The U.S. Fire Administration knows that Fourth of July celebrations usually signify summer fun, vacations, and the gathering of family and friends, but how Independence Day can also bring tragedy. In an average year, there are more fires reported in the U.S. on July 4th, than any other day, with fireworks accounting for half of those fires. Most of these injuries that are related to fireworks are preventable, and by following a few simple safety tips, everyone can enjoy a safe and happy holiday.

Firefighters across Greater Arizona are stretching their resources to keep multiple wildfires contained, and Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick is continuing her work to help them protect our communities. On June 24th, the Congresswoman pushed through a nonpartisan amendment to the Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill to ensure our firefighters can access critical resources.

Her effort will provide an additional $10 million in Assistance for Firefighters Grants (AFG), which help local fire departments afford new equipment and quality training programs. This highly successful initiative has seen its funding cut despite the growing needs of our firefighters, and the Congresswoman joined with Reps. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), Steve Austria (R-OH) and Peter King (R-NY) to make up for the shortfall.

“Every wildfire season, Greater Arizona’s firefighters risk their lives protecting folks in their hometowns and across the country,” said Rep. Kirkpatrick. “We have an obligation to do whatever we can to help them keep our communities safe.”

This amendment has been endorsed by the National Volunteer Fire Council, the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the Congressional Fire Services Institute. It was included in the Manager’s amendment by Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee Chairman Rep. David Price (D-NC) and added to the legislation by a 345-85 vote. The bill passed the House 389-37.

“AFG grants offer our fire departments the ability to purchase state-of-the-art equipment and learn new ways to address the dangers they face. They will be able to better protect themselves and keep wildfires in control,” said Rep. Kirkpatrick. “This amendment will be a huge help to the rural communities in my district that need a little extra support.”

As part of the Congresswoman’s “Do More With Less Initiative” to restore the fiscal balance in Washington, the increase in AFG funding will be offset by cuts to the Department’s administrative budget. This reduction will encourage efficiency and push DHS to eliminate bureaucracy.

Representing a district which has repeatedly been ravaged by wildfires, the Congresswoman is fighting hard to ensure that our firefighters get the assistance they deserve. She introduced a successful amendment to the Federal Land Assistance, Management and Enhancement (FLAME) Act that will help cut through red tape to make it easier for rural Arizona towns to receive federal funds for wildfire prevention. Earlier this month, she wrote a bill that would waive the cost-sharing requirements for a grant program that helps fire departments hire more personnel, helping rural communities afford to continue participating. That bill has been endorsed by the International Association of Firefighters.

Asides from the four bodies recovered from the wreckage was about 20 pounds of marijuana and a lot of cash. It turns out the plane was being used as a drug "transporter" and was heading to Texas from California. Three of the people died at the scene of the crash while the fourth died at the hospital.

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. declared yesterday that the following quarterly cash dividends payable on August 1st, 2009 to holders of record as of July 15th, 2009 will be:

$1.6875 per share of FCX’s 6¾% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock (NYSE: FCXprM).
$13.75 per share of FCX’s 5½% Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock.

Gila Community College is offering a one-week science camp to this fall’s 7th graders. The focus of the science camp will be the environmental impact of the regular things we do every day. Aaron Burk, Biology Teacher at Globe High School, is the facilitator for the camp. The camp will run from July 20th until July 24th, from 8 am to noon at the Gila Pueblo Campus. And, it's free.

The camp size is limited to 20 students and will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. To enroll your 7th grader in the camp, come to the Gila Community College Gila Pueblo Campus Administration Office at 8274 Six Shooter Canyon Road in Globe and fill out an admission form.

For more information, call 425-8481.

The funding for the camp was provided by a GEAR-UP grant.

Arizona has been affected by a recall of 41,000 pounds of beef products by JBS Swift Beef Co. due to fears of possible E. coli contamination. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has stated the products in question were produced on April 21-22. The recall is voluntary and no illnesses have been reported.

The recalled beef is in boxes with a mark of "EST. 969" and the packaging date codes of 042109 or 042209. They have case codes of 21852, 21853, 31852, 31853, 33852, 33853, 41853, 41853, 79852, 79853 or 90853.

Gila County Sheriff’s Deputies, Tonto Basin Fire Dept., & United States Forest Service personnel responded to a report of a brush fire off of Highway 188 yesterday at approx. 10 am. The fire burned between a one-quarter to a half acre before it was contained.

The U.S. Supreme Court reached an 8-1 decision in the case of, then Safford Middle School student Savana Redding, who had been strip searched over the accusation that she had a prescription-strength ibuprofen. The Judge's ruled that her 4th Amendment rights were violated after school officials made the girl strip down to her bra and panties in the principal's office and then pull out and shake those articles of clothing. The court did rule that the search of her backpack and outer clothes was permissible.

