Crews from the Douglas, Pirtleville and Sunnyside Fire Departments had a busy couple of days last week responding to two fires in less than 60 hours.

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City reviews status of water tanks
The elevated water tanks that dominate the view as one drives down 15th Street are now more than 60 years old and in need of repair.

Pettit files $2.5 million claim
Douglas Unified School District Superintendent Earl Pettit, has filed a second claim against the district for $2.5 million

Medical transport rates expected to rise
The cost of an ambulance ride could increase significantly – about 80 percent —-in order to keep up with increases in costs.

No City Policy
The renaming of the 15th Street Little League Field after the late Ramon “Monchi” Gonzales” was postponed while the the Douglas City Council sets policy for naming streets, parks and other city owned facilities.

Fifth Street wreck
late Friday afternoon a collision occurred between a vehicle and a bicycle ridden by a 1-0-year-old Douglas boy. Miraculously, the boy only received minor injuries. Douglas Police said the accident, which occurred near Radio Shack on Fifth Street, was caused, at least in part, due to the traffic backup due to checkpoints across the Mexican border.

Road Construction
The City of Douglas continues work on various projects.  This work is being completed by the Department of Public Works and is part of the Mayor and Council’s ongoing infrastructure improvement program.

County seeks share of $99 million
BISBEE — In a back office in the county board of supervisors building, Susan Buchan is tackling the difficult and tedious administrative duties in her new position as federal grants coordinator for the county.

Douglas Police Reports
January 12, 2010

Cochise County Sheriff’s Office
February 8

Bulldog kickers honored at year end banquet
It wasn’t quite the season Bulldog fans have become accustomed to over the years but all in all the Douglas Bulldog soccer team had a successful season and never showed any signs of quitting all season.

Diffie selected to Douglas Library Committee
Douglas Mayor Dr. Michael Gomez congratulates Luwana Diffie for being selected to the Douglas library Committee.

FFA hosts Dinner Dance Sat.
 The Douglas FFA is hosting “Community Dinner Dance on Saturday, February 20, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Cochise County Fairgrounds. The event will feature a silent auction a Barbacoa dinner and music by Gemini (Canez Brothers).

Aqua Life delivers water
Local purified water delivery is again available in Douglas with the opening of Aqua Life in the old Cochise Refrigeration facility at 439 G Avenue.

City finance wins back-to-back awards
The City of Douglas Finance Department recently received the Certificate in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.

Two Agua Prieta men arrested for robbery, kidnapping
Two Agua Prieta men have been arrested for the robbery and kidnapping of a 71-year old Cochise man.

Douglas Police Reports
 January 22, 2010

City focuses on revenues, sales tax collection
If the City of Douglas wants to keep from laying off additional employees or have forced unpaid furloughs, it is going to have to focus on generating  revenue.

Voters to determine three seats on city council
Three Douglas City Council seats are up for election on Tuesday March  9.

City says yes -- after some discussion -- to DUSD park lease
What may have seemed a simple subject —extending the city’s lease of the football and baseball fields to the Douglas Unified School District — became somewhat contentious due to some concerns that the district had overstepped its bounds as a tenant.

Smuggling attempt all wet
Agents assigned to the Douglas Station’s Bike Patrol Unit seized a scuba tank and two bundles of marijuana early this morning after a smuggler attempted to sneak through a section of the city’s sewer system. The marijuana weighed 55 pounds and has an estimated value of $44,000.

Best Western grand opening
Douglas Inns and Suites/Best Western owner Paco Patel, with wife, Dipti, and son, Ishan, stand next to the Best Western NASCAR race car that was on display  Friday as part of the hotel’s grand opening. As part of the celebration, Douglas Inn & Suites is offering 20 percent off one’s first stay through the end of the year.

Borane may be appointed interim superintendent
It appears former Douglas Mayor Ray Borane will be returning to the Douglas School System, at least on an interim basis, as its new superintendent.

State sends out inquiries about the privatizing of prisons
The Arizona Department of Administration released a Request for Information Monday, seeking to determine if there is interest from private prison companies to operate Arizona prison complexes in Douglas and Safford.

Local businesses differ on predicted rise in retail sales
Local business owners and economists responded to a predicted increase in retail sales with both optimism and skepticism last week.

SEABHS ousts board member; Work to retain public funds
After an argument over recent press coverage, board members of the Southeastern Arizona Behavioral Health Services (SEABHS) blamed Marcelino Varona  Jr. for the negative publicity, and in a majority vote Thursday night, forcibly removed him from the board.

