ADOT New Year's Eve Advice

ADOT is encouraging drivers to use caution when traveling this holiday, especially tonight, New Year’s Eve. During New Year’s weekend last year, 18 people lost their lives in roadway crashes.

Remember these tips:

* If you choose to drink, don’t become a statistic. Use a designated driver or call a cab. If you're in the tri-city area of Globe, Miami, & Claypool, utilize CVCH's "Operation Road Rescue."
* Make sure everyone buckles up.
* Be alert for any changing weather conditions.
* Take some extra time for reach your destination.

State of the State Speech in Casa Grande

The Pinal Co. Board of Supervisors announced that Gov. Janet Napolitano will present her State of the State Speech in Casa Grande on Wed., Jan. 10th. The Board of Supervisors will host the State of the State Speech at the Casa Grande Middle School Auditorium; 300 West McMurray Blvd. starting at 5 p.m., doors open to the public at 4:30 p.m. This is the 2nd time she's delivered her State of the State Speech in Pinal Co. Gov. Napolitano addressed Pinal Co. residents & elected officials earlier this year.

Lake Level Check

Bartlett: 44%
San Carlos: 23%
Roosevelt Lake: 65%
Saguaro Lake (Stewart Mtn): 96%
Lake Pleasant (Waddell Dam): 78%
Lake Havasu: 94%
Canyon Lake (Mormon Flat): 98%
Lake Powell: 50%
Apache Lake (Horse Mesa): 56%

BHP Copper Pinto Valley Mine Near Miami Gets Air Quality Permit

ADEQ Director Steve Owens has announced that the ADEQ has issued an air quality permit for the BHP Copper Pinto Valley mine near Miami in Gila County.

The permit will regulate emissions of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds & sulfur dioxide from the open-pit copper mine, associated crushing equipment, leach pad, extraction facility, & electrowinning operations.

"The permit will protect air quality in the area, while enabling BHP to continue moving forward toward re-opening the mine & creating much-needed jobs in the Miami area," Director Owens said. Owens added that his office has worked hard to expedite permits in rural areas, to help support economic growth, while protecting air & water quality.

Gila County Has Gardasil

The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls 11-12 years of age but also allows for vaccination of girls at 9 years old as well as vaccination of girls & women 13-26 years old. The vaccine will be available through the Arizona VFC program free of charge for females 11-18 years of age who are VFC-eligible. The vaccine can be ordered for those females that do not qualify for the VFC program. The cost is $123/dose, or $369 for the series. For additional info contact, 928-402-8811.

Shop & Talk 12-30-06

Southwest style love seat, great condition, gently used, very comfy. $100 OBO. Can be reached at 520-431-2441.

Antique Oak Rocking Chair - $250. 480-987-5460

Rolltop desk in good condition. Solid wood. $75. call 480-232-3923

PRO-FORM 725 Performance Treadmill - $150. 480-314-2244.

Bowflex XLT - $350. call Matt with any questions at 623-451-7649.

5 Person Coleman Hot Tub - 84" x 74" x 36". $1500. Call 480-650-5928 for more info.

1996 Coleman pop tent trailer in good condition. $1900. Call 480-452-9406

Razor Electric Scooter E200 - $160. 480-987-5428

Screened Tent Canopy -13 ft X 10 ft - NEW CONDITION - $55. Call 623-734-6414

“Endless Summer” commercial grade outdoor patio heater (less propane tank). $210. Call 480-248-0811

FREE, Young, Healthy, Med.-Size Female, German Short Hair Pointer Mix, Pink Nose, Good disposition, good w/kids & other dogs. Good Watch Dog, House Broken. 480-892-2746.

1997 Ford Expedition, light blue exterior, gray interior. Call 425-3117, ask for Jeff.

1992 t-top firebird - $900. call 480-354-4659

2003 Trailblazer. $13,500 firm. Call Vincent anytime at 602-684-9355.

2001 FORD RANGER XLT SUPERCAB - $8500 obo. (480) 216-5267

2003 Toyota Corolla S, $9,700 OBO. Call Richard- 602-677-3581

2004 Suzuki RMZ250 - $3400. Call 623-512-5029.

1986 Honda Shadow V Twin 1100 - $2500. Can be reached at 602-275-1736.

1976 Honda CB750 - $1500. Call me at 602-841-0662.

2004 Yamaha fjr 1300 - $8500. call 602-390-6275

15 foot red Coleman canoe. in excellent condition. $225. Please call 602-953-9132

1997 Jet Ski 1100 STX, $3300. 602-818-4932

1986 Invader Daycruiser - $4000. If interested, please call 480-247-0866.

1977 Manta Ray Jet Boat. $4500. 602-369-6468

Apache Gold New Years Buffet

The Apache Gold Casino & Resort located 5 minutes East of Globe is having a special New Years Eve buffet. Adults are $16.95, kids are $8.50, from 5 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Enjoy roast prime ribs of beef au jus, maple glazed ham, herb baked chicken with lemon sauce, polynesian style spareribs, alaskan snowcrab legs, orange roughy & much more. For more info call 1-800-APACHE-8. In the Convention Center from 9 p.m. - 1 a.m., "County Line" will perform for your entertainment.

"Operation Road Rescue"

The Cobre Valley Community Hospital will provide safe rides during this coming New Years Eve. The program, "Operation Road Rescue" is sponsored by the Positive Attitudes Create Teamwork (PACT) Committee at CVCH. The Committee & staff members from CVCH will be available from 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. on Dec. 31st/Jan. 1st providing safe transportation home to those who've had a little too much holiday cheer. The staff volunteers their time, gas, & automobile to offer the community this service. This is their 5th year operating "Operation Road Rescue".

"Operation Road Rescue" will be available to anyone within the city limits of Miami, Claypool, & Globe. A team of 2 CVCH staff members will pick-up party goers at a private party or bar within the tri-city limits & take them home. When the individual(s) are picked-up, they'll be asked for their car keys. CVCH staff will take the keys back to the CVCH Emergency Room for holding until the following day. People will be able to collect their keys after 12 noon on Jan. 1st, at the Emergency Room. On New Years Eve, if you find yourself under the influence & unable to drive call Operation Road Rescue at 402-1212.

Saddam Executed

After month's of the courtroom insanity for the massacre of 148 Shiite villagers from Dujail north of Baghdad after an assassination attempt there against the Iraqi leader in 1982, Saddam Hussein has redeemed his dance card with the gallows, 56 days after his death sentence was handed down. Also hanged alongside him were his half-brother, Barzan Ibrahim & former chief justice of the Revolutionary Court, Awad Hamed al-Bandar.

American Legion New Years Eve Party

The American Legion Post 4's New Years Eve Party will benefit Boys' State, with music by Eddie & the Cruisers on Dec. 31st, from 8 p.m. - 1 a.m. The tickets are only $15 per person. You'll have to buy your tickets at the Post located at 645 S. Broad St. in Globe.

Gila Co. Job Line

The Gila County Personnel Department Job Line is 928-402-8725. You may also go their Personnel Department page to view any postings that they may have listed.

Separate Those Ashes

The City of Globe is urging residents to separate their ashes, even cooled, from their fireplaces to reduce any hazard to members of the sanitation crew & vehicles. This means in a different plastic bag from the regular garbage. If there are violations, penalties & legal actions against the property owner may occur.

Miami Meets Federal Air Quality Sulfur Dioxide Standard

Arizona Dept. of Environmental Quality Director Steve Owens announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved ADEQ's request to designate the Miami area in Gila Co. as being in compliance with the federal air quality standard for sulfur dioxide.

The Miami area was designated as a "nonattainment" area for sulfur dioxide in 1979 due to emissions from the Phelps Dodge copper smelter. Because of pollution controls installed on the smelter, the Miami area has not exceeded the federal health standard for sulfur dioxide since 1985, but until now, the EPA hadn't changed the area's designation. ADEQ asked the EPA to recognize the area's improvements & change the designation.

"This is great news for the Miami area, & for Gila Co. in general," ADEQ Director Owens said. "It took too long to get this done, but EPA has finally officially acknowledged that air quality in the Miami area has improved significantly, due to the pollution controls that have been added to the smelter."

Owens stated, "It's important to recognize the real progress that has been made in improving air quality, as well as remove the stigma of being designated a nonattainment area for communities like Miami."

