Pinal County DUI Task Force Detail Planned During The Salsa Festival

The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, working in cooperation with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, will be conducting a DUI Task Force on Saturday, April 25th, from 4 pm until 12 am. This is a multi-agency detail focusing on impaired drivers related to the Maricopa Salsa Festival event with the patrol focus being in the Maricopa area.The command post for the Pinal County DUI Task Force will be located at the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Substation located off Highway 347. The Task Force and command post will be operational from 4 pm until 12 am.Agencies participating in the Pinal County DUI Task Force include the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Casa Grande, Gila River, Apache Junction, Coolidge, Florence, Eloy, Ak-Chin and Maricopa Police Departments.The Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, Pinal County Sheriff’s Office and agencies throughout the State are fully committed to making the streets of our communities safer through aggressive impaired driving enforcement and continued education.This DUI saturation effort will provide high-visibility, zero tolerance traffic enforcement during the Salsa Festival. The commitment of the participating agencies and their officers will ensure those traveling the roads of the Town of Maricopa and Pinal County are safer."Drunk drivers kill or injure thousands of people every year destroying families and their own lives. The efforts of the officers who volunteer for these task force deployments make the roads of Pinal County safer. I have made a personal commitment to the people of Pinal County to work toward safer roads for our families, friends and co-workers to travel" said Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu.

St. Paul's Lutheran Church Rummage Sale

The St. Paul's Lutheran Church Rummage Sale is going on right now until 6 pm this evening. The Rummage Sale will also be held tomorrow, April 25th, from 9 am until Noon. Be sure to stop by the Rummage Sale at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Country Club Manor, odds are you'll find something for everyone.

Congresswoman Kirkpatrick's Staff Holding Office Hours In Globe

In an effort to ensure that voices from across the district can be heard in Washington, staff members for the office of Representative Ann Kirkpatrick will be hosting open office hours in Globe on April 29th.“Since our district is one of the largest in the country, we want to make sure that folks everywhere have access to my office and our constituent services,” said Rep. Kirkpatrick. “We are going to bring the office to them.”Members of the Congresswoman’s staff will be holding office hours at the Gila County Complex, 1400 E. Ash St. in Globe, from 10 am to 4 pm. They will be making sure that Gila County residents can get help dealing with the federal government and share their thoughts on what’s happening in Arizona and Washington.

Gila Community Food Bank 1st Charity Golf Tournament

On Saturday, April 25th, the Gila Community Food Bank 1st Charity Golf Tournament will be held at the Cobre Valley Country Club on the Apache Trail in Globe.The Breakfast - Registration is at 7 am. The Shotgun Start is scheduled for 8:30 am. At 1:30 pm, lunch (included with the registration fee) will be served and the awards will be handed out. The cost is $55 per person. The payment method is either cash or check (lunch is included in the registration fee). Prizes will be awarded to the first three teams in the Male & Female Divisions. There will also be prizes for Longest Putt, Longest Drive, & Closest to the Pin. In addition, they have over 20 raffle items.For more information about the tournament and to register, call the Cobre Valley Country Club at (928) 473-2542.

Gila County Safe Home Benefit Yard Sale

The Gila County Safe Home will be holding their yard sale at the Grace Presbyterian Church, 305 Live Oak St. in Miami running from April 23rd through April 25th. The hours on April 23rd & 24th, will be from 8 am until 3 pm, on April 25th, from 8 am until 1 pm. They have clothes, LOTS of baby clothes, Holiday decorations, tables, chairs, other furniture, collectibles, t.v.'s, various electronics, & lots of other items.

Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce April Mixer

The April mixer for the Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce will be held this Thursday, April 16th, at Fashions, 274 N. Broad Street in downtown Globe. The mixer will be held from 5 pm to 7 pm and light refreshments will be served.

