Friday, August 31, 2007

New Century Educational Management Gets Grant

New Century Educational Management in Phoenix, was awarded a $249,436 grant to help enhance & fortify its readiness & emergency response management plans. New Century Educational Management is one of 91 school districts in 32 states to receive an award under the Readiness & Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) grant program. In total, more than $27 million was awarded to school districts across the country.

The REMS discretionary grant program provides funds for school districts to improve & strengthen their emergency management plans. The program also enables school districts to develop improved plans that address all 4 phases of emergency management: Prevention-Mitigation, Preparedness, Response & Recovery. School districts also must commit to developing written plans that are coordinated with state Homeland Security plans, support the implementation of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) & are designed to prepare for a possible infectious disease outbreak, such as an influenza pandemic.

Funds also can be used to train school personnel & students in emergency management; communicate emergency management policies & reunification procedures to parents & guardians; coordinate with local emergency responders, including fire & police; purchase equipment; & coordinate with groups & organizations responsible for recovery issues, such as health & mental health agencies.

As part of the No Child Left Behind Act, local school districts must provide assurances that they have plans that outline how they are working to keep their schools safe & drug-free.


The grants are housed within the Office of Safe & Drug-Free Schools, which supports efforts to create safe schools, respond to crises, prevent drug & alcohol abuse, ensure the health & well being of students, & teach students good citizenship & character. The office also coordinates the Department’s efforts in these areas with other federal agencies.

Reno Supports Team Relocation

The Reno City Council voted to support a deal with SK Baseball to relocate the Tucson Sidewinders there.

DUI Patrol Saturation

DUI patrols will saturate the roads this weekend picking up drivers day or night, including checkpoints. They are using a zero-tolerance stance, meaning anyone found to be impaired will be arrested.

“Art in the Alley”

It’s “Art in the Alley” on Tuesday Sept. 4th, from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm between 2nd & 3rd Street in Historic Downtown Casa Grande.

Mammoth Fiesta

The Blessed Sacrament Church Fiesta is Saturday, September 8th @ 122 W. Church Dr. in Mammoth starting at 12 pm to 1 am. They’re going to have food, entertainment, raffles, games for the kids, & a horseshoe tournament. The Dance to Sabor Latino is from 9 pm- 1 am & is free.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Globe Construction Alert

ADOT has begun a project to improve the intersection of US 60 and State Route 188 (Ragus Road to Russell Road) between Globe and Miami. The work includes construction of a fill slope to support the sidewalk, removing pavement, curb, and guardrail and replacing it with new pavement, curb and gutter, guardrail, sidewalks and ramps, driveways, hand rails, pedestrian push buttons at the traffic signal, new loop detectors, signing, and pavement striping.

Work will take place off the roadway for approximately two weeks. Temporary concrete barriers will be set at the edge of the highway to protect workers and the work zone. As work progresses, lane closures and speed restrictions will be in place. Lane restrictions will only affect eastbound travel, and one lane will remain open at all times. The contractor and ADOT will coordinate work to maintain access to businesses and with the Arizona Eastern Railroad to avoid impacting the train schedules.

The project is scheduled to be complete by the end of November.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed with caution, obey all posted speed limit signs, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel. Law enforcement personnel will be used to monitor the speed of vehicles through the work area.

Road conditions and up-to-date restrictions can be found by dialing 511 or at
az511.com.

Upcoming San Carlos Roadwork

ADOT is preparing to repave one mile of US 70 on the San Carlos Apache Reservation (milepost 282.5 to 283.5). The work includes total reconstruction of two sections of the roadway and guardrail work. Construction is scheduled to begin September 12. From Sept 15 through September 26 one lane of the highway will be closed 7-days per week/24-hours per day. The speed limit will be reduced and traffic will be piloted through the work area. Law enforcement personnel will be on site to monitor the speed of vehicles approaching the work zone.

The project is scheduled to be complete by the end of December.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed with caution, obey all posted speed limit signs, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

For road conditions & up-to-date restrictions can be found by dialing 511 or at
az511.com.

No Phoenix Construction This Weekend

There’s good news for drivers heading out on the state’s highways over the Labor Day holiday weekend. The Az Dept of Transportation says no construction closures are scheduled on Phoenix area freeways or highways across the state through the Monday holiday.

There were 23 people were killed in crashes on Arizona's roads and highways during last year’s Labor Day weekend. ADOT has joined the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and Dept of Public Safety in encouraging drivers to observe the following safe driving tips:

* Give yourself extra travel time
* Observe speed limits, including lower speed limits in work zones
* Check your vehicle before traveling, including tire pressure
* Bring extra supplies, including drinking water, in case of an unscheduled closure
* Get a good night’s rest before driving
* Never drive while impaired

Drivers can get the latest information about highway restrictions via ADOT’s Travel Information site at
az511.com or by calling 5-1-1.

