Lake Level Check

Bartlett: 39%
San Carlos: 24%
Roosevelt Lake: 61%
Saguaro Lake: 94%
Lake Pleasant: 87%
Lake Havasu: 88%
Canyon Lake: 95%
Lake Powell: 48%
Apache Lake: 91%

Hunter Education Class Registration Saturday

Registeration for the Az Game & Fish dept hunter education class will be at the Claypool Safeway at 10 am & will last until the first 40 students are registered. Classes start Tues. March 6th, at the Charles Bejarano school from 6 pm until 9 pm.

Classes will be conducted on Tuesday & Thursday evenings from March 6th, thru March 29th, with a range day on Sat. March 31st, starting at 8 am until all requirements are completed. A student must be 10 years of age by March 31st, in order to receive their completion certificate. Cost of the class is $8. All students will be required to obtain a hunter i.d number from the Game & Fish or provide their social security number as their id number. Any questions please call John Stemm at 928-425-3372.

Blood Drive Date Changed

The Blood Drive will now take place on May 1st, in the Miami High School Nursing Classroom #18 from 8:30 am - 1:30 pm. For more info visit BloodHero.com, & enter sponsor code: vandals.

Globe Centennial Treasure Hunt Clues

You can still get your entry blank at the Chamber of Commerce, the Gila Co. Historical Museum, the Center for the Arts, the Globe Main Street office in the old jail building, or at the Bullion Plaza Museum.

1. "Cold, sweet Christmas will see you where the longest-working barber shop used to be."
2. "He's blue & he's stubborn. Find him way down the street."
3. "'City of Metal' or 'Place of Metal' was its 1st name, but rocks & mud made up its walls."
4. "Jule built this warehouse in the early days. But if you don't know & get in a pickle, check the barrel."
5. "Veterans honored where roses bloom; decisions are made in the building behind."
6. "The kiddies were here, up on 'Pasty Hill'. So back to class for the ABC's."
7. "Any color, any name, any language. Drift here for a drink."
8. "It used to have the power, but now it is a 'hands-on" place.'"
9. "The 'Master of Suspense' has his name on the building, but did not own it. If you visit, you can ask, 'Wrap it for me, please.'"

Congratulations Channell Shephard!!!

Globe-Miami's own Channell Sheppard has won FOX 10's 'Arizona's Most Talented Viewer' contest with 46.7% of the 10,000+ votes & now has a guaranteed audition in front of the panel of Arizona judges to become the 2007 Arizona Idol.

Congratulations NAU

With last night's win, Northern Arizona is now in sole posession of the No. 2 spot & share the regular-season title with Weber St. Northern Arizona will see action again on Tuesday, March 6th, in Ogden, Utah, against the highest remaining seed from the first round from this Saturday in the Semifinals.

The Az Dept of Commerce, Fort Huachuca, the cities of Sierra Vista & Huachuca, the counties of Santa Cruz & Cochise as well as various stakeholders are taking a proactive approach to land use issues surrounding the Fort. The Public Informational Meeting on the Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) will be held at the Sierra Vista Public Library on Thurs., March 1st, from 4 pm - 7 pm with a detailed presentation to occur at 5:30 pm. This meeting's an opportunity for citizens to comment on the draft policy recommendations, ask questions, & express their view points.

The meeting will focus on draft noise & safety compatibility criteria. Arizona Dept of Commerce Director Jan Lesher says it's an agency priority to plan for the future of the Fort & the appropriate development of the surrounding community is an imperative & critical force behind these meetings. "Commerce's Community Planning Office provide(s) the critical planning expertise needed to address these issues. The Dept of Commerce engages local governments, citizens, land owners, businesses & land development groups in finding ways to best use the land without endangering critical military missions or the surrounding communities."

Last Chance To Vote For Channell Sheppard

That's right, voting will end soon. To vote, follow the link to MyFoxPhoenix.com. That link is set directly to the voting page. To cast your vote scroll down the page a little bit & you'll get the three options. Be sure to vote for Globe-Miami's own Channell Sheppard. After casting your vote, exit that window & click on the link again, you'll be able to cast multiple votes. Also, leave your vote by calling 602-257-1234 or 1-888-369-4762 or 310-369-3066. The winner will be announced tomorrow morning on FOX 10 at 7:50 a.m.

Arizona companies interested in expanding their business to Japan will meet with Japanese trade experts March 6th, from 9 am - Noon at the Flinn Foundation, 1802 N. Central Ave., in Phoenix.

The Az Dept of Commerce is hosting the business seminar in collaboration with JETRO, the Japan External Trade Organization. JETRO has been aiding US companies for more than 50 years, & has the experience & skills necessary in aiding companies to set up businesses in Japan.

Japan's Gross Domestic Product is 2nd only to that of the US & its solid growth through 2006 presents plenty of investment & trade opportunities in several industries. The Information & Communications Technology market's 1 of the leading drivers with a market value of $1.1 trillion dollars. This fast paced growth's due to advanced ICT networks & high broadband & mobile penetration, approx. 27 million subscribers & 95 million cellular subscribers. The biotech & nanotech markets are also expected to expand to $218 billion by 2010. Other industries such as aerospace & health care are excellent candidates as well.

Following the general presentation, a break-out session will feature healthcare leaders from Japan & Arizona. The panelists will address problems that are demanding new solutions in the areas of cost control, technology, increase efficiencies & others as they relate to an aging population.

In March Archaeology & Women's History Presentations @ Riordan Mansion

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park will present archaeology & women's history presentations in March.

On March 10th at 7 p.m., the Evening Slide Presentation Series will celebrate Arizona Heritage & Archaeology Awareness Month with " Rock Art on the Colorado Plateau." Neil Weintraub, Kaibab National Forest archaeologist, will discuss the variety of rock art styles found on the Coconino Plateau south of the Grand Canyon. He'll also discuss how the distribution of rock art styles may support recent archaeological evidence in support of the migration of the Cohonina from the Coconino Plateau during the late 11th & early 12th century. Reservations are recommended. To make reservations, call the Park at (928) 779-4395.

On March 13th at 12:15 p.m., the Brown Bag Lunch Lecture will celebrate Women's History Month with "En Vogue: 90 Years of Riordan Women's Fashion." Adrienne Rose, volunteer & textile historian, will discuss popular styles of women's clothing from the late 1880s through the 1960s. This program's a slide presentation featuring garments worn by 3 generations of Riordan women.

For more info about events at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park or to make a reservation, call the park at (928) 779-4395. Winter hours are 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Riordan Mansion tours begin each hour. The 1st tour is at 11 a.m. & the last tour is at 4 p.m. Tour reservations are recommended.

Regular entrance fees are $6 for adults, $2.50 for children ages 7 to 13, children ages 6 & younger are free. Riordan Mansion is located next to NAU in Flagstaff on Riordan Road.

100 New Jobs Coming To Northern Arizona

Schuff International, Inc., a family of companies providing fully integrated steel construction services, announced that its subsidiary Schuff Steel Company has purchased a facility outside of Flagstaff.

The 132,000-square-foot facility is located on 15 acres in Bellemont, Az which is approx. 10 miles west of Flagstaff.

"The Flagstaff facility will continue to expand Schuff's fabrication capacity, allowing us to better service our growing customer base in the Southwest, especially the California & Las Vegas markets. The new location is strategically based & complements the ability of ourexisting plants in Phoenix & Gilbert, Az & Ottawa, Kansas, to meet our customers' needs," says Scott A. Schuff, CEO of Schuff International. "We hope to hire 100 Northern Arizona workers over the next year to work at the facility & we are especially appreciative ofthe assistance provided by the Greater Flagstaff Economic Council & the Az Dept of Commerce."

Schuff Steel has constructed a number of marquee projects in the Southwest, including most recently the retractable roof & field at theArizona Cardinals Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. "We are extremely proud to add Schuff Steel to the growing list of companies expanding into Northern Arizona," says Steve Jaronik, Business Development Director for the Greater Flagstaff Economic Council.

