Coolidge-Florence Regional Transportation Plan Public Open Houses

Residents in Coolidge and Florence are being invited to attend the Public Open Houses scheduled for on Jan. 8th & Jan. 10th, to provide input on the study findings, conclusions, & draft recommendations for the Coolidge-Florence Regional Transportation Plan.

Some DVDs Out This Week

Shoot 'Em Up
Indie Sex
Resident Evil: Extinction
The Tudors: Complete 1st Season
September Dawn
War
Weird Science: Complete Seasons 1 & 2
Seaquest DSV: Season 2
Solstice

Historic Downtown Casa Grande Street Fair/Car & Bike Show

On Jan. 19th & 20th, the Historic Downtown Casa Grande Street Fair/Car & Bike Show will take place. And, with over 150 exhibitions - fine art, pottery, jewelry, clothing, sculptures & more, book sale at the Woman's Club, children's art activities in "The Alley", food, & continuous entertainment, there's no excuse to miss it. The Paramount Theatre & downtown merchants will be open. The Car & Bike Show is Jan. 19th, only and is from 10 am - 3pm. The event time for Jan 19th, is 10 am - 5 pm & Jan. 20th, from 10 am - 4 pm.

Desert Bighorn Sheep In Southwestern Arizona Population Up

The Arizona Game & Fish Dept. is reporting that in the recently completed survey of desert bighorn sheep populations in southwestern Arizona estimated the population on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Kofa National Wildlife Refuge at 460 sheep. The number is up from the 2006 survey estimate of 390 sheep, the lowest level recorded since aerial surveys began in 1981.

More Pinal County Road Construction

McCartney Road from Cox Road to Bel Air Road will be closed to traffic starting Jan. 2nd for approx. 2 weeks. The McCartney Road closure is east of I-10 between Coolidge & Casa Grande. Motorists in Casa Grande will start seeing portable message boards alerting them to a traffic detour beginning Jan. 2nd.

The intersection of McCartney & Cox Roads is currently under construction by a Pinal County contractor that is making drainage & paving improvements for the area. A new concrete box culvert is now in place. This eliminates the need for the drainage dip along McCartney & east of Cox. Due to the size of the cuts & fills adjacent to the concrete box culvert, it is necessary to close the road to complete the earthwork & paving. The McCartney & Cox Road intersection has been under construction to widen the road & add turn lanes.

The contractor is scheduled to reopen McCartney Road from Cox to Bel Air during the week of Jan. 16th. Motorists will be routed from Bel Air over to Woodruff to Cox & vice versa. Motorists are advised to obey all traffic control devices & drive safely.

Gila County Voter Registration Outreach Office Coming To San Carlos

The Gila County Voter Registration Outreach Office will be at the swap meet in front of the Boys & Girls Club building in San Carlos on Saturday, January 5th from 8 am to noon. If you want to register to vote, update your voter registration record (change of address, change in party preference, change of name, etc) or make sure you are registered, come by and visit their booth. Do you have any questions about the presidential preference election? What is a presidential preference election (PPE)? Do I have to belong to a recognized party to vote in the PPE? Come by and see them and they’ll answer your questions and get you registered. Registration closes at midnight on Jan. 7th. The presidential preference election is Feb. 5th.

No Freeway Construction Closures For Phoenix Area Through New Year’s Day

The Arizona Dept. of Transportation wants to remind you there are no freeway construction closures scheduled in the Phoenix area through New Year’s Day. Please drive safely & enjoy the holiday weekend. For a complete listing of freeway & highway restrictions across Arizona visit az511.com or call 5-1-1.

Cool Gila County Maps

You can find some interesting historical features relating to Arizona & historical maps relating to Gila County at azmemory.lib.az.us.

Pinal County Gets Good Standard & Poor Rating

Standard & Poor has given Pinal County’s Board of Supervisors & management some great news. They upgraded the County’s debt rating from an A- to a solid A. Standard & Poor’s states the upgrade was earned as a result of “continued economic growth & diversification & maintenance of a strong financial position with strong reserves.”

The upgrade means in the debt ratings means that when Pinal County issues bonds or debt obligations to fund major projects, it can borrow at more favorable rates. This means the County can complete the projects taxpayers require without high interest payoffs down the road.

With continued expansion & diversification of its economic base, Pinal County spreads its risk across more areas of the economy. Not long ago, the County’s risk profile moved in direct relation to the mining industry. With more housing, jobs, industry & retail, the County is better able to ride out the highs and lows.

Gila County Board of Supervisors Special Session

The Gila County Board of Supervisors will hold Special Session on Dec. 28th, in the Supervisors' Auditorium at 1400 E. Ash St. in Globe at 10 am. The Special Session will focus on the establishment of the Street Lighting Improvement District's. Also covered, will be the reviewing of the proposed merger of the Diamond Star & Tonto Village Fire Districts and to direct the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors to submit in writing to each fire district the comments of the Board of Supervisors no later than 5 pm on Dec. 28th, 2007.

Hog Haven Giveaway

Do you love BBQ? Do you like to win? If you answered yes to one or both of those questions, here’s a deal for you. We are giving away gift certificates to Hog Haven tomorrow between 9:30 am - 12:30 pm. Have your dial set to 94.1 FM for your chance to win.

Some DVDs Out This Week

Ultimate Fighting Championship, Vol. 74
Ultimate Fighting Championship, Vol. 75
The Kingdom
The Brothers Solomon
Eastern Promises
Shattered
Living & Dying
Lost and Found: The Harry Langdon Collection
The Heartbreak Kid

County Employees Earn Their Masters through Troy University

Sixteen Pinal County employees started taking the proper courses from Troy University to earn a Masters in Public Administration in Sept. 2006. Thirteen graduated with their Masters in Public Administration on Dec. 15th, 2007.

Tonto Basin Residents Get Great News

A gift has been given to the Tonto Basin residents that have been trapped due to the flood waters having been so high. Barricades have been removed from the Store Crossing in the Punkin Center area of Tonto Basin.

Teen Pamper Yourself Day

Teen Pamper Yourself Day at THE WELLNESS COMMUNITY
Free Afternoon of Manicures, Makeovers and More for Teens Facing Cancer

WHAT:
Teen Pamper Yourself Day: Back by popular demand! Teens are invited to spend a luxurious & indulgent afternoon getting their makeup done, trying out new hairstyles, enjoying manicures and pedicures & sampling the many delights of being pampered in style. A professional cosmetologist will provide makeovers & tips for makeup application at this popular annual event, which is planned by & for teens living with cancer. Lunch will be served.

WHEN/WHERE:
Friday, January 4, 1–4 p.m. Free. On the grounds of The Wellness Community, 360 E. Palm Lane near downtown Phoenix.

WHO:
Teenagers whose lives have been affected by cancer are invited to a day of pampering & discussion at The Wellness Community. Every year, more than 250 Arizona teenagers are diagnosed with cancer. The Wellness Community provides people living with cancer & their loved ones with the other half of cancer care - education, support & hope. TWC offers a broad array of teen programs, including orientation & support groups, educational events, arts & crafts workshops & stress management classes focusing on relaxation & visualization, meditation, yoga, t’ai chi, journaling & writing for wellness.

In 2008, The Wellness Community will host more than 8,000 visits from people with cancer and their loved ones at its professionally-led support groups, educational workshops, nutrition & exercise seminars & stress reduction classes. This national not-for-profit organization, with a regional facility in Phoenix, also provides free, drop-in programs six days a week in a home-like environment.

CONTACT: For more information, please contact The Wellness Community at 602-712-1006 or visit www.twccaz.org.

Good News For San Manuel

The San Manuel area has been designated as meeting the Sulfur Dioxide Federal Clean Air Requirement from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

More Ironwood-Gantzel Roadway Improvement Project Work

The construction of the Ironwood-Gantzel Roadway Improvement Project continues. On Dec. 26th, paving on a small detour north of 36th Ave. on the west side of Ironwood will take place. The right lane will be closed during the paving from Palma Del Sol Mobile Home Park to 36th Ave. Flaggers will be assisting with the traffic. This will be for Wednesday only. Also on Dec. 26th & Dec. 27th, there will be lane closures from 8:30 am - 3 pm at the Ocotillo Ironwood/Gantzel intersection. Crews will be installing electrical equipment in the pavement. There will be an officer on site to assist with traffic. For further project information, call their toll-free hotline at 1-877-713-6700.

New Az. Game & Fish Dept. Headquarters

On Dec. 20th, Governor Janet Napolitano dedicated the Arizona Game & Fish Department's new headquarters. This new facility was specially engineered for efficiency & energy conservation.