Web site can assist in quest for help
The Arizona Self Help Web site offers individuals and families a free and confidential online screening tool, in both English and Spanish, to help determine what services they may be eligible to receive.

9-1-1 services to pinpoint cell phones in county
An upgrade to the county’s 911 service will soon help dispatchers pinpoint the location of people making emergency calls on cell phones.

Average county gas price increases slightly; Douglas up a penny
According to the Cochise College Center for Economic Research’s latest biweekly survey of gas prices, conducted from January 25 through January 29, the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Cochise County increased slightly from $2.67 to $2.68 per gallon over the preceding two-week period. According to AAA Arizona, the statewide price remained unchanged at $2.67 per gallon. Nationally, according to the Energy Information Administration, gas prices dropped from $2.75 to $2.71 during the two-week period.

Senate committee OK’s carrying concealed weapons
PHOENIX — A Senate panel agreed Monday that any Arizona adult should be able to carry a concealed weapon without special training or background check.

Supervisors say budget oversight still needed
 The Cochise County Board of Supervisors has joined the effort to oppose proposed Senate Bill 1017, which seeks to remove oversight by the supervisors of elected officials’ budgets and require the departments to be paid in one lump sum.

Officers discover laundering scheme
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers stopped a drug smuggling attempt when they seized about 25 pounds of marijuana concealed in a laundry basket full of wet clothes. On January 27 at about 5:30 p.m. CBP Officers at the Douglas Port of Entry were screening travelers and vehicles when they came in contact with a 27-year-old woman driving a 2010 Ford Fusion. The woman was identified as a Mexican National and resident of Agua Prieta. The vehicle was searched by CBP Officers and discovered that the laundry basket full of wet clothes was concealing packages of marijuana. The total weight of marijuana was about 25 pounds with an estimated street value of $56,000.  CBP Officers seized the vehicle and marijuana. The woman was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation.    

Cochise County Sheriff’s Office Report
January 25

Horses packed with marijuana stopped near Douglas
Following Tuesday’s (January 26) seizure of more than 3,000 pounds of marijuana, U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Tucson Sector seized an additional two loads of marijuana yesterday, with a combined weight of more than 400 pounds with an estimated vale of $320,000.

Border Patrol Reports
 Officers seize $267,000 of Marijuana at Port

THE CITY OF DOUGLAS HOUSING AUTHORITY
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
In accordance with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations, on February 26, 2010, the City of Douglas Housing Authority’s Streamlined Five Year Plan for Fiscal Years 2010 – 2014, and Streamlined Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2010, will be available for public review and comments. In compliance with the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998, the Agency Plan outlines the Housing Authority’s goals and objectives for the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program. The “PLAN” and all related documents will be available for review from February 26, 2010 through April 14, 2010.

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.

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).

Douglas Restaurant Inspections
American Legion Post #11, Drinking-within an eating establishment, 1325 G Ave., 10/07/08, Excellent

Former secretary for county’s drug unit indicted of providing info
 A woman was recently indicted on an allegation of providing confidential information about drug-related arrests and investigations to a drug trafficking organization while employed by the Cochise County Attorney’s Office.

Chase leads Douglas Police to 328 lbs. of marijuana
Douglas Police arrested a male subject after being led on a pursuit of a suspected load vehicle on Hwy 80.

Faulty wiring cited in loss of store
WILLCOX — Faulty wiring is being blamed for a fire this week that burned the Kansas Settlement Family Store to the ground.

Lawmaker wants Senators to feel the pain
PHOENIX — A bipartisan group of senators think they and their colleagues should know how it feels when they cut the pay of state workers.

Checkpoint causing delays into Mexico
Long lines have been the rule when traveling from Mexico into the United States through the Douglas Port of Entry, but with recent changes made by Mexico, the lines getting back into Mexico are now longer and more time consuming.

DARC feeling state’s pinch
The Douglas Association for Retarded Citizens (DARC) is feeling the effects of Governor Jan Brewer’s state wide budget cuts.

Sheriff’s Office becomes first recipient of grant funding for Biometrics
Cochise County Sheriff Larry Dever is pleased to announce the first award in the nation of the federally funded iris biometric grant from the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA). 