Savana was 13 at the time of the incident.

In a special event hosted by Mesa Mayor Scott Smith, the US Attorney for the District of Arizona, Diane J. Humetewa presented the Mesa Attorney’s Office – Prosecutor Division and the Mesa Police Department with special awards honoring Mesa’s participation in Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods targets gang members and firearms recovery."The City of Mesa is committed to keeping our residents safe. By targeting violent crimes committed by gang members, we can achieve the greatest impact on public safety," Mayor Scott Smith said. "I want to thank Ms. Humetewa and the Department of Justice for their commitment to this effort and their assistance with these grants."

Mesa was selected to receive federal grant funds through the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission. These grant funds reimbursed the City of Mesa for personnel expenses for Assistant City Prosecutor Sabrina De Costa who is on special assignment in the United States Attorney’s Office.The grant allows Mesa to form a partnership between the Violent Crime Impact Team (VCIT) and the United States Attorney’s Office who prosecutes those arrested through the VCIT program.

In order to tackle violent crime head-on, the Mesa Police Department was selected by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) to implement the VCIT. Over the past year, this team arrested more than 2,000 gang members, drug dealers and other felons, and recovered 4,900 firearms.

The Assistant City Prosecutor communicates exclusively with ATF agents of VCIT with regard to new cases and investigations. This team of prosecution and law enforcement work closely together to arrest and prosecute gang members and to seize firearms. Prosecutor involvement at the start of a new investigation is a major reason for the success of this program and the prosecutions that follow.

Since the inception of this collaboration with the United States Attorney’s Office, the Mesa Police Department, and the Mesa City Prosecutor’s Office, Mesa Assistant City Prosecutor Sabrina De Costa has successfully collaborated on 38 new cases involving gang-related offenses, firearm-related offenses and other violent crimes.

How do you properly set a budget in an environment of continued economic turmoil when the state, a key contributor to your budget is threatening to send you a sizeable IOU? The answer, as the Pinal County Supervisors stated yesterday, is that you must do it very carefully and be prepared to reassess in the future.

The Board of Supervisors approved a total County budget of $400.2 million, which includes a $0.20 reduction in the primary property tax. This tax reduction represents a decrease of about $20 on a $100,000 home.

Last fiscal year’s budget was capped at $458 million but the county curtailed spending significantly though a hiring freeze, mid-year budget cuts, a freeze on travel and training and other budget balancing measures. Just two years ago, the County’s budget was capped at $475 million.

"Clearly, the building slowdown and current economy are reflected in the changes we have implemented over the past year," Chairman David Snider said. "This budget reflects an appropriately lean posture for fiscal 2009-10. What I want residents to know, though, is that we’re fully focused on delivering quality service."

In a message to employees, County Manager Terry Doolittle stated that good news sometimes comes with a caution attached. President Obama’s stimulus plan includes money (FMAP funds) to assist in providing medical care to those who lack insurance or are in the AHCCCS program. The county recently learned that those funds will be distributed between the State and Arizona counties to offset what they would normally pay the state to provide care to AHCCCS clients. This was a one-time, unexpected windfall.

The tentative budget, which was adopted in May, included the potential for an across-the-board reduction in salary for County staff. As a result of the stimulus windfall, a five million dollar gap in the budget will be covered by the stimulus money and drawing down the funds on reserve. The Board of Supervisors and County Manager believe that the combination of the stimulus funding and drawing from the reserve will not put the County’s financial future at tremendous risk – at this point in time.

In his statement to employees, the County Manager highlighted potential threats to the County’s financial future. They include:

Money coming in could continue to decline.
The FY 2009-10 budget includes several one time revenue items, such as the stimulus money.
The economic decline could last longer than economists are currently projecting.
The Legislature has proposed to balance the state budget by hitting cities, towns and counties with IOUs. If the amount Pinal County has to pay exceeds what was budgeted for, the County could be forced to make additional changes.

All three Supervisors thanked elected officials, members of the public and the Budget and Research staff for the long hours invested in crafting a balanced budget.

"Unfortunately, getting to this point has required some several departments to lay off valuable members of their staff," Supervisor Bryan Martyn said. "We are asking people to do the work of many with fewer resources. I remain optimistic about the future and know our employees are dedicated public servants who are committed to good customer service."

Supervisor Pete Rios expressed confidence that the boom times would soon return.

" Pinal County is uniquely positioned to benefit from a recovering economy," he said. "We have open space, land, neighborhoods that are approved and ready to build. We have businesses that are simply waiting for the right economic indicators before they fill our retail, industrial and commercial spaces. It will happen, and when it does, we will be ready for it."

