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Natalie Lakosil joins Douglas Dispatch staff for the summer as part of the Internship program

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Wednesday, May 26, 2010 4:40 PM MDT

Natalie Lakosil has joined the staff of the Douglas Dispatch for the summer as part of the Wick Communications Internship program.

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Local utility SSVEC garners solar honor
SIERRA VISTA — The Solar Electric Power Association, an educational and research nonprofit focused on helping utilities integrate solar into their operations, has recognized Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative as the top utility in terms of increased utilization of solar power based on watts per customer during 2009.

Governor wants more helicopters
PHOENIX -- Gov. Jan Brewer wants President Obama to move some National Guard helicopters from other states to Arizona to help secure the 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.

'Click it or Ticket' begins in Douglas
Douglas Police is cracking down on unrestrained drivers and passengers in vehicles.

Arizona sheriff seeks action
SIERRA VISTA — The president has the power to control the border with Mexico now, Cochise County Sheriff Larry Dever said.

Pool open on weekend
The Douglas Municipal Pool ,also know as 8th Street pool, will be opening for the summer on May 29, just in time for Memorial Day.

Summer breakfast, lunch program begins
Starting June 1, all children 18 and under can receive free breakfast and lunch at four locations around Douglas.

Cochise county Sheriff's Department
May 13

U.. Customs and Border Protection
Officers Seize $22,154

City votes to oppose immigration bill
After being torched by citizens the previous week, the Douglas City Council agreed during a special meeting, Wednesday, May 19, to oppose Senate Bill 1070, the Immigration Bill, which has been a hot topic across the country and on both sides of the border.

Sales tax doesn’t solve problems
Voters throughout the state and in Cochise County approved the Governor’s three-year 1-cent sales tax plan last Tuesday.

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.

Chase ends with wreck, 400 pounds of Marijuana
A horse trailer filled with more than 400 pounds of marijuana was recovered after a man attempted to evade officers on Friday.

Humane Society helps solve population problem
The Humane Society of Southern Arizona is offering low cost spay and neutering services for cats and dogs at the City of Douglas Animal Shelter monthly.

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.

Huge 2010 class graduate ceremony
Future awaits nearly 300 Douglas High School seniors began their new lives as graduates following ceremonies on Friday May 28. About 4,000 friends and family witnessed their accomplishment.

Obama OKs 1,200 troops for border
President Barack Obama promised 1,200 National Guard Troops to the U.S.-Mexico border this week, but outside of the announcement, there has been little additional information.

Rancher visits D.C., tells of life on the border
On Thursday, Cochise County rancher Bill McDonald testified before two House subcommittees about border issues faced by rural Arizona residents.

Local Veterans honored on Memorial Day
Veterans past and present were honored Monday in a Memorial Day Ceremony

College schedules budget meet
Tuesday

The primary property tax rate for Cochise College and the FY11 budget

Police switch brands, add bike
Natalie Lakosil
Douglas Dispatch

Douglas Police Report
May 11

Relay for Life begins event planning
Let’s get ready to rumble! The 2010 American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Douglas will be held on Saturday, October 2 – Sunday, October 3, 2010, at the Copper King baseball stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 10:00 A.M. This year’s theme is “Competing for a Cure” as teams will select different sports for their individual campsites.

DJ keeps people hopping at Mercado
This Week at the Douglas Mercado,

City's summer program kick off
Natalie Lakosil
Douglas Dispatch

DHS Graduation Photos
Our graduates had a great time last friday as they said goodbye to high school and hello to their lives as adults.

Valley Union High School graduation photos
Congratulations Class of 2010!

Autopsy reveals Krentz shot several times
The Cochise County Attorney’s Office released the autopsy report last week with almost half of the information redacted. The exact injuries to Krentz are not clear at this time.

Three diplomas, one goal
Armando F. Romero, a Douglas resident and 2004 Douglas High School graduate, recently graduated from the U.S. Army National Guard in Fort Jackson, S.C. May 20, 2010.

Lions money help with eyeglasses for kids, seniors
The Douglas Lions Club has received a grant from WalMart for the community for its seventh straight year.

Tapernoux honored at Stanford
Camila Alicia Tapernoux has received the Stanford Class of 2010 Award of Excellence.

Council shoots down border security resolution
A flashpoint is created anytime someone mentions the Arizona-Mexico border and security in the same sentence during a Douglas City Council meeting.

