PHOENIX ‑‑ Defending its legality, Gov. Jan Brewer on Friday signed what is the toughest state law in the country designed to combat illegal immigration.

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Board snubs the three superintendent candidates
After four months of searching, and interviews, the Douglas Unified School District Governing Board decided it didn't like any of the options for superintendent and will start the process again.

Voters buy sales tax plan
PHOENIX �” In a major victory for Gov. Jan Brewer, Arizona voters approved a temporary 1-cent hike in state sales taxes for the next three years.

STATEMENT FROM THE MEXICAN MINISTRY
Regarding the "Immigration Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act" (SB1070), which was signed today by the Arizona Governor, Janice K. Brewer, the Government of Mexico states:

Cochise County Sheriff's Department
April 17-18

News Briefs
Voters can still cast ballots by mail

Harlem Ambassadors perform tonight, DHS
The Douglas High School Gymnasium is the site of the unique basketball game between the local team, The Chamber Challengers, and the world famous Harlem Ambassadors, on that Wednesday at 7:00 P.M. The event is organized by the Greater Douglas Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by various local merchants.

Cochise County gains 75 jobs in March
According to figures released by the Arizona Department of Commerce, Cochise County gained 75 jobs in March. In the 12 months ending in March, Cochise County lost 975 jobs for job growth of -2.6 percent.

Plans are underway for the 2010 Relay for Life of Douglas.
What is Relay for Life? Relay is more than a walk around a track �“ it is a life changing event that brings together more than 3.5 million people to: CELEBRATE the lives of those who have battled cancer, REMEMBER loved ones lost to the disease, and FIGHT BACK against a disease that takes too much. Relay is a community event that represents the HOPE that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, those fighting the disease will be supported and that one day cancer will be eliminated.

Cochise Days weekend
The skies over Sunsites will be buzzing with a dozen or more radio-controlled aircraft on May 1 as one of the highlights of the community’s three-day Cochise Days Celebration.

Local living proof that Idol gives back
SIERRA VISTA �” Standing before millions of viewers during Wednesday’s airing of Idol Gives Back, Simon Cowell blew a kiss to 6-year-old Xylin of Douglas, Ariz.

DHS grad plays key role in major military exercise
A Douglas High School graduate returned to Douglas last week to take part in Exercise Angel Thunder 2010, an Air Combat Command-sponsored search and rescue and medical evaluation exercise, which included representatives from a variety of military installations from the U.S. along with military units from several other nations around the world.

Douglas residents arrested for armed robbery
Two adults and one juvenile from Douglas were among five people arrested

Marriages
Feb. 5

Gas prices increase across county
According to the Cochise College Center for Economic Research’s latest biweekly survey of gas prices, conducted from April 19 through April 23, the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Cochise County increased from $2.83 to $2.86 over the preceding two-week period. According to AAA Arizona, the statewide price increased slightly from $2.88 to $2.89 per gallon. Nationally, according to the Energy Information Administration, gas prices increased from $2.83 to $2.86 during the two-week period.

67 illegals found in U-Haul by BP
Sixty-seven illegal immigrants were found crammed inside a U-Haul truck

Dever testifies before U.S. Senate
On Tuesday April 20, 2010 Cochise County Sheriff Larry Dever testified before the United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs in matters related to illegal immigration and the impact upon Cochise County residents. The following is excerpts of that testimony:

Sweet charity- Cake Auction May 9
Looking for a “sweet: way to help out this year.?

Fire destroys mobile home; 5 illegal’s arrested
A single wide mobile home was completely destroyed by fire Friday night

Sheriff seeks burglary suspect
The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help

Ammunition seized at border Douglas Port
DOUGLAS �” Customs and Border Patrol officers this week halted the export of ammunition through the Douglas Port of Entry.

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.

Cochise county militia ready to monitor border
BISBEE �” The Cochise County Militia is planning another event starting Fourth of July weekend to monitor the U.S.-Mexico border for illegal immigrants.

Cochise County Sheriff's Department
April 24-25

STill time to vote by mail
Cochise County Recorder Christine Rhodes reminds voters that they may request a vote-by-mail ballot for the May 18 Special Election by calling 432-8354 or toll free 1-888-457-4513. Final day to request is May 7. Ballots must be returned to the Recorder by 7 pm on May 18 or turned in at any polling location on Election Day.