Border Patrol Reports
Denver woman arrested for marijuana smuggling

State cuts force Douglas to layoff two employees
Continued cuts in state shared revenues and an unanticipated drop in sales tax revenue has forced the city to layoff two administrative level employees.

Sales tax question finally going to state’s voters
PHOENIX  State lawmakers gave final approval Thursday to asking voters to help balance the state budget for the next three years with a temporary sales tax hike.

Phoenix man arrested for smuggling
 U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers stopped a drug smuggling attempt when they seized nearly 350  pounds of marijuana from a 20 year-old Phoenix man.

Mission of Mercy
The congregation at the Church in God in Douglas received an inspired sermon from Pastor Fernando Betancourt on Sunday.

Copper Queen expands Woman’s Wellness services
BISBEE -- Copper Queen Community Hospital is upgrading its diagnostic services with the addition of a new digital mammography unit, replacing the analogue system, to ethance our Women’s Wellness services and otTer an important resource to local residents, said Jim Dickson, Hospital CEO.

District seeks input on needs, wants of next superintendent
The Douglas Unified School District Governing Board has chosen the executive search services of Arizona School Boards Association (ASBA) to assist the board to select the next superintendent of the district. The process includes determining the qualities desired in the next superintendent, advertising the position and assisting the board in the selection process. The profile development will be utilized to create the appLication and advertisements, analyze applications, and develop questions for interviews.

Borane goes back to school
It’s tough to return to school after any type of time away.

Cochise County Sheriff’s Office Reports
February 1

Tearful goodbye for 2220th soldiers
Douglas Dispatch

New high school marquee dedicated
The black and gold marquee has been lighting up the entry to Douglas High School since December but the new sign will officially be dedicated at 1 p.m., Thursday, February 25.

Saturday hoops
Bruce Whetten
Douglas Dispatch

Phoenix man arrested for county murder
The body of a woman found along Highway 80 outside of St. David last week has led to the arrest of a Phoenix man who is being charged with first degree murder.

BP agents find missing girl
U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Naco station located an 11-year-old girl from Honduras Wednesday morning after she went missing in the mountains the previous evening. 

DPD hosts Driver Training Simulator March 15-21
Officials for the Douglas Police Dept. are happy to announce that they will be hosting the Driver Training Simulator March 15-21.

Police arrest male subject for transporting marijuana
A Mexican national is in custody after being arrested Feb. 10 for possession of marijuana.

Some residents will receive visit from Census
In just a few weeks. county residents will be receiving the 2010 Census forms in the mail at their residences.

Douglas Police Reports
January 15, 2010

U.S. Customs Report
CBP officers seize currency at Port

County’s health rankings fall right in the middle
Based on a recent health ranking, Cochise County falls in the middle of Arizona’s 15 counties.

Officials warn of virus
PHOENIX — While parents may be relieved swine flu is on the decline, health officials are warning that a virus putting young children at risk for pneumonia and lung infections is on the rise.

County unemployment stabilizes in December
According to figures released by the Arizona Department of Commerce, Cochise County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stabilized at 7.1 percent in December. 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 December increased from 8.9 to 9.1 percent. Nationally, the unemployment rate stabilized at 10 percent.

Douglas company sends help in the form of medical supplies
Some of the medical supplies that have reached Haiti in support of the country’s relief efforts came right out of Douglas.

Sales increase for second straight month
 

Tribute to Marty Robbins March 5, 6
Historic Railroad Avenue will be transformed into a carnival of vendors and historic displays offering something to interest everyone on March 5 and 6. 

Tucson Symphony Orchestra in Bisbee March 4
The Bisbee Community Chorus is pleased to once again host the Tucson Symphony Orchestra in Bisbee, March 4, 2010. This year’s unique event will feature two special performances in the historic St. Patrick Church in Old Bisbee. Under the direction of Music Director and Conductor George Hanson, the concerts will feature Ludwig von Beethoven’s Octet for Winds, Op. 103;  Grosse Fugue in B-flat major, Op. 133 ; and Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36.  These concerts are made possible with funding from the Arizona Commission on the Arts, Bisbee Arts Commission, Bisbee Foundation, Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold Foundation, and National Endowment for the Arts.