Coolidge Update

Here’s an update from the power outage situation in Coolidge.

1. Regarding power restoration: If there is no damage to the underground lines APS has to hook up to, the estimated time for power restoration remains at 6 am, tomorrow.

2. All of the cooling centers are being consolidated to one, the High School Roundhouse (gym). It has a capacity of 700 people. Buses and dial-a ride are available for transportation to the High School. The Red Cross is providing pizza for those at the cooling center. The back up plan if more than 700 people need cooling is to use the Youth Center at 660 S. Main.

3. Since the Coolidge Police Dept. is essentially a 24 hour operation, and the Coolidge EOC is located there, the EOC will not ever close, even though activity may wane.

Marcus Bohn Makes 'Fore Inventors Only' Finale

Chandler resident Marcus Bohn and his Pro Play Golf Performance System (GPS) invention will advance to the live season finale of GOLF CHANNEL’s original series Fore Inventors Only, airing Tuesday, Sept. 4 at 10 pm ET. The show’s panel of judges and Golfsmith CEO Jim Thompson advanced Bohn’s Pro Play GPS through to the finale on yesterday’s episode, where the judges narrowed the field from 10 to five finalists. Tuesday’s episode will re-air on Wednesday at 7:30 pm ET.

Viewers will able to vote for their choice either online at
GolfChannel.com/foreinventors or via text messaging. Viewers are able to cast votes all week and up to the fourth segment of the finale on Sept. 4th.

Another Challenger

Sydney Hay is throwing her hat in the ring to run for the Republican nomination to replace Renzi for Arizona's 1st Congressional District in the House of Representatives.

Construction For Ocotillo Rd in Queen Creek

The Pinal Co. Dept. of Public Works has announced that design is now complete for a one-mile segment of Ocotillo Rd from Schnepf to Kenworthy Roads with road construction scheduled for early December.

Celeste Rodriguez, Capital Improvement Program Manager, reports that the project, which is now in the construction bidding phase, is a total reconstruction of the existing roadway and will be accomplished by a private construction contractor. The new roadway will consist of a 2-lane facility with a continuous left turn lane throughout the entire segment.

At this point, no road closures are anticipated but motorists can expect delays and lane restrictions during the 2-month construction period.

To keep current on roadway conditions within the Pinal County, please call the Road Information Line at (520) 866-6078.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Sony's At The Root Of Another Problem

Sony has not learned their lesson after leaving computers vulnerable to Malware with their CD's, now the Sony MicroVault USM-F memory stick is their latest malicious endeavour.

No Longer In First

The Padres now have possession of first place in the National League West standings after beating the D-backs earlier tonight, 3-1.

St. Johns Gets Brownfields Grant

The ADEQ has awarded the City of St. Johns a $50,000 Brownfields grant to perform an environmental site assessment of what was a former uncontrolled construction dump site that sits on the 5-acre's where the City plans to expand its public cemetery.

Prop 200 Upheld

U.S. District Court Judge Roslyn Silver has ruled against the claims that Prop 200 was in violation of the National Voter Registration Act and that it constituted a poll tax.

Richard Jewell Has Died

Richard Jewell, the wrongfully accused bomber of the 1996 Olympics, has died of a kidney related illness.

New Pinal County Democratic HQ

The Pinal County Democratic Party will have a special grand-opening celebration for their new office, at 350 N. Main Street in Florence on September 5th, from 4 pm to 7 pm. The public is welcome to attend and refreshments will be served.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

The Emperor

Horst Kraus (the Emperor), owner of the Shangri La Ranch & friend to Owen Thompson, has been appointed to the Arizona GOP Finance Committee.

Kirkpatrick Replacement Announced

The Arizona Democratic Party is welcoming the Coconino County Board of Supervisors unanimous decision to appoint Tom Chabin to replace Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick who resigned to run for the U.S. House of Representatives.

Richard Powers To Retire

Richard Powers, the Az Dept of Transportation Globe District Engineer for the past 14 years has announced his retirement effective Oct. 20th, 2007. He's been the only District Engineer since the Globe District was formed during the 1993/1994 statewide ADOT reorganization & is the longest-tenured District Engineer in Arizona.

New Scam Involving The IRS

The Internal Revenue Service has issued a consumer alert regarding a new, 2-step e-mail scam that falsely promises recipients they will receive $80 for participating in an online customer satisfaction survey. In the scam, an unsuspecting taxpayer receives an unsolicited e-mail that appears to be from the IRS. The e-mail contains a URL linking to an online "Member Satisfaction Survey."

The e-mail notifies the recipient that he or she has been randomly selected to participate in a survey. In return, the IRS will credit $80 to the taxpayer's account. There are references to the IRS in the "from" line & the "subject" line of the e-mail. The link to the survey & a copyright statement at the bottom of the e-mail also reference the IRS. The survey form features the IRS logo.