Arizona State Transportation Board Meeting

At its April meeting, Arizona State Transportation Board is expected to approve the Twin Peaks traffic interchange in Marana, construction of a new Loop 303 segment in metro Phoenix and begin discussions on the state’s five-year highway construction plan.The board meeting will be held at 10 am on April 17th, at the Town of Marana Council Chambers, 11555 West Civic Center Drive in Marana. Local officials and community members will have an opportunity to address the board during the meeting.Major items expected to be considered for action include:Award of a $50.5 million contract to construct the Twin Peaks traffic interchange in Marana.Award of a $69.5 million contract to construct portions of Loop 303 in Peoria and Phoenix from Lake Pleasant Road to I-17.Award of a $4.2 million contract to construct a bridge over Show Low Creek on Lone Pine Dam Road, northwest of Show Low.The board also is expected to hold a study session to review the tentative 2010-2014 Transportation Facilities Construction Program. This item is for discussion only; formal action will be taken by the board following yet-to-be-scheduled public hearings when comments will be accepted.

Prescribed Burn Near Signal Peak

The Forest Service is conducting a control burn today in the Pinals near Signal Mountain. The burn is expected to run through 5 pm and will be monitored throughout the weekend by Forest Service personnel.

ADOT Holding Disparity Study Hearing

A study completed by the Arizona Department of Transportation will help the agency to comply with federal guidelines on using minority, women and other socially and economically-disadvantaged individuals – who are certified as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) – on federally-funded contracts.The “Availability Analysis and Disparity Study” recommends, and ADOT proposes, a DBE goal of 8% – achieved through 3.1% race-conscious and 4.9% race-neutral means – for federally-funded construction, architectural and engineering contracts. Under the guidelines proposed by the study, African American, Hispanic American and Asian American firms would be eligible for race-conscious goals for construction contracts. African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, Native American and women-owned firms would be eligible for race-conscious goals for architectural and engineering contracts.ADOT's disparity study was prompted by a U.S. Court of Appeals decision, which resulted in states being required to conduct a study to evaluate the availability and proposed use of certified DBE firms before implementing race-conscious DBE goals.A planned public hearing will give disadvantaged and minority business owners and others an opportunity to ask questions about the study and provide input on the findings and recommendations.The public hearing will be held from 1 pm to 3 pm on April 16th, at the ADOT Human Resource Development Center - Grand Canyon Meeting Room, 1130 N. 22nd Ave. in Phoenix.An overview presentation will begin at 1:30 pm. ADOT staff and study consultants will be available to discuss the study scope, findings and recommendations.ADOT is requesting public comments on the proposed goal and the methodology used to develop it. Comments will be taken at the hearing and can also be sent to: Mr. Eddie Edison, ADOT Civil Rights Administrator, c/o NW Valley Community Outreach Team, 1146 N. Mesa Drive, #102-298, Mesa, Az. 85201, by fax to (480) 890-0013 or via e-mail to ProjectUpdate@Lewin-Associates.com. To be included in the public record, comments should be received no later than May 23.Copies of the disparity study are available for review the ADOT Civil Rights Office,1135 N. 22nd Ave., 2nd floor in Phoenix; Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix; Joel D. Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Ave. in Tucson; and Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library, 300 W. Aspen Ave. in Flagstaff. The study and draft recommendations are also available at azdot.gov.For more information about the study or the hearings, call the ADOT Civil Rights Office at (602) 712-7761. To request special meeting accommodations for persons with disabilities, call (480) 890-3055.

Garage Sale

A garage sale will be taking place at 705 S. Tenth St. in Globe on April 11th, between 6 am and 2 pm. They will have baby items, toys for ages 2 and up, men's clothes, girl's clothes, radios, and more.

GUSD Governing Board Study Session Tonight

The study session of the Globe Unified School District Governing Board is at 6 pm in the Mofford Activity Center. Topics being discussed are related to the progress of the Globe-Miami Consolidation Review Committee and the 2009-2010 budget led by the Budget Committee. The study session is open to the public.

