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.

More of this story

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.

DPD uses new foam on fire
Crews from the Douglas Fire Dept. responded to a structure fire shortly before 9 p.m. Monday in the 600 block of 18th St. just off of Pan American Ave. According to sources at the scene no one was living in the building and it was being used to store tires. The DFD used a special kind of foam to help extinguish the flames which were put out in a matter of minutes. Cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

Brewer wants to balance budget by cutting back AHCCCS
PHOENIX — Gov. Jan Brewer wants to take away state-paid health care for hundreds of thousands of Arizonans as one way of balancing the state budget.

Many SSVEC users will get money back
Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative is returning a quarter of a million dollars to members who had service with the cooperative in 1986 and/or 2007.

State Transportation Board OKs $3.5 million for Chino Rd. improvements
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Board, unanimously  approved $3.5 million to extend the existing Chino Road.

Progressive Dinner
Mario Cortez receives a gift certificate from Felix and Carmen Soto, owners of La Fiesta. This certificate joins others for door prizes donated by local merchants for the 14th Annual House of Hope Progressive Dinner, to be held Friday, Jan. 29. The dinner benefits local women and children in an abusive environment by providing food, shelter , clothing and support. Call 249-6094 for delivery of your $12 ticket. Meals are eat in, delivered or take out. Please specify when you purchase your ticket.

Animal control ordinance revision raises confusion
BISBEE — In February, the county Planning and Zoning Department will present another draft of the proposed revision of the Animal Control Ordinance to the Board of Supervisors.

Border crimes stay in feds’ focus
 TUCSON — A pair of hot criminal issues — immigration and mortgage fraud — have to be constantly watched so they don’t boil over, U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona Dennis Burke said.

State budget picture still bleak a year later
PHOENIX — Ten months ago, Gov. Jan Brewer asked state lawmakers to approve her plan to balance the budget, including a temporary tax hike.

Sixty year-old woman caught with marijuana
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers stopped a drug smuggling attempt when they seized over 100 pounds of marijuana from a 60-year-old woman.  

Border Patrol arrest convicted rapist at Port
 U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Douglas Station arrested a subject on Saturday with a felony conviction for rape.  The Border Patrol continues protecting the community by keeping unwanted criminals off of our streets. 

Cochise County Sheriff’s Office Reports
January 4

Douglas Police Report
January 1, 2010

Law enforcement: Prosecuting Mexicans who commit crimes in U.S.
BISBEE — In a pilot program, the Cochise County Attorney’s Office is working in conjunction with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office to help pursue prosecutions in Mexico of Mexicans who commit crimes in the United States.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
January 5, 2010

‘If you have a better plan, produce it,’ Brewer says
PHOENIX — Gov. Jan Brewer chided state lawmakers and future political foes Monday for talking a lot about balancing the budget but doing very little about it.

Legislature facing more than just budget this session
PHOENIX — While the main focus of the session that begins Monday is balancing the budget, lawmakers are expected to address other matters during the four — or more — months they will be at the Capitol.

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.

Ranchers find immigrant’s body in Douglas area on Thursday
The body of a suspected illegal immigrant was discovered by ranchers in the Douglas area Thursday morning, the sheriff’s office reports.

Snow
Bruce Whetten
Douglas Dispatch

USDA Director takes part in
ribbon-cutting for new solar system
USDA Rural Development along with partners PPEP, and Jose Coronel , Bee-Healthy store owner celebratede the completion of the hybrid solar system which includes a photovoltaic system to produce electrical energy needs and solar thermal for hot water heating of the store.

Brewer defends budget plan
PHOENIX — Gov. Jan Brewer is defending her decision to craft a spending plan contingent on lawmakers enacting an immediate sales tax hike even as Senate President Bob Burns said it’s likely dead on arrival at the Legislature.

Little damage from storm
Emergency crews were expecting the worst from the latest batch of storms that moved through the area this past weekend but were happy to report any damage that occurred around town was minimal and no major structural damage was reported.

Home invasion leads to arrests
Two men from Chihuahua, Mexico are in custody in New Mexico following the armed robbery of a Portal man and his wife.