"I am pleased to see Schuff Steel continue to grow & invest in Arizona," says Jan Lesher, Director of the Az Dept ofCommerce. "This project will bring much needed high wage jobs & be a strategic resource for steel products to support the rapid growth in Northern Arizona, Las Vegas & Southern California."

Schuff International, Inc. is a family of steel fabrication & erection companies providing a fully integrated range of steel construction services, including design engineering, detailing, joist manufacturing, fabrication & erection, & project management expertise. The company has multi-state operations primarily focused in the U.S. Sunbelt.

Vote For Channell Sheppard

That's right, voting has begun. To start, follow the link to MyFoxPhoenix.com. That link is set directly to the voting page. To cast your vote scroll down the page a little bit & you'll get the three options. Be sure to vote for Globe-Miami's own Channell Sheppard. Also, leave your vote by calling 602-257-1234 or 1-888-369-4762 or 310-369-3066.

Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard & ADEQ Director Steve Owens announced that Honeywell International, Inc. will pay a $500,000 penalty under a consent judgment with ADEQ for hazardous waste violations in Mohave County.

In Sept. 2005, ADEQ inspectors discovered that the Honeywell Aircraft Landing Systems facility in Kingman, an FAA-certified repair & overhaul station for aircraft wheels & brakes, was operating 2 natural gas-fired hazardous waste thermal treatment units without the required hazardous waste treatment permit.

"I am committed to enforcing hazardous waste laws," Goddard said. "These laws protect our communities, & I will continue to seek penalties from companies that violate these laws."

Owens stated, "Arizona's hazardous waste laws & regulations were established for protection of the public & the environment. This penalty reflects the serious nature of the violations at Honeywell's Kingman facility."

ADEQ issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to Honeywell Kingman on Nov. 15th, 2005, for thermally treating its hazardous waste without a permit, failing to submit signed manifests, failing to properly label each container & tank as hazardous waste, failing to inform employees of proper handling & emergency procedures & failing to comply with personnel training requirements.

ADEQ also found that Honeywell was underreporting its hazardous waste, inaccurately classifying it as solid waste by using an incorrect regulatory level for cadmium, an element that may irritate the digestive tract, cause kidney disease & damage the lungs. Cadmium stays in the body & can build up from many years of exposure to low levels.

The consent judgment is subject to court approval.

Country CDs Out This Week

Bill Engvall - 15 Degrees Off Cool
Burrito Deluxe - Disciples Of The Truth
Guy Clark - Better Days
Guy Clark - The South Coast Of Texas
Donna Hughes - Gaining Wisdom
Bill Monroe - My Last Days on Earth 1981 ~ 1994
Daryle Singletary - Straight From The Heart
Marty Robbins - Rockin Robbins
Ashley Monroe - Satisfied
Willard Grant Conspiracy - Let It Roll
Elena James - Elena James
Various Artists - Greatest Irish Drinking Songs
Danny Griego - Destination
Willie Nelson - Texas in My Soul

Some DVDs Out This Week

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

Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny - S&T
Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry: Season 4 - S&T
The Doris Day Show: Season 4
Nine Inch Nails: Live: Beside You in Time - S&T
Everybody Hates Chris: The 1st Season - S&T
Pink Floyd: Up Close & Personal - S&T
Stranger Than Fiction
Carlos Santana & Wayne Shorter: Live at Montreux - S&T
Magnum P.I.: Complete 6th Season
A Good Year
IWA Championship Wrestling, Vol. 3 - S&T
The Rockford Files: Season 3 - S&T
Girlfriends: Complete 1st Season
Bob Dylan: Don't Look Back - S&T
1979 Daytona 500 - S&T
Playboy: Girls of World Soccer - S&T
George Carlin: Life Is Worth Losing - S&T
Chet Atkins: A Life in Music - S&T
1993 Talladega Die Hard 500 - S&T
The Brady Bunch: Complete 4th Season
The Brady Bunch: Complete Final Season
1997 Daytona 500 - S&T
WWE: Royal Rumble 2007 - S&T

NRCS Takes Snowpack Measure

NRCS will take snow samples at the Happy Jack snow telemetry site Tuesday.

Gov. Napolitano sent a letter to U.S. Dept of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff detailing how Mexico’s production & importation of methamphetamine into the U.S. is made possible partially by the legal importation of pseudoephedrine from the U.S. into Mexico. Pseudoephedrine, one of the precursor chemicals to meth, is moving from U.S. ports into Mexico for production of cold medications, but Mexico is currently importing far more pseudoephedrine than it needs for this type of production.

“One of the most disturbing aspects of the surge in Mexican production of methamphetamine is the legal importation of pseudoephedrine shipped directly into the port at Long Beach, then legally forwarded to Mexico,” Gov. Napolitano wrote.

“We indirectly facilitate the production of this illegal drug by allowing its main precursor to be shipped through the United States. This activity must be address in a proactive manner.”

As the state continues to crack down on meth labs & regulate the purchasing of pseudoephedrine, the Governor asked Chertoff to aggressively pursue a plan to develop an enhanced chemical control system that quickly implements more stringent & effective inspections of incoming vessels for methamphetamine & its precursor chemicals.

“In addition, I would be grateful for your continued coordination with our state, Tribal & local law enforcement authorities with the aim of reducing the amount of illegal pseudoephedrine in the United States,” Napolitano continued in her letter.

The letter is a result of Gov. Napolitano’s meetings with Mexican President Calderon & members of his cabinet. Mexico has established a registry of all of the labs legally producing medication with pseudoephedrine, as well as the amount of product that these labs use. Napolitano is now asking the U.S. federal government to take similar steps to curb this multimillion-dollar illegal industry.

'Arizona's Got Talent' Voting Has Started

That's right the voting has already started. This was contrary to the information Channell was told earlier. To start, follow the link to MyFoxPhoenix.com. That link is set directly to the voting page. To cast your vote scroll down the page a little bit and you'll get the three options. Be sure to vote for Globe-Miami's own Channell Sheppard.

Design a Derby Worthy Hat

In honor of a long-standing tradition of the Kentucky Derby, a sophisticated horse racing event often known for its fan's fashionable hats, the Chrysler brand & Horne Motor Company announce a nationwide hat design competition inspired by the brand's all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible launching in spring 2007.

"Chrysler Sebring Hats Off to the Derby" brings together the elegant design & exhilarating performance of the all-new Chrysler Sebring Convertible with the high fashion & style associated with the Kentucky Derby in a fun contest where the top 3 finalists win tickets to the derby to wear their winning designs. One grand prize winner will be named in Louisville, Ky., during Kentucky Derby weekend & will receive an all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible.

"We're excited about the introduction of the newly designed Chrysler Sebring Convertible & to top it off, we would love to see one of our Globe area residents win a trip to the Kentucky Derby," said Robert Horne, of Horne Motor Company.

Aspiring fashion designers, horse racing enthusiasts, car aficionados & all those interested are invited to enter the contest by going to chryslersebringhatsofftothederby.com. Entrants must submit a sketch by March 5th, of an original hat design that captures the essence of the Chrysler Sebring Convertible & the sophistication of the Kentucky Derby. The design must utilize some material from the Sebring Convertible's soft top & be accompanied by a 100-word essay on how the styling & features of the all-new Chrysler Sebring Convertible inspired the hat design.

Entries will also be accepted by mail at:

Chrysler Sebring Hats Off to the Derby Contest
Department 4764 P.O. Box 6650
Stacy, MN 55078-6650

Mailed entries must be post marked no later than March 5th, 2007, & received no later than March 9th, 2007. Additional details are provided on the contest Web site.

Public Helps Pick Finalists:

The public will vote on the top 15 hat design submissions to determine their favorite. The 15 quarter-finalist designs will be posted at, chryslersebringhatsofftothederby.com, from March 20th - 26th, for public voting.

