Casa Grande has been named a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to community forestry.
It is the second year Casa Grande has received this national recognition.
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. Casa Grande has met the four standards to become a Tree City USA community: having a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. Communities that receive Tree City USA recognition not only have taken the time to meet these four standards, they recognize that:
· Trees promote healthier communities. Leaves filter the air we breathe by removing dust and other particles.
· Trees moderate climate, conserve water and provide habitat for wildlife.
· Trees in urban areas reduce the heat island effect caused by pavement and buildings.
· Properly placed trees can increase property values, and buildings in wooded areas rent more quickly and tenants stay longer.
"The Casa Grande community, its elected officials and its citizens that provide needed care for its trees deserves recognition and thanks," said John Rosenow, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Trees are a vital component of the infrastructure in our cities and towns, and they also provide environmental and economical benefits. Cities that are recognized with a Tree City USA designation go to great lengths to plant and care for the community forest."
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Community Youth Basketball League Registration
Registration for 5th and 6th grader's wanting to participate in the Community Youth Basketball League ends on Feb. 4th. To register your child(ren), go to the Miami Town Hall at 500 Sullivan St., Monday through Friday, between 8:30 am & 4:30 pm. The games will begin in March 2009.
The cost for registration is $35 for players residing outside of the Miami town limits. Players residing in the Miami town limits is $30 (proof of residency is required). Any family that has more than one child participating in the leagues will receive a $5 reduction for each additional child. Every player participating in the leagues will receive a team T-shirt and a trophy at the end of the season. The league fees also help pay for equipment, and other operating expenses.
Anyone interested in coaching or assisting with coaching a team, officiating, and/or the operation of the league, or would like to volunteer in the Community Youth Basketball League is asked to call, 473-4403. (Leave a message & they will get back to you).
The cost for registration is $35 for players residing outside of the Miami town limits. Players residing in the Miami town limits is $30 (proof of residency is required). Any family that has more than one child participating in the leagues will receive a $5 reduction for each additional child. Every player participating in the leagues will receive a team T-shirt and a trophy at the end of the season. The league fees also help pay for equipment, and other operating expenses.
Anyone interested in coaching or assisting with coaching a team, officiating, and/or the operation of the league, or would like to volunteer in the Community Youth Basketball League is asked to call, 473-4403. (Leave a message & they will get back to you).
Opportunity For Radio Sales Executives
Radio sales executives, The Ride is looking for you! We need experienced radio sales executives to work in Central Arizona. If you’re interested in working with The Ride, KRDE 94.1 FM, with a coverage area that includes 2 million people, then you need to fax your resume to (928) 425-5063 or email krde@cableone.net.
Gila County Sheriff’s Reserve Posse Sweetheart Dance
The Gila County Sheriff’s Reserve Posse Sweetheart Dance at the Gila County Fairgrounds is Saturday Feb. 14th, from 7 pm to Midnight. Happy hour is from 7 pm to 8 pm and it's a no host bar, the dance will be from 8 pm to Midnight, with music by Gone Country. Tickets are $15 per couple and $10 for singles. The ticket price is only for the dance. No dinner will be supplied this year. Tickets are available at Bacon’s Boots and Saddles, the Claypool Safeway, The Furniture Store on Broad Street, the Gila County Sheriff’s Office, Gila County Sheriff’s Reserve Posse members, or at the door.
Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program Workshops Schedule Posted
The Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program Office has posted the schedule for the conduct of applicant workshops for the FY2009 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG). The schedule is available at firegrantsupport.com. The schedule will be updated daily with any new/updated information about the scheduled workshops. As such, users are encouraged to revisit the site to update themselves on locations, times and any other AFG information.
Applicant workshops are conducted by AFG regional staff and are free to all attendees. Each workshop is about 2 hours long. All workshops provide the same informational material and is reflected in a PowerPoint presentation. The material is also posted at firegrantsupport.com. While the application period has not been established, you will be able to find the latest information on the grant opportunity on the AFG website as it becomes available including the application period, the online applicant tutorial, frequently asked questions, and the FY2009 AFG Program Guidance.
The AFG Program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Grants Program Directorate in coordination with the U.S. Fire Administration.
Applicant workshops are conducted by AFG regional staff and are free to all attendees. Each workshop is about 2 hours long. All workshops provide the same informational material and is reflected in a PowerPoint presentation. The material is also posted at firegrantsupport.com. While the application period has not been established, you will be able to find the latest information on the grant opportunity on the AFG website as it becomes available including the application period, the online applicant tutorial, frequently asked questions, and the FY2009 AFG Program Guidance.
The AFG Program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Grants Program Directorate in coordination with the U.S. Fire Administration.
Valencia Autopsy Results Released
An autopsy performed on Zenaida Valencia showed her death was the result of 37 stab wounds, several of which punctured numerous vital organs.
Her son, John Valencia has been arrested in the case and charged with 1st degree murder. The motive is unknown.
Her son, John Valencia has been arrested in the case and charged with 1st degree murder. The motive is unknown.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Rep. Kirkpatrick Voted For American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
As families in the First Congressional District struggle with the brutal economic downturn, Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ-01) voted today to support the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to reverse the economic downturn.
"Families in my district are struggling to make ends meet," Kirkpatrick said. "We need to create good jobs, give the middle class a tax cut, and invest in education and infrastructure. This legislation comes at a critical time for our communities and our country. We are attempting to stop an historic economic downturn. This is the first step among many we will need to take to get folks back to work and our economy back on track."
The next steps will be just as important as today's vote, Kirkpatrick said.
"Congress must demand and ensure full transparency for these investments at all levels of government," Kirkpatrick said. "We hold people accountable for using these resources wisely to create jobs. I am committed to using my role to ensure appropriate oversight."
Kirkpatrick also insists that state and local partners deliver resources to rural communities in Arizona, many of which are among the hardest hit by the economic crisis.
Arizonans have been hit especially hard by the brutal economic downturn. Unemployment has surged to 6.9 percent, the highest rate in 15 years. The state budget shortfall is more than $4 billion over the next 18 months, putting a strain on state and local government when families most need a safety net.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will create and save up to 4 million jobs, rebuild America and transform our economy for long-term growth. The bill, H.R. 1, will also put money directly into the economy, with a tax cut for 95 percent of American workers.
This fall, Kirkpatrick opposed the Troubled Assets Relief Program because it unfairly helped Wall Street over families and didn't have enough accountability, transparency or oversight measures.
"When the last Congress passed the bailout bill, it focused on corporations and Wall Street," Kirkpatrick said. "I support this bill because it is about people, jobs and making sure rural communities get their fair share."
Kirkpatrick also praised the accountability measures in the bill, and urged her fellow members of Congress to monitor how the money is spent. Among the measures: A dedicated Web site, recovery.gov, will allow citizens to track every penny and hold federal, state and local officials accountable for performance. No earmarks will be included in the legislation. The legislation calls for quarterly updates from the President on how the resources are affecting the economy.
Additionally, Kirkpatrick praised an amendment to help local police agencies hire more officers through the COPS grant program.
"Law enforcement agencies should never have to fight to keep enough officers on the street," Kirkpatrick said. "As a former prosecutor, I know the importance of having enough police in our communities."
"Families in my district are struggling to make ends meet," Kirkpatrick said. "We need to create good jobs, give the middle class a tax cut, and invest in education and infrastructure. This legislation comes at a critical time for our communities and our country. We are attempting to stop an historic economic downturn. This is the first step among many we will need to take to get folks back to work and our economy back on track."
The next steps will be just as important as today's vote, Kirkpatrick said.
"Congress must demand and ensure full transparency for these investments at all levels of government," Kirkpatrick said. "We hold people accountable for using these resources wisely to create jobs. I am committed to using my role to ensure appropriate oversight."
Kirkpatrick also insists that state and local partners deliver resources to rural communities in Arizona, many of which are among the hardest hit by the economic crisis.
Arizonans have been hit especially hard by the brutal economic downturn. Unemployment has surged to 6.9 percent, the highest rate in 15 years. The state budget shortfall is more than $4 billion over the next 18 months, putting a strain on state and local government when families most need a safety net.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will create and save up to 4 million jobs, rebuild America and transform our economy for long-term growth. The bill, H.R. 1, will also put money directly into the economy, with a tax cut for 95 percent of American workers.
This fall, Kirkpatrick opposed the Troubled Assets Relief Program because it unfairly helped Wall Street over families and didn't have enough accountability, transparency or oversight measures.
"When the last Congress passed the bailout bill, it focused on corporations and Wall Street," Kirkpatrick said. "I support this bill because it is about people, jobs and making sure rural communities get their fair share."
Kirkpatrick also praised the accountability measures in the bill, and urged her fellow members of Congress to monitor how the money is spent. Among the measures: A dedicated Web site, recovery.gov, will allow citizens to track every penny and hold federal, state and local officials accountable for performance. No earmarks will be included in the legislation. The legislation calls for quarterly updates from the President on how the resources are affecting the economy.
Additionally, Kirkpatrick praised an amendment to help local police agencies hire more officers through the COPS grant program.
"Law enforcement agencies should never have to fight to keep enough officers on the street," Kirkpatrick said. "As a former prosecutor, I know the importance of having enough police in our communities."
Pinal County Narcotics Task Force Nabs Meth Dealer
During the November of last year, members from the Pinal County Narcotic Task Force initiated a covert drug investigation on a subject identified as 50 year-old Ronald M. Justice. Ronald M. Justice was actively involved in the sale of Methamphetamine. Justice sold Methamphetamine to an undercover operative on three separate occasions.
On Jan. 15th, 2009 an arrest warrant was issued for Ronald M. Justice by the Pinal County Superior Court listing the following charges; Three counts of Dangerous Drug Sales, a class 2 felony and Twelve counts of Use of Electronic Communication in a Drug Related Transaction, a class 4 Felony.
On Friday, Jan. 16th, 2009 Ronald M. Justice met with the undercover operative in the Queen Creek area where he was taken into custody without incident and charged with an additional 12 counts of Use of Electronic Communication in a Drug Related Transaction and 3 counts of Sale of Methamphetamine a Dangerous Drug.
Ronald M. Justice was booked into the Pinal County Sheriff's Office Adult Detention Center located in Florence and is being held with a $75,000 bond.
On Jan. 15th, 2009 an arrest warrant was issued for Ronald M. Justice by the Pinal County Superior Court listing the following charges; Three counts of Dangerous Drug Sales, a class 2 felony and Twelve counts of Use of Electronic Communication in a Drug Related Transaction, a class 4 Felony.
On Friday, Jan. 16th, 2009 Ronald M. Justice met with the undercover operative in the Queen Creek area where he was taken into custody without incident and charged with an additional 12 counts of Use of Electronic Communication in a Drug Related Transaction and 3 counts of Sale of Methamphetamine a Dangerous Drug.
Ronald M. Justice was booked into the Pinal County Sheriff's Office Adult Detention Center located in Florence and is being held with a $75,000 bond.
Missing Tonto National Forest Cargo Trailer Located
Forest Service law enforcement officers announced today that an 18-foot cargo trailer, one of the items stolen from the forest on Jan. 20, has been recovered. The cargo trailer was found by DPS officers off I-17 at Buckeye Road, and is now being processed by Maricopa County law enforcement officers for return to the Cave Creek Ranger District administrative office.
“This is great news.” stated Lisa Lewman, Forest Service Special Agent. “This recovered trailer location will help us zero in on a specific part of the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan area for further searches. We have received tremendous support from a number of OHV/ATV groups whose members are highly concerned about this theft. This information will also help them narrow their search as well as they continue to assist us in the recovery of these items.”
Forest Service law enforcement officers continue to request assistance from the public in the recovery of two Polaris all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and assorted Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) supplies and equipment. The items were stolen the night of Tuesday, Jan. 20th, from the storage yard at the Cave Creek Ranger District administrative offices in Scottsdale.
A $5,000 reward is being offered for any information which will lead to recovery of the stolen property and or the apprehension of the persons responsible for the crime.
A detailed description of the stolen equipment:
- Two 2007 dark green Polaris Sportsman 800 ATVs
- Approximately 300-400 Forest Service OHV maps, Bendix King Radio batteries, several 300-person First Aid kits, numerous Bell helmets and orange safety vests marked with “OHV AMBASSADOR” across the back.
If you have any information, please contact Forest Service Special Agent Lisa Lewman.
“This is great news.” stated Lisa Lewman, Forest Service Special Agent. “This recovered trailer location will help us zero in on a specific part of the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan area for further searches. We have received tremendous support from a number of OHV/ATV groups whose members are highly concerned about this theft. This information will also help them narrow their search as well as they continue to assist us in the recovery of these items.”
Forest Service law enforcement officers continue to request assistance from the public in the recovery of two Polaris all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and assorted Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) supplies and equipment. The items were stolen the night of Tuesday, Jan. 20th, from the storage yard at the Cave Creek Ranger District administrative offices in Scottsdale.
A $5,000 reward is being offered for any information which will lead to recovery of the stolen property and or the apprehension of the persons responsible for the crime.
A detailed description of the stolen equipment:
- Two 2007 dark green Polaris Sportsman 800 ATVs
- Approximately 300-400 Forest Service OHV maps, Bendix King Radio batteries, several 300-person First Aid kits, numerous Bell helmets and orange safety vests marked with “OHV AMBASSADOR” across the back.
If you have any information, please contact Forest Service Special Agent Lisa Lewman.
Longtime Skynyrd Keyboardist Passes
Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboard player Billy Powell died this morning at his Florida home after calling 911 complaining of having trouble breathing. A heart attack is the suspected cause of death, due to his history of heart conditions.
The band posted this message on their site:
"Beloved Pianist for the Lynyrd Skynyrd Band, Billy Powell, passed away last night. We have no further details. The family and band request your respect and understanding during this difficult time. Thank you."
The band posted this message on their site:
"Beloved Pianist for the Lynyrd Skynyrd Band, Billy Powell, passed away last night. We have no further details. The family and band request your respect and understanding during this difficult time. Thank you."
Relay For Life Kickoff Rally
The Relay For Life Kickoff Rally is where anyone; individuals, families, caregivers, cancer survivors, schools, companies, etc., get together to kick off annual Relay For Life activities. The kickoff will occur at the Train Depot, 230 S Broad St. in Downtown Globe on Jan. 31st, from Noon until 1 pm. For more information, visit rflcoppervalleyaz.org.
The American Cancer Society invites individuals who want to honor cancer survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer) and caregivers, or pay tribute to those who have lost their battle with cancer to join its Relay For Life, scheduled for May 15th, at 4 pm in Globe. In 1985, Relay For Life began with one man who walked and ran around a track for 24 hours raising $27,000. This year, Relay For Life is coming to you in more than 4,800 communities.
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is an overnight community celebration where individuals and teams camp out, barbecue, dance, and take turns walking around a track relay style to raise funds to fight cancer. At nightfall, participants will light hundreds of luminaria around the track in a moving ceremony to honor cancer survivors as well as friends and family members lost to the disease. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life represents hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated.
The American Cancer Society invites individuals who want to honor cancer survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer) and caregivers, or pay tribute to those who have lost their battle with cancer to join its Relay For Life, scheduled for May 15th, at 4 pm in Globe. In 1985, Relay For Life began with one man who walked and ran around a track for 24 hours raising $27,000. This year, Relay For Life is coming to you in more than 4,800 communities.