Apache Junction Lions Club's 11th Annual Country & Variety Music Shows

The Apache Junction Lions Club's 11th Annual Country & Variety Music Shows will be at 7 pm, Fridays, Jan. 18th & Feb. 15th, at the Apache Junction Performing Arts Center, 2525 S. Ironwood Drive in Apache Junction. Ten professional acts have volunteered to perform, 5 at each show, according to Lion Bob McCoy of Mesa, chairman. Proceeds provide scholarships for AJHS grads. Tickets are $6 and $7 (students, $3) & are available by calling (480) 982-2908 or (480) 982-1742. Wheelchair service is provided. Food for the area food bank will be collected at the door.

Pinal County Supervisors Chairman David Snider's Next Monthly Hours

Pinal County Board of Supervisors Chairman David Snider will kick-off 2008 Maricopa office hours on Jan. 8th, 2008. The District 3 Supervisor will be at the interim Maricopa City Hall located at 45145 W. Madison Avenue from 9 am - 5 pm. If you'd like to schedule a specific time to meet with the Supervisor, please call his office at 836-0003 - otherwise, it's a first-come, first-served opportunity to meet with Supervisor Snider.

New Chief Deputy of Pinal County Attorney’s Child Support Division Appointed

The Pinal County Board of Supervisors approved the appointment of Michelle Krstyen as Chief Deputy of the County Attorney’s Child Support Division. Krstyen’s a 13 year employee with the County Attorney’s Office, & has spent all of her career with the Child Support Division. She was named Bureau Chief in 1999 after working as an attorney for the Division since her employment began in 1994. In Oct. 2006, Krstyen was recognized with a Congressional Certificate of Special Recognition for Outstanding & Invaluable Service to the Community. Since 1999, the Pinal County child support collections have gone from $7.9 million to an expected $20 million in 2008. Krstyen added that if anyone has questions about child support in Pinal County, please call the information line at 520-866-6615.

Rattlers Owner, Robert Hernreich Arrested

Arizona Rattlers & Sacramento Kings owner, Robert Hernreich, was arrested in Colorado for domestic violence. Hernreich, 62, is facing two counts of second degree criminal trespass and harassment.

New Employer-Sanctions Law Blockage Denied

A federal judge has denied the request to temporarily block the state's new employer-sanctions law from taking effect on Jan. 1st.

Waterfall Trail & Trailhead To Reopen

On Dec. 28th, the White Tank Mountain Regional Park will reopen the Waterfall Trail and trailhead to the public.

Ironwood-Gantzel Roadway Improvement Project Construction Alert

Here’s another construction alert for the Ironwood-Gantzel Roadway Improvement Project in Pinal County. Beginning Monday, Dec. 31st, 2007, drivers should expect heavy delays when traveling both north & southbound on Ironwood. Both the north & southbound lanes will be channeled to the west on a temporary detour from about Houston to the US 60. This is to allow crews to build the new northbound lanes. Travel onto Baseline, both east & west, will be limited during this time. Drivers can proceed to the US 60 & exit at either Signal Butte or Idaho to access Baseline Rd. Motorists traveling & exiting US 60 should also be alert for possible delays & backups. These restrictions will remain in place for approx. 1 month.

For more info about the Ironwood-Gantzel Roadway Improvement Project & to obtain the latest traffic updates, visit: ironwoodproject.com.

Rinker Fined

The ADEQ has fined United Metro Materials, Inc. & Tanner Companies (Yuma), Inc., doing business as Rinker Materials, a $175,000 civil penalty for air quality violations at 5 of its facilities, including Gila County.

AAMB Feed the Homeless Event On December 25th

On Dec. 25th, members of the Arizona Association of Mortgage Brokers (AAMB) will participate in the annual AAMB Feed the Homeless Event, 10 am - 6 pm at Rock Bottom Ahwatukee, 4205 S. 50th St.

San Carlos Cancer Fund Running Low

The Cancer Fund to help San Carlos Cancer patients is running low & the San Carlos Social Service is seeking your help. To find out how you can help, call them at 475-2313.

Christmas Tree Tags At Apache-Sitgreaves Available Until Friday

Approximately 1,200 over-the-counter Christmas tree tags are still available for the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Tags are sold for the regular $10 fee on a 1st-come-1st-serve basis until they're sold out. Purchses must be made by check or money order. Cash or credit cards will not be accepted. Tags cannot be purchased by phone. For more details, call (602) 225-5258. The last day to purchase a permit is Dec. 21st.

2008 Regulations Elk & Antelope Posted

The Arizona Game & Fish Dept. has the 2008 regulations elk and antelope posted.

H.R. 2764 Signing Will Benefit Gila County

Gila County will benefit from the signing of omnibus appropriations bill H.R. 2764. The Gila County Community College will get $195,000 in federal funding to expand its nursing program, $100,000 will go to the Historic Globe Main Street Program for renovation of the courthouse for use as a community center, & the Town of Miami will receive $100,000 for housing renovation.

People First Seek Recall Of The Tribal Council

People First, a group of tribal members unhappy with the council's actions, is seeking 4,765 signatures to force a referendum vote to recall the San Carlos Tribal Council. Allegations made against the Tribal Council include; meeting in closed meetings, voting itself generous raises & abolishing the office of vice chairman.

Florence Junior NBA Youth Basketball League Taking Registrations

The Town of Florence Parks & Recreation Department is taking registrations through Jan. 18th, for the Junior NBA Youth Basketball League.

Mesa Christmas Tree Recycling

City of Mesa residents have many locations to recycle their Christmas tree starting Dec. 26th until Jan. 13th.

Advice On Avoiding Car Theft

Pinal County Attorney James P. Walsh & the Pinal County Board of Supervisors would like you to heed the advice that the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA) offers to help in curbing your vehicle being stolen.

Arizona is ranked 2nd in the nation in stolen vehicles according to the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority. Over 54,000 autos were taken in 2006. Not surprisingly, Phoenix & Tucson ranked 1 & 2 statewide by vehicle theft. Casa Grande was the highest ranked Pinal County municipality at number 11.

Because it’s the holiday season, the mall parking lots are jammed with cars. In many cases those vehicles are laden with purchases from previous stops to other stores. If you are not careful, you could become a victim of auto theft. The AATA reported that December is one of the highest months for auto theft and burglaries from vehicles.

By practicing some common sense approaches when you park your car while shopping, you can make it more difficult for a would-be robber to ruin your holiday cheer.

Here are a few ways to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of vehicle theft:

* Lock your car and take your keys with you
* Park in well lit, well traveled areas
* Do not leave your car running & unattended
* Lock your valuables in the trunk. If you don't have a trunk, bring something to cover them & keep them out of sight. If you have a truck, you may want to invest in a tonneau cover that can be locked
* Do not keep a spare set of keys in the car
* If you have a garage-use it and keep it locked at all times
* Purchase a deterrent like an alarm, steering wheel lock or brake lock
* Register your vehicle for the AATA’s free Watch Your Car Program
* Have your car window etched with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Go to azwatchyourcar.com/ for a list of events where window etching is offered.

There are also a lot of devices that will immobilize your vehicle & stop a thief from bypassing your ignition & hot wiring your car. They include kill switches, starter & fuel disablers, smart keys, high security locks & fuel cutoff switches.

It can take a thief less than a minute to break into your car & take your possessions. Taking just a few minutes to make your car less of a target will make your holidays a brighter one & less appealing for a Scrooge waiting for their next free ride.

Crime Free Multi-Housing Seminar

On Dec. 19th, a no-cost Crime Free Multi-Housing Seminar for all property owners & management personnel in Casa Grande will be from 8 am - 5 pm in the City of Casa Grande Parks & Rec. Dept.'s Bobcat Room at 404 E. Florence Blvd.

New Hangar Coming To The Falcon Field Airport

The city of Mesa has signed a lease with Falcon Hangars LLC to build a new 17,500-square-foot hangar at Falcon Field Airport. The project is in the design and permitting stage at Falcon Hangars LLC.

Democratic Headquarters Grand Opening/Bash

The Globe Democratic Headquarters Grand Opening/Bash is at 3 pm & open to the public. You can still register to vote at this event. Light refreshments will be served. This is also a potluck & anyone can bring a dish. The Headquarters is located at 120 N. Broad in Globe.

Gila County Rabies Control Low Cost Rabies Clinic

The Gila County Rabies Control Dept. is having a low cost rabies clinic on Jan. 12th, 2008 from 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm at the Rabies Control Dept. (Animal Shelter). The cost of the rabies shot is $10 plus the cost of a license $15 for an unaltered animal & $7 for a spayed or neutered animal prrof is required. State law requires that all dogs over 4 months old be vaccinated for rabies & licensed in the county you live in. If you have any questions, call the Gila County Rabies Control Dept. at 425-5882.

No Charges Filed In "Florence Desert Party Case"

The Pinal County Attorney’s Office will not file criminal charges against any of the participants in the October 27, 2007 incident referred to as the "Florence desert party case". The Office feels they would not be able to meet the burden of proof to charge those involved with the allegations of sexual misconduct at the desert party outside of Florence. This stems from the investigation conducted by the Florence Police Department.

