The Douglas AARP chapter recently named their new officers for 2010. The officers were honored during the annual Christmas party. Pictured, from left, is Irene Gantt, President; Ramona Peralta, Vice President; Gloria Leon, Treasurer; and Beverly Wright, Secretary.

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Border shooting draws Mexico’s concern
The Mexican government has expressed concern about Monday’s shooting death of a Mexican man by a U.S. Border Patrol agent east of Douglas.

Lawmaker wants tax information displayed on all gas tanks
PHOENIX — A veteran state lawmaker believes you’d think more about taxes — and twice about being asked to raise them — if the subject were in your face every time you gas up your vehicle.

State shows slowest population growth in a decade
PHOENIX  It appears that Arizona isn’t quite the magnet it used to be for folks in the other 49 states.

Green Party may be off ballot
PHOENIX — Secretary of State Ken Bennett has moved to strip the Green Party of its political status in Arizona.

Lottery scam hits area
An area resident recently received a letter informing him of his good fortune to win more than $3 million in the Australian lottery. The only problem is that he does not play the lottery.

Almost a White Christmas
Two days before Christmas Douglas residents awoke to a small amount of fresh snow that fell in the early morning hours. Residents west of A Ave had more snow fall than those east of A Ave. as weather officials estimated 1-2 inches of snow fell making for some beautiful sites around town. D-Hill had a nice white coating as did some of the Christmas decorations that had been set up for the Christmas holiday. Frank Luzania and his German Sheppard Butch took some time at Airport Park to play in the snow. The snow was gone by noon that day making way for a chilly night where temps dipped into the low 20’s.

School Board reverses termination on Pettit
After a two-and-a-half hour meeting on Tuesday, December 22, the Douglas Unified School District Governing Board voted to retain Superintendent Earl Pettit by a vote of 4-1.

Snow Day
Douglas was dusted with an early morning snow on Wednesday, December 23. While much of the snow had melted by late afternoon, it provided an early Christmas gift to area residents. See additional photos on Page A14.

Brewer directs release of illegal immigrants in prison
PHOENIX-Saying more needs to be done to balance the budget, Gov. Jan Brewer directed the early release of illegal immigrants from state prisons who have committed serious crimes.

Grant funding received for Spay/Neuter Program in Cochise County
 The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office submitted a grant application to the Arizona Companion Animal Spay/Neuter committee in Phoenix requesting funding to assist with the pet population of Cochise County.  As a result of this funding, thirty seven agencies and organizations will benefit from the $263,259 in the 2009-2010 grant period, with Cochise County receiving an award in the amount of $8000.

Average county gas price unchanged
According to the Cochise College Center for Economic Research’s latest biweekly survey of gas prices, conducted during the week of December 14, the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Cochise County remained unchanged at $2.60 per gallon over the preceding two-week period. According to AAA Arizona, the statewide price decreased slightly from $2.61 to $2.60 per gallon. Nationally, according to the Energy Information Administration, gas prices decreased from $2.63 to $2.60 during the two-week period.

Woman charged with attempted murder for giving two-year-old insulin
 Detectives with the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office have arrested a woman on attempted murder charges after they said she admitted to injecting a 2-month-old boy with insulin to keep him from crying.

Cochise County Sheriff’s Office Reports
December 22

U.S. Customs Report
CBP Southbound Operations seize nearly $17,000

Customs officers find marijuana on AP teen
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers stopped a drug smuggling attempt when they apprehended a 13-year-old boy trying to smuggle marijuana taped to his body.

Douglas woman dies in single car accident
One Douglas woman died and another was seriously injured in an early-morning accident on State Route 80 near St. David on Saturday, December 26.

10-year old health care vote may impact state finances
PHOENIX  The 2000 decision by Arizona voters to provide free health care to more people could come around and bite state taxpayers in the financial butt.

Local student working to promote global sustainability
A Douglas High School student recently returned from a seminar in Washington D.C. where he attended the People to People International eighth annual Global Youth Forum.