The top 5 vote getters will be provided seed money & convertible top fabric to produce their hat. After viewing the completed hats, judges will select the top 3 finalists, who'll receive a trip for 2 to the Kentucky Derby & a chance to win an all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. The grand prize winner will be decided by a panel of judges & announced in Louisville, Ky., during Kentucky Derby weekend.

Applications Sought For Pinal County Superior Court

The Office of Governor Janet Napolitano is currently accepting judicial applications for the newly created Division IX of the Pinal County Superior Court.

Applicants will be subject to a background check & public comment. Gov. Napolitano may conduct interviews of some candidates in late March or early April. Candidates must be residents of Pinal County & members of the Arizona State Bar. If selected, the new judge should be prepared to take the bench in late April or early May.

Applications are available on the Governor’s Web site, azgovernor.gov & must be submitted by 5 p.m. Friday, March 23rd.

Nominations Being Accepted For Heritage Preservation Awards

The Az State Historic Preservation Office (a Division of the Arizona State Parks dept) & the Az Preservation Foundation announce the call for nominations for this year's Governor's Heritage Preservation Honor Awards. This award celebrates historic preservation in Az by recognizing the varied contributions of volunteers, professionals, organizations & agencies to promote the goals of historic preservation.

Ten honor awards are given to those projects, businesses, organizations, educational programs, or individuals who exemplify outstanding achievements in the preservation of Arizona's prehistoric & historic resources. Selection of award recipients will be made by a panel of judges drawn from the fields of archaeology, architecture, history, & preservation. This year, presentation of the awards will take place on Thurs., June 14th, 2007 at a ceremony to be held in conjunction with the Statewide Preservation Partnership Conference held at the Elks Theater in Prescott. A Grand Award Winner will be selected from the 10 winners & announced at the lunch.

To obtain a nomination form, as well as additional information about the upcoming Statewide Preservation Partnership Conference, visit the Az State Parks site at azstateparks.com or the Az Preservation Foundation's site at azpreservation.org or contact the State Historic Preservation Office at (602) 542-4009. Nominations are due by April 6th, 2007.

For info about Az State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit: azstateparks.com.

Glendale Officer Anthony Holly's Funeral Procession Route

Drivers in the north Valley should prepare for traffic restrictions during today's funeral procession for slain Glendale police officer Anthony Holly.

The procession is scheduled to begin at approx. 11:45 a.m. at Christ's Church of the Valley at 7007 W. Happy Valley Road in Peoria.

The line of local law enforcement, firefighting & other vehicles will travel south on 67th Avenue to the Loop 101, continue along the eastbound freeway & exit at 7th St. The procession will turn north under the freeway & go west on the Loop 101 frontage road to Phoenix Memorial Cemetery, 200 W. Beardsley Road in Phoenix. Authorities expect the procession to end at approx. 1:30 p.m.

The eastbound Loop 101 will be closed (by DPS officers) at 75th Avenue at approx. 12 noon, when the procession is about to enter the freeway.

Eastbound freeway traffic exiting at the closure at 75th Ave. will have access to the eastbound frontage road. However, eastbound Loop 101 entrance ramps between 75th & 7th avenues will be closed. The ramps from I-17 to eastbound Loop 101 also will be closed.

Information will be available at az511.com or by calling ADOT's Travel Line at 5-1-1.

Flags to be Flown at Half-Staff

Gov. Napolitano announced that today, flags will be flown at half-staff at state buildings in honor of Glendale police officer Anthony Holly. Officer Holly, 24, was killed in the line of duty this week during a routine traffic stop.

Officer Holly, a veteran of the Iraq war, leaves behind his parents & brother, also a veteran. He was in his 2nd year as a member of the Glendale Police.

Officer Holly is the first Glendale police officer to be killed in the line of duty in 20 years.

Palo Verde's Safety Rating Lowered

After 3 years of problems, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has lowered the safety rating of the Palo Verde nuclear plant. This means more inspectors will be scouring the plant to raise it back up to its previous standards prior to the last 3 years & fix the issues at hand.

Weekend Freeway Restrictions

The Az Dept of Transportation says the following freeway closures or restrictions are scheduled in the Phoenix area this weekend (Feb. 23-26):

* Eastbound US 60 (Superstition Freeway) closed between Val Vista Drive & Greenfield Rd from 10 p.m. Fri. - 5 a.m. Mon. (Feb. 26) for freeway widening work & rubberized asphalt paving. Eastbound US 60 on ramps at Mesa Drive, Stapley Rd & Gilbert Rd also closed. Traffic detoured along Baseline Rd or Southern Ave. Drivers encouraged to use southbound Loop 101 to eastbound Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) as alternate route.

* Westbound I-10 narrowed to 2 lanes between Baseline & Broadway roads from 9 p.m. Fri. - 9 a.m. Sat. (Feb. 24) for concrete pavement maintenance. Westbound US 60 ramp to westbound I-10 narrowed to 1 lane. Westbound I-10 on ramp at Baseline Road & off ramp at Broadway Rd/52nd St. closed. Westbound US 60 drivers encouraged to avoid restrictions by using northbound Loop 101 to westbound Loop 202 (Red Mtn. Freeway) as alternate route.

* Westbound I-10 narrowed to 2 lanes between Broadway Rd & 40th St. from 9 p.m. Sat. - 9 a.m. Sun. (Feb. 25) for concrete pavement maintenance. Westbound I-10 exit to northbound State Route 143 closed. Airport traffic can exit at Broadway Rd/52nd St. & use westbound Broadway Rd to reach SR 143. Westbound US 60 ramp to westbound I-10 narrowed to one lane. Westbound US 60 drivers encouraged to avoid restrictions by using northbound Loop 101 to westbound Loop 202 (Red Mtn. Freeway) as alternate route.

* Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) narrowed to 2 lanes in each direction near Peoria Ave. from 10 p.m. Sat. - 5 a.m. Sun. (Feb. 25) for installation of temporary concrete barrier wall. Drivers should use caution and be prepared to merge safely approaching the work zone.

For a complete listing of freeway or highway closures & restrictions across Arizona visit ADOT's Travel Information Site at az511.com or call 5-1-1.

A Legend Passes

Star NBA guard, Dennis Johnson, 52, died today after collapsing during the Austin Toros practice of cardiac arrest.

'Paint Out'

Arizona State Parks & the Tucson Plein Air Painters Society, Inc. are presenting a Plein Air Artist event in celebration of Arizona State Parks' 50th Anniversary.

The "paint out" event will be held at the Oracle State Park this Saturday, from 8 a.m. - 12 noon. Artists are called to complete a work during the event & submit the piece for judging by their fellow plein air artists. At 12 p.m., the artists will gather to judge their peers' work. Finalist paintings from the event will be shown in the gallery at Boyce Thompson Arboretum in January of 2008. A gallery opening will be announced. For more info about the "paint out" tomorrow, call Oracle State Park at (520) 896-2425.

Oracle State Park is located approx. 45 minutes from Tucson, in the northern foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains near the community of Oracle in southern Pinal County.

Oracle State Park, Center for Environmental Education, is a 4,000 acre wildlife refuge located in the northern foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains in the town of Oracle north of Tucson. The Mediterranean Revival-Style historic Kannally Ranch House & patios offer sweeping views of the Galiuro Mountains & surrounding area.

For information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit: azstateparks.com.

You're Gonna Die, Clown(s)

An unidentified gunman shot & killed 2 clowns during their performance at a traveling circus in the eastern Colombian town of Cucuta.

Stiff Like Norwegian Wood

The body of Vegard Lund, a 37-year-old Norwegian man that had disappeared while skiing in the Wasatch Mountains was found today.