The Board of Supervisors requested monthly updates on the state of the economy and how that affects Pinal County’s budget and priorities. The monthly updates will be placed on the Board of Supervisors’ agendas during their semi-monthly meetings. Meeting minutes and agendas are posted on the Pinal County website. Go to pinalcountyaz.gov and look for Board Meetings/Agendas in the left column.

Governor Jan Brewer announced yesterday that Arizona’s State Energy Plan (SEP) under
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has been approved by the U.S. Department of Energy. This means $22.2 million (or about 40% of Arizona’s $55.4 million program) is on its way to the State’s Energy Office at the Arizona Department of Commerce. This will enhance and expand the SEP, which has been in existence for 30 years, focused on energy efficiency and renewable energy programs and projects. Overall, the program is expected to create more than 1,500 jobs for Arizonans.

"The SEP provides funding to effectively and efficiently make energy-related investments for Arizona’s future," Governor Brewer stated. "It promises to create jobs, bring investment in emerging technologies, such as biofuels and improved photovoltaic systems, and advance school and public building efficiency projects."

Arizona will use its SEP funding for a series of innovative programs aimed at advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy investments statewide.

Programs for Arizona schools and state buildings will utilize energy performance contracting to leverage $30 million in stimulus funding with private capital funding to achieve $150 million in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. These energy performance contracts will reduce annual utility costs by $15.5 million for Arizona taxpayers.

Arizona will establish a revolving loan program in order to provide a sustainable financing mechanism for small business owners who are looking to fund energy efficient building improvements or install solar projects at their facilities. The state will offer revolving loan funds for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in commercial buildings, along with loans to manufacturers of renewable energy or energy efficiency equipment and technologies.

Additional programs will distribute $21 million in funding, grants and incentives to encourage energy efficiency and renewable energy projects statewide.

With the approval, the Energy Office is in the process of establishing program guidelines. After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive an additional $27 million, for a total of $55.4 million.

The objective of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) is to stimulate private investment, create jobs and speed economic recovery. One other energy application is in process.

The State’s application for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program will be filed before the deadline on June 25th. EECBG provides local governments, Indian tribes, and other entities with funding to implement energy efficiency projects designed to reduce energy usage. Eligible projects include renewable energy installations on public buildings, improved traffic signals and street lighting, and other public improvement projects.

On June 23rd,The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency celebrated the completion of the newly-upgraded Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Plant, located in Rio Rico, Arizona, near the border with Mexico.

The facility, upgraded at a cost of $66 million, is now capable of meeting all required permit limits for the 15 million gallons per day of wastewater it discharges to the Santa Cruz River.

“We’re celebrating completion of this project which dramatically improves water quality in the Santa Cruz River. Local citizens have already noticed the difference,” said Alexis Strauss, Water Division director for EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. “Over the past several years, many partners worked tirelessly to overcome extraordinary obstacles and complete this upgrade.”

Joining the EPA to celebrate the completion of this binational effort were representatives of the cities of Nogales, Ariz., and Nogales, Sonora, the U.S. and Mexican Sections of the International Boundary and Water Commission, the Governor of Arizona’s office, Senator Jon Kyl’s office, Representative Raul Grijalva’s office, and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.

The facility, which is co-owned by the City of Nogales, Ariz., and the International Boundary and Water Commission, has been using an aerated lagoon system since 1991 to treat the sewage from the more than 200,000 residents of Nogales, Ariz., and Nogales Sonora. The lagoon technology was not capable of eliminating toxic ammonia compounds or meeting state permit limits for suspended solids. The facility’s discharge was affecting the Santa Cruz River, home to the endangered Gila topminnow.

In 2000, a federal consent decree required the City of Nogales (AZ) and the IBWC to improve effluent quality and meet discharge permit limits. A team of state, federal and University of Arizona engineers helped the plant’s co-owners develop and implement a technically feasible, cost-effective solution. The newly upgraded facility, using a conventional activated sludge process with nitrogen treatment, discharges treated wastewater to the Santa Cruz River with lower concentrations of organic and ammonia compounds and significantly improved clarity.

A twin-engine Beachcraft Bonanza crashed shortly after taking off from the Holbrook airport at around 5 pm yesterday afternoon after a stop was made to refuel. All four people on the plane were pronounced dead.

Thanks to a grant provided by the Sierra Club’s Military Families Outdoors Initiative, the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) will provide a unique outdoor experience for military children and their families free of charge in 15 states.

“During this time of heavy deployment, the camps provide military personnel – and their children – a much-needed respite from the grim reality of war. It also offers these families an opportunity to build a support network of others who have similarly experienced the pressures of deployment,” said Retired Navy Rear Adm. Frank Gallo, national executive director of the ASYMCA. “The ASYMCA is happy to be able to provide our troops and their families a memorable experience that is not only fun but also educational for the entire family.”