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is an overnight community celebration where individuals and teams camp out, barbecue, dance, and take turns walking around a track relay style to raise funds to fight cancer. At nightfall, participants will light hundreds of luminaria around the track in a moving ceremony to honor cancer survivors as well as friends and family members lost to the disease. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life represents hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated.
Mesa Museum Honoring Its Volunteers On Saturday
Their donation of time is the equivalent of having nine full-time City of Mesa employees. The Arizona Museum of Natural History, 53 N. Macdonald, will be recognizing its talented, hard working volunteers at its annual volunteer recognition breakfast Saturday, Jan. 31st, at the Mesa Country Club. It is sponsored by the Arizona Museum of Natural History Guild.
During 2008, volunteers worked 19,016 hours at the museum. According to the Independent Specter, a leadership forum for charities, foundations and corporate giving programs, this saved the City $371,002. Of the approx. 100 active museum volunteers, more than half gave more than 100 hours in 2008. Two of the volunteers gave 785 hours.
“Especially in this economic climate, the museum would not be able to open its doors to the public if it were not for our wonderful, dedicated volunteers,” Arizona Museum of Natural History Volunteer Coordinator Yvonne Petersen said. “One of the most amazing things is that many of them volunteer at others places or in more than one area of the museum.”
The volunteers work in all areas of the museum, such as exhibits, education, gallery interpretation, Paleontology Lab, Archaeology Lab, Hands-On Adventure Center and Museum Store. If you would like to volunteer, please call the Arizona Museum of Natural History Volunteer Services at (480) 644-2760.
During 2008, volunteers worked 19,016 hours at the museum. According to the Independent Specter, a leadership forum for charities, foundations and corporate giving programs, this saved the City $371,002. Of the approx. 100 active museum volunteers, more than half gave more than 100 hours in 2008. Two of the volunteers gave 785 hours.
“Especially in this economic climate, the museum would not be able to open its doors to the public if it were not for our wonderful, dedicated volunteers,” Arizona Museum of Natural History Volunteer Coordinator Yvonne Petersen said. “One of the most amazing things is that many of them volunteer at others places or in more than one area of the museum.”
The volunteers work in all areas of the museum, such as exhibits, education, gallery interpretation, Paleontology Lab, Archaeology Lab, Hands-On Adventure Center and Museum Store. If you would like to volunteer, please call the Arizona Museum of Natural History Volunteer Services at (480) 644-2760.
Arrests Made In Area Mail Thefts
Several suspects have been arrested in connection to mail stolen from mail boxes in the Six Shooter, Ice House, Kellner Canyon, and the Russell road area. Globe PD and the Gila County Sheriff's Office responded to a report yesterday at approx. 5 pm, of subjects stealing mail from mailboxes in the Skyline area, including Yucca Drive, Cactus Drive, Nugget Drive, & Saguaro Drive. The suspects continued their activity into the canyon areas and were stopped by a GCSO Deputy in Kellner Canyon. The suspects face charges for fradulent schemes, theft, and face federal charges filled by the post office.
The Globe PD and GCSO are attempting to identify potential victims. The police are requesting persons residing in those areas mentioned to check your mailbox. If you find open mail in your mailbox, mail not belonging to you or you believe you are missing mail, notify the agency of the jurisdiction in which you reside (Globe PD at 425-4436 or GCSO at 402-1872).
The Globe PD and GCSO are attempting to identify potential victims. The police are requesting persons residing in those areas mentioned to check your mailbox. If you find open mail in your mailbox, mail not belonging to you or you believe you are missing mail, notify the agency of the jurisdiction in which you reside (Globe PD at 425-4436 or GCSO at 402-1872).
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Two More Policy Makers Join Brewers Staff
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer has added two more policy advisors to her staff, by naming Karla Phillips as Policy Advisor for K-12 Education and Beth Kohler Lazare as Policy Advisor for Health and Human Services.
“I am honored to have Ms. Phillips and Ms. Kohler Lazare join my extremely qualified and experienced team,” stated Brewer. “Both women bring to my staff a wealth of expert knowledge and numerous years of pertinent experience. They are highly regarded professionals that will advise me on areas of critical importance to the future of our great state.”
Prior to her appointment to the Brewer Administration, Karla Phillips served as Director of State Government Relations for Arizona State University. In that role she served as the university representative at legislative hearings and stakeholder meetings, advised university officials on issues impacting the university, developed strategies to advance major legislative initiatives, and helped to coordinate legislative activities with the Arizona Board of Regents as well as Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona.
Prior to that, Ms. Phillips worked for seven years as a senior policy advisor for the Arizona House of Representatives. She advised the Speaker and other elected officials on issues relating to K-12 and university policy and finance, minority issues, welfare and child welfare issues. She was also responsible for researching, drafting, summarizing and advancing major legislative initiatives.
Ms. Phillips received her Bachelor of Arts degree in East Asian Studies from Indiana University. She also received her Masters in Public Administration from Arizona State University.
For the past year, Beth Kohler Lazare has worked as a Managing Consultant in the Phoenix office of Navigant Consulting, where she assisted numerous clients with Medicaid and other healthcare projects. Her projects included assessing the adequacy and appropriateness of Title XIX reimbursement rates for service providers, conducting program evaluations, assisting with procurement and reprocurement of contractors for a range of healthcare program types as well as analyzing Medicaid cost containment and health reform issues across the country.
Prior to her work in the private sector, Ms. Kohler Lazare served on the research staff of the Arizona Senate. She was the Legislative Research Analyst for the Health Committee for three years, the last year of which she was also the Research Staff Assistant Director. As Assistant Director, she was responsible for all operations of the research staff and for conducting comprehensive public policy research and analysis. She advised senators on health and policy issues including Medicaid, health insurance, small business health coverage, regulatory policy and health care finance and reform issues. She was also responsible for tracking and analyzing proposed legislation and for monitoring federal legislation and policy to determine the impact on state programs.
Ms. Kohler Lazare also served as Senior Fiscal Analyst for the Joint Legislative Budget Committee of the Arizona Legislature, advising legislators on fiscal and policy issues including Medicaid, long-term care, children’s health coverage, prescription drug issues, state employee health insurance, public health programs and health care regulations.
Ms. Kohler Lazare earned her Bachelor of Arts degree with High Distinction in Government from the University of Virginia. She went on to earn her Masters in Public Affairs with a concentration in health policy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
“I am honored to have Ms. Phillips and Ms. Kohler Lazare join my extremely qualified and experienced team,” stated Brewer. “Both women bring to my staff a wealth of expert knowledge and numerous years of pertinent experience. They are highly regarded professionals that will advise me on areas of critical importance to the future of our great state.”
Prior to her appointment to the Brewer Administration, Karla Phillips served as Director of State Government Relations for Arizona State University. In that role she served as the university representative at legislative hearings and stakeholder meetings, advised university officials on issues impacting the university, developed strategies to advance major legislative initiatives, and helped to coordinate legislative activities with the Arizona Board of Regents as well as Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona.
Prior to that, Ms. Phillips worked for seven years as a senior policy advisor for the Arizona House of Representatives. She advised the Speaker and other elected officials on issues relating to K-12 and university policy and finance, minority issues, welfare and child welfare issues. She was also responsible for researching, drafting, summarizing and advancing major legislative initiatives.
Ms. Phillips received her Bachelor of Arts degree in East Asian Studies from Indiana University. She also received her Masters in Public Administration from Arizona State University.
For the past year, Beth Kohler Lazare has worked as a Managing Consultant in the Phoenix office of Navigant Consulting, where she assisted numerous clients with Medicaid and other healthcare projects. Her projects included assessing the adequacy and appropriateness of Title XIX reimbursement rates for service providers, conducting program evaluations, assisting with procurement and reprocurement of contractors for a range of healthcare program types as well as analyzing Medicaid cost containment and health reform issues across the country.
Prior to her work in the private sector, Ms. Kohler Lazare served on the research staff of the Arizona Senate. She was the Legislative Research Analyst for the Health Committee for three years, the last year of which she was also the Research Staff Assistant Director. As Assistant Director, she was responsible for all operations of the research staff and for conducting comprehensive public policy research and analysis. She advised senators on health and policy issues including Medicaid, health insurance, small business health coverage, regulatory policy and health care finance and reform issues. She was also responsible for tracking and analyzing proposed legislation and for monitoring federal legislation and policy to determine the impact on state programs.
Ms. Kohler Lazare also served as Senior Fiscal Analyst for the Joint Legislative Budget Committee of the Arizona Legislature, advising legislators on fiscal and policy issues including Medicaid, long-term care, children’s health coverage, prescription drug issues, state employee health insurance, public health programs and health care regulations.
Ms. Kohler Lazare earned her Bachelor of Arts degree with High Distinction in Government from the University of Virginia. She went on to earn her Masters in Public Affairs with a concentration in health policy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Border Patrol Arrests Illegal Alien Wanted For Rape
Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents patrolling a remote area arrest an illegal alien wanted for rape.
On the morning of Jan. 23rd, while conducting line watch duties, Border Patrol agents assigned to Camp Desert Grip discovered footprints of 10 individuals crossing the international boundary between the United States and Mexico illegally.
Camp Desert Grip is a Border Patrol forward operating base located in the far southeastern corner of the Yuma sector, in order to detect and deter illegal entries in remote desert areas. After tracking the group for about five miles, agents apprehended 10 individuals 15 miles southwest of Ajo, Ariz., each of whom admitted entering the United States illegally that morning.
All 10 individuals were transported to the nearby Ajo Border Patrol Station for further investigation and processing.
Fingerprint checks identified one member of the group, Florentino Ortiz-Lopez, as having an outstanding warrant for a rape charge out of Indianapolis, Ind. The individual was transported to the Wellton Border Patrol Station and the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office will coordinate his extradition to Indianapolis.
On the morning of Jan. 23rd, while conducting line watch duties, Border Patrol agents assigned to Camp Desert Grip discovered footprints of 10 individuals crossing the international boundary between the United States and Mexico illegally.
Camp Desert Grip is a Border Patrol forward operating base located in the far southeastern corner of the Yuma sector, in order to detect and deter illegal entries in remote desert areas. After tracking the group for about five miles, agents apprehended 10 individuals 15 miles southwest of Ajo, Ariz., each of whom admitted entering the United States illegally that morning.
All 10 individuals were transported to the nearby Ajo Border Patrol Station for further investigation and processing.
Fingerprint checks identified one member of the group, Florentino Ortiz-Lopez, as having an outstanding warrant for a rape charge out of Indianapolis, Ind. The individual was transported to the Wellton Border Patrol Station and the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office will coordinate his extradition to Indianapolis.
BHP Billiton Pulling Out Of Tavan Tolgoi Bid?
According to a rumor on miningweb.net, the Mongolia news media is reporting that BHP Billiton has withdrawn its bid to mine the massive Tavan Tolgoi coking coal deposit.
The agreement that was being negotiated would given BHP 49% of the coal mine as the Government of Mongolia would retain 51% ownership.
The agreement that was being negotiated would given BHP 49% of the coal mine as the Government of Mongolia would retain 51% ownership.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Money Intended For Dead Children's Parents Stolen
Mesa Police are looking for two suspects that broke into the Pizza Fusion in Mesa over the weekend and stole thousands of dollars in cash raised for the family of two boys who were killed earlier this month by an accused drunk driver.
Freeport-McMoRan Fourth-Quarter and Year End Results & Prospectus Supplement Filing
Fourth-quarter 2008 net loss was $13.9 billion, $36.78 per share, compared with net income of $414 million, $1.05 per share, for fourth-quarter 2007. After adjusting for special items totaling $14.0 billion, $36.84 per share, fourth-quarter 2008 adjusted net income totaled $23 million, $0.06 per share (see page 3).
During fourth-quarter 2008, FCX completed a review of the carrying values of its inventories (including mill and leach stockpiles), long-lived assets and goodwill and recorded after-tax charges totaling $13.1 billion, $34.51 per share, primarily to reduce the carrying value of inventories (including mill and leach stockpiles), long-lived assets and goodwill related to the March 2007 acquisition of Phelps Dodge.
Consolidated 2008 sales from mines totaled 1.2 billion pounds of copper, 462 thousand ounces of gold and 12 million pounds of molybdenum for the fourth quarter and 4.1 billion pounds of copper, 1.3 million ounces of gold and 71 million pounds of molybdenum for the year.
In response to weak global economic conditions and a sharp decline in copper and molybdenum prices during fourth-quarter 2008, FCX announced a series of actions and revisions to operating plans in December 2008 to reduce costs and capital expenditures, and suspended its common dividend. FCX is announcing today further revisions to its operating plans principally affecting its North America operations to improve its operating cost profile.
The revised operating plans result in lower copper and molybdenum sales than previously reported estimates. Copper sales are expected to approximate 3.9 billion pounds in 2009 and 3.8 billion pounds in 2010 (9 percent and 17 percent lower than the October 2008 estimates). Molybdenum sales are expected to approximate 60 million pounds in 2009 and 60 million pounds in 2010 (25 percent and 40 percent lower than the October 2008 estimates). Gold sales are not impacted by the revised plans and are expected to approximate 2.2 million ounces in both 2009 and 2010.
Consolidated unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) averaged $1.04 per pound for fourth-quarter 2008 and $1.16 per pound for the year ended December 31, 2008. Based on the revised operating plans and assuming average prices of $800 per ounce for gold and $9 per pound for molybdenum, consolidated unit net cash costs are estimated to average $0.71 per pound for the year 2009.
Operating cash flows totaled $201 million for fourth-quarter 2008 and $3.4 billion for the year 2008. The operating cash flows for the year 2008 are net of $1.2 billion in working capital uses. Using estimated sales volumes for 2009 and assuming 2009 average prices of $1.50 per pound for copper, $800 per ounce for gold and $9 per pound for molybdenum, operating cash flows in 2009 would approximate $1.0 billion, net of $0.6 billion in working capital requirements.
Capital expenditures totaled $779 million for fourth-quarter 2008 and $2.7 billion for the year 2008. FCX currently expects capital expenditures to approximate $1.3 billion for 2009. Projected 2009 capital expenditures include sustaining capital of $0.6 billion and $0.7 billion in investments in the Tenke Fungurume greenfield project in Africa and underground development projects in Indonesia. Capital spending plans will continue to be reviewed and revised as market conditions warrant.
Total debt approximated $7.4 billion and consolidated cash was $872 million at December 31, 2008.
FCX’s preliminary estimate of consolidated recoverable reserves as of December 31, 2008, totaled 102.0 billion pounds of copper, 40.0 million ounces of gold and 2.48 billion pounds of molybdenum. Estimated recoverable reserves include 3.9 billion pounds of copper in mill and leach stockpiles. Reserve additions of 12.8 billion pounds of copper and 0.51 billion pounds of molybdenum replaced over 300 percent of 2008 copper production and 700 percent of 2008 molybdenum production.
Prospectus Supplement Filing:
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. announced today that it has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a prospectus supplement under which it may offer and sell shares of common stock having aggregate gross proceeds of up to $750 million from time to time through J.P.Morgan Securities Inc. as its sales agent. Sales of the common stock, if any, would be made by means of ordinary brokers’ transactions or block trades on the New York Stock Exchange at market prices or as otherwise agreed with its agent.
FCX intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, which may include, among other things, the repayment of amounts outstanding under its revolving credit facilities and the financing of working capital and capital expenditures.
