U.S. Customs and Border Protection will begin the upgrade of vehicle lanes at the Douglas port of entry next week. Construction begins on Monday, February 23, and entails installation of Radio Frequency Identification technology hardware in all vehicle inspection lanes. The construction should be completed on March 11.

More of this story

Now what?
After months of discussions, hundreds of hours of work, and the biggest controversy to hit Douglas in years, it all disappeared with a whimper on Tuesday evening, February 17.

Two arrested after eluding Border Patrol
Two Cochise County residents were arrested after leading Douglas Police on a chase through town.

Driver fails to yield, starts 12-minute chase
A failure  to yield kept Douglas Police and Cochise County Sheriff’s Office deputies busy on Monday.

Former deputy trying to get job back
PHOENIX (AP) — A Cochise County Sheriff’s deputy who was fired for paying a Phoenix stripper for sex while he was in the city for a training exercise is trying to get his job back.

Douglas Police Report
ebruary 10, 2009

Call Center jewel of Douglas’ economic future
While the rest of the country struggles with layoffs, reduced work days and hours and employee furloughs, commercial construction in Douglas is the highest it has been in years.

Pirtleville fire produces smoke, little damage
A smoldering fire filled a Pirtleville home with smoke, causing about $2,500 in damage on Friday morning.

Unemployment rate at state level
Larry Blaskey
The Douglas Dispatch

AARP offers free help for taxpayers
AARP Tax Aide will provide free tax help for taxpayers with low- and middle-incomes, with attention to those age 60 and above each Thursday from February 5 to April 9at the Douglas Public Library, 560 E 10th Street, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Brewer names Tim Bee as Southern Arizona director
TUCSON (AP) — Gov. Jan Brewer is appointing former state Senate President Tim Bee of Tucson as her southern Arizona director.

BP arrests 53 migrants
Border Patrol agents apprehended 53 migrants west of Douglas.

Senate panel proposes $300 bonus for seniors
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senior citizens receiving Social Security would get a bonus payment of $300 under the Senate version of President Barack Obama’s economic recovery plan.

Portal Rescue Soup Kitchen begins Monday, February 9
The 13th annual Portal Rescue Soup Kitchen Fund-raiser will be held next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (February 9, 10, and 11) from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Portal Rescue Classroom in Portal. The $7.00 meal includes two savory soups, two delectable breads, a dessert, and a beverage. All proceeds go to Portal Rescue, the area’s volunteer fire and rescue service.

Customs seizes $800,000 in marijuana, meth at Douglas port
Customs agents at the Douglas Port of Entry seized marijuana and methamphetamine in four separate incidents, totaling $800,000 in street value.

Public forum
Where one’s child may attend schoolo next year may be determined by a public forum WEdnesday, at the Douglas High School Auditorium

The big 100
Faras Elementary  School celebrated the hundredth day of school January 16, 2009. The celebration included the creation of the number one hundred by staff and students as pictured above.

Douglas man, juvenile arrested for misconduct with firearm
Douglas Police arrested a Douglas man and one juvenile in connection with misconduct with a firearm in two separate but related incidents.

Douglas High School has new football coach
Douglas High School has a new football coach.

McNeal man pleads not guilty to killing two neighbors
A McNeal man charged with killing his two neighbors and their dog pleaded not guilty Monday.

Gleeson Road to be chip sealed:
Cochise County Board of Supervisors
BISBEE — A 1.3-mile stretch of historic Gleeson Road is scheduled for chip sealing in April after a Cochise County Board of Supervisors vote Tuesday morning to designate it as a county maintained highway.

Military News
Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan

Rancher faces charges in
illegal immigration case
BISBEE — A trial started Monday in federal court in Tucson against a Douglas rancher and others charged with conspiring to violate the civil rights of some illegal immigrants along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Douglas Border Patrol agents catch two illegals with criminal records
BISBEE — U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Douglas Station caught two illegal immigrants from Mexico with prior convictions over the weekend, according to a press release.

Final meeting on attendance zones set for DHS on Tuesday
The final of three public forums on Douglas Unified School District attendance zones is set for Tuesday, February 17, with a final decision set to be made following the forum.

