets Tonight

Globe City Council meets tonight (Monday) at 6:00 following an Executive Session to discuss Police Chief interviews.

The agenda includes an amended Interim Emergency Fire Intergovernmental Agreement with the Town of Miami.

The Council will also consider a professional services agreement for the development and implementation of a Remediation Plan to address groundwater contamination at the Globe Maintenance Facility.

Police Log

A 77 year old man died Saturday afternoon near Indian Point at Roosevelt Lake. The man was not breathing when he was pulled from the water and was pronouncd dead at the scene. The Gila County Sheriff’s Office says this may have been a case of cardiac arrest.

One person was taken to Cobre Valley CommunityHospital with minor injuries on Saturday after a two vehicle accident on Ruiz Canyon Road. One car was towed from the scene and a driver was cited.

Nobody was hurt in a two vehicle accident late yesterday morning at the Highway 70/77 junction. One driver was cited for failure to control his vehicle to avoid a collision.

Globe Police arrested two people yesterday morning after an argument between neighbors. 44 year old Rosalinda Skinner was charged with disorderly conduct/assault. 19 year old Stephanie Skinner was arrested for disorderly conduct.

Two people were arrested for shoplifting at the Claypool Safeway. 20 year old Candace Ballesteros was booked and released. 21 year old Frederick Lavin was booked into the Gila County jail.

21 year old Titania Pahe was arrested for disorderly conduct late Saturday night after a disturbance in the area of High and Cottonwood.

44 year old Deanna Boni-Smith was arrested Saturday on a warrant for extreme DUI.

Globe Police are invesitgating criminal damage at a residence on Kline Street.