During fourth-quarter 2008, FCX completed a review of the carrying values of its inventories (including mill and leach stockpiles), long-lived assets and goodwill and recorded after-tax charges totaling $13.1 billion, $34.51 per share, primarily to reduce the carrying value of inventories (including mill and leach stockpiles), long-lived assets and goodwill related to the March 2007 acquisition of Phelps Dodge.
Consolidated 2008 sales from mines totaled 1.2 billion pounds of copper, 462 thousand ounces of gold and 12 million pounds of molybdenum for the fourth quarter and 4.1 billion pounds of copper, 1.3 million ounces of gold and 71 million pounds of molybdenum for the year.
In response to weak global economic conditions and a sharp decline in copper and molybdenum prices during fourth-quarter 2008, FCX announced a series of actions and revisions to operating plans in December 2008 to reduce costs and capital expenditures, and suspended its common dividend. FCX is announcing today further revisions to its operating plans principally affecting its North America operations to improve its operating cost profile.
The revised operating plans result in lower copper and molybdenum sales than previously reported estimates. Copper sales are expected to approximate 3.9 billion pounds in 2009 and 3.8 billion pounds in 2010 (9 percent and 17 percent lower than the October 2008 estimates). Molybdenum sales are expected to approximate 60 million pounds in 2009 and 60 million pounds in 2010 (25 percent and 40 percent lower than the October 2008 estimates). Gold sales are not impacted by the revised plans and are expected to approximate 2.2 million ounces in both 2009 and 2010.
Consolidated unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) averaged $1.04 per pound for fourth-quarter 2008 and $1.16 per pound for the year ended December 31, 2008. Based on the revised operating plans and assuming average prices of $800 per ounce for gold and $9 per pound for molybdenum, consolidated unit net cash costs are estimated to average $0.71 per pound for the year 2009.
Operating cash flows totaled $201 million for fourth-quarter 2008 and $3.4 billion for the year 2008. The operating cash flows for the year 2008 are net of $1.2 billion in working capital uses. Using estimated sales volumes for 2009 and assuming 2009 average prices of $1.50 per pound for copper, $800 per ounce for gold and $9 per pound for molybdenum, operating cash flows in 2009 would approximate $1.0 billion, net of $0.6 billion in working capital requirements.
Capital expenditures totaled $779 million for fourth-quarter 2008 and $2.7 billion for the year 2008. FCX currently expects capital expenditures to approximate $1.3 billion for 2009. Projected 2009 capital expenditures include sustaining capital of $0.6 billion and $0.7 billion in investments in the Tenke Fungurume greenfield project in Africa and underground development projects in Indonesia. Capital spending plans will continue to be reviewed and revised as market conditions warrant.
Total debt approximated $7.4 billion and consolidated cash was $872 million at December 31, 2008.
FCX’s preliminary estimate of consolidated recoverable reserves as of December 31, 2008, totaled 102.0 billion pounds of copper, 40.0 million ounces of gold and 2.48 billion pounds of molybdenum. Estimated recoverable reserves include 3.9 billion pounds of copper in mill and leach stockpiles. Reserve additions of 12.8 billion pounds of copper and 0.51 billion pounds of molybdenum replaced over 300 percent of 2008 copper production and 700 percent of 2008 molybdenum production.
Prospectus Supplement Filing:
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. announced today that it has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a prospectus supplement under which it may offer and sell shares of common stock having aggregate gross proceeds of up to $750 million from time to time through J.P.Morgan Securities Inc. as its sales agent. Sales of the common stock, if any, would be made by means of ordinary brokers’ transactions or block trades on the New York Stock Exchange at market prices or as otherwise agreed with its agent.
FCX intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, which may include, among other things, the repayment of amounts outstanding under its revolving credit facilities and the financing of working capital and capital expenditures.
Casa Grande "Art in the Alley" and Car Show
It's been called a great "downtown social" and you can find out why on Feb. 3rd. It's an evening filled with with artists, musicians, poets, and even a Car Show. Florence Street will by closed off and all the shops and restaurants will be open with special promotions. This event is from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm, located in "The Alley", off Florence Street between 2nd and 4th Streets in Casa Grande.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Human Remains Located Near Casa Grande
During the evening hours of Wednesday, Jan. 21st, the Casa Grande Police Dept. advised the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office of a report that a human skull was found in an un-incorporated area northwest of the Casa Grande City limits with-in Pinal County. Detectives responded, located, and recovered the complete skeletal remains of a human from the surface and a shallow grave. The amount of time the person has been deceased, their sex, race, age, manner and cause of death are all unknown. The City of Casa Grande, Police Dept. and the Pinal County Sheriff's Office do not presently have any missing person reports that can be linked to this recovery.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Arizona Sex Offender Captured In Colorado
Deputy U.S. Marshals and Task Force Officers with the Arizona WANTED Fugitive Task Force, District of Colorado (Denver) and the Pueblo Police Department arrested Sean Clark, 33, in Pueblo, Colorado on Jan. 21st. Clark, a convicted sex offender, was wanted by the Maricopa County Adult Probation Department for violating the conditions of his probation, having originally been convicted of sexually assaulting a minor.
In 1997 Clark was convicted of Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor and Dangerous Crimes Against Children in Maricopa County after he was arrested for having numerous sexual encounters with a 13 year-old female. After being confronted by a family member of the 13 year-old, Clark brandished a handgun, placing it to the family members head, threatening to kill them if they were to notify authorities. Clark was subsequently arrested, convicted and ordered to serve 5 years in prison and the remainder of his life under the supervision of the Maricopa County Adult Probation Department upon his release from prison. Also as a result of this conviction Clark is required to register as a sex offender. In September of 2008 a warrant was issued by the Maricopa County Superior Court for the arrest of Clark after he violated the conditions of probation. Clark had been on the run ever since.
On the afternoon of Jan. 21st, Deputies and Task Force Officers from the U.S. Marshals led Arizona WANTED Fugitive Task Force traveled to Pueblo, Colorado after developing information which indicated that Clark was residing in Pueblo. After conducting a brief surveillance in the area, Deputies and Task Force Officers were able to arrest Clark without incident. In addition to his probation violation, Clark may now face additional charges for failing to register as a sex offender.
United States Marshal David Gonzales praised the work of Deputies and law enforcement officers adding, “The United States Marshals Service, along with our state and local partners spare no expense in going after those who flee Arizona to escape justice. This arrest should be notice to those who think they can run from the law; we will find you and come after you no matter where you decide to hide.”
The full-time federal, state, and local agencies that comprise the Arizona WANTED include: U.S. Marshals Service; Immigration and Customs Enforcement; Arizona Department of Public Safety; Maricopa County Adult Probation Office; Mesa Police Department; Chandler Police Department; Tempe Police Department; Surprise Police Department; El Mirage Police Department and several part-time state and local law enforcement agencies.
In 1997 Clark was convicted of Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor and Dangerous Crimes Against Children in Maricopa County after he was arrested for having numerous sexual encounters with a 13 year-old female. After being confronted by a family member of the 13 year-old, Clark brandished a handgun, placing it to the family members head, threatening to kill them if they were to notify authorities. Clark was subsequently arrested, convicted and ordered to serve 5 years in prison and the remainder of his life under the supervision of the Maricopa County Adult Probation Department upon his release from prison. Also as a result of this conviction Clark is required to register as a sex offender. In September of 2008 a warrant was issued by the Maricopa County Superior Court for the arrest of Clark after he violated the conditions of probation. Clark had been on the run ever since.
On the afternoon of Jan. 21st, Deputies and Task Force Officers from the U.S. Marshals led Arizona WANTED Fugitive Task Force traveled to Pueblo, Colorado after developing information which indicated that Clark was residing in Pueblo. After conducting a brief surveillance in the area, Deputies and Task Force Officers were able to arrest Clark without incident. In addition to his probation violation, Clark may now face additional charges for failing to register as a sex offender.
United States Marshal David Gonzales praised the work of Deputies and law enforcement officers adding, “The United States Marshals Service, along with our state and local partners spare no expense in going after those who flee Arizona to escape justice. This arrest should be notice to those who think they can run from the law; we will find you and come after you no matter where you decide to hide.”
The full-time federal, state, and local agencies that comprise the Arizona WANTED include: U.S. Marshals Service; Immigration and Customs Enforcement; Arizona Department of Public Safety; Maricopa County Adult Probation Office; Mesa Police Department; Chandler Police Department; Tempe Police Department; Surprise Police Department; El Mirage Police Department and several part-time state and local law enforcement agencies.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Mesa Teacher Found Dead In Home, Son Arrested
Pinal County sheriff's deputies responded to the home for a health and welfare check after she didn't show up for work yesterday, Jan. 20th. Deputies forced entry into the residence after they received no response, and made contact with a male subject later identified as John Valencia. In the course of checking the residence, deputies discovered a deceased female in the garage. The victim was later positively identified as Zenaida Valencia.
John Valencia, son of the victim, was taken into custody was booked into the Pinal County Adult Detention Center in connection with Zenaida Valencia’s death.
The cause of death has not been released at this time, as the results of the autopsy are still pending.
Deputies said they found a freshly dug hole that measured 18 inches wide, 4 feet long and 18 inches deep in the back yard of the home, but have not stated whether it is related to the crime scene.
John Valencia, son of the victim, was taken into custody was booked into the Pinal County Adult Detention Center in connection with Zenaida Valencia’s death.
The cause of death has not been released at this time, as the results of the autopsy are still pending.
Deputies said they found a freshly dug hole that measured 18 inches wide, 4 feet long and 18 inches deep in the back yard of the home, but have not stated whether it is related to the crime scene.
BHP Cutting Over 6,000 Worldwide
BHP Billiton, is laying off over 6,000 employes worldwide. The Ravensthorpe Nickel Operation in Australia, which was ordered to "immediately commence the safe ramp down and indefinite suspension" today, Jan. 21st. Also, 200 positions at the Olympic Dam copper and uranium mine in Australia have been eliminated, a further 1,100 at Australian collieries are being let go, about 2,000 workers across South America will be released, & Pinto Valley is cutting 550 employees.
BHP will take a one time write off of $1.6-billion and is reducing activity from the Mount Keith nickel mine in Australia as prices continue to dwindle.
BHP will take a one time write off of $1.6-billion and is reducing activity from the Mount Keith nickel mine in Australia as prices continue to dwindle.
Gila County Drug Task Force Conducts Round Up
The Gila County Drug Task Force conducted a warrant round up in the Globe, Claypool, & Miami area on Jan. 19th. Agencies that assisted were Arizona DPS-G.I.T.E.M., Globe PD, & Gila County Deputies. In the course of the day twelve warrants were cleared, seven suspects were arrested, two drug cases were conducted, & one juvenile referral was accomplished.
One Killed In ATV Accident
On Jan. 19th, at approx. 4 pm, the Gila County Sheriff's Office received a 911 transfer from the Payson Police Dept. with a male subject and female subject saying they needed medical for a quad accident and gave their location as being east of Beaver Valley, but were not sure of the exact location. The victim was a 17 year old female bleeding from the nose and mouth and had no pulse or respiration. The cell phone they were using had a weak signal and kept fading out. A subsequent call was received advising there was another girl hurt with back, neck, andrib injuries.
The only way to get them was by ATV or helicopter. There were conflicting GPS readings for their location. Beaver Valley Fire Dept. and Gila County Sheriff's Office Deputies began driving around the area attempting to locate the scene while a DPS helicopter flew in the area. The subjects were eventually located on the Old Love Lady Ranch. DPS was able to land in a clearing and flew the injured girl to the Flagstaff Medical Center. The other girl was pronounced dead at the scene before Deputies arrived. The names of all those involved are not being released until the family members have been properly notified.
The investigation revealed that six subjects were riding quads in a meadow with many hills and bumps. Three girls were riding on one quad when the driver lost control because of the speed and bumps causing the quad to impact with a Juniper tree. The driver jumped off the quad prior to impact. The middle girl struck the tree while the third girl suffered minor injuries and refused medical treatment.
The only way to get them was by ATV or helicopter. There were conflicting GPS readings for their location. Beaver Valley Fire Dept. and Gila County Sheriff's Office Deputies began driving around the area attempting to locate the scene while a DPS helicopter flew in the area. The subjects were eventually located on the Old Love Lady Ranch. DPS was able to land in a clearing and flew the injured girl to the Flagstaff Medical Center. The other girl was pronounced dead at the scene before Deputies arrived. The names of all those involved are not being released until the family members have been properly notified.
The investigation revealed that six subjects were riding quads in a meadow with many hills and bumps. Three girls were riding on one quad when the driver lost control because of the speed and bumps causing the quad to impact with a Juniper tree. The driver jumped off the quad prior to impact. The middle girl struck the tree while the third girl suffered minor injuries and refused medical treatment.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Cardinals And Steelers Advance To Super Bowl XLIII
For the first time in franchise history the Arizona Cardinals have reached a Super Bowl. Arizona and Pittsburgh will now meet in Tampa on Feb. 1st, at 6 pm ET on NBC.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Some Businesses In Downtown Globe Will Be Switched To New Water Line Tuesday
The City of Globe Water Dept. will be turning water off in the downtown area on Jan. 20th, from approx. 8 am until 2:30 pm. This will affect businesses from the 200 block through the 400 block of N. Broad and N. Pine St. The City of Globe Water Dept. has replaced a section of water line and will be tying some businesses to this line.
MDA Looking For Summer Camp Volunteers
The Muscular Dystrophy Association is searching for volunteer counselors to assist and befriend youngsters with muscular dystrophy and related diseases at weeklong MDA summer camps across the country.
Applicants must be at least 16 years old and able to lift and care for a young person between the ages of 6 and 17. Each volunteer counselor becomes a companion to a camper with a muscle disease and helps with daily activities such as eating, bathing and dressing. Counselors also assist campers with recreational activities such as arts and crafts, swimming and horseback riding.
"MDA summer camp is an incredibly valuable experience for the young people we serve," said MDA President and CEO Gerald C. Weinberg. "It's a week during which they build confidence and independence, and participate in a full range of activities that often aren’t accessible to them."
Volunteer counselors say the experience is a special, life-changing experience for them as well. "They often tell us they come away with far more than they give," Weinberg said.
At no charge to families, MDA's summer camp program serves more than 4,000 campers nationwide, with more than 5,000 volunteers making it possible.
In 2008, MDA held 90 camp sessions at 75 locations in 43 states and Puerto Rico. There were 400 medical staff members, 295 of whom were volunteers. It costs the Association $800 to send one child to camp.
To obtain a volunteer application or learn about other ways to support MDA's summer camp program, call (800) 572-1717.
MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat muscular dystrophy and related diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, advocacy, and far-reaching professional and public health education.
The Association’s programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors.
Applicants must be at least 16 years old and able to lift and care for a young person between the ages of 6 and 17. Each volunteer counselor becomes a companion to a camper with a muscle disease and helps with daily activities such as eating, bathing and dressing. Counselors also assist campers with recreational activities such as arts and crafts, swimming and horseback riding.
"MDA summer camp is an incredibly valuable experience for the young people we serve," said MDA President and CEO Gerald C. Weinberg. "It's a week during which they build confidence and independence, and participate in a full range of activities that often aren’t accessible to them."
Volunteer counselors say the experience is a special, life-changing experience for them as well. "They often tell us they come away with far more than they give," Weinberg said.
At no charge to families, MDA's summer camp program serves more than 4,000 campers nationwide, with more than 5,000 volunteers making it possible.