Miami Memorial Library and Globe Public Library Closed April 17th

On Friday, April 17th, the Globe and Miami Libraries will be closed in order for their staff to participate in the Annual Arizona Library Association Regional Forum being hosted by the Gila County Library District at the Cobre Center for the Arts.They will resume normal hours on Saturday, April 18th.

"Flippin' for a Cure”

The “Tax Collectors” team for the American Cancer Society “Relay for Life” cordially invites all Gila County employees and the general public to join them for a fundraising lunch on Friday, April 17th, from 11 am until 2 pm on the Gila County Courthouse Patio at 1400 E. Ash in Globe.A combination plate of one burger, chips, and a drink will be served for a suggested donation of $5. Bob Bigando and crew will be Chefs for the day. All monies raised will go towards the American Cancer Society “Relay for Life”.As of April 15th, there are only 30 days left until the Annual Relay for Life event at Harbison Field on May 15th and 16th.

DAAPCA Regular Meeting

A meeting reminder for member's of DAAPCA, the anti drug and underage drinking coalition will be holding its regular meeting Thursday, April 9th, from 12 pm to 1:30 pm at the Freeport-McMoRan Training Center, which is located in the Cobre Valley Shopping Plaza in the old Val's Furniture Store building. Lunch will be provided.

Casa Grande Fire Department will be hosting the 2009 6th Annual Southern Arizona Fire Explorer Academy

The City of Casa Grande Fire Department will be hosting the 2009 6th Annual Southern Arizona Fire Explorer Academy in conjunction with the Learning for Life program of Southern Arizona. The academy will take place on April 18th, from 9 am to 7 pm at the CGFD Training Center located at the Casa Grande Municipal Airport.Fire Explorers are part of the Learning for Life (LFL) career education program for young men and women ages 14 to 20. The LFL program is developed by local community organizations that match interests of young adults with the program resources of the organization. There are five areas of program emphasis: career opportunities, life skills, service, character education and leadership experience. Eight fire explorer posts from southern and central Arizona will be attending this academy.Sixty- five young adults will take part in the following activities: Electrical Safety, Helicopter Safety, Search & Rescue drills in dark conditions, feeling the heat in the Burn Trailer, extinguishing Car Fires and fighting the awesome Fire Dragon.Fire Explorer Posts participating are: Casa Grande Fire Department; San Manuel Fire Department: Salt River Fire Department; Green Valley Fire District; Nogales Fire Department; Pascua Yaqui Fire Department; Queen Valley Fire District and Tubac Fire District.This event is made possible through the financial support of Pascua Yaqui Fire who will sponsor and pay all registration fees, food and logistical support. The Kiwanis Club of Casa Grande will provide lunch and dinner to the 90+ participants.For more information about the Casa Grande Fire Explorer Program, please call (520) 421-8777 or e-mail, smiller@casagrandeaz.gov.

Cobre Valley Center of the Arts Benefit Yard Sale

A Giant Yard Sale has been scheduled for April 18th, from 9 am until 3 pm at the historic Freight Depot on S. Broad St. in Globe to benefit the Cobre Valley Center of the Arts.The yard sale is being sponsored by the Copper Country Quilters Chapter of the Arizona Quilters Guild. There will be patterns, books, fabrics, notions, & other quilting and sewing supplies as well as good used household and decorator items.A car show will also be going on, that you'll be able to enjoy along with a special rodeo DeGrazia art exhibit, all while you can help the Cobre Valley Center of the Arts. And, be sure to take a ride on the Copper Spike Railroad.

Tea Party

A 'Tea Party' protest has been scheduled for Tax Day on April 15th, from 11 am to 1 pm.

