If Man Walked on the Moon Today

PMFHE Awards 26 GCC Scholarships

Pinal Mountain Foundation for Higher Education has awarded 26 scholarships to students attending Gila Communmity College at the Gila Pueblo and San Carlos campuses. The scholarships totaled more than $10,000.

18 of the scholarships were directly from PMFHE. The organization raises money primarily from its annual Oktoberfest, Golf Tournament, Auction, and from donations by businesses and individuals. Eight of the scholarships are scholarships that PMFHE administers for other groups.

To learn how you can participate or contribute, call Jerry at 701-3107.

Number of Independent Arizona Voters Continues to Grow

Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett recently released the latest statewide voter registration figures. The number of registered voters has increased to more than 3.1 million.

Arizonans registered as Independents or members of unrecognized parties have increased in number by just under 18,000, to nearly 898,000 since April.

The number of registered Republicans dropped by a little more than 2,000 to a total of 1.1 million. There are now a little more than 1,000 fewer Democrats, a total of about 1 million.

Republicans account for around 37% of all registered voters in Arizona. Democrats make up nearly 34% of the total, and independents almost 30%.

Libertarians and Greens together account for less than 1%.

Kirkpatrick Staff Office Hours Postponed

The weekly office hours hosted by members of Representative Ann Kirkpatrick’s staff scheduled for July 29 have been postponed for two weeks.

The staff will again hold office hours at the Gila County Courthouse on Wednesday, August 12.

Local Choir Members Sing National Anthem at Tonight's D-Backs Game

Members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Choir will sing the national anthem tonight (Friday) at the Arizona Diamondbacks game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Game time is 6:40pm.

Obituaries

Phyllis Ann Craft of San Jose, California passed away last week. She was 50. She is survived by her husband James; 3 sons; her daughter; her mother; her step father; 2 sisters; 2 brothers; and her grandmother.
The wake for Phyllis Craft is Sunday at 4:am at the Emma Pike residence. The funeral is Sunday at 2:pm at House of God in San Carlos.

Larry Kent Walker, Sr. of Peridot passed away Monday in Tucson. He was 35. He is survived by his daughter Lori Jane Walker of San Carlos; his son; his mother; his sister and 2 brothers.
The wake for Larry Walker, Sr. is Sunday at 6:pm at the Timothy Walker residence. The funeral is Monday at 10:am.

Police Log

Nobody was hurt in a two vehicle accident yesterday afternoon on Highway 60 near NAPA Auto Parts.

There were no injuries in a one vehicle accident in the area of Mesquite Street. The car was towed from the scene.

Globe Police arrested 24 year old Derek Marin yesterday for aggravated assault.

26 year old Phillip Herrera was arrested on a warrant for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested 28 year old Jesse Contreras for domestic violence/assault.

35 year old Gregg Sykes was arrested yesterday for domestic violence.

38 year old Andrew Murphy was arrested on a warrant for possession of drug paraphernalia involving methamphetamine.

Deputies are investigating a report of a hit and run at the Gila Pueblo Campus.

Globe Police are investigating a burglary at a residence on South Eleventh Street and a report of vulnerable adult abuse.

Deadline Approaching for GCC Mining Technology Programs

August 7 is the application deadline for Gila Community College's two mining technology programs. Program size is limited and applicants will be considered on a first come basis.

The Electrical and Instrumentation Technology program prepares students for a career as an industrial electrical and instrumentation technician.

The Industrial Plant Technology program provides training for mechanical maintenance and repair occupations.

To enroll it is necessary to complete an admissions form and take placement tests. The forms and testing are available at the Gila Pueblo Campus. Call Dean Patricia Burke for information at 928-425-8481.

'Karaoke in the Park'

The Miami Recreation Department is hosting “Karaoke in the Park” Friday night from 6:30 until 9:pm. It’s at Miami Memorial Park on Sullivan Street. Staff members will be selling snacks.

Special Globe School Board Meeting Saturday

The Globe School Board is holding a Special Meeting on Saturday at 1:pm at the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff. The meeting includes discussion and school improvement planning for the 2009-2010 school year.