The Miami area is the 4th sulfur dioxide area to achieve attainment since Owens has been ADEQ Director. The others are the Ajo area in Pima Co., the Douglas area in Cochise Co., & the Morenci area in Greenlee Co.

Also, since Owens has been ADEQ Director, Maricopa Co. has been designated as attainment for carbon monoxide & the federal 1-hour ozone standard.

CVCH Preparing For Globe's Centennial

The Cobre Valley Community Hospital Foundation is beginning preparations for the upcoming Globe Centennial. The CVCH Foundation has been asked by the Centennial organizers to host a recognition dinner & fund raising event. The CVCH Foundation will take this opportunity to celebrate the anniversary of the founding of Globe by recognizing citizens & families that have made a significant contribution to the city of Globe over the past 100 years.

During the recognition dinner the CVCH Foundation will host a silent auction. Proceeds from the silent auction & event will benefit the CVCH Foundation. In keeping with the Centennial theme they would like to offer items at the silent auction that have a historical significance to Globe & surrounding communities. They're asking the community for help by donating items of historical significance that represents life in Globe over the past 100 years. All donations are tax deductible.

For more info about the Centennial Dinner or if you wish to make a donation please contact Jane Allen at 402-1230 or David Pfohl at 402-1141.

Tucson DPS Gets New Crime Lab

Gov. Janet Napolitano announced that the Arizona Dept. of Public Safety (DPS) is the recipient of $17.7 million, to go toward building a new crime lab facility in Tucson. Joining the Governor in the announcement were A.G. Terry Goddard, Az. Senate President Tim Bee of Tucson, DPS Director Roger Vanderpool, Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Director Richard Fimbres, county sheriffs & state legislators of both parties.

“This is great news for DPS &, more than that, it is desperately needed,” Gov. Napolitano said. “Our Crime Lab is not just a valuable asset for Arizonans, but for the entire country. Its contributions have helped public safety departments from across the nation.”

For almost 20 years Az. DPS has been a pioneer in forensic DNA analysis & is currently 1 of the 3 departments nationwide providing the most cutting-edge DNA techniques for the analysis of crime scene evidence. In addition, Arizona DPS is also responsible for perfecting a DNA procedure for the recovery of DNA from bones when crime labs worldwide are having extremely limited access.

The new facility will allow for 5 to 7 new personnel to work at the Tucson location. These personnel are currently in the Phoenix lab facility due to lack of space in Tucson. They will accommodate the 300% workload increase in Tucson over the last 7 years.

Additionally, the increased space will allow for a 15 to 25% increase in efficiency by eliminating the “bottleneck” that occurs when scientists need to wait in lines to use equipment. The additional space will allow for new DNA testing currently unavailable in Tucson, which will allow DPS Crime Lab to remain at the forefront of DNA testing.

Expected completion of the new Crime Lab is January 2009.

New National Pass Will Change Tonto Fee Program

The coming new year will usher in some changes for visitors to the nation’s public lands, & frequent visitors to the Tonto National Forest may be in store for a pleasant surprise.

America the Beautiful -- the National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands -- Pass, which combines the benefits of existing recreation passes from 5 different federal agencies, will go on sale beginning Jan. 2nd, 2007. The national interagency pass program features an $80 Annual pass, a $10 Senior Pass good for life, a free Access Pass also good for life & a new Volunteer Pass. The new pass system replaces the current Golden Eagle, Age & Access passports, as well as the National Parks Pass. Golden Age & Access passport cards that have already been issued will continue to be honored for the holder’s lifetime.

The new passes cover recreation opportunities on public lands managed by 4 Dept. of the Interior agencies - the National Park Service, Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, & the Bureau of Reclamation, & by the Dept. of Agriculture’s U.S. Forest Service.

On the Tonto National Forest, those with a valid Golden Passport of any type or one of the new interagency national passes will be able to purchase a Tonto Upgrade sticker good at most daily fee recreation sites on the forest.

“In the past, we have charged recreation pass holders $30 for the annual Tonto Upgrade,” said Forest Supervisor Gene Blankenbaker. “However, the new national interagency Annual Pass will sell for $80 per year, whereas the annual Golden Eagle Pass sold for $65. Rather than pass this national price increase along to our users, we have decided to reduce the cost of the Tonto Upgrade to $15.”

“The good news for holders of Golden Age or Access Passports or new interagency Senior & Access passes is that they can enjoy all of the daily fee recreation sites on the Tonto – from Roosevelt Lake to the Lower Salt River; & from Bartlett Lake to Needle Rock – for only $15 a year. Seniors & access pass holders will continue to receive a 50% discount on daily use fees without the upgrade.”

The national interagency passes will be available at participating federal agency offices in January. The Tonto Upgrade is only available at Tonto National Forest offices in Phoenix, Cave Creek, Mesa, Payson, Roosevelt, Globe & Young.

“A national interagency pass with the annual Tonto Upgrade is a great alternative for frequent visitors to the Tonto’s lakes & rivers,” said Blankenbaker.

“A daily pass to these sites for a vehicle with a watercraft is $10, so it only takes 10 visits in a year to pay off. For seniors & citizens with a permanent disability who qualify for an Access Pass, a $15 annual fee for access to more than 50 recreation sites on 5 lakes & 2 rivers is an amazing value.”

For more information about recreation fees on the Tonto National Forest, call 602-225-5200 or visit fs.fed.us/r3/tonto.

CVCH Diabetic Workshop Cancelled

The Cobre Valley Community Hospital Auxiliary was set to host this workshop tomorrow, Dec. 28th, 2006. If you had planned on attending, they apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused.

The next Diabetic Workshop will be held on Thursday, Jan., 25th, 2007 at 10 a.m. in the Medical Office Building (MOB) Conference Room. For more information, please call 402-1230.

Flags Half-Staff at State Of Arizona Buildings

Flags at State of Arizona buildings are being flown at half-staff to honor former President Gerald R. Ford, who died yesterday at the age of 93.

"I am saddened by the loss of President Ford," said Gov. Napolitano. "He was a strong leader during a difficult time in our country's history."

Ford was vice-president to Richard M. Nixon in August 1974, when Nixon resigned over the Watergate scandal, & Ford took the oath of office. He served as president until January 1977.

The flags will be flown at half-staff for the next 30 days.

NRCS Applications Still Being Accepted

Farmers, ranchers, & other private landowners can apply for financial & technical help from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Applications are being accepted for 3 different programs that benefit agricultural land, wetlands, & wildlife habitat. NRCS is accepting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, & Wetlands Reserve Program programs for 2007.

All 3 of these programs may provide up to 75% of the costs for appropriate projects, & limited resources agricultural producers could receive up to 90%. NRCS has 25 field offices in Arizona that can assist customers. For more info, call 602-280-8801 or find your local office contact info at az.nrcs.usda.gov/contact.

Globe Unified School District Meeting

The meeting is tonight at 6 p.m. in the Globe Junior High School's Multi-purpose Room.

23rd Annual Historic Home & Building Tour

Globe will showcase some of its finest buildings during the 23rd Annual Historic Home & Building Tour Feb. 17th-18th, 2007. This year’s tour is one of the kickoff events for the Globe centennial celebration.

When passing through Globe-Miami you might see it as a somewhat rough mining town, but those taking the time to get off the main thoroughfare know better. You'll see neighborhoods of find Craftsmen style homes, Victorian cottages & native stone buildings that hearken back to the town’s early mining days when it reigned supreme as a center of mining & commerce.

The Home Tour will begin in front of the Globe City Hall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days. This years tickets are a keepsake copper keychain with the tour information on one side & a salute to sponsor Phelps Dodge Copper & its 125-year anniversary on the other. As a tour participant, you will be driven to each stop & are welcome to spend as much time at each building as you wish before going on to the next stop, courtesy of friendly, local volunteer drivers. At each stop, hosts & hostesses will give a history of the building & its occupants.

One of the stops this year will include the Southern Pacific freight office, which was remodeled last year as an early day depot. Visitors will enjoy the displays & photographs included with this stop. Local homes have been included & the ticket will also include a stop at an antique show.

On display at the Cobre Valley Center for the Arts throughout February is the annual Pieces of Friendship Quilt Show. Located in downtown Globe at the old courthouse, the center is a lovely setting for the showing of quality quilts made by local quilters. The guild has made an opportunity quilt in the colors of the Globe Centennial & tickets on the quilt will be available throughout February.

Also included with the tour is the annual antique show, held this year at the Globe High School from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 17th & from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 18th.