Borane Middle School celebrates centennial
The 100th anniversary of Ray Borane Middle School will be celebrated on Friday, May 7.

Borane MS celebrates 100 years
It is not often anyone or anything reaches the centennial mark, and when 100 years is reached, it is time for celebration.

Thomas family honored by DARC
Bill Thomas and his family are this year’s DARC Mother Day Cake Auction honorees.

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.

Continued sales strength reinforces recovery
In February, sales across the major industries in Cochise County were up. This reinforces the notion that the local economy is now on a path of recovery, albeit a fragile one. Despite the increase in sales overall, some areas of the county continue to struggle, including Bisbee, Tombstone, and Willcox.

Local legend, Ike Sharp, dies
Former Douglas High School athletic director and football and baseball

Local girl wins Overall Cinderella Baby Girl
Jaslynne Castaneda of Douglas recently won the Cover Girl award, pageant photogenic award and Overall Cinderella Baby Girl winner at the recent Cochise County Cinderella Program.

City of Douglas initiates revitalization plan
Exciting things are happening in downtown Douglas. On Thursday, May 13, 2010 the City will kick-off its downtown Revitalization Planning process by asking residents and business owners about their ideas for the future of G Avenue in one-on-one meetings. Planners ask that anyone interested in sharing their ideas with them stop by 525 10th Street, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. for an informal and confidential chat with the consultants hired to develop the plan. A second opportunity for residents to share ideas will be provided at a public workshop on Tuesday, June 22, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The workshop will be held at the Pretty Times building at 525 10th Street. Interested citizens are invited to walk-in and meet with the Consultants to register their opinions on Downtown Revitalization.

Dever says nothing new in investigation
SIERRA VISTA �” Responding to recent news reports, both citing anonymous sources claiming to be involved in the investigation, Cochise County Sheriff Larry Dever said that his office had no new information regarding any possible suspect in the shooting death of Douglas-area rancher Robert Krentz.

Death Notice
Frank B. Amarillas, Jr. passed away on Monday, May 3, 2010 at the Tucson Medical Center. Funeral arrangements are pending with Brown Page Mortuary, 364-3434

Child-smuggling attempt stopped
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers stopped a child-smuggling attempt when they apprehended a Tempe woman for trying to bring a 5-year-old girl into the United States.

Phoenix teen attempts to smuggle pot through Port
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers stopped a drug smuggling attempt when they apprehended a 17-year-old Phoenix boy trying to smuggle marijuana taped to his torso and legs.

State pulls DUSD out of Corrective Action Plan
Douglas Unified School District was recently removed from corrective action by the Arizona Department of Education following on site reviews by state staff.

Marijuana-smuggling ring uncovered in Cochise County
SIERRA VISTA �” Authorities announced Tuesday that a drug smuggling ring that brought at least 40,000 pounds of marijuana into the state through Cochise County during the past three years using truck-mounted ramps and hidden compartments in vehicles has been broken up.

Short chase ends in three-vehicle crash
A section of G Avenue was shut down last week while the Department of Public Safety and Douglas Police Department officials investigated a three-car accident involving short chase and seizing of marijuana.

DARC Cake Auction another success
Cakes, cakes and more cakes.

DUSD loses candidate for supt. position
The candidate list had been narrowed down to three to fill the position of Superintendent of the Douglas Unified School District, but the district received notification Monday that one candidate has already accepted another position.

Douglas man arrested for identity theft
Douglas Police arrested John Ishmael Gonzalez 6-5-60 from 1248 11th St. on a warrant issued by the Cochise County Attorney’s Office for a total of 9 counts of taking the identity of another, 1 count of aggravated taking the identity of another, 1 count fraudulent schemes and artifices, and 1 count theft. Five of those charges were out of Sierra Vista PD and the remainder were Douglas PD charges.