Tri-City Fire Department Holiday Safety Tips

The Tri-City Fire Department has some Holiday Safety tips so we can have a fire-safe holiday season. Some things you can do are: Check your Smoke Alarms, Make sure everyone in your family Knows & Practices your Fire Escape Plan, Use nonflammable holders for candles, keep candles a safe distance away from the Christmas tree and other holiday decorations, keep those candles out of the reach of children. If you haven't picked out a tree yet, then they have some advice for you: look for one thats fresh and green, the needles should bend and not snap in between your fingers, at home find a cool spot for your tree away from heater vents and the fireplace, water your tree often, dispose of the tree at a recycling center.

Bluff Appointed As Yavapai County Superior Court Judge

Governor Janet Napolitano has appointed Michael R. Bluff of Clarkdale to serve as a Judge on the Yavapai County Superior Court.

San Carlos Indian Hospital Closed For Emergency Purposes

The San Carlos Indian Hospital is closed for Emergency Purposes until Tomorrow morning (8 am). Or once the Peridot EMS Emergency is closed…The San Carlos Hospital ER will re-open. For Emergencies, patients can be seen at the Peridot EMS.

CVCH Diabetic Workshop

The Cobre Valley Community Hospital's holding a CVCH Diabetic Workshop in the Medical Plaza Conference Room at 10 am on Dec. 20th.

Some DVDs Out This Week

The Simpsons Movie
Rawhide: 2nd Season, Vol. 2
Halloween
The Crooked E: The Unshredded Truth About Enron
Blade Runner: The Final Cut
Balls of Fury
The Evil Dead (Ultimate Edition)
The Last Legion
Alien Apocalypse
Hatchet
Man with the Screaming Brain
The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones, Vol. 2: The War Years
New Adventures of the Lone Ranger and Zorro
Underdog
Sonic Underground: The Series
Tool: Tool
Braveheart (Special Collector's Edition)
The Mod Squad: Season 1, Volume 1
Black Moon Rising
Jennifer Lopez Presents: Como Ama una Mujer
Stardust
Bring It On: In It To Win It
One Tree Hill: Complete 4th Season

Some Country/Folk CDs Out This Week

Marco Beltrami - 3:10 To Yuma: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Keller Williams - 12

Apache Junction To Get New Vehicle Emissions Testing Station

A new Vehicle Emissions Testing Station is coming to Apache Junction at 565 E. 38th Avenue in the Baseline Industrial Park (1-quarter mile east of Idaho Road north of Baseline Road). The new station should be open in January 2009, the 4,000 square-foot facility will feature 3 automobile bays. The site plan was designed to offer efficient movement of vehicles. Construction is set to begin in early 2008.

Baseline Road east of Ironwood Closed This Week

As the Ironwood-Gantzel Roadway Improvement Project in Pinal Co. continues, alerts will be issued. Baseline Road east of Ironwood will be closed Dec. 17th through Dec. 21st. Crews will be installing drainage pipes under the asphalt on Baseline. Motorists needing to travel east on Baseline are advised to take Ironwood to US 60, exit on Idaho & take Idaho to Baseline as a detour. For further project information, call their toll-free hotline at 1-877-713-6700.

Pinal County Kids Anti-Drug Winners Announced

In 1990, then Pinal County Attorney Gilbert Figueroa began a small art contest in local schools to find out who could draw the best anti-drug message. The contest was named in memory of former Pinal County Superior Court Judge Robert R. Bean who had recently succumbed to cancer.

The best pictures were placed in a month-to-month calendar with the 12 best drawings featured. The idea was to have children show their peers the dangers of drug use.

Seventeen years later, the tradition continues, albeit with some minor modifications to the original month-to-month calendar format.

On Dec. 13th, County Attorney James P. Walsh kept the contest alive and well by honoring finalists, their families and teachers at a ceremony to unveil the poster-sized 2008 Anti-Drug Calendar poster.

“This contest is open to all sixth graders in Pinal County,” the County Attorney said. “Over 500 entries were received and a panel of judges narrowed the field to 60 finalists. Once those were chosen the real work began since all the artwork was very impressive.”

Walsh said that the panel of nine judges culled the 60 finalists to 9 winners with a grand prize winner, a T-shirt winner and a Tattoo winner. T-shirts featuring the anti-drug message and temporary tattoos will help spread the anti-drug message among impressionable young people.

“I’m glad I wasn’t a member of the judging panel,” County Attorney Walsh joked. “It was a difficult decision.”

Speaking before a group of student finalists and their parents in Central Arizona College’s Pence Auditorium, Walsh congratulated those who made the final cut.

“Your work will be there for all to see,” stressed Walsh. “Your art may give one of your friends the courage to say ‘no’ to drugs. As Alexa from Thunder Mountain Middle School says on her drawing: With drugs the only winners are losers. Well, none of you are losers.”

The guest speaker of the night was State Senator Rebecca Rios (D-District 23). With two young children of her own, Senator Rios says she understands the stresses the students face each day at school and with their friends. She related a story about a family member who passed away at a very young age by “huffing” drugs. Rios told the students that one action resulted in a death that changed their family forever.

Senator Rios also brought up a childhood experience where she won a contest in school with a drawing of a Christmas tree.

Looking at the students, Rios said “What you are doing here is very significant. What I did was draw a Christmas tree. You are doing something much more profound. I urge you to continue to share your anti-drug message.”

The nine students whose artwork is on the 2008 design were photographed with County Attorney Walsh at the McFarland Courthouse and State Park in Florence. The group photo is in the center of the poster with the winning drawings arranged around the photograph. Walsh said 12,000 posters were made and will be distributed to Pinal County schools and businesses.

This year’s grand prize winner was John Bribiescas, a sixth grader from Mammoth Elementary School. Bribiescas’ art teacher, Valerie Rickert, received a check for $500.00 for classroom supplies. Second place went to Alvaro Alvarez from Mammoth Elementary School and third place went to Isaiah O. Iguado from Red Rock Elementary School. All nine artists whose drawings appear on the 2008 calendar will be treated to a field trip to the Challenger Space Center at the Tucson Air and Space Museum, along with their classmates.

HB2268 Change Gives Cancer Coverage To Peace Officers

Members of the Arizona Police Association (APA) & Mesa Police Association (MPA) saluted Gov. Janet Napolitano yesterday for allowing certified peace officers cancer coverage. Bill HB2268 was signed at 11:30 am. "We have seen an overwhelmingly support on this issue from legislators," said Fabian Cota, president of the MPA. "MPA applauds the State of Arizona for hearing us & taking our health into consideration," he added.

HB2268 changes the name of the "Fire Fighter Cancer Insurance Policy Program" to the "Fire Fighter & Peace Officer Cancer Insurance Policy Program." This bill extends coverage to certified peace officers."

Providing officers with coverage recognizes the importance cancer & the role is plays on the day-to-day operations of all peace officers," said Cota. The Mesa Police Association was founded in 1989. The organization is currently the largest association representing active Mesa Police Officers, & remains dedicated to promoting the positive role of Law Enforcement Professionals in the community.

New Scam Hitting Gila County

The Gila Co. Sheriff's Office is warning residents about a new scam. This scam involves an unknown company attempting to contact & collect financial & personal information for the purpose of unauthorized charges on credit cards. The company calls people offering to sell the victim coupons worth huge savings at reputable retail outlets nationwide. At least one victim refused the offer, yet the calls continued until the victim agreed to speak to them in order to stop the calls & be removed from their calling list. The caller offered to "speed read" the offers & promises to remove the number if after each offer is read the victim states "ok". After several of the offers are read, the caller then asks for the victim's city of birth or age or any other type of personal information that would assist the company with obtaining access to financial information. Shortly after the calls the victim's contacted by one or more financial institutions & becomes aware of unauthorized charges on their account.

New Arizona Community & Business Financing Guide

The new Arizona Community & Business Financing Guide, compiled & sponsored by the Commerce & Economic Development Commission, the Az. Dept. of Commerce & more than 15 state & federal agencies & private investment banks is now available. The updated directory contains descriptions & contact information for federal, state, as well as many private loan, grant & financing programs related to community, economic & workforce development & planning.

The guide is separated into 2 sections:

* state, local & tribal governments, non-profits, universities, economic development organizations, & sometimes, individuals & businesses.

* businesses, tribal governments, & industry groups.

The guide is free & online at: azcommerce.com/financing+guide.htm.

Looking For A Job In Gila Co.?

Well, you need to visit the listings at the Gila County Personnel Dept. & see what's available. The Gila Co. Personnel Dept.'s located at 1400 E. Ash St. in Globe or call (928) 425-3231 ext. 8725.

