News & Information: News and Announcements

Zinio Magazine Service Launched through Pinal County Library District

System Account — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:25:08 GMT

Press Release Date: 5/22/2013

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FLORENCE, AZ – The Pinal County Library District is pleased to announce the availability of Zinio for Libraries, an online newsstand offering access to thousands of magazines and news publications.

“This is the next exciting evolution in bringing the library to your living room,” said Denise Keller, Pinal County Library District Director. “With this new service, you can access 180 complete digital magazines that can be easily viewed on any internet-enabled device inside or outside the library.”

The electronic magazine format is entirely faithful to its hard-copy format, Keller said. Page 41 of the hard -copy edition of National Geographic should look exactly like the electronic version viewed through the library’s Zinio service, Keller explained.

Zinio digitally recreates each magazine page for page, including full color pictures, intuitive navigation, key word article search and interactive elements such as audio and video. Consumer Reports, Good Housekeeping, National Geographic, Car & Driver, Arizona Highways and Readers’ Digest are just some of the popular titles available.

A library card is the key to entering the online book catalog at the Pinal County Library District website. Next you will need to create your own password-protected Zinio account and download the Zinio application. The Zinio application works on Apple and Android devices as well as PC and Mac. Once you have created your Zinio account, there will be an opportunity to download the Zinio application that is needed to begin enjoying complete digital issues of popular magazines.

Described as “the world’s largest newsstand,” Zinio earned the Best New Database of 2012 award by Library Journal.

Zinio is supported with funds granted by the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, a division of the Arizona Secretary of State, with Library Services and Technology Act funds which are administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Please see your Pinal County librarian for more information on how to access this service or view the tutorial at http://www.pinalcountyaz.gov/Departments/Library/Documents/ZinioQuickStart.pdf for more information. If you have difficulties accessing Zinio, call or visit your local library or dial 520-866-6457 during regular office hours.

County Supervisor & Hayden High School Alumnus Pete Rios to be Commencement Speaker at Hayden Graduation

System Account — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:24:06 GMT

Press Release Date: 5/22/2013

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FLORENCE, AZ – Pinal County District 1 Supervisor Pete Rios will be the commencement speaker for the graduation ceremonies at Hayden High School on Friday, May 24.

“I am honored to be coming back to my alma mater as a commencement speaker,” Supervisor Rios said. “It’s been a long time since I graduated from high school. I'm pleased to be invited to speak to the Class of 2013.”

The District 1 Supervisor graduated from Hayden High in 1968. He was very active in extra-curricular activities including playing in three sports and participating in student government.

Following his graduation from high school, Rios attended Phoenix College and Arizona State University and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and a Masters Degree in Social Service Administration in 1976.

The Supervisor entered the world of public service in 1982 when he was elected as a State Senator and held positions of Democratic Whip and Democratic Assistant Leader. In 1991, Rios was elected as President of the Arizona State Senate for the 40th Legislature, making him the first Latino Senate President in the history of the state.

He also served two terms in the Arizona House of Representatives.

“I can say that my experience at Hayden High School and growing up in the Copper Basin Area helped to provide a secure foundation to where I am today in my life,” Supervisor Rios explained. “I am grateful to been given the opportunity to live in one of the nicest places in the State of Arizona.”

When asked about the details of his speech, the Supervisor said he would like to impart some of the lessons he has learned since graduating from high school and address some issues about quality education and preparing to compete in a global economy.

Governor Brewer Honors Community Advisory Board with Volunteer Service Award

System Account — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:22:51 GMT

Press Release Date: 5/22/2013

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FLORENCE, AZ – They represent business, farming, education, corrections, law enforcement, public health and other professions. They give tirelessly – each of the 12 logging in excess of 500 volunteer hours per year. But Pinal County’s Juvenile Court Community Advisory Board just got a big statewide thank you from Governor Jan Brewer after they earned the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award in the Small Organization category.

The 12 members making up the Community Advisory Board, or CAB, hail from nine different communities and provide essential community support to the juvenile justice system in Pinal County. Their mission is to ensure that the county’s practices reflect the best interest of youth, families, victims and the community. The CAB provides special services to youth on probation and in detention. An annual Youth Summit provided 80 probationers education on topics ranging from health and fitness to substance abuse and domestic violence prevention.

“This is a very involved group of volunteers, it’s not just a steering committee – these people are involved with the youth providing mentoring, support and enrichment,” Program Administrator Donna McBride said. “Youth on probation or in detention depend on the involvement of adults who can mentor them and be models of success. No matter how they arrived in the juvenile justice system, our volunteers are there to illuminate the path forward and onward to a successful future.”

One of the annual signature events that the CAB presents is the Mock Trial Competition and it’s the only one of its kind in Arizona. Nearly all of the county’s Superior Court judges volunteer their time for the day while as many as 200 middle school and high school students take over the courthouse. The students learn firsthand about the justice system by being part of it. This year’s event in March marked the 11th annual Mock Trial Competition.

Several of the CAB’s other high profile activities include: TALK! Visitors’ Mentoring Program, Probation and Youth Justice Center Incentive Program, Drug Court, Youth Summit and GED graduations.

Several years ago, 11 Arizona counties had CABs but many folded due to a lack of state funding. Pinal’s CAB got together to discuss the funding plight.

“There was no question in anyone’s mind, this group would carry on their work because it was too important to support the youth of Pinal County,” Program Administrator Donna McBride said. “The work they do on behalf of the young people we serve was too important to let money stand in the way.”

“Governor Brewer’s recognition of the value and importance of Pinal County’s Juvenile Court Community Advisory Board is an incredible honor,” said Todd Zweig, Juvenile Court Services Director. “Our volunteers support the juveniles, provide educational value to schools and help initiate community service programs that allow youth in the justice system to repair the damage done by their crime. We hope this program can serve as a model for others.”

Arizona City to Benefit from Road Improvement Projects

System Account — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:20:57 GMT

Press Release Date: 5/16/2013

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FLORENCE – County crews are preparing to apply chip seal to several roads in Arizona City. The road resurfacing work is anticipated to last from Monday, May 20 to Friday, May 24.

A protective rock and emulsion seal will be applied on the road surface to extend the life of the roads. The application of this material is highly weather-dependent with ideal conditions taking place in the spring and fall.

This pavement preservation project will include a combined total of 34,478 square yards of material used that includes 6.53 tons of emulsion and 44.25 tons of aggregate rock. Southwest Slurry Seal will be performing the work under a contract with Pinal County

The areas to receive the treatment include:

Coral Road beginning at Sasabe Drive and ending at San Lazaro Drive

Glen Circle beginning at the Cul-de-Sac and ending at San Lazaro Drive

Ken Circle beginning at the Cul-de-Sac and ending at Ken Drive

Ken Drive beginning at Sasabe Drive and ending at Coral Road

Lanai Circle beginning at San Lazaro Road and ending at the Cul-de-Sac

Lanai Road beginning at Sasabe Drive and ending at San Lazaro Road

Maui Circle beginning at the Cul-de-Sac and ending at San Lazaro Drive

Maui Circle beginning at San Lazaro Drive and ending at the Cul-de-Sac

San Lazaro Drive beginning at Placer Road and ending at Sunland Gin Road

Sasabe Drive beginning at the Cul-de-Sac and ending at Coral Road

Supervisor Chase Invites Public to Honor Peace Officers May 6 & May 9

System Account — Tue, 07 May 2013 18:56:22 GMT

Press Release Date: 5/7/2013

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FLORENCE, AZ – Pinal County District 2 Supervisor Cheryl Chase and Officer Jennifer Eastman of Phoenix Police Department are co-chairing the 40th Annual statewide Peace Officers’ Memorial Service on Monday, May 6 at 7:30 PM. Super visor Chase is also honored to again be on the planning team for the Pinal County Peace Officers’ Memorial Service on Thursday, May 9 beginning at 6:30 PM.

“I encourage the community to come to one or both of these events. We are paying tribute to the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice – their lives – to keep our communities safe,” Chase said. “The ceremonies also allow us to gather in tribute to every man or woman who puts on a uniform in the name of public safety.”

40th Annual Arizona Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
Monday, May 6, 2013 at 7:30 PM
Wesley Bolin Memorial Park
(Between 16th and 17th Avenues and Washington & Jefferson Streets)
Phoenix, AZ

Pinal County Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
Thursday, May 9, 2013 at 6:30 PM (Procession at 6:50, Service at 7:00)
In front of the Peace Officers’ Memorial Wall
971 North Jason Lopez Circle
Florence, AZ

Members of the law enforcement community are encouraged to wear their uniforms.

“It is truly an honor to be part of the planning team for both of these events. The families of fallen officers appreciate the outpouring of love and support they get from participating in these annual events. For children who have lost their parents in the line of duty, it is an enduring connection to their father or mother,” Chase said. “I hope people will come out to show their support for law enforcement.”

The Honorable Judge Boyd T. Johnson Announces his Retirement

System Account — Tue, 07 May 2013 18:52:51 GMT

Press Release Date: 5/7/2013

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FLORENCE, AZ – After more than eighteen years serving on the Pinal County Superior Court bench, Judge Boyd T. Johnson has given notice to the Governor, the Arizona Supreme Court and the Pinal County Board of Supervisors that he is retiring effective June 30, 2013. Judge Johnson has offered to continue to serve Pinal County and the citizens of this State after his retirement as a Judge when and as needed.

Judge Johnson was born and raised in the greater Phoenix area. He attended grade schools in Phoenix and Scottsdale and graduated from Coronado High School in Scottsdale in 1965. Immediately following high school, he served three years active duty and one year reserve duty in the U S Army with tours of duty in Vietnam, Germany and South Korea. Judge Johnson, when separated from active duty, enrolled at ASU and graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science in 1973.

The Judge has been a Pinal County resident since 1976 when he graduated from the ASU College of Law. He was in the private practice of law with the law office of Platt, Jenson and Johnson in Coolidge from 1976 to 1984 during which time he also served as the Coolidge City Prosecutor and for four of those years, in a part-time judicial role, as a Superior Court Juvenile Referee (hearing officer).

In July 1984 Judge Johnson became a senior trial attorney in the Pinal County Attorney’s Office and was appointed in 1986 as the Chief Deputy County Attorney for Pinal County. He served in that office for more than eight years, until November 1992, when he was appointed by the Board of Supervisors to serve as the Pinal County Public Defender.

He remained there until he was selected by a committee of Pinal County citizens and appointed by the Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court, in January 1995, to serve as the first full-time Judge Pro Tempore of the Superior Court in Pinal County. In March 1996, Judge Johnson was appointed by the Governor of Arizona as a full-time Superior Court Judge to fill the vacancy left by Judge Robert R. Bean. Judge Johnson was subsequently elected for his first full four year term in November 1996 and has been reelected every 4 years since then.

In 2001 he was appointed as the Associate Presiding Judge and subsequently appointed by the Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court for a three year term, 2006 to 2009, as the Presiding Judge for Pinal County. He currently serves as the Presiding Judge for the Civil and Criminal Bench.

Judge Johnson is, and has been, very involved in many civic, business and historical functions and is a member of several civic, charitable and veterans’ organizations. Judge Johnson and his wife, Kim, have been married since 1968 and have three children and seven grandchildren.

Supervisor Smith Announces SaddleBrooke & Arizona City Office Hours

System Account — Tue, 07 May 2013 15:15:02 GMT

Press Release Date: 5/7/2013

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FLORENCE, AZ – Consistent with his commitment to serve the people of District 4, which stretches from Maricopa to SaddleBrooke and the northern edge of Marana, Supervisor Anthony Smith will be holding meetings around the community.

To best represent the interests of his constituents, Smith believes it is important to hold regular office hours across his district so that people can meet him and share their ideas or questions.

“I am pleased to announce that a representative of the Pinal County Assessor Douglas Wolf’s office will be joining me to answer questions about property taxes and valuations,” Smith said. “They’ll be with me at SaddleBrooke and Arizona City.”

Appointments are not required but are encouraged to help reduce time spent waiting. To make an appointment, please email marlene.pearce@pinalcountyaz.gov or call 520-866-3960.

Friday, May 17
1 PM to 4 PM
SaddleBrooke PCSO Substation
63701 East Saddlebrooke Road, Suite C
SaddleBrooke, AZ 85739

Tuesday, May 21
3 PM to 7 PM
Arizona City Fire District
14022 South Sunland Gin Road
Arizona City, AZ 85123

Dudleyville Area Youth Encouraged to “Dig Into Reading” this Summer

System Account — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:01:19 GMT

Press Release Date: 4/30/2013

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FLORENCE, AZ – “Dig into Reading” is the theme of the youth summer reading program that debuts in Dudleyville on Wednesday, June 5. The three books featured during the story time are cleverly illustrated and designed to capture the attention of a variety of ages.

The 2013 Summer Reading Program is open to all Dudleyville area young people from ages 4 through 14. Each session includes story time, games, crafts, prize drawings and more.

Dig Into Reading
Every Wednesday in June – June 5, 12, 19, 26
10 to 11:30 AM
Dudleyville Multigenerational Center
4004 North Dudleyville Road

Some of the books to be enjoyed during story time include:

Tea Rex by Molly Idle – This book is about two children who host a tea party for a most unusual guest – a Tyrannosaurus Rex. This illustrated children’s book is ideal for ages 3 and up.
Dirt on My Shirt by Jeff Foxworthy – Comedian Jeff Foxworthy offers up a book of poems and clever illustrations targeted at ages 4 through 8.
Under Ground by Denise Fleming – This book is all about animals that live underground in burrows or dens and includes an identification guide to help young people as they explore the natural world.

For more information call the Pinal County Library District office at (520) 866-6457.

The youth summer reading program is free of charge to participants.

Javelina Estates Area to Benefit from Road Improvement Projects

System Account — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:14:18 GMT

Press Release Date: 4/23/2013

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FLORENCE – County crews are preparing to apply Asphalt and Rock Dust Palliative (ARDP) to several areas in the Javalina Estates are of the county. Javelina Estates is located south and east of the Town of Florence.

ARDP helps cut down on dust by providing a protective rock and emulsion seal on the road surface. The application of this material is highly weather-dependent with ideal conditions taking place in the spring and fall.

Crews are currently preparing the roads for the surface treatment by grading, compacting and watering the native road base. Asphalt and rock chips will be applied next week.

The areas to receive the treatment include:

HoHoKam Road from Wee Jog Road south to Orville Street
Orville Street from HoHoKam Road east to Biznaga Street
Biznaga Street from Orville Street south to Pinedale Lane

Public Works crews ask local area residents to watch for heavy maintenance equipment and crews working throughout the project area. Motorists are urged to exercise extra caution, play close attention to warning signs and the instructions of workers in the area.

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National Work Zone Awareness Week Aims to Educate Drivers

System Account — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:12:46 GMT

Press Release Date: 4/23/2013

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FLORENCE – Orange cones, detour signs, lighted message boards, flaggers, work crews and heavy equipment – for some drivers, all of these items can add up to confusion and sometimes fatal accidents.

The Pinal County Public Works Department is observing the 11th annual Work Zone Safety Week, held April 15-19. This year’s theme: “Work Zone Safety: We’re All In This Together.”

The Work Zone Safety Week began as a small event developed by the Virginia Department of Transportation to remind employees to be aware of the dangers while working on highway projects. The weeks’ observance has evolved into a nationwide event aimed at educating highway workers as well as the travelling public.

“We stress safe work habits every day with our employees,” said AJ Blaha, Pinal County’s Public Works Director. “Our workers take somewhat of a defensive stand out in the field because you never know if an approaching driver is really paying attention to the roadwork that is ahead of them.”

The Fatality Analysis Reporting System reports that nationally there were 576 fatalities in work zone traffic accidents during 2010. In Arizona, there were 14 fatalities attributed to work zone traffic accidents in that same year.

Blaha said that vigilance on the part of both parties is the key to keeping these work zone traffic accidents to a minimum.

“The first rule that a driver should practice is to dedicate your full attention to the road,” Blaha stressed. “That means you should be looking to merge before reaching the lane closure, watch for brake lights, be prepared to react to the traffic and slow down. Patience, in this case is not only a virtue, but a life saving attitude.”

Pinal County’s website features a host of information pertaining to road projects, county services, tourism, public health and much more. Explore www.pinalcountyaz.gov and discover Pinal County’s wide open opportunity.

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Facts about work zone safety (provided by the United States Department of Transportation):

Drivers are the most frequent fatality in work zone crashes
Rear-end crashes are the most common type of work zone crash
The majority of fatal work zone crashes occurred on roads with speed limits greater than 50 miles per hour
Stopping distances for motor vehicles travelling at 50 miles per hour:
Dry roadway - 300 feet
Wet roadway - 400 feet
Icy pavement - 1,250 feet

Shortage of TB Skin Test Solution Forces Halt to RoutineTesting

System Account — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 22:29:05 GMT

Press Release Date: 4/19/2013

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Testing to Resume when Supplies Replenish

FLORENCE – A national shortage of Tubersol solution, the solution used to test for the tuberculosis (TB) infection, is forcing a temporary change in procedures for Pinal County’s Public Health program. Effective Friday, April 20, the county will only administer the test to those who are suspected of having TB or people who are suspected of being in contact with a person having TB who needs to be screened for possible treatment.

Some occupations, school admissions or in-home childcare arrangements require screening for TB. This is considered ‘routine screening’ and, due to the shortage of Tubersol, the county must suspend routine testing until the solution is more widely available.

“We reached this decision after consulting with the Arizona Department of Health Services and noting that several other counties have suspended routine testing,” said Public Health Director Tom Schryer. “If we continued routine testing, we would exhaust our Tubersol supply in a matter of weeks. If we ran out, we could not test people we believe to pose an infectious disease risk due to signs of an active TB infection.”

“This does not mean people requiring a TB test should go untested,” Schryer said. “Our staff has assembled a list of health care providers that stand ready to administer routine tests for occupational or other needs.”

Providers that can meet routine testing needs include:

Provider Phone Number
Casa Grande Regional Urgent Care
(520) 381-6300

Urgent Care Extra
(480) 840-3075

My Doctor Now
(480) 677-8282

Gold Canyon Urgent Care
(480) 982-3691

MBI Casa Grande
(520) 836-3800

Maricopa Urgent Care
(520) 381-3811

Fast Med
(480) 855-9400

NextCare Urgent Care Clinics (Multiple locations)
(888) 381-4858

Health officials expect to be able to resume routine testing once supplies of the solution return to normal levels. An announcement will follow when routine screening is available at Pinal County’s public health clinics.

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Diabetes Education Classes Set for Mammoth Area

System Account — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 16:17:33 GMT

Press Release Date: 4/3/2013

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FLORENCE – Pinal County’s Public Health program aims to reduce health complications of patients with diabetes by presenting brief educational sessions for the public. The next session will be Tuesday, April 23 from noon to 2 PM at the Mammoth Public Library.

“These sessions are designed to help those living with diabetes or those who are newly diagnosed as well as their family members and loved ones,” said Rosanna Ringer, a registered dietitian who helps supervise Pinal County’s nutrition, education and outreach programs. “We will have useful information for everyone who wants to know more about living with diabetes.”

The next session will feature a talk by Sheri Steincamp, MS, RD who will give a general “Diabetes 101” talk covering glucose testing, self management, healthy eating and the role of physical activity. A question and answer session will follow Ms. Steincamp’s presentation.

“There is a wealth of information out there on living with diabetes but we find that people enjoy the one-on-one and small group interaction that happens in our diabetes education program,” Ringer added. “Our objective is encourage dietary and lifestyle decisions that enable diabetics to live long, enjoyable lives, free from complications.”

Diabetes education classes are free for the public to attend. Pinal County Public Health asks that you call in advance to reserve a seat so that there are enough chairs set up for everyone. Simply call 1-800-231-8499, extension 7315 or 520-866-7315.

Tuesday, April 23 from Noon to 2 PM
Mammoth Public Library
125 North Clark Road
Mammoth, AZ 85618

Pinal County’s website features a host of information pertaining to county services, tourism, road projects, public health and much more. Explore www.pinalcountyaz.gov and discover Pinal County’s wide open opportunity.

Board of Supervisors Approves Recorder’s Money-Saving Reorganization

System Account — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 18:02:55 GMT

Press Release Date: 4/1/2013

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FLORENCE –The Pinal County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved County Recorder Virginia Ross’ plan to reorganize the Recorder’s office to further streamline voter registration and elections operations.

The biggest change will be hiring of an Elections Technology Manager to replace the previous Elections Director, who resigned to take another job in Pinal County government. The reorganization plan saves the county over $39,000.

County Recorder Ross stated, “I’m very pleased that the board joined me in supporting these changes. We have a duty to carefully manage our taxpayers’ dollars. This reorganization allows us to streamline the department while maintaining a high level of customer service.”

The Pinal County Board of Supervisors recently authorized the move of the Elections Department from the County Manager’s reporting structure to the County Recorder.

The Recorder’s office is responsible for keeping safe and accurate documentation of deeds, liens and other official documents pertaining to properties, contracts and more. In addition, the County Recorder maintains accurate voter registration data and is responsible for all aspects of an election.

The Pinal County Recorder’s Office is headquartered in Florence with service locations in Apache Junction and Casa Grande. See http://www.pinalcountyaz.gov/Departments/Recorder/Pages/OfficeLocations.aspx locations and hours.

Pinal County to Suspend Issuance of Open Burn Permits

System Account — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 17:58:31 GMT

Press Release Date: 4/1/2013

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FLORENCE, AZ – Starting April 2, Pinal County Air Quality will only issue 3-day open burning permits. All permits will expire by May 1 and Pinal County will suspend the issuance of open burning permits on April 26.

Burn permits allow for the disposal of plant material by open burning during limited daytime hours.

Additionally, state law prohibits open burning in Area A from May 1 thru September 30. The Pinal County portion of Area A includes Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Gold Canyon, San Tan Valley and portions of Florence.

This year’s winter rains contributed to wildflower, brush and native plant growth, which will soon dry. The annual cycle of rising temperatures will quickly dry seasonal vegetation, leading to an acute wildfire risk in the desert and upland areas of the County.

“The suspension on burn permits will continue until the summer monsoons arrive and mitigate the dual risks to public safety and public health” says Don Gabrielson, Director of Pinal County’s Air Quality program.

Additional information on the Pinal County Air Quality program can be found at www.pinalcountyaz.gov or by calling the Pinal County Air Quality Division at 520-866-6929.

Key Dates:
As of April 2, 2013, Pinal County Air Quality will only issue 3-day open burning permits. All permits will expire by May 1, 2013.

Pinal County Air Quality will suspend the issuance of all open burning permits starting April 26, 2013 and continuing until further notice.

All open burning is prohibited by state law in the Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Gold Canyon, San Tan Valley, and portions of Florence from May 1 through September 30.

Supervisor Cheryl Chase to Host Pet Adoption, Licensing Event

System Account — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 19:16:52 GMT

Press Release Date: 3/27/2013

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Rabies Vaccine Offered, along with Discounted Microchipping

FLORENCE, AZ – Pinal County Supervisor Cheryl Chase has been busy meeting with and solving problems for her San Tan Valley area neighbors. She today announced a meet and greet pet adoption event on Saturday, April 6.

“I wanted to combine my passion for public service and also my love for animals, including my dog Charlie,” Supervisor Chase said. “I adopted my German Shepherd, Charlie, from the Pinal County Animal Care & Control shelter and she’s been a wonderful addition to my family.”

The event will feature adoptable shelter pets, discounted microchipping services, rabies vaccines and pet licenses.

“I’m looking forward to meeting more San Tan Valley residents, introducing them to our adoptable pets and shelter staff and answering any questions people may have,” Supervisor Chase said. “Charlie will also make a guest appearance for part of the afternoon.”