Third Annual Shelter Run

This is an unescorted motorcycle ride leaving from the PETCO at Rittenhouse/Ocotillo roads, in Queen Creek at 10 am on April 11th, stopping at Canyon Lake, Tortilla Flats before coming back to PETCO. Check in will be open at 9 am. The entry fee is $15 single or $20 for double, with lunch from Texas Roadhouse, t-shirt, & door prize ticket included.Even if you don't have a bike, come on out, there's plenty of fun to be had. Bring the kids too. Be at the PETCO at Rittenhouse/Ocotillo roads, in Queen Creek for all sorts of fun from 9 am until 2:30 pm. They'll have games & prizes, kettle corn, animal adoptions, food, a chance to win Taylor Swift tickets, and several other prizes.Proceeds benefit Desert Paws Animal Rescue, a non-profit, no kill dog rescue agency serving eastern Maricopa County. For more details, call (602) 402-4390.

Casa Grande Parks and Recreation 2009 Easter Celebration

The 2nd Annual Family Easter Celebration will be held on Saturday, April 11th, at the Paul Mason Sportsplex from 9 am to 11 am. They will have Easter egg hunts for children 9 and under as well as Easter basket making, egg decorating, crafts, & pictures with the Easter Bunny. Be sure to stop by this free event. This is a great time for the whole family.Egg Hunt Schedule:9:15 AM – Ages 2 and Under9:40 AM – Ages 3 to 410:05 AM – Ages 5 to 610:30 AM – Ages 7 to 9

Free Tax Preparation Sites

About 435,000 Arizonians received the earned-income tax credit for 2007, yet the IRS estimates one-fourth of eligible low-income workers fail to file for the credit. Credits range up to $4,824 for working families with two or more children. Earned and adjusted gross income must be below $41,646 for joint fillers with two-plus kids to receive the full credit.(Phoenix) Community Information & Referral’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Tax Assistance Hotline is available now through April 15th. The EITC Hotline, in cooperation with the IRS, provides information on locations where low and moderate income individuals and families can go to have their tax forms prepared free of charge by trained volunteers at the sites and at certain locations, can file your taxes electronically, also free of charge. Call the EITC/Tax Assistance Hotline at (602) 263-8856 or 1-800-352-3792 outside Maricopa County or visit the CIR website for details. The CIR 2009 EITC/Tax Assistance Hotline sponsors are Arizona Public Services (APS), Salt River Project (SRP), Southwest Gas Corporation and the Arizona Community Foundation.Last year (Jan. 1st, 2008 through April 15th, 2008) 14, 318 callers were assisted by the EITC/Tax Assistance Hotline and 10, 379 individuals obtained information from the CIR website.Community Information & Referral (CIR), a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, provides FREE, 240hour Help Hotline services to ten Arizona counties, including the greater Phoenix area. Trained Information & Referral Specialists respond to calls for help, assess problems, and provide appropriate information and/or referrals to available community resources. Callers can reach the helpline in Maricopa County by calling (602) 263-8856 or, outside Maricopa County toll free at 1-800-352-3792.

Pepsi Pitch and Run Competition

The Town of Florence Parks and Recreation is hosting its annual Pepsi Pitch Hit and Run competition. Youth and teens are encouraged to participate and have a chance to represent Florence, at the district meet, and possibly the national meet.This competition is free for boys and girls ages 7 through 14 and is organized through the Florence After School Program, which takes place at the Florence K-8 School. There is on-site registration beginning at 3:30 pm and the competition starts at 4 pm on Thursday, April 16th.You can sign-up in advance at the Florence Parks and Recreation and Fitness Center located at 133 N. Main St.

Second Saturday Art Walk In Old Town Cottonwood

For 2009, Old Town Cottonwood and Historic 89A welcome the new Second Saturday Art Walk every month on every second Saturday.The Art District in Old Town features art in all mediums, from antiques and galleries to artisan breads and fine food fusions. On Saturday, April 11th, from 1 pm to 8pm, come stroll the sidewalks and enjoy our beautiful climate, incredible food choices, large array of shopping options and Old West atmosphere of Historic 89A, as you meander through the wonderful spectrum of galleries and shops. Chances are good that music will be playing and the sun will be shining.Every second Saturday there will be events to stir your artistic soul, and a new show at each gallery, every month, whose work you can newly appreciate.