Double Adobe Show March 5
Double Adobe Quilter Peggy Kennedy Atkinson has been a quilter for 66 years.  Her grandmother, an early homesteader in the Sulphur springs Valley, and her mother and aunts all made quilts.  Peggy said," The quilts were practical quilts.  They were tied instead of hand quilted.  They were filled with old wool blankets or worn out bedding off all kinds.  The tops were made from material that was handy such as cotton, wool, old denim jeans, or corduroy."  Peggy has made quilts for all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Dining For Change benefits cancer charities on March 8 at 6 p.m.
Tesoro Beauty Boutique, which has salons in Douglas and Bisbee, will host a “Dining For Change” event to improve the quality of life for those impacted by breast cancer, domestic abuse and natural disasters.

Preparing your child for a visit to the hospital
On  Thursday, Feb. 25 at 10:30 am and 6:00 pm the Douglas Public Library will host Dr. Corona and Dr. “Jon” from Chiricahua Community Health Center in the Children’s Room.

Around Douglas
Double Adobe Quilt Show on March 6

Free (or nearly) iPhone downloads
If you have an iPhone, you’ve probably looked over the iTunes.com app store. There are a lot of free and low-cost apps available — for the iPhone and other smart phones — to help you to save time and money.

Don’t get mad, get mad hungry
“They eat standing in front of the fridge.”

Respiratory illnesses increase among babies
Two Douglas pediatricians are seeing a higher-than-usual number of babies and toddlers suffering from upper respiratory viruses.

Health Helplines
Alzheimer’s disease

Agreement connects Cochise College nurses with Grand Canyon University program
Cochise College has signed a transfer agreement with Grand Canyon University (GCU) that will provide nursing graduates with improved access to a bachelor’s degree.

Slow cooking, Italian-style
It’s not for nothing that the “slow food” movement started in Italy. This movement was founded, as the organization’s Web site (www.slowfood.com) puts it, to counter “fast food and fast life.” Classic Italian food is often of the “slow” kind. Think of pots of luscious ragu, polenta and osso buco (veal shanks), simmering for hours on the stove. It follows logically, then, that the slow cooker is an excellent vehicle for cooking Italian.

It doesn’t hurt to ask
You can be one question away from saving money. If you don’t ask for discounts, you’re missing opportunities to hang on to more of your hard-earned cash. It can be tough to muster up the courage, but it gets easier once you’ve done it a few times. You don’t have to be a tough negotiator. Be honest, undemanding and prepared for rejection. Many places offer unadvertised student, senior, military and employer discounts or will reduce the price if you buy in bulk, merchandise is slightly flawed, or if you’re a frequent and good customer. Where have you been successful asking for a discount?

Re-evaluating your budget
We all have budget busters. Maybe your budget is nickeled-and-dimed away by daily coffee, lunches with co-workers or movie rentals, to name a few. But sometimes you relax with your finances, and it’s bigger things that you haven’t kept track of in your budget. So if you haven’t taken a good look at your budget, now is a good time to start tracking your spending. What types of things are your budget busters? How do you rein in spending?

Health Dept.
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).

Temper, temper! It’s Valentine’s Day
If ever there was a holiday that called for professional-level candy-making skills, Valentine’s Day is the day. And if ever you need some help in attaining those skills, “Chocolates and Confections” by Peter P. Greweling (Wiley, 2010) is the book. Part of a series from the Culinary Institute of America, it will have you making candy-box candy in no time.

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

Prayer-breakfast wars
The way President Barack Obama sees things, Americans should be able to find unity in prayer — even if they disagree on the details of faith and politics.

Desert Reign to perform February 21
Multi-award winning Desert Reign will be at Silver Creek Church located at 4459 E. Highway 80 (Milepost 380.5) on February 21 at 10:45 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Young Catholics often disagree with Pope
In one of the defining works of his historic papacy, Pope John Paul II argued that if people — believers and nonbelievers alike — want true freedom and peace, they must accept the reality of “universal and unchanging moral norms.”

And the pope says: ‘Thou shalt blog’
When Eunice Kennedy Shriver died, Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley candidly reminded his Archdiocese of Boston flock that this was one Kennedy who was consistently faithful to church teachings.

Cities can’t block church construction
PHOENIX — Some state lawmakers don’t want a city’s desire for new bars and restaurants to get in the way of new churches.

Mama says go to church
Here’s a rather predictable news flash: American mothers want the fathers of their children to stick around, help with the kids and go to church.

Fasting, for evangelicals?
Elmer Towns had a big problem three decades ago after he moved to Lynchburg, Va., to help a Baptist preacher named Jerry Falwell start the school that grew into Liberty University.

Plans moving forward to spend $7.4 million in bonds
The Douglas Unified School District Governing Board and staff are moving forward with projects approved as part of the November Bond Election.

