GCC Now Offers Fire Science Associate of Applied Science Degree

Gila Community College announces that a Fire Science Associate of Applied Science degree is now available. It is for students who either plan to enter employment or who are currently working in fire services or related fields and want to upgrade their knwledege and skills.

GCC also offers a Certificate of Proficiency in Fire Science. The Fire Science Certificate program prepares students for service as firefighters in rural settings.

Fire Department Operations I will be offered this fall on Wednesdays from 5 to 9:50pm. Fire Department Operations II will be offered during the Spring 2010 semester.

Adult students interested in either program are encouraged to call Dean Patricia Burke at (928) 425-8481.

(In the photo, Globe Fire Chief Al Gameros and Dean Patricia Burke finalize paperwork for the new Fire Science AAS degree.)

Arizona Gets $53M for New Charter Schools

State School Superintendent Tom Horne has announced that Arizona will be getting more than $53 million over the next five years to help open an additional 92 charter schools.

Horne says the new schools will provide “rigorous academic programs” for “at risk” students in inner city and poor rural areas.

The Arizona Daily Star reports that existing charter schools that want to use federal dollars to open new branches will have to show a record of success in meeting the goals of the grant. They will also have to prove that they have a better than average record at academic achievement and in getting students to graduate.

Globe Council Meets Monday

Globe City Council meets Monday at 6:pm. The Council will consider a test removal of traffic signals at the intercsection of Cedar and Broad Streets.

They will also vote on a Resolution to provide procedures for public participation in preparing the Globe Northeast Area Plan.

The Council will also consider an ordinance concerning riding on sidewalks.

Gas Prices Rise But Still at Four Year Low

AAA Arizona says gasoline prices are starting to rise again but are still at a four year low. Arizona motorists are currently paying an average of just under $2.51 for a gallon of regular unleased gas. That’s an increase of 1.5 cents since last week. But Arizona’s July average of $2.545 is the lowest statewide fuel average for the month of July since 2005.

The nationwide average price is close to $2.52.

Globe-Miami prices are a fraction of a cent lower than last week at a little more than $2.48 a gallon.

Season Ends for Local Swimming Pools

Today (Friday) is the last day to enjoy the Miami Hostetler Swimming Pool. Swimming is free today from noon until 4:pm.

The last day of the season for the Globe Community Center Swimming Pool is Sunday. The pool will be open on Sunday fom Noon until 5:pm.

Police Log

Globe Police arrested 40 year old Rudy Mojica on charges of domestic violence and criminal damage after he turned himself in at the Gila County Sheriff’s Office.

30 year old Rhea Tucker was arrested yesterday on outstanding warrants for aggravated assault/criminal damage and child abuse, and for false reporting to law enforcement.

DPS arrested 42 year old Magalita Swimmer on warrants for failure to appear on a bad check charge.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested 37 year old David Wagner for assault/domestic violence, and threats and intimidation.

Depuites are investigating an assault that occurred at a residence on Marion Canyon Road.

Obituaries

Nancy Slick Gilson of San Carlos passed away Sunday at Kindred Hospital in Phoenix. She was 78. She is survived by her sons Robert Garcia and Kenneth Gilson; her daughter; and two brothers.

The wake for Nancy Gilson is tomorrow (Saturday) at 4:am at Apache Independent Church. The funeral is at 10:am.

More Stores Accepting Food Stamps

USA Today reports that more and more retail stores are now accepting food stamps—now known as Electronic Benefit Transfers. Family Dollar and other stores say their earnings have been stable during the recession partly because they participate in the federal food stamp program, now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

In its third quarter earnings report, Family Dollar cited the debit-like EBT cards as one of the reasons for its success in the current economy.

Other stores now accepting the EBT card include Target, Costco and Seeven-Eleven.

An estimated 39 million people currently receive food stamps. Arizona and several other states have seen a 30% growth in the numbr of people using food stamps in the last year.

Click here for eligibility guidelines and here for a breakdown on what you can and cannot buy using the EBT cards.

Gila County Historical Museum Hamburger Fry

The monthly Gila County Historical Museum hamburger fry is tomorrow night (Friday) at the museum on Broad Street. The fundraiser takes place on the last Friday of each month through September. It starts at 5:30, and it’s $5 a person for hamburgers, chips, salads, cowboy beans, desserts and drinks.

Concert in the Park Features 'Gone Country'

Tomorrow night’s (Friday) Concert in the Park features Gone Country. It’s at Miami Memorial Park from 6:30 until 9:30pm. Bring your lawn chairs and coolers. Staff from the Miami Recreation Department will have food items to sell.

AAA Launches Online Community for Teen Drivers

AAA has launched an online social community designed especially for teen drivers. Teens are invited to log onto aaateendriving.com to share their on the road experiences with other teens. There are also safe driving tips and other resources.

The site has introduced a Teen Driving public service announcement contest. Teens interested in entering the contest should create a 60 second PSA designed to build awareness on the biggest issues facing teen drivers.

