Friday, June 5, 2009

New Chrysler Company Will Honor 'Lemon Law'

Photo:TopSpeed.com

Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard says that Fiat and the new Chrysler Group LLC have agreed to honor the Lemon Law rights of existing Chrysler owners when the new company takes control, pending court approval.

Arizona’s Lemon Laws provide consumers with rights and procedures to obtain a refund or a replacement vehicle if a new car develops a significant problem that can’t be fixed after a certain number of repairs.

Goddard says there was a question whether the new Chrysler Group would be required to honor Lemon Law rights for cars sold or leased by the company before the closure of the “Old Chrysler.” But Fiat negotiated an agreement with a group of state attorneys general. It is contained in the Bankruptcy Court judge’s order issued June 1.

Image:jalopnik.com

Globe Council Meets Monday

Globe City Council meets Monday at 6:00. The agenda includes an Executive Session to discuss Police Chief interviews.
The Council will also discuss recruitment of a City Manager

Miami District Kindergarten Roundup

Miami Unified School District is asking all residents with a child who will be 5 years old before September 1 to pre-register their child for the 2009-2010 school year.

A Kindergarten Roundup will be held at Las Lomas Elementary School starting Monday (June 8). It will continue Mondays through Thursdays until June 18. You will need to bring your child’s immunization record, birth certificate and Social Security number.

Gas Prices Rise 12 Cents

The price of gasoline continues to rise for the sixth straight week. Arizona motorists are paying an average price of just under $2.43 a gallon. That’s an increase of more than 12 cents from last week. AAA says the nationwise average also increased more than 12 cents to $2.57 a gallon.

Prices in Globe-Miami are around $2.42.

Police Log

Globe Fire Department quickly put out a brush fire yesterday morning on Rice Street in Miami.

Three people were arrested after a fight late last night at the Drift Inn saloon. 22 year old Charles Thompson, 25 year old Stephen Palmer and 21 year old Krista Palmer were charged with disorderly conduct.

24 year old Jepthah Bender was arrested early this morning for theft of liquor from the Copper Parrot.

23 year old Vincent Garcia was arrested yesterday on a warrant for failure to appear on a charge of aggravated assault.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office arrested 43 year old Kimberly Mitchell on a warrant for failure to appear on a charge of extreme DUI.

Deputies are investigating a burglary from a residence on Washburn.

Globe Police are investigating a hit and run to a stop sign at Broad Street and Railroad Court; criminal damage to a vehicle on South Seventh Street; and shoplifting at a business on West Highway 60.

Fire on East Mountain 5% Contained (Update)

The Pioneer Fire continues to burn on the east side of East Mountain, about 7 miles south of Globe. It has burned around 150 acres. Forest officials say the fire is 5% contained. They estimate complete containment by June 18.

The lightning caused fire started on May 30. Fire fighting efforts are hampered by steep terrain and extremely thick vegetation. No structures are threatened.

Hot Shot crews are on the scene from Payson, Pleasant Valley and Prescott along with Geronimo Hotshots. There are 5 engines and 2 bulldozers.

The public is asked to avoid the area, the Pioneer Pass Recreation Site and the East Mountain Trail. Periodic smoke is expected.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

'First Friday Finale Until Fall'

Photo:HistoricGilaCounty.com

The final First Friday program of the season begins tomorrow night at 6:pm in front of the Bullion Plaza Cultural Center and Museum. Bring a lawn chair, a beverage and your friends and enjoy an evening of music by Bill Roten and Friends.

The next First Friday program will be on September 11, featuring geologist Ben Henderson.

The programs are sponsored jointly by the Bullion Plaza Museum and the Gila County Historical Museum.

'Concert in the Park' Series Kicks Off Friday Night

Miami’s summer “Concert in the Park” Series kicks off tomorrow (Friday) night from 6:30 until 9:pm at Miami Memorial Park. Music is by Gone Country.

Bring your lawn chairs and your favorite beverages. The Miami Recreation Department staff will be selling snacks and food.

