Miami School Board Meets Monday

The Miami School Board meets Monday at 6:30pm in the Miami High School Library.

The meeting includes a Public Hearing on the Proposed Budget for the 2012-2013 school year.

Gas Prices Drop to Four Month Low

Arizona gasoline prices have dropped to a four-month low. AAA Arizona says that Arizona motorists are paying an average of $3.54 a gallon. That’s a drop of more than 7 cents from last week.

The nationwide average dropped six cents to a little more than $3.47 a gallon. This is the first time that the national average has been below $3.50 since February.

Here in Globe–Miami, the price is around $3.55 a gallon.

Poco Fire 25% Contained, New Fire Near Superior

The Poco Fire, 6 miles norteast of Young, has now burned nearly 12,000 acres. It is 25% contained. The two 500 kV power lines owned by APS and Salt River Project are no longer threatened.

Fire crews responded to a new fire yesterday on the Tonto National Forest. The 177 Fire started along Arizona 177 near Milepost 164. It  is about 6 miles south of Superior. The fire has burned about 10 acres. 

Four engines, two crews, a helicopter and an air reponse crew worked to contain the fire yesterday (Thursday) afternoon.

The 177 Fire forced the Arizona Department of Transportation to close Arizona 177 at the Arizona 60 junction. That road is now open.

The Fox Fire in the Coronado National Forest has burned 7,500 acres in a remote section of the Rincon Wilderness. It is 60% contained.

The Sunflower Fire in the Tonto National Forest is still 80% contained after burning more than 17,000 acres.

Police Log

Last night Globe Police contacted 21 year old Anthony Gonzales after a report of a suspicious vehicle on Santee Street.. In addition to an outstanding warrant, Gonzales was charged with possession of dangerous drugs and drug paraphernalia.

A 52 year old Montana man was arrested for theft at Pizza Hut.

46 year old Joseph Root was arrested for trespassing at a vacant house on Highland Drive.

Officers are investigating a theft at Copper Country Mobile Home Park; criminal damage at a business on Devereaux; and a delayed domestic violence report taken at a residence on Escudilla Drive.

Miami Police arrested 49 year old Alfred Fuentes on a failure to appear warrant for disorderly conduct.

Globe Summer Fest This Saturday

The Cobre Valley Center for the Arts and the Historic Globe Main Street Program present the Globe Summer Fest this Saturday  (June 23). This carnival-style evening in downtown Globe is from 5 to 8:pm.

The event includes  music, carnival games, cupcake walks, burgers, root bear floats and iced treats; even a water balloon drop. There will also be live performances by the Summer Youth Musical Theater.

Other activities include the Watermelon Carving Challenge, the Farmer’s Market Taste-Off Challenge and the Sidewalk Chalk Challenge.

Proceeds from this event go to the Cobre Valley Center for the Arts  and the Globe Main Street Program.

For more information visit www.cvarts.org .

Veterans Memorial Wall Benefit Concert

A Benefit Concert for the Veterans Memorial Wall Project will be held Friday from 6:30 until 10:30 at Veterans Memorial Park in Miami. Music by Sunset Highway.

There will be hamburgers and hot dogs for sale, along with nachos, pickles, chips, sodas and water.

Veterans Memorial Bricks will be on display and for sale.

All money raised will be used to build the memorial wall.

Police Log

Nobody was hurt in a two vehicle accident yesterday morning at  the America’s Best Value Inn. One driver was cited for making an unsafe lane change.

There were no injuries in a two vehicle accident in the area of Golden Hill Road and Russell Road.

Globe Police arrested Paul Pahe yesterday afternoon for shoplifting at Walmart.

During a welfare check on North Broad Street,  39 year old Manuel Robles was found to have a firearm in his possession. He was arrested for being a prohibited possessor.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a criminal damage report taken in the area of Glendale Avenue.

Poco Fire Update

Fire activity decreased yesterday on the Poco fire. The fire has now burned 11,011 acres and is still 15% contained. Crews continue to hold and improve existing fire lines on the north, east and south sides of the fire.