Meet & Greet Pet Adoption Event
Saturday, April 6 from noon to 4:00 PM
Pet Club Parking Lot
1735 West Hunt Highway
(Between Burger King and Wells Fargo near Walmart)

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Supervisor Todd House Featured Presenter at March 30 Open Space Forum

System Account — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 19:14:56 GMT

Press Release Date: 3/27/2013

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APACHE JUNCTION, AZ – Pinal County Supervisor Todd House will be a featured presenter at a free open space and land conservation forum on Saturday, March 30 starting at 7:00 PM. House represents the Apache Junction, Superstition and Gold Canyon areas, three areas of Pinal County that are rich with beautiful views and trails.

“I’m an avid outdoorsman who understands the quality-of-life and economic development value of open space and recreational opportunities,” Supervisor House said. “We need to preserve scenic open space, create interconnected multi-use trails and develop Pinal County in a way that respects open space. I’m pleased to be able to present my thoughts and Pinal County’s progress thus far.”

There will be informative presentations by Pinal Partnership’s Northern Open Space Initiative Group, the Superstition Area Land Trust and Supervisor Todd House.

Status of Open Space & Land Conservation in Pinal County Saturday, March 30 starting at 7:00 PM
Mountain Brook Village’s Superstition Center
5782 South Mountain Brook Drive
Gold Canyon, AZ 85118
Free & Open to the Public

Vice Chairman Smith to Host State/County Legislative & Policy Update

System Account — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:20:58 GMT

Press Release Date: 3/27/2013

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Meet & Ask Questions of State, County Elected Officials at Community Forum

MARICOPA, AZ – Pinal County Board of Supervisors’ Vice Chairman Anthony Smith is hosting an event on Saturday, April 6 from 10 AM to noon for members of the public to meet their state and county elected officials.

Smith plans to emcee the event during which state legislators and county elected officials will give a brief update to the public, followed by a question and answer session and closing remarks.

“The Legislative District 11 elected officials, Senator Al Melvin and Representatives Steve Smith and Adam Kwasman, represent a wide swath of Pinal County, just as those of us on the Board do,” Vice Chairman Smith said. “With such a large district, we wanted to offer our communities an opportunity to come face-to-face with their lawmakers and county public officials. I am pleased to bring this forum to Maricopa on April 6.”

The event is free, non-partisan and open to the public. Smith is inviting the Sheriff, Treasurer, Recorder, Assessor, County Attorney, Clerk of the Superior Court and School Superintendent to participate alongside the state legislators.

Community Forum with State Legislators, County Elected Officials
Saturday, April 6 from 10 AM to Noon
44150 West Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway (Boardroom)
Maricopa, AZ 85138

Pinal County Earns State’s Only A+ for Transparency in Government

System Account — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:04:29 GMT

Press Release Date: 3/25/2013

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FLORENCE – Pinal County is the first and only Arizona county to earn an A+ for transparency in government. Sunshine Review is a non-profit organization formed to push for transparency in government and recognize the most transparent government websites in America. This is the fifth year that Pinal County has received a Sunny Award and the first year it earned an A+.

Sunshine Review rates more than 7,000 city, county and school district websites in all 50 states, giving each a grade for transparency.

The push for greater transparency in government is evident by an increase in sites earning an A grade. Nationwide there were only 35 counties to earn the coveted A+ grade.

“Successfully passing the Sunshine Review’s rigorous 10-point checklist would not be possible without a supportive Board of Supervisors and a management structure that favors transparency,” Pinal County Communications Director Heather Murphy said. “The Board has been clear about making the website a hub for free public access to information. They continue to challenge us to create more ways to do county business through the website.”

“The Sunny Awards recognize governments that make transparency a priority. The winners of the Sunny Awards are cities, counties and school districts that proactively share the public information that empowers citizens and keeps government accountable to the people,” said Michael Barnhart, President of Sunshine Review. “We congratulate Pinal County for being a champion for transparency and serving as a leader to every state and local government around the nation.”

“County bids, proposals and RFQs are listed on the website, as well as a searchable database of contracts the county has with its vendors. The county’s site also hosts comprehensive financial reports, including detailed monthly expenditure reports, campaign finance reports, searchable tax information and much more,” Murphy said. “In fact, members of the public can pull up all the same back up information for agenda items that the Board members see before they vote.”

No California, Utah or Nevada counties earned an A+ but Santa Fe County, New Mexico earned top marks, on par with Pinal County.

Sunshine Review evaluates state and local website transparency using a 10-point checklist. Since its inception, the non-profit organization has evaluated 7,000 state and local websites in all 50 states, awarding an ‘A’ grade to slightly only 247 sites nationwide. For more information about the rankings or to see how other places compare, go to www.sunshinereview.org.

For information on Sunshine Review please contact Meghan Tisinger at Meghan@TKOCommunicationsLLC.com or (703)965-1145.

If you have not completed our quick survey, please take a moment to do so now. SurveyMonkey is free survey development tool used by more than 4 million customers. Just click on the link below to safely and easily provide feedback to your Pinal County Communications & Public Affairs staff: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QuickSurveyPinalCo

Chairman Miller Invited to Testify Before House Committee

System Account — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:56:57 GMT

Press Release Date: 3/19/2013

Body:

FLORENCE – Pinal County Board of Supervisors Chairman Steve Miller has been invited to the United States House of Representatives to testify in support of a land exchange bill being debated in Congress.

The House Energy and Minerals Subcommittee will hold an oversight hearing on “America’s Mineral Resources: Creating Mining and Manufacturing Jobs and Securing America” on Thursday, March 21 in Washington, D.C.

The bill Chairman Miller will be testifying on is H. R. 697, named “Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2013.” This bill would allow the government to exchange federal land with private land to allow Resolution Copper to begin the process of opening a mine near Superior.

“I am deeply honored to be asked to testify,” Chairman Miller said. “This issue of the land exchange is far too important for this county and its residents. I intend to tell the subcommittee the benefits of the Resolution Copper Project and explain the dire need for jobs in this area.”

On Wednesday, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved of a resolution urging Congress to recognize the efforts of Resolution Copper to spur economic growth in Pinal County.

“I intend to carry a copy of that resolution to the hill and show it to the members of the subcommittee,” Chairman Miller stated. “I want them to realize that this project means good paying jobs for our residents and economic growth for this county, state and nation.”

The hearing will take place at 7:00 AM Arizona time. You can see a live feed of the event at http://naturalresources.house.gov/live.

Progress Continues on Hunt Highway Improvements

System Account — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:51:33 GMT

Press Release Date: 3/19/2013

Body:

FLORENCE – Pinal County Public Works says work is continuing on schedule with Phase I improvements to Hunt Highway.

Phase I is a 1.79 mile section of the road from Empire Boulevard to Thompson Road.

The improvements include a five-lane roadway, drainage culverts, completion of an intersection and installation of a traffic signal at Thompson Road.

District 2 Supervisor Cheryl Chase has been keeping up-to-date on the improvements and says she is pleased with the progress.

“This project is a number one priority for me,” Supervisor Chase said. “The Hunt Highway improvements have been in the planning phase since the fall of 2007. This project was hampered with the economic downturn we faced – the money from Development Impact Fees dried up due to lack of new developments. In fact, Hunt Highway was not the only project to be put on hold during that time. The downturn affected projects across the county.”

Due to the lack of funding, Pinal County broke the project up into seven phases. Although work slowed down considerably on the project, there has been an aggressive push to acquire federal funds to help complete all phases of improvements.

“Since 2009, the county has been able to obtain $5.5 million in federal dollars,” Chase explained. “We have joined with Maricopa County and the Town of Queen Creek in order to complete the construction on the corner of Empire and Ellsworth. Since we have the federal money, the Arizona Department of Transportation will complete Phase I at Thompson Road. There is still a lot of background work to do before the shovels hit the dirt.”

On June 2012, Pinal received environmental clearance from the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Environmental Planning Group. Since that time the county has worked to acquire the final rights-of-way, finalizing plans and completing utility relocations.

Once a winning bid for the contractor is selected, construction on Phase I should begin this August. The project is scheduled to take 10 months to complete.

“I am glad there is a light at the end of the tunnel when we are talking about starting a project as significant as the improvement of Hunt Highway,” Chase said. “It’s the first of seven phases, but it’s a big step toward the safety of the people who use this road.”

County Recorder: Elections Office will Move

System Account — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:50:22 GMT

Press Release Date: 3/19/2013

Body:

FLORENCE – Pinal County Recorder Virginia Ross announced on Friday that election services for the public, and for candidates, will be moved to the Recorder’s Voter Registration Office at 31 North Pinal Street, Building E.

The Pinal County Elections Office located on 383 North Main Street will be closed to the public beginning Monday March 18th and the space will be converted into a secure elections warehouse and ballot processing center.

“The citizens of Pinal County deserve a one-stop shop approach to elections services and a secured election processing center,” Recorder Virginia Ross said. “Our office is committed to excellent customer service, security and accuracy.”

The Pinal County Board of Supervisors recently authorized the move of the Elections Department from the County Manager’s reporting structure to the County Recorder. County Recorder Ross states that the office relocation will bring additional trained resources to serve the public.

The Recorder’s office is responsible for keeping safe and accurate documentation of deeds, liens and other official documents pertaining to properties, contracts and more. In addition, the County Recorder maintains accurate voter registration data. During an election, the Recorder’s office mails and processes the early ballots and validates the provisional ballots.

The Pinal County Recorder’s Office is headquartered in Florence with service locations in Apache Junction and Casa Grande. See http://www.pinalcountyaz.gov/Departments/Recorder/Pages/OfficeLocations.aspx locations and hours.

Supervisor Smith to Visit Arizona City on Tuesday

System Account — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:49:17 GMT

Press Release Date: 3/19/2013

Body:

FLORENCE – Pinal County Supervisor Anthony Smith will pay another visit to meet constituents in the Arizona City area on Tuesday, March 19.

The District 4 Supervisor will be at the Arizona City Fire District, 10422 South Sunland Gin Road, from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM

“I look forward to getting out and seeing the residents in the district,” Supervisor Smith said. “I was there in February and had a good time meeting the citizens in Arizona City and hearing their concerns.”

Appointments not necessary, but recommended. Please contact Marlene Pearce, Marlene.Pearce@pinalcountyaz.gov or call (520) 866-3960 to schedule a time to meet with Supervisor Smith.

Supervisors Unanimously Approve Resolution in Support of Resolution Copper

System Account — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:48:30 GMT

Press Release Date: 3/19/2013

Body:

FLORENCE – The Pinal County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to support a resolution to urge the United States House and Senate to recognize the Resolution Copper Company for its efforts to build a copper mine near Superior.

Next week, the House Energy and Minerals Subcommittee will hold a legislative hearing on seven mining bills. One of the seven bills includes H.R. 687 entitled “Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2013” sponsored by Representatives Paul Gosar and Ann Kirkpatrick.

H.R. 687 would exchange land owned by Resolution Copper with federal land near Superior. The swap would allow Resolution to begin the process of obtaining permits to open an underground mine.

During public comment for the resolution, twelve speakers addressed the Supervisors – ten spoke in favor, two opposed.

In offering a motion for a favorable vote, District 1 Supervisor Pete Rios (whose district includes the land in question), said that he has supported this project since the beginning.

“These people (residents of Superior) know mining, they have never feared mining, it is ingrained in them,” Rios said. “The big question before everyone is: do we do the land swap and then begin the environmental studies, or vice versa.”

District 2 Supervisor Cheryl Chase, who was a nurse for ASARCO said that Resolution Copper has kept local elected leaders apprised of their operations.

“I’ve known about this project since I was in the legislature,” Chase said. “They have kept us and the people in the loop. What this really boils down to is local control for the residents in the area.”

Chairman Steve Miller said there is a need to get the land exchange passed through Congress.

“I have supported this project for years,” Miller stated. “It was sad to see the land exchange resolution die in the Senate last year. Now we have to bring it up again in the House. We really need this project.”

District 4 Supervisor and Vice-Chairman Anthony Smith said that the proposed land exchange has grass roots support and the need to pass it is important for the county.

“This project is of vital importance to the county, the state and the nation,” Smith said. “We need to embrace this project-52 percent of Pinal County people leave this county to go to work, we need to stop that.”

District 5 Supervisor Todd House said that support for the project is growing in his district.

“I recently attended a meeting in Queen Valley,” House said. “Many of those people were initially not in support of the land exchange. But once the issues were brought up, they seem to be changing their minds and supporting this project.”

Union Pacific Work will Close a Section of Hunt Highway

System Account — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:47:09 GMT

Press Release Date: 3/19/2013

Body:

FLORENCE – The Union Pacific Railroad will be performing repairs on their crossing located on Hunt Highway between Arizona Farms Road and Merrill Ranch Parkway. The repairs will force a temporary closure of Hunt Highway from Wednesday, March 20, beginning at 6:00 AM until Thursday, March 21, ending at 6:00 PM.

There will be a detour route for drivers who use Hunt Highway and a special route for those living in Magic Ranch.

The detours are as follows: Heading south on Hunt Highway – Turn left onto Arizona Farms Road. You will then need to take a right onto Felix Road. Make a right onto Merrill Ranch Parkway and head west until you make it to Hunt Highway.

Heading north on Hunt Highway – Turn right onto Merrill Ranch Parkway. You will then need to turn left onto Felix Road. Off of Felix Road make a left onto Arizona Farms Road until you make it to Hunt Highway.

For those living in Magic Ranch – Heading south off of Hunt Highway you will be instructed to turn right onto Oasis Lane. Heading north off of Hunt Highway you will be instructed to turn left onto Kieffer Boulevard. Please be aware that this route is for local traffic and emergency vehicles only!

District 2 Supervisor Cheryl Chase asks residents to please observe all signage and to drive carefully.

“There will be plenty of signs to direct you though the detours,” Supervisor Chase said. “Please drive carefully in the area, we want to make sure that everyone from the workers, emergency personnel and drivers are able to stay safe.”

Campfire Ban Grounded in Science, Emergency Management Strategy

System Account — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 23:18:49 GMT

Press Release Date: 3/7/2013

Body:

FLORENCE, AZ – Campfires, bonfires and fire pits are a central part of fellowship at campsites. Unfortunately due to the extreme fire risk from repeated years of drought, they are currently banned in unincorporated areas of Pinal County.

“In the past, several Arizona counties have experienced significant forest fires that have stretched not only Arizona’s local emergency responders to the limit but also required significant state and federal resources to respond to the emergency,” said Pinal County Emergency Manager Lou Miranda.

Another reason for the ban involves the air quality conditions in Pinal County.

“Portions of the county are in violation of the EPA health-based standards for dust and other particulate matter and campfires contribute to the problem,” said Don Gabrielson, Pinal County Air Quality Director. “Winds die down in the evening, inversions trap pollution at ground level. The many fires left smoldering overnight at Country Thunder often resulted in a low-lying layer of smoke that could trigger health and respiratory problems.”

Pinal County enacted a resolution in June 2012 banning campfires and bonfires. The ordinance, which is still in effect, also places restrictions on commercial (professionally-produced) fireworks shows.

“Several people who are planning to attend Country Thunder have called us, criticizing the county’s ban. While there is a process in place to obtain burn permits for non-toxic vegetation and other debris, the permits do not override the ordinance and do not apply to public lands or private lands being used for public purposes,” said Pinal County Code Compliance Manager Wes LaCrosse. “Campfires will not be permitted at Country Thunder due to the existing county ban.”

Miranda said that the size and scope of an event like Country Thunder presents a unique challenge for emergency responders.

“If a brush fire starts, we could have a serious evacuation and safety issue,” Miranda said. “The fire danger is particularly acute in our desert open spaces and on our public lands. Just because we haven’t had a fire at Country Thunder doesn’t mean there isn’t a valid risk. The event promoters understand the concerns and are supportive of the County’s fire ban.”

“We don’t want to prevent anyone from having a good time at Country Thunder but a swift moving brush fire could be devastating,” LaCrosse said.

Supervisors Approve Resolution of Support for Union Pacific Classification Yard

System Account — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:57:57 GMT

Press Release Date: 3/4/2013

Body:

FLORENCE – The proposed Union Pacific Railroad Classification Yard picked up another show of support from the Pinal County Board of Supervisors in Wednesday’s meeting.

The board unanimously approved a resolution asking Governor Jan Brewer to direct the State Land Department to auction the land needed for the project within the next six months. Union Pacific has had an application for six years with no decision being rendered by the State Land Department. The land is located just north of Red Rock east of Interstate 10.

Chairman Steve Miller said time is of the essence when it comes to auctioning the land.

“Union Pacific has been very patient during this time,” Chairman Miller said. “We are hoping this can be completed soon so that Union Pacific will be able to create vitally needed jobs from by locating their classification project here. Make no mistake, this is Arizona’s project to lose, we cannot have that happen.”

Several supporters of the project spoke at today’s meeting. They all voiced support for the Supervisors’ resolution.

The past and present Board has unanimously supported the classification yard.

You can learn more about the Union Pacific Classification Yard at: http://goo.gl/9UNlq

Assessor Calls on State Land to Act

System Account — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 17:22:57 GMT

Press Release Date: 3/1/2013

Body:

FLORENCE, AZ – Pinal County Assessor Douglas J. Wolf spoke out in favor of a resolution supporting the Union Pacific Classification Yard at Wednesday’s regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors. Mr. Wolf stated that it is time for the Arizona Land Department to end their stonewalling of this economically valuable project.

“The State Land Department has a specific mission to achieve the highest financial return for their trustees. The Union Pacific project at Red Rock is a unique opportunity to add millions of dollars to the trust yet the Land Department is falsely claiming the project would reduce the value of their adjoining property. They are mistaken because a strategic infrastructure project like this would raise the value of the adjoining state land. It is time for the Land Department to do its job and allow the land in question to go to auction,” stated Mr. Wolf.

The classification yard would be on the east side of Interstate 10, north of the Red Rock interchange. This is a unique location because of the proximity to two rail tracks, two interstates (I-10 and I-8) and nearby airports. There is also ample space in this otherwise remote area to allow for future development of an inland port. Such a project could eventually result in thousands of new jobs and millions of dollars coming to Arizona. Union Pacific searched the southwestern United States for suitable locations for this particular use and found Red Rock and a site in New Mexico presented the best opportunities for success. If Arizona doesn’t act quickly, this company could place this major investment in another state.

Mr. Wolf concluded, “We have a well respected Fortune 500 company asking to create significant new jobs here without requesting a single penny in incentives. I cannot stand by silently as unelected bureaucrats at the State Land Department chase this once in a lifetime opportunity to New Mexico. I stand with the Pinal Board of Supervisors, elected officials from local communities, and with our state legislature in saying enough is enough. Let’s open Arizona for business and let’s do it now!”

Please visit this link for more information on the proposed rail yard, http://pinalcountyaz.gov/ed/Pages/UnionPacific.aspx

Animal Care & Control Reports Sharp Increase in Adoptions to Rescue, Huge Drop in Euthanasia Rate

System Account — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:08:29 GMT

Press Release Date: 2/27/2013

Body:

FLORENCE, AZ – Almost half of all animals taken in by Pinal County Animal Care & Control are released for rescue or public adoption. That’s a stark contrast to 2010 when Pinal County took in 8,176 animals and less than a quarter were released.

“Our relationship with animal rescue groups coupled with increased public outreach efforts has resulted in dramatically higher live animal releases – an 81 percent increase from 2010 to 2012,” Kaye Dickson, Animal Care & Control Director said.

A total of 3,456 animals were adopted in 2012 with more than 2,335 of those animals being released to rescue organizations, a 417 percent increase over 2010. In 2011, 2,480 animals left the shelter with 1,332 going to rescue organizations. In 2010, 1,911 animals found new homes with 452 going to rescue.

In August 2011, the county facilitated a policy development workshop between animal advocates, county staff and the rescue community. The outcome was the Board of Supervisors’ approval of the Pinal County New Hope Adoption Policy. The policy allows rescue organizations to pull animals from the shelter and provide spay/neuter and vaccination records back to the county.

“The ordinance and New Hope policies don’t simply relocate the problem. We really took steps to ensure that we established policy guidelines that hold our staff and the rescues accountable for the animals’ welfare,” Kaye Dickson, Animal Care & Control Director explained. “We require the rescues to meet a specific deadline for vaccinating, licensing and spay and neuter surgery.”

The euthanasia rate has been cut by 43 percent from 2010 to 2012.

“We can’t be selective in the animals we accept like private animal welfare and shelter groups. We are an open admission county shelter. Because we get wild/feral cats and dogs, injured animals and very sick animals, we will always have some level of euthanasia,” Dickson said. “We get animals in very sad shape and in those situations, putting the animal to sleep is the humane thing to do. Believe me, we hate putting animals down. That’s why we are so happy to see the numbers continue to drop.”

Animal overpopulation continues to be a serious community issue throughout the United States, Dickson said.

“Shelters are always full and we see no end to the problem of unwanted animals filling our shelters until more people spay and neuter their pets,” Dickson said. “Anyone facing the possibility of giving up a pet is urged to try to network that pet into another home, either through rescue groups or through personal contacts. If it’s a behavioral issue that makes a pet undesirable, please talk to us or other animal welfare organizations. We can usually point people in the direction of help with temperament or other pet problems.”

Pinal County Animal Care & Control lists its adoptable animals on the website www.petharbor.com. To search for adoptable animals, enter your zip code and click on the “Adopt a Pet” button in the left side. Then check the button for Pinal County Animal Care & Control. This site also includes animals that are picked up by field officers so www.petharbor.com is an excellent source to find a lost pet. By law, Animal Care & Control must hold stray animals for a minimum of 72 hours before making animals available for adoption to allow owners time to find and recover a lost pet.

To learn more about Pinal County’s shelter, click on http://www.pinalcountyaz.gov/Departments/AnimalControl/Pages/Home.aspx.

Animal Release Statistics

2010 Animal Releases Pinal County Animals Released: 8176 City of Coolidge Animals Released: 547 Total Animals Released: 8723
2011 Animal Releases Pinal County Animals Released: 8056 City of Coolidge Animals Released: 168 Total Animals Released: 8224
2012 Animal Releases Pinal County Animals Released: 7,019 City of Coolidge Animals Released: 269 Total Animals Released: 7,288

Assessor’s Office Mails Out 2014 Notices of Value

System Account — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:06:14 GMT

Press Release Date: 2/27/2013

Body:

FLORENCE, AZ – If you own real estate in Pinal County, watch for your 2014 Notice of Value in the mail this week. The notice is not a tax bill but it does contain important information that will influence how much you pay in property taxes next year. The Full Cash Value (FCV) should reflect the market value of your property as of the beginning of this year.

State law requires the Assessor notify owners annually and they have 60 days to file an administrative appeal (Petition for Review of Valuation) if they believe their property is not valued correctly. Notices of value are mailed out well ahead of the tax statements in order to provide ample time for the appeal process. There is no charge from the Assessor to file this type of appeal.

Arizona statute requires that values for 2014 be determined based on property sales from 2011 and the first half of 2012. Those two years saw a recovery in prices so values may rise for many home owners.

Property owners who have questions or believe their values are not correct are encouraged to contact the Assessor’s Office. The phone number is 520-866-6361.

“Our office spends all year measuring, classifying, and valuing properties. With over 250,000 parcels, we realize there may be information that could be more accurate. We want to hear from homeowners if they find a discrepancy because it is important to have the most precise information possible,” stated Pinal Assessor Douglas J. Wolf.

Mr. Wolf added, “You can find out more about the appeal process on our website. We also encourage homeowners to go online and do a parcel search of their own property. Verify the information and let us know if anything is not correct.” You can access the Assessor’s site at www.PinalCountyAZ.gov/Assessor.

The County Treasurer will start sending out tax bills based on the 2014 values in September of next year. By that time, the appeal deadlines will have passed so now is the time to check your values.

