Friday, September 2, 2011

AAA Offers 'Tipsy Tow' Labor Day

AAA is offering the free Tipsy Tow service again this Labor Day to encourage motorists to not drink and drive.

The service will begin at 6:pm Sunday and run through 6:am Monday. Tipsy Tow provides a one-way ride for the driver, one passenger and their vehicle for no cost for up to 10 miles. Call 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357).

Gas Prices Moving Up Again

Gasoline prices are moving up again. AAA says that Arizona drivers are paying an average of a little more than $3.38 a gallon, an increase of more than 4 cents from last week. The national average is up nearly 5 cents from last week to almost $3.63 a gallon.

AAA says that Arizonans taking a road trip this weekend will spend 25% more on fuel than they did last year. Last Labor Day the cost of a gallon of gas was a little less than $2.71.

Here in Globe-Miami gas prices are around $3.39 a gallon.

Fire Update

The 650 fire in the Superstition wilderness north of Superior has burned 2,500 acres. The Frio fire in the Pinal Mountains has burned 1,000 acres.

Globe and Miami may experience light to moderate smoke throughout the day. Globe Ranger District fire specialists are allowing the lightning-caused fires to play their natural role in the ecosystem.

For more information call the Globe Ranger District office at 402-6200. You can stay up to date on prescribed fires at the Tonto National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/Tonto.

Police Log

Nobody was hurt in a two vehicle accident early yesterday afternoon on Ash Street.

Globe Police arrested two brothers who were fighting last night at Ash and Hill Streets. 27 year old Gary and Richard Waddington were arrested for disorderly conduct.

Globe Police are investigating a theft report taken at a business on US 60.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

DPS Conducts 'Operation Safe Passage'

The Arizona Department of Public Safety will have high profile enforcement on Arizona’s Interstate highways on Friday.

DPS Officers are stationed every 10 miles to ensure that the Interstates are free of traffic incidents. They are targeting hazardous moving violations including speed, following too close, and unsafe lane usage, as well as impaired driving and occupant restraint violations. Most patrol vehicles will be marked but several unmarked enforcement vehicles will participate.

The goal of "Operation Safe Passage" is to reduce fatal crashes on the busiest travel day of the holiday weekend.

DPS Conducts 'Operation Safe Passage'

The Arizona Department of Public Safety will have high profile enforcement on Arizona’s Interstate highways today (Friday). DPS Officres are stationed every 10 miles to ensure that the Interstates are free of traffic incidents. They are targeting hazardous moving violations including speed, following too close, and unsafe lane usage, as well as impaired driving and occupant restraint violations. Most patrol vehicles will be marked but several unmarked enforcement vehicles will mparticipate. The goal of Operation Safe Passage is to reduce fatal crashes on the busiest travel day of the holiday weekend.

No Construction Closures Over Labor Day Weekend

The Arizona Department of Transportation says that no construction closures are scheduled over the Labor Day weekend. This includes Friday afternoon when the heaviest traffic conditions are expected.

Some existing work zones remain in place and drivers are urged to use caution in areas where lane changes may be needed.

Before you start out on your trip, you can check on highway conditions at www.az511.gov or by dialing 511 on your telephone.

Update: Globe Ranger District Managing Two Fires

Globe Ranger District fire specialists are currently managing two lightning caused wildfires. The Frio fire has burned 750 acres in the Pinal Mountains. The 650 fire northwest of Superior has moved into the Superstition wilderness area and is around 1,900 acres in size.

The Kellner fire in the Pinal Mountains is now contained.

Visitors and residents may see light to moderate smoke throughout the day, with the possibility of smoke drifting towards Globe and Miami.

Due to the current monsoon humidity, these lightning-caused fires can be allowed to play their natural role in the ecosystem.

For more information call the Globe Ranger District at 402-6200.

Police Log

A two vehicle accident involving a motorcycle occurred yesterday morning on Highway 60 in front of Fry’s. The motorcycle driver was taken to Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center.

Yesterday Globe Police arrested 50 year old Zena Williams for theft and criminal damage.

47 year old William Laborine was charged with theft.

33 year old Jason Steveson was arrested for fraudulent schemes.

48 year old Richard Marin was arrested on a warrant for disorderly conduct/domestic violence.

Officers are investigating a report of fraudulent schemes taken at a business on Ash Street; criminal damage at a business on Ash Street; a burglary at a business on Broad Street; a theft at a residence on South Broad Street; a harassment report taken at a residence on High Street; and an auto burglary at a residence on Hackney Hill.

Gila County Task Force arrested 47 year old Guillermo Vargas for possession of dangerous drugs for sale

52 year old Raymond Allen was arrested on warrants  for issuing a bad check and fraudulent schemes.