Today (Thursday)  firefighters will  extend and reinforce fire lines by continuing burn-out operations.

During burn-out operations yesterday (Wednesday), a firefighter was burned on his neck and is being treated for his injuries.

The two 500 kV power lines owned by APS and Salt River Project have been re-energized.

Smoke is widespread along the Mogollon Rim and will be visible to residents.

More than 700 firefighters have been assigned to the incident.

Temporary Tonto National Forest Closures

Tonto National Forest officials have announced two temporary closure areas. One includes the area in and around the Fossil Creek Wilderness. The other  includes the Mt. Ord, Four Peaks and Three Bar Wildlife Area.

The closures are the result of  public safety concerns due to drought conditions, hot temperatures and increased fire danger.

The area closures are within the following boundaries:

1.       All National Forest System Lands, roads and trails described as follows: Beginning at Forest  Road 708 at the Fossil Springs Trailhead thence proceeding southeasterly along the power line corridor following the Mazatzal Wilderness Boundary; thence easterly along the power line corridor  to  the junction of Forest Trail 540 (FT540); thence easterly and southeasterly along the power line corridor to the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park; thence easterly along  Forest System Road 583 to State Highway 87; thence southerly following  State Highway 87 to the Intersection with State Highway 260;  thence easterly along State Highway 260 to the junction of the Colcord Road (Forest Road 291); thence easterly and southerly along FR 291 to Forest Road 512; thence northerly along FR 512 to the Forest boundary at the top of the Mogollon Rim; thence westerly along the Mogollon Rim and Tonto National Forest Boundary to the Fossil Springs Trailhead at Forest Road 708. 

2.       All National Forest System Lands, roads and trails within the Mt Ord, Four Peaks and Three Bar Wildlife Area, more specifically described as follows: bounded by Highway 87 on the west beginning at the intersection with Forest System Road 143; thence northerly along the eastern edge of State Highway 87 to the intersection with State Highway 188; thence southerly along the western edge of Highway 188 to the Salt River corridor; thence westerly along the north side of the Salt river corridor including the north shores of Apache Lake, Canyon Lake and Saguaro Lake to Cottonwood Creek; thence northerly along Cottonwood creek to the intersection with Forest System Road 401; continuing northerly on Forest System Road 401 to the intersection with Forest System Road 143; thence westerly on Forest System Road 143 terminating at the intersection with State Highway 87.

Forest System Road 583 from State Highway 87 will remain open for access to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. State Highways 87, 260 and 188 are open.

All fireworks are prohibited in the forest at all times. Under  current restrictions, target-shooting is prohibited throughout the forest.

For statewide road conditions and closures visit www.az511.gov or dial 5-1-1 on your telephone. From outside Arizona, dial 1-888-411-ROAD (7623) or 602-523-0244. 

For more information about forest recreation sites and fire restrictions, contact the Tonto National Forest at (602) 225-5200, or check online at www.fs.usda.gov/tonto.          

  

Obituaries

Lupe J. Hernandez of Miami passed away June 16 in Mesa. She was 75.

Visitation for Lupe Hernandez 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.

Johnnie P. Shaw of Globe passed away June 14 at Heritage Healthcare Center. She was 95. She is survived by 5 children; her brother; 13 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.

A graveside committal of cremains will be held tomorrow (Friday) at 10:am at Old Globe Cemetery.

Police Log

Last night Globe Police and Globe Fire Department responded to a report of an assault  at a business on North Willow Street. A man was treated for minor injuries. The suspects left before police arrived. An Attempt to Locate bulletin was sent to surrounding law enforcement agencies. The case is under investigation.

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

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested 21 year old Carlos Martinez on a contempt of court warrant for shoplifting.

Deputies are investigating a burglary at Holiday Hills Mobile Home Park.

Arizona Wildfire Update

The Gila County Board of Supervisors held an emergency meeting yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon to declare a state of emergency in Gila County due to the Poco Fire, 6 miles northeast of Young.