In 2008, MDA held 90 camp sessions at 75 locations in 43 states and Puerto Rico. There were 400 medical staff members, 295 of whom were volunteers. It costs the Association $800 to send one child to camp.
To obtain a volunteer application or learn about other ways to support MDA's summer camp program, call (800) 572-1717.
MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat muscular dystrophy and related diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, advocacy, and far-reaching professional and public health education.
The Association’s programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors.
ADOT Is Removing Several Roadside Memorials Along US 60 In The Pinto Valley Area
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will be removing several roadside memorials along US 60 in the Pinto Valley area between Top of the World and Miami. ADOT is constructing a passing lane and making other improvements to US 60 and the memorials need to be removed to make way for the improvements.
ADOT requests families not to remove the memorials themselves. The traffic and heavy construction equipment in the area create unacceptable safety risks for people who stop along the highway.
ADOT crews will remove the memorials and store them at the Superior Maintenance Yard, which is located on Main Street in Superior. Individuals who wish to retrieve the memorials may make arrangements with Dennis Dodd at 520-689-2366.
ADOT encourages the use of Adopt a Highway signs for families who wish to remember family members. In the Phoenix area call (602) 712-4683 or call toll-free 1-800-354-8837.
ADOT requests families not to remove the memorials themselves. The traffic and heavy construction equipment in the area create unacceptable safety risks for people who stop along the highway.
ADOT crews will remove the memorials and store them at the Superior Maintenance Yard, which is located on Main Street in Superior. Individuals who wish to retrieve the memorials may make arrangements with Dennis Dodd at 520-689-2366.
ADOT encourages the use of Adopt a Highway signs for families who wish to remember family members. In the Phoenix area call (602) 712-4683 or call toll-free 1-800-354-8837.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Tonto Basin Emergency Assistance Center Is Now Closed
As of Jan. 12th, the Emergency Assistance Center located on Elm St. in Tonto Basin is closed until further notice. Requests for assistance will be addressed on a case by case basis. Please leave a non-emergency message on the Gila County Emergency Management Hotline: 1-928-402-8888. Calls will be returned within 24 hours, Monday through Friday.
The Store crossing and the Bar X crossing's are now open, but the A Cross crossing still remains closed and barricaded due to continued runoff.
Gila County continues to monitor weather and road conditions. Emergency updates will be posted to their hotline, 1-928-402-8888, as emergent conditions develop.
The Store crossing and the Bar X crossing's are now open, but the A Cross crossing still remains closed and barricaded due to continued runoff.
Gila County continues to monitor weather and road conditions. Emergency updates will be posted to their hotline, 1-928-402-8888, as emergent conditions develop.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Prescribed Burns Planned Near Payson & Pine
A five-day prescribed burn operation is planned this week near Payson and Pine. Prescribed fire is always dependent on optimum weather conditions such as ideal relative humidity, temperature, wind speed and direction, and fuel moisture content prior to ignition.
Beginning today Jan. 12th, the Payson ranger district fire specialists plan to burn vegetative debris piles north and east of Pine through Friday Jan. 16th. Fire officials plan to eliminate 450 acres of debris piles, each weighing a half-ton up to one-and-a-half tons, by the end of the five-day prescribed burning operation. Residents and visitors to the area can expect to see light to moderate amounts of smoke each day of the operation that will move up and over Milk Ranch Point and the Mogollon Rim. Most smoke will dissipate by 3 pm. Diurnal air flow will move residual smoke in the evening hours down Pine Creek.
Fire officials also plan to eliminate vegetative debris piles with prescription fire in the following locations: north of Home Depot and Payson Pines in Payson; along a ridge west of Payson and north of Oxbow Estates; north of Round Valley turnoff off Hwy. 87; and south of Oxbow Estates. Approximately 350 acres in these areas remain to be treated with prescription fire. Residents and visitors to the area can expect to see light to moderate amounts of smoke each day of the prescription burning operation. Most smoke will dissipate by sundown. Diurnal air flow will move residual smoke down Lousy Gulch and Rye Creek in the evening hours, except in the location north of Home Depot and Payson Pines, where residual smoke may linger in the area during evening hours.
“While reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfire danger to Rim Country communities as fire officials work to meet their hefty workload of treating 2,250 strategically critical acres with prescribed fire before the start of the next fire season, there are going to be times when smoke may briefly impact communities. As we continue to work to protect Rim Country communities from destructive wildland fires, we very much appreciate the support, understanding, and patience of Rim Country residents,” said Gary Roberts, Payson Ranger District, Fire Prevention Officer.
Beginning today Jan. 12th, the Payson ranger district fire specialists plan to burn vegetative debris piles north and east of Pine through Friday Jan. 16th. Fire officials plan to eliminate 450 acres of debris piles, each weighing a half-ton up to one-and-a-half tons, by the end of the five-day prescribed burning operation. Residents and visitors to the area can expect to see light to moderate amounts of smoke each day of the operation that will move up and over Milk Ranch Point and the Mogollon Rim. Most smoke will dissipate by 3 pm. Diurnal air flow will move residual smoke in the evening hours down Pine Creek.
Fire officials also plan to eliminate vegetative debris piles with prescription fire in the following locations: north of Home Depot and Payson Pines in Payson; along a ridge west of Payson and north of Oxbow Estates; north of Round Valley turnoff off Hwy. 87; and south of Oxbow Estates. Approximately 350 acres in these areas remain to be treated with prescription fire. Residents and visitors to the area can expect to see light to moderate amounts of smoke each day of the prescription burning operation. Most smoke will dissipate by sundown. Diurnal air flow will move residual smoke down Lousy Gulch and Rye Creek in the evening hours, except in the location north of Home Depot and Payson Pines, where residual smoke may linger in the area during evening hours.
“While reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfire danger to Rim Country communities as fire officials work to meet their hefty workload of treating 2,250 strategically critical acres with prescribed fire before the start of the next fire season, there are going to be times when smoke may briefly impact communities. As we continue to work to protect Rim Country communities from destructive wildland fires, we very much appreciate the support, understanding, and patience of Rim Country residents,” said Gary Roberts, Payson Ranger District, Fire Prevention Officer.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Brewer Select's Bennett For Secretary of State
Secretary of State Jan Brewer today announced she will appoint Prescott resident and former Arizona Senate President Ken Bennett as her replacement for Secretary of State.
“In selecting my replacement, I look to Mr. Bennett’s extensive and well-rounded career in both the public and private sectors. He has served the state of Arizona on numerous levels with dedication and conviction, and Ken brings a great deal of wisdom and experience to this office,” stated Brewer.
In making this selection, Secretary Brewer held to her long conviction that the state’s second highest constitutional officer should play an active role in the Governor’s administration.
“Ken Bennett is exactly the person that I would be proud and honored to serve with,” stated Sec. Brewer. “He is personable, has excellent leadership qualities and he uses those skills extremely well to reach across the aisle and bring people together around a specific cause.”
Mr. Bennett began his political career in the 1980’s serving as a member of the Prescott City Council. He was appointed to the Arizona State Board of Education in 1992, serving as president in 1996 and 1998. In 1998 he was elected to the Arizona Senate, where he served as Chairman of the Education Committee for two years and President of the Senate for four years, 2003 – 2006.
“As a native Arizonan and long-time resident of Prescott, Mr. Bennett has a thorough knowledge of rural Arizona. This is just one more tremendous asset he will bring to the Secretary of State’s Office,” stated Brewer.
Bennett served as CEO of Bennett Oil Company, a family fuel distribution business from 1985 to 2006. Since leaving the Senate in 2007 because of term limits, Bennett has been working with companies to develop alternative energy sources and energy efficient building technologies. He is currently Chairman of the Board of Global Building Systems Inc. in Prescott.
In 2007, Bennett received the Polly Rosenbaum Award from the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records in recognition of his unfailing support of the State Library’s mission to preserve Arizona’s history and to provide access to information on the state. He graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in accounting.
“In selecting my replacement, I look to Mr. Bennett’s extensive and well-rounded career in both the public and private sectors. He has served the state of Arizona on numerous levels with dedication and conviction, and Ken brings a great deal of wisdom and experience to this office,” stated Brewer.
In making this selection, Secretary Brewer held to her long conviction that the state’s second highest constitutional officer should play an active role in the Governor’s administration.
“Ken Bennett is exactly the person that I would be proud and honored to serve with,” stated Sec. Brewer. “He is personable, has excellent leadership qualities and he uses those skills extremely well to reach across the aisle and bring people together around a specific cause.”
Mr. Bennett began his political career in the 1980’s serving as a member of the Prescott City Council. He was appointed to the Arizona State Board of Education in 1992, serving as president in 1996 and 1998. In 1998 he was elected to the Arizona Senate, where he served as Chairman of the Education Committee for two years and President of the Senate for four years, 2003 – 2006.
“As a native Arizonan and long-time resident of Prescott, Mr. Bennett has a thorough knowledge of rural Arizona. This is just one more tremendous asset he will bring to the Secretary of State’s Office,” stated Brewer.
Bennett served as CEO of Bennett Oil Company, a family fuel distribution business from 1985 to 2006. Since leaving the Senate in 2007 because of term limits, Bennett has been working with companies to develop alternative energy sources and energy efficient building technologies. He is currently Chairman of the Board of Global Building Systems Inc. in Prescott.
In 2007, Bennett received the Polly Rosenbaum Award from the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records in recognition of his unfailing support of the State Library’s mission to preserve Arizona’s history and to provide access to information on the state. He graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in accounting.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Water Main Break Has Traffic Down To One Lane On Stapley Drive
Traffic is restricted to one lane in each direction on Stapley Drive between Broadway Road and Southern Avenue due to a water main break. City crews are working to repair the damage to the water line and hope to reopen the road by Friday afternoon. Residents are encouraged to use an alternate route to avoid traffic delays.
Sixty-Seven Pounds Of Cocaine Found In Vehicle After Stop
At approx. 7:45 am on Jan. 7th, the Gila County Task Force along with a K9 assisted the Department of Public Safety with a traffic stop on US 60 around MP 255. The K9 became alert to something suspicious within the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the County Shop in order for a search to be performed. After completing a search of the vehicle, a total of 67 pounds of Cocaine was located.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
9th Annual Street Fair and Car Show
The 9th Annual Street Fair and Car Show is set to have 150 exhibitors selling art, pottery, jewelry, clothing, sculptures, food, entertainment, & more. The expanded Car Show includes 23 classes. Special activities will be held at the Paramount Theatre. The Street Fair will be held Saturday, Jan. 17th, from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday, Jan. 18th, from 10 am to 4 pm. The Car Show will be held Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm. For more information, visit cgmainstreet.com.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Confession Thrown Out In St. John's Case
The confession made by the 9-year-old St. Johns boy accused of double murder will not be used.
The defense argued that the boy had been illegally questioned since he did not have an attorney or family member present when they asked the judge to throw out the confession obtained.
The prosecutors agreed not to use it, but said they will use them if the boy takes the stand and contradicts what was said. In this partial agreement, the Prosecutors said they did not base their decision on the grounds that the statements had been obtained illegally.
The defense argued that the boy had been illegally questioned since he did not have an attorney or family member present when they asked the judge to throw out the confession obtained.
The prosecutors agreed not to use it, but said they will use them if the boy takes the stand and contradicts what was said. In this partial agreement, the Prosecutors said they did not base their decision on the grounds that the statements had been obtained illegally.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Gila County Safe House Gymkhana Fundraiser
The Gymkhana will be held Jan. 10th, at the Gila County Fairgrounds with registration starting at 9 am. The Gymkhana will get underway promptly at 10 am. The Divisions are for: 7 and Under, 8 - 12, 13 - 17, 18 -24, 25 and Over OPEN, & 25 and Over NOVICE. Awards will be given to those who finish in 1st through 5th place in each Division. They will have five timed events for the Divisions listed at only $4 per event/per rider. They will also have one additional timed fun event, 1st through 5th place.
All proceeds from this Gymkhana will benefit the Gila County Safe House.
All proceeds from this Gymkhana will benefit the Gila County Safe House.
Friday, January 2, 2009
First Things First Gila Regional Pertnership Council Community Forum
First Things First Gila Regional Pertnership Council is inviting anyone with ideas about improving early childhood development and health for Gila County's youngest children - birth through age five - to a Community Forum. The Community Forum is Jan. 22nd, from 6 pm to 8 pm, in the Hayden Town Council Chambers at 520 Velasco Ave.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Globe And Safford Both Benefitting From Main Street Grants
To make it easier for out-of-state and Arizona tourists to find their way to and enjoy the atmosphere of historic downtown businesses is a major goal of Main Street Grants awarded by the Arizona Department of Commerce. The communities of Safford and Globe, both of which are an integral part of Arizona's rich history will benefit from the latest round of awards.
The awards total $34,000; descriptions of what they are to be used for are below:
In Safford:
* $15,000 will help the city install an audio system along Main Street to play music during business hours, creating an inviting setting downtown. During special events, advertisements will encourage visitors to stay and shop local.
* The city will receive $15,000 to help pay for analysis and design consultation as it begins restoration of the historic theater, which closed in 1981.
In Globe:
* In July 2005, the four-story building adjacent to the Globe Theater was devastated by fire and its upper floors collapsed into the theater. All that remained was the façade, the entry, and the "Globe" marquee. Construction of a new theater is set to begin in January 2009, and the funding will help pay for restoration of the historic marquee.
"Historic commercial cores are revitalized with these grants, which focus on attracting purchasers to Arizona's retail and transaction centers," said Marco A. López, Jr., Commerce Director. "Downtowns thrive when we focus on assisting communities, enhancing the character of cities for the benefit of residents and visitors.”
The Main Street Program fosters economic development within the context of historic preservation by working as a partner with local and state agencies, property owners and business people to revitalize downtown areas. Established by the Arizona state legislature, the Main Street Program is administered through Commerce to stimulate the preservation and revitalization of downtown areas in smaller communities statewide. Commerce assists Main Street Program participants in creating local organizations that manage both revitalization and promotion of central business districts in their respective communities.
The awards total $34,000; descriptions of what they are to be used for are below:
In Safford:
* $15,000 will help the city install an audio system along Main Street to play music during business hours, creating an inviting setting downtown. During special events, advertisements will encourage visitors to stay and shop local.
* The city will receive $15,000 to help pay for analysis and design consultation as it begins restoration of the historic theater, which closed in 1981.
In Globe:
* In July 2005, the four-story building adjacent to the Globe Theater was devastated by fire and its upper floors collapsed into the theater. All that remained was the façade, the entry, and the "Globe" marquee. Construction of a new theater is set to begin in January 2009, and the funding will help pay for restoration of the historic marquee.
"Historic commercial cores are revitalized with these grants, which focus on attracting purchasers to Arizona's retail and transaction centers," said Marco A. López, Jr., Commerce Director. "Downtowns thrive when we focus on assisting communities, enhancing the character of cities for the benefit of residents and visitors.”