Lake Level Check

Bartlett: 39%
San Carlos: 24%
Roosevelt Lake: 61%
Saguaro Lake (Stewart Mtn): 95%
Lake Pleasant (Waddell Dam): 87%
Lake Havasu: 88%
Canyon Lake (Mormon Flat): 96%
Lake Powell: 48%
Apache Lake (Horse Mesa): 89%

'Byte Night'

The Arizona Technology Council & NPowerAZ present the 2007 Byte Night Arizona: an evening with Steve Ballmer. This dinner reception will be held at the Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, March 13th.

Ballmer is President & Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Corporation, the world's leading manufacturer of software for personal & business computing. Ballmer joined Microsoft in 1980 & was the 1st business manager hired by Bill Gates. Since then, Ballmer's leadership & passion have become hallmarks of his tenure at the company. For complete registration information, visit aztechcouncil.org/.

Big Break VII: Reunion Premieres Sunday

The Press Release for the show:

The GOLF CHANNEL’s popular series The Big Break is returning for its 7th season, & so will 16 of the most memorable characters from the first 6 seasons. The Big Break VII promises new excitement as old adversaries, fan favorites & a few surprise guests bring their “A-game” to the hit series.

Premiering Feb. 25th, at 10 pm ET, The Big Break VII will feature Challenges from past seasons combined with new skills competitions. Flashbacks to unforgettable moments will set the stage as old wounds will be reopened & new rivalries created with twists & turns that have become a Big Break tradition.

“The Big Break has always been about opportunity. This season, though, redemption & 2nd chances are just as big a theme,” said Jay Kossoff, the GOLF CHANNEL’s executive producer & managing director for Original Productions. “The show is an avenue for one of these men & women to once again find out if they can compete at the next level.”

For longtime The Big Break fans, the field is a collection of old friends & acquaintances. For new viewers, the series will provide an opportunity to discover the individuals that made it one of the GOLF CHANNEL’s most popular shows.

The competitors are: Mark Farnham, The Big Break I, Chicago, Ill.; Don Donatello, The Big Break II, Sanford, Fla.; Mike Foster, The Big Break II, Savannah, Ga.; David Gunas, The Big Break II, Hebron, Conn.; Pamela Garrity (formerly Crikelar), The Big Break III: Ladies Only, Jupiter, Fla.; Cindy Miller, The Big Break III: Ladies Only, Silver Creek, N.Y.; Valeria Ochoa, The Big Break III: Ladies Only, Miramar, Fla.; Tommy Gainey, The Big Break IV: USA vs. Europe, Bishopville , S.C. ; Eddie Gardino, The Big Break IV: USA vs. Europe, Crans-Montana, Switzerland; Nikki DiSanto, The Big Break V: Hawaii, Los Angeles, Calif.; Kim Lewellen, The Big Break V: Hawaii, Greenville, N.C.; Ashley Gomes, The Big Break VI: Trump National, Pleasanton, Calif.; Laura London, The Big Break VI: Trump National, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Kelly Murray, The Big Break VI: Trump National, Reston, Va.; Gary Ostrega, The Big Break VI: Trump National, Westfield, N.J.; Bri Vega, The Big Break VI: Trump National, North Andover, Mass.

The Big Break concept pits highly skilled golfers against each other in challenges that test physical skills & mental toughness. During The Big Break VII, competitors will be eliminated with the last one standing awarded his/her “Big Break.”

However challenging the task, the ultimate champion will be rewarded for his/her efforts. The field resembles a demographic jig-saw puzzle with competitors being both male & female representing various age groups. The ultimate prize will vary depending on the champion. If one of the 8 male professionals is victorious, then he will either earn a spot in the field of the 2007 Cox Classic on the Nationwide Tour or the 2008 Ginn Championship at Hammock Beach on the Champions Tour. Should one of the 8 females claim the title, then they'll be invited to compete in the 2007 Ginn Tribute Hosted by Annika on the LPGA Tour.

In addition to tournament exemptions, the Ginn Reunion Resort will present the champion with $50,000 in cash & Ginn Resort lodging & hospitality while Adams Golf will award the winner with an Adams Golf endorsement contract -which includes $10,000 cash - to keep the winner on top of his/her game. Also, Dick’s Sporting Goods will provide a $10,000 shopping spree in the form of a gift card.

Finally, the ultimate winner will drive away in a new 2007 Chrysler Aspen, Chrysler’s first full-sized SUV.

With so much at stake, it is only fitting The Big Break VII takes place at a special venue like the Ginn Reunion Resort in Reunion, Fla. In what has been billed the Reunion Great Triumvirate of great players turned prominent course designers, Reunion, situated near the heart of Central Florida’s theme park corridor, offers not only a Ginn-quality golf community built on luxury & class, but also 54 holes of truly challenging, unforgettable golf.

Golf legends Tom Watson, Arnold Palmer & Jack Nicklaus have teamed up to create 3 championship-caliber courses at Reunion: Watson’s Independence, his first Florida design; Palmer’s Legacy; & Nicklaus’ Tradition, which opened in November.

Returning as hosts for the series will be the GOLF CHANNEL’s Vince Cellini & Stephanie Sparks.

As with previous installments, episodes of The Big Break VII will feature challenges designed to demand precise shot-making. Each challenge will bring out the more creative side of golf. The Immunity Challenges are true tests of the players’ shot control, & the player that comes out on top in these challenges will be awarded a 1-show exemption from elimination. In the Elimination Challenge, each show’s pressure-filled test of golf skill, the poorest performer will be eliminated from the show & sent packing for home.

Champions of previous Big Break series have won their chance to compete on some of the world’s top professional tours, such as the Champions Tour, European Tour, LPGA Tour, Nationwide Tour & Canadian Tour.

Stone Cold At Wrestlemania

It now appears he will be the referee during the Trump-McMahon match-up.

Positive ID

The body found between Fountain Hills & Payson is that of Jacquelan Hartman. Jonathan Burns was arrested Jan. 29th, as the prime suspect in this case & on Feb. 9th, was indicted for murder, kidnapping & sexual assault & weapons charges related to this case. Also, Hartman's clothing was found near his apartment further connecting him to this case since she was last seen in his presence.

Vote Channell Sheppard

Between Feb. 26th - 28th, on myfoxphoenix.com, you'll have the chance to vote for Globe's Idol, Channell Sheppard to advance to become Arizona's representative in next years American Idol.

Lonestar Raise's Over $140,000

Lonestar’s Richie McDonald was a big winner on Wheel of Fortune when he spun & won $61,000 for St. Judes Children’s Hospital. Lonestar’s Michael Britt went on to the bonus round & raised $59,350 for Adopt A Platoon (adoptaplatoon.org). Lonestar’s Dean Sams & Keech Rainwater both took a shot at the wheel, & brought home $10,000 each for their charity of choice.

Mesa Art League Board Members Juried Art Show

Who: Mesa Art League
What: Mesa Art League Board Members Juried Art Show
When: March 3rd - March 31st, 10 am till closing
Where: Superstition Mountain Museum
4087 N.Apache Trail
Apache Junction, AZ.
(480) 983- 4888

Come out to the annual Mesa Art League Board Members art show to see western & south west art work at its best!! Sitting at the bottom of the breath taking Superstition Mountains is the museum show casing the old west, mining, Indian reliques, the Elvis chapel & so much more. Outside, you will see the artist’s plein aire painting & drawing. For sale will be originals, prints, cards, jewelry…so get out & about for the Art show & Sale!!!

For more info: mesaartleague.com.

54 Number One's

With the single "It Just Comes Natural," reaching number 1, George Strait has reached a new plateau in his career by continuing his record of having the most certified platinum albums in the history of country music.

Catalina Highway Reopened

The Pima County Dept of Transportation reopened the Catalina Highway. The highway was closed to all traffic at the base of the mountain due to the heavy snow in the area. For more information on road conditions, restrictions, & closures in Arizona, dial 511.