Six candidates run for three open council seats
Six candidates, including all three incumbents and a former councilman, will be seeking three seats on the Douglas City Council this coming March.

Kyl doesn’t feel ‘totally safe’ with Napolitano in charge of security
Sen. Jon Kyl said he doesn’t “feel totally safe’’ with Janet Napolitano at the helm of the Department of Homeland Security, given that agency’s handling of the attempt to blow up a Detroitbound airliner.

Swine flu vaccine now easier to locate
Now that H1N1 vaccine is available, several  pharmacies in the county are offering the vaccine to adults. In addition, the Cochise County Health Department is continuing to offer H1N1 vaccinations for residents of all ages and will be announcing more vaccination clinics in the near future.

Once in a ‘Blue Moon’
Bruce Whetten
Douglas Dispatch

Douglas Police have busy New Year’s Eve
Officers for the Douglas Police Dept. had a busy New Year’s Eve responding to over 30 different calls in a 12 hour stretch.

Border Patrol agent shoots Mexican national
A Douglas Border Patrol agent was involved in a shooting Monday morning resulting in the death of an illegal immigrant.

Juvenile caught smuggling Marijuana
A 15-year old Douglas youth was arrested Friday morning after he attempted to smuggle one-pound of marijuana into the United States.

Making sense of filings in legal case against agent who shot immigrant
Attorneys have filed several documents in recent months regarding U.S. Border Patrol agent Nicholas Corbett’s civil suit that is pending in U.S. District Court in Tucson.

Cochise County Sheriff’s Office Reports
December 26-27

K-9 team finds $30,000 in marijuana in dash Dec. 30
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers stopped a marijuana smuggling attempt when a K-9 Team detected $30,000 of marijuana concealed in a non factory compartment deep in the dash of a vehicle.

Highway 92 restrictions start Wednesday
Transportation plans some restrictions this week on Highway 92 as part of the widening project between Carr Canyon Road and Hunter Canyon.

Memorial held on 30th anniversary of Park Ranger’s disappearance
Thirty years ago Park Ranger Paul Fugate walked out the door at Chiricahua National Monument and vanished without a trace.

68 pounds of drugs found in gas tank on Dec. 28
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers stopped a drug smuggling attempt when they seized approximately 68 pounds of marijuana concealed in a false compartment and gas tank.

State Parks will be closed later this year
PHOENIX — The decision by lawmakers last month to take funds from the parks system means some will be shuttered later this year, the director of the agency said Thursday.

Wings over Willcox begins Jan. 14
The annual celebration of thousands of Sandhill Cranes and other wintering birds is coming soon.

Customs seizes $70,000 at
Douglas Port
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers stopped an illegal exportation of $70,000 while screening traffic going into Mexico.

Cochise County Sheriff’s Report
December 9

Agents reunite boy with mom after rescue
Wick News Service

CBP Partners with Mexican authorities
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers put on a clinic for local Mexican Authorities from Agua Prieta, Sonora,  Mexico to assist them in the application of newly acquired high-tech tools.

Democrats give views on state’s budget woes
Arizona’s economic woes — leading to a  $1.6 billion budget deficit — came about for many reasons, said sate Rep. Pat Fleming.

State could look at ban on texting
PHOENIX  A couple of changes in the cellular phone industry could create the best climate ever to enact a ban on texting while driving in Arizona.

Cochise County Superior Court Sentencings
Sept. 1 

Embezzlement alleged at nonprofit SEABHS
The Arizona attorney general’s office said this week that embezzlement charges would be filed against Sylvia Nerey, a former employee of Southeastern Arizona Behavioral Health Services Inc.

Rabid fox identified after Willcox attack
On Monday December 7, the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office was advised of an animal bite victim at Northern Cochise Community Hospital in Willcox.  Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Officers responded to the hospital and made contact with a 77 year old female in the emergency room.

Cochise County Divorces Finalized
Sept. 1

Marriage Licenses
Sept. 1

SV Walmart Supercenter gets final OK
SIERRA VISTA — The mayor and Sierra Vista City Council gave a final green light for the construction of the Walmart Village at the northwest corner of Martin Luther King Parkway and State Highway 90 during a meeting Thursday.