Cochise College assistant moves to NAU
Former Cochise College assistant basketball coach Jay Collins has been named the assistant coach for the Northern Arizona men’s basketball program, Head Coach Mike Adras announced Friday.

Sheriff's Office captures man wanted in shooting incident
On Saturday June 5, at approximately 2 pm, the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office was advised of a shooting incident that had just occurred in the area of Apache Pass Road and Happy Camp Canyon near Bowie Arizona, east of Willcox.

Cochise County Sheriff's Office Reports
June 5-6

Douglas Police Reports
June 1

Summer can be dangerous time for pets
It is that time again the Southern Arizona Humane Society will be in town on June 24 and 25• They offer a Low Cost Spay/Neuter and Vaccination Clinic to area pet owners. You can call (520)803-7385 or (520) 881-0221.for information.

Recycling program could raise $1 million for county during fiscal year
Can the county’s recycling effort bring in more than $1 million next year? Thanks to the many participants in Cochise County, the short answer is “yes.”

Grand Theatre reconstruction moving in right direction
The Grand Theater is taking a step in the right direction.

Legion Riders now in Douglas
Vets helping vets is the goal of the American Legion Riders.

Rotellini vies for Attorney General post
Felecia Rotellini might not be from state but she is all about helping the people of Arizona in her campaign for Attorney General.

Movies in the Park stand alone
City residents gather to enjoy the cool evening and a movie.

Customs add
CBP Officers Seize Fraudulent Pinatas

City magistrate gets two-year extension
Alma Vildosola, who is up for election as Justice of the Peace, got some early job security as the Douglas City Council approved a two-year extension for her to serve as City Magistrate.

Mission yet unclear, but locals hope National Guard will help
By Larry Blaskey and Natalie Lakosil

19 jobs slashed by DUSD to balance 2010-11 budget
Ray Borane is standing firm on his salary demands. He only wants another dollar.

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’s and Council’s ongoing infrastructure improvement program.

Staff and families celebrate EMS week
Local Emergency Medical Services staff and their families gathered May 19, for an annual dinner and presentation in recognition of EMS week May 16 to 22.

Felon attempts to enter U.S.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers apprehended an undocumented alien that was attempting to enter the U.S. illegally. Through further investigation CBP officers learned that the undocumented alien was an Aggravated Felon for the possession and the selling of dangerous drugs and the hiring of a minor in the drug offense.

COCHISE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
May 26

DOUGLAS POLICE REPORT
May 24

College inviting public to open house at solar energy facility
Cochise College will host an open house for a new photovoltaic facility on the Douglas Campus at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, June 24. The event is open to the public.

Sports Madness Tourney highlight Independence Day weekend activities
Two days of fun, food and entertainment will highlight the Fourth of July festivities at Veterans Memorial Park in Douglas.

Its showtime for Suzette Robeson
Suzette Robeson is only 19, and that hasn't stopped her from being one of the youngest business owners in southeastern Arizona.

CBP Officers seize crystal methamphetamine at Douglas Port
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers stopped a drug smuggling attempt when they seized nearly 39 pounds of crystal methamphetamine concealed inside a non factory compartment built into the fire wall of a vehicle.

On June 11, CBP officers were screening traffic coming from Mexico. The officers selected a Ford SUV for inspection. The vehicle was being driven by a 32-year-old man from Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico. With the assistance of a narcotics detection K-9 team the officers discovered the fire wall inside the engine compartment had been altered and was being used to smuggle packages of crystal meth. The total weight of the drug was nearly 39 pounds with an estimated street value of $1.7 million.

Judge rules incumbent meets requirements to run as Justice of the Peace candidate
BISBEE — A Cochise County Superior Court judge ruled Thursday that a candidate for Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 was unable to prove her opponent does not met qualifications to seek re-election.

County officials issue a plea for help from feds
“The time for trips to Washington, D.C., are over. If we want to have any meaningful discussion about the problem, they need to come here. It’s time those folks in Washington got serious.”

Candidates for
judicial seats
announced by
county officials

The Cochise County Department of Elections recently announced the candidates running for county judicial seats in the area.

Fire Fighter of year honored
Douglas Fire Department Engineer Paramedic Joseph Alvarez was named the DFD Firefighter of the Year for 2010.

Many puzzled about impact of SB 1070
Following are thoughts and quotes from local and federal leaders concerning the deployment of National Guard troops, the relationship of Mexico and United States and continued drug smuggling and violence on both sides of the border.