Oracle Resident Tapped for Constable in Precinct 5

System Account — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:40:48 GMT

Press Release Date: 2/21/2013

Body:

FLORENCE – Local teacher and former San Manuel High School baseball coach Mike Sloan has been selected by the Pinal County Board of Supervisors to be the next constable for Justice Court Precinct 5.

The Oracle resident will fulfill the remainder of the late Robert Hendrickson’s term until January 1, 2015. Constable Hendrickson died unexpectedly on January 25.

“I am surprised, humbled and pleased at the same time,” Sloan said following the special session held in the Board of Supervisors’ Hearing Room in Florence. “I’m sure Judge Robert Kent and I will work well together.”

Sloan was joined by local businessman Robert Guyton, Joshua Hendrickson and retiree Jack Warren in seeking the constable position.

Board members complemented all four gentlemen for applying for the position. Each of the individuals met the qualifications of living within the district and being registered as Republicans. By law, the person selected to fill a mid-term vacancy must be of the same political party as the person who was originally elected to the position.

The Board voted unanimously to select Sloan who had cited his community service and faith-based community involvement as assets for the position, in addition to experience as a coach and teacher.

Assessor Delivers 2013 Property Values Abstract to Pinal County

System Account — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 13:53:28 GMT

Press Release Date: 2/14/2013

Body:

FLORENCE, AZ – Last week, Pinal County Assessor Douglas Wolf delivered the 2013 official report of property values to the Pinal County Budget office. The number for 2013 was slightly over $18 billion, a decline of over $900 million from last year’s figure of $18.9 billion. The total for 2013 also included $364.7 million in new construction. There were 247,931 parcels and accounts in this year’s report compared to 247,526 in 2012.

As required by state law, the values for 2013 were based on real estate sales from 2010 and 2011. Property values were still weak for those years, which accounts in part for the decline of the 2013 abstract.

“While we are currently seeing some recovery in the housing sector, the 2013 Abstract of Value does not reflect that because the law requires us to go back in time to determine value. We do anticipate some price recovery to show up in the 2014 Notices of Value, which will be mailed out to property owners this month,” stated Mr. Wolf.

Pinal County and local taxing authorities within the county plan their budgets for the year ahead based on the 2013 Abstract of Values that was released last week.

Pinal County Medical Examiner Positively Identifies Victims of Plane Crash

System Account — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 22:24:07 GMT

Press Release Date: 2/11/2013

Body:

Crash at Casa Grande Airport Under Federal Investigation

FLORENCE, AZ – On Wednesday at approximately 11:30 AM, a Beechcraft King Air twin engine turboprop aircraft crashed just north of the runway at Casa Grande airport. The crash occurred on airport property.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration.

The Pinal County Medical Examiner has officially identified the two men killed in the accident. They are:

Stephen J. Stafford, 51, of Green Valley, AZ. Stafford was a certified flight instructor with many years of flying experience.
Del V. Steinbronn, 65, of Tucson, AZ. Steinbronn was a retired private practice urologist who also had many years of flight experience.

Both men died of injuries sustained from the impact of the crash, according to the forensic evidence examined by medical examiners.

Parkway Alternatives Developed for East-West Corridor

System Account — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 21:53:26 GMT

Press Release Date: 2/7/2013

Body:

Two Community Information Meetings Scheduled for Public Input

Pinal County East-West Corridor Study Flier

FLORENCE, AZ – In cooperation and coordination with the City of Maricopa and the City of Casa Grande, Pinal County is conducting a study to evaluate a new east-west transportation corridor through western Pinal County.

Since the December 2011 public scoping meetings, possible parkway-concept corridor alternatives have been identified between State Route 347 and Interstate 10 to provide additional capacity and connectivity. In addition, the team is also evaluating the consequences of not constructing a new transportation facility, known as the No Build Alternative.

Pinal County and the cities of Casa Grande and Maricopa are encouraging members of the public to attend one of two community information meetings. The purpose of the meetings is to engage the public for comments and suggestions on the proposals and alternatives.

A brief presentation on the study will be made at each meeting, followed by an open house at which representatives from the cities, county and study team can answer questions. The presentation will be the same at each meeting. In addition, detailed maps displaying the initial parkway concepts will be available at the meetings.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013
6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Presentation at 6:30 p.m.
Maricopa Unified School District
Office Administrative Building
Board Room # 118
44150 West Maricopa/Casa Grande Highway
Maricopa, AZ 85138

Thursday, February 21, 2013
6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Presentation at 6:30 p.m.
City of Casa Grande, Council Chambers
510 East Florence Boulevard
Casa Grande, AZ 85122

Individuals with disabilities may request accommodations, such as a sign language interpreter or alternative documents, by calling (602)530-1631 or by faxing (602)253-1202. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange accommodations.

Those who cannot attend the community information meetings can mail comments to:

East-West Corridor Study
c/o Jacobs Engineering
101 N. 1st Ave. Ste. 3100
Phoenix, AZ 85003

Comments can also be emailed to pinaleastwest@jacobs.com. Comments will be accepted until March 8, 2013. Additional study information is also available at www.jacobsaz.com/eastwest.asp.

Death of Constable Robert Hendrickson Creates Vacancy

System Account — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 20:46:53 GMT

Press Release Date: 2/4/2013

Body:

Board to Appoint Constable to Serve through December 2014

FLORENCE – Constable Robert Hendrickson who served as Justice Precinct Constable for Oracle for the past 14 years died unexpectedly on Friday, January 25.

“Constable Hendrickson will be missed and hard to replace. During his many years of service, he developed an extensive knowledge of the people and communities we serve,” said Justice of the Peace Robert Kent who presides over the Oracle court.

The law that covers vacancies in county offices makes a distinction between whether the vacancy occurs within the first two years of an official’s term or afterwards. In the case of a mid-term vacancy that occurs after the completion of the first two years of service, Arizona Revised Statute 16-230.A.2 is invoked. This states:

If a county office becomes vacant, the board of supervisors shall appoint a person of the same political party as the person vacating the office to fill the portion of the term until the next regular general election. If the person vacating the office changed political party affiliations after taking office, the person who is appointed to fill the vacancy shall be of the same political party that the vacating officeholder was when the vacating officeholder was elected or appointed to that office.

Mr. Hendrickson was elected as a Republican so the Pinal County Board of Supervisors is accepting applications from registered Republicans for the Constable position.

To be eligible for appointment as Constable, Arizona law specifies that the following criteria be met by each potential candidate:

Must be a legal Arizona resident living within the Oracle Justice Court District 5 (see map at http://goo.gl/wx4ar),
Must be registered to vote,
Must be able to read and write the English language and,
Must be at least 18 years of age.

Interested individuals should take note of the application criteria and deadlines below.

Applications, letters of interest and/or résumés by 5:00 PM on Friday, February 15. There is no formal application to submit and any combination of a letter of interest, résumé or other documents outlining the applicant’s qualifications for office should be mailed, or submitted in person:

Sheri Cluff
Clerk of the Board
Pinal County Board of Supervisors
135 North Pinal Street
PO Box 827
Florence, AZ 85132

or

Sheri Cluff
Clerk of the Board
Pinal County Board of Supervisors
118 Catalina Avenue
Mammoth, AZ 85618

Candidates should indicate their address, party affiliation and contact information in the application.

The Board of Supervisors will meet on Wednesday, February 20 at 10:00 AM at which candidates may speak to board members about their qualifications or desire to serve as Constable. The Board members will nominate and vote on their preferred candidate on February 20 after the presentations are complete. The person selected will serve until the term ends on December 31, 2014. If the person wishes to continue serving as Constable, he or she will have to campaign for office and be elected in November 2014.

About Constables
The term “Constable” comes from the Latin comes stabuli or “count of the stables.” During the Byzantine era, the person holding this position was responsible for care and supervision of the royal court’s horses. Over time, the position became one of great military importance, gradually evolving into a position usually dealing with the enforcement of law and order.

In the United States, the office of Constable varies by state and region. Constables are elected officers of the County and must be 18 and live in the precinct or district in which they are elected. Pinal County Constables serve four year terms. The primary responsibility of a Constable is the service of process for the Justice of the Peace courts. They serve summons, injunctions, writs and orders.

Constables are classified as peace officers but do not regularly perform police functions such as patrols, arrests or investigations unless specifically certified to do so.

Title 22 of the Arizona Revised Statutes provides more detail on the duties of Constables and how they work with the Justices of the Peace and Justice Courts. See http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ArizonaRevisedStatutes.asp?Title=22 for more information.

Diabetes Education Classes Set for San Tan Valley & Maricopa

System Account — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:30:25 GMT

Press Release Date: 1/29/2013

Body:

FLORENCE – Pinal County’s Public Health program aims to reduce health complications of patients with diabetes by presenting brief educational sessions for the public.

“These sessions are designed to help those living with diabetes or those who are newly diagnosed as well as their family members and loved ones,” said Rosanna Ringer, a registered dietitian who helps supervise Pinal County’s nutrition, education and outreach programs. “We will have useful information for everyone who wants to know more about living with diabetes.”

The sessions will feature a discussion of healthy eating and meal planning led by Krista Simonetti, MS, CNS. Her talk will cover metabolism, blood glucose testing, blood pressure control, lipids, weight and macronutrients. Simonetti will also explain types of meal planning and how to build a meal plan that helps diabetics manage their condition. A question and answer session will follow.

“There are several ways to plan a meal for diabetics – there’s the plate method, carbohydrate counting or food exchange planning,” Ringer added. “Ms. Simonetti will explain these options in a friendly, non-intimidating setting. Our objective is to help people make dietary and lifestyle decisions that enable diabetics to live long, enjoyable lives, free from complications.”

Both sessions are free for the public to attend. Pinal County Public Health asks that you call in advance to reserve a seat so that there are enough chairs set up for everyone. Choose the date or location from below and call 1-800-231-8499, extension 7315 or 520-866-7315.

San Tan Valley Public Health Clinic
36235 North Gantzel Road
Thursday, February 14 from 1 to 3 PM

Maricopa Public Health Clinic
41600 West Smith Enke Road, Building 15
Friday, February 15 from 1 to 3 PM

Again, to reserve a seat, please call 1-800-231-8499, extension 7315.

Pinal County’s website features a host of information pertaining to county services, tourism, road projects, public health and much more. Explore www.pinalcountyaz.gov and discover Pinal County’s wide open opportunity.

$490,000 in Economic Development Grants to Benefit Pinal County

System Account — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 21:32:15 GMT

Press Release Date: 1/22/2013

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FLORENCE – The Arizona Commerce Authority has awarded $490,000 in grants to support specific economic development projects that will bring jobs to Pinal County.

The Central Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation (CAREDF) was awarded grants for two projects. Ehrmann and Commonwealth Dairy will apply its grant toward a waste pre-treatment facility at a brand new 90,000 square foot dairy processing facility for manufacturing yogurt. Ground was broken for this facility earlier this month. The plant’s partners, Ehrmann and Commonwealth Dairy also own a Brattleboro, Vermont dairy operation.

Phoenix Technology Works Inc. will expand its existing facility. Phoenix Technology Works is a producer of milled patterns, plugs, molds and tooling for the aerospace, marine and transportation industries. The company offers design engineering as well as production in a wide variety of materials from metals to carbon fiber.

The City of Casa Grande’s Franklin Foods project earned the third grant. Franklin Foods selected Casa Grande for its second cream cheese manufacturing plant. The Casa Grande plant will produce a full line of cream cheese products, including the first Greek cream cheese. Franklin Foods’ history dates back to 1899 as a producer of cheese from locally-sourced milk and cream. The company’s other plant is in Enosburg Falls, Vermont.

“During our campaigns for office, my fellow Supervisors and I were united in our call for a more cohesive and energetic focus on economic development,” Pinal County Board of Supervisors’ Chairman Steve Miller said. “We know that these projects mean that jobs and opportunities for employment are growing within our county. Supervisors Chase, House, Smith and Rios join me in congratulating the recipients of this important grant funding.”

In total, Pinal County has received almost $873,000 in economic development grants from the Arizona Commerce Authority in the past three annual funding cycles.

These grants are part of the Commerce Authority’s Rural Economic Development Grant Program. The program provides financial support to organizations that initiate and sustain projects that result in capital investment and job growth. There were 14 grant recipients statewide. Projections are that Arizona will add 305 new jobs as a result of this funding.

According to its news release, the Arizona Commerce Authority received 19 applications for 40 projects statewide. Applications were studied by a committee of economic development professionals who considered criteria such as economic impact, project sustainability, quality of the project plan, budget and more.

Media contacts: Arizona Commerce Authority, Nicole McTheny, 602-845-1231 CAREDF, Andrew Clegg, 520-836-6868 City of Casa Grande, Richard Wilke, 520-421-8641

New Assessor Changes Procedure to Accommodate Disabled Residents

System Account — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 21:30:41 GMT

Press Release Date: 1/22/2013

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FLORENCE – Pinal County Assessor Douglas Wolf instituted his first policy change since being sworn in on January 2nd. The Assessor’s Office will no longer require permanently disabled residents who are already receiving a property exemption to re-visit their doctor every three years. Mr. Wolf stated, “Having to see a doctor just to recreate paperwork that we already have on file was placing an undue burden on the disabled residents of our community.”

The Assessor’s Office will also save time and money by reducing the duplication of paperwork and workflow. “It’s a win-win for taxpayers and for those residents who no longer have to visit their doctor to have the same form filled out more than once,” stated Wolf.

The Assessor’s Office still requires all residents who are receiving the widow, widower, or disabled exemption to fill out and return a simple one page affidavit. Those forms were mailed out last week. If you have any questions about the change in policy or in the exemption process, please call the Assessor’s Office at 520-866-6361.

Arizona statute provides for property tax exemptions for certain residents who are widows, widowers, or disabled based on income and other guidelines. Please contact the Assessor’s Office for more information.

Supervisor Pete Rios Begins Second Term in a Familiar Role

System Account — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:54:29 GMT

Press Release Date: 1/22/2013

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FLORENCE – From his Florence office, Supervisor Pete Rios reflects upon his days in the legislature and says his next term on the Pinal County board will be somewhat familiar to his legislative past.

“In all my years in the state legislature, the Democrats had the majority one time,” Rios recalls. “That meant we, as Democrats, had to work with the Republicans to get our bills passed. I can say it wasn’t cut-throat like it is now. Everyone had their ideas and sometimes they passed, other times not. Still to this day I remain good friends with many of those on the other side of the aisle.”

In his second term, Rios finds himself in the minority party on the Board of Supervisors. Being the lone Democrat on a board with four Republicans strikes a familiar tone to the long-time public servant.

“Every partisan elected official wants to be in the majority because it’s much easier to get your bills passed,” Rios said. “This is the hand I am dealt and I will do my best to serve my constituents and my county. I am looking forward to the challenges ahead.”

The District 1 Supervisor said that the financial health of the county is one of his priorities in the upcoming four-year term.

“We have previously been able to offer tax relief to help our residents,” Rios said. “It looks like the economy is taking a turn toward more prosperity and that puts the county in a good fiscal position. I would like to see us pass a budget that will help us offer some services we have had to cut in the past while maintaining a structurally balanced budget.”

Even with the improving economy, Rios said the eastern portion of Pinal County is in desperate need for economic development and job growth.

“We have two projects that could increase our number of jobs exponentially,” Supervisor Rios commented. “The Resolution Copper Project is held up in congress and the Union Pacific Red Rock Classification Yard is held up at the state. We can write all the resolutions and letters of support for these projects, but in the end it is out of our hands and that is frustrating. We are always looking at other avenues for well-paying jobs.”

Even after the county redistricting in 2010, the District he represents remains the largest, square-mileage wise in Pinal County. Sometimes the size of the district presents a unique set of challenges.

“One thing that is a constant throughout this district is the need to pave roads,” Rios said. “We really work to stretch our Highway User Revenue Funds (fuel taxes to be used only for road construction and repair) to cover more dirt roads a year. Other than that, the needs of the eastern portion of the county differ from the central part of the county.”

With the expansion from three to five supervisorial districts, Rios said there will be a lot of different ideas put forward in the board meetings. But in the end, the best interests of the county have to be at the forefront of each supervisor’s mind.

“Are there going to be differences of opinions – you bet,” Rios said. “You cannot help but have that with a county as big and diverse as Pinal. I am committed to working together to propel this county forward toward a more prosperous future.”

Assessor’s Office to Have a Representative in Satellite Offices to Accept Exemption Applications

System Account — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 23:32:39 GMT

Press Release Date: 1/18/2013

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FLORENCE – New Pinal County Assessor Douglas J. Wolf is pleased to announce that a representative from his office will be visiting satellite locations to accept applications for property exemptions from Pinal County residents.

The applications the Assessor’s Office representative will accept are for Widow and Widower’s or Disabled Person Property Exemptions. The filing deadline for the exemptions is the last day in February.

The Assessor’s Office will have a representative at the following locations:

Apache Junction – Roy Hudson County Complex (Treasurer’s and Recorder’s Satellite Office, Suite 800); 575 North Idaho Road. Thursday, January 23, 8:00 am until 4:30 pm.
Casa Grande – Pinal County Complex; 820 East Cottonwood Lane. Wednesday, January 30, 10:00 am until 1:00 pm.
Mammoth – Pinal County Complex; 118 South Catalina. Wednesday, February 6, 10:00 am until 1:00 pm.

All first time applicants must apply in person. If you have applied in the past you can re-apply by mail accompanied by a Notary Public’s signature and stamp. For more information, please call (520) 509-3555.

To file for the property exemptions you must present the following documents to the Assessor’s representative: Requirements for Widow and Widower’s Exemption

Must be a permanent resident of Arizona
Must have resided with their spouse in Arizona at the time of the spouse’s death or if their spouse died while a resident of another state, then the surviving spouse must have come to Arizona before January 1, 1969
Must present the death certificate of the deceased spouse to the Assessor
Arizona Driver’s License or Arizona Identification Card
Must not have property value (within the State of Arizona) that exceeds a net assessed value of $24,469. Net assessed value can be found on your tax notice or Notice of Valuation card
Income from all sources, excluding social security, cannot exceed $30,008.
If children under 18 years of age reside in the household, the income cannot exceed $36,009.
Must file an application each year between first Monday in January and through last day of February
Must be able to state that either item A or B below is true:

A. None of my children under18 years of age resided with me during the previous calendar year. The total income from all sources including myself, my spouse, and any children aged 18 or more who resided with me, did not exceed $30,008 during the previous calendar year.

B. At least one of my children who was under 18 years of age OR who was totally and permanently disabled, resided with me during the previous calendar year. The total income from all sources including myself, my spouse, and any other of my children, resided with me, did not exceed $36,009 during the previous calendar year.

Requirements for Disabled Person’s Exemption

Must be a permanent resident of Arizona
Must be over the age of 17
Must be medically certified as 100 percent and permanently disabled by your doctor (The Assessor’s Office will supply the necessary medical forms)
Must not have property value (within the State of Arizona) that exceeds a net assessed value of $24,469. Net assessed value can be found on your tax notice or Notice of Valuation card
Income from all sources, excluding social security, cannot exceed $29,071.
If children under 18 years of age reside in the household, the income cannot exceed $34,884.
Must file an application each year between first Monday in January and through last day of February
Must be able to state that either item A or B below is true:

A. None of my children under 18 years of age resided with me during the previous calendar year. The total income from all sources including myself, my spouse, and any children aged 18 or more who resided with me, did not exceed $30,008 during the previous calendar year.

B. At least one of my children who was under 18 years of age OR who was totally and permanently disabled, resided with me during the previous calendar year. The total income from all sources including myself, my spouse, and any other of my children, resided with me, did not exceed $36,009 during the previous calendar year.

To file for the property exemptions you must present the following documents to the Assessor’s representative:

Copy of spouse’s death certificate. If the spouse died out of state, the applicant must prove residency in Arizona prior to January 1, 1969 (Widow or Widower’s Exemption)
Medical Certificate from an Arizona licensed physician – forms will be available (Disabled Person’s Exemption)
2012 Arizona State Income Tax Return
Copy of the prior year’s tax bill or valuation card of all properties in Arizona
License plate numbers for all motor vehicles
Title/Tax bill
Arizona Driver’s License or Arizona Identification

Pinal County maintains and updates its website to feature the latest information and news worth noting. Please bookmark www.pinalcountyaz.gov for future reference.

Todd House Takes Over in Newly Created District 5

System Account — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 22:53:08 GMT

Press Release Date: 1/17/2013

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FLORENCE – Since arriving from California in 2000, Todd House has made it a point to be active in his community. From the Kiwanis Club to Paws 4 Life, the new District 5 Supervisor has been busy helping residents in and around the Apache Junction area.

“I think it is important for everyone to be involved,” House said. “For me it is very rewarding and volunteerism has given me the opportunity to meet a lot of people. To have a voice in this community, or anywhere across this great nation, people must give a little bit of themselves to any project that interests them.”

Prior to his election to the Pinal County Board of Supervisors, House was elected to the board of the Apache Junction Fire District where today he is still serves as its chairman. He also serves in the same capacity for the Superstition Mountain Base Coalition.

Now House finds himself on a much larger stage with the Board of Supervisors. It’s a role Supervisor House feels will give him a voice in important policy decisions that affect the entire county.

“Business friendly,” he says without hesitation, “the county must be more business friendly. The Board needs to work to streamline the barriers that hamper small business. We need to look at our commissions and fill them with good people who reflect the same views as the Board of Supervisors.”

Some of the projects that Supervisor House has taken a keen interest in is the Union Pacific Red Rock Classification Yard and Resolution Copper Mine in Superior.

“When you look at these projects very closely, you notice they will have good paying jobs,” House said. “Previous Supervisors have worked to get these projects up and running. It is important that we pick up where they left off and try to get them to the finish line.”

House says the line of communication between him and the constituents of District 5 is always open. He will have regular office hours in Apache Junction and Florence for the purposes of meeting with constituents and civic groups.

“I see one of the roles of this job is to be a communications director of sorts,” the Supervisor said. “I look forward to hearing what my constituents have to say. I will gladly listen to them and bring those ideas to the board for consideration. Listening is what I do well. I have made a career in communicating with several groups and being able to bring everyone together for a mutual goal.”

For now, the District 5 Supervisor has taken the reigns of a county ripe with potential for more growth and job opportunities. He senses this term on the board will be filled with its challenges and opportunities for creative solutions.

“The future is bright for Pinal County,” House said. “This county is filled with lot of great attractions and places that draw people from around the country and around the world here. We only hope to enhance the attraction of the county and get the word out that Pinal County is a great place to live, work and play.”

County Recorder Selects Hanby as Chief Deputy Recorder

System Account — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 20:44:08 GMT

Press Release Date: 1/14/2013

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FLORENCE – Pinal County Recorder Virginia Ross has selected Gary Hanby to serve as Chief Deputy Recorder. Hanby will begin his new position on January 22. In the meantime, he is relocating his family to accept this position.

Hanby has served in a similar position at the Coconino County Recorder’s office. He began working for Coconino County in 1991 and has seen that county through the process of converting from microfilm to digital recording of documents.

The Recorder’s office is responsible keeping safe and accurate documentation of deeds, liens and other official documents pertaining to properties, contracts and more. The County Recorder also maintains and processes accurate voter registration data.

Hanby earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Northern Arizona University and in 2007 received the credential of Certified Elections and Voter Registration Administrator (CERA) from Auburn University.

Coconino County is one of three counties in which the Recorder also oversees the conduct of elections. The Pinal County Board of Supervisors voted January 9 to move the Elections Department from the County Manager’s reporting structure to the County Recorder.

“I am confident that the people of Pinal County will be well served by Mr. Hanby’s expertise and my commitment to excellent customer service and accuracy,” Recorder Virginia Ross said.