Goddard formally announces plans to be a candidate for Governor
PHOENIX — Attorney General Terry Goddard formally became a candidate for governor Friday.

New technology for digital mammograms arrives at SAMC
Women who undergo routine mammograms at Southeast Arizona Medical Center now have the latest diagnostic technology available to them, digital mammography.

State’s jobless rate rises
PHOENIX  Arizona’s jobless rate jumped two tenths of a point last month, to 9.1 percent, as small gains in private sector employment were more than wiped out by losses in education.

Border Patrol Reports
Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Douglas Station arrested an illegal alien from Mexico northeast of the Douglas, Arizona Port of Entry on Tuesday.  The man was identified as a Sureno 13 Gang Member and was later entered into the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) where records revealed the subject had pending charges for larceny and marijuana possession.  The man was held for further processing.

Cochise County Sheriff’s Office Report
January 16-17

Payday loans take a hit in Arizona; likely dead after June 30
PHOENIX  Efforts by the payday loan industry to remain in Arizona after June 30 were dealt a serious  and potentially fatal  setback Monday when a key Democratic lawmaker said he can’t support what the lenders want.

House panel OK’s package of business tax breaks
PHOENIX — Calling it the ultimate solution to the state’s economic woes, members of a House panel approved an extensive package of tax breaks for business on Monday.

Goddard loses ground
PHOENIX — Less than a week in the race, a new survey shows that Terry Goddard already is losing ground in his bid to become the next governor.

Gas prices 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 10-16, the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Cochise County increased from $2.60 to $2.67 per gallon over the preceding one month period. According to AAA Arizona, the statewide price increased from $2.60 to $2.67 per gallon. Nationally, according to the Energy Information Administration, gas prices climbed from $2.60 to $2.75 during the month period.

Senator wants to ‘kill’ public campaign financing
PHOENIX — Calling the system “morally wrong,’’ a state senator hoping to become a member of Congress pushed legislation through the Senate Judiciary Committee designed essentially to kill the system of public financing of state elections.

Photo radar system not generation enough cash
PHOENIX  Arizona’s new statewide photo radar system isn’t generating anywhere near the cash that was touted as violators can’t be identified and citations remain unpaid.

Board begins process of finding new administrator
The Douglas Unified School District Governing Board moved forward with its search for a new superintendent during a special meeting on Tuesday, January 19.

Drought aid to flow soon
 County ranchers have until Saturday to sign up for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program’s emergency relief from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for stock losses due to the drought.

County celebrates anniversary Feb. 2
Rapid growth in late 1870’s into 1880’s at Tombstone and Bisbee fueled by rich mining booms led local leaders to lobby the State to create a new county. The lines were drawn on the Mexico-New Mexico borders carving 6,256 square miles out of Pima County, one of the original four counties, to create Cochise County named after Cochise the famous leader of the Chiricahua Apaches.

CBP Officers seizes marijuana concealed in fenders
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers stopped a drug smuggling attempt when they seized approximately 31 pounds of marijuana concealed in the front fenders of a vehicle.  

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.

Lawmaker pushes for payday loans
PHOENIX — Undeterred by voter rejection more than a year ago, a top House Republican is working to keep payday lending alive in Arizona beyond June 30.

P&Z Commission says no to increased setback requirements
 After a long discussion at the end of a marathon four-and-a-half hour meeting, members of the county Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-2 not to change the owner-builder opt-out amendment to establish new 75-foot setback requirements.

Pettit relieved of duties for remainder of contract
For the second time in less than a year, Douglas Unified School District Superintendent Earl Pettit was placed on paid administrative leave by the district.

City looking at revenue shortfall
The City of Douglas still has nearly a $1.3 million cash reserve but, that was one of the few positives concerning its finances for 2009-2010.

State wants law enforcement to use sensors to catch drug runners
PHOENIX — State lawmakers directed the Department of Public Safety to put seismic sensors to spot drug runners and others in Southern Arizona — but only if the agency can find the cash elsewhere.

Easements question weighs on officials’ minds
Should the county act as a go-between for developers in regard to dealing with rights of way and easements across state lands?