In addition to standard customer satisfaction survey questions, the survey requests the name & phone number of the participant & also asks for credit card information. Once the fraudsters have a name & phone number, they will presumably call the participant and attempt to retrieve other financial information.

The apparent objectives of this scam are to use the participant's name & financial data to withdraw funds from the taxpayer's bank account, run up charges on a credit card or take out loans in the taxpayer's name.

Tricking victims into revealing private personal and financial information over the Internet, telephone or other means is a practice known as "phishing."

Taxpayers should be aware that the IRS does not send unsolicited e-mail. Additionally, the IRS never asks taxpayers for PIN numbers, passwords or similar secret access info for credit card, bank or other financial accounts.

Recipients of questionable e-mail that appears to come from the IRS should not open any attachments or click on any links contained in the e-mail. Instead, forward the e-mail to: phishing@irs.gov.

The IRS & the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) work with the US Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) & various Internet service providers & international CERT teams to have the phishing sites taken offline as soon as they are reported.

Other fraudulent e-mail scams try to entice taxpayers to click their way to a fake IRS Web site & ask for bank account numbers. Another widespread e-mail scam tells taxpayers the IRS is holding a refund for them - frequently $63.80 - & seeking financial account info. Still another email claims the IRS's "anti-fraud commission" is investigating their tax returns.

More information on phishing scams using the IRS name, logo or other identifier can be found on the only genuine IRS Web site, IRS.gov, either at "IRS Warns Taxpayers of New E-mail Scams" or "Suspicious e-Mails and Identity Theft."

Globe Public Library Story Hour Sign-up

The Globe Public Library is starting their weekly story hour for children ages 3-5 on Sept 7th at 9:45 am. They have a sign-up sheet available at the desk so you may register your child. For more info call, 425-6111 or go to 339 S. Broad St.

Monday, August 27, 2007

Some DVDs Out This Week

Blades of Glory
Bob Saget: That Ain't Right
Ultimate Fighting Championship 69
Bodog Fight: Season 1
Heroes: Season 1
Friday Night Lights: 1st Season
3:10 to Yuma (Spec. Ed.)
The Odd Couple: 2nd Season

Year Of the Dog
Beyond Belief: Season 1

Heaven & Hell: Live from Radio City Music Hall
Samurai Jack: Season 4
A Night At the Roxbury (Spec. Collector's Ed.)
Masters of Horror: Season 1 Box Set

The Hit
Ultimate Horror Collection
Air Guitar Nation
Dane Cook: The Lost Pilots
Dangermouse: Complete Series
Teachers
Ski School
The Outer Limits (Original Series): Season 1, Vol. 2

Some Country CDs Out This Week

Sarah Johns - Big Love in a Small Town
Johnny Cash - Legend of Johnny Cash: Volume II
Carmen Rasmusen - Nothin' Like the Summer
Terri Hendrix - The Spiritual Kind
The Kingston Trio - Nick, Bob & John: The Final Concert
Lyle Lovett - It's Not Big It's Large
The Beau Brummels - Beau Brummels 66

Friday, August 24, 2007

Drowned Man Was From San Carlos

On Aug 23rd, the body of Timothy John Stanley, 58 of San Carlos, was identified by the Pima Co. Medical Examiner's Office as the body from pulled from Pinal Creek after the storm from July 16th.

New Arizona License Proposed

Governor Napolitano is proposing that Arizona should join the U.S. Department of Homeland Security by launching a "3-in-1" driver's license. The enhanced driver's license would act as better proof to a person's legal status when applying for a job, a document that is acceptable for use at U.S. land and seaports, & follow the Real ID requirements. This alternate driver's license is slightly more expensive than the current driver's license and will require proof of citizenship, identity, and residence.

This project will require approval from Arizona 's legislature.

Amber Hess Update

The Pinal County Attorney's Office had requested and received clarification from the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner as to whether Amber Hess, was pregnant at the time of her death. In the findings, there was no fetus, but, it appeared that a termination of a pregnancy occurred 12-24 hours before Amber's murder and that there was evidence of inflammation of the placenta and a partial umbilical cord that could have been due to a spontaneous miscarriage at approximately 10 weeks into the first trimester. Based on the Medical Examiner's opinion, the Pinal County Attorney's Office does not anticipate the filing of new charges against either defendant.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Chandler Is Outta There!!!

Chandler was grounded-out of the Little League World Series by Georgia, 16-6.

Kyle Busch Coming To Phoenix

Kyle Busch will be in Phoenix on August 29th for a meet-and-greet session with NASCAR fans from 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm & participate in a question-and-answer session at Gallagher's, 3220 E. Baseline Rd.