Local talent puts on a display of musical magic with the annual “Broad Street Does Broadway” show offered several times each day.

Make plans to visit Globe-Miami on Feb. 17th & 18th, & explore the riches of this early day mining town. The Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the annual Historic Home & Building Tour. Globe is located 90 miles east of Phoenix on US 60 & north of Tucson on SR 77. For more info on the tour, call the chamber at 1-800-804-5623.

Gold Medalist Deb Armstrong At Sunrise Park Resort

Ski with Olympic Gold Medalist Debbie Armstrong at Sunrise Park Resort. On Jan. 14th & 15th, Debbie will be holding clinics on Racing & Ski Improvement for skiers of all abilities. Clinics will be 2 hours long and limited to 15 students at a cost of $70 per person. Offered through Sunrise Ski & Snowboard School, each clinic will consist of instruction & video evaluation. Debbie is also a World Cup winner & member of the Professional Ski Instructors Association Demo Team. There will be a free "Directional Movements, Where are you going" presentation open to the public Sunday evening, 6:30 p.m., at the Sunrise Lodge Conference Room. Contact the Sunrise Ski & Snowboard School for sign-up call, 800-772-7669, ext. 2306 or e-mail: skischool@sunriseskipark.com.

Sunrise Park Resort is owned & operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe & is located in eastern Arizona's White Mountains just hours from Phoenix & Tucson. For more info about the Sunrise Park please call (800) 772-7669 or visit sunriseskipark.com.

ICA To Assess New Wage Law For Disabled Worker Programs

The Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA), the agency responsible for implementing changes to Arizona's new voter-approved minimum wage law, is advising employers who participate in special work programs for the disabled to proceed as usual until the agency's able to address concerns about how the new law applies in these cases. Approved by voters in Nov., Prop 202 raises Arizona's minimum wage to $6.75 an hour beginning Jan. 1st, 2007.

Last week, Arizona employers exempt from minimum wage standards for developmentally- or physically-challenged workers through approved "sheltered work center" programs & community members raised questions about the law. Because the ICA will still be in the process of gathering information from the both the community & employers on the effective date, employers who participate in sheltered work center programs will not be penalized for not paying the new wage. They are being advised to follow current procedure until an advisory opinion can be issued.

"It is clear that Arizona companies involved in these employment programs are anxious to comply with the law," said Larry Etchechury, Director of the Commission. "We will work thoroughly & quickly to ensure that we provide affected employers the guidance they need, so they can be sure they are doing what is required."

Employers with questions are encouraged to contact the Industrial Commission at (602) 542-4411 or by e-mail at letchechury@ica.state.az.us. Up-to-date information is also being posted on the ICA's website at www.ica.state.az.us.

Phelps Dodge News

U.S. antitrust regulators have given the proposed merger between Phelps Dodge Corp. & Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. the green light. Federal Trade Commission Officials have completed their inquiry into the proposed $25.9 billion cash & stock deal that would have Freeport McMoRan purchasing the Phoenix-based Phelps Dodge as the end result.

The proposed deal, would pay the stockholders Phelps Dodge $88 in cash, plus .67 share of Freeport-McMoRan common stock, for each share of Phelps Dodge stock. However, SAC Capital Partners, a hedge fund with a $464 million stake (5.1%), had said it would vote against the deal, stating the deal undervalued Phelps Dodge.

American Legion New Years Eve Party

The American Legion Post 4's New Years Eve Party will benefit Boys' State, with music by Eddie & the Cruisers on Dec. 31st, from 8 p.m. - 1 a.m. It's only $15 per person. You'll need to buy tickets at the Post located at 645 S. Broad St. in Globe.

Apache Gold New Years Buffet

The Apache Gold Casino & Resort located 5 minutes East of Globe is having a special New Years Eve buffet. Adults are $16.95, kids are $8.50, from 5 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Enjoy roast prime ribs of beef au jus, maple glazed ham, herb baked chicken with lemon sauce, polynesian style spareribs, alaskan snowcrab legs, orange roughy & much more. For more info call 1-800-APACHE-8. In the Convention Center from 9 p.m. - 1 a.m., "County Line" will perform for your entertainment.

Former President Ford Has Died

Gerald R. Ford has died. He was 93. He was the 1st Vice President chosen under the terms of the Twenty-fifth Amendment & succeeded the first President ever to resign. More information about the 38th President may be obtained by visiting The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum and at his Memorial Site.

CVCH Diabetic Workshop

The Cobre Valley Community Hospital Auxiliary will host their next diabetic workshop on Dec. 28th, at the Medical Office Building (MOB) Conference Room B at 10 a.m. Lisa Tomasiak, RD will facilitate this workshop. Lisa is a Registered Dietician & has been a diabetic consultant for Cobre Valley Community Hospital since Oct. 2005. If you've been a diabetic for along time, just recently diagnosed, or want to learn more info about the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. you are invited to attend the workshop. For further info, please call 402-1230.

Gila County Has Gardasil

The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls 11-12 years of age but also allows for vaccination of girls at 9 years old as well as vaccination of girls & women 13-26 years old. The vaccine will be available through the Arizona VFC program free of charge for females 11-18 years of age who are VFC-eligible. The vaccine can be ordered for those females that do not qualify for the VFC program. The cost is $123/dose, or $369 for the series. For additional info contact, 928-402-8811.

"Operation Road Rescue"

Cobre Valley Community Hospital announced that it will provide safe rides during this coming New Years Eve. The program, "Operation Road Rescue" is sponsored by the Positive Attitudes Create Teamwork (PACT) Committee at CVCH. The Committee & staff members from CVCH will be available from 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. on Dec. 31st/Jan. 1st to provide safe transportation home to individuals that might have had a little too much holiday cheer. The staff volunteers their time, gas, & automobile to offer this community service. This is their 5th year operating "Operation Road Rescue".

"Operation Road Rescue" will be available to anyone within the city limits of Miami, Claypool, & Globe. A team of 2 CVCH staff members will pick-up party goers at a private party or bar within the tri-city limits & take them home. When the individual(s) are picked-up, they will be asked for their car keys. CVCH staff will take the keys back to the CVCH Emergency Room for holding until the following day. People will be able to collect their keys after 12 noon on Jan. 1st, at the Emergency Room. On New Years Eve, if you find yourself under the influence & not able to drive call Operation Road Rescue at 402-1212.

The "Godfather Of Soul" Is Gone

After being admitted to Emory Crawford Long Hospital for pneumonia yesterday. The "Godfather of Soul," James Brown has died at the age of 73. The cause of his death at this point is uncertain.

Merry Christmas!!!

Trivia:

There is a popular misconception that Boris Karloff sang "Your a Mean One Mr Grinch", but it was in fact Thurl Ravenscroft. He was best known as the voice for Tony the Tiger & Lead vocalist on the theme song "Grim Grinning Ghosts" in the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland.

In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from Dec. 21st, the winter solstice, through Jan. In recognition of the return of the sun, fathers & sons would bring home large logs, which they would set on fire. The people would feast until the log burned out, which could take as many as 12 days. The Norse believed that each spark from the fire represented a new pig or calf that would be born during the coming year.

In Germany, people honored the pagan god Oden during the mid-winter holiday. Germans were terrified of Oden, as they believed he made nocturnal flights through the sky to observe his people, & then decide who would prosper or perish. Because of his presence, many people chose to stay inside.

Norway is the birthplace of the Yule log.

According to reports by Captain John Smith, the 1st eggnog made in the United States was consumed in his 1607 Jamestown settlement. Nog comes from the word grog, which refers to any drink made with rum.

Rudolph the red-nosed wonder was the creation of Robert L. May, a copywriter at the Montgomery Ward department store in 1939 by using a similar rhyme pattern to "'Twas the Night Before Christmas".

In 1979, the National Christmas Tree was not lighted except for the top ornament. This was done in honor of the American hostages in Iran.

The best selling trees are Scotch Pine, Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir, & White Pine.

The 1st mention of Dec. 25th, as the birth date of Jesus occurred in A.D. 336 in an early Roman calendar. The celebration of this day as Jesus's birth date was probably influenced by pagan (unchristian) festivals held at that time. The ancient Romans held year-end celebrations to honor Saturn, their harvest god; & Mithras, the god of light. Various peoples in northern Europe held festivals in mid-Dec. to celebrate the end of the harvest season. As part of all these celebrations, the people prepared special foods, decorated their homes with greenery, & joined in singing & gift giving. These customs gradually became part of the Christmas celebration.