Wrestler Mike Awesome Passes

Mike Awesome, real name Michael Alfonso, was found by his friends at approximately 10:30 p.m. Saturday night when they showed up to pick him up to go out. What they found when 42-year old Alfonso didn't answer the door was him, hanging in his home. Before retiring in 2005, he started with Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling in 1990 and would wrestle for Eastern Championship Wrestling, World Championship Wrestling, World Wrestling Federation, All Japan Pro Wrestling, NWA: Total Nontstop Action, & Major League Wrestling. His last match was against Masato Tanaka at WWE's tribute to ECW: One Night Stand, where he used his signature Powerbomb for the victory. His other names in the other wrestling promotions were: The Pro (PWF), The Gladiator (FMW), "Awesome" (ECW), "That 70s Guy" (WCW), "The Canadian Career-Killer" (WCW), Mike Awesome (ECW/WCW/WWF).

And In This Corner...

It now appears, that Vince McMahon will have Umaga in his corner & Donald Trump's wrestler is current ECW Champion Bobby Lashley. As it stands these are the guys who'll represent them in the Hair vs. Hair Battle of the Billionaires. This is another scoop that is being reported on this blog before the mainstream media gets ahold of, just like the Hair stipulation, before it was announced.

Arizona Family Charity Tourney

New Arizona Family, Inc. (NAFI) will host its annual charity golf tournament on March 26th, at Ancala Country Club in north Scottsdale.

The 13th Annual Golf & Corporate Challenge for Children is a Scramble Best Ball format. Phoenix Motor Company has a Mercedes Benz CKL-350 Convertible for the hole-in-one winner. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 10 am. Participants will enjoy 18-holes of golf with cart & an awards banquet & auction immediately following the tournament. The price per individual golfer is $215. Non-golfers may enjoy the awards banquet & auction for $55 per person. Corporate sponsorships are available.

The tournament will raise funds for NAFI’s recovery program designed for pregnant & parenting women in recovery from chronic substance abuse. Pinchot Gardens Residential Community is a structured, nurturing environment that offers recovery treatment, parenting classes, medical & mental health services, & support for women & children. Last year 250 women & their children entered NAFI’s program. The 13th Annual Golf & Corporate Challenge for Children is a fund raising event for Pinchot Gardens.

When a child suffers, society suffers. Your participation in this event could help make the difference between a healthy baby & a baby who experiences debilitating withdrawal & health problems.

For more info on the golf tournament, call Karen at 602-553-7309 or visit newazfamily.org.

Some DVDs Out This Week

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

Man of the Year
TNA Wrestling: Genesis 2006 - S&T
Family Ties: Complete 1st Season
Babel
Dark Castle Horror Collection
Gandhi 25th Anniversary Collector's Edition
Neil Young: Under Review 1966-1975 - S&T
Penn & Teller Bullshit: Complete 4th Season - S&T
WWE: The New & Improved DX - S&T
The Prestige
For Your Consideration - S&T
Flushed Away
Keeping Mum
Alias Smith & Jones: Season 1
Dixie Chicks: Shut Up & Sing - S&T
Master Players Ball - S&T

Country CDs Out This Week

Mickey Gilley - Too Good to Stop: Greatest Hits 1974-1985 (Reissue)
Chip Taylor - This Side Of The Big River [Reissue]
Wylie & Wild West - Bucking Horse Moon
Charlie Louvin - Charlie Louvin
The Circuit Riders - Let The Ride
Jack Cooke - Sittin’ On Top Of The World
Bobbie Gentry - Best of Bobbie Gentry: The Capitol Years
Russell Walker - Russell Walker
Steve Bedunah - Plug It In And Play
Cortney Tidwell - Don't Let Stars Keep Us Tangled Up
Kathie Baillie - Love’s Funny That Way
John Starling and Carolina Star - Slidin’ Home
Various Artists - We All Love Ennio Morricone

WWE No Way Out Results

Results in bold & italics.

- World Heavyweight Champion Batista & Undertaker vs. WWE Champion John Cena & Shawn Michaels
- ECW Championship Match: Bobby Lashley (c) vs. Mr. Kennedy via DQ
- WWE Tag Team Championship Match: Paul London & Brian Kendrick (c's) vs. Deuce & Domino
- Kane vs. King Booker
- Diva Talent Invitational: Jillian vs. Ashley
- The Boogeyman & Little Boogeyman vs. Finlay & Little Bastard
- MNM w/MVP vs. The Hardys & US Champion Chris Benoit
- Cruiserweight Open Match [Cruiserweight Championship Match]: Scotty 2 Hotty vs. Daivari vs. Gregory Helms vs. Funaki vs. Shannon Moore vs. Jimmy Wang Yang vs. Jamie Noble vs. Chavo Guerrero (c)

Daytona At Its Best

With a wild finish, Kevin Harvick has won the Daytona 500, after winning the previous nights Busch Series Orbitz 300.

Cotton Days

Cotton Days run Feb. 23rd thru the 25th, at the San Carlos Park, 300 W. Central Ave in Coolidge. For event times please call, (520) 723-3009.

"Real Progress and Real Products"

Arizona has an amazing roster of world-class university programs & industrial organizations working to advance Nanotechnology. On Friday, March 23rd, the 2nd Annual Arizona Nanotechnology Cluster Symposium will be held at the Scottsdale Community College Performing Arts Center. This is an all day event with participation from local, national & international organizations.

The theme for this year's event is "Real Progress & Real Products." The symposium will assess & inform participants of the global state of Nanotechnology as well as the industry accomplishments in Arizona.

Details & registration info for the 2nd Annual Arizona Nanotechnology Cluster Symposium can be found at aznano.org/Symposium.

WWE's No Way Out Is Tomorrow

The final card:

- World Heavyweight Champion Batista & Undertaker vs. WWE Champion John Cena & Shawn Michaels
- ECW Championship Match- Bobby Lashley (c) vs. Mr. Kennedy
- WWE Tag Team Championship Match- Paul London & Brian Kendrick (c's) vs. Deuce & Domino
- Kane vs. King Booker
- Diva Talent Invitational
- The Boogeyman & Little Boogeyman vs. Finlay & Little Bastard
- MNM w/MVP vs. The Hardys & US Champion Chris Benoit.

"Fastwalkers" Documentary To Premier

The documentary "Fastwalkers" is set premier in the Phoenix-metro area Feb. 21st, at 7 p.m. at the Harkins Arizona Mills. The film is the work of Show Low's Robert Miles & his son Anthony.

The film is shot in high-definition, & features authorities on UFO phenomenon. Fastwalkers is NORAD's code word for UFO's entering the Earth's atmosphere.

Arizona Trail Beckons Hikers

Even though the calendar still says it's winter, the mild climate of Arizona makes it feel like spring. With the mild mid-morning & afternoon temperatures, a hike on the Arizona Trail is certainly not out of the realm of possibility.

Senior Planner for Parks & Recreation in Pinal Co., Kent Taylor says that almost 100 miles of the trail is in Pinal County.

"It's nice to have our Board of Supervisors as avid supporters & partners of the Az Trail," said Taylor. "Not only do you see the beauty of the Sonoran Desert in Southern Arizona, you are also able to experience everything from a forest setting in the Santa Catalina Mountains to the climate along Superstition Mountains. It is simply breathtaking. I would hope that equestrians & mountain bikers will also use the trail as well. The County sees them as a huge potential user along with the hikers."

What started out as a dream of Flagstaff schoolteacher Dale Shewalter in the early 1980's, has become over 800 miles of trails that extend from border with Mexico, north to Utah. Over 90% of the trail is complete with only 57 miles left to be developed. Once finished, Arizona will join ten other states that have trans-state trails.

The Board of Supervisors has given Taylor the task of incorporating the Pinal Co. Trails & Open Space Plan with segments of the Arizona Trail. In fact, the Arizona Trail's considered one of the main trails within the plan.

