'First Things First' Director in Miami on Monday

Arizona’s First Things First Executive Director Rhian Allvin will be at the Pinal Gila Head Start Center in Miami on Monday at 4:pm. She’ll present local officials with a check symbolizing First Things First’s allocation to the Gila region for fiscal year 2012.

The latest $631,000 brings the total 3-year investment in the region to nearly $2 million. The voter approved funds are dedicated to expanding or enhancing early education and health services for kids 5 and younger.

Las Lomas Recycling Ink Cartridges

Las Lomas Elementary School is collecting empty ink cartridges, old cell phones,mp3 players, cameras and other small electrical devices to recycle. They’re raising money for much needed classroom supplies.

You can drop off items at Las Lomas between 8:am and 3:pm Monday through Thursday.

Bill Helps Native American Veterans Get Housing

Congress has passed a bill that would allow more disabled Native American veterans and their families to get housing assistance. The Senate passed the bill this week and it now goes to President Obama. The House bill sponsored by Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick was approved earlier this year.

Assistance for Native American veterans is limited to families making less than 80% of the median income of their area. Compensation for veterans with service related disabilities, or families of those killed in service is treated as income.
The new bill excludes disability and survivor compensation, which may have pushed many veterans over the allowable limits.

Month-Long Events at CVCA

The Cobre Valley Center for the Arts is featuring two month-long events from October 1 through 31. Artist Gloria Toti Bell’s Day of the Dead Shop and Exhibit will be open from 10 to 4 on Saturdays and Noon to 4 on Sundays. It includes clocks, post cards, greeting cards, ceramics, originals and prints available for purchase.

Also visit the Haunting Images of Fall Art Exhibit with paintings by Jeanette Bronson.

Police Log

Two people were arrested last night by Gila County Sheriff’s deputies after a fight at the Miami High School tennis courts. 18 year old Joshua Earven was arrested for disorderly conduct and threats and intimidation. 18 year old Dillon Mills was charged with disorderly conduct and assault.

Globe Police arrested 35 year old Dana Corn for DUI.

Officers are investigating criminal damage to a vehicle at a residence on Tenth Street and a theft at a residence on Crestwood.

Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a fraud report taken at a residence on Silicate and a report of a burglary on Eddie Street.

Humane Society Presents 'Dog-toberfest'

High Desert Humane Society is hosting Dogtoberfest tomorrow (Saturday). The fundraising event takes place from 5 to 10:pm.

Opening entertainment will feature the winner of the Drift Inn Saloon Karaoke contest held on Wednesday. The opening band is Grey Wolf, a classic rock/country band. Headlining the event is Vinyl Station, a nationally touring rock band formed by two former members of the Gin Blossums.

Beer and wine will be available as well as food vendors from local restaurants and booths showcasing local businesses.
Admission is $10.

Drop Off Old Appliances at Landfill

The Russell Gulch Landfill is having an old appliance “free day” Saturday from 8:am until 3:pm. It's a chance to get rid of old, unwanted appliances and piles of metal for free. This includes refrigerators, freezers, washers, dishwashers, dryers, portable trash compactors and water heaters. Other metal items will also be accepted.

Colyott Fills In at First Friday Program

A program on the early history of Tonto Basin will be presented by Eddie Colyott at the First Friday program tomorrow (October 1) at the Bullion Plaza Cultural Center and Museum.

Colyott has been a favorite with his presentations on early Native Americans. Jeremy Rowe was to have been the speaker this month but unexpectedly had to cancel. He will be rescheduled for a later date.

There is no charge for the program. Light refreshments will be served.

Claypool Walmart Presents Teacher Rewards Friday

Walmart will present Teacher Rewards to the Miami School District during tomorrow (Friday) morning’s grand re-opening. It starts at 7:00.

Arizonans Drop Off 3 Tons of Prescription Drugs

Arizonans statewide dumped over 3 tons of prescription drugs last Saturday during the Operation Take-Back Arizona. The one day nationwide campaign gave Arizonans the opportunity to properly dispose of unwanted and expired medications.

KTAR reports that more than 33 police, tribal and sheriff departments hosted 74 Arizona collection sites.

The US Drug Enforcement Administration says that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends. This includes the home medicine cabinet. In Arizona, one in five teens has reported abusing prescription drugs.

Police Log

Local fire agencies responded to a structure fire yesterday morning at Four Star Mobile Home Park. The fire was contained and nobody was injured.

A car hit a telephone pole around 2:20 this morning in the Ice House Canyon area. The car was towed and the driver refused medical attention.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested 33 year old Christopher Esparza on warrants for disorderly conduct/fighting, domestic violence and assault.

55 year old William Escobedo was arrested for false reporting to law enforcement.

29 year old Brian Cantrell was arrested on a child support warrant.

Pinal County Sheriff’s Office arrested 27 year old Franklin Taylor of Globe on a bad check warrant.