The Main Street Program fosters economic development within the context of historic preservation by working as a partner with local and state agencies, property owners and business people to revitalize downtown areas. Established by the Arizona state legislature, the Main Street Program is administered through Commerce to stimulate the preservation and revitalization of downtown areas in smaller communities statewide. Commerce assists Main Street Program participants in creating local organizations that manage both revitalization and promotion of central business districts in their respective communities.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Gila County Drug Interdiction Unit Scores A Big Hit
At approx. 9:36 am on Dec. 28th, a Gila County Drug Interdiction Unit conducted a traffic stop at Highway 60 & Milepost 255. Upon contact with the driver, the agent detected signs of criminal activity. The agent's K-9 unit was then deployed and alerted on the vehicle. A false compartment was located containing 289.5 pounds of marijuana inside worth an estimated street value of $290,000. The driver, Salvador Gamino, age 62 of Texas was arrested and booked into the Gila County Jail on charges of drugs for sale and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Suspect Dies After Confrontation With Pinal County Sheriff's Deputies
At approx. 3 am this morning, Pinal County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a domestic violence call on the 4500 block of Rolling Ridge Road in unincorporated Pinal County east of the town of Queen Creek. According to investigators, when the deputies arrived, a suspect was outside waiting for them and fired a shot toward the deputies. At that time, deputies returned fire to neutralize the threat and the suspect. The suspect, David Hogue, 55, of Queen Creek, sustained life-threatening injuries and was flown via helicopter to Scottsdale Osbourn Hospital. Hogue later died at the hospital from his injuries.
missing hiker found
The missing hiker was found, minutes ago, by workers at BHP after four bitterly cold days. The earliest on-site assessment by a medical team, was that of possible frost bite to the feet. BHP is using their helipad to help fly the person to a Valley hospital.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Burnette Singers Apache Song & Dance Ceremony
Everyone is welcome to countdown the new year with a free New Years Eve Celebration Night from 6 pm to Midnight on Dec. 31st, at Burnette's Ceremony Holyground in Canyonday on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. There is no open alcohol drinking on or near the Canyonday Holyground.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Casa Grande Father and Daughter Dance
The City of Casa Grande Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring a Father and Daughter Dance that is to be held on Friday, Jan. 9th, at the Dorothy Powell Senior Adult Center (405 E 6th St.) from 6 pm to 8 pm. There will be food, crafts, games and dancing. Each couple will take home a keepsake photograph. The fee is $20 for every couple ($5 for each additional daughter). For any questions, please call 421-8677.
2008 City of Globe Christmas Lighting Contest Winners
The winners of the 2008 City of Globe Christmas Lighting Contest are:
1st Place & $125: Neil & Sue Mitchell (745 W. Kitt Peak Rd.)
2nd Place & $75: Danny & Linda Michels (1655 N. Radonovich Blvd.)
3rd Place & $50: Bob & Renee Nims (917 S. Jess Hayes Rd.)
1st Place & $125: Neil & Sue Mitchell (745 W. Kitt Peak Rd.)
2nd Place & $75: Danny & Linda Michels (1655 N. Radonovich Blvd.)
3rd Place & $50: Bob & Renee Nims (917 S. Jess Hayes Rd.)
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Besh-ba-Gowah Festival Of Lights
On Dec. 21st, at no charge, the Besh-ba-Gowah Archeological Park will celebrate the holiday with 1,600 luminaries lit up around the ruins for the 21st Annual Festival of Lights. The Globe High School JROTC will perform the opening ceremony and Donna Anderson will again emcee the program. Visitors can enjoy performances by; flutist Robert Wilson, the Globe High School Apache Club's Crown Dancer group, "The 40 Somethings", Moe and his Amigos will play traditional and Spanish Christmas music in the auditorium. Weather permitting, all performances will be in the Central Plaza lit by a large bonfire. Santa Claus will be there taking pictures with the children for a modest $2 donation.
Visitors can warm up around the bonfire at the center of the historic pueblo ruins; hot cider, coffee, tea, & cookies will be served as you wander the trails and enjoy the peaceful holiday atmospere.
The luminaries will be filled and placed on the wall during the afternoon by staff and volunteers and lit at 5 pm. The entertainment will begin at approx. 5:30 pm & the park will close at 9 pm.
The Besh-ba-Gowah Archeological Park is located on Jess Hayes Road in Globe. For more info call, (928) 425-0320.
Visitors can warm up around the bonfire at the center of the historic pueblo ruins; hot cider, coffee, tea, & cookies will be served as you wander the trails and enjoy the peaceful holiday atmospere.
The luminaries will be filled and placed on the wall during the afternoon by staff and volunteers and lit at 5 pm. The entertainment will begin at approx. 5:30 pm & the park will close at 9 pm.
The Besh-ba-Gowah Archeological Park is located on Jess Hayes Road in Globe. For more info call, (928) 425-0320.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Florence Inmate Discovered Hanging In Shower
Pinal County Sheriff's Office Homicide Detectives are actively investigating a scene involving human remains about three miles south of the U.S. 60 and Picket Post. Superior PD initially took the call from a camper who discovered a freezer with human remains inside with a sack placed on top of the freezer. The camper called 911 as soon as he was within reception. Superior PD secured the scene around noon and PCSO detectives arrived on scene at about 1 pm and are currently investigating. The identity, including the sex, of the remains is not available.
Two Die In Crash Carrying Undocumented Aliens
At approx. 7:25 am on Dec. 14th, a fatality accident involving a vehicle containing undocumented aliens was reported to the Pinalc County Sheriff's Office.
The accident occurred West of Sunland Gin and Aries to the West of Silverbell Estates. Border Patrol responded and located the two deceased individuals and ten other victims. Three medical helicopters were dispatched for the more severe trauma patients. The injuries of the 10 are unknown at this moment. So far, the mutual aid response from medical has been reported as being from Southwest Ambulance, Az City Fire, Casa Grande Fire, & Eloy Fire.
The driver of the vehicle reportedly left the scene on foot. The vehicle involved is a stolen truck out of Buckeye PD.
The accident occurred West of Sunland Gin and Aries to the West of Silverbell Estates. Border Patrol responded and located the two deceased individuals and ten other victims. Three medical helicopters were dispatched for the more severe trauma patients. The injuries of the 10 are unknown at this moment. So far, the mutual aid response from medical has been reported as being from Southwest Ambulance, Az City Fire, Casa Grande Fire, & Eloy Fire.
The driver of the vehicle reportedly left the scene on foot. The vehicle involved is a stolen truck out of Buckeye PD.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Arizona Emergency Care Receives Overall Grade Of D+
Citing a critical physician workforce shortage and severe challenges in meeting a growing population that needs emergency services, Arizona ranked 45th in the nation, scoring near the bottom with an overall grade of D+, according to the American College of Emergency Physicians’ (ACEP’s) National Report Card on the State of Emergency Medicine. The Report Card comes at the time when the national picture looks bleak: job and insurance losses, a rapidly growing senior population and a recent survey forecasting critical shortages of primary care doctors all point to escalating emergency patient populations.
Arizona received an impressive A- for Disaster Preparedness and a national ranking of 9th in this category. In contrast, Arizona’s other grades were failing or below average, except for the Quality & Patient Safety Environment category, where the state earned a C.
In the most heavily weighted category, Access to Emergency Care, Arizona received a grade of F and a near-the-bottom ranking of 48th in the nation. A major contributing factor included a shortage of registered nurses – just 560.8 per 100,000 people. Additionally, there are only 7.1 emergency departments and 1.1 trauma centers per 1 million people. In addition, 22.3% of adults and 17% of children in Arizona lack health insurance, significantly more than the national average of 17.2% of adults and 11.7% of children who are uninsured.
“In Arizona, we're facing serious crowding and boarding issues in emergency departments and hospitals, as well as a general workforce shortage and lack of on-call specialists,” said Craig Norquist, MD, president of the Arizona Chapter of ACEP. “This is a crisis, and we need to work closely with hospitals and other facilities to identify ways to increase capacity and serve a larger population before the situation gets worse.”
With relatively high medical liability insurance premiums for primary care physicians and specialists ($22,798 and $87,175, respectively), no additional liability protections for EMTALA-mandated emergency care, no caps on medical liability non-economic damages and no pretrial screening panels to discourage frivolous lawsuits, Arizona received its second F grade in the Medical Liability Environment category, with a ranking of 48th in the nation.
“This may seem obvious, but if Arizona wants to continue to attract and maintain a broader workforce, we need to take immediate action to improve the Medical Liability Environment,” said Dr. Norquist. “Otherwise doctors will not want to practice here and our current personnel shortcomings will continue to worsen.”
Arizona closely avoided its third failing grade, receiving a D- in Public Health and Injury Prevention. The state’s greatest shortcoming in this category is its especially low immunization rates. Fewer than three-quarters of Arizona’s children between the age of 19 and 35 months are immunized (74.8%), compared with 80.5 % nationally. Additionally, less than two-thirds of adults aged 65 years and older received influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations (65.4% and 66.5%, respectively). Arizona also has one and a half times the national average in unintentional fall-related fatalities, yet the state spends nothing on fall injury education or prevention and is near the bottom (47th) in total injury prevention funds. On Arizona’s roads, 45% of all traffic fatalities are alcohol-related and there is no helmet law for motorcyclists. The numbers in this category also reveal a higher than average homicide and suicide rate.
“Prevention has to be a bigger part of our overall program and more children and adults need to have adequate health insurance,” said Dr. Norquist. “The high rates of uninsured patients, lack of health education and a depleted workforce hamper access to adequate preventive and emergency care, which I sincerely believe will further strain the medical system.”
Arizona fared better in the Quality & Patient Safety Environment category earning a C. Over 90% of Arizona counties have Emergency 911 service and 40% of hospitals have electronic medical records. While most items in the category were on par with national averages, the number of emergency medicine residents was very low – only 10.6 for every 1 million people. Arizona also does not have a uniform system for providing pre-arrival instructions in their emergency departments or require adverse event or hospital-based infections reporting.
As mentioned previously, Arizona ranked near the top (9th) of the nation in Disaster Preparedness, with a grade of A-. Despite receiving only $9.51 per person for disaster preparedness (the national average is $13.82 per person), Arizona has established a statewide patient tracking system as well as a statewide syndromic surveillance system. Arizona also was highly ranked in regard to the per capita percentage of nurses and physicians registered in the state-based Emergency System for Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals program.
“The weakened economy combined with a failing health care system mean that growing numbers of people will need emergency care,” said Dr. Nick Jouriles, president of ACEP. “In fact, the role of emergency care has never been more critical to this nation, which is why emergency patients must become a top priority for health care reform. We are urging President-elect Obama and the new Congress to strengthen emergency departments, because they are a health care safety net for us all.”
The nation’s failure to support emergency patients resulted in a C- for the country overall. Massachusetts earned the highest overall grade of a B and Arkansas ranked last (51st) in the nation with a D-. The national grade was calculated using the same methodology used for the overall state grades and is a weighted average of the nation’s category grades.
The grades are from ACEP’s National Report Card on the State of Emergency Medicine, a comprehensive analysis of the support that states provide for emergency patients. The new Report Card contains more than twice the measures of ACEP’s first Report Card in 2006, as well as a new category for disaster preparedness, which makes it more comprehensive, although not directly comparable to the previous Report Card.
The five Report Card categories (and weightings) are: Access to Emergency Care (30%), Quality and Patient Safety Environment (20%), Medical Liability Environment (20%), Public Health and Injury Prevention (15%) and Disaster Preparedness (15%).
The National Report Card on the State of Emergency Medicine was made possible, in part, by funding from the Emergency Medicine Foundation, which gratefully acknowledges the support of The WellPoint Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
The Arizona College of Emergency Physicians is a state chapter of ACEP, a national medical specialty society representing emergency medicine with more than 27,000 members. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies.
Arizona received an impressive A- for Disaster Preparedness and a national ranking of 9th in this category. In contrast, Arizona’s other grades were failing or below average, except for the Quality & Patient Safety Environment category, where the state earned a C.
In the most heavily weighted category, Access to Emergency Care, Arizona received a grade of F and a near-the-bottom ranking of 48th in the nation. A major contributing factor included a shortage of registered nurses – just 560.8 per 100,000 people. Additionally, there are only 7.1 emergency departments and 1.1 trauma centers per 1 million people. In addition, 22.3% of adults and 17% of children in Arizona lack health insurance, significantly more than the national average of 17.2% of adults and 11.7% of children who are uninsured.
“In Arizona, we're facing serious crowding and boarding issues in emergency departments and hospitals, as well as a general workforce shortage and lack of on-call specialists,” said Craig Norquist, MD, president of the Arizona Chapter of ACEP. “This is a crisis, and we need to work closely with hospitals and other facilities to identify ways to increase capacity and serve a larger population before the situation gets worse.”
With relatively high medical liability insurance premiums for primary care physicians and specialists ($22,798 and $87,175, respectively), no additional liability protections for EMTALA-mandated emergency care, no caps on medical liability non-economic damages and no pretrial screening panels to discourage frivolous lawsuits, Arizona received its second F grade in the Medical Liability Environment category, with a ranking of 48th in the nation.
“This may seem obvious, but if Arizona wants to continue to attract and maintain a broader workforce, we need to take immediate action to improve the Medical Liability Environment,” said Dr. Norquist. “Otherwise doctors will not want to practice here and our current personnel shortcomings will continue to worsen.”
Arizona closely avoided its third failing grade, receiving a D- in Public Health and Injury Prevention. The state’s greatest shortcoming in this category is its especially low immunization rates. Fewer than three-quarters of Arizona’s children between the age of 19 and 35 months are immunized (74.8%), compared with 80.5 % nationally. Additionally, less than two-thirds of adults aged 65 years and older received influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations (65.4% and 66.5%, respectively). Arizona also has one and a half times the national average in unintentional fall-related fatalities, yet the state spends nothing on fall injury education or prevention and is near the bottom (47th) in total injury prevention funds. On Arizona’s roads, 45% of all traffic fatalities are alcohol-related and there is no helmet law for motorcyclists. The numbers in this category also reveal a higher than average homicide and suicide rate.
“Prevention has to be a bigger part of our overall program and more children and adults need to have adequate health insurance,” said Dr. Norquist. “The high rates of uninsured patients, lack of health education and a depleted workforce hamper access to adequate preventive and emergency care, which I sincerely believe will further strain the medical system.”
Arizona fared better in the Quality & Patient Safety Environment category earning a C. Over 90% of Arizona counties have Emergency 911 service and 40% of hospitals have electronic medical records. While most items in the category were on par with national averages, the number of emergency medicine residents was very low – only 10.6 for every 1 million people. Arizona also does not have a uniform system for providing pre-arrival instructions in their emergency departments or require adverse event or hospital-based infections reporting.
As mentioned previously, Arizona ranked near the top (9th) of the nation in Disaster Preparedness, with a grade of A-. Despite receiving only $9.51 per person for disaster preparedness (the national average is $13.82 per person), Arizona has established a statewide patient tracking system as well as a statewide syndromic surveillance system. Arizona also was highly ranked in regard to the per capita percentage of nurses and physicians registered in the state-based Emergency System for Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals program.
“The weakened economy combined with a failing health care system mean that growing numbers of people will need emergency care,” said Dr. Nick Jouriles, president of ACEP. “In fact, the role of emergency care has never been more critical to this nation, which is why emergency patients must become a top priority for health care reform. We are urging President-elect Obama and the new Congress to strengthen emergency departments, because they are a health care safety net for us all.”
The nation’s failure to support emergency patients resulted in a C- for the country overall. Massachusetts earned the highest overall grade of a B and Arkansas ranked last (51st) in the nation with a D-. The national grade was calculated using the same methodology used for the overall state grades and is a weighted average of the nation’s category grades.
