Friday, December 31, 2010

Town of Superior Threatens to Jail Dr. Wilt for Building Code Violations

Town of Superior officials are threatening to jail Dr. Glenn Wilt for building code violations. KPHO in Phoenix reports that they are accusing the ASU professor of neglecting historic buildings and getting in the way of economic development.

Wilt has had similar problems with property he owns in downtown Globe.

Superior officials say Wilt owns about 60% of the buildings in their downtown area. They say many are safety hazards. The fire marshall says Wilt has been cited more than 30 times. Fire Marshall Todd Pryor says Wilt’s buildings were all functioning, operating buildings when Wilt took them over. He says Wilt doesn’t even try to make excuses. He just doesn’t want to spend money.

The Superior town attorney said last month that he will ask a judge to send Wilt to jail for five days over alleged repeat violations of the town health and safety codes.

Events This Weekend at Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Boyce Thompson Arboretum will have several events this weekend. Volunteers and staff will guide walking tours around the main trail today through Sunday starting at 11:am. There’s a History Walk tomorrow (Saturday) at 10:am, a Dog Socialization Walk Sunday at 8;30am and informal outdoor yoga Sunday at 1.

The Arizona State Parks’ Junior Ranger program starts at 2:pm tomorrow and continues each Saturday in January.

These events are included in the admission price which is $7.50 for adults and $3 for ages 5 to 12.

Fair Committee Meets January 13

The Gila County Fair Committee will meet on January 13 at 6:pm at the Globe Chamber Office. Anyone who is interested is welcome to bring ideas and suggestions for the 2011 Fair. They will also elect officers for the coming year.

For information call 928-812-1561.

New Year's Eve Dances

A New Year’s Eve dance will be held tonight (Friday) from 9:pm until 1:am at the Lady’s Center in Miami. It’s $30 a couple and $20 for a single. Proceeds will go to rennovations at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church. RSVP by calling 425-7946.

Knights of Columbus are also hosting a New Year’s Eve dance tonight (Friday) from 9 until 1 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Globe. The cost is $20 a couple and $10 each for singles.

Police Log

One person was taken to Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center after an accident yesterday around 5:30 at Ash and Maple Streets.

Last night Globe Police arrested 34 year old Dorthea Steele for domestic violence/assault after a disturbance at a residence on Euclid Avenue.

32 year old Daniel Kindelay was arrested for DUI after passing out in the Jack in the Box Drive-thru.

Miami Police arrested 51 year old Toni Solano yesterday for endangerment.

Graham County Sheriff’s Office arrested 39 year old Paul Schuman of Globe on a failure to pay warrant for assault.

Gila County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a vehicle burglary in the Six Shooter Canyon area.

Globe Police are investigating a hit and run accident at a business on Ash Street; a harassment report taken at an address on South First Avenue; and a burglary from a vehicle at a residence on Courtney Lane.

Obituaries

Kenneth Evans Sisto of San Carlos passed away Tuesday at Copper Cottage in Mesa. He was 47. He is survived by his mother; his father Evens Sisto of San Carlos; 2 daughters; his step daughter and his sister.
The wake for Kenneth Sisto will be Monday at 4:pm at the Jonell Casadore residence. The funeral is Tuesday at 1:pm at Burdette Hall.

Dennis Shellenberger passed away Tuesday at Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center.
Visitation for Dennis Shellenberger will be Tuesday (January 4) at 12:45pm at Lamont Mortuary. The funeral is at 2:00.

Snow Causes Power Outages North, Runoff Expected Throughout Gila County

Gila County Emergency Management reports that severe snow and freezing temperatures caused numerous power outages last night in northern Gila County. An Emergency Assistance Center is open in Pine for those who need a place to warm up. It’s at the Senior Dining Center on N. Highway 87.

Snow and rain runoff is likely within the next few days.throughout Gila County. Residents in communities along rivers, creeks and washes should make emergency preparations.

The Gila County Emergency Hotline will post emergency information as events occur at 402-8888 or 1-800-304-4452 ext. 8888.

The Arizona Department of Transportation encourages travelers to check road conditions before leaving home. Call 5-1-1 on your telephone or log on to ADOT’s Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov for the latest highway conditions around the state.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Snow Closes Northern Arizona Interstates

Photo:Weather.com

The two interstate highways across northern Arizona are closed this (Thursday) morning and may stay closed for awhile. A major winter storm dumped snow in the mountains and rain in the Arizona lower deserts.

Interstate 17 is closed in and out of Flagstaff, which received more than a foot of snow. Interstate 40 is closed from Kingman to Holbrook. State Routes 260, 87 and 89A are also closed around Flagstaff. Flagstaff could receive another 1 to 3 inches of snow today.Snow also fell at the Grand Canyon, Prescott and other parts of northern Arizona.