San Carlos Back to School Clothing Assistance

San Carlos Apache Tribal Social Services is providing Back to School Clothing Assistance next week.

Children must be enrolled members of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, have successfully completed Spring 2009 schooling, and be enrolled or eligible for enrollment for the fall school session. Applicants are also required to take a suicide prevention education class from the Wellness Program. Parents must apply for clothing assistance in the district where they vote.

Clothing Assistance will be available for the Bylas district on Monday (July 27) ; Tuesday at San Carlos High School for the Peridot district; Wednesday at Burdette Hall for the Gilson Wash district; and Thursday at Burdette Hall for the Seven Mile Wash district. It starts at 9:am each day.

Tribal families are asked to not stand in line all night as has been done in previous years. This is for the safety and welfare of adults and children. You are also asked to not tie chairs together to reserve a space.

For more information call Tribal Social Services at 475-2313.

Gas Prices Drop for Fourth Consecutive Week

Gasoline prices fell for the fourth straight week. AAA Arizona says the statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.295. That’s a drop of four cents since last week. The nationwide average is just over $2.46 a gallon. Globe-Miami prices are still around $2.49.

Pinto Valley Project Blast Today

The next blast on the US 60 Pinto Valley project is today (Thursday) at 3:30pm. Drivers can expect delays of up to 30 minutes following the blast.

Police Log

One person was flown to a Valley hospital after an ATV accident around 5:30 yesterday morning in the Walmart parking lot.

A man drove a motorcycle into the side of a trailer yesterday afternoon at Copper Country Mobile Home Park. 21 year old Brandon Wright was arrested for unlawful means of transportation and driving under the influence of drugs.

Miami Police arrested 62 year old Tony Licano on a warrant for disorderly conduct.

Globe Police are investigating a burglary at a business on Euclid.

Obituary

Nealand Micah Boni of Peridot pased away Monday. He was 3 years old. He is survived by his parents Jason and Kimberly Boni; his sister; and his brother.
The wake for Nealand Boni will be Friday at 4:pm at the Stella Boni residence. The funeral is Saturday at 2:pm at the LDS Church in San Carlos.

GCC Board Meeting Canceled

The Gila Community College Governing Board meeting that was scheduled for today (Thursday) has been canceled.

New Program Tackles Diabetes Among Young American Indians

A special curriculum to tackle the growing prevalence of diabetes among American Indian children has been developed by health officials, tribal leaders and educators from across the country.

Officials with the national Diabetes Education in Tribal Schools project say prevention starts in the classroom. Now teachers who work with Native American students can incorporate the program into their lessons this fall.

ABC15 reports that a handful of educators are being trained in Albuquerque this week to introduce the program to schools throughout New Mexico, Arizona, and parts of Colorado and Utah.

Globe Council Considers Tax Increase and Final Budget

Globe City Council holds a Special Meeting tomorrow night (Thursday) at 6:pm. It follows a Public Hearing on Globe’s proposed 5% property tax increase. The increase will be voted on during the Special Meeting.

The Council will also vote on the proposed final budget for 2009-2010.

GCCC Board Meets Thursday

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

Court Reopens Case Challenging Vote Machines

The state Court of Appeals is reviving a lawsuit that challenges most Arizona counties’ use of special voting machines for the disabled.

The East Valley Tribune reports that the Court unanimously rejected arguments by the Secretary of State’s Office and county election officials that the decision to certify machines manufactured by Diebold Elections Systems and Sequoia Voting Systems cannot be challenged. The Court said it is proper for courts to consider the issue of whether the machines comply with Arizona law.

The Court also said that there is a legitimate question of whether the machines are accurately counting votes.

'A Dose of Cod Liver Oil'

A new exhibit about the Great Depression in Arizona opens at the Globe Public Library on Saturday, August 8.The exhibit is called “A Dose of Cod Liver Oil.” It features historic photos, documents, letters and artifacts from the Arizona State Library, Archives and Museum in Phoenix. Globe is the second stop for the exhibit that is touring the state for the next year.