“Extreme Beatdown” At Apache Gold Casino

Two Sovereign Nations Mixed Martial Arts (SNMMA) titles are on the line Saturday night, April 11th, in “Extreme Beatdown” at Apache Gold Casino, located five miles east of Globe in San Carlos.SNMMA links federally recognized tribes throughout the United States and Canada. SNMMA’s mission is to develop, promote and help regulate mixed-martial-arts in a fair and professional manner by federally recognized tribes that are sovereign nations.Sponsors include MTX Audio, Respek MMA Fight Gear, Catch 22 Sports Gril, and Hacienda Harley. Highlights of “Extreme Beatdown” will be taped and later shown on HD Net’s Inside MMA Show.Arizona favorite Yaotzin Meza (11-4-0), fighting out of Phoenix and representing Southwest MMA, battles former Arizona wrestler Jamie “The Headhunter” Schmidt (7-2-0), of Denver, in the main event (5 five-minute rounds) for the first SNMMA featherweight title.In the first SNMMA super heavyweight match (266-pounds or more), local hero Chance “King of the Street” Williams (6-2-0) fights in front of his Globe (AZ) hometown fans against Las Vegas invader Brice Ritani-Coe (2-0-0) in the co-feature (5-five minute rounds).“We are looking forward to bringing a new brand of MMA to the Phoenix area and Apache Gold Casino,” Extreme Beatdown promoter Jon Hegre said. “We feel fighters should be paid what they are worth and fans deserve good fights. The SNMMA sanctioning body is bringing a nationwide spotlight with these two title fights and we are proud to be associated with them.”In a special female 112-pound catch-weight attraction, Phoenix’ hybrid MMA/boxing star Elena “Baby Doll” Reid (2-0-0), who is a 2-time world boxing champion with a 19-5-6 (5 KOs) pro record, faces Michelle “The Karate Hottie” Waterson (7-2-0), from Albuquerque.The first SNMMA champion, heavyweight Chris Tuchscherer (16-1-0), a former 2-time NCAA, Division II All-America wrestler from Fargo (ND), will be in action in a non-title match against an opponent to be determined. There is a rumor that a friend of Chris' might be at the event as a special guest.Also on the undercard is Phoenix bantamweight Jesse “Arturo” Moreng (8-1-0) vs. Brandon Miller (3-3-0), of Fresno (CA); Phoenix light heavyweight Jesse “Kid Hercules” Forbes (8-3-0) vs. Shane De Zee, of Minneapolis; Phoenix middleweight Ray “C4” Steinbeiss (11-5-0) vs. Chris Hugh (6-2-0), of Bismarck (ND); Phoenix lightweights Chris Gruetzemacher (0-2-0) vs. Josh Gaskins (4-1-0); Phoenix middleweight Jeremy Larsen (3-1-0) vs. Jeff Horlatcher (6-16-0), of Globe (AZ); York (ND) heavyweight Seth Harrison (2-1-0) vs. TBA.All fights and fighters are subject to change. All fights excluding the two SNMMA title matches are 3 five-minute rounds.Tickets, priced at $20 (bleachers), $30 (floor) and $50 (ringside), are available at the Apache Gold Gift Ship (1-800-272-2438) or at TicketWeb.com (21 years of age or older requirement to attend). Go to ApacheGoldCasinoResort.com or snbcmma.com for additional information. Doors open at 6 pm, first bout at 7 pm.