Arizona Economy 17th Among US States

The Phoenix Business Journal reports that Arizona has the 17th largest economy among the US states. Arizona’s gross state product is $210 billion in 2008, in spite of the real estate crash and the recession. That’s down 0.6% from 2007.

US Bureau of Economic Analysis data shows that Arizona’s gross state product is larger than that of Missouri, Tennessee, Colorado, Wisconsin, Nevada and Indiana. It is less than that of Washington state, Maryland and Minnesota.

Arizona’s $210 billion economy would rank 50th worldwide if it were a country. That’s ahead of Denmark, Israel, Ireland and Iran.

Image:BuyUSAStuff

Police Log

Two people were arrested at a traffic stop early this morning. 18 year old Herschell Elthie was charged with DUI and no valid drivers license. A passenger—21 year old Johnny Segura--was arrested for open container.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office is investigating stolen gas from the Miami High School Bus Barn.

Globe Police are investigating a domestic incident at a residence on Globe Street.

Officers were dispatched to the area of Ash and South Street yesterday evening. A small steer was running in the roadway. The steer was captured and returned to its owner.

Obituaries

Matthew Cosen of San Carlos has passed away. He was 58. He is survived by his mother Dora Cosen; his daughter Marvelda; 2 brothers; 7 sisters and 3 grandchildren.
The wake for Matthew Cosen will be tomorrow (Friday) at 4:pm at the Dora Cosen residence.Rosary is at 7:pm. The funeral is Saturday at 9:am at St. Charles Catholic Church.

Kime Connie Valdez of Camp Verde passed away Sunday at Phoenix Indian Medical Center. She was 80. She is survived by her brother; 4 daughters; 2 sons; and 21 grandchildren.
The wake for Kime Valadez is Saturday at 6:am at Freedom Holiness Church in San Carlos. The funeral is at 1:00.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Education Department Releases Home Schooling Data

Photo:NoPlaceLikeHome

The US Department of Education has released new data showing an increase in home schooling. The biggest increases are among families that are wealthy, white and well educated.

A summary by USA Today says an estimated 1.5 million—or 2.9%--of all school age children in the USA were home schooled as of spring 2007. The Education Department found that 36% of parents say their most important reason for home schooling is to provide “religious or moral instruction.” 21% of parents cite concerns about school environment. Only 17% cite ‘dissatisfaction with academic instruction.”

The ratio of home schooled boys to girls has shifted significantly. In 1999, it was 49% boys, 51% girls. Now boys account for only 42%. 58% are girls.

New San Carlos Hospital Ground Breaking

The San Carlos Apache Tribe announces the ground breaking ceremony for the new hospital project.

The actual breaking of ground will take place at the project site located on Highway 70 tomorrow (Thursday) at 6:am. Everyone is invited to attend the public ceremony at 10:00 in front of the Tribal Administration building. Lunch will be served.

Governor Renews Community College Council

Governor Jan Brewer has issued an executive order re-instituting the Arizona Community College Council.

The Executive Order restablishes the duties of the council to provide recommendations for governing the community college system and to establish new statewide goals and performance measures for the system. The council will also be expected to propose a plan to deal effectively with long term ramifications of the constricted economy.

Photo:GreenRiverCC

Police Log

Nobody was hurt in a two vehicle accident yesterday afternoon at Oak and Hill Street. One driver was cited for failure to yield.

There was a non-injury hit and run accident last night in the area of Hill and Ash. A female juvenile was located and arrested for leaving the scene of an accident.

Miami Police arrested 69 year old Theodero Serna on warrants for threats and intimidation and for criminal trespass.

Globe Police responded to a neighbor dispute yesterday evening and arrested 61 year old Norman Schlimmer for making threats.

An officer arrested 20 year old Garrison Bylas at a traffic stop for driving under the influence of drugs.

28 year old Jonathon Ortega was arrested at a traffic stop for extreme DUI.

Gila County Sheriff’s deputies arrested two people after a domestic disturbance about 1:am at Pueblo Heights Mobile Home Park. 48 year old Deloria Key and 27 year old Teresa McIntosh of Phoenix were both charged with disorderly conduct and domestic violence. McIntosh also had an outstanding warrant for child support.