Gas prices continue to rise across county
According to the Cochise College Center for Economic Research’s latest biweekly survey of gas prices, conducted May 3 through May 7, the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Cochise County increased from $2.86 to $2.88 over the preceding two-week period. According to AAA Arizona, the statewide price increased from $2.89 to $2.92 per gallon. Nationally, according to the Energy Information Administration, gas prices increased from $2.86 to $2.90 during the two-week period.

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.

Group plans march in Douglas
A community-based grass roots organization is planning to hold a peace march and gathering in Douglas later this month to protest Arizona’s new immigration law.

Smuggling attempt thwarted at port
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers stopped a drug smuggling attempt when they apprehended two women trying to smuggle cocaine into the United States by concealing the cocaine in the front quarter panel of the vehicle they were driving.

Highway cameras to go dark in state
SIERRA VISTA �” The Arizona Department of Public Safety announced Thursday it would not renew its contract with traffic speed enforcement company Redflex.

Two McNeal residents die in rollover
Two McNeal residents are dead as a result of a one-vehicle accident which occurred on Monday May 3 on Douglas Adobe Road.

Cochise County Sheriff's Department
May 1-2

Beware of the 'fishing hole'
Craigslist and Ebay are great way to find great deals online, but they can also be a “fishing hole” for con-artists.

CBP Officers Seize $1.7 Million of Crystal Meth at Port
DOUGLAS, Arizona �” U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers stopped a drug smuggling attempt when they apprehended a 20-year-old man trying to smuggle crystal meth into the United States by concealing the crystal meth in the quarter panels of the vehicle he was driving.

Cochise Community Foundation awards
The Cochise Area Network of Therapeutic Equestrian Resources, or CANTER, recently received a $3,280 grant from the Cochise Community Foundation.

Firearms Dog discovers weapons
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers stopped an illegal exportation of firearms when a special trained Firearms/Currency K-9 detected a cache of weapons being illegally exported out of the United States.

Douglas High Graduation broadcast online
Announcements are out, pictures taken and all that left is the diplomas.

City blasted for not opposing SB 1070
Several speakers criticized the Douglas City Council for failing to pass a resolution opposing the new illegal immigration law, SB 1070, at its last meeting on May 12.

Bashas' Inc. eyes $200M financing
Bashas’ Inc., is close to securing new financing that would allow it to emerge from bankruptcy protection by midsummer, a lawyer for the Arizona grocer said Thursday.

Former chief honored for work
SIERRA VISTA �” With more than three decades of police work under his belt, Steve Ziegler was no stranger to law enforcement when he got onboard with the Cochise County Sheriff’s Assist Team.

Cochise County Sheriff's Department
May 8-9

Current laws enough to regulate trash problem
Problems with garbage and uncovered trash cans down alleyways prompted a discussion during the regular meeting of the Douglas City Council on May 12.

Medical transport rates increase
The cost of an ambulance ride increased significantly on May 13 �“ about 80 percent �”-in order to keep up with increases in costs.

Prevent teen pregnancy �” talk about sex
May marks Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month and unfortunately the U.S. is a leader in rates of teen pregnancy among the industrialized nations.

U.S. Customs Reports
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers stopped a drug smuggling attempt when they seized nearly 340 pounds of marijuana concealed inside a double floor of a Chevy Sonora.

Immigration issue topic of trip
�” A border fact-finding mission brought six Republican Arizona legislators to Cochise County on Monday.

Summer breakfast, lunch program begins June 1
The District Child Nutrition Program invites students 18 years and younger to eat free at any of the following sites at the designated times from June 1 to 25.

Two-thirds of Arizonans support key points of bill
PHOENIX -- By a fairly wide margin, most Americans support the key provisions of Arizona's new law which targets illegal immigrants.

Two-hour event features speakers
A crowd of perhaps as many as 200 people marched along Pan American Highway in Douglas on Saturday carrying posters with messages like “Illegal is Not a Race” and chanting phrases such as “Stop 1070.”

Douglas Tee ball league begins season
An estimated 200 kids on 14 different teams took part in the Douglas Tee-ball League opening ceremonies Saturday at the fields behind the Huber Junior High.

Municipalities’ services may have to be cut
The last of the Local Transportation Assistance Funds totaling just $72,236 will be distributed by the Cochise County Board of Supervisors later in the month, and some municipal transit systems may be dropped from the subsidy.

