GCC Board Supports Pursuit of Local Job Corps Facility

The Gila Community College Governing Board has unanimously passed a resolution of support for the Southern Gila County Economic Development Corporation’s pursuit of a Civilian Conservation Center Job Corps facility for Southern Gila County.

Resolutions of support have also been passed by the Miami Town Council, Globe City Council and Gila County Board of Supervisors.

Job Corps is the nation’s largest and most successful residential and educational workforce training program for economically disadvantaged youth.

A Job Corps center could create nearly 100 new jobs and pump as much as $8 million into the local economy.

Gila Community College would partner with the Job Corps to offer a variety of vocational training programs.

'Operation Dry Water' This Weekend

Law enforcement officers are cracking down this weekend on recreational boaters found drinking or using drugs while operating their watercraft. Operation Dry Water starts today (Friday) and ends Sunday.

Officers will be conducting checkpoints and watching for boaters whose blood-alcohol content exceeds the national limit of 0.08%.

AG Announces Settlement with Online Nutrition Company

Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard has announced a record settlement of more than $1.3 million with an online nutrition company. The settlement resolves a consumer fraud lawsuit that alleged deceptive online sales prctices by Central Coast Nutraceuticals of Phoenix.

Goddard brought the lawsuit against CCN after receiving hundreds of consumer complaints. In it he alleged that the company used a variety of deceptive tactics to market low cost “risk free trial offers" of health supplements. Consumers complained that they were charged for costly products and services that they did not order. When they tried to contact CCN, they often faced hold times of over an hour and their e-mails never received a responese.

If you believe you were a victim of CCN’s deceptive marketing, you must file a complaint with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office by August 17 to be eligible for restitution from the settlement. If you have already filed a complaint, you will be included in the pool of eligible consumers.

Bill Amendment Aids Local Firefighters

Representative Ann Kirkpatrick has successfully pushed through an amendment to the Homeland Security Department appropriations bill. The amendment provides an additional $10 million in Assistance to Firefighters Grants. The grants help local fire departments pay for new equipment and quality training programs.

The amendment has been endorsed by the National Volunteer Fire Council, the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the Congressional Fire Services Institute. It was included in the Homeland Security bill that passed the House by a vote of 389-37.

Bill to Ban Photo Radar Revived

A state Senate committee has revived a bill that would ban photo radar on Arizona highways. The Arizona Republic reports that the bill was tacked on to a transportation bill that was approved on Thursday. A similar bill passed a committee earlier this year but failed to get a hearing while lawmakers were focusing on the budget.

Last year Arizona lawmakers created the first statewide network of speed enforcement cameras. Police initially planned to set up 100 cameras around the state but stopped after 36 fixed cameras and 42 mobile units.

Swift Recalls 41,000 Pounds of Beef

The JBS Swift Company has recalled about 41,000 pounds of its beef products because of possible E. coli contamination.

A Swift spokesman says the recall is voluntary and no illnesses have been reported.

The US Department of Agriculture says the products were produced on April 21-22 and were shipped to distributors and retailers in Arizona and 12 other states.

The recalled beef is in boxes marked "EST.969" and packaging codes of 042109 or 042209.

They have case codes of 21852,21853, 31852,31853, 33852, 33853, 41853,79852, 79853 0r 90853.

Consumers with questions about the recall may contact the JBS Swift consumer hotline at 1-800-555-7675.

Police Log

Nobody was hurt in an accident late yesterday morning in the area of Old Oak and Highway 60.

One person was taken to Cobre Valley Community Hospital after a two vehicle accident yesterday afternoon on Highway 60 near the Old Copper Hills Motel. One car was towed from the scene.

23 year old Charles White was arrested for shoplifting last night from the Circle K on Hunter Drive.

Globe Police are investigating a break in at the Globe swimming pool.

Obituary

LeBarty Lee Swift of Bylas passed away last Saturday. He was 29. He is survived by his father Robert; his sisters Roberta Swift, Natalie Anderson, Laurie Cassa; and his brother Arlando Swift.
The wake for LeBarty Swift is tomorrow (Saturday) at 4:pm at Robert swift’s residence. The funeral is Sunday at 1:pm at Bylas miracle Church.