A Globe Police officer followed up on a call from Tuesday and arrested 25 year old Asha Moran at Pueblo Heights Mobile Home Park for fraudulent schemes.

48 year old John Wiley was arrested at a traffic stop for DUI.

18 year old Andrew Brown and a juvenile were arrested yesterday for underage consumption.

Officers are investigating a non-injury hit and run accident yesterday morning on Skyline Drive; criminal damage to a business on North Broad Street; and criminal damage at a residence on North Quartz Loop.

Globe School Board Meets to Consider Revised Tax Rate

An error has been discovered in the calculation of the Globe Unified School District property tax rate. The Globe School Board is meeting at 10:00 this morning (Thursday) at Mofford Activity Center. They will consider making a request to the Gila County Board of Supervisors to adopt a corrected and revised tax rate for the Globe School District.

If the Supervisors approve a revised tax rate, the Gila County Treasurer will send corrected tax bills as quickly as possible. The County Treasurer asks that only property owners in the Globe School District delay payment of taxes until they receive their revised tax bill.

If you have already paid, you will receive either a credit toward your second half payment or a refund, whichever applies.

Gila County Has Flu Vaccine

The Gila County Office of Health will have flu shots available at the Payson and Globe offices starting Monday, October 4. Walk ins are welcome. Vaccine for children 6 months through 18 years of age will be free. The standard flu vaccine for adults is $20. Fluzone High-Dose for those 65 or older is $40 for those without Medicare Part B.

Community Clinics will be held in Tonto Basin and Roosevelt on October 18 and on October 22 in Hayden/Winkelman.

Alternate Views on Flu Shots

A Look Back at the Swine Flu Hoax of 2009
The Flu Shot Scam

Arizona Traffic Fatalities Lowest in 16 Years

The Arizona Department of Transportation says the number of traffic deaths on Arizona’s roads is at a 16 year low. Last year there were 807 traffic fatalities in the state. That’s the lowest number since 1993. In 2008, 938 people lost their lives in crashes around Arizona. Over the past two years, Arizona has seen a 14% decrease in roadway fatalities.

ADOT says there is no single contributing factor to the decrease, but it credits a focus on “the Four E’s” of roadway safety: engineering, enforcement, emergency response and education.

Arizona Receives $1.2 Million to Help People Navigate Health Care Options

The US Department of Health and Human Services has announced that grants of more than $1.2 million have been awarded to Arizona. The funds will help seniors, people with disabilities and caregivers better understand health care options and help them navigate through the system.

Specifically, the money will be used to help families understand their Medicare and Medicaid benefits, including coverage for preventative services; help them find longterm care options; and to transition from nursng or rehabilitation facilities back home.

Miami Discusses Brownfields Application Tonight

The Town of Miami is holding a public meeting tonight (Wednesday) from 6:30 until 7:30pm. They’ll be discussing the Communiy Wide Brownfields Assessment Grant Application.

Police Log

Miami Police responded to a collision yesterday at the Miami Senior Center. There were no witnesses to the collision but officers were able to find another vehicle with matching damage and paint transfer from the victim’s vehicle. Nobody was hurt in the collision.

A 28 year old Phoenix man was arrested after a disturbance at a Miami restaurant. Michael Mackinder was charged with disorderly conduct.

Last night Globe Police arrested 41 year old Daniel Flores for domestic violence.

Early this morning 41 year old Todd Hamlet was arrested for domestic violence at a residence on Vista Circle.

28 year old Tabatha Dodge of Superior was arrested last night for shoplifting at Walmart.

Officers are investigating a hit and run accident that occurred yesterday at Sonic.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a theft from a Qwest location off Highway 60 near Pinto Valley and a report of a burglary from a residence on McKinney.

Not for a Million $

KIKO-FM's new transmitter site in the Pinal Mountains reminds me of at least one radio job you couldn't pay me enough to do.

From www.TheOnlineEngineer.org

Daily Nature Photo

Nature Conservancy Photo of the Day

AHCCCS Cuts Go Into Effect This Week

Health benefits for low income Arizonans enrolled in the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System will be significantly cut effective this week. This includes coverage for physicals, most dental care, podiatry, some organ transplants and other programs. Benefits for medical equipment such as insulin pumps and hearing aids will also be affected.

The cuts take effect on Friday. Administrators say they are necessaery to deal with the state’s budget crisis.

Obituary (Change)

The day of the Memorial Service for Kevin Loughran has been changed to Saturday, October 9 at 1:pm at Holy Angels Catholic Church.

Blood Drive Next Week at Globe High School

United Blood Services will be at Globe High School next Wednesday, October 6. You can make an appointment online at www.BloodHero.com and use the sponsor code “Globe.”

Police Log

Miami Police arrested 38 year old Patrick Hernandez for conspiracy to commit assault, vulnerable adult assault and false reporting to law enforcement.

Globe Police referred three Globe High School students to juvenile probation for use of marijuana. Another was referred for possesion of drug paraphernalia.