Eloy Getting Mosquito Fogging

The Pinal County Division of Environmental Health will conduct a mosquito fogging in the City of Eloy, weather permitting, on Tuesday August 28th, thru Thursday August 30th, from 12:01 am to 5 am. The area that is to be fogged encompasses Battaglia Dr. to the north, La Palma Rd. to the east, Curiel St. to the west, and Alsdorf Rd. to the south.

Tissue Plant Coming To Gila Bend

Doubletree Paper LLC is building a 100,000 square foot tissue manufacturing plant in Gila Bend.

Rep. Renzi Update

Rep. Rick Renzi sent a statement to the National Republican Congressional Committee with his decision if he’ll be seeking re-election in 2008. He has been under investigation for a shady land swap deal involving a former business partner, a federal inquiry into his family's insurance business, & his ties to the firing of one of the eight U.S. attorneys that was investigating him for the land deal.

This is what he had to say:

"I will not be seeking re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008. I am honored and thankful to serve Arizona's first district and appreciate all that we have accomplished together over the past 6 years."

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Chandler Wins Game 3!!!

After having Game 3 delayed until this afternoon, it was worth the wait for our Little League team from Chandler. They beat Coon Rapids 9-2 & will face the team from Warner Robins, Georgia in the United States Semifinal tomorrow at 7:30 ET on ESPN.

Flags Ordered To Fly Half Staff Today

To honor Marine Sergeant Charles L. Osgood of Phoenix; Marine Maj. Cesar Y. Freitas of Colorado; Marine Capt. Bradley E. Walters of Texas; & Naval Hospitalman 2nd Class Brendon W. Sandburg of Florida, Gov. Napolitano has ordered all flags at state buildings to be flown at half-staff today.

David Snider To Hold His Monthly Office Hours

On Sept. 4th, Pinal Co. Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman & District 3 Rep. David Snider will be holding his monthly office hours in Maricopa at the City of Maricopa’s interim city hall at 45145 W. Madison Avenue from 9 am until 5 pm. If you've got any questions or concerns for the Vice-Chairman to pay a visit during his office hours or would like to schedule an appointment with the Supervisor, call his office at 836-0003.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Wine & Cheese Social

The Gila Co. Democratic Party has a wine and cheese social on Aug. 22nd, at 7 pm at their headquarters located at 120 N Broad St in downtown Globe. Everyone is welcome to attend. This is a great opportunity meet community members & discuss the upcoming elections.

Crime Prevention & Fraud Forum in Payson

Attorney General Terry Goddard will have a Crime Prevention & Fraud Forum on Thurs. Aug. 23rd, at 6:30 pm. The event is at the Payson High School Auditorium, 301 S. McLane, & is open to the public. You'll be hearing from the Attorney General & other local law enforcement officials, with a chance to ask questions after the presentation. For more info, call the Attorney General's Office Community Services Program at 602-542-2123.

Hey Voters

Here’s a heads up to those that actually participate in the voting process, Feb. 5th has been chosen for Arizona’s Primary.

Pinal County Attorney’s Office Seeks Clarification

The Pinal County Attorney’s Office is seeking clarification from Pima County's Medical Examiner’s Office over the findings in Amber Hess' autopsy report. There will be no additional charges made until the clarification comes in.

Kyle Petty Making Announcement In Phoenix

NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver Kyle Petty will join representatives from Phoenix International Raceway & the A.S.U. College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation, 500 N. Third St. in Phoenix (between Van Buren & Roosevelt), on Tues., Aug. 28th from 6 - 8 pm to announce plans for an exciting partnership to benefit the College and the Victory Junction Gang Camp.

Monday, August 20, 2007

Rain Postpones Chandlers Game 3

On Wednesday, Aug 22nd, catch them play Coon Rapids at 7:30 pm ET on ESPN.

Rain Postpones The 3M Performance 400...Again

Tune into ESPN2 at 10 am ET on Tuesday to catch the race at the Michigan International Speedway.

Some DVDs Out This Week

RoboCop: 20th Anniv. Collector's Edition
South Park: Complete 10th Season
TNA Wrestling: Slammiversary 2007
Six Days in June
Rob Zombie 3-Disc Collector's Set
Dexter: Complete 1st Season
Serenity (Collector's Ed.)
Ugly Betty: Complete 1st Season
'Til Death: Complete 1st Season
Girls Behaving Badly: Volume 2
The Far Side of Jericho
Samurai Jack: Season 4
The Ultimate Gift
WWE: The Great American Bash 2007
House, M.D.: Season 3
SXSW Live 2007
Broken English
The Lives of Others
Perfect Stranger
Body Rock
The Ex
She (Deluxe 2 Disc Edition)
The Surfer King
J.A.G.: 4th Season

Some Country CDs Out This Week

Red Steagall - Here We Go Again
Tom Russell - The Wounded Heart of America
Various Artists - Folk Roots: The Sound of Americana
Travis Tritt - The Storm
Greg Brown - Yellow Dog
Joe Nichols - Real Things
The Everybodyfields - Nothing Is Okay
Brandon Rhyder - Live

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Chandler Loses Game 2

Lubbock gave Chandler their first loss of the Series earlier today by winning, 5-1.