A Gila County Task Force unit arrested 44 year old Ronald Whitworth at a traffic stop for possession of drug paraphernalia and tampering with evidence.

The Sheriff’s Office is investigating a theft at a residence near Highland and the Globe Stockyards, and a theft at a residence on Woodward.

Summer Reading Program Volunteers Meet Today at Globe Library

A planning meeting for Summer Reading Program volunteers will be held today (Wednesday) at 2:pm in the Globe Public Library’s community room. Ideas are needed for stories, songs, games and crafts. For information call the library at 425-6111.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

National Parks Announce 3 Free Summer Weekends

Photo:AdventurePhotoTours

The National Park Service announces three weekends this summer when visitors will be admitted free to all national parks. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar says the free weekends should help families struggling with the recession to afford a memorable vacation.

The free weekends are June 20-21, July 18-19 and August 15 and 16. The fees being waived range from $3 to $25. That doesn’t apply to fees charged for camping, reservations, tours or concessions.

ADOT Public Meeting Wednesday in Globe.

Photo:GypsyJournal.net

A public meeting will be held in Globe tomorrow (Wednesday) night to discuss the Arizona Department of Transportation's study about improvements to US 60 between Superior and Globe.

The open house will be from 5:30 until 7:30pm in the Globe High School Auditorium. A project overview presentation will begin at 6:pm. The public is invited to attend and to provide input.

US 60 Blasts on Wednesday

The next blasts on the US 60 Pinto Valley project are scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday) at 10:30 and 12:30. Drivers can expect delays of up to 30 minutes following each blast. There may be brief delays at other times during the day.

Court Declines to Block Cuts in Disabled Services

Photo:NSCC

The Arizona Supreme Court has refused to stop the state from making budget cuts in services for developmentally disabled people. The East Valley Tribune reports that the court declined to review a Court of Appeals ruling that cancelled a preliminary injunction issued by a trial judge.

The cuts in community and home based services include various forms of therapy and nightttime attendants for adults who cannot live alone, and infants born with severe disabilities.

Police Log

Globe Police arrested 34 year old Selina Robertson yesterday on a warrant for failure to appear on a charge of possession of a dangerous drug.

Officers contacted two people in connection with a report taken on April 30. 22 year old Jessica Stowe was charged with felony theft. 35 year old Kain Leatherman had an outstanding warrant from the Globe Police Department.

Officers are investigating criminal damage to a vehicle at a business on East Ash; a burglary at a residence on East Tonto; and a burglary at a residence on South Third Street.

Obituaries

Frances J. Ayers of Globe passed away last week at Kindred Scottsdale. She was 70. She is survived by her husband Carl; 3 sons; 2 daughters; 2 stepsons; 24 grandchildren and 41 great grandchildren.
Visitation for Frances Ayers will be Friday at 9:am at Miles Funeral Services Globe. The funeral is Friday at 10.

John H. Dalton of Miami passed away Sunday in Mesa. He was 81. He is survived by his longtime life companion Bernice Bowman; his son; 2 daughters; his brother; 21 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
The funeral for John Dalton will be held Saturday at 11:am at First Southern Baptist Church in Miami.

Woman Arrested in Homicide Case

The Globe Police Department has made an arrest in connection with the homicide that occurred in the area of a wash just east of the 600 block of South Fourth Street.

24 year old Sonya Miller has been charged with first degree murder and tampering with physical evidence. The victim was 53 year old Bartholomew Stago.

The investigation is still on-going. If you have any information about this homicide, you are encouraged to contact the Globe Police Department.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Banks Raising Checking Account Fees

Image:Lifehacker

USA Today reports that some banks are starting to extend some of their credit card practices to checking accounts. For example, banks are making it easier for consumers to spend more money than they have in their checking accounts, just as they allow consumers to spend over their card limits--and then get charged a steep fee for doing so. Some analysts believe that new credit card restrictions will only create fee increases on bank accounts.