DES cuts back
PHOENIX  Thousands of Arizonans are going to lose services as the state Department of Economic Security cuts its funding.

Presentation on port expansion given at meeting
A brief update on the Douglas port expansion project and the Douglas International Port Authority was presented Wednesday by Victor Gonzalez, the Economic Director for the City of Douglas.

Business seminar at Chamber meet
On Tuesday, February 17, the Douglas Chamber of Commerce, in an effort to help all small businesses, will sponsor a 90-minute presentation by SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives).

Jury begins Barnett deliberation
TUCSON — Jurors began deliberating Friday  in federal court to decide if a rancher violated the civil rights of some illegal immigrants on property located near Douglas along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Douglas man on probation for smuggling marijuana
A Douglas man was sentenced to three years probation and 120 hours of community service as part of a plea agreement for smuggling marijuana through the Douglas Port of Entry.

Previous charges lead to arrest
DOUGLAS — A Mexican man was detained by U.S. Border Patrol agents on Tuesday after he was found to have been previously arrested for lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under 14.

Giffords has office hours in Douglas Feb. 24
TUCSON – Dan Frey, constituent service specialist for U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, will hold office hours at the Douglas City Library, 560 E. 10th  St., on February 24, 2009 from 11:30am to 12:30pm.

Where the stimulus money will come from
As you read this, the final version of the $789 billion economic stimulus package has likely cleared Congress and has been signed by President Obama. You might be wondering where this money will come from.

Douglas Police Report
February 5, 2009

Fisher promotes Cecil to defensive coordinator
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)—Jeff Fisher got his big chance when he was promoted from defensive backs coach to defensive coordinator with Philadelphia. As head coach of the Tennessee Titans, Fisher is committed to doing the same for other coaches on his staff.

State Champs!
Photo by Bruce Whetten/Douglas Dispatch

Ryan honored for rural health centers
DOUGLAS — Dr. Jennifer “Ginger” Ryan, founder and chief executive officer of Chiricahua Community Health Centers Inc., will be traveling to Phoenix to accept an award presented in her honor.

Cochise County school leaders: Cuts going deep
BENSON — School officials from across Cochise County painted a grim picture for elected officials Friday as they spoke about what state budget cuts are going to do to education.

Final meeting on attendance zones set for DHS tonight
The final of three public forums on Douglas Unified School District attendance zones is set for Tuesday, February 17, with a final decision set to be made following the forum.

Superior Court Sentencings
The following are sentencings in Cochise County Superior Court, as provided by the court system. The listings include disposition date, charge and sentence. “Monetary” can be a fine or restitution, or both. For more more listings, see the police log at www.svherald.com.

Douglas Police Report
February 8, 2009

Legislature looks at hike in sales tax to solve woes
PHOENIX  State lawmakers from both parties are taking a guarded  if not outright wary  stance to a possible special election this spring for a temporary hike in the sales tax.

Dead body found Tuesday
A dead body was discovered on Leslie Canyon Road Tuesday morning by Border Patrol agents.

GOP state senators blast DES program cuts
PHOENIX  Republican senators lashed out at the Department of Economic Security on Tuesday, saying the agency is purposely cutting highprofile programs for political purposes.

Writing contest deadline set for Feb. 23
Five published authors to present at conference

Kyl, McCain worried about lack of housing help in stimulus
PHOENIX  Locked out of input in the new stimulus law, Arizona's two senators outlined Tuesday some of what they hope Barack Obama will  and will not  announce today in his housing fix legislation.

State has cash for refunds
PHOENIX  The tax refund check may not be in the mail quite yet.

Monday rollover kills one on Brooks
A rollover  accident on Brooks Road killed one person and injured three others on Monday, February 16.

Local Stuff
Groundhog Day at the Gadsden

Now what?
After months of discussions, hundreds of hours of work, and the biggest controversy to hit Douglas in years, it all disappeared with a whimper on Tuesday evening, February 17.