The Pinal County Recorder’s Office is headquartered in Florence with service locations in Apache Junction and Casa Grande. See http://www.pinalcountyaz.gov/Departments/Recorder/Pages/OfficeLocations.aspx locations and hours.

Pinal Fairgrounds Tuning Up for Annual Bluegrass Festival

System Account — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 17:37:44 GMT

Press Release Date: 1/11/2013

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Casa Grande—The 2013 Agri-Country Bluegrass Festival is shaping up to be a real toe-tapping good time.

The year’s festival will once again feature marvelous music, exciting entertainment, classic cars (Saturday only), super shopping and fantastic food.

Held at the Pinal Fairgrounds and Event Center on Eleven Mile Corner Road, this annual event is host to some of the nation’s top Bluegrass artists. “We have brought in some major national acts this year. It’s three days jam packed with great talent,” commented Executive Director Michael Searle. “Whether you’re a long time fan of Bluegrass music or new to the whole scene, this year’s festival is not to be missed.”

Set for Thursday, January 25 through Sunday January 27 (rain or shine), the three-day festival will showcase amazing bluegrass bands from throughout the country. The music begins on Friday at 10:00 AM and goes nonstop (during festival hours, of course) through Sunday at 5:00 PM. You’ll hear incredible artists such as Audie Blaylock & Redline, Larry Gillis, Digger Davis & Tombstone, Run Boy Run, Triple L Band and many more.

Saturday, along with the great music, enjoy a good old-fashioned classic car show. From Corvettes to Chevys, Fords to Ferraris, and even some one-of-a-kind vehicles, you’re sure to find a favorite. In fact, be sure and vote for yours – the car chosen as fan favorite wins big!

The festival will also feature our usual assortment of fabulous food. Corn dogs, old fashioned soda, kettle corn, fry bread and more are all on the menu. Leave the diets at home and come out to enjoy delicious treats.

Shopping is also a festival favorite. You’ll find arts and crafts vendors, jewelry, hats, gifts and so much more.

There’s a lot more included with your festival admission. You’ll want to go through the Quilts Wild and Wonderful Show. Don’t miss visiting with Julie from Julie’s Sewing Corner of Miami, Arizona. She’ll be bringing over 200 bolts of fabric from the largest collection of Southwest prints in the country. She will be on hand to answer all your quilting questions. Agri-Sprouts Kids activities on Saturday are sure to thrill the little ones with hay rides and games. Pig races will be going on throughout the event.

Admission is just $8.00 for everyone 13 and over. Kids 12 and under are free. RV camping is available onsite. Gates open on Friday at 10:00 am, Saturday at 9:00 AM and Sunday at 10:00 AM. Gates will close daily at 5:00 PM. The main stage is located indoors along with the shopping. The event will take place rain or shine.

For more information: Call the Fair office at 520-723-7881 or visit the website at www.pinalfairgrounds.com and click on the link – upcoming. The fairgrounds are located on the corner of Eleven Mile Corner Road and Highway 287 in Casa Grande.

Former Maricopa Mayor Anthony Smith Looks Forward to New County Supervisor Role

System Account — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:55:45 GMT

Press Release Date: 1/10/2013

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FLORENCE—If you ever visit Supervisor Anthony Smith’s office, you will notice a piece of paper placed by his computer.

The paper contains a list of campaign promises made by Smith as a candidate for the District 4 Supervisor position. The list is a way of reminding him of what he wants to accomplish during his term.

“As mayor of Maricopa, I did the same thing,” Smith recalled. “These are campaign promises I made and I will mark them off as each are accomplished. When I was at Maricopa, more than 90 percent were marked of the list.”

Some of Supervisor Smith’s platform includes issues that need to be voted on by the new five-member board, others he will work to accomplish on his own.

“I would like to work with my fellow Supervisors to create a deal-closing fund like Maricopa County and the state of Arizona currently uses,” Smith said. “I feel this could really help us in the area of economic development.”

As for goals he can accomplish on his own, Smith said he would like to set up regular meetings with constituents in the communities that make up his district.

“It is very important to keep in touch with these citizens,” Smith said. “I have a large and diverse district and it is incumbent upon me to open up the door of communication with the people who live in it.”

A native Midwesterner, Supervisor Smith moved to Arizona in 1997 after completing consulting work on the Iridium Project for Motorola. He lived in Gilbert and Chandler before settling down in Maricopa.

Since moving to Maricopa in 2003, Smith has sought to become involved in his new community and county.

“Maricopa incorporated shortly after my wife and I moved to the area” the new District 4 Supervisor said. “We were fortunate to become involved in the ground floor of our community. I served on the original Maricopa Planning and Zoning Commission and then two terms as mayor.”

While as mayor of Maricopa, Smith worked with several groups to plan for growth and quality of life issues. He was keenly aware of the role transportation played for the city since Union Pacific rolled through the middle of Maricopa and several potential road projects that could impact the area were in the planning stage. Exposure to those issues and other regional concerns drove Smith to run for Supervisor.

“After my time in Maricopa, I learned you can work with a wider audience as a supervisor,” Smith said. “There are many regional projects out there and many more regional partners to connect with in order to be even more effective. I sincerely look forward to working with other leaders to find solutions to our growth and transportation issues.”

There are two transportation issues keenly on the mind of Supervisor Smith. The first is the I-11 freeway project that would potentially connect Maricopa with a safe high-volume road to Casa Grande and provide important linkages to I-10 and I-8.

“When we talk about the commuter rail project,” Smith said, “The state is looking at five routes-each of them going through Pinal County. If that does become a reality, it would be nice to help decide which route is more feasible for our residents and the state.”

As for becoming a member of the county’s first five-person Board of Supervisors, Smith is optimistic about the next four years.

“I’m looking ahead to this term,” Smith said. “We have a lot of issues on the table. I’m sure we will be able to work together to move this great county forward.”

Cheryl Chase Sworn In to Represent San Tan Valley

System Account — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:51:20 GMT

Press Release Date: 1/10/2013

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Former Nurse, School Board Member, Legislator

FLORENCE—Sitting in her new office inside the renovated 1891 Pinal County Courthouse, San Tan Valley’s District 2 Supervisor Cheryl Chase says she is more than ready to hit the ground running.

“Pinal County has so much untapped potential,” Supervisor Chase said. “I think it is incumbent that we as a Board of Supervisors find out how to best move this county forward to bring jobs so our residents can work and live in the same location.”

As a lifelong resident of Arizona and long-time resident of Pinal County, the new District 2 Supervisor has served her fellow residents in a variety of roles throughout her professional career.

While living and raising a family in Kearny, Chase began her career as an industrial nurse for the Ray open pit mine and the Kearny copper smelter.

“I did that for 20 years,” the Supervisor recalls. “It was almost like being a school nurse for big kids. The injuries you saw were either simple or very serious.”

During that time, her good friend Ettie Croslin approached Chase about running for a position on the Kearny School Board.

“Ettie was leaving the school board and asked me to run for the open seat,” Chase said. “I hesitated at first. I really didn’t want to run for office. But then I relented and found out I loved the position.”

During her second term on the school board, Chase was approached by a friend asking her to take a chance at an open seat for the state legislature.

“I was surprised that they asked me to run for the legislature,’ she said. “I said: ‘I am a mother, grandmother, nurse and a school board member, I really don’t think I could run for the legislature.’” The friend convinced Chase that she was the type of person the district was looking for to represent them. Supervisor Chase ended up serving three terms as a state legislator from 2000 to 2006.

“I looked forward to going to the legislature every day,” Chase said. “I’d look at the capitol dome everyday and say to myself ‘I am really here.’”

As a legislator, Chase worked on hundreds, if not thousands of issues. But one that stands out was being able to acquire $3 million for a law enforcement and fire facility at Central Arizona College.

“That is one of my most favorite accomplishments,” she said. “When you are serving in public office you never know how one law will affect everyone, but this bill had a very positive impact on our first responders and the people they serve.”

Following her three terms in the legislature, Chase had the chance to work as a Community Relations Administrator for Sheriff Paul Babeu. It was a job that took her to every corner of Pinal County working with veterans, women’s organizations and domestic violence advocacy groups.

Then the political question was asked once again.

In the spring of 2012, then-candidate for Sheriff Steve Henry approached Chase about a possible run for Supervisor on the new five-member board.

“I was very happy working in the Sheriff’s Office,” Chase said. “I can say I had a possible future political run in the back of my mind, but it wasn’t a top goal. I am very pleased that the voters believed in me to elect me as their supervisor.”

Chase says she is looking ahead to the myriad of matters that will come before the board in the upcoming months. The challenges, the new supervisor said, will be “interesting and somewhat daunting.”

“There are of course a lot of concerns related to growth and public safety,” the District 2 Supervisor said. “I have no doubt I will be a strong voice for all first responders. I understand the issues they face on a day-to-day basis.”

One of the subjects that is key to her district is the expansion of Hunt Highway.

“I am concerned about that road,” Chase replied. “I see it as a major safety issue for everyone in the area. This is a priority for me. It seems that every time we have a significant rain, the road becomes flooded. I would like to address that very soon.”

Other areas Chase would like to look into are Animal Care and Control along with Air Quality.

“I’ve been doing a lot of fact finding in those areas,” Chase said. “We have a lot of good employees who care about their jobs and want to serve the public. I want to make sure we give them the resources so they can better handle topics from animal adoptions to dust control.”

Realizing she is on the first five-member Board of Supervisors for Pinal County has not fazed her for a minute. Chase says she is willing and able to tackle the issues that lie ahead.

“I love serving,” the District 2 Supervisor said. “I love being the voice of the people in my district.”

There’s Still Time to Protect Yourself from Flu

System Account — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:10:03 GMT

Press Release Date: 1/10/2013

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FLORENCE – Arizona continues to see an increase in flu activity. As of the final week in 2012, the state had 790 cases for the season and 190 of those were new cases confirmed through laboratory testing. Pinal and 13 other counties were reporting increased flu activity.

Flu shots through the Pinal County Public Health are just $15, a bargain compared to the cost of cold and flu medicines or trips to the doctor's office and missed work. Flu shots are easier to find than ever before with major drug stores and grocery stores offering the shots. Some of these locations are able to submit claims for insurance reimbursement.

“People often focus on the physical toll that influenza takes on them and their families – usually feeling crummy for a week or so,” said Public Health Director Tom Schryer. “What they fail to consider is the economic toll it takes in terms of missed work hours, lost productivity, the cost of treatment and hours spent waiting for care. But flu also presents the risk of death for those with weakened immune systems, the elderly or people with heart or lung problems.”

Infection from the influenza virus can trigger an array of symptoms, including: fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle and body aches, headaches, fatigue and, in some people, vomiting and diarrhea.

“While the flu shot is not 100% effective all the time, it is the best defense against the influenza virus,” Schryer said. “If you suspect you have influenza, you should limit your exposure to others and seek medical treatment if you develop difficulty breathing, chest pain, frequent vomiting, or experience persistent cough or fever lasting more than three days.”

“Employees who try to brush off their symptoms and tough it out at work can actually make things worse for the office as a whole,” Pinal County Public Health Epidemiologist Graham Briggs explains. “Instead of one or two people missing work for a few days, the whole office gets sick adding up to a lot more absenteeism.”

Briggs encourages employers to allow workers, whenever possible, to stay home until they are free of a fever for 24 hours. Frequent hand washing, use of sanitizing gel and covering your cough can help prevent the spread of the virus if you do become sick.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracks the spread of flu on its website. Most states are showing widespread flu activity. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/usmap.htm

To schedule an appointment for your flu shot or for more information on influenza and vaccinations, please call the Pinal County Citizen Contact Center 1-888-431-1311. For a complete list of clinic locations with addresses, click on http://goo.gl/aT0YO.

Launch of eBooks Spurs Residents to get Library Cards

System Account — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 16:05:52 GMT

Press Release Date: 12/13/2012

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FLORENCE – The Pinal County Library District formally launched eBooks on December 4 but there was a soft launch a few weeks earlier for staff and librarian training. Since then, demand has been strong as residents learn about eBook availability. A total of 243 eBooks have been checked out since the soft launch and 311 since the absolute beginning.

At last week’s eBook launch, the libraries had between 400 and 500 titles. Today there are 682 eBooks in the online catalog. More titles will be added as staff members review requests and bestseller lists.

“The neat thing is once you have your library card, you don’t have to step foot in a library to enjoy our eBook collection,” said Denise Keller, Pinal County Library District Director. “We’d love to see you but all you need is the 3M Cloud Library application on your tablet or Windows PC. You can check the books out from anywhere there is internet access.”

Libraries are seeing an increase in people registering for library cards, too. There were 148 more library cards issued in the last two weeks than the two weeks prior (Apache Junction and Casa Grande libraries use a different system and those statistics were exempted from this analysis).

“The Veterans’ Day and Thanksgiving holidays fell in the previous two weeks so that may account for some of the difference but interest has been strong considering the public eBooks launch was just last week,” Keller said.

The top ten eBook downloads are:

Jack Reacher: One Shot by Lee Child
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
1225 Christmas Tree Lane by Debbie Macomber
A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Elizabeth the Queen by Sally Bedell Smith
The Expats by Chris Pavone
The Hard Way by Lee Child
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Wicked Business: A Lizzy and Diesel Novel by Janet Evanovich

Pinal County has created a helpful video about the eBooks launch. You can view that video at http://youtu.be/U9WY9q-_jn4. For more information and helpful guides go to: http://bit.ly/pcdigital

The public library network in Pinal County features eBooks, audio books, videos, free wifi access and activities for youth and families. Find your nearest library at http://goo.gl/q2nQ0.

December 15 Pet Adoption & Angel Tree Donations Event

System Account — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 16:02:06 GMT

Press Release Date: 12/13/2012

Body:

FLORENCE – Every animal deserves a home. This time of year family is on our minds. Adding a pet to your family is a big decision. Depending on your luck and the age of the pet you adopt, it is a rewarding commitment that lasts 10 to 15 years or more. Please consider adding the unconditional love of an animal to your family.

On Saturday, December 15, 2012, from 10 AM to 4PM, Pinal County Animal Care and Control will be hosting “Holiday Hounds and Christmas Kitties.” The event is being held at the Pet Club located at 1348 East Florence Boulevard in Casa Grande. Adoptions will range from $15 to $65. All adoptions will include spay/neuter, vaccinations and microchips.

Pinal County Animal Care & Control has set up three angel trees for all the animals still in the shelter. The animals in the shelter are in need of new toys, blankets, treats, canned food and sponsorships for adoption. Donations for the animals will be accepted at Pet Club in Casa Grande and at the shelter located at 1150 South Eleven Mile Corner Road in Casa Grande.

At a December 8 adoption event, Animal Care & Control was able to place 35 animals. Families or individuals adopted 13 dogs and eight cats. Six dogs and seven cats were released to rescue groups and one dog was returned to its rightful owner.

A donor who shares Animal Care & Control’s goal of controlling pet overpopulation and eliminating euthanasia made it possible for 18 animals to be spayed or neutered so they could be readied for adoption. The donor wishes to remain anonymous.

“We are grateful for the support of the community and for people who open their hearts and homes to shelter and rescued pets,” said Kaye Dickson, Director of Animal Care & Control. “Even if you can’t add a pet, if you share our passion for animals, please consider making a donation to help our shelter pets.”

“Cloud Library” eBooks Coming to your Living Room

System Account — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 17:23:11 GMT

Press Release Date: 11/27/2012

Body:

FLORENCE, AZ – The Pinal County Library District is launching eBook service at a special event at the Florence Community Library on December 4 at 5:30 PM. The Florence Community Library is located at 1000 South Willow Street.

“This is our next step in putting the library in your living room, your doctor’s office, your back yard, your vacation site or wherever you may choose to access our eBooks from your electronic device,” said Denise Keller, Pinal County Library District Director. “Our bricks and mortar libraries are here to stay but eBooks are growing in popularity so we obtained grant funding to offer them also.”

“All you need is a device like a Nook, iPhone or iPad, Kobo reader, Android phone or tablet device and a library card with a PIN number. On December 4, we can show you how easy it is to get the free Cloud Library application and check out your first free eBook,” Keller said.

If you can’t make it to the December 4 event, the Library District website has tutorials and Frequently Asked Questions on the main home page. Go to www.pinalcountyaz.gov and in the blue stack of links on the left side, click Library. On the library home page, you’ll find the information about the 3M Cloud Library conveniently featured in the center right section.

Users can download up to three eBooks at a time and the ‘check out’ period is three weeks per book. Extremely popular books may be wait-listed for a short time. This is because just like stocking hard-copy books on shelves, publishers require libraries to abide by a ‘one copy/one user’ model. The library licenses a certain quantity of eligible downloads. Once the quota is reached, you would have to place the item on your hold list and wait until it is available.

The Apache Junction Public Library and the Casa Grande Public Library entered into an agreement for a different eBook platform and those locations have eBook capabilities already. This will be a brand new service for the remaining 10 libraries in Pinal County.

The Cloud Library application will host more than 400 titles at launch with more titles being added in the months and weeks to follow.

If you don’t currently have a library card and you want to obtain one, go to http://goo.gl/AHXL1 to learn about getting a library card.

This project is supported with funds granted by the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records Agency under the Library Services and Technology Act, which is administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Using this grant, the Pinal County Library District was able to license the 3M Cloud Library application that hosts the downloadable eBooks and is tied into the County’s full library catalog, which can be viewed on the county website.

Update: Botulism Suspected in 7 Seriously Ill State Prison Inmates

System Account — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 18:26:14 GMT

Press Release Date: 11/27/2012

Body:

Update: 11/27/2012

An eighth inmate from the Arizona State Prison Complex Eyman in Florence was transported yesterday (November 26) for assessment and observation. His condition has not reached a threshold that the medical team and CDC believe anti-toxin should be administered. He is still undergoing evaluation.

Specimens from the affected inmates and samples of the contraband alcohol are now in custody of the CDC for testing. It is not immediately known how long the testing will take. Pinal County Public Health remains engaged with the CDC, Department of Corrections and medical providers to monitor the conditions of the inmates and continue the ongoing investigation.

Below is the original release issued yesterday containing additional details.

11/26/2012

County Working with State Corrections & Health Officials on Cooperative Investigation

FLORENCE – Seven inmates, all from Special Management Unit 1 of the Arizona State Prison Complex Eyman in Florence, are suspected to have botulism poisoning. The process to confirm botulism takes time but proactive treatment can begin after consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Four inmates became seriously ill on Saturday and are hospitalized and undergoing treatment. Late Saturday, a fifth man arrived who was exhibiting symptoms. Before noon on Sunday, two more inmates were hospitalized. All seven are in intensive care.

Once the CDC receives preliminary confirmation that botulism poisoning may have sickened individuals, the CDC authorizes the release of anti-toxin to the state. The CDC released the anti-toxin to the qualified medical providers who are treating the affected inmates.

Pinal County Public Health Officials are working with the Department of Corrections and Arizona Department of Health Services on a cooperative investigation, which includes:

Isolating and eliminating the source of the botulism. The source is believed to be contraband prisoner-made alcohol but this has not been confirmed by the ongoing investigation.
Determining if any other prisoners are affected.
Prison officials are closely monitoring the health of inmates in the same pod.

It is suspected that the inmates came in contact with the toxin from home-made prison ‘hooch,’ made from fermented fruit. This has not been confirmed by laboratory testing. Samples of the booze, often called ‘pruno,’ were obtained and submitted to the CDC for testing.

Sickness and death from botulism toxicity was more common many years ago, often coming from home-canned food and fruits. Increased attention to food safety and proper food handling methods has dramatically decreased the number of human toxicity cases from botulism.

Botulism is not spread person-to-person through breathing, sneezing or other means. Most adult cases of botulism toxicity occur by the ingestion of the toxin in food or drink. It can also occur by contamination of a wound or through IV drug use.

Muscle weakness and difficulty speaking, chewing and swallowing are symptoms in the early stages. Untreated, botulism toxicity can lead to generalized weakness, difficulty breathing and paralysis.

A very weak form of the botulism toxin is the commercial cosmetic product sold under the brand name Botox.

CDC Information on Botulism: http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/botulism/

Fall in Love with a Feline Event November 18

System Account — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 15:16:42 GMT

Press Release Date: 11/20/2012

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FLORENCE, AZ – Are you lonely? Looking for unconditional love? Hoping to find your “match” before the holidays? If your answer is yes, plan to stop out to Pinal County Animal Care and Control’s FALL in Love with a Feline cat adoption event on November 18. It will take place at The Pet Club, 1348 East Florence Boulevard in Casa Grande on Sunday, November 18 from noon to 3 PM.

Beautiful cats and kittens of all types will be available for adoption at prices ranging from $15 to $65.00. All cats and kittens will be microchipped, spayed or neutered and fully vaccinated, including the rabies vaccine.

“Please help these cats and kittens find the loving, forever homes they deserve,” said Animal Control Director Kaye Dickson. “Adopting a spayed or neutered pet from a shelter is an affirmative step in dealing with the pet overpopulation problem. These cats and kittens will make great companions for a single person or family. Your new best friend might be waiting to meet you at our event.”

Animal Care & Control Closed November 24 & December 22

System Account — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 15:09:55 GMT

Press Release Date: 11/20/2012

Body:

FLORENCE, AZ – Pinal County Animal Care & Control is canceling Saturday hours for the Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 24 and the Saturday before Christmas, December 22. The shelter is usually open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturdays.

Staff will tend to the animals in the shelter throughout the weekend but sufficient staffing will not be available to open for the public due to the holidays.

“We operate six days a week but we know from past experience that the Saturday after Thanksgiving is more of a family day or shopping day,” said Animal Control Director Kaye Dickson. “The Saturday before Christmas is usually the same way so we’ve canceled those hours as well. We will staff the shelter to care for the animals but it will not be open to the public on those days.”

Diabetes Education Classes Set for San Tan Valley & Maricopa

System Account — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 16:34:50 GMT

Press Release Date: 11/7/2012

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FLORENCE – Pinal County’s Public Health program aims to reduce health complications of patients with diabetes by presenting brief educational sessions for the public.

“These sessions are designed to help those living with diabetes or those who are newly diagnosed as well as their family members and loved ones,” said Rosanna Ringer, a registered dietitian who helps supervise Pinal County’s nutrition, education and outreach programs. “We will have useful information for everyone who wants to know more about living with diabetes.” The sessions will feature a speaker who will talk about glucose testing, self management, healthy eating and the role of physical activity. A question and answer session will follow the main speaker’s presentation.

“We know that some people who are diagnosed with diabetes won’t exactly run home and crack the books to learn all about their condition. Some people enjoy a relaxed conversation-type environment where they can get information, ask questions and learn in a non-intimidating setting,” Ringer said. “Diabetics crave information without scare tactics or excess jargon and that’s what we aim to deliver.”

Both sessions are free for the public to attend. Pinal County Public Health asks that you call in advance to reserve a seat so that there are enough chairs set up for everyone. Choose the date or location from below and call 1-800-231-8499, extension 7313.

Thursday, November 15 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm
San Tan Valley Public Health Clinic
36235 North Gantzel Road
Friday, November 16 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Maricopa Public Health Clinic
41600 West Smith Enke Road, Building 15

Again, to reserve a seat, please call 1-800-231-8499, extension 7313.

Pinal County’s website features a host of information pertaining to county services, tourism, road projects, public health and much more. Explore www.pinalcountyaz.gov and discover Pinal County’s wide open opportunity.

San Tan Valley Area to Benefit from Road Improvement Project

System Account — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 18:01:18 GMT

Press Release Date: 11/2/2012

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FLORENCE – Residents in the San Tan Valley area will soon see county-contracted crews working to improve a section of Bella Vista Road. A ‘scrub seal’ treatment is slated to be applied beginning Monday November 5, 2012, on Bella Vista Road from Hunt Highway to Gantzel Road.