In 2006, the County held the 1st meetings for the Open Space & Trails Master Plan. The purpose of the initial series of public meetings was 2-fold: 1. To introduce the master planning process, its purpose & schedule. 2. To receive input from the community on their values, issues, needs & concerns regarding open space & trails.

"We received a lot of positive input from that set of meetings," Taylor recalled. "We are now working closely with Logan, Simpson Design to incorporate the ideas we received during the meetings with the public."

While hiking the trail will prove to be fun experience for people, Taylor also feels the Az Trail will serve as an education tool of sorts, teaching about the various climates of the State.

"A lot of people who have never been here think of Az as 1 big desert," Taylor said. "But 1 look at the profile of the Az Trail shows that it goes from 1,700 ft - 9,600 ft in elevation. It also crosses 4 rivers, & 5 lakes. For people that hike the entire length of the trail they'll have everything from arid desert terrain to high country landscape. I can't wait until it's 100% complete."

Hiking Safety Tips:

* Hike with friends or family.
* Take plenty of water.
* Let someone back at camp or at home know where you are going & when you plan on returning.
* Don't walk off trail.
* Be aware of your surroundings & remember that you may encounter wildlife on your walk.

250-MW Solar Power Plant For Arizona?

A group of Southwestern utilities, including those from APS, SRP & Tucson Electric Power, are studying the feasibility of a 250-MW solar power plant in either Az or southern Nevada. At 250-MW's it would be 1 of the largest solar power plants in the region.

The group's drawing up a request for proposals to present to solar power plant developers, who would build & operate the plant & sell the power to the utilities under long-term power-purchase agreements.

The Az Dept of Commerce recently released the State's Solar Roadmap Study which projects up to 1,000 megawatts of solar electricity could be implemented in Az by 2020 creating more than 3,000 new jobs in the process & reducing emissions by 400,000 tons per year. One of the roadmap initiatives calls for a coalition of western utilities to develop large-scale central solar projects in Az with a focus on a single significant scale project of 250 MW in size.

The 43 Daytona 500 Starters

The NASCAR season officially kicks off this Sunday starting at 12 pm AZ time on Fox.

1. David Gilliland (38)
2. Ricky Rudd (88)
3. Tony Stewart (20)
4. Kurt Busch (2)
5. Dale Earnhardt Jr. (8)
6. David Stremme (40)
7. Jeff Burton (31)
8. Kyle Busch (5)
9. Denny Hamlin (11)
10. Matt Kenseth (17)
11. Clint Bowyer (07)
12. J.J. Yeley (18)
13. Martin Truex Jr. (1)
14. Carl Edwards (99)
15. Michael Waltrip (55)
16. Ryan Newman (12)
17. Casey Mears (25)
18. Joe Nemechek (13)
19. Ken Schrader (21)
20. Tony Raines (96)
21. Jimmie Johnson (48)
22. Mike Wallace (109)
23. Boris Said (160)
24. Jamie McMurray (26)
25. Greg Biffle (16)
26. Mark Martin (01)
27. Bobby Labonte (43)
28. Kasey Kahne (9)
29. Kyle Petty (45)
30. Elliott Sadler (19)
31. Jeff Green (66)
32. Scott Riggs (10)
33. Reed Sorenson (41)
34. Kevin Harvick (29)
35. David Ragan (6)
36. Juan Pablo Montoya (42)
37. Dave Blaney (22)
38. Sterling Marlin (14)
39. Robby Gordon (7)
40. David Reutimann (00)
41. Johnny Sauter (70)
42. Jeff Gordon (24)
43. Dale Jarrett (44)

Here She Is - Arizona's Junior Miss

Lanae Carmichael was awarded the title of Arizona's Junior Miss 2007 at the AZ State Finals on Feb. 10th, in Mesa. Along with her title, she received a $2,000 cash scholarship, the official Junior Miss Medallion, & all expense paid trip to Mobile, AL. Lanae is a senior at Mesquite High School. A panel of 5 judges selected her from a field of 39 high school seniors competing in the 50th annual Alabama's Junior Miss scholarship program.

In addition to winning the overall award, Lanae also received $100 fitness award, a $100 self-expression award, & a $100 talent award, for a total of $2,300 in scholarships.

Carmichael will go on to compete in the 50th Annual America's Junior Miss National Finals in Mobile, Alabama, in June 2007, where she will have the opportunity to win a share of more than $100,000 in cash scholarships. The categories in which the contestants were evaluated were interview (25%), talent (25%), fitness (15%), & self-expression (15%). A separate panel evaluated the contestants in the scholastics category (20%).

First Runner-up was Karen Alder of Mesa. She received a $1,000 scholarship for this award. She also received the overall interview award ($500), a Be Your Best Self award ($200), & a scholastic award ($100), for a total of $1,800 in scholarships.

Second Runner-up was Jami Michaud of Mesa. She also received a Be Your Best Self award ($100), a fitness award ($100), & a talent award ($100). In total, Jami received $1,050 in college scholarships.

McKenzie Hansen of Phoenix was 3rd Runner-Up, & she received a $500 scholarship. She also received a $100 scholarship for the interview category, a $100 scholarship for the self-expression category, & a $100 scholarship for the talent category.

Other awards were as follows:

Rebecca Stark (Mesa) - overall fitness ($500)
Morgan Palmer (Mesa) - overall scholastic ($500)
Emily Lewis (Mesa) - overall self-expression ($500), Be Your Best Self ($100), fitness ($100), interview ($100), talent ($100)
Caraline Walker (Gilbert) - Spirit of Junior Miss ($500), self-expression ($100)
Kalli Rogers (Mesa) - overall talent ($500)
Angela Davis (Mesa) - Be Your Best Self ($100)
Jacque Weech (Gilbert) - Be Your Best Self ($100)
Brittany Smith (Gilbert) - Be Your Best Self ($100)
Allie Davis (Gilbert) - fitness ($100)
Vanessa Evans (Flagstaff) - fitness ($100), interview ($100), self-expression ($100)
Siara Parry (Mesa) - interview ($100)
Natalee Jenkins (Gilbert) - interview ($100), self-expression ($100)
Taryn Brady (Mesa) - scholastic ($100)
Willi Nixon (Mesa) - scholastic ($100)
Heather McRae (Mesa) - scholastic ($100)
Grace Rolland (Mesa) - scholastic ($100)
Jennifer Truong (Mesa) - self-expression ($100)
Jenica Soelberg (Mesa) - talent ($100)

Arizona's Junior Miss is an official preliminary of America's Junior Miss (AJM). Founded in 1958, AJM is the oldest & largest scholarship program for high school senior girls. The nonprofit program's goal is to honor young women who excel & encourage them to obtain a college education & assume roles of leadership in their communities & professions. During the past 49 years, AJM has awarded cash scholarships totaling almost $90 million to girls across the nation.

The 50th Annual America's Junior Miss National Finals will take place in Mobile, AL June 28th-30th, 2007. For more information about America's Junior Miss, visit ajm.org.

From ADOT:

The Az Dept of Transportation (ADOT) says the following freeway restrictions are scheduled in the Phoenix area this weekend (Feb. 16-19):

* Westbound US 60 (Superstition Freeway) closed between Power Road & Val Vista Drive from 10 p.m. Friday - 5 a.m. Monday (Feb. 19) for freeway widening & rubberized asphalt paving. The westbound US 60 on-ramps at Crismon, Ellsworth & Sossaman roads will also be closed. The northbound Loop 202 ramp to westbound US 60 will be closed. Drivers approaching the closure are urged to use alternate routes, including the westbound Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) to northbound Loop 101 to reconnect with US 60.