Obituary

Reed W. Halverson of Globe passed away last week at Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center. He was 79. He is survived by his wife Marilyn; his sister; 2 daughters, including Donna Gustafson of Globe; 3 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.
A private graveside service for Reed Halverson will be held in the near future.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made Bank of America account 457020669553 which will benefit the Globe High School Band Program.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Update: Globe Ranger District Monitoring Three Fires

Globe Ranger District is currently monitoring three lightning-caused wildfires. Two of them are in the Pinal Mountain range. The Frio Fire on Madera has burned 750 acres. The Kellner Fire has burned about 5 acres.

The 650 fire northwest of Superior on Montana Mountain has burned 600 acres. It has moved into the Superstition wilderness area and is spreading rapidly to the east.

A burn-out on Madera around the electronics tower will be conducted today (Wednesday) on the Frio Fire.

The Kellner Fire is not showing any activity.

Expect to see light to moderate smoke throughout the day, with the possibility of smoke drifting towards and settling in Globe and Miami.

Current monsoon humidity makes it possible to allow lightning-caused fires to play their natural role in the forest ecosystem.

For more information call the Globe Ranger District office at 402-6200.

Petition Targets Monster.com

The online job placement company Monster.com is the target of a petition drive. Organizers of the drive are hoping to get the web site and others like it to stop accepting job advertisements that prohibit unemployed people from applying. They say that’s discrimination.

The petition’s author Kelly Wiedemer says this practice negates everything a worker has accomplished over a lifetime, saying that their education and experience has no value.

Public News Service reports that the petition has nearly 90,000 signatures and organizers hope to get 200,000.

New Jersey already has a law banning ads that prohibit jobless workers from applying, and Michigan and New York are considering it. A bill to outlaw the practice has been introduced in Congress.

The petition is here.

Police Log

Local fire agencies responded to a brush fire behind Walmart last night. The fire was quickly put out and there was no damage to the surrounding area.

Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested 22 year old Leon Barnes for theft.

A deputy responded to criminal damage and possible auto theft on Alamo Way. The vehicle was found down the hill from where it had been left and was damaged. The car was being worked on and was not driveable. The case is under investigation.

Deputies are investigating a theft from a vehicle at Beer Tree Crossing and a hit and run accident in the area of Pineway.

Globe Police are investigating criminal damage to a building on Maple Street and a burglary at a local school.

Obituary

Mary E. Greer of Globe passed away Sunday at Copper Mountain Inn. She was 93. She is survived by her husband Ron.
Visitation for Mary Greer is tomorrow (Thursday) from 4 to 6:pm at Lamont Mortuary. The funeral will be private at Payson Pioneer Cemetery.

More Than Eight Percent of Older Arizonans Face Hunger

A new report from the AARP Foundation says that nearly 9 million Americans 50 and older face the risk of hunger. This includes more than 8.6% of older Arizonans.

The Foundation announced the new research at the Meals on Wheels Association of America conference in Chicago. It is working with hunger relief organizations to combat the growing problem of hunger among older Americans.

To learn more or download a copy of the policy brief or full report, visit www.aarp.org.

For more information about hunger among older Americans, visit www.drivetoendhunger.org.

AARP’s four-part online documentary series, “Hungry in America,” is available here.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Globe Ranger District Monitoring Two Fires

Globe Ranger District is currently monitoring two lightning-caused wildfires. The Frio Fire on Madera has burned 500 acres. The 650 fire northwest of Superior on Montana Mountain has burned 50 acres. Current monsoon humidity makes it possible to allow lightning-caused fires to play their natural role in the forest ecosystem.

Expect to see light to moderate smoke throughout the day, with the possibility of smoke drifting towards and settling in Globe and Miami.

The Frio Fire is expected to reach Madera Peak. Therefore work on fuels will be undertaken to protect the communication tower. The 650 Fire has moved into the Superstition wilderness area.

For more information call the Globe Ranger District office at 402-6200.

Salvation Army Day Care

The Salvation Army Day Care of Globe is taking applications for children between 3 and 12 years of age for the preschool and afternoon programs.

The state licensed Day Care is open 7:30am to 5:pm Monday through Friday.

For information call 402-0517.

Globe Library Closed Wednesday

The Globe Public Library will be closed Wednesday so that the staff can attend a workshop. The library will reopen Thursday at 9:am.

Arizona Roadway Fatalities Dropped Again in 2010

A new report from the Arizona Department of Transportation says that driving-related deaths in the state declined again last year.

The report says that 762 people were killed in car crashes in 2010. That’s a 5½ % drop from 806 deaths in 2009. It’s also a significant decline from a record 1,300 deaths in 2006.

ADOT says that 30% of last year’s driving-related deaths in Arizona were alcohol-related. But that’s down from 35% in 2009.

Fire Specialists Managing Horton Fire

The lightning-caused Horton Fire is burning slowly on the east side of Tonto Creek. It’s about ¾ of a mile northeast of Tonto Christian Camp between Horton Creek and the big 500 kilowatt power lines in that area.