The ASYMCA and Sierra Club sponsor two types of outdoor camp programs: one that is for military kids and another that is for the whole family. Since the start of the program last year, 1,549 children have attended resident camp, 1,081 children have attended day camp and 621 adults have been able to accompany their children to resident camp. Through this initiative, ASYMCA and Sierra Club aim to:

Decrease stress and anxiety levels that stem from deployment, frequent moves or everyday pressures.
Increase social interaction and skills of children by participating in group activities.
Increase self-confidence of children through the development of positive relationships and new outdoor experiences.
Develop a support system comprised of other military families that have similar experiences.
Develop an awareness and appreciation for nature by learning about local plant life and animals.

“Sierra Club is happy to be able to provide outdoor experiences for military families,” said Brittany McKee, Sierra Club national military representative. “We recognize the burden that military families are under and want to connect those families making the greatest sacrifices for our country with the healing benefits of our natural heritage."

In Arizona, thirty military kids will be selected to camp at the Sky Y Camp located in Prescott from July 12th through July 18th.

Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick today released the following statement mourning the loss of Matthew Martin, a Navajo Code Talker from Crownpoint, New Mexico who passed away Monday at the age of 84:

"We are reminded once more of the distinguished and proud service of the Navajo Code Talkers. Their instrumental role in helping the U.S. secure a great victory for freedom and democracy will never be forgotten.

"Mr. Martin’s duty to country as a distinguished representative of the Diné people should be honored. Our hearts and prayers go out to him and his family.

"In honor of Mr. Martin and all those who fought at his side, I will continue my work to help Veterans across Navajo Nation and in tribal areas nationwide."

Matthew Martin, whose death was announced yesterday, was the fourth Navajo Code Talker to pass away in less than five weeks. John Brown, Jr., an original Code Talker and a resident of Crystal, New Mexico, died at the age of 87 on May 20th. One week later Thomas Claw, a Parker resident who was born in Chinle, lost his battle with cancer, also at the age of 87. Willie K. Begay, a Code Talker from Pinon, passed away at the age of 88 on June 1st.

Though long forgotten by this country, the Navajo Code Talkers were a critical part of our war effort in the Pacific Theater from 1942 to 1945 and later in the Korean War. The code, originally developed by a group that included Brown, used the Diné language to allow our military to communicate without risk of enemy forces intercepting our secrets. The lack of knowledge of the language by non-Navajo made the code virtually indecipherable to the Japanese.

Despite their successes and their bravery at battles from Guadalcanal to Okinawa, the story of the Navajo Code Talkers remained largely unknown for many years. The code was not declassified until 1968, and their contributions were not recognized for decades afterwards.

Finally, on July 26th, 2001, President George W. Bush presented the Congressional Gold Medal to the 29 original Code Talkers in a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. Mr. Brown spoke on behalf of the Code Talkers at the event. More than 200 other Code Talkers were later honored with the Congressional Silver Medal in a November, 2001 ceremony in Window Rock.

Rep. Kirkpatrick, who represents Navajo Nation, honored the lives and service to country of Brown and Claw in a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives on June 2. She quoted Brown’s speech at the Rotunda, saying that she hoped that for "’as long as the grass shall grow and the rivers flow’… we remember to honor the memory of Mr. Brown, Mr. Claw and all those Diné who served our nation."

The Congresswoman has been honored to fight for Native American Veterans. On June 15, she introduced a major piece of legislation to make it easier for Native Veterans and other former service members living in rural areas to access quality health care options. This will ensure that this critically underserved group can get the care they have been promised.

Lucius Jose, 27, of Phoenix, was sentenced here on Monday by U.S. District Judge David C. Bury to 72 months' imprisonment. Upon completion of Jose’s imprisonment, he will serve a 60 month period of supervised release. During supervised release, he is ordered to participate in sex offender treatment, reside in a community corrections center, have no contact with minors, abstain from all use of alcohol, and undergo substance abuse treatment. Jose pleaded guilty on Sept. 25th, 2008 to Aggravated Sexual Abuse.

In April 2003, Jose agreed to drive the victim, a 7-year-old, home. Instead, took her into the desert and sexually abused her. The victim told her mother about the assault in 2006, and a report was made to the Tohono O’odham Police.

The investigation in this case was conducted by Tohono O’odham Police Department, and the FBI. The prosecution was handled by Sandra M. Hansen, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is repaving US 93 from milepost 192 south to milepost 194, just northwest of Wickenburg*. Construction is scheduled to be complete in mid-July.