This is the first of a two-step pavement preservation project and includes a combined total of 22,000 square yards of material used on a 2.68 miles section of Bella Vista Road. Application of a slurry seal will follow next year after the scrub seal is fully cured. Cactus Asphalt will be performing the work under a contract with Pinal County.

Foul weather or temperature extremes could affect the schedule for this project.

Message boards have been placed on either end of the project limits to alert residents of the road improvements. Please be alert to possible traffic delays. Drivers are urged to obey the speed limit and all posted signs and barricades while traveling through these construction zones.

Employees in the Pinal County Public Works Department appreciate your patience and understanding as they work to improve your drive throughout the county.

For more information, please contact:

Pinal County Public Works
Phone: (520) 866-6411
Email: PCRoadMaintenance@pinalcountyaz.gov

Pinal County’s website features a host of information pertaining to county services, tourism, road projects, public health and much more. Explore www.pinalcountyaz.gov and discover Pinal County’s wide open opportunity.

Supervisors Make Appointments to Judicial Nominating Committee

System Account — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 21:57:21 GMT

Press Release Date: 11/1/2012

Body:

Currently Seeking Applications for Trial Court Appointment Commission

FLORENCE – Non-attorney members are being sought to serve on the Pinal County Commission for Trial Court Appointments. There are several important changes coming to Pinal County in 2013. There will be a five-member Board of Supervisors, a variety of new office holders and now Superior Court judges will be chosen by the Governor and not through direct elections in the past.

According to the Arizona Constitution, a county with a population of 250,000 or more in the latest census shall move to merit selection of Superior Court judges. In the 2010 census, Pinal County’s official population was 375,770.

In September, the Board of Supervisors appointed seven residents from each of their respective districts (including the upcoming Districts 4 and 5) to sit as the Pinal County Commission of Trial Court Appointments Nominating Committee.

The Nominating Committee is currently seeking applications from non-attorneys to serve on the Pinal County Commission of Trial Court Appointments.

In accordance with the Arizona Constitution, Article VI, Section 41, requirements for the two (2) non-attorney members are:

Must have resided in the state for at least five years
Must have resided in the supervisorial district from which appointed for at least one year before being nominated (The supervisorial district in which you reside it can be found in this shortened URL: http://goo.gl/VzdW2
Cannot be a judge, a retired judge or a lawyer admitted to practice before the Arizona Supreme Court
Cannot hold any governmental office, elective or appointed, for profit (i.e. salary, commission, etc.) (An appointee can be a governmental employee.)

The nominating committee will select candidates to recommend to the Governor. Applications, along with the Committee’s recommendation for appointment, will be forwarded to the Governor who shall make appointments subject to confirmation by the Arizona Senate.

Note: The two appointees cannot be from the same political party.

Send a letter and résumé to Stephanie Jordan, Deputy Court Administrator, ATTENTION: Trial Court Commission Nominating Committee, POB 1748; Florence, AZ 85132.

The Nominating Committee is accepting applications through November 13, 2012 at 5:00 PM

Animal Care and Control Seeks Help Finding Wounded Dog

System Account — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 21:51:00 GMT

Press Release Date: 11/1/2012

Body:

FLORENCE – Pinal County Animal Care and Control is asking the public’s help in locating a dog that escaped capture as officers were trying to take it for treatment to a veterinarian in Casa Grande.

The dog is a yellow Labrador mix, approximately 30 pounds. The dog has wounds that need to be attended to by a veterinarian.

Officers ask that if you see the dog, please call the Pinal County Citizen Call Center at (520) 509-3555. During non-business hours the call will give you the option of contacting an on-call pager for Animal Care and Control.

The officers ask that you do not approach the animal because it may be frightened and aggressive.

Get that Pen Warmed Up! November is National Novel Writing Month

System Account — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 18:00:16 GMT

Press Release Date: 10/18/2012

Body:

Six Pinal County Libraries to Participate in Month-Long Event

FLORENCE – Have you been thinking about writing the next great American novel, but just haven’t completed it, or even started it yet?

If that literary genius in you is still struggling to come out, National Novel Writing Month can be what pushes you to write that novel that you have been thinking of for years.

National Novel Writing Month, also widely known as NaNoWriMo, is a month long challenge for budding writers to compose 50,000 words in 30 days. Last year over 250,000 writers around the world took part in the month-long event. It all begins with an idea, the desire to get 50,000 words together in a novel and finish by November 30.

Pinal County has an author who participated in NaNoWriMo and had a published novel from his efforts. Caris O’Malley wrote The Egg Said Nothing in 2010. This book is available from the Pinal County Library District.

Six Pinal County libraries will be celebrating NaNoWriMo.

Apache Junction Public Library
Vista Grande Library
Eloy Santa Cruz Library
Florence Community Library
Maricopa Public Library
Superior Public Library

To learn more about what Pinal County libraries will be doing for this year’s NaNoWriMo, visit the Calendar of Events at www.pinalcountyaz.gov/library . Or you can go to www.nanowrimo.org for help in discovering the writer in you.

No Valid Reasons for Skipping Well-Woman Care

System Account — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 18:29:09 GMT

Press Release Date: 10/15/2012

Body:

Early Detection Almost Always Means Faster Recovery, Lower Overall Cost

FLORENCE – The Pinal County Public Health Services District offers a comprehensive breast health program through their Well Woman HealthCheck Program throughout Pinal County. The Well Woman HealthCheck Program is a state-wide program that provides free breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services to women who qualify. In Pinal County, payment for these services comes from federal funds passed through the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). Grant funds are used to help low-income, uninsured, or underinsured individuals pay for services provided through this program.

“A job loss, loss of insurance coverage or any other personal or family issue should not be a reason to skip these important diagnostic exams,” said Pinal County Public Health Director Tom Schryer. “What we know from decades of documented evidence is that cancer detection tools are getting better and when problems are caught early, the chances for survival and a return to good health are far greater.”

Services offered through the Well Woman HealthCheck program include:

clinical breast exams;
pap tests;
pelvic exams;
referrals for diagnostic testing such as, ultrasounds, biopsies, other tests are also available if screening results are abnormal.
referrals for treatment if necessary
transportation arrangements for clinical and referral services, if needed

You can participate in the Well Woman HealthCheck Program if:

You do not have health insurance, your insurance does not cover the services offered by the Well Woman HealthCheck program, or your co-pay for breast and cervical cancer screening is $100 or more.
You do not have Medicare Part B
You do not have AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System)
Your household income is between 100 and 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (see table at end of press release)

Is available if you are 40-65 years of age
If symptomatic-age will not be a barrier to screening
Is available for those not recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

Is available if you are 21-65 years of age
Is available for those not recently diagnosed with cervical cancer.

For more information or to schedule an appointment please call the Pinal County Central Appointment Desk toll free at 1-866-960-0633.

Eligible clients must have income levels between 100 and 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). If your income is below 100% of the FPL you may be eligible for screening services through AHCCCS. Childless women that are below 100% of the FPL are also now eligible for the Well Woman HealthCheck program. The current FPL income guidelines are shown in the table below.

HealthCheck Program Income Eligibility
Household	Annual Income	Monthly Income	Annual Income	Monthly Income
Size	(100% FPL)	(100% FPL)	(250% FPL)	(250% FPL)
1	$11,170	$930.83	$27,925	$2,327.08
2	$15,130	$1,260.83	$37,825	$3,152.08
3	$19,090	$1,590.83	$47,725	$3,977.08
4	$23,050	$1,920.83	$57,625	$4,802.08
5	$27,010	$2,250.83	$67,525	$5,627.08
6	$30,970	$2,580.83	$77,425	$6,452.08
7	$34,930	$2,910.83	$87,325	$7,277.08
8	$38,890	$3,240.83	$97,225	$8,102.08

For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $3,960 for each additional person. Ref: http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/12poverty.shtml

Community Health Survey Seeks Public Input, Takes Less than 10 Minutes

System Account — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 18:27:53 GMT

Press Release Date: 10/15/2012

Body:

FLORENCE – Pinal County’s Public Health program is seeking input as part of a statewide health initiative with the Arizona Department of Health Services. The Community Health Assessment is an online survey that takes less than ten minutes to complete. The survey asks questions about factors that affect perceptions of health and access to care. No personally identifying information is required.

The survey will be available online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PinalCounty. SurveyMonkey is a free website that allows the user, in this case Pinal County Public Health, to build a survey, collect results and analyze the data later. Participating in the survey has no strings attached, will not result in email ‘spam’ and is a secure, safe site to offer your perspective anonymously.

Results from the study will be used to create a Pinal County and statewide Community Health Improvement Plan.

The survey will be available online until November 15, 2012. Please take a few minutes of your time to complete the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PinalCounty.

Travelers to Benefit from Safety Improvements on State Route 87

System Account — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 15:26:56 GMT

Press Release Date: 9/27/2012

Body:

ADOT Project to Affect Area Between SR 287 and Hunt Highway

FLORENCE – The Arizona Department of Transportation will start construction on an improvement project along State Route 87 beginning the week of October 1, 2012. The $8.5 million improvement project has been developed in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration and the Gila River Indian Community Department of Transportation.

Anticipated completion of this project is set for the week of May 10, 2013, however foul weather or temperature extremes could affect the schedule for this project.

Improvements will consist of repaving the highway, adding and widening shoulders, making intersection improvements, adding and extending turn lanes at intersections, installing signs and a number of other safety improvements throughout the 25-mile stretch of highway. The project will start just west of the intersection with State Route 287 and will continue north to Hunt Highway in the vicinity of Arizona Avenue.

This is not a project initiated or managed by Pinal County. The purpose in issuing this notice is to increase awareness and help residents plan for potential delays during certain phases of the project. ADOT is working in coordination with the Gila River Indian Community Department of Transportation, San Carlos Irrigation and Drainage District and Pima-Maricopa Irrigation Project to coordinate schedules construction activities along State Route 87.

For more information about this project, you may visit ADOT’s Project web page http://www.azdot.gov/highways/Projects/SR87_SR287-HuntHwy/index.asp. The site features a place to sign up for project updates via email.

Additional information can be obtained from:

Teresa Guillen, ADOT Senior Community Relations Officer tguillen@azdot.gov (602) 828-8075

Lars Jacoby, ADOT Project Manager LJacoby@azdot.gov (602) 501-8493

Attachments:

Project Fact Sheet provides detail regarding this project by the segment. http://www.azdot.gov/highways/projects/SR87_SR287-HuntHwy/pdf/factsheet.pdf

Project Schedule (attached in email)

Project Area Map http://www.azdot.gov/highways/projects/SR87_SR287-HuntHwy/pdf/map.pdf

For information about other ADOT projects throughout the state, please call 1 855 712-8530 or visit www.azdot.gov or www.facebook.com/azdot.

Plans Advance for Union Pacific Red Rock Project

System Account — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 15:02:29 GMT

Press Release Date: 9/27/2012

Body:

FLORENCE – The Union Pacific Railroad first announced plans to construct a classification yard in the Picacho area in 2006. The project received another nudge toward reality with the announcement of a pair of studies addressing infrastructure feasibility and the demand for industrial uses near the site.

Both studies were part of the Arizona State Land Department’s analysis in advance of possibly putting the needed land up for sale. Pinal County Supervisor Pete Rios and County Manager Fritz A. Behring met yesterday with key legislators, staff from the Governor’s office and officials from the Arizona State Land Department to discuss the reports.

“This project would be an economic engine for Arizona, not just Pinal County. Upon the successful auction and sale of the state-owned land, there would be immediate employment opportunities for living-wage jobs,” said Supervisor Pete Rios.

“This project makes immediate sense for Arizona, taking into account some of the recommendations in the reports. It also makes long term sense for Arizona because it would spawn additional development and industry,” Rios explained.

Rios referred to opportunities for industrial and commercial development that would become more enticing due to rail and freeway access. While Rios thinks the Gruen Gruen & Associates study offers some valid recommendations, he thinks the study underestimates the strategic location of this project.

“Moving products efficiently to buyers is key. This project, in tandem with access to interstates 8 and 10, would make Arizona and Pinal County more attractive to companies hoping to expand or relocate from higher cost states,” Board of Supervisors’ Chairman David Snider. “Union Pacific's yard, when evaluated with the proximity of the Pinal Air Park and in conjunction with the CANAMEX Corridor, promises to help jump-start the economies of both Pinal County and Arizona.”

In May, Arizona’s state Senate and House approved a resolution in support of the project. Senate Concurrent Resolution 1044, sponsored by Senator Al Melvin, (SCR1044) passed the House with a 46-4 vote and passed the Senate 19-9.

A bi-partisan group of Pinal County and state leaders have thrown their support behind this proposed 950-acre project, a classification yard at which Union Pacific will sort rail cars thereby making its operation more fuel efficient and cost effective. The proposed Red Rock project is strategically located in Pinal County, which is bisected by two major interstates and adjacent to the Pinal Air Park and Phoenix and is located within a foreign trade zone.

Union Pacific has made significant investments toward increased rail capacity such as laying a parallel set of tracks through Arizona. A fact sheet on Union Pacific’s website indicates that the company has invested more than $607.5 million in Arizona since 2007.

A classification yard is a way for the rail company to optimize efficiency and reduce the number of trips it makes hauling empty cars. Tucson and Flagstaff are Arizona’s biggest rail towns, with Phoenix in the middle. UP’s Tucson facility is land-locked and therefore cannot expand. The Red Rock project would enhance efficiency and create growth opportunities for Union Pacific while also creating jobs.

The project would be situated along Interstate 10, just north of Park Link Drive. The land at the site is nearly perfectly flat, making it ideal for construction of a consolidation yard.

Additional Resources:
Pinal County’s website: http://pinalcountyaz.gov/ed/Pages/UnionPacific.aspx
Arizona State Land Department: http://www.land.state.az.us/

Source for investment in Arizona facts: http://www.uprr.com/aboutup/usguide/attachments/state_factsheets/az.pdf

SCR1044 was introduced by Senator Al Melvin with cosponsors Senator Linda Gray, Senator Gail Griffin and Representative Frank Pratt. Here is a link to the text: http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/50leg/2r/bills/scr1044h.pdf

Animal Care & Control World Rabies Day Event, Sept 28

System Account — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 15:37:44 GMT

Press Release Date: 9/21/2012

Body:

Free Rabies Vaccine for Dogs When Renewing or Licensing, Cats Eligible for Vaccine Also

FLORENCE – Friday, September 28 is National World Rabies Day and Pinal County Animal Care & Control will be open extended hours. An area vet will be on staff from noon to 7:00 PM to administer the rabies vaccine to dogs or cats.

“A lot of people don’t realize that Animal Control’s primary mission is to prevent the spread of rabies, which is deadly to animals and humans,” Dickson said. “Licensing your pet gives proof that it has a current vaccine. If there is no proof of vaccination and your dog bites someone and breaks the skin, we have to impound the animal at the owner’s expense until rabies is ruled out.”

If you are a resident of unincorporated Pinal County, your cat does not need to be licensed. Some cities and towns do require licenses for cats.

The shelter will have special adoption pricing for select cats and dogs and microchipping of pets will be available at the reduced rate of $15.00. Microchips can be administered to pet dogs, cats, ferrets and rabbits. For the safety of the vets and Animal Care & Control staff, feral/wild cats will not be vaccinated or microchipped.

Healing Hearts’ Mobile Veterinary Surgical Unit will be on site to perform spay/neuter services at a reduced rate. Animal Care & Control will also offer one voucher per household for $25 off spay/neuter. Vouchers are only available to Pinal County residents. There are 26 spay/neuter appointments available on September 28. For more information or to make an appointment, call 520-509-3555.

Licensing fees vary depending if the animal is spayed/neutered or unaltered. There is a discount for senior citizens who own dogs. If your pet already has a rabies vaccination and you simply need to license it, please bring a current rabies vaccination certificate from a licensed veterinarian that is valid for at least one year.

Animal Care & Control Shelter & Adoption Center
1150 South Eleven Mile Corner Road, Casa Grande
Special Hours September 28: Open 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Rabies vaccine available between 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM

Other activities include:

Volunteer information session for one hour starting at 3:00. Bilingual residents are encouraged to attend.
Graham Briggs, Pinal County Epidemiologist will lead a discussion from 6:00 to 7:00 PM on rabies and why reporting of and treatment for animal bites is so critical. Seating is limited to 30 people.
For Casa Grande residents: City of Casa Grande will be on site from 4:00 to 7:00 PM to offer city pet licenses. During these hours only, Casa Grande residents will be able to get their pets vaccinated for rabies and licensed.

For more information on license fees and other frequently asked questions, visit the website at www.pinalcountyaz.gov and click on PETS from the left menu or use this shortcut: http://goo.gl/1b53B. The Pinal County Citizen Contact Center at 888-431-1311 or 520-509-3555 can also help with your Animal Care & Control questions.

Mosquito Fogging Scheduled in San Tan Valley Area

System Account — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 21:04:16 GMT

Press Release Date: 9/19/2012

Body:

FLORENCE – Pinal County Environmental Health Services announced today that mosquito fogging will be conducted in the San Tan Valley/Rancho Bella Vista area. Mosquitoes trapped during routine surveillance for West Nile virus tested positive, resulting in the need to fog the area to prevent transmission of the disease to humans.

So far this year, Pinal County has had two laboratory-confirmed human cases of West Nile virus. Fogging will take place, weather permitting, in the following areas:

SAN TAN VALLEY – Rancho Bella Vista South – Area encompasses Bella Vista to the north, Union Pacific Rail Road tracks to the east, Omega Drive to the south and Gantzel Road to the west. Fogging will take place between the hours of 4:00 and 5:00 AM on September 19, 20 and 21.

The pesticide that will be used during fogging is called Anvil. It is a pre-mixed, ready-to-use product that contains two active ingredients: Sumithrin (2%) and piperonyl butoxide (2%). Sumithrin is a man-made version of a natural pesticide found in chrysanthemum flowers. Piperonyl butoxide enhances the ability of Sumithrin to kill mosquitoes. Anvil is registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency and is effective against the mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus.

There are several things that residents can do to reduce exposure during fogging:

Close all windows and doors. Air conditioners can still be operated, but if they have vents to bring in outside air, they should be closed. Turn off evaporative coolers.
Stay inside your home.
If possible, bring pets inside.
Thirty minutes after the end of the scheduled fogging each night, you may resume normal activities.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. West Nile virus can cause severe illness in people and horses, although not everyone who is infected will develop symptoms. People of all ages can be affected however the elderly may be more prone to serious illness. County health officials urge all county residents to “Fight the Bite” and follow these simple personal precautions to avoid mosquitoes and the diseases they may carry:

Avoid outside activity between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, wear lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs and use an insect repellent containing an EPA registered active ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always follow the directions on the label.
Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and remain closed. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes in them.
Eliminate mosquito-breeding sites around the home by removing standing water in potted plants, tires, bird baths and other containers where water may collect.
Ensure that swimming pools and decorative water features are properly maintained.
Change water in flowerpots, birdbaths and pet watering bowls located outdoors at least twice per week.

What Are the Symptoms of West Nile?
No Symptoms in Most People. Approximately, 80 percent of people (about 4 out of 5) who are infected with West Nile will not show any symptoms at all.

Milder Symptoms in Some People. Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected have symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for as short as a few days, though even healthy people have become sick for several weeks.

Serious Symptoms in a Few People. About one in 150 people infected with West Nile will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.

The County has a mosquito hotline and a webpage. If you would like information on mosquito prevention and control, please call: 866-287-0209, ext. 6200, or visit the West Nile virus webpage at: http://www.pinalcountyaz.gov/Departments/EnvironmentalHealth/Pages/Home.aspx.

Aaah-choo! Flu Season Coming Soon, Schedule Flu Shots Starting Sept 24

System Account — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 21:03:16 GMT

Press Release Date: 9/19/2012

Body:

FLORENCE – Pinal County Public Health will begin providing flu shots to the public on Monday, October 1, 2012 by appointment only. For your convenience, and to ensure short wait times, we will begin scheduling appointments starting Monday, September 24, 2012 and continuing through the end of October. In order to schedule appointments for adults, please call toll free 1-888-431-1311, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. Children may be vaccinated on a walk-in basis.

Flu shots through the Pinal County Public Health Services District are just $15, a bargain compared to the cost of cold and flu medicines or trips to the doctor's office and missed work. If you are unable to schedule an appointment, the opportunity to receive a flu shot as a “walk-in” will be available on the following days after October 20, 2012:

Kearny – 3rd Wednesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Oracle – 4th Wednesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Mammoth –Thursdays & Saturdays 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Superior - 2nd Wednesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Apache Junction – Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Coolidge – Thursdays & Fridays 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Casa Grande – Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Eloy – Tuesdays & Wednesdays 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Maricopa – Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
San Tan Valley – Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Special Closures for Training/Holidays:All Pinal County Public Health clinics will be closed Tuesday, October 2, Monday, October 8, Tuesday, November 6, Monday, November 12 and Thursday, November 22.

Children can receive a flu shot without an appointment at their local Pinal County Public Health clinic.

In order to reduce that chance of catching the flu this season, the Public Health Department recommends frequent hand washing using soap and warm water for 30 seconds. If you do become ill, it is important to stay home to help prevent spreading the illness to others. To schedule an appointment for your flu shot or for more information on influenza and vaccinations, please call the Pinal County Citizen Contact Center 1-888-431-1311. For a complete list of clinic locations with addresses, click on http://goo.gl/aT0YO.

Proposed Sidebar:

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Recommends Annual Flu Shot

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends an annual flu vaccine as the first and best way to protect against influenza. This recommendation is the same even during years when the vaccine composition (the viruses the vaccine protects against) remains unchanged from the previous season.

There are two reasons for getting a yearly flu vaccine:

The first reason is that because flu viruses are constantly changing, flu vaccines may be updated from one season to the next to protect against the most recent and most commonly circulating viruses.
The second reason that annual vaccination is recommended is that a person’s immune protection from vaccination declines over time and annual vaccination is needed for optimal protection.

Several studies conducted over different flu seasons and involving different influenza viruses and types of flu vaccine have shown that a person’s protection against influenza viruses declines over the course of a year after vaccination, particularly in the elderly. So, a flu shot given during one season may not provide adequate protection through later seasons (see reference section below).
The decline in protection against the flu that occurs after vaccination or after flu infection may be influenced by several factors, including a person’s age, the antigen used in the vaccine, and the person’s health situation (for example, chronic health conditions that weaken the immune system may have an impact).
This decline in protection has the potential to leave some people more vulnerable to infection, illness and possibly serious complications from the same influenza viruses a year after being vaccinated.

The Timing of Vaccination

This fall, everyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated against the flu as soon as the 2012-13 influenza vaccines become available, even if they got vaccinated last season.
CDC recommends that influenza vaccination begin as soon as 2012-13 flu vaccine becomes available and continue throughout the flu season. People should begin getting vaccinated as soon as vaccine becomes available in their community.
It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection. Influenza season can begin as early as October and is unpredictable. Therefore, CDC recommends vaccination efforts begin as soon as vaccine becomes available to ensure that as many people as possible are protected before flu season begins.

Pavement Preservation Projects to Begin September 24 in Arizona City, Eloy Areas

System Account — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 21:44:35 GMT

Press Release Date: 9/14/2012

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FLORENCE – Pinal County Public Works crews will be placing an Asphalt Dust Rock Palliative (ADRP) layer on four stretches of road in the Arizona City and Eloy areas. ADRP is similar to a chip seal and it is used to smooth and renew the road surface while cutting down on dust. Work will begin September 24.

These pavement preservation projects will use a combined total of 186,550 square yards of material to resurface approximately 22.7 lane miles of improved road. The project will use almost 2800 tons of chip and 357 tons of oil. The ADRP will lengthen the life of the road while also helping improve air quality by minimizing dust.