The word Xmas is sometimes used instead of Christmas. This tradition began in the early Christian church. In Greek, X is the first letter of Christ's name. It was frequently used as a holy symbol.

During World War I, in the winter of 1914, on the battlefields of Flanders, German troops began to put small Christmas trees, lit with candles, outside of their trenches. Then, they began to sing songs. Across the way, in the "no man's land" between them, came songs from the British & French troops. Incredibly, many of the Germans, who had worked in England before the war, were able to speak good enough English to propose a "Christmas" truce. The British & French troops, all along the miles of trenches, accepted. A spontaneous truce resulted. Soldiers left their trenches, meeting in the middle to shake hands. By Christmas morning, the "no man's land" between the trenches was filled with fraternizing soldiers, sharing rations & gifts, singing & (more solemnly) burying their dead between the lines. Soon they were even playing soccer, mostly with improvised balls. The spontaneous truce (which included French & Belgian troops in some sectors) was largely over by New Year's Day, however. Commanders on both sides ordered their troops to restart hostilities under penalty of court martial, & German and British soldiers reluctantly parted.

Evergreens are symbolic of enduring and renewed life, which is why we decorate our homes with them at Christmastime. The fetching in of green branches is a magical rite to ensure the return of vegetation at winter's end. Our modern day Christmas tree is the centerpiece of this belief.

The placing of tinsel on Christmas trees began in Germany -- originally as beaten silver strips. According to legend a poor woman's tree was covered with spiderwebs & this saddened the Christ Child so much that He turned the webs into silver. The Germans also decorated their trees with fruits, pastries, candies, colored paper figures, tin angels & other ornaments. In the United States F.W. Woolworth unexpectedly made a fortune in the 1880s selling German-made Christmas tree ornaments which he had reluctantly stocked in his 5-&-dime stores.

Plum pudding was originally a soup made by boiling beef & mutton with dried plums (prunes), wines & spices. The prunes & meats were later removed, raisins added & the pudding was thickened with eggs & breadcrumbs to be more like a steamed or broiled cake. So "plum pudding" is not a pudding & contains no plums.

Candy canes are edible ornaments which originated in Germany in the late 1600s. Originally made as straight white sticks, a German choirmaster bent the sticks so as to represent a shepherd's staff & distributed them to children during Nativity services (at least partly to keep them quiet by giving them something to suck on). Not until the year 1900 did candy canes become striped with the red-&-white Christmas colors or become flavored with peppermint or wintergreen. Some people have the idea that the J-shape is a reference to J-esus & that the red & white symbolize the blood & purity of Christ.

Christmas Cards were introduced in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole, an English businessman & patron of art. He printed a thousand cards and sold them as a means to simplify the sending of Christmas greetings. Postage for the cards was 1 penny in the 1840s. Within a few years after the introduction of the halfpenny rate for mailing cards in the 1870s, the British Post Office was flooded with annual card mailings.

In Ireland, people put a lighted candle in their window on Christmas Eve as a sign of welcome to Mary & Joseph. In Wales, people have caroling contests during the weeks before Christmas. Roast turkey is the main course for dinner. People in Scotland also have roast turkey & exchange small gifts. Some Scottish families decorate a Christmas tree & sing carols, but most hold their main celebrations on New Year's Day.

In Australia & New Zealand, December comes during the summer. Many people celebrate Christmas by going on a picnic or to the beach. Schoolchildren have a 6-week summer vacation at Christmastime. Caroling takes place in many cities & towns. Popular Christmas foods include turkey & plum pudding. Both Father Christmas & Santa Claus are popular symbols of gift giving in Australia & New Zealand.

B-days:

1931 Charles 'Lefty' Driesell, 5th winningest coach in NCAA history
1946 Jimmy Buffet was born into Margaritaville
1946 Larry Csonka Hall of Fame Running back.
1948 Country singer Barbara Mandrell
1949 Actress Sissy Spacek was born
1954 Eurythmics Singer Annie Lennox
1954 Country singer Steve Wariner
1954 Robin Campbell Lead guitarist of Ub40
1958 Baseball's all-time stolen base leader Rickey Henderson
1971 Singer Dido

Interfaith Blood & Marrow Donor Drive

On Dec. 26th, people of all faiths & cultures are encouraged to come together to work toward a common goal…to save lives. United Blood Services, Arizona’s oldest & largest community blood center, has joined with the Arizona Interfaith Movement, the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix & the Arizona Ecumenical Council to host the 1st Interfaith Blood & Bone Marrow Drive on Tues., Dec. 26th. Representatives from the Governor’s Office of Faith Initiatives & United Blood Services Community Leadership Council are also supporting this lifesaving mission. Interfaith drives will be held at both Bourgade Catholic High School & at the First Institutional Baptist Church from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The simple act of giving could save the life of Isaiah, a 5-year-old Valley boy who was diagnosed with leukemia in Oct. On Dec. 26th, participants at the Interfaith Drive will have the opportunity to donate in Isaiah’s name while helping to rebuild Arizona blood supplies.

In Arizona, it takes 700 blood donations every day to meet hospital patient needs.

To make an appointment to donate at the Interfaith Drive, call 1-877-448-GIVE (4483) or visit UnitedBloodServices.org/Arizona (enter the sponsor code Interfaith). In appreciation, all donors will receive a holiday T-shirt & can enter to win Phoenix Suns, Insight Bowl, Fiesta Bowl Parade & Tempe Block Party tickets.

Tue., Dec. 26th, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (both locations)

Bourgade Catholic High School, The Hillman Center

4602 N. 31st Ave., Phoenix

(31st Ave., south of Camelback)

&

First Institutional Baptist Church, THE HOPE CENTER

1141 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix

(Jefferson St., west of 12th St.)

Gila Co. Job Line

The Gila County Personnel Department Job Line is 928-402-8725. You may also go their Personnel Department page to view any postings that they may have listed.

John O'Donnell Retiring

After serving Globe-Miami for 31+ years at The Mahoney Group, he can now relax with his family and friends with more ease, since getting up early to go to work will not be an issue.

Missing Plane Found

The missing plane piloted by Cynthia Anderson has been found on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. Anderson & her 2 dogs were killed in the crash. Her white on white single engine Cirrus SR 22 had been reported missing since Monday.

Free Helpline For AZ Families

Attention all parents & caregivers: The Arizona Institute for Early Childhood Development announces the 1st statewide toll-free Birth to 5 Helpline to serve the early childhood development needs of Arizona's infants & toddlers. Call 1-877-705-KIDS for free consultations & answers to your critical questions from child development professionals. Make your free call today! That number again is 1-877-705-K-I-D-S.

Shop 12-23-06

FUTON FOR SALE - $150. 602-867-2444.

Beautiful Wood King Size Bedroom Set, Dovetail drawers, solid wood, Walnut Color. $500 OBO 480-945-7341

Sofa and Loveseat - $850. (928)380-0125

Hyperlite premier wakeboard. size is 130. Used once. $130 Cash only. 480-720-7411

Set of Weider weights, bars and bench $150. Call Laura 623-693-6876

Olympic Pro Weight Set - $700. 480-238-7125 ask for Chris.

8ft Beach Pool Table, burgundy/wine felt, cues, balls, ping pong table, wall mount & floor racks, all included. Great condition. $1600. call 480-251-2508

10' X 20' canopy includes anchors & tie downs. only been up for 1 month. No sun damage. asking $75. (623)363-7975 ask for Marcus

Rockwell Model 10 Contractor's table saw, 1.5 hp motor, long extension table on rollers. Powerful, professional quality, excellent condition. $250. Call Bruce at 480-220-4940

5 Person Coleman Hot Tub - 84" x 74" x 36". $1500. Call 480-650-5928 for more info.

Razor Electric Scooter E200 - $160. 480-987-5428

Large dog Cage Lengh 35" x 24" tall x 22" width. $30. 480-250-9749

FREE, nice & playful orange, tabby male cat named Oliver, born Aug. 20th 2005, green eyes, front claws declawed, neutered, all shots done, free pet carrier, litter box, & food dishes, loves being around people. If interested call Lori at 602-403-5107.