Snow accumulations may reach 8 to 10 inches above 6,000 feet and 1 to 8 inches between 2,000 and 6,000 feet. Snow levels may fall to 2000 feet by late this morning.

Meanwhile, rain soaked the Phoenix area and much of south-central Arizona. Temperatures are expected to be as much as 15 degrees below normal.

Photo:Weather.com

Chamber Looking for Homes for Historic Building Tour

Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce is looking for homes in Globe for their 27th Historic Home and Building Tour on March 5th & 6th. If you have a home that you think would be right for the tour contact the Chamber at 425-4495.

The Chamber is looking for homes in the Railroad Court and Halby Court areas but are open to any suggestions of homes and stops for the tour.

Blood Drive Today

A Community Blood Drive will be held today (Thursday) from 1 to 6 at the LDS Church gymnasium in Claypool. Donors will receive a long-sleeve T-shirt from the American Red Cross.

For more information call 928-225-1947.

Forest Officials Say Be Careful on Public Lands

Tonto National Forest officials are warning the public that severe weather conditions may continue through the New Year’s holiday weekend. This could mean road closures and other emergency measures. They ask you to please respect road barricades and avoid driving on saturated surfaces to prevent road damage, soil erosion and getting stuck. Parking along roads is also prohibited to avoid traffic congestion and resource damage.

Also remember that even though the sale and use of some kinds of fireworks are now legal in Arizona, fireworks are not permitted on public lands at any time.

Police Log

Globe Police are investigating a credit card fraud report taken at an address on E. Apache and a report of a burglary from an auto on Second Avenue.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fraud report.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Copper Prices Expected to Rise

The Arizona Geology blog says that a “New Economy” based on alternative energy will require a lot of copper. The blog says that on Monday copper prices hit an all time high on the New York exchange for a second day in a row. Copper reached more than $4.30 a pound before closing down only slightly. This year copper prices are up 29%. Some analysts are predicting copper prices to rise to $5 or more during the next year or so.

DIRECTV to Provide Consumer Refunds As Part of Deceptive Advertising Settlement

Photo:WikiCommons

Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard and the attorneys general of 48 other states have settled an investigation involving DIRECTV. The states say that the sattellite TV provider engaged in deceptive and unfair sales practices.

DIRECTV customers who have unresolved complaints may be eligible for refunds. For information contact the Arizona Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-352-8431.

Photo:WikiCommons

Police Log

There was a non-injury accident yesterday afternoon on US 60. One driver was cited for failure to control her speed.

Nobody was hurt in a hit and run accident yesterday evening at the Claypool Safeway.

Miami Police have been investigating two men believed to be connecrted to several home and business burglaries. Yesterday both men were seen coming out of a fenced business area. 34 year old Shawn Williams was arrested for criminal trespass, burglary and possession of burglary tools. 29 year old Bryan Harris was also arrested for criminal trespass and burglary, as well as possession of marijuana. Both were booked into the Gila County Jail.

Two people were arrested yesterday for shoplifting at Walmart. 26 year old April Goseyun was charged with shoplifting and arrested for two outstanding warrants. 29 year old Kimberlyn Kozie was arrested and released for shoplifting.

52 year old Carol Blackwell was arrested at a traffic stop last night for DUI.

Officers are investigating a report of fraudulent schemes that occurred on an online account; a theft from a vehicle at Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center; and a theft report taken at a residence on First Street.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a criminal damage report taken at a residence on Central.

ADOT Prepares for Major Winter Storm

Photo:BuffaloPost

As another holiday weekend approaches, the Arizona Department of Transportation reminds motorists to stay up to date on road and weather conditions before leaving home. ADOT says they are prepared to tackle snow and ice on interstate and state routes but drivers should be prepared for temporary closures and changing conditions. I-40 and I-17 in northern Arizona will be top priorities and some other northern Arizona highways may be closed temporarily if there are unsafe conditions. Also be aware that even the interstates may be closed if conditions are especially severe.

You can get information about road conditions by dialing 5-1-1 on your telephome or by going to www.az511.gov on the Web.

Photo:BuffaloPost

Winter Storm Warning

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Southern Gila County and the Tonto Foothills. The Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 11:pm tonight (Wednesday) until 4:pm Thursday. Rain will turn to snow tonight with snow levels lowering to 5,000 feet this evening, then falling to 3,000 feet by Thursday morning.

Rain and snow runoff is very likely for central Gila County. Residents in communities along rivers, creeks and washes should make emergency preparations. Gila County Emergency Management has placed sandbags at local Fire Departments and at the Gila County Fairgrounds.