The roads to be affected by the pavement preservation project include:

Hanna Road from Curry Road to La Palma
Battaglia Drive from La Palma Road to State Route 87
Sunland Gin Road from Greene Reservoir Road to Harmon Road
Harmon Road from Sunshine Boulevard to Picacho Highway

The timing of this project may be changed due to inclement weather. Certain conditions need to be present for optimal results. Please be alert to possible traffic delays. Drivers are urged to obey the speed limit and all posted signs and barricades while traveling through these construction zones.

Employees in the Pinal County Public Works Department appreciate your patience and understanding as they work to improve your drive throughout the county.

To see the location of the ADRP project and other sites where road construction is taking place in Pinal County, go to Public Works’ road construction map at: http://goo.gl/Imi9E.

County Home Page Gets Makeover with Easy-to-Find Search and Transactions Index on Right

System Account — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 18:18:52 GMT

Press Release Date: 9/12/2012

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FLORENCE – Pinal County’s website has already undergone one extreme makeover with the launch of the now familiar site in 2008. Since that time, Pinal County leaders have sought to create more ways to conduct business with the county online from the comforts of home or business. The new Pinal County main page puts all the transactional and search capabilities on the home page in a “Service Portal” on the right side of the page.

Whether you are visiting the site to search for tax information, view Board agendas, see pending zoning cases or pay property tax, the online services portal will guide you to the information you need. You can sign up for alerts, report problems, pay certain fines and fees online or apply for jobs this way. There are also handy searches accessible from the home page.

“This marks an important transition that we’ve been engaged in for several years,” said Board of Supervisors’ Chairman David Snider. “Rather than standing in line, we will try to serve you more conveniently online.”

The home page also received a makeover in terms of how you find information. You can still look up information by department from the left side of the page but information is grouped more intuitively. You don’t have to know that dog licenses come from a department called Animal Care & Control, you can click on “Pets” the site will display animal-related information.

“Every step we take to help folks access services or information from their homes or offices, the better we can serve people,” said District 1 Supervisor Pete Rios. “Some people like to come in and talk to a real person and that’s still available. As people get busier and as more people do business online, it makes sense for us to be accessible that way too.”

“I like that the search box is more prominent on the home page,” said District 2 Supervisor Clark Smithson. “That makes it easier for any of us to find what we need, even if we don’t know which department sponsors the service or program.”

New to the site is a scrolling display of featured topics in the upper center portion of the home page. These topics will change based on what’s hot or urgent at the time. The News & Information section will feature press releases and new videos from the county’s YouTube page. Look for continued refinements in the coming months. The main home page is www.pinalcountyaz.gov.

Treasurer’s Office Projects Savings through New Tax Notification Process

System Account — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 16:15:30 GMT

Press Release Date: 9/12/2012

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FLORENCE – Pinal County Treasurer Dodie Doolittle announced on Thursday a new tax notification process her office will be using for the 2012 tax bills.

This new process will allow businesses, mortgage companies and individuals who own 25 or more properties to see their tax amount due online through a secure server. These property owners will be given an option of receiving a tax notification by post card rather than the tax bill that is usually received by a home or business owner.

“There are a lot of advantages to this new process,” Treasurer Doolittle said. “We project our department will save somewhere between twenty and thirty thousand dollars of taxpayer money in postage costs. It will also speed up the payment process if the property owner decides to pay online.”

Doolittle said that sending a post card is 40 cents cheaper than sending an entire bill.

Homeowners may see changes to the delivery of tax bills if their mortgage company decides to sign up for the new process.

“In the past the Treasurer’s Office would send a bill to both the mortgage company and the homeowner,” Doolittle said. “Sometimes the homeowners would send us a tax payment even though their mortgage company already did. In the end, our staff would have to sort out all the double payments made on one property. Now, if the homeowner has a mortgage and if that company is signed up with us online, the Treasurer’s Office will send the property owner an information post card. The card is intended to show the homeowner what the year’s taxes are on their property.”

Another improvement with this new process is in the PDF copy of the tax bills found online. These will now be much clearer since the PDF is generated by the Treasurer’s Office and not an outside vendor as in prior years.

Pinal County joins Maricopa County in using this new process of tax billing.

Builders, Contractors, Remodelers Invited to Asbestos & Dust Control Seminar

System Account — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 16:14:19 GMT

Press Release Date: 9/12/2012

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FLORENCE, AZ – Valued for its flame retardancy, structural integrity and insulation properties, asbestos was widely used in construction until the 1980s. It can still be used today in certain applications. The United States has not banned the use of asbestos but its use is limited and special consideration is necessary when working around asbestos. Pinal County will present a seminar on October 19 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM to explain the federal rules and requirements for working around asbestos.

“People would be surprised at the wide variety of products and materials that contain asbestos,” said Kale Walch from Pinal County’s Air Quality program. “The federal regulations on asbestos presume that any commercial structure may contain the substance. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules require testing to prove that asbestos is not present.”

The EPA rules are administered by Pinal County’s Air Quality program. Prior to remodeling, additions, construction or renovations to existing commercial structures, the structure must be tested for asbestos.

“We’re holding this seminar on October 19 to help educate and inform the contractor, builder, remodeler and building management community,” Walch explained. “We will also cover dust control requirements for a variety of commercial construction projects.”

The October 19 seminar would be ideal for professionals such as:

Facility Managers
Building Owners
Developers
Contractors & Remodelers
Fire Departments
Permitting Agencies

In addition to the local requirements, the seminar will cover the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Registration IS required but attendance is free. To register go to: www.eia-az.org.

The program will be held in the Emergency Operations Center, which is to the right of the main entrance to Building F at 31 North Pinal Avenue. The registration deadline is the Monday prior to the October 19 workshop. Lunch will be provided.

For more information, contact Kale Walch at kale.walch@pinalcountyaz.gov or 520-866-6960.

County to Allow Open Burning in Areas with Reduced Wildfire Risk

System Account — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 17:52:22 GMT

Press Release Date: 9/11/2012

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FLORENCE, AZ – Pinal County Air Quality will resume issuing open burning permits in portions of Pinal County on September 17, 2012. The ban originally went into effect in late April to mitigate the risk of wildfire. Recent rains and higher humidity levels have reduced the fire risk in many areas.

The ban on open burning will remain in effect where local fire departments still regard open fires as a threat, including the Oracle and Dudleyville Fire Districts.

State law prohibits open burning in the portion of north central Pinal County that includes Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Gold Canyon and San Tan Valley. This region, referred to as Area A, is affected by more stringent air quality regulations that prohibit open burning until October 1.

On September 17, 2012 Pinal County Air Quality will also resume holding satellite office hours at the Casa Grande County Complex located at 820 E. Cottonwood Lane, Building A, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:00 AM to noon.

For additional information on open burning or for an application for a burn permit, see the Air Quality Division’s website at http://pinalcountyaz.gov/Departments/AirQuality/Pages/BurnPermits.aspx or call the Pinal County Air Quality Division at 520-866-6929.

Re-Count Triggered by Tight Congressional District 4 Dem Race

System Account — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 21:27:50 GMT

Press Release Date: 9/10/2012

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Pinal County to Conduct Logic & Accuracy Test Wednesday at 2 PM

FLORENCE – For those who wonder if their vote really counts, wonder no more. The Congressional District 4 Democrat race was so close on a district-wide level that an automatic re-count was triggered. According to unofficial results on the Secretary of State’s website, Johnnie Robinson garnered 10,185 votes in the democrat race for Congressional District 4 and Mikel Weisser garnered 10,166 votes – a difference of only 19 votes.

“Arizona elections laws dictate instances when you have to do a re-count and prescribes the method by which ballots are recounted,” said Steve Kizer, Pinal County Elections Director. “Before recounting the ballots, we must conduct a logic and accuracy test on our ballot-counting machines.”

Logic and Accuracy tests are performed on all machines prior to an election. When ballots need to be re-counted, the test must be performed again on any machines that will be used to tally the votes a second time. The tests are performed at the Elections office and the testing is public, meaning that anyone may stop in to observe.

The Logic and Accuracy test for the ballot-counting machines that will be used to tally the recount results will take place at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, September 12, 2012.

After the test, the democrat ballots cast in the race for Congressional District 4 will be re-counted and results will be submitted to the Arizona Secretary of State’s office in Phoenix. The other counties whose residents voted in the Congressional District 4 race will also be re-counting ballots and reporting results to the Secretary of State.

Comunicado de prensa de condado de Pinal

Para publicación inmediata Contacto: Heather Murphy (520) 866-6057
El 10 de septiembre de 2012 Joe Pyritz (520) 866-6226

Recuento Provocado por Distrito Congresional Apretado 4 Carrera Democrática
Pinal County llevar a cabo la Lógica y Exactitud prueba del miércoles a las 2 pm

FLORENCIA - Para aquellos que se preguntan si su voto realmente cuenta, no es de extrañar más. El Distrito Congresional numero 4 carrera demócrata era tan estrecha a nivel de todo el distrito que un recuento automático se dispara. Según los resultados no oficiales en el sitio web de la secretaria de estado, Johnnie Robinson obtuvo 10.185 votos en la carrera demócrata para el Congreso del Distrito 4 y Mikel Weisser obtuvo 10.166 votos - una diferencia de sólo 19 votos.

“Las leyes de elecciones de Arizona dictan instancias cuando usted tiene que hacer un recuento y prescribe el método por el cual se relataba boletas,” dijo Steve Kizer, Director de elecciones del Condado Pinal. “Antes de contar las votaciones, debemos conducir una lógica y prueba de exactitud en nuestras máquinas de recuento de los votos.”

Pruebas de lógica y exactitud se realizan en todas las máquinas antes de la elección. Cuando las boletas deben ser re-contados, la prueba debe realizarse una vez más en las máquinas que se utilizará para el recuento de votos por segunda vez. Las pruebas se realizan en la oficina de elecciones y la prueba es público, lo que significa que cualquiera puede observar.

La prueba de lógica y exactitud de las máquinas que se utilizan para computar el recuento resultados tendrá lugar a las 2 en la tarde el miércoles 12 de septiembre, 2012.

Después de la prueba, las boletas democráticas en la carrera por Distrito Congresional 4 será contado y los resultados se presentarán a la Oficina de la Arizona del Secretario de estado en Phoenix. Los otros condados cuyos residentes votaron en la carrera 4 de distrito del Congreso también contarán votaciones e informar los resultados a la secretaria de estado.

Federal Program & Habitat for Humanity Helps Pinal County Family Achieve Home Ownership

System Account — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 15:44:54 GMT

Press Release Date: 8/30/2012

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FLORENCE – Saturday, September 8 at 9:00 AM will be a very special date for the Blanton family. It’s the groundbreaking for the family’s new home at 1863 South Pino Circle in Apache Junction.

As a result of a three-way partnership among Pinal County, City of Apache Junction and Habitat for Humanity, a single mother of two young children will have a new home. According to a biography provided by Habitat for Humanity, Kelly Blanton and her children Natalie and Benjamin currently share in a one-bedroom home with Kelly’s mother.

“The dream of owning a home seemed just out of reach for Kelly, who works at a city community center,” Pinal County Housing Director Adeline Allen said. “There were three vacant lots identified by Habitat for Humanity that could be built on. Habitat for Humanity will help construct and finance the home and Blanton will pay the mortgage after she moves in.”

“Habitat for Humanity, Pinal County and the Blanton family are investing federal funds to stabilize an unfinished community with a high foreclosure rate,” said Pinal County District 2 Supervisor Clark Smithson. “This is good for Apache Junction but, more importantly, this provides a wonderful opportunity for this young family to enjoy a safe place to live where the children can play outdoors.”

This is the first of three homes that Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona will build in Apache Junction. An important component of the non-profit’s business model is the concept of ‘sweat equity’ through which the family that will live in the home assists in its construction. For more information or to contribute labor or materials, go to the group’s website www.habitatcaz.org.

Pinal County has received $3,168,315 in federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP3) funds. These are funds made available through the U.S. Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Program’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program. The program provides targeted emergency assistance to state and local governments to acquire, redevelop or demolish foreclosed properties. This will meet the HUD objective of stabilizing neighborhoods damaged by foreclosure, vacancy or abandoned properties. Neighborhood Stabilization Program funding will be used for this project.

Road Openings and Closures Following Tuesday’s Storm

System Account — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 18:20:59 GMT

Press Release Date: 8/23/2012

Body:

FLORENCE– Pinal County Public Works Road crews are continually monitoring roads in western and eastern Pinal County. Here are a list of the openings and closures as of 4:00pm Wednesday, August 22.

Roads Opened as of 4:00pm, Wednesday, August 22:

Maricopa Area

Val Vista Road from Warren to Deer Trail
Ralston Road from Papago Road to Peters and Nall Road
Farrell Road from Carlyle Road to Ralston Road

Casa Grande Area

Peters Road from Trekell Road to Thornton Road

Roads Closed as of 4:00pm, Wednesday, August 22: San Manuel Area

River Road from Tom Rhodes Ranch Road to Redington Road-San Pedro River Running

Mammoth Area

Copper Creek Road from Bluebird Street to River Road-San Pedro River Running

Casa Grande Area

Selma Highway from ChuChu Road to Trekell Road-Underwater
Storey Road from Tweedy Road to Curry Road-Washed Out
Kleck Road from Signal Peak Road to Tweedy Road-Underwater

Stanfield Area

Russell Road from Peters Road to Interstate 8-Washed Out
Barnes Road from Pala Road to Stanfield Road-Santa Rosa Wash Running
Miller Road from Murphy Road to Stanfield Road-Santa Rosa Wash Running

How you can help your Public Works staff

Pinal County Public Works is asking residents to contact us at (520) 866-6411 or email us at pcroadmaintenance@pinalcountyaz.gov if there is any debris on county roads or if road repairs are needed.

NOTE: For neighborhood roads within master planned communities, please contact your homeowner’s association. If you live in a municipality, please contact your city to report street and road problems.

Please provide the following information:

Name of road
Between what cross streets (example: Thistle Road to Johnson Ranch Boulevard)
Specifics about the problem (debris in road, tree limbs in road, road flooded or washed out, signs down, traffic signal not functioning, etc.)
Your name
A phone number to contact you if we need further information

We appreciate your assistance in alerting us to road hazards that would affect the traveling public.

Road Closures Following Monsoon Storm in Pinal County

System Account — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 16:57:09 GMT

Press Release Date: 8/22/2012

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FLORENCE– Pinal County Public Works Road crews are busy this morning monitoring roads in District 1 and 3 following a series of monsoon storms that hit several areas Tuesday night.

Roads Closed as of 9:00am, Wednesday, August 22:

San Manuel Area

River Road from Tom Rhodes Ranch Road to Redington Road-San Pedro River Running

Mammoth Area

Copper Creek Road from Bluebird Street to River Road-San Pedro River Running

Casa Grande Area

Selma Highway from ChuChu Road to Trekell Road-Underwater
Storey Road from Tweedy Road to Curry Road-Washed Out
Kleck Road from Signal Peak Road to Tweedy Road-Underwater
Peters Road from Trekell Road to Thornton Road-Underwater

Maricopa Area

Val Vista Road from Warren to Deer Trail-Vekol Wash Running
Ralston Road from Papago Road to Peters and Nall Road-Vekol Wash Running
Farrell Road from Carlyle Road to Ralston Road-Vekol Wash Running

Stanfield Area

Russell Road from Peters Road to Interstate 8-Washed Out

Name of road
Between what cross streets (example: Thistle Road to Johnson Ranch Boulevard)
Specifics about the problem (debris in road, tree limbs in road, road flooded or washed out, signs down, traffic signal not functioning, etc.)
Your name
A phone number to contact you if we need further information

We appreciate your assistance in alerting us to road hazards that would affect the traveling public.

Hazmat Exercise Tests Pinal County First Responders

System Account — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 18:09:16 GMT

Press Release Date: 8/16/2012

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FLORENCE – Fire fighters, police officers and hazardous materials units from Florence, Coolidge, Casa Grande and Eloy put their skills to the test Tuesday morning at Florence’s Heritage Park.

The scenario involved a non-descript truck carrying three drums of unknown material. When the truck stops in the parking lot of Heritage Park, one of the drums overturns leaking a vapor that injures six students who were at the park. The driver of the truck is missing and there is no identification indicating what is contained in the drums.

“This exercise is designed to bring in responders from multiple jurisdictions to learn more about incident command systems, hazardous materials and how to properly manage those incidents when they occur,” said Pinal County Emergency Management Director Lou Miranda. “It really helps all the first responders to participate in a simulated environment where there are controlled elements of that exercise.”

Students from the Central Arizona Vocational Institute of Technology (CAVIT) participated in the exercise. The students were mock victims, having each been ‘affected’ by the vapors emanating from the leaking drum.

Christian Godoy, a CAVIT student, said that each victim was given a card explaining the ‘symptoms’ they were suffering. After breathing (it was a simulation) the mysterious fumes, first responders came to tend to the victims. First responders were instructed to act as though the symptoms were real.

“It says I have redness and burning to the hands and upper portion of the left side. I also have a stinging sensation to the thighs that I am complaining about and I have redness to the eyes along with raspy voice and cough,” Godoy’s card said.

The symptoms give first responders a chance to use their in the field triage skills when assessing victims for transport or treatment at the scene.

“Our first priority is life safety,” explained Brad Kells, an engineer with the Florence Fire Department. “We went in and did a triage of the victims, took them out of the hazard zone and then went back to make an assessment of what materials were on the truck.”

At the end of the exercise, what really counted was participation in an exercise of this type and learning something new just in case a real hazmat event occurs.

“We are not criticizing anyone on their tactics, techniques or procedures,” Miranda said. “As a matter of fact, we just offer advice on how certain procedures should take place to enhance the learning environment. That’s what this exercise is all about – learning.”

The August 14 hazmat exercise was the third in a series of multi-jurisdictional emergency preparedness exercises that Pinal County Emergency Management supports throughout the region.

Mosquito Fogging Scheduled in Areas of Florence & Coolidge

System Account — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 23:17:47 GMT

Press Release Date: 8/10/2012

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FLORENCE – Pinal County Environmental Health Services announced today that mosquito fogging will be conducted in the Coolidge and Florence areas beginning August 14. Mosquitoes trapped during routine surveillance for West Nile virus tested positive, resulting in the need to fog the area to prevent transmission of the disease to humans.

So far this year, Pinal County one confirmed human case of West Nile virus. Fogging will take place, weather permitting, in the following areas:

FLORENCE – Magic Ranch – Area encompasses Walker Granite Road/Poseidon Road alignment to the west, Arizona Farms Road. to the north, Quail Run Lane to the east, and Hiller Road alignment to the south. Fogging will take place August 14 to 16 between the hours of 12:30AM - 5:00AM

COOLIDGE – Lake in the Desert – Area encompasses Woodruff Road to the north, Toltec Buttes Road to the east, Randolph Road to the south and Overfield Road to the west. Fogging will take place August 14 to 16 between the hours of 12:30AM - 5:00AM

The pesticide that will be used during fogging is called Anvil. It is a pre-mixed, ready-to-use product that contains two active ingredients: Sumithrin (2%) and piperonyl butoxide (2%). Sumithrin is a man-made version of a natural pesticide found in chrysanthemum flowers. Piperonyl butoxide enhances the ability of Sumithrin to kill mosquitoes. Anvil is registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency and is effective against the mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus.

There are several things that residents can do to reduce exposure during fogging:
• Close all windows and doors. Air conditioners can still be operated, but if they have vents to bring in outside air, they should be closed. Turn off evaporative coolers.
• Stay inside your home.
• If possible, bring pets inside.
• Thirty minutes after the end of the scheduled fogging each night, you may resume normal activities.
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. West Nile virus can cause severe illness in people and horses, although not everyone who is infected will develop symptoms. People of all ages can be affected however, the elderly may be more prone to serious illness. County health officials urge all county residents to “Fight the Bite” and follow these simple personal precautions to avoid mosquitoes and the diseases they may carry:

Avoid outside activity between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, wear lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs and use an insect repellent containing an EPA registered active ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always follow the directions on the label.
Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and remain closed. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes in them.
Eliminate mosquito-breeding sites around the home by removing standing water in potted plants, tires, bird baths and other containers where water may collect.
Ensure that swimming pools and decorative water features are properly maintained.
Change water in flowerpots, birdbaths and pet watering bowls located outdoors at least twice per week.

What Are the Symptoms of West Nile?
No Symptoms in Most People. Approximately, 80 percent of people (about 4 out of 5) who are infected with West Nile will not show any symptoms at all.

Milder Symptoms in Some People. Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected have symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for as short as a few days, though even healthy people have become sick for several weeks.

Serious Symptoms in a Few People. About one in 150 people infected with West Nile will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.

The County has a mosquito hotline and a webpage. If you would like information on mosquito prevention and control, please call: 866-287-0209, ext. 6200, or visit the West Nile virus webpage at: http://www.pinalcountyaz.gov/Departments/EnvironmentalHealth/Pages/Home.aspx.

Licensing Your Dog Just Got More Convenient

System Account — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 23:58:24 GMT

Press Release Date: 8/9/2012

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Licensing Your Dog Just Got More Convenient

Effective 07/10/2012

FLORENCE, AZ – Pinal County Animal Care & Control announces that dog licenses may be obtained at four locations around the county. Customer service representatives in three of Pinal County’s One Stop service centers are now able to take pet licensure applications. There are One Stop locations for pet licenses in Florence, Apache Junction and Oracle.

“We continually look at ways we can improve services and make things more convenient for our residents. This change is the result of inter-departmental collaboration to better serve the public,” said Animal Care & Control Director Kaye Dickson. “Pet licenses can still be obtained at Animal Care & Control’s shelter and adoption center on Eleven Mile Corner Road or at three One Stop counters around the county.”

Locations are:

Florence (Effective today)
31 North Pinal Street, Building F
Weekdays 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Apache Junction (Beginning August 1)
575 North Idaho Road, Suite 800
Mondays & Wednesdays 8:00 AM to Noon

Oracle (Beginning August 1)
1470 Justice Drive
Mondays & Wednesdays 8:00 AM to Noon

Animal Care & Control Shelter & Adoption Center
1150 South Eleven Mile Corner Road
Weekdays 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturdays

Licensing fees vary depending if the animal is spayed/neutered or unaltered. There is a discount for senior citizens who own dogs. You must bring a current rabies vaccination certificate from a licensed veterinarian that is good for at least one year.

“A lot of people don’t realize that Animal Control’s primary mission is to prevent the spread of rabies, which is deadly to animals and humans,” Dickson said. “Licensing your pet gives proof that it has a current vaccine. If there is no proof of vaccination and your dog bites someone and breaks the skin, we have to impound the animal at the owner’s expense until rabies is ruled out.”

If you are a resident of unincorporated Pinal County, your cat does not need to be licensed. Some cities and towns do require licenses for cats.

For more information on license fees and other frequently asked questions, visit the website at www.pinalcountyaz.gov and choose Animal Care & Control from the list of departments or use this shortcut: http://goo.gl/1b53B. The Pinal County Citizen Contact Center at 888-431-1311 or 520-509-3555 can also help with your Animal Care & Control questions.

First Human Case of West Nile Virus Confirmed in Pinal County

System Account — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 15:55:17 GMT

Press Release Date: 8/8/2012

Body:

FLORENCE – Pinal County Public Health officials have confirmed this year’s first human case of West Nile Virus. A female in her 30s from the northern Florence area tested positive. Her prognosis is good and she has so far reported only milder symptoms.

West Nile virus activity has been reported in portions of Maricopa and Pinal counties as evidenced by mosquito surveillance and documented human cases in the past several weeks. Countywide surveillance activities have detected mosquitoes carrying West Nile in Maricopa, San Tan Valley, Arizona City, Florence (Magic Ranch area) and Coolidge.