Foster Care Review Board Needs Volunteers

The Arizona Supreme Court’s Foster Care Review Board is recruiting volunteers for its Gila County Board. There are currently two vacancies.

The Board advises the juvenile court on progress toward achieving a permanent home for children involved in dependency actions and in out of home placement. It meets four times a year to review the cases of children in out of home care in Gila County.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and pass a criminal background check. They will receive two days of training in Phoenix, with travel expenses reimbursed. Six to 8 hours of continuing education is also required each year.

For information go to www.azfcrb.org or call 1-866-320-1959.

Pump Prices Starting to Retreat

After 51 consecutive days of rising gasoline prices, AAA reports that prices are starting to decrease slightly. The statewide Arizona average is just under $2.67 a gallon, an increase of more than two cents since last week. The national average is nearly $2.68. That's a decrease of less than a penny. Here in Globe-Miami, prices are around $2.54.

Since early May, oil and gasoline prices have risen on glimmers of an economic turnaround and pure momentum. But AAA says the climb defied the fundamentals of the market, given the weak state of the global economy, large amounts of existing supply and continued meager demand.

CAAG Break-Up Considered But Tabled

The Payson Roundup reports that the Central Arizona Association of Governments has tabled a proposal to form a committee to study the idea of splitting up the organization which represents Pinal and Gila County.

Pinal County Supervisor Bryan Martyn says his county’s rapid growth may have outdated the regional council’s model. Gila County Supervisor Shirley Dawson says the split would harm rural communities.

Pinal County’s population is now estimated at more than 320,000, compared to 52,000 in Gila County.

The Council includes elected officials from both counties and towns within those counties. The executive order that created Arizona’s six regional planning groups has no process for amending the boundaries.

The Council discussed a list of 3 “pros’ and 13 “cons” at its meeting last week. Pros include less travel, no more shared funding and agenda items would be more tailored to the county. Cons include the question of where Gila County would go, and the threat of the two urban regional councils swallowing Pinal County.

Globe School Board Meets Tonight

The Globe School Board meets tonight (Thursday) at 6:00 at the Mofford Activity Center. The Board will consider reassigning the Superintendent and Supervisor of Facilities and appoint temporary chief administrative officials.

Police Log

Nobody was hurt in an accident yesterday morning on Highway 60 near Rainwater Auto. The driver struck the guardrail and a speed limit sign after his brakes failed.

Globe Police arrested 27 year old Darcee Phillips for reckless driving at a traffic stop last night in the area of Euclid Avenue.

A juvenile was arrested at Globe Mobile Home Park for reckless burning.

27 year old Jared Warren was arrested during a traffic stop last night for aggravated DUI and driving with a suspended license.

A Gila County Sheriff’s deputy was dispatched to a residence in the Wheatfilds area last night after a report of an assault that happened at the river. 18 year old Harley Edmiston of Winkelman was charged with aggravated assault on a minor and threats and intimidation.

25 year old Brian Allphin was arrested at a residence in August Hills Mobile Home Park for threats and intimidation.

Yesterday morning the Gila County Task Force stopped a car on Highway 60 for speeding. Eight undocumented aliens were detained for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. A 9 year old girl was detained for Child Protective Services because she was a US citizen.

The Sheriff’s Office is investigating criminal damage at a residence in Six Shooter Canyon. A bullet hole was found in the cab of a vehicle.

Globe Police are investigating a non-injury hit and run accident that occurred in the area of Radanovich Drive and a burglary at a residence in the Maple area.

Arizona State Parks Board Seeking Advisory Committee Members

The Arizona State Parks Board is accepting applications for 10 openings on four advisory committees. The openings are on the Arizona State Committee on Trails, the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee, the Off Highway Vehicle Advisory Group and the Natural Areas Program Advisory Committee.

The Off Highway Advisory Group represents statewide off highway vehicle opportunities. It also develops education programs that promote resource protection, social responsibility and interagency cooperation.

The Arizona State Committee on Trails represents non-motorized trail interests.

