WASHINGTON (AP) _ A special commission is urging the government to raise federal gasoline taxes by as much as 40 cents per gallon over five years as part of a sweeping overhaul designed to ease traffic congestion and repair the nation’s decaying bridges and roads.

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State of the State
PHOENIX — Students now in eighth grade would get free tuition a state colleges and universities if they maintain a B averag under a proposal Monday by Gov. Janet Napolitano.

Terry Goddard announces MySpace to adopt multiple safety measures
In a victory for child safety on the Internet, Attorney General Terry Goddard today announced that MySpace has agreed to take significant steps to better protect children on its social networking Web site.  The agreement on Key Principles of Social Networking Sites Safety includes the creation of a broad-based task force to develop age and identity verification technology.

State of the State
PHOENIX — Families of four making up to $72,275 a year would be able to buy insurance coverage for their children at the same rate now paid by the state under a plan unveiled Monday by Gov. Janet Napolitano.

Douglas boy’s woodwork recognized by Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and General Patreus
Woodworking is a passion for Nick Ortega. The 11-year old Huber Middle School student has made a variety of intricate projects, including a pen and chili pepper grinder made from local mesquite wood.

Castro Park gets new look
Built in the 1900’s, Castro Park is the oldest park in Douglas. As a result, the park has been used by many generations of Douglas residents. Over the years people have held a variety of events at Castro Park, ranging from Halloween parties to political events.

Romney wins convincing Michigan victory
DETROIT (AP) — Mitt Romney scored his first major primary victory Tuesday, a desperately needed win in his native Michigan that gave his weakened presidential candidacy new life. It set the stage for a wide-open Republican showdown in South Carolina in just four days.

Man gets prison for assault on Hereford woman
BISBEE — A man was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison during a hearing in Cochise County Superior Court on Tuesday for committing felony assault against a woman on June in Hereford.

Seniors may get a free ride-literally
PHOENIX — Some Arizona seniors could be getting a free ride — literally.

Goddard warns of Medicare scam
Attorney General Terry Goddard today warned consumers of a phone solicitation scam targeting Arizona’s seniors.

BLM recruits for seasonal fire jobs
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Gila District is currently recruiting applicants for seasonal employment during the 2008 fire season. To serve on a fire crew, persons must be at least 18 years of age and have a strong work ethic, ability to maintain good physical fitness, and willingness to contribute in a team-structured environment.

No leak
The Douglas Fire Department blocked traffic for about a half hour yesterday afternoon while a suspected gas leak was inspected at the 1300 block of 10th Street. No gas leak was found and traffic was restored at about 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Legislators have grim assessment of state economy
PHOENIX (AP) -Arizona legislators are hearing grim assessments of the economy and its impact on state budgeting.

Watkins’ resignation may be accepted this afternoon
George Watkins’ possible resignation from the Douglas Unified School District is the subject of the never ending meeting that began Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. and is scheduled to resume today, Thursday, at 4:30 p.m. at the board room in the Central Administration offices on 12th Street.

Public meeting scheduled for planned community south of Border Patrol station
A public meeting is scheduled to gather community input on a proposed housing development south of the Border Patrol station.

Hoyack elected president during four-hour meet
The Douglas Unified School District Governing Board met on Wednesday, and four hours and six executive sessions later it still isn’t over.

Sanctions law: Judge indicates he might allow some prosecutions
PHOENIX — A federal judge hinted Wednesday he may give the go-ahead for prosecutors to begin charging companies with violating Arizona’s new employer sanctions law — but only in cases where workers were hired this year.

Lawmakers want public access to files from killed, injured children
PHOENIX -- State lawmakers took the first steps Tuesday to virtually guarantee public access to files when children are killed or very seriously injured.

Program to prosecute illegal immigrants set to expand in Southern Arizona
TUCSON — A program aimed at deterring illegal border crossings by prosecuting a select number of apprehended migrants will be expanded Monday to cover the busiest illicit entry corridor on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Supervisors approve chiller, animal crematorium
BISBEE — Residents in and above the Cochise County Courthouse on Quality Hill will be glad to hear the county plans to install a new chiller that is quieter and more efficient.

Tim Bee plans ‘important announcement’ Saturday
TUCSON — For several months, state Senate President Tim Bee has been seen as the likely Republican challenger against Democratic U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords for the 8th Congressional District seat.

Faras Honor RollFaras Honor Roll
Third Grade

Transfer station still accepting Christmas trees for recycling; concrete works continues throughout city
The Transfer Station is still accepting Christmas trees for recycling until the 19th of January. Residents are reminded to remove all tinsel, decorations, nails, and tree stands from the tree before recycling them.

Attorneys want FBI to release records in deadly border shooting case
BISBEE — Attorneys prosecuting the case of a U.S. Border Patrol agent charged with murdering an illegal immigrant have filed a motion in federal court in Tucson asking a judge to order the FBI to release documents relating to the case.

Road Construction
The City of Douglas will be working on various projects over the coming week.  The work is being completed by the City of Douglas Public Works Department and is part of the Mayor and Council’s ongoing infrastructure improvement program.

House of Hope Progressive Dinner
Gary Whitehead, from Napa Auto Parts purchases tickets from Mario Cortez for his employees to participate in the 10th Annual Prime Rib House of Hope Progressive Dinner. Gary has been a staunch supporter of our domestic shelter for many years.

Arizona driver’s license may not be enough to fly from an airport
 PHOENIX — Arizona residents may find themselves unable to use their state driver licenses to board aircraft as soon as May 11.

Initiative would allow ill people to consume marijuana
PHOENIX -- Arizona voters may get a chance this year to do what they thought they were doing in 1996: allow people who are ill to have and use marijuana legally.

Napolitano endorses Obama for president
PHOENIX — Brushing aside her ties to the Clintons, Gov. Janet Napolitano on Friday endorsed the presidential candidacy of Illinois Sen. Barack Obama.

Board accepts Watkins resignation
Ending a three-month long process, the Douglas Unified School Board officially accepted the settlement and resignation of former Huber Middle School principal George Watkins Thursday afternoon.

Copper Sky Development presented its 1,000 home plan to community
A planned community developer has proposed to build more than 1,000 homes and town houses south of the Border Patrol station.

Chertoff’s comment that opponents of law should ‘grow up’ draws criticism
WASHINGTON — New border-crossing rules that take effect in two weeks will mean longer lines and stiffer demands for ID, including for returning Americans, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said Thursday.

BLM recruits for seasonal fire jobs
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Gila District is currently recruiting applicants for seasonal employment during the 2008 fire season. To serve on a fire crew, persons must be at least 18 years of age and have a strong work ethic, ability to maintain good physical fitness, and willingness to contribute in a team-structured environment.

Welcome to Avenue Hotel
Tours of the historic Avenue Hotel on 1415 G Avenue, in front of the Dairy Queen, will be given on Saturday, 19, 2008.The tours will be given by Robin Brekhus, who is asking for $5 or more per person. The tour is a fundraiser for the 2008 Border to Border Airshow scheduled for March. The tours will begin at noon, 12:30 p.m. 1p.m. and 1:30p.m.  Photograph above: McKayla and Robin Brekhus posed behind the turn-of- the- century saloon at the Avenue Hotel.

Police Reports
January 8, 2008

Enjoy the taste of Farmers Market
Valerie’s Corner