* Eastbound I-10 narrowed to 2 lanes between 40th Street & Broadway Road from 9 p.m. Friday - 9 a.m. Saturday (Feb. 17) for pavement repair work. The eastbound I-10 HOV lane ramp to eastbound US 60 will also be closed. Eastbound I-10 will also be narrowed to 2 lanes between Broadway Rd & Baseline Rd from 9 p.m. Saturday - 9 a.m. Sunday (Feb. 18) for pavement repair work. The eastbound I-10 HOV lane ramp to eastbound US 60 will again be closed during this overnight restriction. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes, including eastbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) to southbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) in order to bypass the I-10 work zone.

* Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) in the West Valley narrowed to 2 lanes in both directions near Indian School Road from 10 p.m. Saturday - 5 a.m. Sunday (Feb. 18) for barrier wall work. Drivers are urged to use caution & be prepared to merge safely when approaching the work zone.

* Interstate 10 narrowed to 2 lanes in both directions between 99th & 107th avenues from 10 p.m. Saturday - 5 a.m. Sunday (Feb. 18) for barrier wall work. Drivers are urged to use caution and be prepared to merge safely when approaching the work zone.

For a complete list of freeway & highway closures & restrictions across Arizona visit ADOT's Travel Information Site at az511.com or call 5-1-1.

Kershaw Opry Appearance

Country Sammy Kershaw will play at the Grand Ole Opry tomorrow & Saturday night in Nashville. Kershaw's scheduled to take the stage during the 9 o’clock hour tomorrow, at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Kershaw will perform a 2nd night during both the 8 & 10 o’clock hours. Other performers include Kershaw’s wife Lorrie Morgan, Brad Paisley, Jimmy Dickens, & Jim Ed Brown.

Lake Level Check

Bartlett: 39%
San Carlos: 24%
Roosevelt Lake: 62%
Saguaro Lake (Stewart Mtn): 95%
Lake Pleasant (Waddell Dam): 87%
Lake Havasu: 91%
Canyon Lake (Mormon Flat): 96%
Lake Powell: 48%
Apache Lake (Horse Mesa): 83%

Free Helpline For AZ Families

Attention all parents & caregivers: The Arizona Institute for Early Childhood Development has 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 that free call today! That number again is 1-877-705-K-I-D-S.

'Invest in Our Future' Campaign

The Project for Arizona's Future (PAF) launched the 'Invest in Our Future' Campaign to highlight the importance of investing in Arizona now in order to be properly prepared for the future. As part of the month-long 'Invest in Our Future' Campaign, PAF plans to communicate with Arizonans about how investing in key elements of our state today will prepare us for the challenges we face tomorrow.

The campaign will target a series of issues under consideration this year by our State Legislature, including providing healthcare for children, strengthening education, managing growth responsibly, improving security along our border, & managing our tax dollars.

"If we want Arizona to have a vibrant & promising future, we must begin investing in that future now," says Kelly Ward, Executive Director of The Project for Arizona's Future. "We do our state a disservice if we continue to make decisions based on short-term calculations. It's time we make investing in our future a top priority, & that's what this campaign is all about."

"Arizona is a great state, and we can make it even better," says Clara Lovett, President Emerita of NAU & PAF Advisory Council member. "As residents of this state, we are aware of the need to prepare for the future by improving education, healthcare, transportation & other infrastructure. PAF wants to increase pubic awareness about these needs & encourage the development of sound policies & productive long-term investments of taxpayers' dollars."

The "Invest in Our Future" Campaign will be a multi-pronged approach to communicating with Arizonans & engaging them in the legislative process. The Campaign will include an integrated web & email campaign centered around PAF's website, azfuture.org, which offers useful info to voters about the issues & gives them easy ways to be heard both in the press & at the Capitol. The Campaign will also include traditional means of voter communication such as direct mail, radio advertising & telephone campaigns.

The Project for Arizona's Future is a moderate, non-partisan, non-profit advocacy group whose mission is to communicate with Arizonans about the key issues affecting our state & provide them with tools to easily engage in the political process.

Blu-Ray & HD-DVD Discs Hacked

The so-called bulletproof technology has been busted by a lone hacker who was able to unlock the processing keys for both the Blu-ray and HD-DVD discs. The individual was able to accomplish this victory with no cracking tools or reverse engineering. The total time of the code breaking was 8 days.

South Shannon Water Facility Dedication

Yesterday, ADEQ Director Steve Owens & officials from the Metropolitan Domestic Water Improvement District hosted a dedication ceremony & tour of the recently upgraded South Shannon water facility.

"The upgrades to this vital facility will ensure that the treated water continues to meet federal & state safe drinking water standards, "Owens told the officials, staff & residents who came to tour the facility at 5781 N. Shannon Road in Tucson. "Protecting precious drinking water supplies is a top priority for ADEQ."

The original well head treatment system was installed by Metro Water District in 1997 after groundwater contamination was discovered & the area was designated a state Superfund site under the Water Quality Assurance Revolving Fund (WQARF) program. The Metro Water District serves 50,000 customers.

The new 750 gallon-per-minute treatment system, which has been operating since June 2006, removes contaminants when water flows through a bed of granular carbon. To guarantee an uninterrupted flow of safe drinking water, the system includes 2 filter vessels, each holding 20,000 pounds of granular carbon. Metro Water District must also report drinking water samples to ADEQ monthly.

ADEQ paid the $1,017,000 cost for the design & construction of the new treatment system through its WQARF program funds.

ADEQ is continuing to work on cleaning up tetrachloroethene (PCE) contamination from the groundwater at the site.

Local Volunteers The Focus Of Pinal Co. Exercise

Officials from 5 Arizona Counties, the states of Arizona & Nevada along with volunteer organizations met for a day long exercise to examine ways to encourage volunteerism within local communities. The tabletop exercise, held on Jan. 19th, at the Pinal Co. Emergency Operations Center was in response to the amount of unmet needs after flooding hit left many without shelter or food. The Pinal Co. EOC was standing room only for this 1st of its kind tabletop exercise.

“While we were effective in responding to the actual flooding, there was a problem with the human factor afterward,” explained Pinal Co. Emergency Manager Pete Weaver. “There are many human service agencies & it is imperative that we bring them all together to help our residents out when disaster hits. This will serve to streamline the process from disaster to service delivery & reduce the waste of scarce resources.” Weaver added that this isn't only a concern for Pinal Co., but for many areas across the state & throughout the western US.

“When you have officials from Nevada saying they have problems in filling these gaps in services, you cannot help but to understand there is a definite need for volunteer services to citizens during disasters which government cannot offer.”

This 1st tabletop that addressed volunteer services in a disaster or emergency setting is hoped to serve as a template for others of its kind throughout the western US. Pinal Co. agency participants included officials from Public Health & Animal Control, as well as the Superstition Horsemen’s Association.

Weaver offered the following advice for those looking to volunteer: “People can call the United Way of Pinal Co. at 800-390-0736. They can also call Pinal County Public Health at (520) 866-7314 to see about volunteering opportunities.”

Road Closure Due To Snow

The Pima Co. Dept of Transportation has closed the Catalina Highway to all traffic at the base of the mountain due to the heavy snow that has fallen in the area. Residents with 4-wheel drive or chains are being permitted to proceed through the barriers. For more info on road conditions, restrictions & closures in Arizona, dial 5-1-1 or visit 511.com.

Arizona's Remaining Idol Advances!!!

Jordyn Sparks has made the Top 24 to stay in Hollywood.

Wrestlemania Match Confirmed

Donald Trump & Vince McMahon will be in a "Hair vs. Hair," match while they will hand pick a wrestler to represent each other in the match.

Bisbee Annual Art Auction

Visitors can enjoy a weekend filled with artistic talent & visual pleasure at Bisbee's 14th Annual Bisbee Art Auction, March 3rd. The auction features many nationally known artists from southern Az & around the state. Long known for its mineral wealth, today Bisbee is rich in artistic wealth, as well.