Seven human cases of West Nile have been identified statewide this year. Six cases occurred in Maricopa County residents and one in a Pinal County woman. Several other potential human cases are under investigation by state and local health officials. One West Nile-associated death occurred in Maricopa County so far this year.

Pinal County has confirmed only one case so far, but many more cases are likely occurring since most people who are exposed experience no symptoms or very mild symptoms and do not seek medical care. Physicians generally test for West Nile only if severe symptoms develop.

“West Nile virus is a significant threat to public health and should not be taken lightly. While the illness from West Nile virus is often times minor, some cases can become serious, resulting in permanent neurological damage and even death. I urge all Pinal County residents to take the simple steps needed to protect themselves, family and friends from West Nile virus,” said Tom Schryer, Director of Pinal County Public Health.

County health officials urge all county residents to “Fight the Bite” and follow these simple personal precautions to avoid mosquitoes and the diseases they may carry:

Avoid outside activity between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, wear lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs and use an insect repellent containing an EPA registered active ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always follow the directions on the label.
Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and remain closed. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes in them.
Eliminate mosquito-breeding sites around the home by removing standing water in potted plants, tires, bird baths and other containers where water may collect.
Ensure that swimming pools and decorative water features are properly maintained.
Change water in flowerpots, birdbaths and pet watering bowls located outdoors at least twice per week.

What Are the Symptoms of West Nile?
No Symptoms in Most People. Approximately, 80 percent of people (about 4 out of 5) who are infected with West Nile will not show any symptoms at all.

Milder Symptoms in Some People. Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected have symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for as short as a few days, though even healthy people have become sick for several weeks.

Serious Symptoms in a Few People. About one in 150 people infected with West Nile will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.

Pinal County Environmental Health monitors nearly 150 mosquito traps around the county to identify areas where mosquitoes are carrying West Nile virus. When positive mosquitoes are found, fogging is conducted to decrease the potential for transmission to humans.

The County has a mosquito hotline and a webpage. If you would like information on mosquito prevention and control, please call: 866-287-0209, ext. 6200, or visit the West Nile virus webpage at: http://www.pinalcountyaz.gov/Departments/EnvironmentalHealth/Pages/Home.aspx.

Botulism May Have Sickened 4 State Prison Inmates, Undergoing Treatment

System Account — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 21:04:38 GMT

Press Release Date: 8/6/2012

Body:

County Working with State Corrections & Health Officials on Cooperative Investigation

FLORENCE – Four inmates, all from Special Management Unit 1 of the Arizona State Prison Complex Eyman in Florence, are suspected to have botulism poisoning. The process to confirm botulism takes time but proactive treatment can begin after consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All four inmates are hospitalized and undergoing treatment. Three are known to be in stable condition. The condition of the fourth inmate is unknown at press time.

Once the CDC receives preliminary confirmation that botulism poisoning may have sickened individuals, the CDC authorizes the release of anti-toxin to the state. The CDC has released the anti-toxin to the Arizona Department of Health Services which is delivering it to the qualified medical providers who are treating the affected inmates.

Pinal County Public Health Officials are working with the Department of Corrections and Arizona Department of Health Services on a cooperative investigation, which includes:

Isolating and eliminating the source of the botulism. The source is believed to be contraband prisoner-made alcohol but this has not been confirmed by the ongoing investigation.
Determining if any other prisoners are affected. At this point more cases are highly unlikely.
Prison officials are closely monitoring the health of inmates in the same pod.

Sickness and death from botulism toxicity was more common many years ago, often coming from home-canned food and fruits. Increased attention to food safety and proper food handling methods has dramatically decreased the number of human toxicity cases from botulism.

Botulism is not spread person-to-person through breathing, sneezing or other means. Most cases of botulism toxicity occur by the ingestion of the toxin in food or drink. It can also occur by contamination of a wound or through IV drug use.

Muscle weakness and difficulty speaking, chewing and swallowing are symptoms in the early stages. Untreated, botulism toxicity can lead to generalized weakness, difficulty breathing and paralysis.

A very weak form of the botulism toxin is the commercial cosmetic product sold under the brand name Botox.

CDC Information on Botulism: http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/botulism/

Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile, Fogging Scheduled in Maricopa

System Account — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 20:56:35 GMT

Press Release Date: 8/6/2012

Body:

FLORENCE – Pinal County Environmental Health Services announced today that mosquito fogging will be conducted in Maricopa beginning Wednesday, August 8. Mosquitoes trapped during routine surveillance for West Nile virus tested positive, resulting in the need to fog the area to prevent transmission of the disease to humans.

So far this year, Pinal County has not had a human case of West Nile virus. Fogging will take place, weather permitting, in the following areas:

8-8-2012 to 8-10-2012 between the hours of 3:00 and 5:00 AM – City of Maricopa – Area encompasses Mobile Road to the north, Garvey Road to the southwest and John Wayne Parkway to the east.

The pesticide that will be used during fogging is called Anvil. It is a pre-mixed, ready-to-use product that contains two active ingredients: Sumithrin (2%) and piperonyl butoxide (2%). Sumithrin is a man-made version of a natural pesticide found in chrysanthemum flowers. Piperonyl butoxide enhances the ability of Sumithrin to kill mosquitoes. Anvil is registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency and is effective against the mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus.

There are several things that residents can do to reduce exposure during fogging:

Close all windows and doors. Air conditioners can still be operated, but if they have vents to bring in outside air, they should be closed. Turn off evaporative coolers.
Stay inside your home.
If possible, bring pets inside.
Thirty minutes after the end of the scheduled fogging each night, you may resume normal activities.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. West Nile virus can cause severe illness in people and horses, although not everyone who is infected will develop symptoms. People of all ages can be affected however, the elderly may be more prone to serious illness. County health officials urge all county residents to “Fight the Bite” and follow these simple personal precautions to avoid mosquitoes and the diseases they may carry:

Avoid outside activity between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, wear lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs and use an insect repellent containing an EPA registered active ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always follow the directions on the label.
Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and remain closed. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes in them.
Eliminate mosquito-breeding sites around the home by removing standing water in potted plants, tires, bird baths and other containers where water may collect.
Ensure that swimming pools and decorative water features are properly maintained.
Change water in flowerpots, birdbaths and pet watering bowls located outdoors at least twice per week.

Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile, Fogging Scheduled in 3 Areas

System Account — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 22:35:24 GMT

Press Release Date: 7/27/2012

Body:

FLORENCE – Pinal County Environmental Health Services announced today that mosquito fogging will be conducted in three areas of the county beginning Tuesday, July 31. Mosquitoes trapped during routine surveillance for West Nile virus tested positive, resulting in the need to fog the area to prevent transmission of the disease to humans.

So far this year, Pinal County has not had a human case of West Nile virus. Fogging will take place, weather permitting, in the following areas:

07/31/2012 - 08/02/2012 ARIZONA CITY - Area encompasses Battaglia Drive to the north, Sunland Gin Road to the east, Alsdorf Road to the south and Henness Road to the west between the hours of 11:00 PM - 5:00 AM

07/31/2012 - 08/02/2012 FLORENCE - MAGIC RANCH - Area encompasses Walker Granite Road /Poseidon Rd. alignment to the west, Arizona Farms Road to the north, Quail Run Lane to the east, and Hiller Road alignment to the south between the hours of 11:00 PM - 5:00 AM

07/31/2012 - 08/02/2012 COOLIDGE - LAKE IN THE DESERT - Area encompasses Woodruff Road to the north, Toltec Buttes Road to the east, Randolph Road to the south and Overfield Road to the west between the hours of 11:00 PM - 5:00 AM

The pesticide that will be used during fogging is called Anvil. It is a pre-mixed, ready-to-use product that contains two active ingredients: Sumithrin (2%) and piperonyl butoxide (2%). Sumithrin is a man-made version of a natural pesticide found in chrysanthemum flowers. Piperonyl butoxide enhances the ability of Sumithrin to kill mosquitoes. Anvil is registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency and is effective against the mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus.

There are several things that residents can do to reduce exposure during fogging:

Close all windows and doors. Air conditioners can still be operated, but if they have vents to bring in outside air, they should be closed. Turn off evaporative coolers.
Stay inside your home.
If possible, bring pets inside.
Thirty minutes after the end of the scheduled fogging each night, you may resume normal activities.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. West Nile virus can cause severe illness in people and horses, although not everyone who is infected will develop symptoms. People of all ages can be affected however, the elderly may be more prone to serious illness. County health officials urge all county residents to “Fight the Bite” and follow these simple personal precautions to avoid mosquitoes and the diseases they may carry:

Avoid outside activity between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, wear lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs and use an insect repellent containing an EPA registered active ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always follow the directions on the label.
Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and remain closed. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes in them.
Eliminate mosquito-breeding sites around the home by removing standing water in potted plants, tires, bird baths and other containers where water may collect.
Ensure that swimming pools and decorative water features are properly maintained.
Change water in flowerpots, birdbaths and pet watering bowls located outdoors at least twice per week.

What Are the Symptoms of West Nile?
No Symptoms in Most People. Approximately, 80 percent of people (about 4 out of 5) who are infected with West Nile will not show any symptoms at all.

Milder Symptoms in Some People. Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected have symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for as short as a few days, though even healthy people have become sick for several weeks.

Serious Symptoms in a Few People. About one in 150 people infected with West Nile will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.

The County has a mosquito hotline and a webpage. If you would like information on mosquito prevention and control, please call: 866-287-0209, ext. 6200, or visit the West Nile virus webpage at: http://www.pinalcountyaz.gov/Departments/EnvironmentalHealth/Pages/Home.aspx.

Mosquito Fogging set for Maricopa after Bugs Test Positive for West Nile

System Account — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 21:03:52 GMT

Press Release Date: 7/25/2012

Body:

FLORENCE – Pinal County Environmental Health Services announced today that mosquito fogging will be conducted in Maricopa and San Tan Valley beginning Wednesday, July 25 and continuing until July 27. Mosquitoes trapped during routine surveillance for West Nile virus tested positive, resulting in the need to fog the area to prevent transmission of the disease to humans.

So far this year, Pinal County has not had a human case of West Nile virus.

City of Maricopa – July 25-27, 2012 between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM. Area to be fogged is bounded by Mobile Road to the north, Green Road to the west, Bowlin Road to the south and John Wayne Parkway to the east (including Acacia Crossings and Maricopa Meadows)

The pesticide that will be used during fogging is called Anvil. It is a pre-mixed, ready-to-use product that contains two active ingredients: Sumithrin (2%) and piperonyl butoxide (2%). Sumithrin is a man-made version of a natural pesticide found in chrysanthemum flowers. Piperonyl butoxide enhances the ability of Sumithrin to kill mosquitoes. Anvil is registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency and is effective against the mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus.

There are several things that residents can do to reduce exposure during fogging:

Close all windows and doors. Air conditioners can still be operated, but if they have vents to bring in outside air, they should be closed. Turn off evaporative coolers.
Stay inside your home.
If possible, bring pets inside.
Thirty minutes after the end of the scheduled fogging each night, you may resume normal activities.
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. West Nile virus can cause severe illness in people and horses, although not everyone who is infected will develop symptoms. People of all ages can be affected however, the elderly may be more prone to serious illness. County health officials urge all county residents to “Fight the Bite” and follow these simple personal precautions to avoid mosquitoes and the diseases they may carry:
Avoid outside activity between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, wear lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs and use an insect repellent containing an EPA registered active ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always follow the directions on the label.
Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and remain closed. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes in them.
Eliminate mosquito-breeding sites around the home by removing standing water in potted plants, tires, bird baths and other containers where water may collect.
Ensure that swimming pools and decorative water features are properly maintained.
Change water in flowerpots, birdbaths and pet watering bowls located outdoors at least twice per week.

Fair Favorites Face the Fire on Food Network Show

System Account — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 20:59:46 GMT

Press Release Date: 7/25/2012

Body:

FLORENCE—The Pinal County Fair has plenty of great food to choose from. You can get your standard corn dog on a stick or be a little adventurous with a braised turkey leg. One food vendor has pushed the envelope of outdoor culinary cuisine each year at the fair: Whiskey Ranch BBQ.

Their method of turning a side of beef into a mouth-watering, slow-cooked barbeque masterpiece caught the eye of Food Network producers. The owners and pitmasters, Tom and Jennifer Duncan, will be competing on this Sunday’s season premiere episode of “Chopped: Grill Masters.”

“It’s very cut-throat and very difficult,” said Tom, who had to compete against his wife on the show. “As a cook you generally know what you will prepare, what ingredients you will have and what kind of equipment you will be using. That wasn’t the case on the show. You didn’t know what you were going to cook until they unveiled it.”

The show Chopped is usually set in a studio with state-of-the-art kitchen equipment. This season’s series premiere was videotaped on the Old Tucson Studios movie set featuring a battle of the barbeque chefs. Although they can’t divulge the winner, the Duncans were pleased to be chosen for the on-air competition.

“It was really amazing,” Jennifer recalled. “You have four different people who had four different ideas on the food that was given to us. You would look at their ideas and you couldn’t help but to learn from it.”

“No matter how we did on the show, there are tens of thousands of people that the producers look at. We were lucky to be the one percent picked to participate,” Tom said. “Jennifer and I were the first married couple to compete on the show.”

The Whiskey Ranch BBQ truck is a staple at both the Pinal County Fair and the Bluegrass Festival. Their repertoire not only includes barbequed beef and pork, but wood-fired pizza as well. The mobile nature of their business has allowed the couple to cater a large variety of events from weddings to corporate parties. It allows them to spend more time with their children Cole & Cassie.

“Before food trucks became big, we were already two or three years into it,” said Tom. “We developed a niche of being mobile. This allows us to serve anywhere from 50 people at an event to 20,000.”

Now that Whiskey Ranch BBQ has hit the “big time,” will they be back for the Pinal County Fair and the Bluegrass Festival?

“There are things that are near and dear to our schedule,” Tom said. “We have already blacked out different events for the next year and Pinal County events are part of that.”

When they arrive for next year’s Bluegrass Festival and Fair, Tom and Jennifer might have a new item or two on their menu thanks to their appearance on Chopped: Grill Masters.

“The show gave us some new ideas,” Jennifer said. “It might be a small change in our ribs or a little change elsewhere. We love this business so much and it shows in our food. If it puts a smile on a customer’s face, it’s all worth it.”

####

Note: The season premiere of Chopped: Grill Masters is this Sunday at 7:00pm on the Food Network.

Sinkhole Forming in Red Rock Subdivision

System Account — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 20:24:44 GMT

Press Release Date: 7/25/2012

Body:

FLORENCE – An intersection in the Red Rock subdivision is closed until further notice due to a sinkhole.

The intersection of South Spirit Lane and East Prospector Place is currently closed as crews work to correct the problem. The sinkhole is near Red Rock Elementary School. Access to the campus is available – other traffic should use alternative routes in the area.

Crews currently do not have an estimated time when the work will be completed.

Please use caution in the area and obey all signage and traffic control. Employees of Pinal County Public Works appreciate your cooperation and understanding as they work to improve your drive throughout the county.

For more information, please contact:
Pinal County Public Works
(520) 866-6411
Or email: PCRoadMaintenance@pinalcountyaz.gov

Back-to-School Immunization Clinics Countywide

System Account — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 20:16:18 GMT

Press Release Date: 7/27/2012

Body:

Updated 7/27/2012
FLORENCE, AZ – Each year, thousands of children become ill from diseases that could have been prevented by basic childhood immunizations. Countless more miss time from day care and school because they are under-immunized or inappropriately immunized.

Immunizations are available at no charge for children and teens 18 and under. Pinal County Public Health Services District will be hosting Back-to-School Immunization walk-in clinics on the following days in July and August:

Casa Grande – 820 East Cottonwood Lane, Building E – Monday through Saturday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

San Tan Valley – 36235 N. Gantzel Road – Monday through Thursday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Maricopa – 41600 W. Smith-Enke Road, Bldg. 15 – Tuesday through Friday 8:00am to 6:00 pm

Apache Junction - 575 North Idaho Road, Suite 301 – Wednesday through Saturday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Kearny – 355 Alden Road – 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Oracle – 1870 West American Avenue – 4th Wednesday of the month 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Mammoth – 110 Main Street – Thursdays through Saturdays 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Superior – 60 East Main Street – 2nd Wednesday of the month 8:00 am to 6:00pm

Coolidge – 119 West Central – Thursdays & Fridays 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Eloy – 302 East 5th Street - Tuesdays & Wednesdays 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Please be advised all clinics will be closed on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 and Tuesday, August 7, 2012 for staff training.

Required school immunizations are provided at no cost to you. Please bring immunization records for your child or children with you. There will be no questions regarding residency status as proof of residency is not required. The goal is to vaccinate every child to prevent childhood diseases.

“A fully vaccinated child is protected against 14 serious and sometimes deadly diseases,” said Tom Schryer, Pinal County Public Health Director. “These are diseases that are completely preventable with immunizations. We urge all Pinal County families to ensure that their children are up-to-date on immunizations.”

Please do not miss this opportunity to have your children vaccinated before school starts!

For more information or to find a public health clinic near you to ensure that your child receives the proper immunizations before school begins, please call 1-866-960-0633.

Facts about childhood immunizations:

Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes - Title 15 Education - Section 15-872, a child shall not be allowed to attend school without submitting documentary proof of immunizations to the school administrator unless the child is exempted from immunization.
Infants are the most vulnerable population when it comes to infectious diseases. It is critical to protect them through proper immunization.
A high vaccination rate among children reduces the chance of an epidemic, thus playing a critical role in safeguarding public health not only on a local level but globally as well.
Pinal County Public Health and other healthcare providers are an excellent source for understanding what immunizations a child needs for school entry.
Vaccine safety is at an all-time high. Vaccines are rigorously tested before placed on the open market. Several agencies, including the CDC and Pinal County Public Health monitor the safety of vaccines.
It is important that healthcare providers and parents share the responsibility for making sure a child is fully immunized by the age of two.

The Monsoon Rains are Here, Time to Guard Yourself Against Mosquitoes

System Account — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 15:46:40 GMT

Press Release Date: 7/19/2012

Body:

FLORENCE – This weekend the annual monsoonal flow of moisture into Arizona didn’t miss any parts of Pinal County. Significant rainfall totals were seen across the county from Mammoth to Maricopa.

Those rains bring with them a familiar foe: mosquitoes.

Employees from Pinal County’s Environmental Health’s Vector Control Program have been hitting the streets early in the morning setting traps to find out if any of them are carrying West Nile virus (WNV).

“So far we’ve been lucky,” said Tami Schuler, an employee with the Vector Control Program. “To date, we have not found mosquitoes carrying West Nile. But that doesn’t mean they are not out there.”

“We usually see up and down cycles when it comes to mosquitoes carrying West Nile. Last year was a bit slow when it came to finding mosquitoes with the virus, if the cycle holds true, we should see more mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile.”

Last year Pinal County had one probable human case of the mosquito-borne illness. So far this year, Maricopa County has had one confirmed human case of West Nile.

If any of the trapped mosquitoes show any positive signs of West Nile virus, a fogging is usually scheduled as soon as possible.

“The number of complaints we have received has gone up in the past few weeks,” Schuler said. “Just so the public knows, we will not fog for nuisance mosquitoes. We know they are annoying, but our focus is stopping the spread of the West Nile virus so we fog in areas where mosquitoes test positive.”

To protect yourself from mosquitoes, follow these tips:

Avoid outside activity between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, wear lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs and use an insect repellent containing an EPA registered active ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always follow the directions on the label.
Make sure doors and windows have tight screens and remain closed. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes in them.
Eliminate mosquito-breeding sites around the home by removing standing water in potted plants, tires, bird baths and other containers where water may collect.
Ensure that swimming pools and decorative water features are properly maintained.
Change water in flowerpots, birdbaths and pet watering bowls located outdoors at least twice per week.

“Our residents have been terrific in helping to keep our WNV numbers down,” Schuler explained. “They are heeding the warnings to watch out for areas where water is pooling and taking precautions such as emptying old tires or changing their pet’s water bowl each day.”

The County has a mosquito hotline and a webpage. If you would like information on mosquito prevention and control, please call: 866-287-0209, ext. 6200, or visit the West Nile virus webpage at: http://www.pinalcountyaz.gov/Departments/EnvironmentalHealth/Pages/Home.aspx.

Railroad Crossing Replacement Requires SR79 Detour North of Florence

System Account — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 22:35:12 GMT

Press Release Date: 7/17/2012

Body:

Required Detour will Add 15-20 Minutes Travel Time Temporarily

FLORENCE – The Pinal County Public Works Department has been advised by the Copper Basin Railway that a track replacement and crossing repair project will require closure of State Route 79 between East Hunt Highway and Arizona Farms Road.

Work is slated to begin July 20 and last for a few days. Like any outdoor construction project, the timing can be affected by inclement weather.

A detour will take drivers off of State Route 79 and route traffic around the closure and back onto State Route 79. The detour will require residents, visitors and commuters to add about 15 to 20 minutes travel time. Access will be maintained via a dirt road detour for emergency responders only. Florence Gardens residents and employees of ICE or other enterprises located between Arizona Farms and East Hunt Highway must use the detour to comply with state safety requirements.

Pinal County was notified as an advisory. This is NOT project initiated or managed by Pinal County. The purpose in issuing this press release is to increase awareness and alert the public to the detour. RoadSafe Traffic Systems is managing the project. The contact phone number for RoadSafe is 602-243-1218.

Pinal County’s website www.pinalcountyaz.gov is packed with useful information for residents, visitors, businesses or people looking to start or relocate a business. Please bookmark the site in your web browser.

Licensing Your Dog Just Got More Convenient

System Account — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 14:47:57 GMT

Press Release Date: 7/10/2012

Body:

FLORENCE, AZ – Pinal County Animal Care & Control announces that dog licenses may be obtained at four locations around the county. Customer service representatives in three of Pinal County’s One Stop service centers are now able to take pet licensure applications. There are One Stop locations for pet licenses in Florence, Apache Junction and Oracle.

“We continually look at ways we can improve services and make things more convenient for our residents. This change is the result of inter-departmental collaboration to better serve the public,” said Animal Care & Control Director Kaye Dickson. “Pet licenses can still be obtained at Animal Care & Control’s shelter and adoption center on Eleven Mile Corner Road or at three One Stop counters around the county.”

Locations are:

Florence (Effective today)
31 North Pinal Street, Building F
Weekdays 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Apache Junction (Beginning August 1)
575 North Idaho Road, Suite 800
Mondays & Wednesdays 8:00 AM to Noon

Oracle (Beginning August 1)
1470 Justice Drive
Mondays & Wednesdays 8:00 AM to Noon

Animal Care & Control Shelter & Adoption Center
1150 South Eleven Mile Corner Road
Weekdays 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturdays

Licensing fees vary depending if the animal is spayed/neutered or unaltered. There is a discount for senior citizens who own dogs. You must bring a current rabies vaccination certificate from a licensed veterinarian that is good for at least one year.

“A lot of people don’t realize that Animal Control’s primary mission is to prevent the spread of rabies, which is deadly to animals and humans,” Dickson said. “Licensing your pet gives proof that it has a current vaccine. If there is no proof of vaccination and your dog bites someone and breaks the skin, we have to impound the animal at the owner’s expense until rabies is ruled out.”

If you are a resident of unincorporated Pinal County, your cat does not need to be licensed. Some cities and towns do require licenses for cats.

For more information on license fees and other frequently asked questions, visit the website at www.pinalcountyaz.gov and choose Animal Care & Control from the list of departments or use this shortcut: http://goo.gl/1b53B. The Pinal County Citizen Contact Center at 888-431-1311 or 520-509-3555 can also help with your Animal Care & Control questions.