Brewer’s cuts impact schools, AHCCCS and more
 Gov. Jan Brewer wants to turn juvenile offenders over to counties, repeal requirements to care for the severely mentally ill, kill state funding for fullday kindergarten, eliminate free health care for more than 300,000 low income people, sell off more state buildings, borrow more money and cut state employee pay by 5 percent to balance the budget for the remainder of this year and the next one.

Cochise County Sheriff’s Office Reports
January 13

Elfrida Merchants feature local artisans
Looking for that last minute, unique gift?  Try shopping Elfrida.  The Korner Store, on the corner of Jefferson and Highway 19,1 has a number of paintings by Adele Crouch (Creations by Crouch).

McNeal teen competes in Tucson
Harley Callahan of McNeal, daughter of Greg Boone and Anna Burgess, was recently selected to participate in Nationals’ 2010 Miss Jr. Teen Tucson pageant competition that will take place on February 6.

17-year-old boy stopped in smuggling attempt of $40,000 in marijuana
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers stopped a drug smuggling attempt when they apprehended a 17-year-old boy trying to smuggle marijuana.  

DPS and US Border Patrol joint effort yields marijuana
It began at about 11 a.m. on January 15, when a black Toyota Camry approached the US Border Patrol checkpoint on SR 90, about 12 miles north of Sierra Vista.  A drug sniffing K-9 alerted to the vehicle and the agent instructed the driver to move the vehicle into a designated area.  The driver chose instead to continue north on SR 90 and a US Border Patrol agent began chasing the vehicle.  An Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) officer was traveling southbound on SR 90 just south of Benson, when he observed a black Toyota Camry traveling northbound on SR 90 at over 110 mph, being pursued by a US Border Patrol Agent.  The vehicle turned into the residential area of Cochise Terrace RV Park where the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, with the DPS Officer and US Border Patrol Agent engaging in a foot chase through backyards and over fences.  The suspect was taken into custody as he attempted to crouch near a bush. Thomas Paul Baker, 36 of Kingman, was booked into the Cochise County Jail for possession/transportation of marijuana and felony flight.

Davis seeks House seat
Ken Davis of Benson has announced his candidacy for a Democratic nomination to the Arizona  State Legislature. 

Confiscation of 29 canines comes back to bite county
The seizure of a number of dogs from an Elfrida breeder in April 2008 by a county animal control officer has led to a tort complaint being filed against the county, the sheriff’s office and members of an anti-puppy mill/animal rescue group.

Douglas Police Report
January 2, 2010

U.S. Border Patrol arrests sex offenders
  In five separate incidents over the past week, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Douglas Station apprehended illegal aliens who had prior arrests for sex crimes.  Agents quickly identified these criminal aliens using the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS).

Martin launches campaign: Wants to militarize border
PHOENIX  Dean Martin launched his gubernatorial campaign Wednesday with a promise to use armed National Guard troops to militarize the international border.

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.

October sales up across major industries
Cochise County’s retail, accommodation, and restaurant and bar sales were all up in October, compared to October 2008. Retail sales, Cochise County’s largest category of taxable sales, were up 3.7 percent in October after adjusting for inflation. In the first 10 months of 2009, sales were down 3.6 percent compared to the first 10 months of 2008. Retail sales were down in 21 of the past 24 months.

First anniversary
The City of Douglas will be recognizing Advanced Call Center Technologies’ (ACT) one year anniversary on Friday, January 5, at 11:30a.m.at the offices of ACT located on 1710 10th Street. City Administration and ACT management will meet in recognition of the great accomplishment and contribution ACT has had in the community generating more than jobs.

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:

College’s free lecture series resumes in Feb.
Diverse discussions covering everything from travels in Southeast Asia to Zapotec weaving are part of the spring 2010 series of free lunch lectures sponsored by the Cochise College Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL).

New exhibit on display at Museum
The Douglas Historical Society has opened two new exhibits at the Douglas Williams House featuring two antique christening gowns and a related lace and embroidery display.

Portal Soup Kitchen Feb. 8, 9, 10
The 14th annual Portal Rescue Soup Kitchen Fund-raiser will be held next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (February 8, 9, and 10) 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.