The Gila County Emergency Hotline number is 402-8888 or 1-800-304-4452.

The Poco fire was very active yesterday and is now estimated at 8,100 acres after spreading rapidly to the east. The fire is still only 15% contained.

The fire spread under a portion of the two 500 kV electrical transmission lines that supply energy to the Phoenix and Tucson areas. The lines are currently inactive and will be evaluated for future re-energizing.

Today crews will contend with an excessive heat warning issued by the National Weather Service.

A fire in the Pinal Mountains, 7 miles southwest of Globe has been completely contained. That fire burned about two acres.

The Comet Fire that burned around 200 acres  11 miles from Superior is also 100% contained.

The 257 fire, about four miles southeast of  Superior, is 85% contained.

The Sunflower Fire, 20 miles from Payson, is 80% contained.

The Fox Fire that started over the weekend in the Coronado National Forest is 10% contained. That fire has burned 3,400 acres.

Poco Fire information is posted at www.inciweb.org/incident/2911.

For information about forest recreation sites and fire restrictions, contact the Tonto National Forest at 602-225-5200 or check online at www.fs.usda.gov/tonto

New Location for Blood Drive

The Community Blood Drive scheduled for Thursday has been moved to a new location. It will be at First Christian Church at 401 South Broad Street from 1 to 6:pm.

To schedule your appointment or for more information call the American Red Cross at 520-230-7295. Or log on to www.redcrossblood.org and enter the Sponsor Code “Globe.”

Donors between now and June 30 are eligible to win a $2,500 Dream Vacation or a $500 airline or hotel gift certificate.

DUI Checkpoint on June 30

The Gila County DUI Task Force will be conducting a DUI enforcement checkpoint on Saturday, June 30 between 8:pm and 2:am. The location will be US Highway 70 at the intersection of High Desert Middle School.

The Gila County DUI Task Force is made up of officers  from the Department of Public Safety, the Gila County Sheriff’s Office, and the Globe, Miami and San Carlos Police Departments.

In addition to the checkpoint, roving patrols will also be working throughout the county over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Weekend Child Support Warrant Roundup

The Gila County Attorney’s Office and local law enforcement agencies conducted a Father’s Day Child Support Warrant Roundup this past weekend. Officers from each department searched for and arrested parents whom the Gila County Superior Court had issued warrants for due to delinquent court ordered child support payments. Many of the offenders had multiple warrants issued for non-payment of support.

The Warrant Roundup resulted in the arrest of 9 non-custodial parents with 12 warrants executed and purge payment amounts totaling more than $9,000. Two arrests were also made on outstanding warrants other than child support

Water Aerobics at Hostetler Pool

Water aerobics are now being offered at the Miami Hostetler Pool every Tuesday night from 5:30 to 6:30pm.

The cost of the class is $2 a session.

GCC Has Summer Hiking Class

Gila Community College is offering a summer hiking class beginning July 1. There will be six hikes during the course,  beginning Sunday mornings at 7:am.

The hikes will take from 3 to 7 hours  and include discussion along the way of history, flora, fauna and other points of interest.

For more information or to register call Gila Community College at 425-8481 or visit www.gilaccc.org .

Obituaries

Daniel Bejarano Rios, Sr. passed away Saturday at Banner Baywood Hospital in Mesa. He was 58. He is survived by his fiance Elisha Purcella; 4 children; his brother; and 3 grandchildren.

Visitation for Danny Rios is at 10:30am Thursday at Pilgrim Rest Church in Phoenix. The funeral is at 11:00.

Colleen M. Mercer of Globe passed away Sunday at Heritage Healthcare Center. She was 86. She is survived by her husband John and 6 children.

Visitation for Colleen Mercer will be Saturday at 9:am at Holy Angels Catholic Church. Rosary is at 9:30 and Mass is at 10:00.

Charles L. Clark passed away June 15 at his home in Globe. He was 91. He is survived by his wife Lenora; 2 children; his sister; 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildrn.