Morningstar Library Edition

The Pinal Co. Library District added a new online investing research tool, Morningstar Library Edition. Morningstar Library Edition gives Pinal Co. residents another free valuable investing resource. All you need is your library card from a Pinal Co. Library to access the database. (Some libraries such as Casa Grande require a PIN for electronic access.) When visiting the Pinal Co. Library District website, look for a link saying "Online Databases" or just "Databases." From there, you'll enter your library card number and view Morningstar or any of the other databases.

Carpool To The Boyce Thompson Arboretum

There's a site allowing individuals to arrange a carpool to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum.

Ironwood-Gantzel Roadway Improvement Project Update

As the Ironwood-Gantzel Roadway Improvement Project in Pinal County continues, alerts will be issued.

Baseline Road east of Ironwood will be closed Dec. 17th through Dec. 21st. Crews will be installing drainage pipes under the asphalt on Baseline. Motorists needing to travel east on Baseline are advised to take Ironwood to US 60, exit on Idaho & take Idaho to Baseline as a detour.

For further project information, call their toll-free hotline at 1-877-713-6700.

Diabetic Workshop

The Cobre Valley Community Hospital is holding a CVCH Diabetic Workshop in their Medical Plaza Conference Room at 10 am on Dec. 20th.

Veterans To Get IRS Refunds Over Compensated Work Therapy Taxes

Payments under the Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) program are no longer taxable & disabled veterans who paid tax on these benefits in the past 3 years can now claim refunds, the IRS has released. Recipients of CWT payments will no longer receive a Form 1099 from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Disabled veterans who paid tax on these benefits in tax-years 2004, 2005 or 2006 can claim a refund by filing an amended return using IRS Form 1040X.

Three REDI Grants Awarded

Redevelopment, preservation & marketing are the focus of 3 grants awarded in rural Arizona communities through the Arizona Dept. of Commerce's Rural Economic Development Initiative Program (REDI). The program helps rural communities strengthen economic development practices & techniques in order to become more attractive for capital investment.

"These matching grants help provide the tools necessary for Arizona's rural areas to attract investment & quality jobs," says Jan Lesher, Director of the Az. Dept. of Commerce. "Each project helps promote & prepare these areas for growth, while preserving & maintaining existing business & industry."

The awards are for the following projects:

* The Town of Florence receives a $15,000 grant for an update & revision of the Florence Downtown Redevelopment Plan to put a program in place that will have a positive economic impact on the community.

* The Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation is awarded $8,850 for a Three-Tiered Marketing Strategy which will create design templates for all building & land sites, & marketing materials for use on websites & at conferences & trade shows.

* The Payson Regional Economic Development Corporation receives $2,800 for a website redesign to include relevant community & business information, economic data, & promote the region to new business prospects.

In 1987, the legislature created the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) program to promote economic development in rural areas & communities of the state. Qualified rural economic development programs & organizations with an on-going commitment to economic development can be recognized through REDI accreditation. The REDI program provides both technical & matching fund assistance.

Ralph Riley Pinal County District 8 Constable for Justice of the Peace To Retire

Ralph Riley, Constable for Justice of the Peace District 8 has announced plans to retire, effective Dec. 31st, 2007.

Chairman of the Pinal County Board of Supervisors, David Snider, said he appreciated Constable Riley’s service to the County & specifically, to the district he served. “Constable Riley is a 50 year resident of this area. To say he knows the community is an understatement. For that reason alone, we regret that he is unable to continue serving due to family health reasons,” Snider said.

“I wish this action was not necessary,” Constable Riley wrote in his letter to the Board of Supervisors. “It has been an honor to be elected by the voters in my district & serve as their Constable for the last 9 years. The public’s confidence in me has meant much to my family & myself. We will not forget it.”

“The friendships & associations formed with Judge Scott Sulley & the entire office staff of the Maricopa/Stanfield Justice Court will continue,” Riley wrote. “I have appreciated their professionalism & caring service.”

In the case of a mid-term vacancy, the Pinal County Board of Supervisors is charged with appointing a replacement. Before that happens, the Board of Supervisors will form a citizens’ review committee to evaluate applications for the Constable position. The committee will consider applicants’ qualifications & experience & make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.

The appointee will serve until the next general election in November 2008. He or she may simply fill out the remainder of Constable Riley’s term or may opt to run for the Constable position in the November 2008 election.

To be eligible for appointment, Arizona law specifies that applicants must meet the following criteria:

* Must be a legal Arizona resident living within the Maricopa/Stanfield Justice Court District (District 8).
* Must be registered to vote.
* Must be able to read & write the English language.
* Must be at least 18 years of age.

In addition, state law requires that the appointee be of the same political party as the person vacating the office, in this case, Republican. To apply for consideration, mail your cover letter & qualifications to:

Ms. Sheri Cluff
Clerk of the Board
Pinal County Board of Supervisors
P.O. Box 827
Florence, AZ 85232

The deadline for letters of interest is Jan. 11th, 2008 at 5 pm.

"The Good News Flash!"

"The Good News Flash!" River of Life Youth & Children's Departments presents the Christmas Production of the Season, "The Good News Flash!" on Dec. 16th at 9 am & 10:30 am. Children of all ages are performing. Don't miss it! River of Life is located at the 4-way stop in Central Heights. For more information call 425-2349.

Flores Named To State Transportation Board

Governor Janet Napolitano announced yesterday that she's named Victor Flores to the State Transportation Board, replacing Joseph J. Lane as a representative of District 2, Maricopa County.

Flores, who currently serves as the President of the Arizona-Mexico Commission (AMC) & is Senior Government & Community Relations Representative for SRP, will serve a 7-year term, pending confirmation by the state senate.

“Victor will bring an extraordinarily broad range of experience & community involvement to this board,” Gov. Napolitano said. “The various roles he has served over the years have given Victor great expertise on Arizona’s needs in the 21st century, & the important role transportation infrastructure will play in our future.”

In this new role, Flores will bring his leadership experience in the Arizona-Mexico region to further prepare Arizona for growth by improving infrastructure, expanding trade & promoting regional economic development.

In addition to his work with the AMC & SRP, Flores, has an extensive record of service with community & government organizations. This includes service as Chairman of the Arizona Housing Finance Authority, as the President of the Guadalupe Chamber of Commerce, & as an elected member of the board of the Hayden-Winkelman Unified School District. He has also worked as a mining engineer, as a business owner, & for the state Registrar of Contractors.

For more information about the AMC, visit: azmc.org.

"Starry Night Stroll"

On Dec. 13th, from 5 pm - 8 pm take a "Starry Night Stroll" in Downtown Globe & advantage of the great deals offered by the participating businesses. When you make a purchase from a business that is participating in the "Starry Night Stroll," you'll be entered to win a $100 grand prize package or one of many other drawings for Downtown Merchant gift certificates.

Tonto National Forest Seeking Public Input

The Tonto National Forest has drafted a proposed five-year program of work for recreation facilities and is seeking public input. The public comment period ends Jan. 15th, 2008. Comments can be provided to the forest by mail at RFA, Tonto National Forest, 2324 E. McDowell RD., Phoenix, AZ 85006 or through fax (602) 225-5295 (ATTN: RFA).

Get Into The Holiday Spirit At Boyce Thompson

Get in the holiday spirit on Dec. 15th, at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, where Apache Junction students will perform a holiday concert live in the Picnic Area at noon, followed by a 1:30 pm guided tour where you can see genuine frankincense and myrrh (2-out-of-3 "gifts of the magi").

Daily admission of $7.50 for adults or $3 for ages 5-12 includes weekend guided tours & also the Christmas concert at noon in the Picnic area. Bring a picnic, there are plenty of tables & also charcoal grilles which Arboretum visitors are welcome to use. Fall color arrived weeks late this year, and remains glorious & camera-ready in the sycamore & pistachio trees that accent the Picnic Area & Demonstration Garden. Visitors can expect to see lovely foliage remaining in the trees while walking along the 1.5 mile long Main Trail, & docent-guided tours are offered daily at 1 pm.

The Arboretum is a close drive too, just 45-minutes drive west of Globe-Miami via highway 60, right near milepost #223 just past the historic copper-mining town of Superior. For specific directions or more information by phone call the recorded message (520) 689-2723, or take virtual tours, explore photo galleries & read more about weekend events on the award-winning website: ag.arizona.edu/bta.

Florence Community Library Special Hours On Dec. 18th

The Florence Community Library is closed from 7 am - 4 pm on Dec. 18th. The Florence Unified School District is doing electrical work and the power will be off. If you have any questions, please contact the Florence Community Library at 868-9471.

Upper Salt River Canyon Rafting Permit Applications Available

Rafting permit applications for the Upper Salt River Canyon Wilderness are ready to be printed from the Tonto National Forest's web site. They can also be obtained by calling the Globe Ranger District at (928) 402-6200. Instructions for applying are included in the application packets. The application deadline is Jan. 15th, 2008.