Bank of America has raised its monthly fee on certain checking accounts and is imposing a fine on accounts that remain overdrawn.

MSN Money says that late fees and overdraft charges have tripled in the last 10 years. Banks charge an average of 25% more than they did six years ago for using another bank’s ATM. Cash advance fees have increased and stop payment and returned deposit fees have skyrocketed. Fees to talk to bank tellers—in person or on the phone--are now standard for many low balance accounts. And some lenders have imposed fees ranging from $5 to $15 for making payments by phone or online.

Image:Consumerist

Supervisors Meet Tuesday

The Gila County Board of Supervisors meets tomorrow (Tuesday) at 10:am. The agenda includes a request from Gila Community College for funds needed because of the State of Arizona’s budget shortfall.

The Supervisors will consider a $73,000 Justice Assistance Grant application by the Sheriff’s Office for the Law Enforcement Youth Mentoring Program.

Another grant application is to the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission for funds for the Gila County Drug, Gang and Violent Crime Task Force.

Miami Library Summer Reading Program

The Miami Memorial Library Summer Reading Program begins next Wednesday, June 10. It starts at 11:00 with a performance by “Earl the Wizard.” The program is open to kindergarten through sixth grade students.

The Miami Library will be closed on Saturday, June 6. It will resume regular hours on Tuesday, June 9.

Fog Seal and Striping Near CVCH

The Gila County Public Works Department is fog sealing and striping today (Monday) and tomorrow near Cobre Valley Community Hospital. The work is being done on Hospital Drive and from Hospital Drive to Highway 60. They ask that you be aware of traffic pattern changes and obey all posted traffic signs.

Police Log

Gila County Sheriff’s deputies and Tri City EMT’s were dispatched to a Claypool home Saturday afternoon after a 911 call reported a person with a self inflicted gunshot wound. The person died at Cobre Valley Community Hospital.

One car had to be towed away after a two vehicle accident Saturday afternoon on Russell Road.

A man was taken to Cobre Valley Community Hospital after a fight Saturday evening on Vista Circle.

Globe Police received a call Saturday night from the Circle K on 7th Street about a beer run. A suspect and vehicle description was given to the officer. A short time later, Connie’s Store reported a beer run and gave a matching description of the suspect and vehicle. The vehicle and driver were located at the Circle K on Santee. Officers arrested 21 year old Alejandro Mariscal and 18 year old Carlos Martinez.
A third person was also involved in the incident. 20 year old Joseph Wilson of Glendale broke three windows in the patrol car and fled the scene. He was caught a short time later and charged with felony criminal damage.

Officers were disptached to McDonalds Saturday night afer a report of an impaired driver. The vehicle was stopped at the Motel 6 parking lot. A records check showed that 41 year old Ramon Gonzales had an outstanding warrant for failure to comply on a charge of attempted custodial interference. 25 year old Merissa Lopez was booked on nine outstanding warrants, including violation of an order of protection and failure to comply on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.

A 16 year old girl was given a juvenile referral after a domestic dispute Saturday night at a residence on North Third Street.

Lebanon, Missouri PD arrested 53 year old Joyce Reynolds of Miami on a warrant for theft of transportation and possession of stolen property.

Globe Police are investigating a report of threats taken at a residence on Mayss Street.

Obituary

Juanita Olds of Miami and Louisville, Kentucky passed away last week. She was 80. She is survived by her sons Anthony Masters and Jack Olds; her sister and her brother.
Visitation for “Jennie” Olds will be Wednesday at 9:am at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church. Rosary is at 9:30 and the funeral is Wednesday at 10:am.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society

Police Investigating Death of Transient As Homicide

Yesterday morning (Sunday) a passerby saw a body in the wash just east of the 600 block of South Fourth Street and notified the police. The victim was identified as a local transient. He had been dead for about a week.

Globe PD says that based on evidence discovered at the scene, the death is being investigated as a homicide. No additional information is being released at this time in order to avoid compromising the investigation.

Anyone who thinks they may have information that might help the investigation is encouraged to contact the Globe Police Department.