1997 Ford Expedition, light blue exterior, gray interior. Call 425-3117 & ask for Jeff.

2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, $9995- (480) 628 - 3666

2003 Buick Century - $6000. 480-252-2954.

1989 Corvette Convertible - $8000. Call Dan at 480-343-8854.

2004 Dodge Caravan SXT. $10,200. If interested, call 602-206-9605.

2 Quads for sale--One is a 2003 Blaster, asking $4000 OBO, & the other is a Kazuma asking $700 OBO. call after 6 PM to get more info. Ask for Junior or Cindy @ 623-680-9632 or leave a message & they will return calls asap.

2002 Harley Davidson Road King - $24,500. (602) 574-2584.

2003 polaris predator 500 troy lee edition - $3300. 602-697-9956

1986 Searay Seville - $3000. obo. Call Jason with any questions at 602-628-0333.

1988 Four Winns 180 Candia - $3200 OBO. call 623-399-3313 for more info.

Apache Gold Christmas Buffet

The Apache Gold Casino & Resort located 5 minutes East of Globe are having a special Christmas Day buffet. Adults are $16.95, kids are $8.50, from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. & 5 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Enjoy roast prime ribs of beef au jus, honey glazed ham, roast turkey, rotisserie chicken, medallions of beef tenderloin, poached salmon, peel n' pop'em shrimp, & much more. For more info call 1-800-APACHE-8.

Search Expanded

The zone has been expanded by Arizona officials for a single-engine plane, missing since Monday, piloted by Cynthia Anderson to an 1,800-square mile zone near Globe.

The plane is a white on white single engine Cirrus SR 22, tail # N5472S departed Winslow Airport at approx. 5 p.m. on Dec. 18th. The flight plan indicates the plane was heading to Henderson, Nevada. The last known radar location for the plane was 37 miles north of Globe.

The Arizona Division of Emergency Management is coordinating the search & asked for support from Arizona National Guard Black Hawk helicopters. Fixed-wing aircraft with the Civil Air Patrol have been searching an area northeast of Phoenix where Anderson's Cirrus SR-22 was last tracked since Tuesday. Officials believe she was heading southeast toward the Chandler Airport to avoid bad weather. Rescue vehicles will also follow other possible routes Anderson might have taken outside the designated search zone.

ADEQ Orders Wilhoit Water Company-Yavapai Estates To Correct Violations

ADEQ Director Steve Owens announced that they issued a Compliance Order to Wilhoit Water Company-Yavapai Estates in Chino Valley requiring the company to provide an alternative source of drinking water directly to customers because the water that Wilhoit is currently supplying contains unsafe levels of arsenic.

On Dec. 5th, ADEQ issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to Wilhoit for serving drinking water to customers with arsenic concentrations more than 30 times the federal standard. On Dec. 13th, ADEQ posted a public notice that advised customers to avoid drinking or cooking with water from the Wilhoit-Yavapai Estates system, & to find an alternative source of drinking water.

ADEQ issued the Compliance Order yesterday because Wilhoit Water Company has failed to provide its customers with safe drinking water, including bottled water, & failed to inform customers about the arsenic levels.

The company has 3 days to begin supplying bottled water directly to customers, 5 days to issue a public notice through the U.S. Mail toits customers, 30 days to submit a proposal to bring the system into compliance with the federal arsenic standard, & until June 1st, 2007 to achieve compliance with the standard.

Customers with questions or concerns should contact the Wilhoit Water Company at (928) 639-1308 or may contact ADEQ at (602) 771-4644.

Found

The two dog's reported missing Wednesday have been found.

Tom Mix Lecture At The Pinal Co. Historical Museum

Have you passed the Tom Mix wash on Highway 79 & wondered about the story behind the spot & why the famous movie star was he driving through Arizona? You have the opportunity to get the facts & the rest of the story. Gerry Miller returns to the Pinal County Historical Society Museum Speakers Series with new information from his never-ending study of Tom Mix. What new photographs & anecdotes of this fascinating movie star will Miller share? Who really was Tom Mix? Why was he in Tucson in 1940 & why was he coming to Florence? What were the unusual circumstances of his death in the car crash south of Florence?

A reserve San Diego policeman & frequent lecturer on many topics, Mr. Miller especially enjoys researching American western history & the Civil War. Now interested especially in Tom Mix, he has collected many interesting anecdotes, photos & information on the famous movie star of both the silent era & the talkies.

Before or after this free program, check out the rest of the museum’s fine collection, especially the Tom Mix artifacts. Along with items relating to Florence’s wild west past, they have prison artifacts including the famous nooses. Check out the cactus furniture, bullets, barbed wire, & rare gun collection as well. The program starts at 2 p.m. at the Pinal Co. Historical Museum at 715 S. Main St. For more info call the museum at 520-868-4382.

Phelps Dodge News

David H. Elliott has been appointed vice president-cobalt marketing for Phelps Dodge Sales Co., a division of Phelps Dodge Corp., the company announced today.

In this newly created position, Elliott, 44, will finalize and implement cobalt marketing plans for Phelps Dodge. The company is expected to become a large producer of the metal in late 2008 when the Tenke Fungurume copper/cobalt project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo begins operation.

For the past 2 years, Elliott was director-business development for nickel at Falconbridge Ltd. in Canada. Before that, he served Falconbridge in Brussels as director-cobalt marketing & market development.

Elliott has worked in a number of marketing positions as well as in process & product engineering roles for Falconbridge & for Canadian steel producer Dofasco. He holds a bachelor of science degree in metallurgy from McMasters University in Hamilton, Ontario.

Way To Go Gayl

Globe's own Gayl Overgaard was elected to lead the Gila County Democratic Party as Chair Person. Also elected were Doug Richardson of Pine as 1st Vice Chair, Shaya Rodriguez of Globe as 2nd Vice Chair, Nan Lawler of Pine as Secretary, & Globe's Matthew Bishop was elected as Treasurer.

GCC Offers Basic Wildland Firefighting Course

Gila Community College is offering FSC150 Basic Wildland Firefighting during the spring 2007 semester. Students who successfully complete the course will earn 3 credits. The course is offered on Saturdays from Jan. 15th, 2007 through Feb. 24th, 2007. This course teaches basic wildland firefighting. Instruction includes locating & reporting the fire, incident operations & management, suppression equipment, fire behavior, size-up, methods of suppression, & safety. Individuals wishing to start careers in wildland firefighting are encouraged to enroll in this course. The instructor is Robert Shirkey of the U. S. Dept. of Forestry.

For further information concerning this course or any professional development opportunity, contact Dr. Steve Cullen at Gila Community College at 425-8481 or log on to gilaccc.org.

American Legion New Years Eve Party

The American Legion Post 4's New Years Eve Party will benefit Boys' State, with music by Eddie & the Cruisers on Dec. 31st, from 8 p.m. - 1 a.m. It's only $15 per person. You'll need to buy tickets at the Post located at 645 S. Broad St. in Globe.

"Santa Goes On Strike"

That is the name of the skit that the Miami Memorial Library will be putting on tomorrow starting at 5 p.m. Admission is $1 & a can of food for the food bank. The Miami Memorial Library is located at 1052 Adonis Ave in Miami.

Two Missing Dogs

The dogs went missing from Winter's Ranch at MP 264 on Highway 60. Rascal, is a big, black Lab. Tater, is tan & looks like a Greyhound. If you have seen these dog's or have located them call Ron at 200-6126 or Dusty at 200-8268.

Congratulations Cable One

Two television ads produced for Cable One were winners in the Create Awards competition recently. They won the Best of Industry award & the Gold Award in the category of T.V. commercials over 30 seconds, & in the category of 30 second T.V. commercials.

Suns Game Cancelled

Due to blizzard-like conditions in Denver, the Suns game scheduled for tonight against the Nuggets has been cancelled.

CVCH Diabetic Workshop

The Cobre Valley Community Hospital Auxiliary will host their next diabetic workshop on Dec. 28th, at the Medical Office Building (MOB) Conference Room B at 10 a.m. Lisa Tomasiak, RD will facilitate this workshop. Lisa is a Registered Dietician & has been a diabetic consultant for Cobre Valley Community Hospital since Oct. 2005. If you've been a diabetic for along time, just recently diagnosed, or want to learn more info about the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. you are invited to attend the workshop. For further info, please call 402-1230.

Apache Gold Christmas Buffet

The Apache Gold Casino & Resort located 5 minutes East of Globe are having a special Christmas Day buffet. Adults are $16.95, kids are $8.50, from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. & 5 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Enjoy roast prime ribs of beef au jus, honey glazed ham, roast turkey, rotisserie chicken, medallions of beef tenderloin, poached salmon, peel n' pop'em shrimp, & much more. For more info call 1-800-APACHE-8.