Cochise County Superior Court Sentencings
February 2010

Supervisors given census update
In an update on the progress of the county’s 2010 census, coordinator Karen Lamberton said the count was going well with 68 percent of households responding so far.

Arts on parade at Cochise College festival
Student musicians, vocalists, dancers, and visual artists will share their talents with the public during the Cochise College Spring Arts Festival scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 2 at the Sierra Vista Campus.

May 2nd performance celebrates spring
Students of the Cochise College Music Department will showcase their talents with a final public performances in May.

Free Concert Presented by Youth Orchestra
The Cochise County Youth Orchestra will present their Spring Concert featuring a wide variety of all-strings music on Wednesday, May 5th, 7 p.m. at Kino Hall, located next to St. Andrews Church, 800 Taylor Drive, in Sierra Vista. Music director, Danielle Bettencourt, a professional musician who also teaches violin, will lead the 20 member orchestra which consists of violins, violas, cellos and a string bass.

Douglas Bookmobile Schedule
Douglas Bookmobile schedule

Friends need donations
It’s time for some Spring cleaning! Declutter your bookshelves! The Friends of the Douglas Library needs donations for its upcoming used book sale. Donations will be accepted now through Saturday, May 15, at the Library, located at 560 10th Street.

Spring book sale starts May 22
The Spring Book Sale, sponsored by the Friends of the Douglas Library, will be held in Castro Park on Saturday, May 22, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and Sunday, May 23, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The event has been scheduled to coincide with the Farmers’ Market on Saturday. The popular “Buck a Bag Day” will be held at the Douglas Library during the entire week following the sale in the park.

Douglas Mercado features book sale Saturday and much more for family
THIS SATURDAY AT THE DOUGLAS MERCADO, 5-22-2010

Immaculate Conception hosts Carne Asada
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church is sponsoring a Carne Asada plate sale on Saturday, May 1.

Dedication for Gila Valley LDS temple will feature local dancers
Tours are currently being conducted at the recently completed Gila Valley Temple, serving the area Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints .

Church News
St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 11th Street and D Avenue, present a Festival de Cinco de Mayo with Barbacoa, ranch beans, rice or pasta with drink will be served beginning at noon until gone.

Kindergarten Sarah Marley, Stevenson registration ahead
Kindergarten registration is continuing at Douglas Unified District schools at the New Student Center at Douglas High School.

College employees awarded for excellence
Seven Cochise College employees have been selected by their peers to receive awards recognizing excellence in the workplace.

Students honored during ceremony
Cochise College recognized dozens of outstanding students at its annual Douglas Campus awards ceremony Wednesday.

College program seeks grant renewal
The Cochise College TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) program has existed through federal funding for the last eight years. The program provides opportunities for academic development, assisting students with basic college requirements and serving to motivate them toward the successful completion of their postsecondary and/or higher education. Our goal is to increase the college retention and graduation rates of participants and to facilitate the transition process from one level of higher education to the next.

Board budget forum
A special work session and public forum on the 2010-11 budget will be conducted by the Douglas Unified School District Governing Board on Wednesday, May 12.

Work to begin at Clawson
Construction projects are moving ahead at the Douglas School with the awarding of a bid for work at Clawson Elementary School and the new lockerrooms at the ballfield.

DUSD battles over job description
Questions concerning revisions to the Assistant Superintendent’s job description sent it to defeat during the regular meeting of the Douglas Unified School District Governing Board on Tuesday, May 4.

SSVEC recognizes top seniors with scholorships
SIERRA VISTA �” Ever wonder what happens to the money from the unclaimed capital credit checks Sulphur Springs Valley lists in the newspaper?

45th college graduation to be broadcast online
Timothy Faulkner, garrison commander for Fort Huachuca, will address the Cochise College class of 2010 during commencement ceremonies Friday, May 14. The event takes place at the Douglas Campus and will be broadcast live on the college website, www.cochise.edu.

CC students move on to next stage
With teary eyes and wide smiles, the largest graduating class in Cochise College history celebrated the end of one chapter of their lives and the beginning of another at Friday night’s commencement.

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