Where’s Rudolph?
Santa Claus arrived in style to Castro Park last Saturday to take part in the annual “Toys for Tots” program sponsored by the Douglas Fire Department. The event began at 10 a.m. and nearly 600  children received toys and bags of goodies from Santa.. See additional  photos fro0m the event o0n Page B1.

Merry Christmas
That’s the message these lights convey. This is one of dozens of brightly colored homes lighting up the night sky around Douglas  and Pirtleville.  For more photos, see Page B6.

Mother leaves three- and one-year old home alone
The mother of  a three- and one-year old girls  left them alone in an unheated, filthy Pirtleville home while she tried smuggling 150 pounds of marijuana across the U.S.-Mexico Border.

6 DHS students arrested for stealing district computers
Six Douglas High School students were arrested last week for stealing a number of laptop computers from Douglas High School.

Students caught in cheating scandal
Approximately 30 students were suspended for taking part in a grade selling scheme either as buyers or sellers at Douglas High School last week.

State jobless rate falls
PHOENIX — Arizona’s jobless rate last month slipped sharply last month — to below 8 percent for the first time since June — a possible indication that the economy is on the mend.

GOP lead the way in cutting $194 million more in state
PHOENIX  Without a single Democrat in support, state lawmakers gave final approval Saturday to a $194 million fix to the budget, but not before some namecalling and partisan acrimony that sets the stage for the divisive regular session to come.

There won’t be a March vote on temporarily raising sales tax
PHOENIX — Arizona residents won’t get to vote this March whether they want to hike their own sales taxes.

Cochise County Divorces Finalized
Sept. 30

CBP officers seize $230,000 of marijuana at Naco Port
NACO, Arizona —U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers stopped a drug-smuggling attempt when they seized 145 pounds of marijuana concealed in the rocker panels of a vehicle they were searching.   

AP orphanage opens its doors
A new $653,000 orphanage facility that can house up to 70 orphans and homeless children opened in Agua Prieta, Sonora,Saturday.

Douglas Police, staff begin traffic control measures on Pan American
Pan American Avenue southbound traffic will be restricted to alleviate traffic congestion and eliminate gridlocked intersections.  

Baca leaves DUSD
The Douglas Unified School District Governing Board approved several personnel moves in a special meeting on December 16.

Cochise County Superior Court Sentencings
Oct. 5

Cochise County Sheriff’s Office Reports
December 15

CAS wins
The Center of Academic Success took first place in the annual Douglas Light Parade, which was held on November 28. The city recently announced the winning entries. Finishing second was Lorreto School., and third was Southwest Gas.

City denies request for speed bumps on 17th
Despite a citizen petition, the Douglas City Council refused to proceed with action on the possible placement of speed bumps on a city road.

Starfish Club takes Christmas Caravan to Agua Prieta needy
The Starfish Club at Douglas High School travelled to Agua Prieta on Saturday, December 19, with the Christmas Caravan.

St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance receives more than 500,000 meals from Walmart
Walmart stores across the state collaborated to contribute a grand total of $79,000 to the St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance. The donation equates to more than 500,000 meals that will be distributed to people in 13 Arizona counties.

Future of tax hike to balance state budget in hands of House Democrats
PHOENIX — The future of whether Arizonans will get a chance to hike their sales taxes to balance the state budget depends on whether House Democrats are willing to go along.

Why property tax will stay in county’s control
With revenues declining, it makes sense to look for expenses to cut and other areas where revenue could be captured.

County unemployment down in November
According to figures released by the Arizona Department of Commerce, Cochise County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 7.1 percent from 7.4 in November. Cochise County’s unemployment rate remained the lowest in the state and was considerably below the state and national levels. The statewide unemployment rate in November fell from 9.3 to 8.9 percent in November. Nationally, the unemployment rate dropped from 10.2 to 10 percent.