Fossil Creek Closure

Continuing de-construction efforts on the Childs-Irving Hydroelectric facilities have prompted an extension of the closure affecting Forest Road 708 (Fossil Creek Road). The closure, requested by A.P.S., continues through Dec. 31st, 2006, Mon. - Fri. Please note that this closure will severely limit access to the upper reaches of Fossil Creek during this period.

Closure location:

The east end of the closure for FR 708 will be located approx. 1/2 mile west of the entrance to the Upper Fossil Springs Trailhead near Strawberry. The west end of the closure will be located approx. 1 mile east of the intersection of FR 502 & FR 708.

Severe construction traffic restrictions will occur on FR 708 from Hwy. 260 near Camp Verde to the intersection of FR 502 until Dec. 31st, due to heavy equipment & truck movement. Traffic diversions to Strawberry or extended delays on this stretch of forest road may occur.

This temporary closure is requested by A.P.S. in connection with the decommissioning of the power plant & facilities at Fossil Creek. This closure will affect the Tonto & Coconino national forests. A.P.S. crews will construct gates for each end of the closure & provide signs at the gates as well as on upper Fossil Creek Road & on FR 708 at the Camp Verde end.

The Payson Ranger District office can be contacted by telephone at 602-928-7900 or visit fs.fed.us/r3/tonto.

"Operation Road Rescue"

Cobre Valley Community Hospital announced that it will provide safe rides during this coming New Years Eve. The program, “Operation Road Rescue” is sponsored by the Positive Attitudes Create Teamwork (PACT) Committee at CVCH. The Committee & staff members from CVCH will be available from 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. on Dec. 31st/Jan. 1st to provide safe transportation home to individuals that might have had a little too much holiday cheer. The staff volunteers their time, gas, & automobile to offer this community service. This is their 5th year operating “Operation Road Rescue”.

"Operation Road Rescue" will be available to anyone within the city limits of Miami, Claypool, & Globe. A team of 2 CVCH staff members will pick-up party goers at a private party or bar within the tri-city limits & take them home. When the individual(s) are picked-up, they will be asked for their car keys. CVCH staff will take the keys back to the CVCH Emergency Room for holding until the following day. People will be able to collect their keys after 12 noon on Jan. 1st, at the Emergency Room. On New Years Eve, if you find yourself under the influence & not able to drive call Operation Road Rescue at 402-1212.

Our Salvation Army Needs Your Help

The Globe Salvation Army is issuing an urgent call to Globe, Miami, Claypool residents for help in meeting the needs of the less fortunate this Christmas. The Salvation Army is making a plea for donations of cash & non-perishable food. They are short by approx. 200 boxes of food this year.

Donations may be made between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until this Thursday.

The Salvation Army
161 E. Cedar St.
Globe, Az

Gila Co. B.O.S. Meeting

The Gila County Board of Supervisors will be meeting this morning at 10 a.m. in the Supervisors Auditorium at 1400 E. Ash St. in Globe.

Anheuser-Busch To End NASCAR Sponsorship

After the 2007 Busch season, Anheuser-Busch will be it, even though the company had just celebrated its 25th season as the title sponsor. The decision came after ESPN's plan to close its grip to become the sole broadcaster to the little brother to the Nextel Series. The move will also cause revenue for the races to triple, according to inside sources.

Poinsettia Bowl

Northern Illinois Huskies
Vs.
TCU Horned Frogs

6 p.m. MST tonight on ESPN 2

'Jewish Cabal'

Ex-publisher Judith Regan had gone off on a Mel Gibson sized tirade against the Jewish community as part of the reason behind her being fired. Good luck with rehab that will be entered shortly, you stupid bitch.

Flagstaff On Wheel Of Fortune

The internationally syndicated game show will feature Flagstaff during the "Route 66" series starting tonight. Tune in all week at 6:30 p.m. on ABC 15 (PHX) to see the "Flagstaff wedge" on the wheel. The Flagstaff Convention & Visitors Bureau teamed up with several local Flagstaff businesses, who donated items to the prize package totaling $2,500.

NRCS Applications Still Being Accepted

Farmers, ranchers, & other private landowners can apply for financial & technical help from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Applications are being accepted for 3 different programs that benefit agricultural land, wetlands, & wildlife habitat. NRCS is accepting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, & Wetlands Reserve Program programs for 2007.

All 3 of these programs may provide up to 75% of the costs for appropriate projects, & limited resources agricultural producers could receive up to 90%. NRCS has 25 field offices in Arizona that can assist customers. For more info, call 602-280-8801 or find your local office contact info at az.nrcs.usda.gov/contact.

Holiday Book Fair

The Globe Public Library has kicked off the Christmas season with a Book Fair that runs until Dec. 21st.

The holiday sale hours are:

Mon. - Tues. & Fri. - Sat.; 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Wed. - Thurs.; 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Free Helpline For AZ Families

Attention all parents & caregivers: The Arizona Institute for Early Childhood Development announces the 1st statewide toll-free Birth to 5 Helpline to serve the early childhood development needs of Arizona's infants & toddlers. Call 1-877-705-KIDS for free consultations & answers to your critical questions from child development professionals. Make your free call today! That number again is 1-877-705-K-I-D-S.

Gila County Has Gardasil Ready

The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls 11-12 years of age but also allows for vaccination of girls at 9 years old as well as vaccination of girls & women 13-26 years old. The vaccine will be available through the Arizona VFC program free of charge for females 11-18 years of age who are VFC-eligible. The vaccine can be ordered for those females that do not qualify for the VFC program. The cost is $123/dose, or $369 for the series. For additional info contact, 928-402-8811.

City Of Globe Council Work Session

The Globe Council Work Session is tonight at 6 p.m. at the Municipal Building on 150 N. Pine St. in Globe.

Coolidge Chamber Dec. Meeting Reminder

Wednesday, Dec. 20th
Noon @ the Elks Lodge

Speaker - Denis Fitzgibbons
Fitzgibbons Law Office

2 tickets to the Suns Game on Jan. 9th, 7 p.m. vs. Seattle Supersonics will be auctioned courtesy of Coolidge Family Dental Care! There will be other door prizes, as well.

Some DVDs Out This Week

Look for S&T next to the titles that are my recommended picks.

My Super Ex-Girlfriend
The Simpsons: Complete 9th Season - S&T
Jet Li's Fearless - S&T
When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in 4 Acts
Hogan's Heroes: Complete 5th Season
Married...With Children: Complete 6th Season - S&T
Little Miss Sunshine
ER: Complete 6th Season
All the King's Men (Spec. Ed.) - S&T
Lady in the Water
Invincible - S&T
The Wicker Man

CVCH Preparing For Globe's Centennial

The Cobre Valley Community Hospital Foundation is beginning preparations for the upcoming Globe Centennial. The CVCH Foundation has been asked by the Centennial organizers to host a recognition dinner & fund raising event. The CVCH Foundation will take this opportunity to celebrate the anniversary of the founding of Globe by recognizing citizens & families that have made a significant contribution to the city of Globe over the past 100 years.

During the recognition dinner the CVCH Foundation will host a silent auction. Proceeds from the silent auction & event will benefit the CVCH Foundation. In keeping with the Centennial theme they would like to offer items at the silent auction that have a historical significance to Globe & surrounding communities. They're asking the community for help by donating items of historical significance that represents life in Globe over the past 100 years. All donations are tax deductible.

For more info about the Centennial Dinner or if you wish to make a donation please contact Jane Allen at 402-1230 or David Pfohl at 402-1141.

Rock Slide Project On SR 288 Continues

ADOT is working on the removal of a hazardous rock slide area along SR288 south of the Salt River Bridge near Roosevelt Lake. Crews will work from sunrise to sunset, Mon. - Fri., until Dec. 31st.

Traffic delays of up to 30 minutes are anticipated. Longer delays are possible depending on the amount of rock & other material that has to be removed during each step of the operation. Drivers are advised to comply with traffic control signs & to be prepared to stop in advance of the project. Updated info is available from the Roosevelt Maintenance Office, 928-467-2282.

Drivers can find road conditions & up-to-date info by dialing 511 or go to az511.com.