Rain Delay Postpones The 3M Performance 400

Tune into ESPN2 at 12 pm ET on Monday to catch the race at the Michigan International Speedway.

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Chandler Takes Game 1

They kicked Maryland's ass, 16-6. Tune into ESPN 2 tomorrow at 12 pm ET to see them play Lubbock. They are replaying the game on ABC, in case you missed the earlier broadcast on ESPN.

Thor Actor Revealed?

One name that is being tossed around is none other than, Jean Paul LeVesque.

Amber LeAnn Hess Pregnant At Time of Death?

The autopsy report about murdered teen Amber LeAnn Hess showed she was in the stages of pregnancy & signs of possible marijuana use.

Friday, August 17, 2007

Webb Gets 3rd Straight Shutout

Brandon Webb shutout the Braves tonight & extended his scoreless inning streak to 42.

Maricopa Co. Parks & Rec. Dept. To Lift Fire Ban

On Aug 20th, Maricopa County's annual fire ban will be lifted.

West Nile Mosquito Fogging August 19th

Weather conditions, circumstances and time permitting, the following areas are scheduled to be fogged Sunday evening August 19th, during the time frame of 10 pm - 5am Monday morning. Mosquito spraying will be conducted in; Chandler, Queen Creek, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Phoenix & on Unincorporated County Land.

* The area in Queen Creek is from Gemann Rd to Queen Creek Rd. & from Power Rd. to Sossaman Rd.

* The first area in Gilbert is from Pecos Rd to Germann Rd. & from Recker Rd to Higley Rd.

* The second area in Gilbert is from Germann Rd. to Queen Creek Rd. & Power Rd. to Recker Rd.

* The first area on Unincorporated County Land is from Queen Creek Rd. to Ocotillo Rd. & from Val Vista Dr. to Greenfield Rd.

* The second area on Unincorporated County Land is from Sunland Ave. to Southern Ave. & from Dysart Rd. to El Mirage Rd.

* The third area on Unincorporated County Land is from Atlanta Ave. to Southern Ave & from El Mirage Rd. to Avondale Blvd.

* The fourth area on Unincorporated County Land is from El Mirage Rd. to Dysart Rd. along Southern Ave.

* The fifth area on Unincorporated County Land is from Southern Ave. to the Holly Acres Levee & from El Mirage Rd. to Avondale Rd.

* The area in Phoenix is from Southern Ave. to Baseline Rd. & from 32nd St. to 40th St.

* The area in Gilbert is from Germann to Queen Creek Rd & from Higley Rd. to Recker.

* Another area in Gilbert is from Chandler Heights Rd. to ¾ mile north of Chandler Heights Rd. & from Recker Rd. to Power Rd.

* The area in Mesa is from Brown Rd to University Dr. & from Lindsay Rd to Val Vista Dr.

* The second area in Mesa is from McKellips Rd. to Brown Rd. & from Gilbert Rd. to Lindsay Rd.

* The area in Gilbert is from Warner Rd to Ray Rd. & from Gilbert Rd to Lindsay Rd.

* The area in Chandler is from Chandler Blvd. to Pecos Rd. & from Alma School Rd. to Arizona Ave.

* The area in Unincorporated County land is from Lower Buckeye Rd to ½ mile north of Broadway Rd. on Illini St. & from El Mirage Rd. to Dysart Rd.

* The area in Tempe is from is from Baseline Rd. to Guadalupe Rd. & from Rual Rd to McClintock Dr.

West Nile Mosquito Fogging August 18th

Weather conditions, circumstances & time permitting, the following areas are scheduled to be fogged Saturday, evening August 18th, from 10 pm - 5am. Sunday morning. Mosquito spraying for will be conducted in Chandler, Gilbert & on Unincorporated County Land.

* The area on Unincorporated County Land is from 1/2 mile south on Avondale Blvd. & then east on Southern Ave to 107th Ave & then 1/2 mile south of Southern Ave on 107th Ave.

* The first area in Chandler is from Germann Rd. to Queen Creek Rd. & from Alma School Rd. to Dobson Rd.

* The first area in Gilbert is from Queen Creek Rd. to Germann Rd & from Val Vista Dr. to Lindsay Rd.

* The second area in Gilbert is from Williams Field Rd. to Pecos Rd. & from Lindsay Rd. to Val Vista Dr.

* The second area in Chandler is from Queen Creek Rd. to Ocotillo Rd & from McQueen Rd. to Cooper Rd.

* The last area in Chandler is in and around Tumbleweed Park between Germann Rd & Queen Creek Rd. & Arizona Ave & McQueen Rd.