An opening reception will be held at the Globe Library on August 8 from 1 to 3:pm.It will include a discussion about federal programs developed during the 1930’s, presented by archivists from the State Library. Bring your Depression era artifacts, letters or photographs and share your thoughts on the Great Depression.

San Carlos Youth Conference July 29

The San Carlos Youth Conference is next Wednesday (July 29) in the Convention Center at the Apache Gold Casino. The focus is on how to succeed in education. Participants must register to attend. Registration forms are avalable at the San Carlos Health Department or Bylas Wellness Center.

Police Log

Local fire departments responded to a report of a fire yesterday morning on Alberta Street and Golden Hill. It turned out to be a fire in a trash can in the kitchen, possibly caused by a cigarette. The fire was contained before causing much damage.

A delivery truck hit a telephone pole on Grover Canyon. The hit and run is under investigation.

Yesterday an inmate at the Gila County Jail was charged with aggravated assault on an officer.

A 44 year old California woman was arrested during a traffic stop on Highway 60 for possession of a dangerous drug for sale.

Miami Police arrested 18 year old April Valsquez yesterday for domestic violence and assault.

30 year old Stephanie Weaver was arrested on a warrant for disorderly conduct.

28 year old Anitra Salazar was also arrested yesterday on a warrant for disorderly conduct.

Globe Police are investigating criminal damage at the Globe Cemetery and a theft from a residence at Copper Country Mobile Home Park;

Grand Canyon Among 28 Finalists for '7 Wonders of Nature'

The Grand Canyon is one of 28 natural landmarks that are in the final phase of the global poll to choose the “New 7 Wonders of Nature.” Anyone can vote by Internet or phone. The winners will be announced in 2011. Over 1 billion people are expected to participate.

The Arizona Daily Star reports that a panel of experts chose the finalists from the 77 nominees that gained the most votes in an early round of voting. People originally suggested 261 landmarks in all countries of the world.

The New 7 Wonders organization says the purpose of the campaign is to promote cultural diversity by supporting, preserving and restoring monuments and natural sites.

You can vote at new7wonders.com.

Mt. Graham Sacred Run

The annual Mt. Graham Sacred Run activities begin tomorrow (Wednesday) at Oak Flats with a Sweat Lodge at 9:am, 1:30 and 5:30pm. There’ll be a dinner Thursday evening at 5:00.

The run itself begins at 4:am Friday, from Old San Carlos Monument to the top of Mt. Graham. It is open to everyone.

Activities continue through the weekend. For information call 928-475-2494.

Land Exchange Forum Tonight in Superior

The Concerned Citizens and Retired Miners Coalition presents an informational forum tonight (Tuesday) at 7:00 at the VFW Hall in Superior. Critical issues concerning the Oak Flat Land Exchange legislation will be discussed. This inludes the area’s Native American cultural and religious importance, mining methodology, and the National Environmental Policy Act.

Social Security Representative at VA Clinic

A Social Security Administration representative will be at the Globe VA Clinic tomorrow (Wednesday). The representative will answer your questions from 10:am until 2:pm.

SR 77 Construction Extended Through August

The Arizona Department of Transportation has extended its construction work on SR 77 between Globe and Winkelman. The highway will continue to be closed 6:am until 6:pm Monday through Friday until the end of July. Starting August 1, SR 77 will be closed 6:am until 4:30pm.

Traffic delays of up to 30 minutes will continue during nightime and weekend hours.

The alternate route is US 60 to Superior and SR 177 from Superior to Winkelman.

US 60 Pinto Valley Blast

The next blast on the US 60 Pinto Valley project is scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday) at 10:am. Drivers can expect a delay of up to 30 minutes following the blast. Delays of 10 to 15 minutes are possible at other times during the day.

Police Log

23 year old James Castaneda was arrested yesterday for sexual assault, kidnapping and luring a minor for sexual exploitations.

Globe Police cited and released 31 year old Jerad Crockett yesterday morning for criminal trespass at Copper Country Mobile Home Park.
Officers responded to a report of a fight several hours later and arrested Crockett for assault and booked him into the Gila County Jail.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested 29 year old Valerie Canchola on a warrant for failure to comply on a charge of issuing a bad check

Globe Police are investigating criminal damage at Besh Ba Gowah and a theft at a residence on Third Avenue.