Besh-ba-Gowah Luminaries Tonight

Today, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. at no charge, the Besh-ba-Gowah Archeological Park will celebrate the holiday with 1400 luminaries lit up around the ruins. As usual, each year they offer a different holiday program. They will have Holiday music, along with Native American storytellers & dancers with a special appearance by Santa Claus for the kids. Refreshments will be provided. The Besh-ba-Gowah Archeological Park is located on Jess Hayes Road in Globe. For more info call, (928) 425-0320.

Cantata

The sounds of the season come to life at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, today & tomorrow as the choir performs the annual cantata. "Born a Savior, Born a King--A Prophecy Fulfilled" will be performed at the 10 am service this morning at the church in Country Club Manor. A 2nd performance at the church is planned at 7 p.m. tomorrow. The public is invited to attend.

Phoenix Choir Students In Rose Bowl Parade

Phoenix’s very own Local Choir Students Ryan Kleinman, Kamery Weatherford, Alex McHardy, & Ian McHardy from Red Mountain High School & Shannon Brown, Brenton Kuipers, Caitlin O’Neil, & Dustin Schanaker from Valley Christian High School were chosen as members of this group, & are getting a chance to showcase their talent with a performance in the upcoming Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif on Jan. 1st, 2007.

Tickle Me Elmo TMX For Sale

It's unopened & ready for Christmas. The asking price is $175. Call 928-425-3908 if you want this HOT X-mas toy.

Gila County Job Line

The Gila County Personnel Department Job Line is 928-402-8725. You may also go to their Personnel Department page to view any postings that they may have listed.

2006 Christmas Lighting Contest Winners

1. Steve & Suzy Morales ~ $125
2. Danny & Linda Michels ~ $100
3. Randy Seppala ~ $75

Separate Those Ashes

The City of Globe is urging residents to separate their ashes, even cooled, from their fireplaces to reduce any hazard to members of the sanitation crew & vehicles. This means in a different plastic bag from the regular garbage. If there are violations, penalties & legal actions against the property owner may occur.

Terry Earp Benefit Shows Money Raised

Terry Earp, wife of Wyatt Earp, was hit by an SUV while on her bicycle & was very badly injured. She's currently receiving breathing therapy to learn to breath on her own. She's been making great strides but has a long road & lots of hospital expenses to deal with the serious injuries. A group of her friends planned a few benefits to help pay hospital expenses. The benefits held on Dec. 7th & 8th, raised $23,000. The money donated can be made to any branch of the Wells Fargo Bank, the account is #2222432482. The money will go to the Terry Earp Accident Recovery fund.

12-16-06 Shop Highlights

FREE Brown couch, good shape. They just want it gone. You pick it up, it's your's. Call Brittney at 928-402-9222, Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. - noon.

G.E. white washer/dryer matching set, hot point, large load, excellent condition. $225. call Kristy at 480-615-5940

White Bunkbed with Futon bottom - $150. 480-642-1496.

Rustic fireplace screen. 3 feet tall. $80. Call 480-254-5100 if you are interested.

Sofa and Loveseat - $850. (928)380-0125

Beautiful traditional table w/6 chairs. Great condition. has the Leaf. $475. 480.510.4172

WOODEN ROCKING CHAIR $75 OBO - Call Ward at 520-494-1594

Elliptical *Like New* - $300. Call 480-326-8317 if interested.

Burton Custom 152 Snowboard W/Custom Burton Bindings - $295. call 602-359-7926

trampoline for, it's about 14’ wide & stands 3’ high. $150. call 602-575-3024

Olympic Pro Weight Set - $700. 480-238-7125 ask for Chris.

Baldwin Organ - Interlude with Fun Machine - $150. 480.577-2402.

Inversion Table - $50. call Linzi at 623-329-1117.

6.5 Horse Power Briggs & Stratton Motor - $400. call 602-721-8263

Large DOG CRATE/KENNEL - Measures 35"H x 28"W x 48"L. $65. 602-741-1355.

Restored 1952 Farmall Cub Tractor. 48" belly mower. Tractor runs fine, has hydraulics, hitch, wheel weights & good tires. 480-216-3679

1984 Chevy Pickup - $1300. Call 602-291-1520.

2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, $9995- (480) 628 - 3666

1989 Corvette Convertible - $8000. Call Dan at 480-343-8854.

1975 BMW r90/6. $2000. call (928)338-9525.

2000 yamaha yz250 - $2000. 253-350-4587.

1976 kawasaki 900 - $5000. 480-202-0780.

2000 Polaris Trailblazer 250, street legal, EXCELLENT condition, $1900. 602-499-5198

1992 yamaha xt 225 - $1500. call 623-694-5520.

2002 Harley Davidson Road King - $24500. (602) 574-2584.

2000 Yamaha Warrior 350 - $2500 obo. 623.975.6348

Hummingbird Smartcast Wireless Fishfinder. $100. 602-369-0091.

1996 Skeeter 200SL Fish & Ski boat - $12995. 602-686-0602.

1999 21' Sea Ray 210 - $19000. 480.518.7795.

Christmas Cantata

Wheatfields Baptist Church would like everyone to join them tonight at 6 p.m. for a Christmas Cantata. For further info or more detailed directions call, 425-2872.

$58.6 Million

A 1,010 acre parcel of state land adjacent to Apache Junction sold at auction for $58.6 million. The parcel of land, along with surrounding properties, is more commonly known as Lost Dutchman Heights. The winning bidder was Desert Communities Incorporated, an affiliate of Rhodes Homes. The money raised from this auction is targeted for public schools. The plan is to develop a beautiful, high-quality master planned community. As the winning bidder, Desert Communities is required to master plan all of Lost Dutchman's 7,700 acres.

Apache Gold Christmas Buffet

The Apache Gold Casino & Resort located 5 minutes East of Globe are having a special Christmas Day buffet. Adults are $16.95, kids are $8.50, from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. & 5 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Enjoy roast prime ribs of beef au jus, honey glazed ham, roast turkey, rotisserie chicken, medallions of beef tenderloin, poached salmon, peel n' pop'em shrimp, & much more. For more info call 1-800-APACHE-8.

State Mine Inspector Indicted

State Mine Inspector Douglas K. Martin has been indicted on charges relating to theft, fraud & procurement code fraud dealing with the acquisition of new vehicles for his office, Attorney General Terry Goddard has announced.

Reportedly, Martin falsely told a dealer he could obtain those vehicles through lease-purchase agreements & then “deceived” the state into making payments for them by certifying the expenditures were in compliance with state laws & regulations. Martin's scheduled to appear in Maricopa Co. Superior Court on Dec. 27th, & he could get 15 years in prison if convicted on all 9 counts of these 3 alleged crimes.

Expansion Committee Press Conference Monday

The Capitol Improvement Committee for Superior Court & Justice Court Facility Expansion will hold a press conference on Dec. 18th, at 2:30 p.m. to discuss their findings & recommendations after a year-long study. The press conference will be in the jury assembly room on the 1st floor of the Superior Court located at 971 N. Jason Lopez Circle, Building A in Florence.

The study is to enhance & provide further input on the County's Facility Master Plan which is being developed by Durrant Architects in collaboration with a local County Facility Master Planning Team. The recommendations from the committee will focus on the following items: facility design; facility location & the use of technology. The goal of this study is to provide enhanced court services while handling the growth the County is currently experiencing & will experience.

The co-chairs of the committee are Superior Court Judge William O'Neill & District 3 Supervisor David Snider. The committee is made up of residents from across Pinal Co.

Quick Lake Level Check

Bartlett: 53%
San Carlos: 25%
Roosevelt Lake: 64%
Saguaro Lake (Stewart Mtn): 96%
Lake Pleasant (Waddell Dam): 74%
Lake Havasu: 88%
Canyon Lake (Mormon Flat): 98%
Lake Powell: 51%
Apache Lake (Horse Mesa): 55%

Besh-ba-Gowah Festival Of Lights

On Dec. 17th, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. at no charge, the Besh-ba-Gowah Archeological Park will celebrate the holiday with 1400 luminaries lit up around the ruins. As usual, each year they offer a different holiday program. They will have Holiday music, along with, Native American storytellers & dancers with a special appearance by Santa Claus for the kids. Refreshments will be provided. The Besh-ba-Gowah Archeological Park is located on Jess Hayes Road in Globe. For more info call, (928) 425-0320.

Grants Will Benefit Five Az. Main Streets

Helping Arizonans & state visitors find their way to downtown businesses is an over-arching theme in the 5 Main Street Grants awarded by the Arizona Dept. of Commerce.