A lively art auction will showcase this wealth throughout the weekend. The Bisbee Arts Commission (BAC) sponsors the auction & invites art lovers to meander through town & enjoy the shops of Historic Bisbee. Saturday night's auction will be held in the Presbyterian Annex, 24 Howell Ave., located in between the Copper Queen Hotel & the YWCA. Bidders will vie for works created by nationally known & up-and-coming artists.

As in the past, the auction will be presented gallery style. During this event, the BAC will display an auction catalog along with an Artists' Registry. The Final Hanging along with the First Preview of Art Work will be held, March 2nd, from 11 am - 8 pm, & a Final Preview, March 3rd, from 10 pm - 4 pm. On Sat., the auction commences at 7 pm.

For more info on Bisbee events, attractions & accommodations, contact the Bisbee Visitor Center at (520) 43203554 or call toll-free at (866) @ BISBEE (224-7233). Visit Bisbee's website at discoverbisbee.com.

Bisbee, located approx. 90 miles southeast of Tucson, offers old-world charm, new-world charisma & is Arizona's premier destination for arts & culture, western heritage, bird watching & outdoor recreation.

Town Of Miami Supports SGCED Corporation

Miami’s Town Council voted Monday evening to support the Southern Gila County Economic Development Corporation (SGCEDC).

“This is fantastic,” said SGCEDC Executive Director Chris Martin. “The EDC is working very hard to help all of Southern Gila County & the Miami Town Council understands our plans. We appreciate Council’s confidence & we will do our very best to continue to earn that confidence. Thank you Miami.”

“It was also very gratifying to see some of the citizens of Miami speak in favor of supporting the EDC & some even offering to help us personally with their own money,” said Ed Carpenter, Chairman of the SGCEDC. “Our sincere thanks to Council, the citizens of Miami, Mayor Medina, & Town Manager, Robert Mawson for believing in our vision. By their vote, they help us to continue the momentum generated by the Gila Co. Supervisors, the Town of Winkelman, the Town of Hayden, APS, Southwest Gas, & others who have stepped up to help us.”

The SGCEDC is working to acquire property & help build a spec building to attract new manufacturing jobs to the community. The group also plans to establish a small business loan fund to help local entrepreneurs, The SGCEDC is convening a panel to help increase low to moderate income housing possibilities, & seeks to help solve the regional meth problem.

SGCEDC is engaged in partnerships that include the Arizona Dept of Commerce, the Copper Corridor Regional Economic Development Coalition, APS Community Development, & the Arizona Association for Economic Development.

Crew Chiefs In Trouble

Four-race suspensions were handed to crew chief's Robbie Reiser & Kenny Francis & 2-race benchings were given to the crew chiefs/team directors for Elliott Sadler & Scott Riggs.

Hall Of Famers On RAW

Rowdy Roddy Piper appears on RAW this week to co-introduce Dusty Rhodes as the first inductee for the 2007 class of the WWE Hall of Fame.

From ADOT

I-10 Restrictions:

The Az Dept of Transportation (ADOT) says sections of I-10 will be restricted overnight this week for work to prepare the freeway for rubberized asphalt resurfacing later this spring.

The following restrictions are scheduled:

* Westbound I-10 left 3 lanes closed between 40th Street & the I-17 Split interchange near Sky Harbor Airport from 9 p.m. Wed, to 5 a.m. Thurs, for pavement repairs.

* Eastbound I-10 left 3 lanes closed between the Salt River bridge & Broadway Rd from 9 p.m. Thurs. to 5 a.m. Fri. for pavement repairs.

* Eastbound I-10 left three lanes closed between Broadway & Baseline roads from 9 p.m. Fri. to 9 a.m. Sat. for pavement repairs. The eastbound I-10 HOV lane ramp to eastbound US 60 also closed.

For a complete list of highway & freeway restrictions across Arizona visit az511.com or call 5-1-1.

BHP Billiton Ltd. & Rio Tinto PLC To Bid On Aluminum Producer

BHP Billiton Ltd. and Rio Tinto PLC, are looking to purchase U.S. aluminum producer, Alcoa Inc. as the companies are independently considering making bids of approx. $40 billion. The rumor caused Alcoa Inc.'s shares rise 6%. As it looks, BHP has started the process to make a bid, Rio Tinto has yet to start from the last reports that have come in.

Renzi Gets Two More Fire Grants

U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi's office announced that the Sun Valley Volunteer Fire Dept will receive $102,980 in federal funds to enhance the fire department's ability to respond to fires & fire related hazards. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Dept of Homeland Security under the Assistance to Firefighters Grants.

"I am delighted to announce that the Sun Valley Fire Dept will receive this grant to enhance their ability to respond to emergencies," said Congressman Renzi. "These volunteer firefighters risk their lives to protect our communities, & it is essential they have the tools necessary to keep them safe in the line of duty."

"As Chief, I would like to thank Congressman Renzi's Office & the Dept of Homeland Security for providing the funds to enhance the protection of our responders," said Fire Chief Jeff Lineberry. "These grants prove the federal government's commitment to the rural 1st responder organizations."

The dept plans to use this money to purchase personal protective equipment & other firefighting equipment. This grant is a part of the U.S. Dept of Homeland Security's efforts to strengthen the Nation's overall level of preparedness & ability to respond to fire related hazards.

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U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi's office also announced the Flagstaff Fire Dept will receive $219,573 in federal funds to purchase a new diesel exhaust removal system. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Dept of Homeland Security under the Assistance to Firefighters Grants.

"I am pleased that the Flagstaff Fire Dept will be awarded these vital funds to purchase a diesel exhaust removal system," said Congressman Renzi. "This grant is an important step towards ensuring that our firefighters & support staff work in a safe & healthy environment. I look forward to continuing to work with local officials to ensure that our 1st responders in Flagstaff have the tools they need to protect our community from harmful disasters."

"On behalf of the City of Flagstaff, Mayor Joe Donaldson, the City Council, & the members of the Flagstaff Fire Dept, I would like to thank Congressman Rick Renzi for his assistance in the receipt of the Dept of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant," said Fire Chief Michael Iacona. "This Grant will assist the Dept in providing a healthier environment for our firefighters by protecting them from toxins from vehicle exhaust within their stations."

The dept plans on using this grant to purchase a state of the art diesel exhaust removal system for 4 different fire stations. Currently, stations without this system are being clogged with excess diesel contaminants from fire fighting vehicles, which is not a healthy environment for the department's employees. This grant is a part of the U.S. Dept of Homeland Security's efforts to strengthen the Nation's overall level of preparedness & ability to respond to fire related hazards.

From The DNC

At the Democratic National Committee Winter Meeting held earlier this month in Washington, D.C., Arizona Democratic Party Chairman David Waid was elected to the Executive Committee of the DNC. The Committee, composed of 67 members, meets quarterly & has responsibility over the operational affairs of the national Democratic Party between meetings of the full DNC.

“I am excited, honored, & looking forward to representing Western Democrats on the committee,” said Waid. “At this time when the parties on both sides should be laying the groundwork for the presidential election, this opportunity will help the Arizona Democratic Party communicate on a national level.”

Waid was elected by the Western Region Democratic Party Chairs & Vice-Chairs to serve as their representative to the DNC Executive Committee. The Western region includes 13 states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, & Wyoming.

By virtue of his election to the DNC Executive Committee, Waid will also serve on the Executive Committee of the Association of Democratic Chairs, an 18-member body led by Mark Brewer, Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party.

Trouble On The Track?

After Sundays qualifying for the Daytona 500 Matt Kenseth & Kasey Kahne both failed inspection for illegal modifications. With Kenseth, his Ford had illegal holes in the wheel well & the Dodge Kahne was driving had illegal holes in an unspecified location. The modifications are believed to have improved their track times, thus their qualifying times have been disallowed. There was another vehicle impounded after a questionable substance was found inside the intake manifold, that car belongs to Michael Waltrip. There were no other punishments dealt at this time. But, I wouldn't be surprised too see a few stiffer penalties to be handed out.