A Forest Service permit is required from March 1st - May 15th of each year to raft that portion of the river which flows through the Upper Salt River Canyon Wilderness. The segment of the river under the permit system starts approx. 20 miles downstream from the traditional put-in point at First Campground on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation.

The White Mountain Apache Tribe requires a recreation permit throughout the year for boating on the reservation. For more information regarding tribal permits and regulations call (928) 338-4385.

Lake Havasu State Park Campground Closure Reminder

The campgrounds at Lake Havasu State Park is closed through mid-Jan. '08 & ramps will close sometime in early January. The Park will remain open during the construction.

The construction started in the campground area in Nov. They will also be chip sealing, restriping & installation of new cement drainage aprons at the Windsor 4 parking lot area. The chip sealing of the campground road & Windsor 4 parking lot will be finished by mid-Jan. '08. In Jan. work will begin at the dirt overflow parking lot. This area will be changed into asphalted parking spaces designed to accommodate oversize boat trailer parking.

Several small changes will be made around the park ranger station entrance area to allow boat trailers to more easily navigate the parking lot corners in the park.

For more info, call Lake Havasu State Park at (928) 855-2784. Park entrance fees are $9 per vehicle. Lake Havasu State Park is located at 699 London Bridge Rd., off Highway 95 & Industrial Boulevard.

Pinal County Road Closures As Of Dec. 10th

The winter storm that's passing over Arizona has resulted in some road closures in Pinal Co. & the Pinal Co. Public Works Dept. has released the following road closures as of Dec. 10th, at 9:30 am.


Mammoth Area:
San Pedro Road at the river (storm damage).

Queen Creek Area:
Schnepf Road Bridge between Combs & Ocotillo Rd. (construction).

Stanfield Area:
Russell Road between Clayton & Kortsen Rd. (construction).

Queen Valley Area:
Silver King Rd from El Camino Viejo Rd. to Queen Valley (storm damage).
Hewitt Station Rd from Queen Valley to US 60 (storm damage).

For more information on road closures please call (520) 866-6078.

Greater Arizona Development Authority Taking Financial Assistance Applications

The Greater Arizona Development Authority (GADA) is taking Financial Assistance applications for the 2008A round; the applications are due by 5 pm Dec 28th, '07. GADA's a great service by providing low-cost financing for public infrastructure projects to cities, towns, counties, tribes & special districts throughout the state. The Authority anticipates funding successful applications for the 2008A round with the proceeds of a GADA bond issue in the Spring of '08.

Some DVDs Out This Week

Dave Attell: Captain Miserable
Big Love: Complete 2nd Season
The Triumph and Tragedy of World Class Championship Wrestling
The Bourne Ultimatum
Sportscentury: Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Silent Night, Deadly Night
Undead Or Alive
Women's Extreme Wrestling: Ring on Fire
Frasier: 10th Season
Walt Disney Treasures: The Adventures of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit
Lights! Action! Music!
Lost: Complete 3rd Season
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Walt Disney Treasures: The Chronological Donald, Vol. 3 (1947 - 1950)
Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.: 3rd Season
Cocaine Wars
High School Musical 2
Violent Femmes: Live at the Hacienda
Dirt: Complete 1st Season
Lassie/Andre/Black Beauty (Triple Feature)
Styx: Caught In The Act
Walt Disney Treasures: Disneyland: Secrets, Stories & Magic
Two-Lane Blacktop
Beverly Hills 90210: 3rd Season

Some Country/Folk CDs Out This Week

Porter Wagoner - Super Hits
Renan Luce - Repenti
Jesse Dayton and Brennen Leigh - Holdin' Our Own and Other Country Gold Duets
Titus & Ross - Titus & Ross
Voice of the Seven Woods - Voice of the Seven Woods

Arizona Recycling Scholarship Program

The ADEQ's encouraging Arizona high school seniors interested in environmental issues to apply for ADEQ’s '08 Arizona Recycling Scholarship Program. Proposals must be received by ADEQ no later than Feb. 1st, '08, & the scholarship winners will be announced during Feb. '08. The winning projects will be implemented during March '08. ADEQ will provide scholarship funds to the students after receiving proof of enrollment at a community college or university within the state of Arizona. The scholarship package & informational materials have beeen sent to every high school in Arizona & are available at: adeq.gov.

Gila Community College Fall Semester Art Show & Sale

Gila Community College will host the Fall Semester Art Show & Sale on Wed., Dec. 12th, from 5 pm - 8 pm in the Gila Pueblo Campus Lobby. The public is invited to attend. Holiday refreshments will be provided. Come & see the art works that talent & hard work can create with the guidance & support of the Gila Community College faculty & staff.

Safford "Site Stewards" Needed

The Arizona Site Steward program is recruiting volunteers for the Safford area. The Bureau of Land Management & the State Land Dept. need "Site Stewards" to monitor archeological sites & report changes of conditions, whether caused by nature or by human intervention. Training will be provided & scheduled in Safford after the December Holidays. Volunteers are required to complete 10 hours of training, which include: federal and state antiquity laws; documenting sites; identifying artifacts and sites; and how to manage and photograph crime scenes as it applies to archeological sites. For more information, call Dan McGrew, archaeologist with the Bureau of Land Management Safford District Office, at (928) 348-4466.

ADOT & Gila Community College Together Again

ADOT & Gila Community College will award 18 full-time enrollment scholarships for academic year 2008. If a student is successful the first semester he/she will be eligible for scholarship funding for summer & fall semesters. The $650 scholarship covers tuition for one semester of classes which include Heavy Equipment, Welding Technology, & CDL Class B. To find out more, call (928) 425-8481.

Gila County Area Host Families Urgently Needed For Foreign Students

To learn how you can help, visit: pieusa.org.

Stanfield Community Clean Up

There will be a community clean up for Stanfield residents on Dec. 15th, from 8 am - 1 pm. The drop off location is on the southwest corner of Papago Rd. & Navajo Way across from the fire station.

Items Accepted:

Refrigerators
Yard Debris
Metal/White Appliances
Construction Material
Recyclables (cardboard, plastic bottles, newspaper, metal cans)
Tires (with & without rims)
E-Waste

Items Not Accepted:

Oil
Paint
Anti Freeze
Batteries
Tractor Tires
55 Gallon drums
Pool Chemicals
House Hold Chemicals
House Hold Trash
Burnt Trash

There will be no curbside pickup. Elderly & handicap residents can make arrangements for curbside pickup at the staging site. For more information please call: (520) 866-6682.

Christmas Angel Trap Shoot

The Christmas Angel Trap Shoot is Dec. 15th starting at 9 am. Rounds of 25 targets are $5. The public is invited. Lunch will be provided by the club (Donations accepted). Proceeds from the trap shoot will go to filling wishes on the Salvation Army’s Angel Trees in the Globe-Miami area. During the lunch the Cobre Valley Friends of the National Rifle Association will draw for the winner of the Smith & Wesson Sigma Series Pistol .40SW.

Lute Olson Makes It Clear

Family matters (pending divorce) has made University of Arizona Head Basketball Coach Lute Olson decide to take a leave of absence from the court this season. He plan's to return next season.

All Flags At State Buildings At Half Staff Saturday

Gov. Janet Napolitano announced that all flags at state buildings will be flown at half staff Saturday, Dec. 8th, in honor of Silvestre Herrera, a Glendale resident and Medal of Honor recipient who passed away Nov. 26th, at age 90.

Herrera was the first Arizona resident to receive the nation’s highest military honor during World War II. He received the Medal of Honor for heroic actions in a battle on March 15th, 1945 in France. Herrera, born in Mexico, also received the Primer Merito Militar, Mexico’s highest military honor, & is the only person ever authorized to wear both awards.

Pinal Co. Public Health Services District Flu Shots Continue

Pinal County Public Health Services District is continuing to provide flu shots for $15, which is a bargain compared to the cost of cold and flu medicines or trips to the doctor’s office. For your convenience, no appointment is necessary, just come on in to any clinic during listed business hours.

“It is a good strategy to get vaccinated as early as possible, although, given that the flu season tends to peak later in the winter, there is still time to get vaccinated” says Tom Schryer, Director for Pinal County Public Health Services District.

Pinal County Public Health District is also offering children immunizations free of charge. No appointment needed and no child will be denied immunizations.

District 1:
Kearny - Thursdays 7:30 am - 5 pm
Oracle - 2nd Wednesday of every month 8 am - 4 pm
Eloy - Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays 7:30 am - 5 pm
Mammoth - Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays 7:30 am - 5 pm
Superior - 3rd Wednesday of every month 8 am - 4 pm
Coolidge - Tuesdays & Thursdays 7:30 am - 5 pm

District 2:
Apache Junction - Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays 7:30 am - 5 pm
Florence - Mondays & Wednesdays 8 am - 5 pm

District 3:
Casa Grande - Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays 7:30 am - 5 pm
Stanfield - The 2nd & 4th Tuesdays 10 am - 4:30 pm
Maricopa (Mobile Health Clinic) - Wednesdays 9 am – 3 pm

Most years, flu season does not peak until February; & higher-than-usual flu rates may continue into May. Health officials stress that the single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get a flu vaccination each year.

