Friday, July 10, 2009

Globe Council Meets Monday

Globe City Council is having a Public Hearing on Monday evening at 5:45. The purpose of the hearing is for public input on an amendment to the Zoning Code concerning Sexually Oriented Businesses.

A Work Session follows the Public Hearing. It will include that item along with several other proposed revisions to the Globe City Code.

The agenda also includes a resolution adopting a revised general fee schedule.

The Council will go into Executive Session for legal advice concerning a broadband license agreement and to discuss Police Chief interviews.

MHS Registration Starts Monday

Registration at Miami High School begins Monday (July 13) for Juniors and Seniors. Registration hours are 5 to 7:pm.

Sophomores will register on Tuesday and Freshmen will register on Wednesday from 5 to 7.

Parents pick up and complete registration packets in the library. Once completed, the packets are returned and checked by the high school office staff located at tables in the library.

Parents unable to register at these times may come to the High School office between 9:am and 3:pm Monday through Thursday.

New students may register in the Miami High School office anytime next week during normal office hours.

Parents of students new to the district need to sign up in the office for a registration appointment with a guidance counselor.

Miami Council Meets Monday

Miami Town Council meets Monday evening with a Workshop at 6:15 and the Regular Meeting at 6:30.

The Council will discuss and possibly aprove the 2009-2010 draft budget.

They will also consider re-instating the magistrate court in Miami.

And they will consider granting permission for Marianne Collins to paint a mural in the Miami Memorial Library.

Brewer Re-Establishes Forest Health Council

Photo:NAU

Governor Jan Brewer has signed an executive order to re-establish the Forest Health Council, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the health of Arizona’s forests.

The Council will advise the Governor on forest restoration, community protection and fire management, and provide a forum for tracking forest projects across the state.

Reward for Info About Courthouse Window Damage

Fifteen double pane glass windows on the south side of the Gila County Courthouse building were damaged by rocks sometime Thursday night.

Gila County Public Works is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest of whoever caused the damage.

Contact the Gila County Sheriff’s Office at 402-1872.

Arizona Gets $3.2 Million to Clean Up Leaking Underground Storage Tanks

Photo:Bushman&Assoc

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality announces that Arizona has received more than $3.2 million in federal stimulus funding to help clean up petroleum contamination from leaking underground storage tanks.

The money will be used by ADEQ’s Tank Programs Division to clean up tanks at 23 sites. This includes $150,000 to clean up the facility at Shores Communications Service on East Ash Street in Globe.

The majority of the proposed projects are cleanups of leaking underground storage tanks for which the owners cannot be identified or where owners are not financially capable of conducting cleanups.

Police Log

Nobody was hurt in an accident yesterday around noon at Ash and Hill Streets.

There were no injuries in a two vehicle accident last night in the area of Evans and Broad Street. One driver was cited for unsafe backing.

No injuries were reported in an accident around 10:pm near the overpass.

A Super Stop employee called Globe Police around 2:00 this morning about a woman who said she was assaulted by her boyfriend. 24 year old Aaron Stanley was arrested for assault.

24 year old David Hayes was arrested yesterday for fraudulent schemes and trafficking in stolen property.

Coty Fuller was arrested for fraudulent schemes and conspiracy.

Globe Police are investigating criminal damage at the Super 8 Motel.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Marlene Pena Indicted for Embezzlement

Image:ucclaw

A federal grand jury has indicted 45 year old Marlene Pena for allegedly embezzling more than $1 million from the Marian Miami Federal Credit Union.

Pena was hired by the credit union in 1994 and became its manager in 2000. The indictment alleges that Pena operated a scheme to defraud the union between January 2001 through at least December 2006. The indictment goes on to allege that by accessing the credit union’s computer system, she created about 140 fictitious loans and fraudulently issued loan proceeds checks to her friends and family members.

Pena has been charged with 25 felony offenses of embezzlement. A conviction for each of these offenses is punishable by up to 30 years in a federal prison and a fine of up to $1 million.

Canyon Fire Department Holds Budget Meeting

Canyon Fire Department is holding a public meeting tomorrow night (Friday) at 7:00 concerning the proposed annual budget.

Summer Youth Musical Theater Program Presents 'Jungle Book'

The Summer Youth Musical Theater Program presents Jungle Book starting tomorrow night (Friday) at the Cobre Valley Center for the Arts. Performances are at 7:pm Friday and Saturday and next weekend. Matinee performances start at 2:00 this Saturday and next Saturday.

For ticket information, call the Cobre Valley Center for the Arts at 425-0884.

Image:PioneerDrama

Gas Prices Continue to Drop

Gasoline prices have dropped for the second straight week. Arizona motorists are currently paying an average of $2.605 for a gallon of regular unleaded. That’s a decrease of more than four cents. The nationwide average is a little more than $2.59. Prices in Globe-Miami are around $2.53.

AAA says that plentiful supplies and weak demand means we’ve probably seen the worst of summer 2009 fuel prices. Prices will probably settle in the mid $2 range for the rest of the summer, barring unforeseen circumstances.