U.S. remains No. 1 economy, but won’t stay that way without change
It’s time for New Year’s resolutions. Here’s a good one: Let’s resolve to keep America the world’s most competitive and innovative country.

Douglas patrons greet Surge’s Bar and Grill enthusiastically
Surge’s Bar and Grill at the Golf Course is bringing in big numbers due to its food, service and variety.

Morales back in Douglas at CQMA
Margaret Morales is back in Douglas at Copper Queen Medical Associates as the clinic manager.

2009 - Economic year in review
The year 2009 was one of the most difficult years for the national economy in decades. The recession, which began in December 2007, reached its depths in the first quarter of 2009, which saw real Gross Domestic Product (the value of all goods and services produced in the economy) decline at an annualized rate of 6.5 percent. That was the largest single-quarter decline since the first quarter of 1982.

Flam Chen fires up Bisbee New Year Eve celebration
The  stilt-walking, balloon flying, fire chain dancing,  flaming sword fighting, aerial acrobatics of pyrotechnic theater group Flam Chen will  usher in Bisbee’s New Year on December 31. Their third annual evening show at City Park in Old Bisbee, will begin seating at 11:15 with the performance to begin at 11:45. The spectacular show, entitled ‘Toy Box’ will include one lucky winner of a raffle ascending in a balloon as part of the show.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
New Year's is the only holiday that celebrates the passage of time. Perhaps that's why, as the final seconds of the year tick away, we become introspective. Inevitably, that introspection turns to thoughts of self-improvement and the annual ritual of making resolutions, which offer the first of many important tools for remaking ourselves.

Countries have different ways to seek prosperity and good luck for the coming year
With New Year’s upon us, here’s a look at some of the good luck rituals from around the world. They are believed to bring good fortune and prosperity in the coming year.

Jacob, Isabella the most popular baby names
PHOENIX  Why is it that parents are less creative in naming their baby boys than their new daughters?

The sounds of Happy New Year
With the holiday season upon us, here’s a list that’s sure to be a tongue twister. See how Happy New Year is pronounced around the world.

12 tips to surviving the holidays
With last-minute gifts to buy and social events to attend, the American Red Cross has 12 tips to make the holiday season safe, happy and bright: 

Lighten up in the New Year
The New Year is a great time for choosing lighter meal options, but that doesn’t have to mean sacrificing great flavor. Protein is a great way to feel fuller, longer, which means you’re less likely to fill up on unhealthy foods. To keep your meals interesting, look for lean ways to jazz them up:

Health Helplines
AIDS

Free seminar held during Wings festival
Come and learn more about the Sulphur Springs Valley during the Wings Over Willcox Festival on January 13-17, 2010.   All seminars are free, open to the public and presented in the Willcox Community Center on Stewart Street.  The wide variety of topics is certain to have something for everyone. This is your opportunity to learn more about your world as well as explore the diversity of enticing items offered at the concurrent trade fair.  Vendor’s wares include natural history books, binoculars and other equipment, original art, crafts and more.  Additional information on the seminar topics and speakers is available at  www.wingsoverwillcox.com.    

Firefighting program could spark career interest
 SIERRA VISTA — The U.S. Forest Service is now accepting applications for motivated students who are looking for a challenging and rewarding summer job outdoors as a wildland firefighter.

Kids’ activities planned at library during holiday
The Douglas Public Library has set a number of activity days for area children during the Christmas vacation.

Kids’ activities planned at library during holiday
The Douglas Public Library has set a number of activity days for area children during the Christmas vacation.

Post-holiday baking, Scandinavian-style
Strange but true: It is after Christmas that you might have time to bake. The pressure is low — no holiday cookies to crank out — which makes the satisfaction quotient high. The holiday lights are still strung, and it just feels right to make warm, substantial and delicious treats. We’re not necessarily talking sweets here; you have likely had your fill of those. But homemade breads — or buns like those showcased here — served with a cup of hot cocoa or a cafe au lait may just fit the bill.

Bring on the fun with family, friends and finger foods
The economic uncertainty of the last year has had at least one positive effect: consumers are retreating to the comforts of home for nurturing good times and reconnecting with family and friends.