AJGA PING Phoenix Junior Ladies Final Round Results

Danielle Frasier had to settle for second place after leading the pack until Jennifer Johnson was able to take the reigns. Cheyenne Woods of Phoenix had the best finish compared to her other Arizona cohorts. She took third place.

Globe-Miami Chamber Membership Luncheon

The chamber membership luncheon is Aug. 23rd at the Cobre Valley Country Club at noon. The cost of the luncheon is $11 a person & you need to RSVP by Aug 20th, by calling 425-4495. The topic is the proposed half-cent sales tax to fund continuing operation & maintenance of the jails. You'll hear from County Manager Steve Besich & Sheriff John Armer about this issue & a few other items relating to the jail facilities.

A Good Read

The National Federation of Press Women’s Communications Contest winner for 2007 is Tucson author Jan Cleere, "Outlaw Tales of Arizona: True Stories of Arizona's Most Famous Robbers, Rustlers, and Bandits." The book covers many interesting tales including: 'The Grime/Hawley Heist,' 'The Wickenburg Massacre,' & about 'James Addison Reavis' to name a few.

Congratulations Sgt. Taylor

Congratulations are in order for Gila Co. Sheriff Sgt. Richard Taylor for winning the Officer of the Quarter Award for outstanding work in law enforcement. He'll get his award on Monday Aug 20th at the Gila Co. BOS meeting at 10 am.

Marine Corps Helicopter Crashes Near Yuma

The wreckage & crew of a U.S. Marine Corps search-and-rescue helicopter that was on a routine training flight over the Army's Yuma Proving Ground in southwest Arizona was found earlier today. The helicopter went down yesterday. The crash killed three Marines and one Navy sailor four, but there was one survivor of the 5 on board. The surviving Marine is in stable condition at the Yuma Regional Medical Center.

The Pinals Mentioned On Azcentral.com

Jim Burns has a nice piece regarding the Pinals on azcentral.com.

Oh, So Wrong

Ryan Seacrest will host the pre-game & halftime portions of the Super Bowl next February.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

More Tragedy at the Utah Mine

After a cave-in earlier tonight at the Utah mine, 3 rescue workers were killed with 6 injured.

Release From the Az Dept of Commerce:

One of Arizona's leading economists & former Joint Legislative Budget Committee Senior Economist has been promoted to Deputy Director for the Az Dept of Commerce. Kent Ennis has been heading up there search division at Commerce & assisting in finance & investment programs since joining the agency in January 2006.

CASA “Pack With Pride” Pool Party

Approximately 200 Pinal Co. foster children will be attending an annual pool party with a special undercurrent this year.

The party, organized by the Pinal Co. office for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), will be held at the Casa Grande Aquatics Park on Sat., Aug. 18th. The 2007 pool party will mark the 1st year that foster children in the CASA program will receive personalized duffel bags with a lap quilt and stuffed animal to bring along as they navigate through the County’s foster care system.

The “Pack With Pride” program was part of a major public outreach campaign organized by Sundt Construction, Kimley-Horn & Associates & Pinal Co. to benefit CASA kids.

An additional $22,500 in donations were raised for ACCI, the Arizona Council for CASA, Inc., which will be applied toward tutoring lessons for some of the foster children.

Sundt, Kimley-Horn and Pinal Co. would like to thank the many individuals and following businesses who made “Pack With Pride” a success.

More Fogging Set

The Pinal Co. Division of Environmental Health has announced the finding of 3 new West Nile Virus positive mosquito samples. The samples were collected in the Town of Florence & in Pinal Co. south of the City of Coolidge on August 15th. This now marks 15 samples collected by the PCDEH during the 2007 mosquito season with positive West Nile results.

The PCDEH will conduct mosquito fogging in the Town of Florence & Pinal Co., weather permitting, beginning Tues. Aug 21st thru Thurs. Aug 23rdfrom 12:01 am to 5 am.

The area in the Town of Florence to be fogged encompasses 1st Street to the north, Butte Ave. to the south, Centennial Park Ave. to the west & Pinal Parkway (Hwy. 79) to the east.

The area to be fogged in Pinal Co. south of the City of Coolidge encompasses Kleck Rd to the north, La Palma Rd. to the west, Hwy. 87 to the east, & Storey Rd. to the south.


There are several things that residents can do to reduce exposure during fogging:

· Close all windows & doors. Air conditioners can still be operated, but if they have vents to bring in outside air, they should be closed. Turn off evaporative coolers.
· Stay inside your home
· If possible, bring pets inside.
· 30 minutes after the end of the scheduled fogging each night, you may resume normal activities.