In order to reduce the chance of catching the flu this season, the Public Health Dept. recommends frequent hand washing, using soap & warm water for 30 seconds. Cover your mouth & nose when coughing or sneezing.

If you do become ill, it is important to stay home to help prevent spreading the illness to others. For more information on influenza & vaccinations, please call the Health District Hotline at 1-866-763-7252.

Flags At Half Staff Tomorrow

Gov. Janet Napolitano announced that all flags at state buildings will be flown at half staff Dec. 7th, in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. The day remembers the more than 2,300 who died in the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, including more than 1,100 who perished aboard the USS Arizona.

3-in-1 ID Signed

Governor Janet Napolitano & U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff today signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to move forward on the creation of Arizona's 3-in-1 ID - a voluntary identification that complies with Arizona's driver's license standards, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) & can be used in the work eligibility process.

"Arizonans deal every day with the many complex issues surrounding border security & immigration," said Gov. Napolitano. "I believe this enhanced identification will be a useful tool. It is my hope that the partnership with the Secretary & the agency will support work on this new project throughout the process of its development."

"I value the Governor's leadership in making Arizona licenses more secure," said Secretary Chertoff. "America knows too well how dangerous unsecured licenses can be. The public is way ahead of government when it comes to secure identification. They want protection from identity theft, & they want greater facilitation of lawful trade & travel. Agreements like this one, & the others before it, move secure identification in the right direction, & I urge other states to do the same."

The Arizona agreement, much like those established with the states of Washington, Vermont & New York earlier this year, will serve as an option available to U.S. citizens to satisfy WHTI requirements. DHS announced in June that U.S. & Canadian citizens will need to present either a WHTI-compliant document or government-issued photo ID & proof of citizenship, such as a driver's license & birth certificate, beginning on Jan. 31st, 2008, for admissibility into the U.S. The department intends to end the routine practice of accepting oral declarations alone at land & sea ports of entry at that time.

The 3-in-1 ID will require legislative approval, which the Governor has committed to seek.

Arizona is developing a technologically-enhanced driver's license that will securely validate the identity & U.S. citizenship of Arizona residents who voluntarily apply & qualify. The enhanced driver's license, which is proposed to be accepted for border-crossing purposes under WHTI, is expected to be slightly more expensive than a standard Arizona state driver's license & will require proof of citizenship, identity, & residence.

The enhanced document also will be aligned to comply with REAL ID over time. Governor Napolitano will continue to urge the federal government to fully fund REAL ID, so it doesn't become another unfunded mandate to the states.

DHS, in turn, will provide the technology and data sharing specifications to facilitate the use & verification of the enhanced driver's license at a port of entry.

DHS & the Dept. of State expect the date of full WHTI implementation to be in the summer of 2008 when U.S. citizens traveling between the U.S. & Canada, Mexico, Central & South America, the Caribbean, & Bermuda by land or sea, will be required to present a valid U.S. passport or other acceptable document. The precise implementation date will be formally announced with at least 60 days notice.

Two Arizona Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Events

Two major annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day events will be held at the Arizona State Capitol on Fri., Dec. 7th. At 10:55 a.m., the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association & the Arizona Dept. of Veterans’ Services are hosting a memorial service for the 2,117 Navy & Marine Corps personnel & 228 Army personnel killed during the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor 66 years ago. The service will also remember those Pearl Harbor veterans who have since gone to their "last post". The service will be held at the U.S.S. Arizona Mast & Anchor Memorial located on the east side of Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza across from the state capitol in Phoenix.

Afterward, the Az. Capitol Museum at 1700 W. Washington St. in Phoenix will hold a Remembrance Day observance from 12 pm to 1 pm. This year’s program will be opened with the presentation of Colors by Tolleson High School’s Junior Marine ROTC unit. The U.S. Seagoing Marine Association will then present to the Arizona State Library & Capitol Museum a plaque in honor of the Marines who served & ultimately died aboard the USS Arizona during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The plaque’s podium was created locally by the Ahwatukee Recreation Center’s (ARC) Woodworking Club to match the existing woodwork in the historic Capitol.

The 55,000 square foot Museum, located at 1700 W. Washington in Phoenix, tells the story of Arizona’s history from Territorial Days to the present through more than 20 exhibits. It is part of the State Library, the oldest cultural institution in Arizona, dating back to the organization of the Territory in 1863.

7th Annual Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards Nominations Being Accepted

Gov. Janet Napolitano & the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism are currently accepting nominations for the 7th Annual Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards, considered to be the highest volunteer awards in the state. Since 2003, Governor Napolitano has recognized the outstanding contributions of volunteers who've given through service to the people of Arizona.

"Every year, thousands of Arizonans give their time and energy to important needs and causes across the state,” said Gov. Napolitano. “I look forward to seeing this year's nominees.”

Nominations will be accepted through Jan. 11th, 2008 and will be considered for the following categories: youth, youth groups, adults, adult groups, service-learning practitioners, national service members, small businesses and large businesses, nonprofit organizations & a lifetime volunteer. Any individual or group that has demonstrated exemplary commitment to service in Arizona is eligible to be nominated.

Ten recipients are honored each year with the Award, one in each of the aforementioned categories. Panels of statewide judges select the recipients based on the following criteria: need, action, innovation & impact.

Award applications are available online at gocyf.az.gov/CYD/SP_GVSA.asp & can be submitted by mail, fax, email, online, or in person:

Governor's Commission on Service and Volunteerism
Attn: Awards Committee
1700 W. Washington St., Suite 101
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 542-3423 fax
Volunteerawards@az.gov

National District Attorneys Assoc. Honors Pinal Co.'s Platt & Lafferty

On Saturday, the National District Attorneys Association presented its highest honor to Pinal Co. Chief Criminal Deputy County Attorney Richard Platt & Deputy County Attorney Sylvia Lafferty. Platt & Lafferty are the latest inductees in the “Home Run Hitter’s Club” for successfully prosecuting Dr. Brian Stidham’s murderer & a co-conspirator.

Dr. Bradley Schwartz, conspired to have his former business partner, Dr. Stidham, killed by a hit man. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Platt & Lafferty, Schwartz was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder & is now serving a 25 year to life sentence. Schwartz’ hired hit man, Ronald Bruce Bigger, who ambushed & stabbed Dr. Stidham 15 times, is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Bigger was convicted of 1st degree murder & conspiracy to commit 1st degree murder.

The investigation uncovered conflicts of interest among attorneys in the Pima Co. Attorney’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Pinal Co. after several Pima Co. Deputy Attorneys found themselves fired or disciplined for conflicts of interest.

This is not the 1st major recognition for Platt & Lafferty. Last year they were named Felony Prosecutors of the Year by the Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys’ Advisory Council.

Poker Star "Chip" Reese Has Died

David "Chip" Reese passed away at the age of 56.

Pinal County Comprehensive Plan Compendium

The Pinal Co. Comprehensive Plan Compendium of Existing Conditions are available at: pinalcountyplan.com. As the County-wide vision is finalized & as the ongoing Comprehensive Plan process moves towards the development of subsequent scenarios, a thorough understanding of Pinal Co. is needed. This compendium contains data on the existing regional & local social, environmental, physical, & economic characteristics that impact the County. The 71 page document provides a comprehensive review of conditions in Pinal. To review the Compendium, or print a personal copy, visit the project Library at pinalcountyplan.com. You'll find the Compendium listed under "Project Documents."

ADEQ Little League Recycling & Litter Control Project

The ADEQ's providing recycling grants to Arizona Little Leagues to promote recycling & prevent littering at baseball fields across the state. Under the Little League Recycling & Litter Control Project, ADEQ provides funding to Little League organizations throughout Arizona for banners promoting recycling to be displayed at their ball fields & for recycling containers to be placed at the fields. ADEQ first established the Little League Recycling & Litter Control Project for the 2004 Little League season. This year, ADEQ is making a total of $15,000 available to Little Leagues interested in participating in the recycling project.

Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship

Applications are available for students who want to contend for the title of Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student, & for a scholarship of up to $60,000. This year, the ENF added more top awards to the MVS scholarship program. Any high school senior who's a citizen of the U.S. is eligible to apply. Applicants don't need to be related to a member of the Elks. Males & females compete separately, & are judged on scholarship, leadership & financial need. Making a gift to the Foundation supports students in communities across the country. The number of applications each state's eligible to submit's based on the state's total donations to the ENF since the Foundation's establishment. Applications are available online at elks.org/enf/scholars; by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Elks National Foundation; or by visiting a local Elks Lodge. Students must submit applications to their local Elks Lodge by Jan. 11th, '08. The Elks National Foundation will announce the 500 national winners around May 15th, '08. To locate an Elks Lodge near you, visit elks.org/LocaILodges.cfm. For more info on ENF scholarship programs, visit elks.org/enf/scholars or contact the ENF scholarship dept. at (773) 755-4732.

Gila Co. Museum Holiday Open House

This is a special Holiday Open House at the Museum at 1330 N. Broad St. from 4-7 pm. Everyone's invited to view the musuem exhibits & enjoy visiting with friends at this event on Dec. 7th.

Gary Road to Village Lane Reduced To One Lane On The Hunt Highway

Pinal Co. Dept. of Public Works has announced that approx. 1 mile of Hunt Highway will be reduced to 1 lane in each direction from Gary Road to Village Lane.

Crews from Johnson Utilities are working to repair a sinkhole from a water line break. The lane restrictions are expected to be in effect for the rest of December. Due to high traffic volumes, motorists are encouraged to use alternative routes when possible while the lanes are restricted.

To keep current on roadway conditions within the Co., please call Pinal Co. Rd. Information Line at (520) 866-6078 or visit the Public Works website: co.pinal.az.us/PubWorks, click on “Current News Release” or “Road Closure Information.”

Arizona State Veteran Home To Correct Deficiencies

The Arizona State Veteran Home has completed several initiatives designed to better ensure the highest quality of care is provided to our residents. This action comes in response to a recent visit from the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). Based on self-reporting by the Home, ADHS teams came in to review & assess a number of possible issues we identified regarding resident care & reported by us to ADHS. The ADHS survey team indicated in their exit briefing that some deficiencies were noted, but they found no resident in immediate jeopardy of health or safety.

Each of the 184 residents has undergone a complete re-evaluation for possible fall risks, risks of skin issues & risks associated with what is called “elopement” or cases of residents leaving the Home without supervision or notifying staff.

Based on the exit briefing, ADHS is looking at 3 general areas for possible deficiencies: resident falls, “elopement”, & 4 cases of resident pressure sores. Timeliness & completeness of reporting are other issues identified by ADHS.

ADHS is in the process of finalizing their review of findings & will present a letter outlining those findings to Home administrators. The expected timeframe for receipt of the letter is within the next week to 10 days. At that time Home administrators will learn what the actual findings are & any deficiencies.

Chamber Still Accepting Salute to Ranching Dinner Reservations

On Dec. 6th, at 6 pm the Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce will have their annual Salute to Ranching at the Cobre Valley Country Club. The evening will include announcement of the Rancher of the Year and the Wrangler of the Year awards. This is a prime rib dinner for $25 a person & children's plates (chicken fingers) are available for $8. No-host cocktails are at 6, followed with dinner at 7 pm. Good news, they can still squeeze in just a few reservations, so call ASAP at 425-4495.

Globe School District Gifted Children Meeting

The Globe Unified School District will be holding its quarterly meeting for parents of gifted students. All are welcome to the Dec. 6th, meeting at 6 pm in the Moffard Activity Center (Old Globe Junior High). Parents will learn about the recent activities happening with gifted children in the district K-12 & will be informed about the exciting new College Preparatory Academy program which involves students, 5-12. For more info, call 402-6021.

Keep Your Dogs At Bay

I'm speaking to you Flagstaff residents. Ellen DeGeneres has selected Flagstaff to film an upcoming show after an NAU student won the “Wish You Were Here” contest.

Globe Public Library's Annual Holiday Open House

The Globe Public Library's Annual Holiday Open House is Dec. 17th - 21st, from 10 am - 2 pm. The Friends of the Library will be on hand to greet visitors & recruit new members. There will be a special book sale of "like new" books suitable for gifts. During that week, there will be an amnesty on overdue fines which may may forgiven for 1 non-perishable food item for each dollar owed. This is the perfect time to return those overdue books & clear up those old fines.

Pinal County Online Food Safety Training

The Pinal Co. Division of Environmental Health has online food safety training for Pinal Co. food service workers. The course emphasizes Food-Borne Disease, Personal Hygiene, Food, Dishwashing & Sanitation. Each area's divided into specific topics. Anyone with an internet connection can take the course through the Pinal Co. Environmental Health at, co.pinal.az.us/EnvHealth/.

2007 Governor's Celebration of Innovation Awards

The Arizona Technology Council, in partnership with the Az. Dept. of Commerce, has announced the finalists for the 2007 Governor's Celebration of Innovation awards. Each award recipient was selected by an independent selection committee comprised of local business & academic leaders, based on their contribution to the business & technology community & their technological innovation. View the list of finalists & award descriptions by visiting celebration-of-innovation.com. One company, within each category, will be announced as the winner on the night of the awards gala. Make plans to attend the Governor's Celebration of Innovation on Dec. 6th at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. This event celebrates innovation by businesses, academia & non-profit organizations working in Arizona's science & technology sectors.

Maricopa County Under 24-Hour Health Watch

A health watch is in effect throughout Maricopa County on Dec. 4th, from midnight until midnight (24-hour period). That means residents cannot burn wood during the health watch Tuesday.

Missing Kayaker Found

The missing kayaker has been found. An Arizona Dept. of Public Safety Tucson Ranger located the missing subject at approx. 10 am. The subject was taken to the Command Post at the Matazal rest area on Highway 188 to be checked out.

As of 6:30 this morning, the Gila Co. Sheriff's Office along with DPS Ranger Helicopter continued their search for the kayaker that went missing on Dec. 2nd. The missing kayaker tipped over while in the water near the area where Rye Creek & Tonto Creek join Northeast of Jakes Corner. That's when the two were seperated. The friend called from an area on Tonto Creek near the confluence of Rye Creek.

Hunt Highway Traffic Survey In

After the traffic survey on Hunt Highway by the Pinal County Public Works Dept. The conclusion, raise the speed limit. Many areas on Hunt Highway were found that raising the speed limit in the stretches between stores & developments to 45 MPH would be more beneficial than the current 35 MPH.

Santa Cruz County Clerk Position Open

The Governor's Office of Boards & Commissions is seeking applicants to fill the position of Clerk of the Superior Court of Arizona for Santa Cruz County, a position made vacant by the retirement of longtime clerk Delfina E. Bauch. Bauch will retire Dec. 31st, 2007, & her elected term as clerk would have expired Dec. 31st, 2010. The Governor will appoint a new clerk to begin service on Jan. 1st, 2008.

The person selected for the position will serve until the next general election, & must run for office to retain the position. Resumes can be submitted via e-mail to Dora Vasquez, dvasquez@az.gov, or by fax to (602) 542-0758. Resumes will be accepted until Dec. 12th, 2007. For more information on the Office of the Governor, visit: azgovernor.gov.

St. Paul’s Presents "Vespers: The Songs of Christmas’"

Vespers: The Songs of Christmas’ will be presented on Dec. 16th at 4 pm at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Country Club Manor. St. Paul’s choir, along with guests from other community church choirs, will be singing songs that tell the Christmas story. There will be performances by small ensembles, instrumentals & a 40-member choir. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church is located at the corner of Cherry & Paxton Avenues in Country Club Manor. Handicapped parking's available in the upper lot.

Florence Christmas on Main Street

The Town of Florence Parks & Rec. Dept. will host "Christmas on Main Street" on Dec. 7th. Festivities, including Santa pictures, games, & other entertainment, will begin at 5 pm at Arriola Square, located at the corner of Main & 10th Streets. The Holiday Light Parade begins at 6 pm followed by the Pinal Co. Courthouse Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy more arts, crafts, games, food, & fun on Main St. at Arriola Square after the ceremony. To enter a float in the parade, contact the Parks & Rec. Dept. at (520) 868-7589 or pick up an application at the Parks & Rec. Office, 133 N. Main St. The cost to enter a float in the parade is $5 per entry.

Some DVDs Out This Week

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
Saturday Night Live: Complete 2nd Season
Larry the Cable Guy's Christmas Spectacular
Rocky: Complete Saga Collection
The Steve Martin Triple Feature Collection
24: Season 6
NWA Pro Wrestling: Fiesta Lucha
WWE: Cyber Sunday 2007
The Nanny Diaries
Highlander: Complete Animated Series
The Wire: Complete 4th Season
Battlestar Galactica: Razor (Unrated Extended Edition)
Wallace and Gromit: 3 Amazing Adaventures
Law and Order: Special Victims Unit: 4th Year
Bob Hope MGM Movie Legends Collection
The Last Man on Earth
Diagnosis Murder: 3rd Season
The Essential John Ford Collection
Exiled
Will and Grace: Season 7

Some Country/Folk CDs Out This Week

The Wreckers - Way Back Home: Live From New York City
Nick Drake - Fruit Tree
Keni Thomas - Gunslinger
Original Soundtrack - Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story
Marcus Eldridge - Marcus Eldridge: Bring On The Night
Trace Adkins - American Man: Greatest Hits Vol. II

Eddie Eagle Comes To The Gila Co. Sheriff's Office

Sgt. Michael Fane of the Gila Co. Sheriff's Office's winning application for the 2007 Eddie Eagle Program mascot costume competition in Az. The costume will be given to the Gila Co. Sheriff's Office's at no cost. Eddie Eagle is used by the NRA to help young children learn gun accident prevention.