Ways to define frugality
What is frugality? According to dictionary.com, it’s being economical in use or expenditure; prudently saving or sparing; not wasteful. But it means something different to each person. For years, it has been synonymous with being a cheapskate or miserly or a temporary wagon to jump onto because of a setback or the economy. I like to think of it as choosing the best balance of time and money and creating the least amount of waste based on each person’s priorities. It’s living your life in an efficient way. In other words, it’s about making the best financial and least wasteful choices based on your own situation as consistently as possible. Being cheap means always looking for the least cost of items, and miserly is someone who is stingy. It’s only natural that some view frugal people in a negative light. So how do you define frugality?

Cochise County Health Department
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).

Restaurant Inspections
American Legion Post #11, 1325 G Ave., 10/07/08, Excellent

As American as jerk spice and stir-fry
It’s refreshing to start a new decade by celebrating American food — American food such as Doro We’t (Ethiopian chicken stew), Swedish fish balls, gnocchi (Italian potato dumplings), Slovenian cabbage rolls, pad Thai, sushi and Caribbean catfish. That’s the kind of “New American Table” that Marcus Samuelsson celebrates in his book by that name, published by Wiley in 2009.

Difference between being frugal versus cheap?
Where do you draw the line between being frugal and cheap? You’ve gone overboard with frugality if it harms or takes advantage of someone else. But even that has gray areas for some, especially when people can be at different ends of the frugal spectrum, depending on whether they’re frugal by choice or necessity.

Candy is dandy for giving as gifts
OMG! It’s TTLY almost Xmas!

Products tightwads don’t buy
Tightwads have their limits. If you’re frugal, you might buy the occasional convenience product, but you have a list of items you simply refuse to buy. The price isn’t worth the benefit of a mini shortcut that saves only a couple of minutes or seems absolutely crazy to spend money on, such as over-processed or fast food.

H1N1 Vaccination Clinics planned at Senior Centers
The Cochise County Health Department is announcing the continuation of its H1N1 vaccination clinics.    All persons wanting vaccination for H1N1 can be served at this time.

Star chef’s eatery plans spoil
Michael Wray gives up on opening fine-dining restaurant in Sierra Vista

Olive Garden, IHOP coming to Sierra Vista
SIERRA VISTA — The never-ending rumor of Olive Garden’s arrival in Sierra Vista appears one step closer to reality.

Light your fire with an Italian aperitif
If you want to make an impact at the table this holiday season, set something on fire.

Cochise County Health Department
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).

Waste less food with this simple plan
Buying in larger quantities can save money, but that’s only if you use it up before it goes bad. Many households waste food. Having a waste-not, want-not kitchen can be a key strategy in this economy. How do you waste less food?

Christmas is where you find it
As the Christmas pageant dress rehearsal rolled to its bold finale, reporter Hank Stuever found his mind drifting away to an unlikely artistic destination — a masterpiece from the Cubist movement.

Top religious news stories of 2009
President Barack Obama deserved the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize, said the Norwegian Nobel Committee, because his “extraordinary efforts to strengthen ... cooperation between peoples” had created a “new climate in international politics.”

Catholic Community Services is looking for volunteers to help stimulate economy
Last year, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program provided free tax preparation services to more than 530 low-income families, bringing $600,000 into the local economy. In addition, families saved approximately $80,000 in tax preparation fees and were able to get their refunds in as little as 7 to 10 days.

God, Brubeck and all that jazz
Any jazz fan who has been paying attention at all during the past half century will recognize the quirky 5/4 riff that means the Dave Brubeck Quartet is swinging into its classic “Take Five.”

Dates are set for dedication and open house
of Gila Valley Arizona Temple
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced a public open house prior to the dedication of The Gila Valley Arizona Temple, located between the communities of Pima and Thatcher in Graham County.