AARP launches toll free help line to aid consumers during DTV transition
Washington, D.C. - Today, many Americans may find that some of their TV stations are no long available as they undergo the switch from analog to digital signals. AARP continues to educate older Americans and their families about the steps they must take to prepare for the transition, and now is operating a national DTV call center individuals may call for personal assistance.

Jury: Barnett didn’t violate
illegal immigrants’ rights
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — A federal jury found Tuesday that a southern Arizona rancher didn’t violate the civil rights of a group of illegal immigrants who claimed that he detained them at gunpoint in 2004.

Obama unveils $75 billion mortgage relief plan
MESA  President Obama unveiled a multipoint plan here Wednesday designed to keep families in financial trouble in their homes.

Military News
Navy Seaman Apprentice Christine A. Tucker, granddaughter of Gordon Schmidt of Mc Neal, Ariz., recently completed U.S.  Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

Legislators back at work on Arizona budget fix
PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona legislators haggled over last-minute issues Friday as they prepared for debate and votes on a Republican plan to close a big budget shortfall - the largest by percentage among states for the current fiscal year - by cutting spending, sweeping dollars from special-purpose funds and using federal stimulus dollars.

Drug test for Arizona welfare recipients may be needed
PHOENIX  Welfare recipients would need to be tested for illegal drugs  and come up clean  if they want to receive continued benefits under the terms of one bill designed to balance the state budget.

Douglas Police Report
January 21, 2009

Plan would let doctors use county offices as clinics
BISBEE — The Cochise County Health Department and Chiricahua Community Health Centers may be partnering to bring a higher level of health care to underserved county residents.In a work session Tuesday afternoon, Ginger Ryan, chief executive officer of CCHC, met with the Board of Supervisors and Vaira Harik, director of the county Health Department, and presented an offer that would put physicians and medical professionals at county satellite offices on days the facilities were not in use.

CEO at hospital leaves for new position, interim hired
Five years after operating Southeast Arizona Medical Center as its chief executive officer, Mike Carter has accepted an offer as CEO for a hospital in rural New Mexico.

‘Fixing’ overcrowding doesn’t have an easy solution
“It better be broke, because we’re trying to fix it.”

Area storytellers take part in Omega Alpha program
Reading is fun.

Customs seizes more than $600,000 in marijuana
Customs inspectors with the help of drug sniffing dogs seized more than $600,000 in marijuana in three separate incidents.

Education hit hard in new budget
PHOENIX  Gov. Jan Brewer signed legislation Saturday to fix the current budget, paving the way for lawmakers to start dealing with an even bigger deficit expected next year.

Cochise County Militia ready to patrol
TOMBSTONE — “We don’t want to hurt anybody. An illegal border crosser is guilty only of a misdemeanor; it’s not a serious crime. They’re usually so tired and hungry, they just want to go back.”

Douglas Police Department Reports
January 25, 2009

8 Arizona park closures proposed due to budget cuts
PHOENIX (AP) — Eight state parks are being recommended for closure either immediately or imminently because of budget cuts that put the entire park system in danger of closing by summer, parks officials said Monday.

Gas prices continue to rise across county
 According to the Cochise College Center for Economic Research’s latest biweekly survey of gas prices, conducted during the week of January 26, the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Cochise County increased from $1.79 to $1.89 over the two-week period. According to AAA Arizona, the statewide price went up from $1.77 to $1.90 per gallon. Nationally, according to the Energy Information Administration, gas prices increased from $1.78 to $1.84 during the two-week period.

C-E-L-E-B-R-A-T-E
Bruce Whetten
Douglas Dispatch

3-year-old boy hangs himself
A 3-year-old Willcox boy was found hanged Thursday morning from a rafter of a hay barn.

City Council meeting is tomorrow; Review of current financial status, Port Authority
The Douglas City Council will host four presentations Wednesday, ranging from the Douglas Port Authority to the City’s financial status for fiscal year 2008/2009.

BP aims to charge more illegal crossers
TUCSON (AP) — Eliminating voluntary returns in the Southwest border’s busiest sector is still a long way off, despite the U.S. Border Patrol’s intentions.

Smuggler’s plans ruined
TUCSON, Ariz. – Saturday evening, agents working west of Douglas, Arizona successfully arrested 77 individuals after camera operators identified the large group crossing the International Border.