Right Lane West Of Miami Opens

The right lane approx. 6 miles West of Miami had been blocked due to a crash since 5:24 am.

Bracamonte’s Open House Retirement Party

Gila Community College’s Dean Margo Bracamonte’s open house retirement party is set for Dec. 14th, from 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm at the Historic 2-Story Globe Passenger Station, 230 South Broad Street in Globe. Margo Bracamonte will retire from her position effective Dec. 31st. Bracamonte’s distinguished career spans 30 years. She started her career in 1974 as the manager of the bookstore with Eastern Arizona College & earned her way to the top leadership role of the college in 2000.

The public is cordially invited to attend. For more info, contact Gila Community College at (928) 425-8481.

Right Lane West Of Miami Still Blocked

The right lane approx. 6 miles West of Miami is still blocked due to a crash since 5:24 am. The projected time has been bumped up to 2:54 pm.

Globe To Get Brownfields Grant Check

ADEQ Director Steve Owens will present Mayor Stan Gibson a Brownfields Grant Check of $50,000 at the Globe City Hall, 150 N. Pine Street on Dec. 3rd. for an environmental site assessment on 17 acres that the city plans to develop into a mixed-use industrial park. The site is the former location of the Mountain View Mobile Homes Estates Subdivision. In 1979, state and local officials found that the site was contaminated with asbestos and all residents were evacuated and the site was later capped and fenced off.

Pinal County Animal Care & Control Center News

Looking at a row of empty kennels at the Pinal Co. Animal Care & Control Center, Ruth Stalter says that it’s nice to see vacancies at the shelter.

Stalter, the Director of Animal Care & Control says the empty kennels are due to the increase in adoptions of homeless dogs at the shelter.

“We have a wonderful arrangement with Petsmart at the new Promenade Mall in Casa Grande,” Stalter said. “They have been such a supporter of helping us find good homes for these pets. This has been a partnership that has helped to save lives & provide people with a companion animal.”

According to Stalter, Petsmart has graciously donated space on the weekends for PCACC to show off their adoptable animals. The PCACC pet adoption crew is at the Casa Grande Petsmart every Saturday from 10 am - 2 pm.

During the holiday season Petsmart and PCACC will join forces to take pet pictures with Santa. A majority of the proceeds from the pictures will go the Spay & Neuter Program.

“Petsmart asked us if we would be interested in such a venture & we thought it would be a chance to raise some needed money for our Spay & Neuter Program,” Stalter exclaimed. The pictures will be $8.95 with $5 of the proceeds being given back to the program.”

PCACC officials, along with Santa & a helpful elf will be at the Casa Grande Petsmart for pet pictures on the following Saturdays & Sundays: Dec. 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, & 16th from 11 am - 4 pm.

“People really love seeing their pets with Santa & we’ll be there with a digital camera & printer so they can get their prints within minutes of the picture being taken,” Stalter said.

Looking at recent adoption numbers, Stalter said the increased figures are such good news going into the holiday season.

“We are thankful we have a good partner like Petsmart to help us showcase our adoptable animals. When you see a pet going to a good home that is the best present you can ask for.”

Globe Fire Dept. Bone Marrow Drive

The Globe Fire Dept. will host a community wide Bone Marrow Drive at their station on Dec. 8th. The morning session is from 8 am - 11 am. The Globe Firefighters Association will provide a pancake, sausage, & menudo breakfast for donations. The afternoon session will be from 4 pm - 7 pm prior to the light parade. Hot cocoa will be provided.

St. Paul's Lutheran Church Annual Bazaar

St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Country Club Manor, across the highway from Fry's Grocery is holding it's annual Bazaar on Nov. 30th from 9 am - 6 pm & on Dec. 1st, from 9 am - Noon.

Community Christmas Sing

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Globe LDS Stake is putting on a Community Christmas Sing at 7 pm tonight.

Miami High School Blood Drive

While many regular donors took a break from giving blood during the Thanksgiving holiday, Arizona patients continued to require 700 blood donors every day. Help rebuild blood supplies now by donating in the Miami High School's Nursing Classroom at 4957 Ragus Rd. on Fri., Nov. 30th, between 9 am - 1 pm. You could win a trip to Planet Orange! All United Blood Services blood drive donors are being automatically entered to win 1 of 5 Phoenix Suns suite packages. For your appointment, call Joan Pelzer at Miami High School at (928) 425-3271.

Arizona Freeway Restrictions

Improvement work will require some freeway restrictions in the Phoenix area this weekend (Nov. 30th - Dec. 3rd). The Az. Dept. of Transportation (ADOT) recommends drivers give themselves extra travel time while the restrictions are in place.

One of those restrictions is for:

Eastbound US 60 (Superstition Freeway) narrowed to one lane between Crismon Rd. & Mountain View Rd. (in the Apache Junction area) from 7 am - 7 pm both Saturday & Sunday for bridge joint work & lane striping. Drivers are encouraged to give themselves extra travel time & to merge safely approaching the work zone while crews are working in the area.

Inclement weather can affect freeway work schedules. For the latest freeway and highway conditions visit ADOT’s Travel Information site at az511.com or call 5-1-1.

No Revision

The truth has yet to be reported. That would take actual legwork in reviewing documents & reporting the facts. But, people don't want to read the truth. Hell, even getting a Chairman's last name correct appears to be an arduous task. As usual, no comment or verification was sought. This isn't the first time its happened, nor will it be the last.

Pinal County Supervisors Get Big Arizona Library Association Award

The Arizona Library Association presented Pinal County with the Outstanding Library Board award, the organization's most prestigious honor. The association awards this recognition to a library board or equivalent management or advocacy group under whose guidance a library or group of libraries has substantially improved. The organization's website says it takes into consideration the board's policies, its success in promoting library service to and for its members and its relationship to the community.

The award was presented at a luncheon earlier this month but was announced at today’s Board of Supervisors’ meeting. The current 3 member County Library Board consists of Supervisors David Snider, Lionel Ruiz & Sandie Smith. As the Library Board, the Supervisors serve as the final decision maker on all business for the County Libraries.

The letter nominating the County & its Supervisors cites Pinal County’s rampant growth & the evolving needs of constituents in the County’s changing communities. To respond to this growth, the Supervisors have supported budget increases that allow the libraries to keep up with technology changes that now bring library services as close as a resident’s kitchen table.

“With countywide remote access, residents can log in from home or work to access valuable medical, investment & research tools, along with entertaining resources like online children’s books,” Supervisor David Snider said. “This brings the library to the living room.” (See release issued Nov. 8th, 2007 & posted at co.pinal.az.us/PIO/Archive.asp for more details.)

“Plans are also in the works to replace sagging wooden shelves, add air conditioning to a library that currently uses an aging evaporative cooler, buy new & more durable furniture for children's areas and repair a potentially dangerous sidewalk in front of one of the volunteer libraries,” Supervisor Lionel Ruiz explained.

Under the guidance of the Board, allocations to member libraries for the purchase of books & library materials has increased every year since 2003. This has helped even the smallest rural libraries keep pace with community needs.

“We believe that libraries are a gateway to the world. All residents should be able to do essential research, have access to information and enjoy the entertainment and educational value of a good book,” Supervisor Sandie Smith said. “We are grateful that the Arizona Library Association recognized our great library system with this award.”

The Supervisors also took time to publicly praise Library Director Denise Keller for her tireless efforts to improve the County’s library services.

Past winners of the award include the Tucson-Pima Public Library Board & Tucson Pima Public Library Friends. This is the first time Pinal County 's leadership received this honor.

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES WANTED

We are looking for account executives for the Globe-Miami area. We offer flexible hours & benefit plans are available. Sales experience is a plus, but we will train the right people.

Duties include learning radio & advertising terms, establishing contact with clients & potential clients, explaining radio advertising & rates, writing commercials, possibly recording commercials, & continuing contact & follow-up with clients on a regular basis.

If you’re interested in selling radio advertising, then we would like to talk with you. You can call (928) 402-9222 or fax your resume to (928) 425-5063 or email: krde@cableone.net.

We look forward to having you join our team at The Ride 94, KRDE.

Tri-Media, Inc. dba KRDE is an equal opportunity employer.