US 93 CLOSURE: Until noon on Friday, June 26th, US 93 will be closed from the junction of State Route 71 (mp 183) to Wickenburg Way (mp 199). Local traffic will be allowed on Tegner Street (US 93) in Wickenburg.

DETOUR ROUTE: Motorists northbound on US 93 from Wickenburg will be detoured on US 60 to State Route 71, then to US 93. Motorists southbound on US 93 will be detoured on SR 71 to US 60. The detour route will be clearly marked. ADOT advises drivers to obey all posted speed limits and construction signage. Motorists should expect minor delays while traveling through the construction zone.

Please drive carefully and watch for construction vehicles and personnel when traveling through the construction area. For more information please call the toll-free project hotline at 1-888-887-0565.

*Note: This project is unrelated to the Wickenburg Interim Bypass or the US 60 widening projects, currently under construction in Wickenburg. For more information on those projects please call 1-866-688-5086.

To illustrate the impact and border-to-border reach of these federally funded projects, the Arizona Department of Transportation this week launched a revised Recovery Act Web site to help the public learn about these additional projects in their communities.

New information, available online, includes:

An interactive Arizona map identifying all 41 Recovery-funded Arizona highway projects approved to date. Projects are shown by location and type of work. The map will be updated over the course of the Recovery program as additional projects made possible by cost savings are added.
A list of all approved Recovery Act highway projects in Arizona with the project status, be they pre-bid, out for bids, or awarded to a contractor. Construction is under way on the first projects, and progress reports will be added as they are available.
A breakdown of all Recovery-funded highway projects in Arizona by county and corridor to help Arizonans track improvements to state highways they use or those in which they have an interest.
An online form to allow community members to share their Recovery Act success stories. ADOT is interested in hearing how these projects improve access, safety, mobility, employment or economic conditions around the state, recognizing that Recovery Act work is about more than just roads. As stories are collected, they will be added to the site.

The site also includes Recovery Act news, links to the federal and Arizona Recovery Web sites, and other useful resources for the public and construction contractors to learn more about economic recovery projects. Most importantly, the ADOT Recovery Web site provides a strong level of transparency and direct involvement with all members of the community.

To date, construction contracts have been awarded for 24 Recovery Act highway projects in Arizona, with nearly all of them coming in under ADOT estimates due to increased competition for contracts and decreasing materials costs. Overall, project bids have resulted in approx. $56 million in savings when compared to ADOT programming estimates. That savings will spur additional Recovery-funded projects for Arizona.

ADOT will receive project reimbursements totaling an estimated $350 million from the Recovery Act for highway projects around the state. The funding is being distributed according to a formula that provides Maricopa County with $130 million for five projects, Pima County with $46 million for eight projects, and the 13 other counties of Greater Arizona with $175 million for 28 projects. ADOT is on track with all requirements for the federal law and is moving quickly to get these projects to construction.

Catholic Healthcare West’s Mercy Gilbert Medical Center was awarded the "Exceeding Patient Expectations" award by Avatar International, an industry leader in healthcare quality improvement services, as a result of a survey conducted in 2008 that gauged patient expectations about quality of care, reliability and customization before the visit.

"Mercy Gilbert Medical Center is proud of the quality care and services we provide to all of our patients," said Laurie Eberst, president and CEO of Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. "We are honored to receive this national award from Avatar, and we will strive to continue to exceed our patients’ expectations every time they come through our doors for care."

"The hallmark of exceptional service to patients is to consistently meet or exceed their expectations - not always an easy task. Mercy Gilbert Medical Center demonstrated that it exceeds its patients’ expectations in a tangible and measurable manner," said David Medvedeff, Pharm.D., M.B.A., CEO of Avatar. "As a winner of Avatar’s Exceeding Patient Expectations Award, I congratulate Mercy Gilbert Medical Center for its continued and impressive efforts to put patients first."

Mercy Gilbert Medical Center is located at the intersection of Val Vista Drive and Loop 202 (south of Pecos Road and east of Val Vista Drive). Mercy Gilbert Medical Center is a four-story, full-service acute-care facility with 206 beds.

As the temperature rises, so does the risk for heat related illnesses. Your local American Red Cross urges Arizonans to be aware of the dangers associated with our high temperatures.

Red Cross Heat Safety Tips . . .
Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.
Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.
Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Stay indoors when possible.
Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air conditioning.

Know What These Heat-Related Terms Mean . . .
Heat cramps: Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. They usually involve the abdominal muscles or the legs. It is generally thought that the loss of water and salt from heavy sweating causes the cramps.
Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion is less dangerous than heat stroke. It typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a warm, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Fluid loss causes blood flow to decrease in the vital organs, resulting in a form of shock. With heat exhaustion, sweat does not evaporate, as it should, possibly because of high humidity or too many layers of clothing. As a result, the body is not cooled properly. Signals include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.
Heat stroke: Also known as sunstroke, heat stroke is life threatening. The victim’s temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly. Signals include hot, red and dry skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high – sometimes as high as 105 F.