AARP offers free help for taxpayers
AARP Tax Aide will provide free tax help for taxpayers with low- and middle-incomes, with attention to those age 60 and above each Thursday from February 5 to April 9at the Douglas Public Library, 560 E 10th Street, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Marriage Licenses
The following people received marriage licenses through the office of the clerk of the Cochise County Superior Court. The records are from the clerks office.

Veterans resist budget cuts: Current situation OK
SIERRA VISTA — While all state agencies are seeing budget cuts, the Arizona Department of Veterans Services has been fortunate that the reductions haven’t been too deep, said the agency’s director said.

Finalized Divorces
The following people had their divorces finalized with the clerk of the Cochise County Superior Court

Who’s paying for this?
Questions concerning additions to teacher pay as addendums and cost of travel for training came under scrutiny during the regular meeting of the Douglas Unified School District Governing Board on Tuesday.

Barnett case stirring up emotions
The beginning of the federal trial of Douglas area Rancher Roger Barnett has stirred up a firestorm of support for his plight and questions about how the federal government is handling the problem of illegal immigration.

Man indicted on first degree murder
SIERRA VISTA —  A McNeal man is facing a first-degree murder charge in connection to a shooting death on Jan. 11.

Douglas man sentenced Friday for smuggling
As part of a plea agreement, a Douglas man will be sentenced Friday in connection with smuggling more than two pounds but less than four pounds of marijuana, a class four felony, through the Douglas Port of Entry.

Snowfall
Bruce Whetten
Douglas Dispatch

Students take a ‘Snow Day’ early a.m. flakes
For the second time in three years, Douglas received snowfall.

Five arrested in statewide operation
 SIERRA VISTA — Five people were arrested in Cochise County as part of a statewide operation to apprehend individuals with outstanding warrants.

CBP seize $640,000 in marijuana
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers stopped 4 marijuana smuggling attempts; seizing more than 400 pounds of marijuana for an approximate street value of $640, 000 while at the same time making 7 arrests for identity theft.

College announces finalists for president; public can meet candidates at forums
Cochise College announces that three finalists have been selected to interview for the position of college president. The finalists will address members of the public during open forums on Monday, Feb. 23. All three finalists have extensive leadership experience in a community college setting.

Douglas Police Report
 February 3, 2009

AFCEA, Cochise College to host Computer Challenge
The Southern Arizona Chapter of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) and Cochise College are sponsoring the annual Computer Challenge from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, March 6 at the Sierra Vista Campus of Cochise College.

‘Snow day’ in Douglas
areas of Sierra Vista and Bisbee.
Photos by
Bruce Whetten

Boy with gun thinks it’s a toy
A third grader took a handgun to school, believing the gun was a toy that emitted an electrical charge.

House Republicans propose lower cuts to universities in budget plan
PHOENIX — House Republicans are prepared to adopt a budget plan that cuts only $121 million from the state's three universities, half as much as had originally been suggested, the head of the chamber's Appropriations Committee said Tuesday.

House passes economic stimulus, prodded by Obama
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a swift victory for President Barack Obama, the Democratic-controlled House approved a historically huge $819 billion stimulus bill Wednesday night with spending increases and tax cuts at the heart of the young administration’s plan to revive a badly ailing economy.

Downloadable audio books available at Douglas Library
Don’t have time to read? Make time by listening to some of your favorite books available through the Douglas Library.

County foresees even deeper budget cuts in coming months
BISBEE — The hits just keep coming.

Rare bird spotted at Slaughter Ranch
The rare Blue Mockingbird has been sighted at Slaughter Ranch near Douglas and is causing a run on the facility.

Boy on bike hit by car
A 12-year-old boy on his bicycle was struck by a vehicle Thursday.

Free computer classes to begin Monday
Free computer classes will be offered at the Douglas Public Library starting Monday, Feb. 9.

Magdalena Cabrera
February 24, 1922 - February 1, 2009
Magdalena Cabrera passed away February 1, 2009 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Tucson.