Entries must be submitted by August 31. The top five PSAs will be posted on the Web site, where the public will be invited to vote for their favorite. The grand prize is $2,000. The second place winner will receive $700 and third place will receive $300.

Obituaries

Charles Thomas Fisher passed away Tuesday at his home in Globe. He was 85. He is survived by his daughters Debra Madrid and Sharon Kowalzyk.
Services for Charles Fisher will be private.

Ethel Evaughn Banta of Globe passed away Wednesday at Copper Mountain Inn. She was 97. She is survived by 2 daughters; her son; and her sister.
Services for Ethel Banta will be private.

Police Log

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested 28 year old Laverne Copeland on warrants for extreme DUI, assault and child support.

Depuites are investigating the theft of a 500 gallon propoane tank from a residence on highway 77; a burglary at a residence on First Avenue in Country Club Manor; a theft from a motor home in the area of Randall and Apache; and a burglary from a residence on Kellner Canyon.

Globe Police are investigating a theft from a residence on Lipton.

Obituary

E. Kendrick Holder of Globe passed away Monday at Friendship Village in Tempe. He was 87. He is survived by his wife Lora; his brother; his son; and 2 daughters.
The funeral for Kendrick Holder will be Saturday at 10:am at the Pinal Mountain Elks Lodge.

Nearly Half of Arizona Crashes Caused by Four Safety Concerns

AAA Arizona reports that nearly half of all auto crashes in Arizona last year were caused by one of four major AAA safety concerns. These concerns are: distracted driving, red light running, tailgating and speeding.

AAA’s Traffic Safety Culture Index shows that most drivers share these concerns, and yet many of them continue the same behaviors themselves.

80% of motorists surveyed said distracted driving is a very serious threat to their safety. But more than two thirds of them admitted to talking on a cell phone, and 21% admitted to reading or sending a text message or email while driving.

Nine out of ten people considered running a red light unacceptable, yet 26% of those same people admitted to running a red light.

Nine out of ten people considered tailgating unaccepatable, but 24% of them admitted to tailgating in the last 30 days.

And 63% considered speeding a threat to safety, but 28% admitted to speeding on the highway and 21% admitted to speeding on residential streets.

AAA says it is their goal to help drivers realize the dangers and change their behavior for the safety of everyone on the road.

Globe School Board Special Meeting

The Globe School Board is holding a Special Meeting tomorrow night (Thursday) at 8:10pm at the Mofford Activity Center. The agenda includes a presentation and possible approval of the Cerified and Classified Personnel Report.

Arizona 'Kids Count' Data Shows Disparity Between Rural and Urban Communities

A national report released this week ranks Arizona 40th in the nation on 10 indicators of child well being, including education, death rates and poverty. This is the third consecutive year that Arizona’s ranking has slipped in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s "Kids Count" report.

County by county data show sharp disparities between conditions in urban and rural areas. Children and teens in Arizona rural counties fared significantly worse in rates of child deaths, teen deaths, high school dropouts and poverty, compared to children living in the Phoenix and Tucson areas.

Rural counties have the worst teen death rates. Gila, Graham, Cochise and Apache Counties report twice as many deaths per 100,000 teens as Maricopa and Pima Counties.

Chilren’s Action Alliance vice president Amy Kobeta attributes this to a lack of economic opportunities and less access to mental health services.

Obituary

Visitation for Michael Amado will be Friday from 6:30 to 7:30pm at Miles Funeral Services Globe. The funeral is Saturday at 10:am.

Police Log

Gila County Sheriff’s Office Task Force arrested 32 year old Joseph Armendariz for cultivation of marijuana.

Miami Police arrested 36 year old Patrick Hernandez on a warrant for criminal trespass.

Globe Police arrested 40 year old Mark Robles of Mesa at a traffic stop on a warrant from Maricopa County. Robles was also charged with aggravated assault in connection with an incident that occurred on June 27.

33 year old Amytiss Franco was arrested yesterday on warrants for criminal damage/assault and domestic violence.

Officers are investigating a burglary report taken at a residence on North High Street.

Obituary

Lillian Rivera Gamez of Globe passed away Friday at Heritage Healthcare Center. She was 66. She is survived by her mother Lillian Rivera; her son; and 3 sisters.
Visitation for “Baby” Gamez will be tomorrow (Thursday) at 9:30am at Holy Angels Catholic Church. Rosary is at 10:30 and the funeral is at 11:00.
The family requests that memorials be sent to Holy Angels Church.

Comment Period Extended for Solar Study Areas

The Department of Energy and the Bureau of Land Management have extended the public comment period on plans to study public land in Arizona and five other states They are trying to determine where solar power stations should be built.

The public comment period has been extended 45 days. It will end on September 14.

The agencies announced in June that 24 tracts of land in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah will be evaluated.

The solar energy study areas include 670,000 acres. Sensitive lands, wilderness areas and lands with high conservation value have not been included.

Comments may be submitted through the Solar Energy project Web site at www.solareis.anl.gov.

