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.

Snow Closes Northern Arizona Interstates

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.

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.

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

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.