General Care for Heat Emergencies:
Cool the Body; Give Fluids; Minimize Shock

Heat cramps/heat exhaustion:
Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not let him or her drink too quickly. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths such as towels or wet sheets.

Heat stroke:
Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation! Help is needed fast. Call 9-1-1. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. If you have ice packs or cold packs, wrap them in a cloth and place them on each of the victim's wrists and ankles, in the armpits and on the neck to cool the large blood vessels. (Do not use rubbing alcohol because it closes the skin's pores and prevents heat loss.) Watch for signals of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the person lying down.

For more information or to enroll in a Red Cross First Aid and CPR course, contact your local American Red Cross at (602) 336-6660, or visit us at arizonaredcross.org.

The Grand Canyon Chapter of the American Red Cross is where people in Arizona come together to help each other every day. The volunteer-led organization serves more than 4.4 million people in communities across Apache, Coconino, Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal, Yavapai and Yuma counties. Red Cross volunteers provide disaster relief to their neighbors affected by disasters, emergency assistance to members of the Armed Forces, preparedness and safety education to families and businesses, and international communications assistance for refugees. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on the generosity of our Arizona neighbors in the forms of time, money, and blood to do its work. To make a financial donation, enroll for a lifesaving skills course, register to volunteer, request disaster assistance or Armed Forces emergency assistance, contact your local American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter by visiting arizonaredcross.org or calling (602) 336-6660. To give blood, visit givelife.org or call 1-800-GIVE LIFE.

"Next week the Florence Community Library is hosting more summer fun for children and teenagers," said Children's Librarian Rita Marquez. "Mind-boggling puzzles, a teen movie, a puppet show and a craft for Independence Day offers something for just about everyone."

On Monday, June 29th, from 1 pm to 3 pm, children are invited to drop in and play "E" and "T" rated Wii and Xbox games.

On Tuesday, June 30th, at 2 pm teens will view a movie about a group of misfits who enter a Las Vegas dodgeball tournament in order to save their local gym from the onslaught of a corporate fitness chain.

During Family Storytime on Wednesday, July 1st, at 10 am, Marquez will present a puppet show of the story If You Give a Pig a Pancake by author Laura Numeroff.

On Thursday, July 2nd, at 2 pm, children will create "patriotic" pinwheels in red, white and blue to celebrate the July 4th holiday. To ensure supplies for everyone, please call the library at (520) 868-9471 to register your child for the project.

The library will be closed from July 3rd through July 8th, for the Independence Day holiday and new carpet installation. The library will re-open on Thursday, July 9th.

The FAA has responded to the complaints from residents in northeast Mesa over the noise created by low-flying planes as they approach Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The response came from Federal Aviation Administration Western-Pacific Regional Administrator William Withycomb who said that the existing arrival and departure flight paths cannot be moved just to reduce or eliminate noise and that safety takes precedence over other considerations.

A prison fight in Rincon that involved dozens of inmates resulted in 9 officers and 3 inmates sustaining injuries. The fight broke out between Mexican-American and Mexican national inmates in the dining hall around 7:20 am this morning & then spilled into the recreation yard according to Corrections Department spokesman Barrett Marson.

A single-engine RV-6A plane crashed after taking off from the airport in Cottonwood earlier this morning at approx. 8:30 am. Both people that were aboard the kit-built aircraft were pronounced dead. The crash will be investigated by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board.

The Arizona State Parks Board is seeking motorized and non-motorized recreation, historic preservation enthusiasts and scientists from all Arizona counties to serve in an advisory capacity. The deadline for submitting an application for any of the listed advisory committees is 5 pm, Friday, Sept. 25th, 2009.

Currently, there are 10 openings for four advisory boards including the Arizona State Committee on Trails (ASCOT), the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee (HPAC), the Off-Highway Vehicle Advisory Group (OHVAG), and the Natural Areas Program Advisory Committee (NAPAC).

The Off-Highway Advisory Group (OHVAG) serves in an advisory capacity to the Arizona State Parks Board representing statewide off-highway vehicle opportunities and developing education programs that promote resource protection, social responsibility, and interagency cooperation. The Parks Board appoints members to three-year terms. There are two openings on OHVAG.

The Arizona State Committee on Trails (ASCOT) represents non-motorized trail interests and serves in an advisory capacity to the Arizona Outdoor Recreation Coordinating Commission and the Parks Board. The overall mission of the Arizona Trails Program is to promote, develop, and preserve non-motorized trail opportunities throughout the state. The Parks Board appoints members to three-year terms. There are five openings on ASCOT.