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.    

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

Soups to warm you this winter
There is a saying about heating with wood that the wood warms you twice — once when you cut it, and again when you burn it. The same can be said about soup. The process of making it — the peeling, chopping, simmering, stirring — makes you feel warm inside as you make something healthful and delicious for your family. The eating of it does the same.

Enjoy frugal indulgences while sticking to your budget
You don’t have to sacrifice happiness if you’re frugal. Small pick-me-ups or indulgences can help you maintain your frugality without completely blowing your budget. You simply need to redefine luxuries. If you think about it, there are plenty of enjoyable low-cost splurges. Some can be impulsive, and others can be worked into your budget. But don’t buy what you can’t afford. It’s the little joys in life that can re-energize you. An indulgence can encourage you to slow down and savor the moment. These indulgences can make your hard work in other areas easier to bear. You’ll also be less likely to overindulge and overspend.

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.

Kick-off the new year with a new Green Routine
A change in the calendar brings a chance for families to make changes in their routines. With a heightened sense of environmental awareness, a new season is a great time to "green your routine" and establish simple, everyday eco-friendly habits with your family.

Really good grub
It’s fashionable to talk about “cuisine,” but what most of us understand is “cooking.” That’s why recipes from Grady Spears, a former cowpoke turned professional chef and cookbook author, are so appealing. Spears says he would rather be called a “cowboy cook” than a “chef,” and all of us who rustle up grub on a daily basis are grateful for that. His food is rustic, accessible and spectacularly delicious.

Taking a look back on frugality for 2009
It’s time for a frugal year in review. Financial gurus always encourage you to pay yourself first. This is important. All of the debt-reducing, money-saving strategies and ways to increase your income won’t mean much if you don’t take care of yourself first. When you reflect upon the past year, what’s the most frugal thing you learned?

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.

Soups to warm you up
 I love soup. A lot. On a cold winter day, there’s nothing like a bowl of hot, savory soup to satisfy my hunger and warm me through and through. And if the soup is easy to make, I’m even happier.

Health Helplines
Alzheimer’s disease

It’s like sour cream, but better
You’ve seen it on menus, you’ve read it in recipes, but, with its French name and “chef-y” connotations, it may still be a bit intimidating: creme fraiche.

Focus on the small stuff
“Small events and choices determine the direction of our lives just as small helms determine the directions of great ships.” — M. Russell Ballard

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.

Remembering holy-terror editor Deborah Howell
Journalists at the Newhouse News Service bureau in Washington learned to appreciate the sound of editor Deborah Howell cutting loose during a good argument.

House of Hope Progressive Dinner 2010
Cooks are readying their kitchens for the annual Progressive Dinner. The Douglas Ministerial Association (DMA) will be presenting the 14th Annual Progressive Dinner on January 29, 2010 from 5 to 7:00 pm. The cost is $12.00. The total profits are given to the House of Hope for their Annual Fund Raiser. The churches on Church Square: First Baptist, Grace United Methodist, First Presbyterian, and St. Stephen’s will be providing the meal. Unsold tickets will be available at First Baptist Church, which will also be hosting the soup course. The salad course will be held at First Presbyterian Church, and St. Stephen’s will present the entrée, which is always prime rib. A dessert made by Grace Methodist’s Church follows this delicious meal. Delivery is made by the sisters at the Mission at La Salette and church members of the hosting churches. Girl Scout Troop 382, and the American Legion Youth Group will wait upon tables. You may purchase your tickets by calling (520) 249-6094 or from any member of the above churches. You may eat in, carry out or have it delivered to your home. Please specify your preference when you purchase your ticket, as the seller must retain your ticket for delivery scheduling. To win door prizes place your name and telephone number on the numbered reverse of the ticket.

Corley named new pastor
Jim Corley is the new Pastor at Elfrida Baptist Church (EBC). Rev. Corley recently started at EBC after receiving a call from his high school buddy, Charlie Hall, who informed him of the church’s need for a pastor.  Hall’s step-father, Pastor Harry McLaughlin, had been the Pastor at EBC for 14 years in the 80’s and 90’s.