The total of grants awarded is $47,855.

$15,000 to build & install 2 entryway monument signs at the gateways to the community.

"wayfinding" (directional) signage design & location plan, which will include location map, design concepts & implementation program - 3 deteriorated vertical neon signs on Florence St. - strategies & update ordinances for community stabilization, enhancement, & business implementation for the Historic Downtown & Main Street areas of the City of Williams (development area) - & printing of the Historic Florence Walking Tour brochure.

The Main Street Program fosters economic development within the context of historic preservation by working as a partner with local & state agencies, property owners & business people to revitalize downtown areas. The Az. Legislature established the Main Street Program within the Az. Dept. of Commerce to stimulate the preservation & revitalization of downtown areas in smaller communities statewide. Commerce assists Main Street Program participants in creating local organizations that manage both revitalization & promotion of central business districts in communities statewide.

For further info about the Arizona Main Street Program visit the 'Community Assistance' section of the Arizona Dept. of Commerce website at azcommerce.com.

Changes Made In The Napolitano Administration

Gov. Napolitano has accepted the resignation of Arizona Dept. of Real Estate Commissioner Elaine Richardson. Richardson, plans to retire to Tucson to pursue personal goals, has served as Commissioner for the duration of Gov. Napolitano’s 1st term. Prior to her appointment, she was a member of the Arizona State Legislature for 10 years.

The Governor hasn't yet named a replacement for Richardson. Richard C. Simmonds, who's served the Commission for more than a decade, will act as Interim Commissioner.

Gov. Napolitano has appointed Jerry Oliver, Sr. to be the new Director of the Az. Dept. of Liquor Licenses & Control. Oliver replaces Leesa Berens Morrison, who has been named Director of the Arizona Dept. of Homeland Security last week.

The Governor has also named Kristin Almquist to head the Governor’s Southern Az. Office, replacing Jan Lesher, who now heads the Arizona Dept. of Commerce. Almquist currently serves as the Director of Community Development for Habitat for Humanity in Tucson.

New Az. Director Of Commerce

Gov. Napolitano named Jan Lesher, of Tucson, as the new Director of the Az. Dept. of Commerce. Lesher's replacing Gil Jimenez, who's leaving to spend more time with his family. Lesher has been with the Napolitano administration since 2003, coordinating policy development & issues management for all of Southern Az. for the Governor's office.

Coolidge Chamber Meeting

DECEMBER MEETING REMINDER

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20TH
NOON @ the Elks Lodge

Speaker – Denis Fitzgibbons
Fitzgibbons Law Office

2 tickets to the Suns Game on Jan. 9th, 7 p.m. vs. Seattle Supersonics will be auctioned courtesy of Coolidge Family Dental Care! There will be otherDoor Prizes, as well.

Holiday Book Fair

The Globe Public Library is kicking off the Christmas season today with a Book Fair that will run until Dec. 21st. The holiday sale will run during library hours:

Mon. - Tues. & Fri. - Sat.; 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Wed. - Thurs.; 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Industrial Commission Sets Minimum Wage Rules

The Industrial Commission of Arizona, designated to regulate the new Minimum Wage Act, passed during the general election on Nov. 7th, 2006, has been working to develop emergency rules & define provisions within the Act. The new minimum wage goes into effect on Mon., Jan. 1, 2007, as stated in the Proposition.

The Commission is comprised of 5 members, each serving for 5-year terms. The Governor appoints the commissioners on a staggered basis. Currently the 5 commissioners are Jean Pierre Angelchik, M.D. (Chairman), Joe Gosiger (vice-Chairman), Louis Lujano Sr., Brian Delfs & Marsha Weeks. Dr. Angelchik, initially appointed by Gov. Symington in 1997, will finish his 2nd term this year.

More info about the Industrial Commission of Arizona can be found at: ica.state.az.us.

Globe-Miami Democratic Club Meeting

The Globe-Miami Democratic Club will hold their monthly meeting at Joe's Grill today at noon. The featured guest speaker is Lt. Norma Rogers of the Salvation Army. All members, as well as the public are invited to attend.

59th Annual Arizona National Livestock Show

The 59th Annual Arizona National Livestock Show will be held at the Arizona State Fairgrounds. Livestock shows & sales, ranch rodeo, Cowboy Classics Western Art & Gear Show, working horse competition, chuck wagon cook-off, stock dog demonstrations & tractor pull are all part of this event. There is a Farm Experience interactive area for the children. It's only $10 for parking & admission. This will be from Dec. 29th-31st, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. & Jan. 1st, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., 602-258-8568 or anls.org.

Trick Pony Rides One Last Time

Former lead singer of country group Trick Pony, Heidi Newfield, has announced that they will record their last album LIVE as Trick Pony tomorrow. The 3 shows will be recorded at The Wildhorse Saloon, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Trick Pony's known for there outrageous performances & stage dives from lead vocalist Heidi Newfield. With their gold selling album, “Trick Pony,” the group earned an ACM for “Top New Vocal Group” & an AMA for “Favorite New Country Act.”

The decision to record a final Trick Pony project follows Heidi Newfield’s announcement earlier this year that she will soon begin recording a solo album in 2007. Stay tuned to heidinewfield.com for additional info on both the LIVE album & her forthcoming solo project, both on Curb Records.

Gila Co. B.O.S. Meeting

The Gila County Board of Supervisors will meet this morning at 10 a.m. in the Supervisors Auditorium at 1400 E. Ash St. in Globe.

2006 Christmas Lighting Contest

Residents of the City of Globe, you can still enter this year's contest by picking up your entry forms at the City Hall, 150 N. Pine St. or at the Globe Library located at 339 S. Broad St. All entry forms must be turned in by 5 p.m. today to the Globe City Hall. The contest entries will be judged by a panel of judges on Dec. 14th. The winners of the lighting contest will receive $125 for 1st Place, $100 for 2nd, & $75 for 3rd.

Permanent Cochise Co. Superior Court Judge Picked

Gov. Napolitano has named Bisbee attorney & Judge Pro Tempore James Conlogue to serve as a permanent judge on the Cochise Co. Superior Court. Conlogue, a native Arizonan, has a long career of service, as a prosecutor, public defender, & attorney for the U.S. Navy.

Conlogue was born in Morenci, & has lived in Southern Az. most of his life. He attended undergraduate school at A.S.U., & earned his master's degree in public administration from the University of Arizona, where he also attended law school. Conlogue's experience is diverse: he's practiced civil, criminal, probate & family law, & has worked as a Judge Pro Tempore for more than a decade. He's also involved in his local community, where he's been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Sierra Vista & the local Boys & Girls Club, & participates in high school "mock trial" programs.

Conlogue is scheduled to assume his new post on Jan. 2nd, 2007.

The Devil Goes Down To Tampa

It's official, legendary country superstar Charlie Daniels will perform the National Anthem at the Outback Bowl in Tampa, Florida on New Year’s Day. The college football bowl game will match the University of Tennessee against Penn State University in front of a sellout crowd in Raymond James Stadium. The Outback Bowl will be televised on ESPN & heard nationally on ESPN Radio. For more info visit, outbackbowl.com.

Gila County 4-H Open House

The Gila Co. 4-H Open House is looking for new members & leaders. They will be having the Open House on Dec. 14th, at 6:30 p.m. at the IBEW Hall on the Trail. Refreshments will be provided, so come on out & join them. For more info call, 402-8585.

House Approves Amendment To Combat Tribal Meth Crisis

The U.S. House of Representatives late Friday approved the Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act, legislation which includes an amendment offered by Congressman Rick Renzi (AZ-01) directing the ONDCP to study the inclusion of tribal governments as part of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program. The measure, HR 6344, passed the House by unanimous consent.

Renzi's amendment directs the Office of National Drug Control Policy to conduct a study & make recommendations on how best to combat drug trafficking in Indian County through the Dept. of Justice's HIDTA program. The goal is to improve drug trafficking efforts throughout the country, most notably in Arizona, which includes the Navajo Nation, the San Carlos Apaches, the White Mountain Apaches, the Yavapai Apaches & the Tohono O'odham Nation which is located just south of Congressman Renzi's district, near the Mexican border.

The purpose of the HIDTA program is to enhance & coordinate drug control efforts among local, state, & federal law enforcement agencies. The legislation has now passed in both houses of Congress & must now be signed by the President to become law.