Ladies AJGA PING Phoenix Junior First Round

After the first round of the American Junior Golf Association’s PING Phoenix Junior tournament, Cheyenne Woods of Phoenix is in second place at 3-under-par 69. Mesa’s Kristen Schelling & Scottsdale’s Lindsey Weaver are tied for 8th place at 1-under par. They have tough competition as the leader Danielle Frasier has an outstanding 5-under par advantage. Her first round was solidified with seven birdies and an eagle on 17 at the Moon Valley Country Club in Phoenix. This one could get interesting as Danielle could make this three AJGA wins in a row this season.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Thomas Wants Games Probed

Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas wants the Suns game against the Lakers on April 29th, 2007, & the Spurs on May 12th, 2007 to be probed in light of Tim Donaghy's game fixing.

Pinal Co. Road Closures as of Aug 15th, 3:15 pm

The following roadways are currently closed due to flooding, storm damage or construction:

Eloy area:
Hanna Road between Sunshine Boulevard & La Palma Road (storm damage)

Mammoth area:
Bluebird crossing at the river (storm damage)
San Pedro Road at the river (storm damage)

Queen Creek area:
Schnepf Road Bridge between Combs & Ocotillo Roads (construction)

Red Rock area:
Baumgartner Road between Wheeler & La Palma Roads (storm damage)

Stanfield area: during the week of August 20th:
Russell Road from Clayton to Kortsen Roads

The folks at Pinal County appreciate your patience while these roadways are closed & improvements are made. They would also like for you to please drive carefully & not cross barricaded roads.

Pinal County Tax Levy & Rate Press Release:

If you think when you write your check out for your property taxes that all the money goes to Pinal County, you are mistaken. In fact, it’s only around 28 percent of you tax bill that goes to the County, while the rest goes to the other taxing entities (depending on where you live), such as school districts and incorporated cities and towns. In Wednesday’s Board meeting, the Supervisors unanimously approved the upcoming year’s tax rates and levies.

Although the Supervisors passed the FY 2007-2008 Budget on Wed., Aug 1st, the next step is to work with the various taxing entities and find out what their tax rate will be and if it is within legal limits. It’s a process that involves the Pinal Co. Treasurer, Assessor, School Superintendent & Budget Offices.

“It’s a huge task,” said Budget Director James Throop. “This is a process that is begun immediately after the budget is passed.”

The people in the Maricopa area will be pleased to note that the Maricopa Rural Road Improvement District tax has lapsed. Last year, residents were levied .7616 per $100 of assessed valuation. It is no longer on the books.

Mutual Aid Agreement will Help Residents

The Supervisors approved the Pinal Co. Law Enforcement Association Mutual Aid Agreement which will set the tone for better cooperation between the various emergency service providers in the County.

Pinal Co. Attorney James Walsh said that the agreement has been needed due to changes with newly incorporated areas & new service providers within the borders of the Co. This agreement looks to encourage increased cooperation & designate lines of authority in the case of an emergency. Walsh added that the agreement will be taken before each participating agencies governing board for approval.

“This agreement will help us preserve life & property for the residents of Pinal Co.” the County Attorney said.

Arizona Association of Counties Presents Update to Supervisors

Since 1968, the Arizona Association of Counties (AACo) has been an organization which advocates, researches & educates legislators on behalf of the 15 Counties inside Arizona. On Wednesday, AACo Executive Director Nicole Stickler & 2 members of the non-profit’s staff presented a brief update to the Supervisors on behalf of the organization.

Jennifer Sweeney, Government Affairs Specialist for AACo, said that lobbying efforts at the Capitol on behalf of its members thwarted some cost shifts from the State to the Counties. “We are always playing defense on behalf of the Counties when it comes to cost shifting,” Sweeney said.

Looking forward to the next legislative session in 2008, Sweeney said that plans are already being made to forward an agenda that will positively affect Arizona Counties. “We need you to help us prioritize legislative proposals & policy positions,” Sweeney said to the Supervisors. She added that the AACo Executive Board (which Treasurer Dodie Doolittle & Recorder Laura Dean-Lytle are members) will meet in Nov. to agree upon a legislative agenda & policy statements.

In looking at the 2008 legislative session, Sweeney noted that several hot topics could be in the hopper that would affect the Counties & their residents. She said that property tax reform, election procedures, immigration enforcement & possible cost shifting may very well be on the table for discussion by legislators.

Next BOS Meeting

The next meeting for the Board of Supervisors will take place on Wed., Aug 29th at 9:30 am at the County Complex in Florence. The Supervisors meet inside the BOS Hearing Room, located inside Administrative Building A. The public is welcome to attend.