Fire specialists are managing the Horton Fire to allow it to burn naturally. Residents and visitors to the area can expect to see and smell periodic large volumes of smoke until about Monday (September 5).

Tortilla Fire Road Closure Lifted

Fire specialists have lifted the road closure of Forest Road 213. The road was temporarily closed for public and firefighter safety while managing the 1,700 acre Tortilla Fire on the south side of Highway 88 near Fish Creek.

The fire is 50% contained and is still being managed. Due to current monsoon humidity, lightning-caused fires can be allowed to play their natural role in the forest ecosystem.

You can stay updated on prescribed fires at www.fs.usda.gov/Tonto

Police Log

Yesterday the Gila County Sheriff’s Office charged 20 year old inmate Jose Molina for escape.

25 year old inmate Erica Statham was served a DPS warrant for obstructing justice and driving with a suspended license.

A deputy responded to a domestic incident on Broadway between a mother and a daughter. The daughter was turned over to the custody of her father for the night and arrested on an unrelated warrant.

A deputy took a burglary report at Triple Nichol Storage. The deputy also contacted and arrested 48 year old Francisco Guerrero on a child support warrant.

Gila County Task Force arrested 28 year old Robert Anderson of Globe on a Maricopa County felony warrant for trafficking in stolen property.

The Sheriff’s Office is investigating a theft that occurred on Calle De Loma.

A car hit a telephone pole in the Pinal Creek area. Qwest was contacted and Globe Police took a report for a hit and run accident.

Officers are investigating a burglary at a business on Maple Street and criminal damage at a business on Broad Street.

Monday, August 29, 2011

First Friday and Miami Hardscrabble Programs Return in September

The First Friday and Miami Hardscrabble series of programs will return in September. They are sponsored by the Gila County Historical Museum and Bullion Plaza Cultural Center and Museum.

The first First Friday program of the season will actually be on Friday, September 9 because of the Labor Day weekend. It will feature Bill Haak talking about “Famous and Infamous Characters” in Globe-Miami history. This program will be at the Miami Library while work projects continue at the Bullion Plaza.

The Miami Hardcrabble series returns on Wednesday, September 14. That program will be announced next week.

All of these programs are free and light refreshments will be served.

Police Log

Nobody was hurt in an accident yesterday evening on Highway 77 at MP156.

No injuries were reported in a three vehicle accident Saturday morning in the Auto Zone parking lot. One person was cited for failure to turn from a left turn lane. Another driver was cited for failure to control speed to avoid an accident and for no proof of insurance.

A two vehicle non-injury accident on Saturday morning near Judy’s Cook House resulted in a citation for one driver for following too close.

There were no injuries in a single vehicle roll over accident Saturday afternoon on Russell Road.

Nobody was hurt in an accident Saturday evening at the Globe Safeway.

Three people were arrested Friday night after a single vehicle roll over accident at Carico and Highland. 22 year old Lola Thorne was arrested for false reporting and an outstanding warrant for failure to appear on a charge of disorderly conduct-fighting. 30 year old Jesse Contreras was arrested on an outstanding warrant. And 18 year old Lillian Begay was charged with DUI and leaving the scene of an accident.

Miami Police completed an investigation of a fight that occurred last Tuesday at Miami City Park. One person was arrested on Tuesday. The other was arrested on Friday. 26 year old Jacob Johnson was charged with assault and booked into the Gila County Jail.

Yesterday the Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested 23 year old Robert Linter on a warrant for fraud.

Deputies are investigating reports of runaway juveniles taken at a residence on Russell Road and a residence on Hermosa Vista Drive.

Globe Police arrested 45 year old Joseph Root and 59 year old Joan Harney on Friday night for criminal trespassing at the Globe Safeway.

46 year old Leola Upshaw was arrested for shoplifting at the Globe Safeway.

29 year old LeRoy Huffman was arrested for false reporting to law enforcement.

50 year old Anna Rivera was arrested Friday on two child support warrants.

Officers are investigating criminal damage to the ROTC building; a hit and run at the Globe Safeway; and a burglary at a residence on Manzanita.

Two Men Charged With Attempted Murder, Kidnapping

Miami Police arrested two men over the weekend for attempted murder and kidnapping. Officers responded to a call about a man being stabbed and were alerted to the fact that the victim’s vehicle was being driven away with the victim still inside. At some point the victim jumped out of the truck.

Officers stopped the vehicle on Latham Blvd. Both men in the vehicle claimed to be helping the victim but it was determined that they were responsible for the stabbing and kidnapping.

37 year old James Chavez of Kearny and 31 year old Zachary Stroud were arrested and booked into the Gila County Jail. The victim was flown to a Valley hospital. The victim is in critical condition but is recovering.

Miami Police were able to quickly investigate the incident with the help of the Gila County Sheriff’s Office, the County Attorney’s Office and the Globe Police Department.