Former resident seeks Attorney General post
Vince Rabago, who grew up in Douglas, turned in 3,500 more names than necessary to get on the August primary ballot for state Attorney General, but he told supporters it will still be an uphill climb to a November win.

Douglas Council reviews budget
The Douglas Finance Committee working in concert with city staff presented the Douglas City Council a balanced budget for the second straight year with no layoffs or forced furloughs.

City wants to charge for park, facilities use
It could cost you $20 to make sure you have a ramada at a city-run park for your child’s next birthday.

Legion Auxiliary Jrs. earn money to head to state convention
The American Legion Auxiliary Junior’s are headed to the state convention in Glendale this week to sharpen their leadership and service skills.

6-16 art pix
Local artist Juanita Jones displays here stitching ability at the Gallery.

Despite state cuts, city tax rate expected to drop
The Douglas City Council tentatively approved an overall budget of $46.5 million, but only slightly more than $12.5 million will cover the General Fund.

Hoyack selected as People-to-People Student leader
Hoyack has been accepted into the People to People Leadership Summit in Columbia University-New York, N.Y. and George Washington University- Wash. D.C., June 15-24. He was nominated and accepted for the honor based on outstanding scholastic merit, civic involvement and leadership potential.

Vildolola's residency questioned
A residency challenge has been raised again against incumbent Justice of the Peace Alma Vilodosola by Republican candidate Alice Novoa-Benson.

DUI task force cite 63 on Memorial Day weekend
During the Memorial Day holiday weekend members of the Southeastern Arizona DUI Task Force conducted a detail throughout Cochise County. Officers from the Sheriff’s Office, Sierra Vista Police Department, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Douglas Police Department, and Willcox Police Department participated and provided the following results:

Rec Center full of activity
The Douglas Recreation Center has kicked off its annual youth summer program held June 7-30.

GI Joe invades Douglas for movies at the Veterans Park
Grab your blankets and lawn chairs, “Movie in the Park” is coming to Veterans Memorial Park on Eighth Street on Friday, June 18 at 7:30 p.m..

Consulate of Mexico extends service appointments by phone
As of Monday, June 7th, people who want to process their passport or consular ID card at the Consulate of Mexico in Douglas, Arizona, will be able to schedule an appointment by calling toll-free from any part of Mexico.

Legion Auxiliary Juniors headed to state convention
The American Legion Auxiliary Junior’s are headed to the state convention in Glendale this week to sharpen their leadership and service skills.

'Still have a long way to go,' says McCain, Kyl about border security
U.S. Senators John McCain and Jon Kyl visited the Douglas border this weekend to discuss border security and to hold a town hall meeting with the public.

Bisbee rejects Douglas request for border solidarity
The Bisbee City Council declined a request from Douglas Mayor Michael Gomez to support a resolution asking the federal government to secure the border with Mexico.

Sheriff office seeking man in connection with shooting incident
On Saturda,y June 5, at approximately 2 pm, the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office was advised of a shooting incident that had just occurred in the area of Apache Pass Road and Happy Camp Canyon near Bowie Arizona, east of Willcox. The Sheriff’s Office was advised that two Bureau of Land Management Officers were traveling in Happy Canyon Camp when they observed a white pick up truck driving in the same area. The Officers advised that when they turned around behind the vehicle, it pulled over to the side of the road and a white male subject exited the vehicle, pointed a rifle at them and fired at least two times before getting back into the vehicle and leaving the scene. Neither agent was injured and they began following the vehicle which had turned around coming back towards them before they returned fire at the vehicle and driver. It is unknown if the driver was injured as he fled the scene back towards Happy Camp Canyon. BLM Officers followed the vehicle back towards the canyon and called the Sheriff’s Office for assistance.

Border Security: Linking words to action
During a recent press conference with Mexican President Felipe CalderĂ“n, President Obama expressed his “frustration over our broken immigration system.” He has said he supports a comprehensive approach to reform where “the federal government takes its responsibilities for securing our border seriously.” In a May, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano wrote in the Arizona Republic that the Obama “administration has made every conceivable effort to secure our border.”

Border Patrol seeks local input
The U.S. Border Patrol Mobile Storefront came to Douglas June 3 and 4 to help connect with community members.

Merchants invited to be part of 'Goody bag'
The little league state championships will be held in Douglas July 19 to 30.