Kyl's Statement Regarding North Korean Missile Launch

U.S. Senate Republican Whip Jon Kyl made the following statement regarding North Korea’s launch of a long-range ballistic missile:“This launch is yet another reckless display by one of the world’s most brutal and dictatorial regimes. It makes clear that the North Koreans are investing significant resources and effort to advance the capability of their missile systems.“Clearly, missile defenses against threats from rogue regimes are more important than ever, and I urge the Obama administration to fully fund the Missile Defense Agency this year. “North Korea is the world’s most prolific proliferator of ballistic missile technology so we should also be concerned about reports that Iranian technicians and observers were present in North Korea for this launch. “I was pleased that Secretary Clinton recently reaffirmed that this test is a violation of United Nations sanctions. I anxiously await her decisions to sanction North Korean entities involved in this test and all known proliferators of North Korean ballistic missile technology. “Moreover, North Korea’s recent kidnapping of two American journalists must be addressed immediately. Abducting our citizens is a terrorist act, and North Korea should therefore be immediately relisted as a state sponsor of terror.”

Poetry Forum

Gila Community College’s April Poetry Forum will be a tribute to Donnafred Hoff. Donnafred was a local artist, author, and personality whose enthusiasm and flair for fun made her a costumed fixture in many a downtown parade. A collection of her art is being exhibited this month at Cobre Valley Center for the Arts and her poetry will be featured at the GCC Poetry Forum on Saturday, April 11th, at 7 pm at vida e caffé located at 157 West Cedar Street in Globe.The Gila Community College Poetry Forum is hosted by Randy Landers who an English Instructor at Gila Community College where he teaches Written Communications, American Literature, Public Speaking, Composition Skills and Writing Fundamentals. Mr. Landers holds a Master of Arts Degree in English Literature from Abilene Christian University in Texas.The Poetry Forum format is open mic and the venue is meant to be comfortable and encourage poets of all ages to share their hearts and thoughts through poetry and prose. Everyone is invited, come share a poem or simply enjoy a latte and listen. For more information or to schedule your reading call Randy Landers at (928) 425-8481 x117.

Community Forum To Address Recent “Home Made Explosive Device” Incident at J.O. Combs School

The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office will participate in a joint community forum with administrative staff from J.O. Combs Unified School District and Rural Metro Fire Department on Tuesday, April 7th, at 7 pm to address concerns surrounding the incident involving a youth that brought an explosive device from home that occurred at J.O. Combs Middle School on March 30th, 2009.Representatives from the school district and each agency will be available to answer your questions, discuss emergency procedures and to address any concerns surrounding the incident.“It is certainly in the best interest of public safety for us to come together to discuss this serious incident and to work together with our emergency response partners and school officials to educate the community in an effort to alleviate concerns and facilitate an understanding of procedure,” said Sheriff Paul Babeu. “We need to ensure the safety needs of our children are met and educate parents so they are empowered to assist us in the prevention of future incidents of such nature.”

Emphasis Is On Safety During 'National Work Zone Awareness Week'

With a number of highway projects under way across the state and more on the way this summer, the Arizona Department of Transportation is asking everyone to drive cautiously through work zones, to keep themselves and those at work safe.The tenth annual National Work Zone Awareness Week will be held April 6th through April 10th. The event coordinates every year with the start of the traditional highway construction season across the United States.According to the Federal Highway Administration, 24 people died in crashes within work zones on local streets and on state highways across Arizona in 2007. While that number is less than the 31 work zone-related fatalities recorded in 2006, authorities say the number of deaths would be much lower if drivers took some simple steps."This is already proving to be a busy year for ADOT construction projects, and the addition of numerous economic recovery projects by this summer will visibly increase the number of work zones around Arizona for both maintenance and construction efforts,” said John Halikowski, ADOT’s interim director. “We’re asking drivers to help prevent tragedies by responding to our warning signs and being thoughtfully patient. Remind yourself when you want to ignore the warning and speed limit signs, that there are people who care about you and others out on the road and who want everyone to safely arrive at their destinations.”Four out of five victims in highway work zone crashes are drivers or passengers, and not highway workers."Speed limits are reduced in work zones for a good reason. There's less room for driver error when crews set up work zones," said Floyd Roehrich, ADOT state engineer. "While we obviously want to protect our workers so they can provide you with improved highways, we’re also looking out for you and your loved ones.”ADOT says drivers can do their part by committing to the following safety tips when approaching and traveling through work zones:· Pay attention to signs.· Slow down and observe lower speed limits.· Avoid distractions, including cell phones.· Watch the vehicle ahead of you. Don’t tailgate.· Always buckle up.Crashes come with an obvious human cost, but they also result in unnecessary economic costs by adding to already crowded highways. For more information about ADOT projects and transportation programs, visit azdot.gov.