Miami School Board Meets Tonight

Miami School Board meets tonight (Thursday) at 6:30 in the Miami High School Library. There will be a Public Hearing on the proposed budget and possible adoption of the budget during the Regular Meeting.

Police Log

Globe Police arrested 33 year old Robert Heydt of Springerville on charges of possession of dangerous drugs for sale and transport of dangerous drugs.

26 year old Franciso Gonzales was arrested last night for indecent exposure at a business on East Ash. Gonzales was on work release from the Gila County Jail.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested 51 year old Gilbert Levario for assault.

Deputies are investigating a report of criminal damage at a residence on Gordon Street.

Globe Police are investigating criminal damage at the Fashion Gap; criminal damage at the Dollar General; and a burglary at a residence on Hackney Hill.

Obituaries

Guadalupe Garcia Herrera of Globe passed away Tuesday at Mountain Vista Medical Center in Mesa. She was 56. She is survived by her husband Mike and 3 children.
A Memorial Mass for “Lupe” Herrera will be held Saturday at 10:am at Holy Angels Catholic Church.

Kenneth Brink passed away Tuesday at Heritage Healthcare Center. He was 75.
A Memorial Service for Kenneth Brink will be held (next) Saturday (July 18) at 10:am at St. Pauls United Methodist Church.
The family suggests donations be made to the church or your favorite charity.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Working Group Aims to Improve Food Safety

Image:Ecolab

A food safety working group established by the White House says the government working to boost the safety of some of the nation’s most popular foods. They announced stricter rules for the production of eggs, poultry, beef, leafy greens, melons and tomatoes.

The Arizona Daily Star reports that the White House and Congress are turning their attention to this issue after a series of food safety breakdowns in recent years, from contaminated spinach in 2006 to salmonella in peppers and possibly tomatoes last year.

The group is also directing the Food and Drug Administration to help the food industry establish better tracing systems in the event of an outbreak.

Grant Will Prepare More Native American School Principals

Photo:Navaho-arts.com

A nearly $1 million grant from the US Department of Education will support a four year project to increase the number of well-trained K-12 principals for schools on American Indian reservations. The money will go to Northern Arizona University's “principal certificate” program.

The objective of the program is to add 25 K-12 principals by 2012 to serve in schools on the Navajo Nation, Hopi, San Carlos Apache and White Mountain reservations.

The program is open to qualified American Indian teachers, who will have their college tuition and associated fees paid. Classes will be provided through NAU’s Extended Campuses. Interested candidates should begin by providing a nomination letter from their school principals and superintendents describing their potential to be in the certificate program.

Police Log

Miami Police arrested 46 year old David Stenhouse for kidnapping and criminal trespass.

Globe Police arrested 18 year old Joseph Cline for shoplifting at the Santee Circle K.

Officers are investigating a burglary that took place on Hackney Hill.

Teens Who Move Have Higher Suicide Risk

Photo:iParenting

A recent study shows that kids whose families move frequently have a higher suicide rate than those that don’t.

MSNBC.com reports that psychologists have known for years that moves can be distrssing for kids. But a new study published in the Archives of Psychiatry shows that the impact on some adolescents may be more devastating than anyone thought.

The study found that kids aged 11 to 17 were twice as likely to attempt suicide if their families moved three or more times. If the family moved more than 10 times, the children were four times as likely to attempt suicide compared to those who had never moved.

The researchers say parents can lessen the impact of moving if they include the child in discussions of the anticipated move and give them an opportunity to see the new house and neighborhood before moving. They can also encourage their kids to stay in contact with their old friends through email and video conferencing, and by inviting their friends to visit the new place.

Obituaries

Hector H. Bejarano, Sr. passed away Sunday in Mesa. He was 69.
Visitation for Hector Bejarano, Sr. is tomorrow (Thursday) at 9:am at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church. Rosary is at 9:30 and the funeral is at 10:00.

Francis Bruce of Roosevelt passed away Friday at Heritage Health Care Center. She was 91.
Services for Francis Bruce will be private.

Charles Philip Erickson of Miami passed away last week at Odyssey Hospice in Tucson. He was 64. He is survived by his sister and his daughters Elaine McDowell, Lisa Martin and Ruth Erickson
Services for Charles Erickson will be private.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

US 60 Gonzales Pass Project Nominated for National Award

Photo:US60Study

The US 60 Gonzales Pass reconstruction project is one of two ADOT projects that have been nominated for national awards. The project between Superior and Florence Junction converted 10 miles of US 60 from a two lane road to a safer four lane divided highway. It was opened to traffic 10 months ahead of schedule.

The Gonzales Pass project and the Regional Freeway System in the Phoenix area were nominated for the prestgious America’s Transportation Awards. The competition recognizes the best transportation projects in the country—projects that are on time, on budget, and demonstrate innovative management.

ADOT says both projects have improved traffic flow and regional connectivity and have helped Arizonans get safely where they need to go.