35 year old LeRoy Polk was arrested for driving with a suspended license.

Officers are investigating missing signs at Globe and Glance Streets and a burglary at a business on East Ash.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office is investigating use of a stolen credit card at the Claypool Circle K; a burglary at a residence on Spurlock Drive; and a theft at a residence on Remington.

Obituaries

A Memorial Service for former Globe resident Clara Kennedy will be held Thursday at 3:pm at St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Rebecca H. Castro of Miami passed away Sunday at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix. She was 53. She is survived by her significant other Tony Garcia; her sons Don and David Muniz; her brother Daniel Castro; her sister Delores Valdez; and six grandchildren.
Visitation for “Becky” Castro will be Saturday at 9:am at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church. Rosary is at 9:30 and Mass is at 10:00.

KIKO-FM Moves to 97.3

KIKO-FM has moved from 106.1 on the dial to 97.3, with a new transmitter and greatly increased coverage area. KIKO-FM now reaches a large portion of Arizona including Casa Grande, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler and most of Gila County. The programming remains the same, with soft adult hits from the 70’s to today.

We thank our longtime listeners and invite you to follow us to 97.3.

Appliance and Metal Discard Event

The Russell Gulch Landfill will have an old appliance “free day” this Saturday (October 2) from 8:am until 3:pm. This is an opportunity to get rid of old, unwanted appliances and piles of metal for free. This will include refrigerators, freezers, washers, dishwashers, dryers, portable trash compactors and water heaters. Other metal items will also be accepted. The County will handle freon removal from refrigerators and freezers.

All other debris will be at the regular price so leave yourself easy access to remove the metal items and appliances so that landfill personnel can exclude the weight from any other trash that you bring to the landfill.

The landfill’s winter hours will be 8:am to 4:pm beginning October 4th.

Copper Rim Fall Book Sale

Copper Rim Elementary School is holding a Monster Mania Fall Book Sale in the school library from October 4 through 8. The Book Fair’s hours will be from 7:30am until 4:pm with extended hours on Thurday during Parent-Teacher conferences.

They’ll have all levels of books from pre-K to Young Adult. Wish book coupons will be available so parents can select books for their stdents’ classroom libraries.

Obituary

Kevin Thomas Loughran of Phoenix passed away last week at Paradise Valley Hospital. He was 76.
A Memorial Service for Kevin Loughran will be held Saturday at 1:pm at Holy Angels Catholic Church.

Claypool Walmart Completes Renovation

The Claypool Walmart recently completed an extensive renovation. There will be a grand re-opening event this Friday at 7:am.

The remodeled store now features a fresh area including produce, dairy, deli and bakery items, as well as ready to eat items such as rotisserie chicken, pizza and sandwiches.

Manager Hector Colon says the new design is based on feedback from customers and includes wider isles, lower profle shelving, bright interior paint scheme and lighting, and easy to read signage.

To celebrate the remodeled store, Walmart will recognize the recipient of the Teacher Reward Program on Friday morning at 7:00. $100 reward cards will be given to ten teachers in the Miami School District.

Miami Council Meets Tonight

Miami Town Council meets tonight (Monday) at 6:30. They’ll look at re-establishing the bulk trash pickup fees. They will also consider approving an amended agreement with ADOT for funding Cobre Valley Community Transit.

The agenda also includes renewing the Interim Emergency Fire Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Globe for another 3 months.

Police Log

There was a motorcycle accident last night on Highway 77. The driver was taken to the hospital.

A motor home struck a gas meter Friday afternoon at Alhambra Mobile Home Park. Local fire agencies responded and stopped the leak until Southwest Gas could get there.

Nobody was hurt in a minor accident Friday afternoon on Sullivan Street.

Yesterday morning Globe Police arrested 22 year old Jacob Falquez at Fry’s for forging a prescription.

Officers arrested 22 year old Eric Ramos on a warrant for driving without a valid license.

21 year old Joseph Martinez was arrested Saturday night for DUI.

26 year old Yolanda Stewart of San Carlos was arrested on a Coconino County burglary warrant.

Miami Police arrested 20 year old Vinson Barcon for domestic violence/assault.

19 year old Arrione Milk and 19 year old Emily Schoenberger were arrested for disorderly conduct and minor consumption.

22 year old Krista Palmer of Hawaii was arrested by Miami PD for disorderly conduct.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office served a warrant on 63 year old inmate Reynold Gilbert for probation violation on a charge of aggravated DUI.

Globe Police are investigating a domestic violence incident in Copper Country Mobile Home Park; criminal damage at Copper Country Mobile Home Park; criminal damage to the Circle K building on Hunter Drive; criminal damage to a residence on North Fourth Street; and a report of shoplifting at the Express Stop.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office is investigating criminal damage to a residence on Maple Leaf; criminal damage to a residence on Bejarano Lane; and a report of telephone harassment taken on Globe Canyon.