Visitation for “Bud” Clark will be Saturday at 10:am at Lamont Mortuary. The funeral is at 11:00.

Police Log

Nobody was hurt in a one vehicle rollover accident yesterday morning on Highway 70. No citations were issued.

Last night Globe Police arrested 38 year old Heather Johnson for disorderly conduct. Johnson also had four outstanding warrants.

31  year old Jimmy Golden was arrested on a failure to appear warrant for domestic violence/assault.

29 year old Courtney Gutierrez was arrested on a failure to comply warrant for endangering the health and life of a minor.

43 year old Terrance Gutierrez  was arrested on a failure to comply warrant for DUI

48 year old  Frank Hawthorne was arrested on a failure to pay warrant for driving with a suspended license.

Globe Police arrested 52 year old Ray Robles on a child support warrant.

39 year old Cory Steveson was arrested on a child support warrant.

Gila County Sheriff’s deputies arrested two people after a disturbance at a residence on Yuma Trail. 21 year old Hillary Garcia and 41 year old Jessica Garcia  were both charged with disorderly conduct and domestic violence.

Deputies are investigating a hit and run accident at the Tri City Fire Department and a report of telephone harassment taken at a residence in Ice House Canyon.

Phoenix Police arrested 42 year old Merrill Jewkes 

Supervisors Meet Today

The Gila County Board of Supervisors  Work Session starts  today (Tuesday) at 10:am.

They’ll review the bids submitted in response to a Request for Proposals to provide youth development services in the Gila/Pinal Workforce Investment Area for 2012-2013. Then they’ll choose the lowest, responsible and qualified bidder.

Poco Fire Has Burned 3,100 Acres

The Poco Fire, 6 miles northeast of Young has burned 3,100 acres. It is 15% contained.

More information at InciWeb.org.

Police Log

Yesterday the Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested  25 year old Pamela Zufelt at a residence in Alhambra Mobile Home Park for domestic violence/disorderly conduct.

68 year old Dennis William of Sacramento was arrested late Friday night in the area of Beer Tree and Jesse Hayes for indecent exposure, criminal nuisance and drinking in public.

42 year old Ingnacio Renteria was arrested on Friday on a failure to appear warrant on a charge of fraud.

Several people were arrested separately on Friday for child support warrants. They were 58 year old Larry Channell; 38 year old Mark Amado; 34 year old Davy Martinez; 37 year old Heather Mastin; and 43 year old Harold Thompson.

Deputies are investigating criminal damage at a residence on Central Drive; a stolen firearm in the Windy Hill area; and a delayed hit and run report taken at a residence on Morrow.

Phoenix Police arrested 32 year old Jeri Stark of Globe on a failure to pay warrant for issuing bad checks.

Miami Police arrested 39 year old John Willard on a failure to appear warrant for unlawful use of means of transportation, criminal damage and assault.

On Saturday Globe Police arrested 48 year old Darrell White at Copper Country Mobile Home Park for domestic violence assault.

27 year old Melisa Vasquez was arrested at Monroe and East Street for domestic violence/assault.

29 year old Eric Adams was arrested for domestic criminal damage.

21 year old Allen Gates was arrested for disorderly conduct after a fight at a business on North Broad Street.

19 year old Eduarto Armenta was arrested for unlawful consumption.

41 year old James Harris was arrested on Friday for assault.

Two people were arrested Friday night at a business on North Broad Street after a call about a man threatening with a gun. 21 year old Benny Gudino was charged with aggravated assault, threats and intimidation, disorderly conduct and prohibited possessor. 26 year old Gabriel Flores of Mesa was arrested for hindering prosecution.

50 year old Gerald Torrez was arrested for trespassing at a business on South Hill Street.

Officers are investigating a domestic assault report taken at a business on Hill Street; a theft at a residence on East Skyline; a burglary at a residence on Manzanita; criminal damage at a business on Highway 60; criminal damage at the Cobra Village Apartments; and a runaway juvenile report taken at a residence on North Main Street.