The book of Denzel
The first time Denzel Washington read the “Training Day” script, he had an intensely personal reaction to his character — the charismatic but fatally corrupt Det. Alonzo Harris.

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.

Sarah Palin’s evangelical-speak
According to a top strategist in the presidential campaign of Sen. John McCain, Sarah Palin believed that the decision to pick her as the Arizona Republican’s running mate was actually made by Almighty God.

Bookmobile Schedule
Make it a New Year's resolution to read more this year.   Stop in at any of our 39 bookmobile stops and pick up a book, audiobook, or DVD for everyone in the family.  For a map and schedule of bookmobile stops, visit  http://cochise.lib.az.us.  For more information call the Cochise County Library District, at 800-231-1574 or 520-432-8930.

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.

Open house Jan. 26 at the Douglas Campus
Cochise College will embrace the past and celebrate the future at the Douglas Campus during an open house scheduled for 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26.

Third graders who can’t read at that level should not be promoted
PHOENIX — Third graders who can’t read at the expected level for children their age should not be promoted to fourth grade, Gov. Jan Brewer said Monday.

New UA South leader known as an advocate for students
 The University of Arizona South’s new chief executive will bring to the office a reputation as a strong student advocate when he starts his new job Monday.

Cochise College Events
Wednesday, January 13

Cochise College alumni group seeks members
A group of former Cochise College students is formalizing a new organization to reach out to alumni and other friends of the institution, and they’re looking for more members.

Cochise, UA South announce transition program for baccalaureate students
 Dual counseling, specialized support and development workshops for transfer students, and financial support are all planned as part of a newly minted program designed to encourage a smooth transition for students advancing from Cochise College to the University of Arizona South.

Students of the Month
Sarah Marley Elementary School recently announced its Students of the Month  for November and December. Honored students in November, above, were, first row, Yamilet Lugo, Abigail Vertrees, Irlanda Flores, Naydelin Luna, Liana Cabarga,  and Albert Ambri. In the second row, were Carlos Fragoso, Alejandro Miranda, Alex Vera-Galaz, Andrew Machado, Oscar Machado, Emily Ramirez, and Mario Parra December Students of the Month, below, were, first row,  Jaime Luna, Lluvia Perez, Fridha Rojas, Andrea Larios, Jesus Portillo, Julian Robles Toscano; and, second row, Kassandra Aguayo, Manuel Sanchez, Francisco Aguilar, Francisco Lamadrid, Jacelyn Ballesteros, Manuel Medrano, and Gissel Pedrego.

Honor Roll
Sarah Marley Elementary

Nursing faculty to chronicle experience in academic journal
An article written by Cochise College nursing faculty members Vicky J. King, RN, MSN, and Jim King, RN, MSN, CRNA, APN-C, has been accepted for publication in Teaching and Learning in Nursing, the official journal of the National Organization for Associate Degree Nursing.

Financial Aid Night
College financial aid representatives will be at Douglas High School on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 to discuss Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and financial aid resources for the benefit of all graduating students, their parents and guardians. A presentation in English will be held in the DHS auditorium and a Spanish presentation will be held in the DHS cafeteria. Both begin at 5:30 pm.

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:

Event helps students, parents begin financial aid process
Local students who plan to attend college can get free, on-site professional assistance completing financial aid forms and talk to financial aid professionals about financial resources and how to apply at College Goal Sunday.

Cochise College Events
Thursday, January 21

Bookmobile Schedule
 It’s easy to fall in love with a good book!   Stop in at any of our 39 bookmobile stops and pick up a book, audiobook, or DVD for everyone in the family.  For a map and schedule of bookmobile stops, http://cochise.lib.az.us.  For more information call the Cochise County Library District, at 800-231-1574 or 520-432-8930.

Hoyack re-elected president; bond construction set
Despite the controversy surrounding the conflict between Superintendent Earl Pettit and the Douglas Unified School District Governing Board in recent months, Incumbent Board President Charles Hoyack was elected to another term.

College, K-12 unite over ‘Oreo cookie science’
Why do salts and sugars dissolve in water, but the white part of an Oreo cookie doesn’t?

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