The Historic Preservation Advisory Committee represents historic preservation interests throughout the state.

The Natural Areas Program Advisory Committee advises the State Parks Board on the expenditure of Arizona Heritage Fund money used for acquisition, maintenance and operation of state natural areas. Membership in this advisory committee is limited to scientists or people with experience in the conservation or preserve management fields.

You may download an application at azstateparks.com. The application deadline is Friday, September 25.

Arizona to Receive $22 Million for Renewable Energy

Representative Ann Kirkpatrick announces that the US Energy Department is making more than $22 million available to invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency in Arizona. The grant will allow Arizona to establish a revolving loan program for small business owners who are interested in improving energy efficiency or installing solar capicity for their facilities. Kirkpatrick says thse programs will help support Arizona’s renewable energy manufacturerers and bring new green jobs to the state.

Arizona has already received around $5.8 million to help plan its State Energy program. The state will be eligible for $27 million more once it can demonstrate that its efforts to advance renewable energy and energy efficiency have been successful.

GCCC Board Meets Thursday

The Gila County Community College Governing Board meets tomorrow (Thursday) at 3:pm by ITV at Gila Pueblo Campus Room 522.

Blood Drive on July 17

A Blood Drive will be held on Friday, July 17 from 8:30am until 1:pm at the Pinal Mountain Elks. To make an appointment go to bloodhero.com.

All donors in July will be entered in a drawing to win a 2009 Saturn Aura.

Lt. 'Swede' Carlson Named Officer of the Quarter

The Gila County Attorney’s Office has named Lt. William “Swede" Carlson as Officer of the Quarter. Lt. Carlson has been with the Gila County Sheriff’s Office since 1999. He has received the Detention Supervisor of the Quarter award and has been selected numerous times to teach and train new cadets and senior staff for the Arizona Detention Academies for the State of Arizona. He is being recognized for his service, professional attitude and assistance to the County Attorney’s Office.

Police Log

Globe Police arrested 41 year old George Henry for domestic violence/assault after a disturbance yesterday morning at a residence on North East Street.

46 year old Rubina Romero was arrested for disorderly conduct yesterday after a domestic disturbance in the Escalera area.

23 year old Charles Fee was arrested in connection with a disorderly conduct report taken on Sunday.

33 year old Jayson Hopkins was arrested on a warrant for probation violation.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested 24 year old Daniel Kubacki on warrants for possession of marijuana and child support.

Deputies are investigating an assault report taken at a residence in the Dripping Springs area.

'Safe Sitter' Classes

Gila County Youth Connections is offering a two day “Safe Sitter” class for girls and boys ages 11 to 13 tomorrow (Wednesday) and Thursday.

The Safe Sitter program is a medically accurate program that teaches adolescents how to handle emergencies when caring for younger children. The class is free. Students must bring a sack lunch. Snacks and beverages will be provided.

To register or for information call 402-8517.

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 tomorrow (Wednesday). 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 are 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.

Arizona Senate Passes Some, Rejects Others

The Arizona Senate has approved a series of bills ranging from a ban on public campaign money to limits on environmental regulations.

The Senate failed to pass a ban on texting while driving, but approved a bill to require motorists to put children ages 5 through 8 in booster seats.

The Senate overwhelmingly rejected a bill to prohibit smoking in a vehicle with child passengers.

A resolution placing a proposed constitutional amendment on the November 2010 ballot would ban the use of public money for campaign funding. That would dismantle the public campaign funding system approved by voters in 1998.

The Senate approved a bill that would prohibit any state agency from adopting or enforcing rules for a program on greenhouse gas emissions without authorization by the Legislature. This is a reaction by Republican lawmakers to steps taken by former Governor Janet Napolitano.

A bill was approved that would make it harder to successfully sue emergency medical providers for alleged malpractice.

And the Senate approved a bill that could set the stage for construction of toll highways.

Transportation Board Awards Third Set of Contracts

The State Transportation Board has awarded the third set of contracts for federally funded projects to improve Arizona’s highways. This includes a $4.5 million contract for pavement preservation on Highway 60 from the Miami City Limits to McMillan Wash.