State Education not seeking action against Stevenson
Despite continued reports to the contrary, Stevenson School is not out of compliance in the English Language Development program.

AFCEA, Cochise to host Computer Challenge Mar. 5
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 5 at the Sierra Vista Campus of Cochise College.

Bookmobile Schedule
Do your part to celebrate Read Across America this month!   Stop in at any of our 39 bookmobile stops and pick up a book, audiobook, or DVD for everyone in the family.  Want something you can’t find?  Just ask.  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.

Wizard of Oz performs in Douglas at Borane MS
Ray Borane Middle School’s Drama Club performed the play The Wizard of Oz last week.  The drama club started in late September.  There were 42 students that tried out for various parts.  Thirty-two students remain in the drama club today.

Huber MS sends relief to Haiti
Students from classes at the Huber Middle School recently collected items to send for Haiti Relief. They collected items like bottled water, diapers, dry food and medical supplies.

College students come face to face with politics
Cochise College students who recently traveled to the Arizona State Capitol to meet state representatives, Secretary of State Ken Bennett and Governor Jan Brewer got an eye-opening look at politics beyond the classroom.

Jacque Solis to attend March Americanism Youth Conference
Douglas High School Junior Jacqueline Solis has been selected to attend the “Americanism Youth Conference” to be held March 2010.

Huber Students of the Month
Huber Middle School February Students of the Month celebrated recently with a luncheon.  Attending were front row left to right:  Arantxa Felix, Gavino Meza, Rodrigo Cornidez, Ivanna Guerro, Mayela Galaz, and Pricilla German.  Back row: Luis Valdez, Assistant Principal Mr. Cliff Dunlap, Jesus Santos, Daniel Noriega, Rosamaria Valencia, Ilse Guerrero, Student Advisor Mrs. Carol Messersmith, and Natalee Zavala.

Cochise College students helping Haiti victims
SIERRA VISTA — Two Haiti relief drives organized by students at Cochise College will have a big day next week. At the Sierra Vista campus, a monthlong effort to gather basic first aid and hygiene supplies will begin on Monday, while a similar drive on the Douglas campus raising money in support of Red Cross efforts will end on the same day.

Comedy hypnosis show to raise funds for Starfish
On February 27, the Douglas High School Starfish Club will play host to a Comedy Hypnosis Show starring Master Hypnotist Michael DeSchalit.

Education grants offered through foundation
The Cochise Community Foundation seeks applications for grants that will be used to support or initiate programs in one or both of the following categories:

Honor Role
Faras Elementary           School        2nd Nine Weeks   Honor Roll

Huber students collecting items for Haiti
Hubert middle school students will be wrapping up their Haiti collection drive on Friday at noon.

Borane agrees to take over DUSD post for $1
Former Douglas Mayor and DUSD Administrator Ray Borane was selected to finish out the school year as the chief administrative office for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Locks of Love
Apolonia, 12, and Alejandrina Bustamonte, 11, were recently honored by the district for their efforts in helping cancer patients. The girls cut their hair and donated it to “Locks of Love” which provides wigs to cancer patients that lose their hair during treatment. The girls do this every two years. They are pictured with brother Alvaro, 7.

Program adds personal touch to student experience
The Cochise College TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) project has been helping Douglas Campus students meet their academic and community goals since 2001.

AFCEA, Cochise to host Computer Challenge Mar. 5; volunteers needed
 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 5 at the Sierra Vista Campus of Cochise College.

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.

Education grants offered through foundation
The Cochise Community Foundation seeks applications for grants that will be used to support or initiate programs in one or both of the following categories:

Farm Bureau offering scholarships for those interested in agriculture
Cochise County Farm Bureau is pleased to offer two $500 scholarships for students majoring in agriculture.  Any high school senior or currently enrolled college undergraduate majoring in agriculture or a directly related field whose permanent residence lies in Cochise County may apply.  Previous recipients may also apply.   A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required.  High school students must clearly demonstrate future career plan/path in agricultural studies and have proof of enrollment in a college of agriculture or a declared major at a community college with clear agricultural courses. 

Students rally opposing GED cut
Addressing the Governor’s proposed elimination of GED and Adult Education in Arizona, over 200 adult education students from around the state will gather to inform our elected officials about the incredible need and economic value of Adult Basic Education and GED services in Arizona.  All community supporters are welcome.

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