The grades are from ACEP’s National Report Card on the State of Emergency Medicine, a comprehensive analysis of the support that states provide for emergency patients. The new Report Card contains more than twice the measures of ACEP’s first Report Card in 2006, as well as a new category for disaster preparedness, which makes it more comprehensive, although not directly comparable to the previous Report Card.
The five Report Card categories (and weightings) are: Access to Emergency Care (30%), Quality and Patient Safety Environment (20%), Medical Liability Environment (20%), Public Health and Injury Prevention (15%) and Disaster Preparedness (15%).
The National Report Card on the State of Emergency Medicine was made possible, in part, by funding from the Emergency Medicine Foundation, which gratefully acknowledges the support of The WellPoint Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
The Arizona College of Emergency Physicians is a state chapter of ACEP, a national medical specialty society representing emergency medicine with more than 27,000 members. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Mesa Animal Control Has A New Phone Number
A new phone number has been established for the City of Mesa Animal Control Unit, which was recently transferred from Mesa Police to Neighborhood Services. The new number to call in order to report an animal problem or to request information is (480) 644-2268. Animal Control officers are available Monday through Friday from 7 am to 4 pm. Messages can be left after hours and calls will be returned the next business day.
The new Animal Control phone number can be used for such issues as animal bites, animal pickups, barking dogs, dogs running loose, livestock restrictions and violations, animal abuse and dead animal pickup. If there is an immediate danger to health, such as a dog attack in progress or an animal in traffic, call 911. If you have a lost pet, contact the Maricopa County Shelter at (602) 506-7387. There are no leash or license laws for cats and no agencies pick up cats.
The new Animal Control phone number can be used for such issues as animal bites, animal pickups, barking dogs, dogs running loose, livestock restrictions and violations, animal abuse and dead animal pickup. If there is an immediate danger to health, such as a dog attack in progress or an animal in traffic, call 911. If you have a lost pet, contact the Maricopa County Shelter at (602) 506-7387. There are no leash or license laws for cats and no agencies pick up cats.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Evangelist Tommy Seals Appearing At The Globe Christian Center
Evangelist Tommy Seals will be at the Globe Christian Center, 509 East Maple St., for special church services on Dec. 7th, at 11 am & 6:30 pm & will continue through Dec. 10th, with a service at 7 pm each night. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Friday, December 5, 2008
St. Paul's Lutheran Church Bazaar
The St. Paul's Lutheran Church Bazaar is going on right now until 6 pm this evening. The Bazaar will also be held tomorrow, Dec. 6th, from 9am until Noon. Be sure to stop by the Bazaar at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Country Club Manor, odds are you'll find something for everyone.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Indoor Yard Sale
On Dec. 6th, there will be an indoor yard sale in the Mission Building, east of the First Southern Baptist Church in Miami. The yard sale is going to open at 9 am and will end at 3 pm. There will be crafts, a raffle, baked goodies, & lots of other items that are too good to resist. The money raised from the yard sale will go toward paving the parking lot between the two buildings. If you would like more information, please call 425-2919.
HDMS Wrestling Team Car Wash
The High Desert Middle School Wrestling Team is holding a car wash on Dec. 6th, at Autozone between Noon and 4 pm. All donations will be greatfully appreciated.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Whitney And Colorado River Indian Tribal Member Each Given 80 Months In Federal Prison
Stephanie Whitney, 46, of Parker, Az. and a member of the Colorado River Indian Tribe, was sentenced on Nov. 24th, 2008, by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Rosenblatt to 80 months in federal prison. Whitney pleaded guilty on Aug. 11th, 2008 to Assault with a Dangerous Weapon for stabbing her adult male friend with a knife.
On Sept. 14th, 2007, Whitney verbally threatened her friend with a knife, used the knife
to cut his left wrist then later stabbed him in the chest below his left collar bone, barely missing an artery. The victim was transported via helicopter to a hospital in Phoenix where he required multiple stitches for the stab wound.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Raynette Logan and Jennifer E. Green, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
On Sept. 14th, 2007, Whitney verbally threatened her friend with a knife, used the knife
to cut his left wrist then later stabbed him in the chest below his left collar bone, barely missing an artery. The victim was transported via helicopter to a hospital in Phoenix where he required multiple stitches for the stab wound.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Raynette Logan and Jennifer E. Green, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Ride to Provide With L.I.F.E. Fall Fundraiser
L.I.F.E. was created in honor of Lauren Reed, a beautiful six year old child who suffers from Sanfilippo Syndrome. Children with Sanfilippo syndrome are missing an essential enzyme that breaks down a complex body sugar called heparin sulfate. This sugar slowly builds in the brain, stopping normal development and causing hyperactivity, sleep disorders, loss of speech, dementia and typically death before adulthood. There is no cure, yet. It is through Lauren Reed that her mother and therapist found one another, saw a need and decided to do something about it for Lauren and all the other children with special needs.
On Nov. 15th, you can take part in the Ride to Provide with L.I.F.E. (Lauren's Institute for Education) fundraiser event. The cost is $30 per Rider or $40 Two Up. The ride will start at 10 am from 3341 E. Queen Creek Rd., Ste #109 in Gilbert and will end at The Buffalo Chip, 6811 E. Cave Creek Rd. in Cave Creek. Registration is available online at laurensinstitute.org or by calling 480-621-8361 or the day of the event from 8 am to 10 am.
The event will also includes live music, a silent auction, casino tables, a raffle, drinks, & a Texas Hold'em Tournament($100 Donation per seat). The lunch that will be provided inlcudes, BBQ Brisket, Pulled Pork, Chicken, Cole Slaw, Beans, & Rolls.
Prizes include:
2 custom painted helmets & a custom paint job
(First 100 riders get a free pin)
In the state if Arizona, children who qualify for services through the Department of Developmental Disabilities are provided with several therapies. This included Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Music Therapy and Habilitation. Due to the growing number of children in Arizona who qualify for these services, the ratio of client to therapist is, at times, overwhelming. Because there are few therapist to client need, parents are forced to take what is available based on necessity versus quality. This means parents are traveling from one facility to another trying to get their services and needs met. If a family is lucky, they may have a therapist who will come to them for home based services. However, this cut down on how many children can be seen due to travel time for the therapist.
In addition to the need for quality therapy for these children, there is an even greater need for appropriate social interaction and facilities that understand this need and can accommodate these special children and their individual needs. Today, there are places like Peter Piper Pizza, Chuck E. Cheese, Polar Ice, Bounce Zone and the Public play arena at your local mall where typical children can go and play. However, for a child with a developmental disability or a physical handicap, these facilities are not realistic. These children need and deserve a place where they can go and play, learn and socially interact; where they feel supported and accepted.
Their vision for children with special needs and their families is to build a 11,000 square foot facility called L.I.F.E. The Inspiration for doing this comes from Lauren and it only seems fitting to name this center for Lauren. This facility serves two purposes: 1) It is a facility where children’s therapist are located under one roof, and 2) Provides specially designed, accessible classrooms and play arenas for the children’s enjoyment. In addition to a daily therapy, they will have the option of signing up for designated play groups, organized habilitation sessions and open play time. Because all the therapist are under one roof, they will insist on a group collaboration wherein all therapist are communicating and supporting each others individual goals to better serve and meet the needs of the child. But most importantly, each child will be nurtured and believed in.
They are currently seeking help raising money for equipment and materials for the center in addition to any non-cash items for their fall fundraiser. Contact Margaret Travillion at (480)621-8361 3341 E. Queen Creek Arizona 85236. Any donation item will be used as raffle prizes or silent auction items.
On Nov. 15th, you can take part in the Ride to Provide with L.I.F.E. (Lauren's Institute for Education) fundraiser event. The cost is $30 per Rider or $40 Two Up. The ride will start at 10 am from 3341 E. Queen Creek Rd., Ste #109 in Gilbert and will end at The Buffalo Chip, 6811 E. Cave Creek Rd. in Cave Creek. Registration is available online at laurensinstitute.org or by calling 480-621-8361 or the day of the event from 8 am to 10 am.
The event will also includes live music, a silent auction, casino tables, a raffle, drinks, & a Texas Hold'em Tournament($100 Donation per seat). The lunch that will be provided inlcudes, BBQ Brisket, Pulled Pork, Chicken, Cole Slaw, Beans, & Rolls.
Prizes include:
2 custom painted helmets & a custom paint job
(First 100 riders get a free pin)
In the state if Arizona, children who qualify for services through the Department of Developmental Disabilities are provided with several therapies. This included Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Music Therapy and Habilitation. Due to the growing number of children in Arizona who qualify for these services, the ratio of client to therapist is, at times, overwhelming. Because there are few therapist to client need, parents are forced to take what is available based on necessity versus quality. This means parents are traveling from one facility to another trying to get their services and needs met. If a family is lucky, they may have a therapist who will come to them for home based services. However, this cut down on how many children can be seen due to travel time for the therapist.
In addition to the need for quality therapy for these children, there is an even greater need for appropriate social interaction and facilities that understand this need and can accommodate these special children and their individual needs. Today, there are places like Peter Piper Pizza, Chuck E. Cheese, Polar Ice, Bounce Zone and the Public play arena at your local mall where typical children can go and play. However, for a child with a developmental disability or a physical handicap, these facilities are not realistic. These children need and deserve a place where they can go and play, learn and socially interact; where they feel supported and accepted.
Their vision for children with special needs and their families is to build a 11,000 square foot facility called L.I.F.E. The Inspiration for doing this comes from Lauren and it only seems fitting to name this center for Lauren. This facility serves two purposes: 1) It is a facility where children’s therapist are located under one roof, and 2) Provides specially designed, accessible classrooms and play arenas for the children’s enjoyment. In addition to a daily therapy, they will have the option of signing up for designated play groups, organized habilitation sessions and open play time. Because all the therapist are under one roof, they will insist on a group collaboration wherein all therapist are communicating and supporting each others individual goals to better serve and meet the needs of the child. But most importantly, each child will be nurtured and believed in.
They are currently seeking help raising money for equipment and materials for the center in addition to any non-cash items for their fall fundraiser. Contact Margaret Travillion at (480)621-8361 3341 E. Queen Creek Arizona 85236. Any donation item will be used as raffle prizes or silent auction items.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
"Close Up Foundation" Presidential Inauguration Trip Fundraiser
Danielle Macias will be having a fundraiser at the Gila County Courthouse on Sept. 19th, from 9 am to 1 pm. They will be selling baked goods, bean burros, nachos, & veggie and fruit trays. The monies raised will go towards the GUSD sponsored trip to Washington D.C. in January. Each student must raise $2,600 to go on this trip.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Affordable Housing Presentation
A presentation regarding the possible development of affordable single family homes 9 miles from Globe will take place at the Pinal Mountain Elk’s Lodge, 1775 East Maple St. in Globe, from 5 pm to 7 pm on Sept. 17th. You will need to RSVP in you would like to attend. The number to call is 425-9438.
Globe-Miami Gun Club Looking To Form A Youth Shooting Division
The Globe-Miami Gun Club is looking for junior shooters to form a Youth Shooting Division. If enough juniors want to participate, three shooter teams will be formed and will shoot on the first Saturday of every month. These juniors must be between the ages of 8 years old to 12 years old. The course of fire will be: five shot strings at forty yards from four different positions: prone, sitting, kneeling and standing. Iron-sighted rifles must be furnished by the team members, no scopes allowed. Sponsors will furnish the ammo and awards. The Globe-Miami Gun Club is sponsoring these matches to promote teaching marksmanship to the young hunters in our area. If you have a youngster interested in learning basic marksmanship and safe firearms handling skills please contact Chuck Willis at (928) 402-5641 from 6:30 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday.
If you would like to become a sponsor or coach contact Chuck. This program is open to all interested shooters not just gun club members and their families.
If you would like to become a sponsor or coach contact Chuck. This program is open to all interested shooters not just gun club members and their families.
Some DVDs Out This Week
Duckman - Seasons One & Two
Stranger On Horseback
Beetlejuice (20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)
UFC: The Tuffest 25 Moments
The Red Green Show - 2000 Season
Women Extreme Wrestling Vol. 1 Special Edition
Women Extreme Wrestling Vol. 8
WWE: Summerslam 2008
The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour: Season 3
Lone Rider
Surrender-Hell!
Ladies And Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains
Pushing Daisies - The Complete 1st Season
The Busby Collection, Vol. 2
Goosebumps: One Day at Horrorland
Goosebumps: Monster Blood
Goosebumps: A Night in Terror Tower
Noise
Shin Chan: Season 1, Part 2
Chuck - The Complete 1st Season
Beyond The Door
Bill Burr: Why Do I Do This?
Dirty Sexy Money: Season 1
Eddie Murphy: Delirious
All Over the Place
Criminal Minds: The Complete 3rd Season
Ghost Hunters: Best of Vol. 1 and Vol. 2
Get Thrashed
The Legend of Bloody Mary
Cybill: The Collector's Edition Volume 1
88 Minutes
Woman Times Seven
British Cinema Classic B Film Collection, Vol. 1
Avatar - The Last Airbender: The Complete Book 3 Collection
Never Cry Werewolf
Speed Racer
High School Flashback Collection
The Babysitters
Charlie Chan Collection, Vol. 5
They Wait
Snow Angels
Private Practice: The Complete 1st Season
The Man On The Eiffel Tower
The Love Guru
Made of Honor
Young@Heart
Gigi (2-Disc Special Edition)
An American in Paris (2-Disc Special Edition)
Torchwood - The Complete 2nd Season
Will & Grace: Season 8
Stranger On Horseback
Beetlejuice (20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)
UFC: The Tuffest 25 Moments
The Red Green Show - 2000 Season
Women Extreme Wrestling Vol. 1 Special Edition
Women Extreme Wrestling Vol. 8
WWE: Summerslam 2008
The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour: Season 3
Lone Rider
Surrender-Hell!
Ladies And Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains
Pushing Daisies - The Complete 1st Season
The Busby Collection, Vol. 2
Goosebumps: One Day at Horrorland
Goosebumps: Monster Blood
Goosebumps: A Night in Terror Tower
Noise
Shin Chan: Season 1, Part 2
Chuck - The Complete 1st Season
Beyond The Door
Bill Burr: Why Do I Do This?
Dirty Sexy Money: Season 1
Eddie Murphy: Delirious
All Over the Place
Criminal Minds: The Complete 3rd Season
Ghost Hunters: Best of Vol. 1 and Vol. 2
Get Thrashed
The Legend of Bloody Mary
Cybill: The Collector's Edition Volume 1
88 Minutes
Woman Times Seven
British Cinema Classic B Film Collection, Vol. 1
Avatar - The Last Airbender: The Complete Book 3 Collection
Never Cry Werewolf
Speed Racer
High School Flashback Collection
The Babysitters
Charlie Chan Collection, Vol. 5
They Wait
Snow Angels
Private Practice: The Complete 1st Season
The Man On The Eiffel Tower
The Love Guru
Made of Honor
Young@Heart
Gigi (2-Disc Special Edition)
An American in Paris (2-Disc Special Edition)
Torchwood - The Complete 2nd Season
Will & Grace: Season 8
Some Country/Folk CDs Out This Week
Jeff Talmadge - Secret Anniversaries
Charlie Louvin - Steps to Heaven
Little Feat - Sailin' Shoes
Robin and Linda Williams - Buena Vista
Darius Rucker - Learn To Live
Eli Young Band - Jet Black and Jealous
Kristy Lee Cook - Why Wait
Beth Rowley - Little Dreamer
Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson - Rattlin' Bones
Charlie Louvin - Steps to Heaven
Little Feat - Sailin' Shoes
Robin and Linda Williams - Buena Vista
Darius Rucker - Learn To Live
Eli Young Band - Jet Black and Jealous
Kristy Lee Cook - Why Wait
Beth Rowley - Little Dreamer
Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson - Rattlin' Bones
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Problems With Blogger
Blogs are being randomly marked as spam. This blog has also been given that false designation. I am currently in the wait mode after sending in the verification code from Thursday, which was sent in after I logged in at home, 10 minutes after signing out from work. The measure to to get around this problem is they have put in a word verification for the next 24 hours to make sure I am not a spam bot placing a high number posts in a week. To curb this from being a problem again, I will have more new related items on the News Page at krde.com.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Globe School District Meeting
The meeting on Sept. 10th, will be at the Mofford Activity Center (Globe Junior High School Multipurpose Room). The meeting, as always, is open to the public & will start at 6 pm.