Lee Kornegay Open House

Lee Kornegay School is having an Open House tomorrow (Wednesday) from 6 to 7:30pm in the Miami High School cafeteria. Refreshments will be served.

Miami PD Investigating Two Homicides

The Miami Police Department is investigating two fatal shootings that have occurred in just over a month. They say there is no indication that the two shootings are connected.

The latest victim is 40 year old Michael Amado who was shot Sunday morning while walking on the railroad tracks between Latham Boulevard and Loomis Avenue.

Miami PD is unable to give any further information without jeopardizing the investigation, but they ask that if you have any information about either of the shootings, call them at 473-4141.

The first shooting victim was Ernie Singh, who died on June 24.

Governor Establishes Coordinating Council

Governor Jan Brewer has issued an Executive Order establishing a Coordinating Council to come up with ways to create a more streamlined system of education that improves academic achievement.

The Council will be a statewide forum that will provide recommendations to the Governor on specific education reforms outlined in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

In Arizona’s State Fiscal Stabilization Fund application, the Governor assured progress on several key education reforms. These include improving the distribution of qualified teachers, enhancing academic standards, and supporting the state’s struggling schools. The Coordinating Council will be the vehicle for these reforms.

Police Log

A juvenile driver was injured yesterday afternoon when a car drove down an embankment near Eucalyptus Street.

Globe Police took a shoplifting report at the downtown Safeway late yesterday afternoon after three suspects fled the scene. About an hour and a half later, one of the suspects returned to the store. Two juveniles were located nearby. One of them was arrested for shoplifting, both of them were arrested for minor consumption. Two adults were also arrested. 22 year old Daryl Early was charged with DUI. 20 year old Alecia Cruz was arrested for minor consumption. The juveniles were released to their family. Cruz was later released. Early was taken to the Gila County Jail.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested 42 year old Scott Brakesfield of Tonto Basin on a warrant for criminal trespass, impersonating a peace officer and expired registration.

Deputies are investigating a theft of a motorcycle from a residence on Russell Road.

Globe Police are investigating criminal damage at the Besh Ba Gowah museum.

Game and Fish Videos Attract A Million Views

The Arizona Game and Fish Department says its online videos have exceeded the one million viewer mark.

Their top video has had more than 128,000 views on YouTube. It is a segment about hunting dogs that was produced for the department’s award winning televison series on PBS.

Other popular videos include features on black footed ferrets, burrowing owls, and falcons nesting on downtown skyscrapers. There is also a “fish cam” at one of their hatcheries.

The Game and Fish Department’s videos can be seen on most video websites and at azgfd.gov.

Supervisors to Adopt Budget

The Gila County Board of Supervisors meets tomorrow morning (Tuesday) at 10:00. After a Public Hearing about the County’s intention to raise primary property taxes, the Supervisors will consider adopting the 2009-2010 fiscal year budget by a roll call vote.

They will also meet as the Library District Board of Directors to adopt the Library District budget.

CNBC Poll Rates Arizona 18th for Business

Arizona is tied with Oregon in a CNBC survey ranking states for business climate.

CNBC’s annual report ranks Arizona 18th based on 40 measurements, grouped into 10 large categories.

Arizona scored best in the work force category at No.4. States were rated based on their work force education level, number of available employees, union membership and training programs.

Arizona’s worst score was for education, where it was 45th.

Destiny School Leads in Most AIMS Scores

Recently released AIMS test scores show Destiny School leading Globe and Miami District schools in most categories.

100% of Destiny fifth graders met or exceeded requirements on the Math and Reading tests. 96% of Destiny fifth and sixth graders met or exceeded requirements on the Writing test.

Miami seventh graders had the highest scores for their grade on the Math test. Miami seventh and eighth graders scored highest on the Reading and Writing tests.

Globe third graders scored highest on the Writing test.

Rep. Kirkpatrick Hosts 'Tele-Town Hall'

Representative Ann Kirkpatrick is having a telephone Town Hall on health care reform today at 5:30pm. She will discuss her priorities for addressing rising costs and for increasing access to quality health care. She will also take questions on this issue.

To participate call 877-229-8493. Press 15024 when prompted.You can ask a question by pressing *3.

Police Log

Globe Police arrested 52 year old Raymond Tucker early this morning for possession of marijuana and an outstanding warrant.

Globe Police arrested 70 year old Richard Potyka Saturday morning for stalking, aggravated domestic violence and an outstanding warrant.

24 year old Charlotte Williams was arrested at a traffic stop for DUI.

Tucson Police arrested 21 year old Bernie Baca of San Carlos on a warrant for criminal damage and false reporting to a law enforcement officer.

Globe Police are investigating an assault report taken at a business on Highway 60; a hit and run accident that occurred on Highway 60 at Kaiser Crossing; a report of a stolen vehicle from a residence at Copper Country Mobile Home Park; and criminal damage to vehicles at a residence on East Maple.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a child abuse report taken at a residence on Board Drive.