Gertie Eicks celebrates 50 years with the Cowbelles
Gertie Eicks was recently honored by the Cowbelles for being with the organization for more than 50 years of her 100 years of life.

Douglas history revisited in new local book
With more than 200 vintage photos, the history of Douglas is revealed in a new book from local author Cindy Hayostek. “Douglas” presents an interesting look at the 100- year history of this community, dominated by two smelters- the Copper Queen and the Calument and Arizona.“Douglas” features photographs donated by the Cochise County Historical Society, Douglas Historical Society and private collections.

U.S.-Mexico border fence almost complete
WASHINGTON (AP) — The fence along the U.S.-Mexico border is mostly finished.

Illegal receives 20 years for break-ins
BISBEE — An illegal immigrant involved in a string of three break-ins in Cochise County in 2007 has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Area Business Briefs
The Small Business Development Center at Cochise College is hosting the following events:

Maddux & Sons, Inc. - Generations of service
When Maddux & Sons, Inc. is mentioned in conversation, just about everyone in Douglas knows exactly what you are talking about.  The company is a landmark in its own right.  As well known as "D" hill or the Gadsden Hotel.  The company has evolved to meet the needs of the area for decades and shows no signs of slowing down.

Joe Delgado brings his years of experience on insurance and finance with State Farm Insurance
Joe Delgado brings his years of experience on insurance and finance to his work at State Farm Insurance, located at 805 Cochise Avenue.

Joe Delgado brings his years of experience on insurance and finance with State Farm Insurance
Joe Delgado brings his years of experience on insurance and finance to his work at State Farm Insurance, located at 805 Cochise Avenue.

Denny’s hits a ‘Grand Slam’ with giveaway
The line ran out the door around the store and down the parking lot as hungry customers waited for their free “Grand Slam” breakfast at the Douglas Denny’s Restaurant, located on Fifth Street.

Senate OKs $15,000 tax break for homebuyers
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate voted Wednesday night to give a tax break of up to $15,000 to homebuyers in hopes of revitalizing the housing industry, a victory for Republicans eager to leave their mark on a mammoth economic stimulus bill at the heart of President Barack Obama’s recovery plan.

House Ok to backup businesses demands about new rules
PHOENIX  A House panel voted Wednesday to back demands by business to halt virtually all new rules and regulations for a year.

Letters To The Editor
Dear Editor:

Anger management for teens discussed Feb. 17 in Douglas
Managing anger in teens willbe the subject of a discussion hosted by the I.M.P.A.C.T. Youth Council (Individuals Motivated Positively for Awareness and Community Tolerance).

Wings:
A Super Bowl classic
It seems fitting that what is perhaps that most American of unofficially official holidays -- Super Bowl Sunday -- involves quintessentially American snacks: wings, dips and chips. Just in the nick of time, the Wiley publishing company has released two cookbooks -- one titled "Wings" by Debbie Moose and one called "Great Party Dips" by Peggy Fallon. Whew.

Get your
baking face on
Of the many ways the food world can be divided — vegans and omnivores; garlic-philes and garlic-phobes; gourmands and junk-food junkies — the most profound may be this: cooks and bakers.

Say ole
for mole
These days, in our rush to slap a reasonable facsimile of family dinner on the table, it is easy to forget that we — some of us, anyway — actually like to cook. If you number yourself among this congregation, you will find it fun to take a deep breath, clear the decks or the counters (and your calendar), and choose a culinary project that will test your mettle. It might be a French cassoulet, Chinese shark-fin soup or — as it was for me on a recent winter weekend — a Mexican mole.

Health Help
Cochise County Health Department, 515 7th Street, Douglas, AZ. 85607; telephone: 805-5600. Open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except holidays).

Help yourself and the planet
When a consummate “foodie” like Mark Bittman — New York Times food columnist, bestselling cookbook author, food blogger, PBS food-show star — starts advocating a vegan diet, it’s time to drop the foie gras and listen up. Even if it’s just a partially vegan diet, or, as Bittman puts it, a “vegan until 6” daily regimen.