The Arizona Department of Transportation says most of the nine projects were well under estimates, producing a cost savings of $2.7 million. The lower-than-expected bids are attributed to the downturn in the economy prompting higher competition for projects.

There are now 25 stimulus-funded projects under contract statewide. Five have already begun construction.

Police Log

Several City of Globe vehicles were burglarized over the weekend at the City Barn. The case is under investigation by Globe PD.

Officers are investigating an assault that occurred at Walmart; an assault involving juveniles at the Globe Community Center; and criminal damage to a residence on East Skyline Drive.

Obituary

Timothy Martin, Jr. of Peridot passed away Thursday at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix. He was 50 He is survived by his sisters Evelyn Rope, Sandra Irving and Karen Martin; and his brothers Patrick and John Sanchez.
The wake for “Wayne” Martin will be Friday at 4:pm at Sandra Irving’s residence. The funeral is Saturday at 2:pm at Burdette Hall in San Carlos.

Federal Board Urges Arizona to Require Booster Seats

The National Transportation Safety Board is urging Arizona to take further steps to make sure that children are restrained safely in cars. The Board says that Arizona is one of only three states that don’t require children ages 5 through 8 to use booster seats.

But the Arizona Republic reports that State Senator Linda Gray is pushing a bill that would require all children under 9 to be properly restrained when in a vehicle. Children 5 through 8 would be required to use booster seats.

Booster seats raise a child in a vehicle so that a seat belt fits properly.

Supervisors Meet Tuesday

The Gila County Board of Supervisors meets Tuesday at 10:am. The Supervisors will consider a $2,800 Public Awareness Grant Agreement with the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority. They will also consider the application and award confirmation of Help America Vote Act funds.

Miami School Board Meets Tuesday

Miami School Board meets Tuesday at 6:30. The meeting includes a Public Hearing on the proposed 2009-2010 budget and possible approval of that budget.

The agenda also includes consideration and possible action on an Overide Election resolution.

Globe School Board Meets Tuesday

Globe School Board meets Tuesday at 6:pm at the Mofford Activity Center.The agenda includes approval of the proposed budget for the 2009-2010 school year.

An Executive Session follows the Regular Meeting to determine if the Governing Board or a Hearing Officer will conduct a hearing on the recommendation for the expulsion of a student.

Nestle Cookie Dough Recalled

The Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to eat raw Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough. There are concerns that the premade dough may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria.

Health officials and food producers are puzzled because cookie dough seems like an unlikely product to contain the bacterium, which lives in the intestines of cattle.

Nestle’s cookie dough is packaged with labels warning people not to eat it raw. But it has become such a popular snack that many ice cream makers have developed a cookie dough flavor.

Since March, 66 people have become sick in 28 states after eating raw cookie dough. 25 people have been hospitalized.

The recall does not include already baked Toll House cookies and other products with Nestle cookie dough ingrdients.

Police Log

One person was taken to Cobre Valley Community Hospital after a single vehicle accident yesterday around noon on Highway 77. The car was towed from the scene.

A patient was taken to the hospital for evaluation yesterday afternoon after an accident on Highway 60 and Main Street. One of the vehicles was towed.

Nobody was hurt in an accident Saturday afternoon at the Circle K on Hunter Drive. One driver was cited and a car was towed from the scene.

There were no injuries in an accident Saturday in the 1600 block of Ash involving three vehicles. 38 year old Shiela Pollard was arrested for DUI.

39 year old Ryan Peterson was arrested during a traffic stop Saturday evening for possession of marijuana. Peterson also had two outstanding warrants.

A resident on Cedar Street woke up around 1:00 this morning to find a burglar inside his house. The suspect fled on foot. The case is under investigation.

Globe Police are investigating reports of shoplifting at the Circle K on Hunter Drive; threats made to an employee at Walmart; criminal damage to a residence on Pinal Street; and criminal damage to a residence on East Skyline Drive.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a hit and run accident that occurred on Golden Hill; criminal damage to a residence on Cypress; and criminal damage to a residence on Cooley Ranch Road.