2nd Annual "Death By Chocolate" Benefit Fundraiser
Get your tickets for the 2nd Annual "Death By Chocolate" Benefit Fundraiser with a live auction and music by the White Mountain Symphony to be held on the evening of Sept. 13th, at the Meadows Day Training and Activity Center in Lakeside. Tickets are only $25. For more details, call (928) 368-2299.
Some DVDs Out This Week
The Big Lebowski - 10th Anniversary Limited Edition
How the West Was Won (Ultimate Collector's Edition)
The Outlaw Josey Wales
Zombies! Zombies! Zombies! - Strippers VS Zombies
Ultimate Fighting Championship: The Best of Fight Night
Species Collection
Baby Mama
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia: Season 3
The Life and Times of Mr. Perfect
Fox Horror Classics Collection, Vol. 2
Pumpkinhead (Collector's Edition)
Ugly Betty: The Complete 2nd Season
Heckler
Gulliver's Travels
14 Women
Wings - The Seventh Season
Cool Hand Luke (Deluxe Edition)
Cats: The Movie
Seed
The Forbidden Kingdom
C.S.I. Miami - The 6th Season
Rodan/War of the Gargantuas
Smallville - The Complete 7th Season
I Want Candy
Avril Lavigne: The Best Damn Tour (Live In Toronto)
Foreign Exchange
Lost Concerts Series: Uptown Divas
Thomas & Friends: The Great Discovery
Grey's Anatomy: The Complete 4th Season
Edgar and Ellen: Season 1, Vol. 1
Jonny Lang: Live at Montreux 1999
Medium - The 4th Season
How the West Was Won (Ultimate Collector's Edition)
The Outlaw Josey Wales
Zombies! Zombies! Zombies! - Strippers VS Zombies
Ultimate Fighting Championship: The Best of Fight Night
Species Collection
Baby Mama
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia: Season 3
The Life and Times of Mr. Perfect
Fox Horror Classics Collection, Vol. 2
Pumpkinhead (Collector's Edition)
Ugly Betty: The Complete 2nd Season
Heckler
Gulliver's Travels
14 Women
Wings - The Seventh Season
Cool Hand Luke (Deluxe Edition)
Cats: The Movie
Seed
The Forbidden Kingdom
C.S.I. Miami - The 6th Season
Rodan/War of the Gargantuas
Smallville - The Complete 7th Season
I Want Candy
Avril Lavigne: The Best Damn Tour (Live In Toronto)
Foreign Exchange
Lost Concerts Series: Uptown Divas
Thomas & Friends: The Great Discovery
Grey's Anatomy: The Complete 4th Season
Edgar and Ellen: Season 1, Vol. 1
Jonny Lang: Live at Montreux 1999
Medium - The 4th Season
Some Country/Folk CDs Out This Week
Patty Loveless - Sleepless Nights
Hal Ketchum - Father Time
Soundtrack - Annie Get Your Gun
The Lonesome River Band - No Turning Back
Jessica Simpson - Do You Know
Hal Ketchum - Father Time
Soundtrack - Annie Get Your Gun
The Lonesome River Band - No Turning Back
Jessica Simpson - Do You Know
Friday, September 5, 2008
Man Goes Missing In Globe, Burned Car Found In San Carlos
On Sept. 3rd, the Gila County Sheriff's Office received a call from Ralph Tierno, stating that his brother, Aaron Tierno, had not returned to Phoenix from his job in Globe on August 28th. According to his employers, he left after his shift at approx. 8 am that morning to "get something to eat or drink" before heading back to Phoenix. His vehicle, a white 2000 Isuzu Amigo, was found a day later completely burned on the San Carlos Indian Reservation.
Aaron is 30 years old, 6'1", 200 lbs with brown hair and brown eyes. Everything is being done to locate Mr. Tierno and the public is urged to contact the Sheriff's Office dispatch at (928) 425-4449 with any information, no matter how small. The smallest bit of information is welcome as it might relevant.
Aaron is 30 years old, 6'1", 200 lbs with brown hair and brown eyes. Everything is being done to locate Mr. Tierno and the public is urged to contact the Sheriff's Office dispatch at (928) 425-4449 with any information, no matter how small. The smallest bit of information is welcome as it might relevant.
Boy Scout's Gila Roundtable
The Gila Roundtable will be Thursday, Sept. 11th, at 7 pm at the Globe LDS Stake Center. At the meeting a few topics that will be talked about is the popcorn sales to fund the “perfect year of Scouting” & all the monthly themes for each age group.
Arizona To Host National Highway Safety Conference
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and the Arizona Governor’s Highway Safety Office will host the annual GHSA meeting in Scottsdale September 7th-10th. Approximately 400 top highway safety and public health officials from across the country will be in attendance.
The 2008 GHSA conference, themed Turning Knowledge into Action, focuses on how to translate research into effective state highway safety programs. A multitude of traditional and emerging highway safety issues will be addressed including:
1. Underage Drinking and the National Minimum Drinking Age.
2. Distracted and Inattentive Driving.
3. Making Teens Safer Drivers.
4. Improving Motorcycle Safety.
5. Use of Speed Cameras to Reduce Speeding-related Fatalities.
6. Implementing Ignition Interlocks for Drunk Driving Offenses.
The 2008 GHSA conference, themed Turning Knowledge into Action, focuses on how to translate research into effective state highway safety programs. A multitude of traditional and emerging highway safety issues will be addressed including:
1. Underage Drinking and the National Minimum Drinking Age.
2. Distracted and Inattentive Driving.
3. Making Teens Safer Drivers.
4. Improving Motorcycle Safety.
5. Use of Speed Cameras to Reduce Speeding-related Fatalities.
6. Implementing Ignition Interlocks for Drunk Driving Offenses.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Sexual Conduct Case Being Investigated By PCSO
The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Persons Crimes detectives are investigating a case of sexual conduct with a minor, stalking and exploitation of a minor.
The 15-year-old victim reported that Greg Andersen, 45, of Maricopa, has been having sexual relations with her multiple times over a six-month period. The victim reported that Andersen also took nude photographs of her and then placed some of the photographs on a Website.
The victim stated that she recently returned the cell phone Andersen had bought her, left the state and obtained another cell phone to which Andersen would not have the number. However, Andersen, who is a senior engineer for Verizon, was able to get her new phone number, which was also a Verizon number.
While the victim was out of state, Andersen purchased a car and told the victim it was for her. He also reportedly asked the victim to marry him on different occasions, though Andersen is currently married.
On Sept. 3rd, 2008, Andersen was booked into the Pinal County Jail on multiple charges and a search warrant was served on his residence on West Jean, outside of Maricopa. This is an ongoing investigation and additional charges may be pending.
The 15-year-old victim reported that Greg Andersen, 45, of Maricopa, has been having sexual relations with her multiple times over a six-month period. The victim reported that Andersen also took nude photographs of her and then placed some of the photographs on a Website.
The victim stated that she recently returned the cell phone Andersen had bought her, left the state and obtained another cell phone to which Andersen would not have the number. However, Andersen, who is a senior engineer for Verizon, was able to get her new phone number, which was also a Verizon number.
While the victim was out of state, Andersen purchased a car and told the victim it was for her. He also reportedly asked the victim to marry him on different occasions, though Andersen is currently married.
On Sept. 3rd, 2008, Andersen was booked into the Pinal County Jail on multiple charges and a search warrant was served on his residence on West Jean, outside of Maricopa. This is an ongoing investigation and additional charges may be pending.
Blessed Sacrament Church Fiesta
The Church Fiesta is this Saturday, Sept. 6th, at the Blessed Sacrament Church, 122 Church Dr. in Mammoth. It starts at noon and will end at midnight. Some of the activities include: Mariachi's, Folklorico dancers, lots of food and games. The dance with music provided by, Sabor Latino of Safford starts at 8 pm and will continue until midnight.
4th Annual Oktoberfest Horseshoe Tournament
Mark your calendars for October 4th, so you can enjoy a full day of Brews and 'Shoes at the Butcher Hook's 4th Annual Oktoberfest Horseshoe Tournament. Sign up and Warm up is between 10 am & 11 am. There are 2 tournaments sheduled, a "Blind Draw Doubles" & "Bring Your Own Partner."
There is a $10 person entry fee for "Blind Draw Doubles" & is a double elimination, 100% payback (50% - 30% - 20%), $250 added money plus ice chests, & the minimum age for this event is 15 years old. The Blind Draw starts at 11 am and pitching will start as soon as the draw is completed. No late sign ups will be taken.
The "Bring Your Own Partner" also has a $10 person entry fee, is double elimination, 100% payback (50% - 30% - 20%), & $250 added money. This tournament will start as soon as the first tournament is completed.
They will have food & drinks available all day. That means, NO food or drinks may be brought on premises & all children MUST be supervised. Also, all animals MUST also be on a leash. For more information call Ken Barrett at (623) 583-9288.
There is a $10 person entry fee for "Blind Draw Doubles" & is a double elimination, 100% payback (50% - 30% - 20%), $250 added money plus ice chests, & the minimum age for this event is 15 years old. The Blind Draw starts at 11 am and pitching will start as soon as the draw is completed. No late sign ups will be taken.
The "Bring Your Own Partner" also has a $10 person entry fee, is double elimination, 100% payback (50% - 30% - 20%), & $250 added money. This tournament will start as soon as the first tournament is completed.
They will have food & drinks available all day. That means, NO food or drinks may be brought on premises & all children MUST be supervised. Also, all animals MUST also be on a leash. For more information call Ken Barrett at (623) 583-9288.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Globe-Miami Gun Club Sighting In Days
The Globe-Miami Gun Club will be sponsoring a weekend for the general public to sight in their firearms for the upcoming general hunting season. This event will take place on Saturday September 6th and Sunday September 7th at the club’s range on Bixby Road. The range will be open at 8 am both days and stay open until business falls off. Members will be on hand to help sight in long guns, handguns and help pattern shotguns. The club will furnish targets, bore-sighting equipment, rests, minor gunsmithing services and will also do the actual firing of your firearm if requested.
This is a good time for all non-members to get their firearms ready for the upcoming hunting season at a range as local areas that have been open in the past for recreational shooting have been closed to shooting. The club offers an NRA affiliated range for shooting purposes. Several club members are certified as firearms safety instructors and will be on hand help. Come on out and get your firearms ready for the upcoming hunting season. Any questions concerning this event may be directed to Chuck Willis, phone (928) 402-5641 Tuesday through Friday from 6:30 am to 3 pm.
This is a good time for all non-members to get their firearms ready for the upcoming hunting season at a range as local areas that have been open in the past for recreational shooting have been closed to shooting. The club offers an NRA affiliated range for shooting purposes. Several club members are certified as firearms safety instructors and will be on hand help. Come on out and get your firearms ready for the upcoming hunting season. Any questions concerning this event may be directed to Chuck Willis, phone (928) 402-5641 Tuesday through Friday from 6:30 am to 3 pm.
Dino Daze
The Arizona Museum of Natural History, in collaboration with “Walking with Dinosaurs-The Live Experience,” is hosting Dino Daze Saturday, September 6th, from noon to 3 pm at the museum, 53 N. Macdonald in downtown Mesa.
Join them for hands-on fun for the whole family! Activities will include a coloring contest, dinosaur mask making, fossil touch carts and chances to win free museum tickets as well as tickets to see “Walking with Dinosaurs” in Phoenix from September 10th-14th, at U.S. Airways Center.
During Dino Daze, check out “Feathered Dinosaurs and the Origin of Flight” on display at the museum through September 28th. The traveling exhibition includes 35 fossils that are national treasures on loan from the People’s Republic of China. These fossils are bringing new answers to the on-going debate about the relationship between dinosaurs and birds, as well as how they evolved the ability to fly.
While you’re there, don’t miss the museum’s most popular permanent exhibitions: Dinosaur Hall, filled with examples of these amazing creatures throughout their history, and Dinosaur Mountain, experience roaring replicas of dinosaurs from the Mesozoic Era and see an indoor flash flood with volumes of water cascading down a three story mountain.
For more information on Dino Daze, contact the Arizona Museum of Natural History at (480) 644-2230.
Join them for hands-on fun for the whole family! Activities will include a coloring contest, dinosaur mask making, fossil touch carts and chances to win free museum tickets as well as tickets to see “Walking with Dinosaurs” in Phoenix from September 10th-14th, at U.S. Airways Center.
During Dino Daze, check out “Feathered Dinosaurs and the Origin of Flight” on display at the museum through September 28th. The traveling exhibition includes 35 fossils that are national treasures on loan from the People’s Republic of China. These fossils are bringing new answers to the on-going debate about the relationship between dinosaurs and birds, as well as how they evolved the ability to fly.
While you’re there, don’t miss the museum’s most popular permanent exhibitions: Dinosaur Hall, filled with examples of these amazing creatures throughout their history, and Dinosaur Mountain, experience roaring replicas of dinosaurs from the Mesozoic Era and see an indoor flash flood with volumes of water cascading down a three story mountain.
For more information on Dino Daze, contact the Arizona Museum of Natural History at (480) 644-2230.
Freeport-McMoRan's Safford Mine Air Quality Permit Faces Possible Revision
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Director Steve Owens announced that the ADEQ is proposing a revision to the air quality permit for the Freeport-McMoRan mine near Safford in Graham County.
"This permit revision will enable the mine to continue its operations more effectively and provide good-paying jobs in Graham County, while making sure that air quality and public health in the community are protected," Owens said.
The proposed permit revision allows the company to build and run a new facility to produce sulfuric acid, which is used in the process that extracts copper from soil. The permit requires the company to install air pollution control equipment which will limit, to safe levels, emissions of sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and sulfuric acid mist.
To ensure that the Freeport-McMoRan mine remains within state and federal standards, the permit requires the company to monitor emissions on a continuous basis and regularly provide the monitoring data to ADEQ.
A public hearing on the permit will be held at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, Sept. 23rd, at the City Hall Annex, 808 S. 8th Ave., in Safford. Persons wishing to submit written comments can do so at the hearing. Mailed comments must be received by Sept. 23rd. Comments should be sent to: Director, Air Quality Division, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, 1110 W. Washington Street, 3415A-1, Phoenix, Az. 85007-2935.
"This permit revision will enable the mine to continue its operations more effectively and provide good-paying jobs in Graham County, while making sure that air quality and public health in the community are protected," Owens said.
