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Arizona Smoking Drop Largest in Nation

A new report released Wednesday says that the number of adult Arizonans who smoke dropped by nearly 20% since 2007. That’s the sharpest decline in the nation. The Arizona Daily Star reports that the American Lung Association study shows that the percentage of Arizonans 18 and older who smoke dropped to about 16%. That translates to about 170,000 fewer people who smoke.

Arizona Lung Association President Bill Pfeifer credits 2006 voter approval of some of the toughest anti-smoking legislation in the nation.

House OKs Bill to Make Arizona 'Grand Canyon State'

A lot of people may not know that Arizona’s nickname “the Grand Canyon State” isn’t official. The Arizona Republic reports that the state House has voted overwhelmingly in favor of correcting that. The bill now goes to the state Senate, which so far hasn’t considered anything but budget bills.

State Historian Marshall Trimble told lawmakers that he wasn’t aware that the nickname wasn’t official until a California fifth grader e-mailed him about it.

Bill Would Legalize Some Fireworks

Legislation to legalize sparklers and some types of fireworks is one step closer to becoming law. The Arizona House approved the bill on Tuesday and sent it to the Senate.

The Arizona Daily Star reports that the industry backed bill would allow sparklers and fountain fireworks that shoot flames and sparks. It would not legalize firecrackers that explode or shoot into the air.

Supporters say these devices are safe and don’t need government regulation.

Two governors vetoed siminlar bills.in the 1990’s, citing safety concerns.

Police Log

Globe Police and EMS responded to an ATV rollover accident yesterday on North Broad Street in front of Big O Tires. The driver was taken to Cobre Valley Community Hospital.

A Gila County Sheriff’s deputy arrested 26 year old Levi Sullivan at a traffic stop yesterday for driving under the influence of drugs and possession of marijuana.

28 year old Laverne Copeland was arrested for extreme DUI.

29 year old Albert Reyes was arrested on warrants for threats and intimidation, child support and driving with a suspended license.

Mirror Sequence from 'Duck Soup'

Global Survey Finds People Optimistic

In spite of current economic woes, a new global survey finds that 90% of people around the world expect the next five years to be as good or better than life today. LiveScience.com reports that 95% expect their life in five years to be as good or better than it was five years ago.

The researchers conclude that human beings are naturally optimistic. Past studies have also found optimism to be a common human trait. For example, most people expect to live longer and be more successful than average.

Optimism is a healthy trait to have. A decade-long study published in 2004 found that those with brighter outlooks had a 55% lower risk of death during the study period.

The latest survey is based on data from 140 countries and more than 150,000 adults.

San Carlos Apache Tribe Transportation Study Meetings

The San Carlos Apache Tribe Economic Development Department and the Arizona Department of Transportation will hold two public meetings on June 24, 2009. The public is invited to attend the meetings and learn about the San Carlos Apache Tribe’s Long Range Transportation Plan Update.

Tribal Planning staff, ADOT representatives and the project consultant will be there to answer questions.

The meetings will be on Wednesday, June 24 from 3 to 5:pm in Bylas and from 6 to 8:pm in San Carlos. For more information, contact Tribal Transportation Planner Barney Bigman at 475-2331.

Globe School Board Meets Wednesday

Globe School Board meets tomorrow (Wednesday) at 6:pm at the Mofford Activity Center. The agenda includes approval of several 2009-2010 handbooks, including the Copper Rim, High Desert Middle School, Globe High School, and the District Coaching Handbooks.

Study Says SAT Coaching Doesn't Help Much

A study released Wednesday shows that SAT prep courses that cost parents hundreds and even thousands of dollars aren't really much help.

The National Association for College Admission Counseling says that on average the prep tests might help a student gain 30 points on the test, which is based on 2,400 possible points.

The study also warns school admissions offices not to rely too much on SAT or ACT tests because differences in scores could be the result of measurement error and unequal access to coaching.

The Washington Post reports that test preparation has become a $4 billion business. SAT coaching ranges from free practice tests to one on one tutoring that can cost more than $200 an hour.

Police Log

Globe Police arrested 44 year old Rosalinda Skinner for domestic violence, disorderly conduct and criminal damage after a disturbance yesterday at a residence on North Broad Street.

A 911 call reported that 46 year old Julia Usry had assaulted her husband and left in her vehicle. She was contacted a short time later and arrested for domestic assault.

24 year old Erica Columbus and 23 year old Jessica Morales were cited and released for disorderly conduct after a disturbance last night at Globe Mobile Home Park.

Last night a Gila County Sheriff’s deputy took a report of shots fired in the area of Highway 60 and Calle De Loma. A man reported that he was traveling westbound when someone in the vehicle next to him discharged an unknown firearm toward his vehicle. Nobody was hurt. The damage appeared to be caused by an air soft gun or something similar. The case is under investigation.

The Sheriff’s Office is investigating a burglary at a residence on Gordon Street and criminal damage at the Pinal Mountain Little League field.

Fine and Mellow

1/5 of Arizona Drivers Would Fail Exam

A national survey says that more than one fifth of Arizonans who have driver’s licenses would not be able to pass a written exam today. Nationally, 20% of Americans with licenses can’t pass the test. In Arizona the number is close to 23%.

A news relaese about the GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test says that the number of drivers with knowledge of basic road rules is decreasing.

Idaho and Wisconsin drivers tied for first in the nation with an average test score of over 80%. The Arizona average score was 76.5%.

Respondents continue to have trouble with questions about yellow lights and safe following distance. Almost everybody knows what a solid line means.

You can take the test yourself online to see how you compare with other drivers. Go to www.gmacinsurance.com.

Globe Pool Opens Tuesday

The Globe Community Center Swimming Pool opens tomorrow (Tuesday) at Noon. Pool hours will be from Noon to 5:pm seven days a week. Adult lap swimming is from 5 to 6:pm Monday through Friday.

Daily rates are $1.00 for ages 12 and under, $2 for ages 13 and older. Swim passes are also available.

Due to structural problems they will not be able to open the baby pool.