Bost Family plays at Silver Creek Church
The Silver Creek Church and the award-winning Bost Family Traditions gospel band invites the community to join them for worship and inspirational gospel music on Sunday, December 27, beginning  at 10:45 a.m. The church is located at 4459 E. Highway 80.

Remembering the Advent season
The Rev. Timothy Paul Jones kept hearing one thing when — four weeks before Christmas — he brought a wreath and some purple and pink candles into his Southern Baptist church near Tulsa, Okla.

Border talks called ‘fruitful’
A bi-national Presbyterian Border Ministry in Douglas and Agua Prieta, Sonora, participated in a meeting this month with government authorities and other border community groups.

Youth Orchestra enrolling for new semester
The Cochise County Youth Orchestra (CCYO) is now welcoming violin, viola, cello, and string bass players to join in the fun next semester, which runs from Jan. 11 through May, 2010. Students from elementary to high school age who have at least one year of playing experience and are currently taking private lessons, or who pass an audition, are eligible to participate. Music selections range from classical to modern pop and rock. Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays from 4 to 5:30 pm at Calvary’s Rock Church, 231 N. Canyon Drive in Sierra Vista. Tuition is $105 for the 17-week semester with a limited number of scholarships available. Log on to www.ccyo.info or call Danielle Bettencourt at 508-1921 to find out more about the Cochise County Youth Orchestra or to receive an application.

On the lookout for Cochise College Alumni in 2010
Not long ago, Cochise College President J.D. Rottweiler announced that the college was embarking on an effort to get in touch with alumni.

Court rules charter schools part public, part private
PHOENIX -- Employees cannot use federal civil rights laws to sue the owners of Arizona charter schools, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Monday.

College to offer GED on Saturday in January
 Cochise College is planning to administer the General Educational Development (GED) exam on Saturday on a trial basis in the new year. The pilot program begins with a test date of Saturday, Jan. 16, and registration is now being accepted.

Cochise College Events
Wednesday, January 6

College to host international film series
The Cochise College Art Department announces its 2009-2010 International Film Series, which features a new movie each month in November, January, February, March and April. Films will be shown at 7 p.m. Thursdays in the Andrea Cracchiolo Library on the Sierra Vista Campus and at 7 p.m. Fridays at the Central School Project, 43 Howell Ave., Bisbee. Screenings are free and open to the public. The films include:

College to offer GED on Saturday in January
 

College to host international film series
The Cochise College Art Department announces its 2009-2010 International Film Series, which features a new movie each month in November, January, February, March and April. Films will be shown at 7 p.m. Thursdays in the Andrea Cracchiolo Library on the Sierra Vista Campus and at 7 p.m. Fridays at the Central School Project, 43 Howell Ave., Bisbee. Screenings are free and open to the public. The films include:

Cochsie College Events
Friday, January 1 and Saturday, January 2

House refuses to place scholarship limits on private, parochial schools
PHOENIX — A House panel refused Thursday to limit scholarships for private and parochial school students to those who show some financial need despite the fact the aid is funded with diverted state tax dollars.

Schools can ask for overrides again in March
PHOENIX — School districts whose voters rejected override attempts just last month are free to try again in March, Attorney General Terry Goddard concluded Tuesday.

New year, new facilities, new faces, new marketing
The new year is almost upon us, so it seems appropriate to share with you some of the things we at Cochise College are looking forward to in the first few months of 2010.

College to offer GED on Saturday in January
 

Huber honors
Huber Middle School December Students of the Month were honored recently with a luncheon.  Front row, from left:  Andres Lopez, Vanessa Moreno, Alizandra Armenta, Sophia Morales, Ruby Valencia, Ricky Laredo, and Krisel  Moreno. Pictured in the  middle row:  Rene Rojas, Jesus Urquijo, Dulce Garcia, Manuel Valencia, Alan Romo, Jazmin Verdugo, and Meghan Maddux.  Pictured in the back row:  Assissant Principal Mr. Cliff Dunlap, Fernando Osuna, Jesus Santos, Regina Rios, Mariah Maruffo, Myrna Ochoa, and Student Council Advisor Mrs. Carol Messersmith.

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