Bye, Bye Kim

Byung-Hyun Kim’s horrendous outings with the D-Backs are over. He has been designated for assignment & the Diamondbacks have 10 days to trade or release Kim, or make him an offer for minor league assignment.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Pinal Co. Road Closures from Aug 14th at 10:30 am

Pinal County Press Release:

The following roadways are currently closed due to flooding, storm damage or construction:

Eloy area:
Hanna Road between Sunshine Boulevard & La Palma Road (Storm Damage)

Mammoth area:
Bluebird Crossing at the San Pedro River (Storm Damage)
River Road at Copper Creek (Storm Damage)
San Pedro Road at the San Pedro River (Storm Damage)

Queen Creek area:
Schnepf Road Bridge between Combs & Ocotillo Roads (Construction)

Red Rock area:
Baumgartner Road between Wheeler & La Palma Roads (Storm Damage)

Pinal County officials appreciates your patience while these roadways are closed. They urge you to drive with caution and do not attempt to cross barricaded roads.

Show Low Days Mountain Festival

Get ready for a great weekend in the cool mountains of Show Low on Sept 8th & 9th at the Show Low City Park/HWY 260. Listen to 'Rondavous,' a high energy country band on Saturday night 6 pm - 9 pm. They are having a huge Arts & Crafts show on Saturday 9 am - 6 pm & Sunday 10 am - 4 pm. You can win a new golf cart in a 'Hole-in-One' contest on Saturday at 1 pm at the Adult Ball Field. Also, on Sunday at 1 pm, you can win $500 cash in the 'Best Dressed Pet' contest. Adult Ball Field! For more info call the Show Low Chamber of Commerce at 928-532-2326.

Cardinals Play Their Normal Route

The Arizona Cardinals played their typical regular season routine in their 1st pre-season game against the Raiders. As usual, they had the lead & could have won the game but, bent over & gave it right up losing 27-23. Get ready for a season as pitiful as their owners.

Chandlers Little League World Series Schedule

Chandler has moved on to the Little League World Series. Their first game is this Saturday Aug 18th at 3 pm ET on ABC against Maryland. They’ll play Lubbock on ESPN 2 on Sunday Aug 19th, at 12 pm ET. On Tuesday, Aug 21st, Coon Rapids is their opponent at 8 pm ET on ESPN 2.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Neighborhood Watch Meeting

The Pioneer Hills Neighborhood Association is having a neighborhood watch meeting on Aug 16th at 7 pm at the Central Heights Baptist Church Fellowship Hall at 5468 S. Apache St. All are welcome to attend. They'll have a representative from the Globe PD with a presentation.

Blood Drive

Our Lady of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church sponsored by Knights of Columbus will hold a Blood Drive at 914 Sullivan St in Globe from 2:30 - 7 pm on Aug 14th. For more info contact Angel by calling (928) 473-3579. To make an appointment online go to BloodHero.com & enter Sponsor Code: olbsc.

Advisory Group Members Needed

The Az State Parks is in search of Advisory Group Members for Jan. 1st, 2008. The application submission deadline is 5 pm, Friday, Sept. 28th, 2007.

First Southern Gila Co. Leadership Academy Coming

The 1st Annual Southern Gila County Leadership Academy is coming Sept. 4th. The 10-week session of classes will meet every Tuesday evening from 6-9 pm, & will teach those in participation on how the government functions in the way it does. There's no charge for the Academy, registration is limited. For an application, please contact the chamber of commerce at 1360 N. Broad St in Globe or pick one up from county supervisors’ office at the Gila Co. Courthouse. Completed applications are due back to the chamber of commerce by Aug. 10th, 2007 & successful applicants will be notified by Aug. 17th.

Jim Cox/Scott Bowerbank Memorial Fund

The memorial fund account number for the Jim Cox/Scott Bowerbank Memorial Fund at the M&I Bank is: # 0044336897. The families of Bowerbank & Cox are donating the monies to the family of slain Phoenix Police Officer, George Cortez.

Public Comments Sought For Bearup Mine Site Reclamation

Public comment is being sought by the Cave Creek Ranger District & Tonto National Forest regarding the reclamation of the Bearup Mine Site, a former gold processing site located north of the Seven Springs Recreation Area.

Globe Public Library Story Hour Sign-up

The Globe Public Library is starting their weekly story hour for children ages 3-5 on Sept 7th at 9:45 am. They have a sign-up sheet available at the desk so you may register your child. For more info call, 425-6111 or go to 339 S Broad St.

Pinal Co. Youth Co-ed Soccer League Sign-up

The Town of Florence Parks & Recreation is accepting registrations through September 21st for the 2007 World Cup Youth Co-ed Soccer League for boys and girls ages 6-8 and 9-12. If you would like to sign your kid(s) up, head over to the Florence Parks and Recreation Office/Fitness Center at 133 N. Main Street from 8 am - 5 pm. The cost is $20 per participant and that includes a t-shirt, medal, and shin guards. Games are played Saturday mornings at Heritage Park starting early October. If you’d like to volunteer as a coach or referee, they would like to have you. For further info contact Erasmo at the Florence Parks & Recreation Office at 868-7586.