The proposed permit revision allows the company to build and run a new facility to produce sulfuric acid, which is used in the process that extracts copper from soil. The permit requires the company to install air pollution control equipment which will limit, to safe levels, emissions of sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and sulfuric acid mist.
To ensure that the Freeport-McMoRan mine remains within state and federal standards, the permit requires the company to monitor emissions on a continuous basis and regularly provide the monitoring data to ADEQ.
A public hearing on the permit will be held at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, Sept. 23rd, at the City Hall Annex, 808 S. 8th Ave., in Safford. Persons wishing to submit written comments can do so at the hearing. Mailed comments must be received by Sept. 23rd. Comments should be sent to: Director, Air Quality Division, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, 1110 W. Washington Street, 3415A-1, Phoenix, Az. 85007-2935.
Florence Community Library September Family Storytime Stories & Activities
Children of all ages, parents and caregivers are invited to a half-hour of stories, finger plays, crafts and fun at the Florence Community Library during September.
Every Wednesday at 10 am, Children's Librarian, Rita Marquez, will lead storytime with an award-winning book, an engaging activity or a special guest at the library, which is located on the campus of Florence High School.
Activities for Sept. 10th, include a story by Judy Sierra entitled Mind Your Manners B.B.Wolf and one by John Butler called Whose Baby Am I? Children will rhyme to verses of "I Bounce You Here" and prepare memory boxes to take home.
On Sept. 17th, Marquez will read Baby Faces by Margaret Miller and Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy Shaw. The rhyming activity is "This Is the Way the Baby Rides" and children will participate in a literacy activity.
The Great Arizona Puppet Theatre will be the guest of the library on Sept. 24th, and will present "Rabbit and the Hare". Children will take home coloring sheets.
Activities are free and reservations are not necessary. For more information, call Rita Marquez at (520) 868-9471.
Every Wednesday at 10 am, Children's Librarian, Rita Marquez, will lead storytime with an award-winning book, an engaging activity or a special guest at the library, which is located on the campus of Florence High School.
Activities for Sept. 10th, include a story by Judy Sierra entitled Mind Your Manners B.B.Wolf and one by John Butler called Whose Baby Am I? Children will rhyme to verses of "I Bounce You Here" and prepare memory boxes to take home.
On Sept. 17th, Marquez will read Baby Faces by Margaret Miller and Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy Shaw. The rhyming activity is "This Is the Way the Baby Rides" and children will participate in a literacy activity.
The Great Arizona Puppet Theatre will be the guest of the library on Sept. 24th, and will present "Rabbit and the Hare". Children will take home coloring sheets.
Activities are free and reservations are not necessary. For more information, call Rita Marquez at (520) 868-9471.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Ann Kirkpatrick Election Night Watch Party
Ann and the campaign would like to thank you for all your hard work & invite you to watch the results with Ann! The Watch Party will be Tuesday, September 2nd, from 7 pm to 11 pm at the Hassayampa Inn, Arizona Room at 122 East Gurley Street in Prescott. Light Hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar will be provided. RSVP not necessary.
Children’s Action Alliance Interactive Web Tool Allows Users To Balance The State Budget
Children’s Action Alliance is giving the public an opportunity to 'get in' on the action and create their own state budget with an easy-to-use interactive web tool. The web tool allows users to mark their own priorities for taxes and spending and figure out how they would erase Arizona’s budget deficit.
“The decisions our legislators make to balance the budget are shaping the health, education, and security of children and families for years to come,” said Dana Wolfe Naimark, President and CEO of Children’s Action Alliance. “This tool gives Arizona citizens the opportunity to speak up about a budget that reflects their values and priorities.”
Visitors of the site must decide: Will they balance the budget by cutting spending or increasing revenues – or some of each? If they chose to increase spending in particular areas or cut specific taxes, then they’ll have to figure out how to pay for those choices.After balancing the budget, users can email their budget plan to Governor Napolitano and let her know what they consider Arizona’s priorities should be.
“The budget negotiations this year all happened behind closed doors with virtually no public discussion,” said Naimark. “But the voices of Arizonans should matter. There will be more state budget deficits ahead before the economy rebounds and elected officials should hear how their constituents want to balance the budget.”
To access the site visit azchildren.org and click on “What’s New”.
“The decisions our legislators make to balance the budget are shaping the health, education, and security of children and families for years to come,” said Dana Wolfe Naimark, President and CEO of Children’s Action Alliance. “This tool gives Arizona citizens the opportunity to speak up about a budget that reflects their values and priorities.”
Visitors of the site must decide: Will they balance the budget by cutting spending or increasing revenues – or some of each? If they chose to increase spending in particular areas or cut specific taxes, then they’ll have to figure out how to pay for those choices.After balancing the budget, users can email their budget plan to Governor Napolitano and let her know what they consider Arizona’s priorities should be.
“The budget negotiations this year all happened behind closed doors with virtually no public discussion,” said Naimark. “But the voices of Arizonans should matter. There will be more state budget deficits ahead before the economy rebounds and elected officials should hear how their constituents want to balance the budget.”
To access the site visit azchildren.org and click on “What’s New”.
Howard Shanker Viewing Parties
U.S. Congressional candidate Howard Shanker will be attending viewing parties to watch the CD 1 Democratic Primary returns with supporters on Tuesday, Sept. 2nd, at the following venues:
Flagstaff:
5:30 pm to 6:15 pm - The Green Room at 15 N. Agassiz St. will be open to the public & they will have a big screen TV to broadcast minute-to-minute election results.
Prescott Valley:
7 pm – All ages are welcome to head over to the Shanker for U.S. Congress Campaign Office at 6616 E. Second St. in Prescott Valley.
Flagstaff:
5:30 pm to 6:15 pm - The Green Room at 15 N. Agassiz St. will be open to the public & they will have a big screen TV to broadcast minute-to-minute election results.
Prescott Valley:
7 pm – All ages are welcome to head over to the Shanker for U.S. Congress Campaign Office at 6616 E. Second St. in Prescott Valley.
"Kicking it at Heritage"
The Town of Florence Parks and Recreation is hosting its annual "Kicking it at Heritage" adult co-ed kickball tournament. This double elimination kickball tournament is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 17th, at Heritage Park.
Tournament play begins at 6 pm.There is a minimum requirement of 4 males and 4 females per team & a maximum of 12 players per team. The fee of $50 per team must be paid for no later than Oct. 10th, at the Florence Parks and Recreation office, located at 133 N. Main Street. Awards are provided for 1st and 2nd place teams.
For more information contact Erasmo Mendivil Jr. at 868-7586.
Tournament play begins at 6 pm.There is a minimum requirement of 4 males and 4 females per team & a maximum of 12 players per team. The fee of $50 per team must be paid for no later than Oct. 10th, at the Florence Parks and Recreation office, located at 133 N. Main Street. Awards are provided for 1st and 2nd place teams.
For more information contact Erasmo Mendivil Jr. at 868-7586.
Some DVDs Out This Week
The Office: Season 4
Ultimate Fighting Championship Classics, Vol. 9: Motor City Madness
Ultimate Fighting Championship Classics, Vol. 10: The Tournament
Pride 32: The Real Deal
Elite XC Challenge Series: Onslaught
It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Tagged Classics 2003: Summerslam/Unforgiven
Tagged Classics 2003: Bad Blood/Vengeance
Cheers: The 10th Season
Fist of Legend
the Junkyard Willie Movie: Lost In Transit
Little People, Big World: Season 2, Volume 1
Bait Shop
Ghost Hunters: Live From The Waverley Sanitorium
The Last Brickmaker In America
Waitin' To Live
The Outsiders
The Promotion
Bright Lights, Big City
Various Artists: Country Fever Jukebox, Vol. 3
Time After Time
Lagerfeld Confidential
Coons! Night of the Bandits of the Night
Conway Twitty: Greatest Hits Live
Then She Found Me
The Big Bang Theory - The Complete 1st Season
The Boys in Company C
Bachelor Party in Bungalow of The Damned
In the Folds of the Flesh
Water Lilies
How to Rob a Bank
Quark - The Complete Series
Skeleton Key 2
The Sensation of Sight
Hidden Secrets
Itty Bitty Titty Committee
Road House (Fox Film Noir)
Savage Weekend
Before I Forget
Life: Season 1
Outsourced
Moontide (Fox Film Noir)
Married Life
Kings
Shelley Duvall's Faerie Tale Theatre: The Complete Collection
Ghost Whisperer: The 3rd Season
Ballet Shoes
Supernatural - The Complete 3rd Season
Desperate Housewives: The Complete 4th Season
Ultimate Fighting Championship Classics, Vol. 9: Motor City Madness
Ultimate Fighting Championship Classics, Vol. 10: The Tournament
Pride 32: The Real Deal
Elite XC Challenge Series: Onslaught
It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Tagged Classics 2003: Summerslam/Unforgiven
Tagged Classics 2003: Bad Blood/Vengeance
Cheers: The 10th Season
Fist of Legend
the Junkyard Willie Movie: Lost In Transit
Little People, Big World: Season 2, Volume 1
Bait Shop
Ghost Hunters: Live From The Waverley Sanitorium
The Last Brickmaker In America
Waitin' To Live
The Outsiders
The Promotion
Bright Lights, Big City
Various Artists: Country Fever Jukebox, Vol. 3
Time After Time
Lagerfeld Confidential
Coons! Night of the Bandits of the Night
Conway Twitty: Greatest Hits Live
Then She Found Me
The Big Bang Theory - The Complete 1st Season
The Boys in Company C
Bachelor Party in Bungalow of The Damned
In the Folds of the Flesh
Water Lilies
How to Rob a Bank
Quark - The Complete Series
Skeleton Key 2
The Sensation of Sight
Hidden Secrets
Itty Bitty Titty Committee
Road House (Fox Film Noir)
Savage Weekend
Before I Forget
Life: Season 1
Outsourced
Moontide (Fox Film Noir)
Married Life
Kings
Shelley Duvall's Faerie Tale Theatre: The Complete Collection
Ghost Whisperer: The 3rd Season
Ballet Shoes
Supernatural - The Complete 3rd Season
Desperate Housewives: The Complete 4th Season
Some Country/Folk CDs Out This Week
BlackHawk - Greatest Hits Live
Hoyt Axton - My Griffin Is Gone
Jamey Johnson - Lonesome Song
Rodney Crowell - Sex and Gasoline
Hoyt Axton - My Griffin Is Gone
Jamey Johnson - Lonesome Song
Rodney Crowell - Sex and Gasoline
National Preparedness Month
The Grand Canyon Chapter wants Arizonans to take the Pledge to Prepare during National Preparedness Month in September. We know from national polling conducted over the years that only 25% to 30% of Americans have taken concrete steps to prepare for disasters and other emergencies.
It’s not a matter of if a disaster will strike, but when. Recently, Arizonans were evacuated following the Lane Two fire in Crown King and the Supai Canyon flood in northern Arizona. On top of that, dozens of people are forced from their homes every week because of house or apartment fires.
Are you prepared for a disaster? “Taking the time to prepare now will save you time during an emergency when every second counts,” said Cara Sloman, Grand Canyon Chapter emergency services director. “The American Red Cross wants everyone to have the confidence that comes with being prepared,” she added.
Red Cross Readiness can give you that peace of mind. The preparedness initiative involves three simple steps: Make a Plan, Build a Kit and Be Informed. Do one simple action today to get started.
“The American Red Cross is there to help people after disasters leave devastation behind, but we’re also in communities everyday teaching people lifesaving skills to help keep their families safe during an emergency, said Ken Krueger, Grand Canyon Chapter chief executive officer. “As the nation’s partner in preparedness, we are taking this opportunity to help move Arizona and the nation toward a greater state of preparedness.”
You can help improve our state’s level of preparedness by taking the Pledge to Prepare. We encourage you to visit our National Preparedness Month page to access resources that you can use to promote preparedness including:
1. A free online educational module that outlines the three simple actions people can take to “Be Red Cross Ready” for emergencies: 1) Get a kit, 2) Make a plan and 3) Be informed.
2. An online Pledge to Prepare tool.
3. A downloadable web banner that you can place on your website or intranet.
National Preparedness Month is a coordinated, nationwide effort sponsored each September by the Department of Homeland Security to raise awareness about the importance of emergency preparedness and encourage individuals to take action. The Grand Canyon Chapter is a 2008 National Preparedness Month coalition member.
About the American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter
The Grand Canyon Chapter of the American Red Cross is where people in Arizona come together to help each other every day. The volunteer-led organization serves more than 4.4 million people in communities across Apache, Coconino, Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal, Yavapai and Yuma counties. Red Cross volunteers provide disaster relief to their neighbors affected by disasters, emergency assistance to members of the Armed Forces, preparedness and safety education to families and businesses, and international communications assistance for refugees. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on the generosity of our Arizona neighbors in the forms of time, money, and blood to do its work. To make a financial donation, enroll for a lifesaving skills course, register to volunteer, request disaster assistance or Armed Forces emergency assistance, contact your local American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter by visiting arizonaredcross.org or calling (602) 336-6660. To give blood, visit givelife.org or call 1-800-GIVE LIFE.
It’s not a matter of if a disaster will strike, but when. Recently, Arizonans were evacuated following the Lane Two fire in Crown King and the Supai Canyon flood in northern Arizona. On top of that, dozens of people are forced from their homes every week because of house or apartment fires.
Are you prepared for a disaster? “Taking the time to prepare now will save you time during an emergency when every second counts,” said Cara Sloman, Grand Canyon Chapter emergency services director. “The American Red Cross wants everyone to have the confidence that comes with being prepared,” she added.
Red Cross Readiness can give you that peace of mind. The preparedness initiative involves three simple steps: Make a Plan, Build a Kit and Be Informed. Do one simple action today to get started.
“The American Red Cross is there to help people after disasters leave devastation behind, but we’re also in communities everyday teaching people lifesaving skills to help keep their families safe during an emergency, said Ken Krueger, Grand Canyon Chapter chief executive officer. “As the nation’s partner in preparedness, we are taking this opportunity to help move Arizona and the nation toward a greater state of preparedness.”
You can help improve our state’s level of preparedness by taking the Pledge to Prepare. We encourage you to visit our National Preparedness Month page to access resources that you can use to promote preparedness including:
1. A free online educational module that outlines the three simple actions people can take to “Be Red Cross Ready” for emergencies: 1) Get a kit, 2) Make a plan and 3) Be informed.
2. An online Pledge to Prepare tool.
3. A downloadable web banner that you can place on your website or intranet.
National Preparedness Month is a coordinated, nationwide effort sponsored each September by the Department of Homeland Security to raise awareness about the importance of emergency preparedness and encourage individuals to take action. The Grand Canyon Chapter is a 2008 National Preparedness Month coalition member.
About the American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter
The Grand Canyon Chapter of the American Red Cross is where people in Arizona come together to help each other every day. The volunteer-led organization serves more than 4.4 million people in communities across Apache, Coconino, Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal, Yavapai and Yuma counties. Red Cross volunteers provide disaster relief to their neighbors affected by disasters, emergency assistance to members of the Armed Forces, preparedness and safety education to families and businesses, and international communications assistance for refugees. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on the generosity of our Arizona neighbors in the forms of time, money, and blood to do its work. To make a financial donation, enroll for a lifesaving skills course, register to volunteer, request disaster assistance or Armed Forces emergency assistance, contact your local American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter by visiting arizonaredcross.org or calling (602) 336-6660. To give blood, visit givelife.org or call 1-800-GIVE LIFE.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)