Religious questions for the new president
Welcome to the church-state battlefield, President Obama

St. Stephens Episcopal church hosts the Bishops Clergy conference
St. Stephens Episcopal Church recently held the Bishops Clergy Conference in Douglas on January 27-29. 

Christians can often be perceived as ‘unChristian’
Times were hard for the single mother and her 4-year-old son, so she did what hurting people often do — she joined a church seeking solace and support.

Saturday groundbreaking set for Gila Valley temple
Nearly 10 months after first being announced, the Gila Valley Arizona Temple will have its groundbreaking and site dedication ceremony Saturday, Feb. 14 at 9 a.m.

Promoting the gospel of America's 'civil religion'
As Aretha Franklin finished singing "My Country, 'Tis of Thee," the Queen of Soul did what she has done for decades -- she improvised.

Haggard: ‘Inappropriate’ relationship not physical
DENVER (AP) — Fallen evangelical pastor Ted Haggard apologized Monday for his “inappropriate relationship” with a young male church volunteer, but said it did not involve physical contact.

Vatican orders review of women's religious orders
DENVER (AP) — The Vatican has begun a first-ever comprehensive study of women's religious orders in the United States, four decades into a steep decline in the number of Roman Catholic sisters and nuns in the country.

Crowds at the inauguration showed real emotion
Phyllis Tickle tried to pay close attention to the prayers at the inauguration of President Obama, which isn’t surprising since she has written a whole shelf of books on rites of public and private prayer.

Obama plans review of faith-based policies
AP Religion Writer

Diverse group to advise faith-based office
The Obama administration is set to announce a diverse set of advisers to a revamped White House office that will steer government money to religious and neighborhood groups doing social service work. They include a former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, a Jewish rabbi active in Washington and a pioneering female African-American bishop.

Early Learning Center News Briefs
Ms. Jody Pirtle – Special Ed Teacher     

Disney College Program recruiters seek interns with Feb. 12 visit to Cochise College
Eight Cochise College students are completing internships this semester at Walt Disney World in Florida, and others who are interested are invited to meet Disney College Program recruiters at a presentation at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12 in Room 313 on the Sierra Vista Campus of Cochise College.

The Center for Lifelong Learning is offering: Getting Paid to Talk
The Center for Lifelong Learning is offering a class to explore numerous aspects of voice over work for television, film, radio, audio books, documentaries and the internet in your area.  They will  cover all the basics including how to prepare the all-important demo, how to be successful and earn great income in this exciting field. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions and to hear examples of demos recorded by professional voice actors.  Class participants will even have a chance to record a commercial script under the direction of a professional producer. This class is informative, fun, and a great first step for anyone interested in voice acting professionally.

College offices closed Feb. 24
SIERRA VISTA — All Cochise College offices will be closed on Feb. 24 when college employees attend Faculty Staff Development Day.

Douglas High School to have AIMS test
Douglas High School will have the following schedule on February 24th and 25th due to AIMS testing. 

Early Learning Center News Briefs
If your child is between the ages of 3 years to kindergarten age and you have concerns regarding their development or performance in one or more of the following areas: vision and hearing, motor control/coordination, behavior/social skills, speech/language skills or thinking/performing tasks, please contact the Special Service Office @ 364-2447 ex5000 or 364-8473 to schedule an appointment for a Child Find Screening. Screenings are conducted on a monthly or bi-weekly basis depending on the need and are held at the Early Learning Center. Our next Child Find Screening will be Friday, March 6th.

Cochise College instructor publishes book of poems
Cochise College instructor Leslie Clark of Sierra Vista will soon see her latest collection of poetry in print with the publication of Cardiac Alert.

Early Learning Center News Briefs
Our news:

Clawson’s Spelling Bee champion
Clawson Elementary School held its annual spelling bee Friday.  The spelling bee champion is Emily Grubb, daughter of Briza Grubb and the late Michael Grubb. Emily won in the twelfth round, correctly spelling the word, “mayonnaise”.  Runner up was Vanessa Moreno.  Emily will represent Clawson on February 14th in Sierra Vista, at the county spelling bee.

Early Learning Center News Briefs
Ms. Jody Pirtle – Special Ed Teacher     

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