The Gila County Emergency Hotline will post emergency information as events occur. Call 1-928-402-8888.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Snowbowl and Sunrise Open for Skiers

Photo:ArizonaLeisure

Skiers will be happy to know that Snowbowl opened to the public on Saturday and Sunrise opened on Sunday.

The ski resort in the White Mountains had enough snow and was ready to make runs open for skiers and snowboarders.

Photo:ArizonaLeisure

Arizona Program Helps 'Kinship Caregivers'



An Arizona program is helping people who are caring for children who are related to them but aren’t their own children. The Kinship KARE program is part of the Arizona's Children Association.

KTAR in Phoenix reports that more than 96,000 Arizona children were living in grandparent-headed households and more than 52,000 grandparents were raising their grandchildren.

For more information click here

Obituary

Mercy Ortiz Lopez has passed away in Las Vegas at the age of 68. She is survived by her mother Carmen Gonzalez of Miami and 3 sisters.
Visitation for Mercy Lopez will be Monday (January 3) at 9:am at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church. Rosary is at 9:30 and Mass at 10:00.
Burial will be at Pinal Cemetery in Central Heights followed by a luncheon at the Lady’s Center.

Arizona Medics Help Tibetan Refugees

About 30 Arizona residents spent their holidays doing humanitarian work far from home. A group of Flagstaff nurses, paramedics, doctors, and veterinarians visited seven Tibetan refugee camps in India.

Rabies is rampant in the remote camps. Dogs infected with rabies have caused the deaths of countlss children. Biomedical firm Senestech co-founder Loretta Mayer says the camps don’t have the proper medicine to treat rabies in time to save lives.

The Arizona medical personnel provided vaccinations for rabies, Hepatitis A and B, typhoid and other medical care to those in need.

AAA Offers 'Tipsy Tow' Again This Weekend

The American Automobile Association reminds everyone to greet the New Year safely. To help motorists keep the resolution to not drink and drive, AAA is offering its “Tipsy Tow” service again this weekend. Drivers, passengers, party hosts, bartenders and restaurant managers can call 1-800-AAA-HELP between 6:pm New Years Eve and 6:am New Year’s Day.

Police Log

Last night Gila County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call about an assault at the Shamrock Bar. 28 year old Steven Johnston of Yuma was arrested on two counts of assault. 24 year old Charles Johnston of Rimrock was cited and released for assault. And 34 year old David Cluff of Miami was charged with disorderly conduct.

Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested 29 year old Andrew Ortiz yesterday for criminal damage.

Globe Police arrested 31 year old Tyrone Lewis yesterday afternoon for domestic violence/disorderly conduct after a disturbance on Euclid.

Officers are investigating a burglary report taken at a business on North Broad Street.

Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a hit and run accident. A driver hit and damaged two vehicles at a residence on Calle De Loma.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Police Log

Nobody was hurt in an accident yesterday afternoon at Walmart.

Local EMS responded to an accident on Highway 60 and Kent Street. All of the people involved were evaluated and refused medical treatment.

There was a hit and run accident yesterday afternoon at a residence on Hackney Hill. The case is under investigation.

A car hit a utility pole Saturday night at High and Bailey Streets. One person was taken to Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center.

Early this morning a Globe Police officer conducted a followup to a report taken on Saturday and arrested 26 year old David Hayes for threats and intimidation.

Last night Globe Police were dispatched to a residence on Quartz Loop. A juvenile was taken to the juvenile detention center on charges of assault, criminal damage and domestic violence.

30 year old Erica Robles was arrested for domestic violence/assault and two outstanding warrants after a disturbance last night at a residence on Hackney Hill.

45 year old Dino Stevens was arrested at a traffic stop for driving with a suspended license. A records check on 32 year old passenger Danita Logan showed two outstanding warrants. Both people were booked into the Gila County Jail.

A Sheriff’s deputy took a report of animal cruelty at a residence on Kinnemure.

On Saturday Globe Police arrested 36 year old James Chavez on a failure to comply warrant for threats and intimidation.

A Tucson man was arrested after causing a disturbance Saturday night at Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center. 23 year old Christian Garcia had a Nevada felony warrant for child support and a failure to comply warrant from Globe PD.

47 year old Sam Hinton was arrested for trespassing at a business on US 60.

The Department of Public Safety arrested 29 year old Pamela Bloodworth on a failure to comply warrant for theft.

Globe PD arrested 21 year old Robert Salcido for domestic violence/assault in connection with a disturbance at a residence on Euclid Hill.

Two men were arrested for shoplifting Friday morning at the Hill Street Safeway. 21 year old Bo Goode and 18 year old Quintin Early were booked into the Gila County Jail.

Officers are investigating a burglary at a business on North Broad Street; a report of telephone harassment taken at a residence on Second Street; and a report of threats taken at a residence on Euclid.