Border expert says Operation Streamline program ‘misdirected’
BISBEE — Operation Streamline continues to criminalize some illegal immigrants in the Border Patrol’s Tucson Sector, but one border expert does not believe the program is effective.

Business

Francisco and Bernardo are top dogs
Francisco and Bernardo Villa say they have the top dogs in town.

Douglas adds a 'Good Neighbor' -- State Farm
Douglas has gained a new neighbor.

Local sales show continued strength
In March, sales across the major industries were up in most areas of Cochise County. Countywide, restaurant and bar sales were up 3.1 percent in March, the second consecutive month of growth following two months of decline. Sales have been up in 10 of the most recent 17 months.

Features

Douglas Mercado begins at 9 a.m. Saturday
THIS SATURDAY AT THE DOUGLAS MERCADO, 5-29-2010

Variety of produce, plants continue to grow
THIS SATURDAY AT THE DOUGLAS MERCADO, 6-19-2010

Second meeting on revitalizing downtown on June 22
On Tuesday, June 22, 2010, the City of Douglas is asking residents and businesses to attend a workshop and share their ideas about revitalizing downtown.

Bringing art to Douglas
The Douglas Art Gallery is hosting a membership show this month at its gallery.

Pet clinic June 24, 25
Low Cost Spay/Neuter and Vaccination Clinic, Douglas Animal Shelter/Animal Health Care Center, 2017 Rogers Avenue in Douglas.

Medicare and the new health care law: Separating fact from fiction
Many seniors recently received a brochure from Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius about Medicare and the new health-care law. The pamphlet purports to provide “accurate information about the new services and benefits to help you and your family now and in the future.”

Flag Day celebration at the Douglas Mercado
THIS SATURDAY AT THE DOUGLAS MERCADO, 6-12-2010

Police Reports

Religion

Youth take part in program celebrating opening of LDS temple
Seventeen young men and women took part in a program celebrating the dedication of a new Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple in Graham County.

Four missionaries spread gospel
Natalie Lakosil
Douglas Dispatch

Vacation Bible School begins July 5
Faith Ministries Church is offering free breakfast and lunch June 1 through July 31.

Fun time during St. Luke's Fiesta
St. Luke’s Catholic Church held its annual Summer Fiesta this past weekend at a lot across from the church.

School News

1st grade students participate in Flag Day
The 3666th Support Maintenance Company and Sgt. Robert R. Perez, OIF Veteran I & II from Operation Iraqi Freedom presented Mrs. Ana Luisa Martinez and her 1st Grade students at Sarah Marley Elementary with a United States Flag and a certificate of appreciation on May 12th. During the month of February the students participated in a series of U.S. Flag activities in which they were able to demonstrate their knowledge and comprehension of the history of the U.S. flag in celebration of Flag Day – February 22nd. The mini-lessons and activities lead to the culminating activity of writing an informational report about the U.S. flag and an art project in which the students made a big flag (shown on the picture). The project was dedicated to all the Armed Forces stationed in Iraq as a symbol of their appreciation and support.

DHS students honored
Douglas High School students were recently honored during an awards assembly. Following is a listing of the awards and winners.

Huge DHS class graduates in front of 4,000 guests
The pomp and circumstance was quite festive Friday night as 298 graduates went through the Douglas High School Commencement ceremony before a standing room only crowd at Armando DeLucas Stadium.

Valley Union graduates 32 at Friday's ceremony
Natalie Lakosil
Douglas Dispatch

Teran, Mariscal lead the way for DHS seniors
Natalie Lakosil
Douglas Dispatch

Faras Elementary Honor Roll
Fourth Nine Weeks

Cochise College students ride into logistics careers
Students in the new logistics degree program at Cochise College recently got a first-hand view of what industry life is about - from the locomotive engineer’s seat. San Pedro and Southwestern Railroad, a short-line railroad running from Benson to St. David, hosted a group of first-year students to showcase the two most important aspects of logistics jobs - safety and customer service.

College to introduce new solar facility to public
Cochise College will host an open house for a new photovoltaic facility on the Douglas Campus at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, June 24. The event is open to the public.

Cochise College campuses to have armed security
The Sierra Vista and Douglas campuses of Cochise College will have armed security personnel next year, following a unanimous vote by the governing board in a meeting on Tuesday, though the majority of the guards will still be unarmed.

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