The Historic Preservation Advisory Committee (HPAC) serves in an advisory capacity to the Parks Board representing historic preservation interests throughout the state. The Parks Board appoints members to three-year terms. There are two openings on HPAC.

The Natural Areas Program Advisory Committee (NAPAC) advises the Parks Board on the expenditure of Arizona Heritage Fund monies earmarked by law for the acquisition, maintenance and operation of state natural areas. Membership in this advisory committee is limited to scientists with experience in botany, ecology, hydrology, zoology, wildlife biology; or experience in the conservation and/or preserve management fields. There are two openings on NAPAC.

To apply, download an application at azstateparks.com and mail it, with required support documents, to: Advisory Committee Coordinator, Arizona State Parks, 1300 West Washington, Phoenix, AZ 85007.

For information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit AZStateParks.com.

The City of Mesa is eligible to receive $4.2 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in the form of an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG). The goal of the program is to reduce fossil fuel emissions, reduce total energy use and improve energy efficiency in transportation and City buildings.

There are seven projects proposed for the grant:
$575,000 for solar installation at the CAP water treatment plant to generate power for Red Mountain Park.
$2.1 million to make City buildings and facilities more energy efficient, including solar installations, HVAC upgrades, new windows, reroofing and green building.
$1 million for energy efficient street lighting, including installation of LED lights.
$300,000 to assist with mixed-use, transit-oriented development along Main Street from the Tempe border to Gilbert Road that is more energy efficient.
$200,000 for consultants to conduct energy audits at City properties and facilities to encourage solar development and other energy efficiencies.
$20,000 to adopt the 2009 international Energy Conservation Code.
Establish a revolving energy efficiency fund to take the savings from energy efficiency projects to reinvest in new projects that also conserve energy.

The City will submit its application to the U.S. Department of Energy by June 25th, who will have 120 days to review it.

A federal grand jury in Tucson returned a four-count indictment against Nolan Steven Bautista, 19, of Sells, Az., for Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Abusive Sexual Contact, and Burglary.

According to the indictment, on Feb. 25th, 2009, Bautista committed burglary of a residential structure when he caused a female to engage in a sexual act by the use of force.

A conviction for Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Abusive Sexual Contact, and Burglary, carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, 10 years, and 21 years, respectively, and a $250,000 fine or both on each count. In determining an actual sentence, a U.S. District Court Judge will consult the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide appropriate sentencing ranges. The judge, however, is not bound by those guidelines in determining a sentence.

The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on June 17th, 2009. An indictment is simply the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Tohono O’odham Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Raquel Arellano, Assistant U.S. Attorney, and Anca Pop, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Tucson.

The Food Network has greenlit a sixth season of its highest-rated reality series, The Next Food Network Star. With the current season going strong on-air, they have already started looking for outstanding chefs and home cooks to compete for the opportunity to win their own Food Network series during the 2010 season.

The network will be conducting a nationwide talent search and encourages both professional and amateur chefs to apply. Open-call auditions will be held around the country throughout July and August. And, they will be holding an audition in Phoenix in July. Contestant hopefuls should bring an application, photograph, and resume and/or bio to the auditions. Interested candidates unable to attend an open casting call may submit a three-minute audition video explaining why you should be Food Network’s newest star. For applications, contest rules, and submission instructions simply visit FoodNetwork.com/Star.

The Phoenix casting location is on Wednesday, July 8th, from 10 am to 4 pm at the Embassy Suites Phoenix/Scottsdale at 4415 East Paradise Village Parkway, Phoenix.

The Business Software Alliance (BSA), which represents the world’s commercial software industry for the past 20 years, announced today that IPRO Tech Inc. of Phoenix, Arizona has paid $246,470 to settle claims that it had unlicensed copies of Adobe, Microsoft and Symantec software installed on its computers.

As part of the settlement agreement, IPRO Tech Inc. agreed to delete all unlicensed copies of software on its computers, purchase any licenses necessary to become compliant, and commit to implementing stronger software asset management (SAM) practices. BSA and its members were represented by the law firm of Donahue Gallagher Woods, LLP of the San Francisco Bay Area.

IPRO Tech Inc is a leading designer of scalable, easy to manage litigation support software as well as e-Discovery software. “IPRO continued to use subscription software after the license term expired,” said Jim King, CEO of IPRO Tech, Inc. “The good news, this was not intentional. We fully supported the audit process and we support the goals of the BSA. Upon discovery of our licensing oversights we worked with the BSA to immediately correct the deficiencies.”