Storm Damage Assessments, Road Closures & Recovery Efforts Underway 4:00 pm Update for Friday, July 6

System Account — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 22:10:54 GMT

Press Release Date: 7/9/2012

Body:

FLORENCE– Pinal County Public Works crews are still monitoring several closed roads due to high water in and around washes. We will work to ensure that updated information is made available as soon as possible.

Keep an eye on the skies this weekend. The weather forecasts call for a 20 percent chance of rain on Saturday and Sunday. If you come to a low level road with water running in it, do not take that chance. Remember this saying: “turn around, don’t drown.”

If you see crews working to clear roadways, please slow down and pass with caution.

Roads Remaining Closed as of 4:00 pm Friday, July 6:

South Hidden Valley Area

Amarillo Valley Road from Smoke Tree Road to Miller Road
Barnes Road from Appaloosa Road to Amarillo Valley Road

Casa Grande Area

Peters Road from Montgomery Highway to Midway Road
Barnes Road from Pala Road to Stanfield Road
Cornman Road from Bianco Road to Midway Road
Cowtown Road from Burris Road to Ethington Road

San Manuel Area

Copper Creek Road at San Pedro River Crossing

Name of road
Between what cross streets (example: Thistle Road to Johnson Ranch Boulevard)
Specifics about the problem (debris in road, tree limbs in road, road flooded or washed out, signs down, traffic signal not functioning, etc.)
Your name
A phone number to contact you if we need further information

We appreciate your assistance in alerting us to road hazards that would affect the traveling public.

Storm Damage Assessments, Road Closures & Recovery Efforts Underway 9:00 am Update for Friday, July 6

System Account — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 17:47:49 GMT

Press Release Date: 7/9/2012

Body:

FLORENCE– Recovery from Wednesday’s Fourth of July monsoon storms continues in Pinal County. Pinal County Public Works crews are still monitoring several closed roads due to high water in and around washes. We will work to ensure that updated information is made available as soon as possible.

If you see crews working to clear roadways, please slow down and pass with caution.

Roads Remaining Closed as of 4:00 pm Thursday, July 5:

South Hidden Valley Area

Amarillo Valley Road from Smoke Tree Road to Miller Road
Barnes Road from Appaloosa Road to Amarillo Valley Road

Casa Grande Area

Peters Road from Montgomery Highway to Midway Road
Barnes Road from Pala Road to Stanfield Road
Cowtown Road from Burris Road to Ethington Road

Marana Area

Sasco Road from Hollis Road to La Osa Ranch Road

San Manuel Area

River Road at San Pedro River Crossing
Copper Creek Road at San Pedro River Crossing

Casa Grande Area

Cornman Road from Bianco Road to Midway Road
Arica Road from Midway Road to Russell Road

Name of road
Between what cross streets (example: Thistle Road to Johnson Ranch Boulevard)
Specifics about the problem (debris in road, tree limbs in road, road flooded or washed out, signs down, traffic signal not functioning, etc.)
Your name
A phone number to contact you if we need further information

We appreciate your assistance in alerting us to road hazards that would affect the traveling public.

Storm Damage Assessments, Road Closures & Recovery Efforts Underway 4:00 pm Update

System Account — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 17:45:46 GMT

Press Release Date: 7/9/2012

Body:

Amarillo Valley Road from Smoke Tree Road to Miller Road
Barnes Road from Appaloosa Road to Amarillo Valley Road

Casa Grande Area

Casa Grande-Maricopa Highway from Murphy Road to White and Parker Road
Peters Road from Montgomery Highway to Midway Road
Barnes Road from Pala Road to Stanfield Road
Miller Road from Murphy Road to Stanfield Road
Cowtown Road from Burris Road to Ethington Road

New closures as of 4:00 pm Thursday, July 5:

Marana Area

Sasco Road from Hollis Road to La Osa Ranch Road

San Manuel Area

River Road at San Pedro River Crossing
Copper Creek Road at San Pedro River Crossing

Casa Grande Area

Cornman Road from Bianco Road to Midway Road
Arica Road from Midway Road to Russell Road

Name of road
Between what cross streets (example: Thistle Road to Johnson Ranch Boulevard)
Specifics about the problem (debris in road, tree limbs in road, road flooded or washed out, signs down, traffic signal not functioning, etc.)
Your name
A phone number to contact you if we need further information

We appreciate your assistance in alerting us to road hazards that would affect the traveling public.

Storm Damage Assessments, Road Closures & Recovery Efforts Underway 9:00 AM Update

System Account — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 23:36:11 GMT

Press Release Date: 7/5/2012

Body:

FLORENCE– Recovery from Wednesday’s Fourth of July monsoon storms is underway in throughout Pinal County. Pinal County Public Works crews are still monitoring several closed roads due to high water in and around washes. It is expected that most of these roads will be opened sometime today. We will work to ensure that updated information is made available as soon as possible.

If you see crews working to clear roadways, please slow down and pass with caution.

Closures as of 9:00 am Thursday, July 5:

South Hidden Valley Area

Amarillo Valley Road from Javalina Road to Clayton Road
Amarillo Valley Road from Smoke Tree Road to Miller Road
Barnes Road from Appaloosa Road to Amarillo Valley Road

Casa Grande Area
Casa Grande-Maricopa Highway from Murphy Road to White and Parker Road
Peters Road from Ethington Road to Quinn Drive
Peters Road from Montgomery Highway to Midway Road
Barnes Road from Pala Road to Stanfield Road
Bianco Road from Highway 84 to Cornman Road
Miller Road from Murphy Road to Stanfield Road
Cowtown Road from Burris Road to Ethington Road

How you can help your Public Works staff

Pinal County Public Works is asking residents to contact us at (520) 866-6411 or email us at pcroadmaintenance@pinalcountyaz.gov if there is any debris on county roads or if road repairs are needed.

NOTE: For neighborhood roads within master planned communities, please contact your homeowner’s association. If you live in a municipality, please contact your city to report street and road problems.

Please provide the following information:

Name of road
Between what cross streets (example: Thistle Road to Johnson Ranch Boulevard)
Specifics about the problem (debris in road, tree limbs in road, road flooded or washed out, signs down, traffic signal not functioning, etc.)
Your name
A phone number to contact you if we need further information

We appreciate your assistance in alerting us to road hazards that would affect the traveling public.

####

Pinal County “Just One Day” Results in 25 Adoptions, 27 Spay/Neuters

System Account — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 14:40:12 GMT

Press Release Date: 6/19/2012

Body:

FLORENCE, AZ – Monday, June 11 marked a national effort to reduce or eliminate animal euthanasia. Pinal County Animal Care & Control signed on to support the event with multiple events during a 12-hour Open House event.

The shelter facility opened at 8:00 AM and planned to stay open until 8:00 PM. Shelter workers were surprised and happy to still be finalizing adoption paperwork at 8:15 PM for the 25th animal adopted that day. There were 23 dogs and two cats that found new homes as a result of the Just One Day open house. The enthusiasm carried over to Tuesday when five more animals were adopted.

Aside from the adoptions, Animal Care & Control assisted with:

22 dogs receiving free spay/neuter surgery
5 cats receiving free spay/neuter surgery
43 animals received microchips
40 animals were vaccinated for rabies
15 animals received parvo/distemper vaccines

Animal Care & Control employees offered tours of the facility. A local pet groomer was inspired to offer services later in the day and another person brought over donated brownies and desserts for the public and staff.

Several animal rescue organizations were on premises to share information about their programs. Pinal County Animal Care & Control has drastically cut the euthanasia rate through relationships it has formed with the animal rescue community. When euthanasia is required, it is generally only the really sick, injured, frail/elderly, feral or aggressive animals that are euthanized.

“It was a strenuous 12-hour day but so exhilarating to get the community’s support, show them what we do and let them see all the great animals we have for adoption,” said Animal Care & Control Director Kaye Dickson. “It was so successful that we are planning to have open house events like this semi-annually.”

Pinal County Animal Care & Control is located at 1150 South Eleven Mile Corner Road. Normal office hours are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays and from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturdays.

Learn More about County Services at Community Meeting

System Account — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 14:36:50 GMT

Press Release Date: 6/19/2012

Body:

FLORENCE – Who decides which roads get paved? How do I find out the air quality forecast for my neighborhood? Why are there codes for private property? What can I do to make my community safer?

Those types of questions and more will be answered at the Pinal County community meeting being held in Oracle later this month. The purpose of the community meeting is to give residents a chance to learn more about county services by interacting with staff from Public Works, Air Quality, Planning and Development, and the Sheriff’s Office.

The community meeting will be conducted in an open house format so residents can arrive any time during the designated hours to meet with county staff. It will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Pinal County Public Works Maintenance Facilities on:

Thursday, June 28th, 1410 N. Justice Drive in Oracle

The meeting will be held in the Oracle public works buildings so that residents can tour the maintenance facilities and learn more about road work activities in their community.

Giveaway drawings will be held at 5:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. For more information, contact: Kathy Borquez at (520) 866-6406 or e-mail at: kathy.borquez@pinalcountyaz.gov.

Interim Constable to be Named for AJ District Justice Courts

System Account — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 23:09:31 GMT

Press Release Date: 6/14/2012

Body:

Write-In Candidacy for August Primary, November General Election

FLORENCE, AZ – Jack McClaren, Constable for Justice of the Peace District 7 (Apache Junction) resigned in May because he announced plans to seek other elected office. The Pinal County Board of Supervisors accepted his resignation at its June 6 public meeting.

An election is required to permanently fill the remainder of the Apache Junction Constable term. Because this is one of Pinal County’s busiest Justice of the Peace Courts, the Pinal County Board of Supervisors will name an interim Constable. McClaren was elected to the office as a registered Republican so the interim named by the Board would have to be a Republican as well. He or she would serve until after the general election in November at which time the voters will choose a Constable to fulfill the remainder of McClaren’s term.

If there is no successful write-in candidate at the November election, the appointed constable will fill the remainder the term. (See “To become the elected Constable” below.)

To be eligible for appointment as Constable, Arizona law specifies that the following criteria be met by each potential candidate:

Must be a legal Arizona resident living within the Apache Junction Justice Court District 7 (see map at http://goo.gl/wx4ar),
Must be able to read and write the English language and,
Must be at least 18 years of age.

Parties interested in serving as interim Constable until November and who meet the criteria above should submit:

Applications, letters of interest and/or résumés by NOON on Friday, June 22. There is no formal application to submit and any combination of a letter of interest, résumé or other documents outlining the applicant’s qualifications for office should be mailed, or submitted in person, by noon on June 22 to:

Sheri Cluff
Clerk of the Board
Pinal County Board of Supervisors
31 North Pinal Street, Building A
PO Box 827
Florence, AZ 85132

Candidates should indicate their address, party affiliation and contact information in the application.

The Board of Supervisors will review the applications and name an interim Constable at a public session of the Board of Supervisors on or before July 11.

To become the elected Constable
The law that covers vacancies in county offices makes a distinction between whether the vacancy occurs within the first two years of an official’s term or afterwards. In the case of a mid-term vacancy that occurs prior to the completion of the first two years of service, Arizona Revised Statute 16-230.A.2 is invoked. This states:

If a county office becomes vacant, the board of supervisors shall appoint a person of the same political party as the person vacating the office to fill the portion of the term until the next regular general election. If the vacancy occurs within the first two years of the term, and before the date on which a nomination paper is required to be filed as prescribed by section 16-311, a primary election shall be held as otherwise provided by law to determine candidates to fill the unexpired term. At the next regular general election, the person elected shall fill the remainder of the unexpired term of the vacant office.

May 30 marked the deadline for the filing of nomination papers for election to the position of Constable. This was the same date that McClaren’s resignation was tendered. Any candidate interested in becoming Constable for the Apache Junction Justice Court must run as a write-in candidate for the statewide Primary Election on August 28, 2012. Candidates may be from any political party since the vacancy occurred before the first two years of service were completed.

To become a registered write-in candidate, you must file nomination papers at the Pinal County Elections Department by July 19, 2012.

Successful write-in candidates will face each other in the November 6 General Election for selection to fill the remaining two years of the Apache Junction Constable’s term.

About Constables
The term “Constable” comes from the Latin comes stabuli or “count of the stables.” During the Byzantine era, the person holding this position was responsible for care and supervision of the royal court’s horses. Over time, the position became one of great military importance, gradually evolving into a position usually dealing with the enforcement of law and order.

In the United States, the office of Constable varies by state and region. Constables are elected officers of the County and must be 18 and live in the precinct or district in which they are elected. Pinal County Constables serve four year terms. The primary responsibility of a Constable is the service of process for the Justice of the Peace courts. They serve summons, injunctions, writs and orders.

Constables are classified as peace officers but do not regularly perform police functions such as patrols, arrests or investigations unless specifically certified to do so.

Title 22 of the Arizona Revised Statutes provides more detail on the duties of Constables and how they work with the Justices of the Peace and Justice Courts. See http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ArizonaRevisedStatutes.asp?Title=22 for more information.

Peart Road Rail Crossing to be Closed on June 26 and 27

System Account — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 18:03:37 GMT

Press Release Date: 6/14/2012

Body:

FLORENCE – Pinal County Public Works crews, along with Union Pacific Railroad, will be working to smooth over the Peart Road rail crossing just south of Jimmie Kerr Boulevard.

The crossing will be closed for two days starting Tuesday, June 26 through Wednesday, June 27.

There will be a detour for drivers approaching the crossing from both the south and north side of Peart Road. Directional signs will be posted for drivers to follow.

For drivers heading north on Peart Road: You will make a left onto Main Street and then turn right on Keeling Road to Jimmie Kerr Road.
For drivers who want to drive south on Peart Road: You will be directed to turn south on Keeling Road and then left on Main Street to Peart Road.

Please be alert to possible traffic delays. Drivers are urged to obey the speed limit and all posted signs and barricades while traveling through these construction zones.

Employees in the Pinal County Public Works Department appreciate your patience and understanding as they work to improve your drive throughout the county.

To see the location of the rail crossing project and other sites where road construction is taking place inside Pinal County, go to Public Works’ road construction map at: http://goo.gl/Imi9E.

Pinal County Once Again Recognized for Excellence in Financial Reporting

System Account — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 19:40:35 GMT

Press Release Date: 6/12/2012

Body:

FLORENCE – For the 16th straight year, Pinal County’s Finance Department has been nationally recognized for its work in financial reporting.

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada has once again bestowed Pinal County with a prestigious Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting. The honor is for the work accomplished on the county’s comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2011.

An electronic version of the report is posted on the county’s website at: http://pinalcountyaz.gov/Departments/Finance/Documents/CAFR/CAFR2011.pdf

For the comprehensive financial report to be recognized, it must be easily readable, efficiently organized, satisfy generally accepted accounting principles and applicable legal requirements.

Mammoth Library Competes for, Wins Science Foundation Grant

System Account — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 16:45:00 GMT

Press Release Date: 6/8/2012

Body:

FLORENCE, AZ – The Mammoth Public Library is one of twenty smaller, rural libraries that succeeded in winning a National Science Foundation grant of $2,500. The library will become a pilot site for a program called “Pushing the Limits: Making Sense of Science,” a four-part reading, viewing and discussion series for adults, according to a press release from the consortium that evaluated the applications.

Mammoth Library is the only Arizona library that won a Pushing the Limits grant. Grant funding will sponsor a library-based program that examines ways that humans have sought to push the boundaries of achievement using science, technology, engineering and math.

“There is no doubt that many of the greatest achievements of mankind have come through science and technology,” said Pinal County Library District Director Denise Keller. “I congratulate Diana Stirling, Mammoth’s librarian, on winning this prestigious grant. Through the grant, the library can create a program that will use real people and real stories to celebrate innovations in science.”

The Mammoth Public Library features a collection of more than 11,000 books, magazines, and DVDs, with many more titles available through the inter-library loaning program. High-speed Internet access is also available on 17 public computers and through a wireless network.

The Mammoth Public Library anticipates rolling out the Pushing the Limits programs in early 2013. The Mammoth Public Library is located at 125 North Clark Street in Mammoth, Arizona.

Pinal County to Mark “Just One Day” Anti-Euthanasia Event June 11

System Account — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 16:43:53 GMT

Press Release Date: 6/8/2012

Body:

FLORENCE, AZ – June 11 marks a national effort to reduce or eliminate animal euthanasia. Pinal County Animal Care & Control has signed on with the Just One Day initiative and will not euthanize any animals. To call attention to the work that Animal Care & Control does for the community, the department will be hosting an Open House at the shelter and extending shelter hours on June 11 from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Other activities on June 11 include:

- Licensing, rabies and reduced-cost vaccine clinic from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM in partnership with Arizona licensed veterinarian Dr. Paul Pullen. Individual discounted vaccine prices are: rabies $9, parvo/distemper $21, and bordatella (optional) $10. Rabies, distemper and parvo are vitally important considering the rate of exposure in Pinal County. Pinal County will offer the Rabies/Parvo/Distemper at a bundled rate of $25 on June 11, underwriting the $5 discount with donated funds.

- Healing Hearts Mobile Veterinary Unit will be on site offering a limited number of free spay/neuter surgeries on June 11 only. Interested pet owners need to call Pinal County Animal Care & Control to schedule an appointment at 520-509-3555. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis.*

- Reduced-rate microchipping of $20 for any pets.

- A select number of cats and dogs that are already spayed/neutered will be offered for adoption at a special rate on June 11. The selected dogs will be $18, cats will be $8.

- Several rescue groups that are part of the county’s New Hope program will have informational displays and adoption information available.

- Animal Control staff will be available to assist the public with information on volunteering, fostering or rescuing animals.

Pinal County Animal Care & Control has drastically cut the euthanasia rate through relationships it has formed with the animal rescue community. When euthanasia is required, it is generally only the really sick, injured, frail/elderly, feral or aggressive animals that are euthanized.

“We hope this effort will help the public understand that cutting the unwanted animal population is critical and shelters like ours play a role in that,” said Director Kaye Dickson. “On any given day, we have dogs and cats who are ‘behind bars’ for no other reason than they need a good home. Shelter pets make wonderful companion animals and we hope people will come out to see us.”

Pinal County Animal Care & Control is located at 1150 South Eleven Mile Corner Road. Normal office hours are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays and from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturdays.

###

*All animals presented for the free spay/neuter surgery on June 11 must have a current rabies vaccination and license and be microchipped. This is a third-party provider and only one animal per household can qualify for the free service. The owners of the animal must reside in Pinal County.

Constable Resignation Sets In Motion Write-In Candidacy

System Account — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 15:20:26 GMT

Press Release Date: 6/5/2012

Body:

FLORENCE, AZ – Jack McClaren, Constable for Justice of the Peace District 7 (Apache Junction) resigned in May because he announced plans to seek other elected office. The Pinal County Board of Supervisors will formally accept the resignation at its June 6 public meeting.

The law that covers vacancies in county offices makes a distinction between whether the vacancy occurs within the first two years of an official’s term or afterwards. In the case of a mid-term vacancy that occurs prior to the completion of the first two years of service, Arizona Revised Statute 16-230.A.2 is invoked. This states:

If a county office becomes vacant, the board of supervisors shall appoint a person of the same political party as the person vacating the office to fill the portion of the term until the next regular general election. If the vacancy occurs within the first two years of the term, and before the date on which a nomination paper is required to be filed as prescribed by section 16-311, a primary election shall be held as otherwise provided by law to determine candidates to fill the unexpired term. At the next regular general election, the person elected shall fill the remainder of the unexpired term of the vacant office.

May 30 marked the deadline for the filing of nomination papers for election to the position of Constable. This was the same date that McClaren’s resignation was tendered. Any candidate interested in becoming Constable for the Apache Junction Justice Court must run as a write-in candidate for the statewide Primary Election on August 28, 2012. Candidates may be from any political party since the vacancy occurred before the first two years of service were completed.

To become a registered write-in candidate, you must file nomination papers at the Pinal County Elections Department by July 19, 2012.

Successful write-in candidates will face each other in the November 6 General Election for selection to fill the remaining two years of the Apache Junction Constable’s term.

To be eligible for election as Constable, Arizona law specifies that the following criteria be met by each potential candidate:

Must be a legal Arizona resident living within the Apache Junction Justice Court District 7 (see map at http://goo.gl/wx4ar),
Must be registered to vote,
Must be able to read and write the English language and,
Must be at least 18 years of age.

About Constables
The term “Constable” comes from the Latin comes stabuli or “count of the stables.” During the Byzantine era, the person holding this position was responsible for care and supervision of the royal court’s horses. Over time, the position became one of great military importance, gradually evolving into a position usually dealing with the enforcement of law and order.

In the United States, the office of Constable varies by state and region. Constables are elected officers of the County and must be 18 and live in the precinct or district in which they are elected. Pinal County Constables serve four year terms. The primary responsibility of a Constable is the service of process for the Justice of the Peace courts. They serve summons, injunctions, writs and orders.

Constables are classified as peace officers but do not regularly perform police functions such as patrols, arrests or investigations unless specifically certified to do so.

Title 22 of the Arizona Revised Statutes provides more detail on the duties of Constables and how they work with the Justices of the Peace and Justice Courts. See http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ArizonaRevisedStatutes.asp?Title=22 for more information.

June’s Diabetes Education Class Covers the Healthy Eating Conversation Map

System Account — Wed, 30 May 2012 15:10:10 GMT

Press Release Date: 5/30/2012

Body:

FLORENCE – The Pinal County Public Health District is holding its monthly Diabetes Education classes in June. This month’s classes will deal with the Healthy Eating Conversation Map.

The Healthy Eating Conversation Map is being widely used by physicians across the United States to help diabetics understand their condition in a simple and easy to read format. The map guides users through various parts of the disease with explanations of eating habits and dispelling myths.

There are five different Conversation Maps: Overview of Diabetes, Healthy Eating, Monitoring and Using Your Results, Natural Course of Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes.

Diabetes Education Program Coordinator Mary Gonzales hosts the free classes designed to educate those that suffer from the disease and offer them help in a supportive environment.

All diabetics are encouraged to attend and share their experiences and how they’re coping with diabetes.

The support groups will meet at the following locations:

Apache Junction: Tuesday, June 12, 10:00 am. Apache Junction Senior Center; 1035 North Idaho Road
San Tan Valley: Tuesday, June 12, 3:00 pm. Pinal County Public Health Department; 36235 North Gantzel Road
Florence: Thursday, June 14, 10:00 am. Dorothy Nolan Senior Center; 330 North Pinal Street
Mammoth: Thursday, June 14, 1:00 pm. Mammoth Community Center; 101 Fifth Street
Superior: Tuesday, June 19, 10:30 am. Superior Senior Center; 326 Main Street
Eloy/Toltec: Thursday, June 21, 10:00 am. Eloy/Toltec Adult Center; 3925 North Shira Street
Casa Grande: Tuesday, June 26, 3:00 pm. Casa Grande Public Library – APS Community Room; 449 North Drylake Street
Maricopa: Thursday, June 28, 3:00 pm. Maricopa Public Health Department; 41600 West Smith-Enke Road, Building 15

If you would like to know more about the Diabetes Education Program, call Mary Gonzales at 1-800-231-8499 ext. 7338 or email at mary.gonzales@pinalcountyaz.gov.

Supervisors to Hold Special Meeting May 25

System Account — Tue, 29 May 2012 17:13:44 GMT

Press Release Date: 5/24/2012

Body:

FLORENCE – The Pinal County Board of Supervisors will hold a special meeting this Friday to discuss and vote on the tentative budget for the 2012-2013 Fiscal Year.

The meeting will take place at 9:30 am inside the Board of Supervisors Hearing Room located in Administration Building A in Florence.

The tentative budget was not acted upon in the Wednesday board meeting because numbers had to be recalculated after a motion was made regarding the size of a proposed tax decrease. The Pinal County tentative budget was $334,515,835. The new total being discussed on Friday is $336,572,544.