Obituary

Michael H. Loughran of Show Low passed away last week. He was 77. He is survived by his daughter Michele Jensen; his son Michael Loughran; and his brother.
A Memorial Service for “Coach” Loughran will be held Monday at 10:am at Holy Angels Catholic Church.

Paul Ray Mobley passed away last week. He was 82. He is survived by 4 children, including Nicole Mobley of Globe; and 2 sisters.
Services for Paul Mobley will be private.

AG Announces Settlement with DISH Network

Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard has announced a $5.9 million settlement with DISH Network. The agreement settles consumer protection allegations from attorneys general in 46 states. The company denies any wrongdoing.

The states alleged that DISH network refused to accept reponsibility for the misconduct of its third party retailers and installers; failed to disclose all terms and conditions of their customer agreements, including the availabilty of rebates, credits and free offers; did not disclose that purchased or leased equipment was previously used or refurbished; and charged credit cards and bank accounts without providing adequate notice and obtaining appropriate authorization.

Unresolved complaints sent to DISH Network or the Arizona Attorney General’s Office since January 1, 2004 are elligible for restitution. Consumers can also file a complaint to be considered for the restitution program as long as the complaint is about activity that took place within the last two years.

Transportation Board Approves 17 More Construction Contracts

The State Transportation Board has awarded 17 more contracts for highway projects statewide. This raises the total number of Recovery Act projects to 41. Nine of them are already under construction. Most of the bids were well under ADOT estimates, leaving money for additional stimulus work.

The approved projects include pavement sealing of SR 177 and SR 288 in Pinal and Gila Counties. The other Gila County project is the replacement of the safety fence on SR 87 between Payson and Pine.

The Board also awarded 9 other contracts not funded by ARRA, including construction of 4.5 miles of divided highway on SR 260 from Little Green Valley in northern Gila County to Thompson Draw.

Sports Physicals at CVCH Specialty Clinic

The Cobre Valley Community Hospital Specialty Clinic is giving sports physicals tomorrow (Tuesday) by appointment. The Specialty Clinic is located in the Medical Plaza in front of the hospital. You will need to bring your school’s sports physical form.

The physical is $29 and payable at the time of the service by either check or cash.

For questions or to make an appointment, call 425-3246.

Supervisor Work Session in Star Valley

The Gila County Board of Supervisors is holding a Work Session tomorrow (Tuesday) in Star Valley. The meeting starts at 2:pm. The public may attend the meeting by ITV at the Gila County Courthouse. The subject of the meeting is Northern Gila County water issues.

Initiative Would Provide More Community College Funds

President Barack Obama has announced a plan to provide $12 billion to improve community college facilities.

The Arizona Republic reports that the program would encourage business partnerships for workers to obtain new skills and it would design curriculum coordinated with job placement.

The plan would also improve remedial and adult education programs; expand course offerings and online instruction; encourage dual enrollment and easier credit transfer with high schools and four year colleges; and create a $2.5 billion fund for improving community college facilities.

Funds for the program would come from the savings in federal money distributed to private lenders that make college loans. It’s part of a presidential innitiative to graduate an additional 5 million community college students by 2020.

The plan must be approved by Congress.

Miami Town Council Meets Tonight

Miami Town Council is having a Special Meeting tonight (Monday) at 6:30. The agenda includes approval of the 2009-2010 tentative budget.

The Council will also consider a revised rental agreement for the Miami Senior Center.

They will also consider appointing a temporary position of Building Inspector to serve in the absence of the Town Inspector.

Police Log

Miami Police arrested 19 year old Felina Bell for assault/domestic violence.

66 year old Frank Toscano was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear on a charge of criminal trespass.

The Gila County Sheriff's Office is investigating a theft at Four Star Mobile Home Park.

Registration at Globe Education Center

Globe Education Center is now accepting registration for new students. To register your child for the alternative high school, stop by the office for an enrollment packet. It’s at the old East Globe campus. Or contact Jennifer at 475-5800.

Classes begin on August 10.