BSA was alerted to the unlicensed software use by a confidential report made on BSA’s website nopiracy.com. Each year, BSA receives more than 2,500 reports of software piracy to its website and hotline, 1-888-NO PIRACY. The majority of BSA’s leads come from current or former employees who had information related to the unlicensed software activity. Through BSA’s “Know it, Report it, Reward it” program, individuals who provide qualified reports of software piracy are eligible to receive up to $1 million in cash rewards. In 2008, the BSA paid a total of $136,100 in rewards to 42 individuals for verifiable tips about software piracy. Surprisingly, despite the rewards program, many opt not to take the reward. Informal studies conducted by BSA suggest that a key driver for reporting software piracy is the motivation to simply “do the right thing.”

Software piracy affects more than just the software industry. According to the Sixth Annual BSA and IDC Global Software Piracy Study, the worldwide PC software piracy rate rose from 38 percent to 41 percent and the retail value of unlicensed software--representing revenue losses to software companies--was estimated at $53 billion. Piracy also saps local governments of needed tax revenues and spreads information security risks. However, reducing piracy also brings economic benefits for the local IT industry. For every $1 of PC software licensed, there is another $3 to $4 of revenues for local service and distribution firms. “If one message is loud and clear, it’s that doing the right thing by using legal software is the key to both reducing piracy, strengthening the local IT industry, and driving jobs so needed during these challenging economic times,” said Jenny Blank, Senior Director of Legal Affairs for BSA.

Local families have a newly refurbished park to visit after a rededication ceremony that took place this past Saturday. City officials including Hayden Mayor Monica Badillo, State Representatives Barbara McGuire and Frank Pratt delivered remarks, as well as EPA Representative David Cooper and ASARCO Vice President of Environmental Affairs Tom Aldrich. Families attending the event were treated to free hot dogs and refreshments, while children made quick use of the newly renovated park equipment.

"Garms Park was a special place for Hayden, and I am honored to be a part of the re-dedication," said State Representative Barbara McGuire. "It is a rededication in honor of the past in a commitment to Hayden today. Garms Park will continue to be a place enjoyed by all, where many special memories will be created for generations to come."

The park was renovated as part of a three-way agreement between ASARCO, EPA, and the State of Arizona. Updates include new soil and sod, repainted playground equipment and walls, a new sprinkler system, and new rubber mulch around the climbing equipment.

Hayden Mayor Monica Badillo noted, "It’s fantastic that ASARCO finished this project ahead of schedule and was willing to put more funding than was required towards the park. It shows how much they value the people in Hayden that they were willing to put in the extra effort."

ASARCO Vice President of Environmental Affairs Tom Aldrich, who also spoke at the event, said that the company is committed to finishing its cleanup in Hayden and Winkleman ahead of schedule.

"We value this community and are dedicated to ensuring that this area remains clean and enjoyable for future generations," he explained. "We’re on track to complete the cleanup nearly three months ahead of schedule, and we wanted to take the time to rededicate this park for the town of Hayden so that we could have a chance to thank the people for their patience and support."

Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick continued her fight to restore fiscal balance in Washington last Friday, by voting against congressional leadership in opposing the $3.7 billion FY2010 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill. The Act increases spending by almost 9% over FY2009 levels at a time when the national debt is at a historic level and unemployment is at 9.4% nationwide.

The Congresswoman launched the “Do More With Less” Initiative to cut inefficient spending of taxpayer dollars and help pay down the national debt. While she acknowledged that this bill does fund useful programs, she could not accept putting even more of our money into government operations at a time when many Americans are being forced to cut back.

“It is not right to spend more on our own facilities during this recession,” said Rep. Kirkpatrick. “Working families in my district are tightening their belts and getting by on less to get through the economic downturn. Congress needs to start following their example.”

The bill includes an $81 million spending increase for the Architect of the Capitol that will help restore the Capitol Complex, a $40 million increase for the Library of Congress that will help upgrade their information technology, and a $74 million increase for the House of Representatives - $4.6 million of which will go to install a new electronic voting system.

“We just cannot afford to do everything we might like. Washington needs to make smart investments and tough choices to cut spending, and we did not get the job done with this bill,” said Rep. Kirkpatrick. “It is time for us to show some discipline and do more with less.”

The Legislative Branch Appropriations bill passed 232-178, but is only the second of 12 FY2010 appropriations bills that will be considered by Congress over the coming weeks. Rep. Kirkpatrick will work with Members of both parties to continue trying to cut spending in the upcoming bills.

The Congresswoman ran for office as an independent voice for restoring fiscal discipline in Washington. Last week, she called for the Treasury Department to pay down the debt with returned bank bailout funds, and she voted yesterday to cut as much as $12.5 billion from the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill. Rep. Kirkpatrick is also an original co-sponsor of the pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) legislation.