Mesa District 4 Pancake Breakfast

Mesa Vice Mayor Kyle Jones invites all residents of District 4 to meet with him at a free pancake breakfast Saturday, April 11th, at Fire Station 201, 360 E. 1st St.The free breakfast will be held from 8 am to 10 am and is open to all residents who would like to talk to Vice Mayor Jones about City of Mesa issues. Representatives from several City departments will be on hand to provide residents with assistance and information on City services. Southwest Ambulance will also be there with its Drowning Prevention Unit.Residents attending the pancake breakfast are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food donation to help stock the shelves of the United Food Bank to assist needy families.

Miami Senior Center Closing For A Couple Of Days

The Town of Miami Senior Center will be closed on April 9th and April 10th.

Interstate 40 Reopens Between Flagstaff and Winslow

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has reopened Interstate 40 between Flagstaff and Winslow after being closed for several hours. The highway was closed earlier today due to high winds, blowing dust and limited visibility.The Arizona Department of Public Safety will lead traffic through the area at reduced speeds until the wind subsides.Drivers can get the latest information about highway restrictions via ADOT’s Travel Information site or by calling 5-1-1.

Interstate 40 Shut Down Between Flagstaff and Winslow

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has closed Interstate 40 from milepost 211, ten miles east of Flagstaff, to milepost 252, just west of Winslow, due to high winds and blowing dust. ADOT advises drivers to avoid the area for the rest of the day.Get the latest information about highway restrictions via ADOT’s Travel Information site or by calling 5-1-1.

Miami Memorial Public Library New Hours & Easter Break Closure

Effective April 6th, the Miami Memorial Library located at 1052 Adonis Ave. will have new hours of business they will be as follows: Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday 10:30 am to 6 pm, Friday 10:30 am to 5 pm and Saturday 9 am to 1 pm.The library will also be closed, April 10th and April 11th, in observance of Easter Break. The library will resume to regular library hours on Tuesday, April 14th.

Server Maintenance Coming For The City of Mesa's Web Site

The City of Mesa web site will not be operational between 8 pm Sunday, April 5th, through 4 am Monday, April 6th. During this short time, the City’s Information Technology Department will be performing maintenance to servers.

Arizona Museum of Natural History Nano Day

Big fun comes in small packages. That is why the Arizona Museum of Natural History, 53 N. Macdonald in Mesa, invites you to “Nano Day” Sunday, April 5th, from 1 pm to 4 pm as part of “3 for Free” in Downtown Mesa.“Nano Day” will give you the opportunity to explore how small nanoscale really is. Participate in hands-on activities and engaging science experiments. You can even create your own liquid crystal card!To understand nano technology, you have to think small. Nanotechnology and nanoscience involve extremely tiny objects that are measured in an incredibly small unit of measurement, the nanometer. A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter. The size of a nanometer compared to a meter is like the size of a marble compared to the earth. The head of a pin is a million nanometers in diameter.There is no admission to “Nano Day” thanks to the City of Mesa’s “3 for Free” partnership with Target. The partnership allows for free admission to the Arizona Museum of Natural History, Arizona Museum for Youth and Mesa Contemporary Arts on the first Sunday of each month from noon to 5 pm. All three museums are located within blocks of each other in Downtown Mesa. Family fun on these days includes interactive exhibits and special engagements, such as free outdoor concerts on Mesa Arts Center's Shadow Walk.

Globe & Miami Schools Easter Break Schedule

The Globe & Miami School Districts will not be in session on April 10th, and April 13th, for Easter Break.