Recovery Act Funds Go To San Carlos Apache Economic Development

Representative Ann Kirkpatrick announces that the US Treasury Department is making nearly $130,000 in Recovery Act funds available for economic development on San Carlos Apache lands. The funds are part of $8 million in technical assistance grants for community development financial institutions serving Native communities.

The San Carlos Apache Tribe is in the process of establishing a non-profit organization that will provide small business lending and financial services on tribal lands. The funds are being distributed to help them get their organization off the ground as part of the Native American CDFI Assistance Program.

Image:SanCarlosApache

Beer Tree Crossing Closed Wednesday

Gila County Public Works announces that Beer Tree Crossing at the train tracks will be closed to traffic tomorrow (Wednesday) from 6:am to 4:30pm. There is also a possibility that it may be closed on Thursday to complete the work.

If you have any questions, contact the Gila County Public Works Division at 402-8532.

Miami Council Special Meeting Tonight

Miami Town Council is having a Special Meeting tonight (Tuesday) at 6:30. The Council will discuss and possibly act on the procedures and process of the Town Administrator taking vacation leave.

Police Log

Globe Police responded to a 911 call last night from Gas and Go. 59 year old Raymond Ybarrondo of Payson was arrested for misuse of 911 and use of a telephone to harass.

A Gila County Sheriff’s deputy arrested 21 year old Michael Miranda for telephone harassment.

19 year old Timothy Bush was arrested yesterday for extreme DUI.

46 year old David Worley was arrested for possession of dangerous drugs.

Globe Police are investigating a burglary on Jess Hayes Road.

Miami Junior High School Registration

Registration for students attending Miami Junior High School starts today (Tuesday) and ends Thursday. Hours are 8:30am until 2:pm. Classes begin on August 3.

Students who wish to participate in athletics should have their physical and apprpriate paperwork turned into the office in time for the first day of school.

There have been a number of changes to the dress code. Information about the changes is available at the school office.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Arizona Could Have More DOs Than MDs

Photo:Life123

An article in the Portland Oregonian says that Arizona schools will soon be graduating more doctors of osteopathy than medical doctors. There will be twice as many DOs graduating in 2012 than MDs. That gap could increase if the University of Arizona is unable to expand its medical school in Phoenix.

Midwestern University in Glendale graduated its first DO class in 2000. A.T. Still University in Mesa will graduate its first DO class in 2011. Their expected total of 350 in 2012 is expected to ease a growing doctor shortage. Arizona has one of the worst ratios of primary care doctors per resident.

Like MDs, DOs are licensed to diagnose illness, perform surgery and prescribe medicine. DOs say their emphasis is on a more holistic view of medicine and that they believe in the body’s ability to heal itself. Their education also includes instruction in osteopathic manipulative treatment.

The number of osteopathic doctors has increased 67% nationwide since 1990.

Supervisors Meet Tuesday

The Gila County Board of Supervisors meets tomorrow morning (Tuesday) at 10:00. The meeting includes the public sale of several unnecessary public roadways.

The Board will consider Intergovernmental Agreements with the City of Globe, the Town of Star Valley, the Town of Hayden and the Town of Miami; and a Transit Agreement with the Payson Senior Center. The agreements provide Local Transportation Assistance Funds for senior center transportation.

Arizona Has 25,000 Homeless School Children

The Arizona Republic reports that the number of homeless school children in Arizona has exceeded 25,000. That’s an increase of nearly 18% in the past year.

Educators say the increase is due to the soaring rate of unemployment and foreclosures. About two thirds of the state’s homeless students live in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has provided Arizona with $1.9 million to give homeless children as young as preschool age equal access to free public education.

School districts across the state have applied for federal stimulus grants.

Image:AZDOE

Police Log

A two vehicle accident caused unknown injuries yesterday evening in the Fry’s parking lot. No further information is available.

An unoccupied car at Mesquite and Hill Streets rolled down a hill early Saturday afternoon and hit an APS pole. Nobody was hurt. The owner of the vehicle was cited for having faulty equipment.

A tree fell on some power lines Saturday evening on South Fourth Street. Globe Fire Department and APS were called to the scene and repairs were made.

Globe Police arrested 47 year old Rita Betoney for assault Saturday afternoon at Horizon Human Services.

30 year old Justin Flores was arrested Saturday for aggravated assault in connection with a case reported last week.

Globe Police are investigating a report of a burglary taken at a residence behind AM/PM.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a burglary at a residence on Glendale Avenue, and criminal damage at the Shamrock Docking station in Claypool.

Obituaries

Visitation for “Rudy” Perez is today (Monday) at 9:am at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church. Rosary is at 9:30 and the funeral is at 10:00.

Joseph P. Cano of Claypool passed away last week at Copper Mountain Inn. He was 79. He is survived by his children Jim, Jerry, Thomas and Pat Cano; Joann Hernandez, Mary Sels, Linda Chavez and Lorraine Gonzales.
A Memorial Service will be held today (Monday) at 1:pm at First Southern Baptist Church.