News August 26, 2009

Insight On Freeport-McMoran Copper And Gold, by Ted Lake

Copper prices continue their surge onwards, now in the range of $2.77 a pound. That's $1.52 a pound more than when Freeport curtailed basically of all of its mining operations plus new and reopening projects here in Arizona late last year. So just what is happening at Freeport, we ask? First of all, we are told the company's new Safford Mine (Dos Pobres) added 26 more workers to the payroll in June. The number of employees has increased from 481 to 518 while the number of contractor employees rose from 25 to 31. As far as plans to go ahead in the building of the Acid Plant for the new Safford mine, it's not happening. Construction of the Safford sulfur burning facility remains deferred, they say. The Morenci mine, hit hard by layoffs, which originally had about 4,000 workers has 1,980 employees today along with 107 contractor workers. There is nothing new on the agenda here in Globe-Miami and in addition we were told there is no current exploration activity at the Christmas site 25 miles South of Globe-Miami. Christmas once had a flourishing underground mine with nearly 400 employees. We wanted to know what is the present thinking by Freeport officials about hiring additional workers at Morenci or any of its other mining operations. Eric E. Kinneberg, Director of External Communications for Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold replies " the decision to restart production is dependent upon a number of considerations. Most importantly, we would require a sustained improvement in economic conditions and demand for copper, such that the economics of restarting production are favorable. We will continue to monitor conditions and make adjustments to our plans as warranted."

Grijalva Turns Back On Rural Arizona?, By Ted Lake

One of our most important Congressional leaders involved in dealings with one of the Resolution Copper Land Exchange bills before Congress was not at the Town Hall in Superior Friday with the U.S. Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar, in addition to Senator John McCain ( R AZ) and Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick(D) We are talking about Democratic Congressman Raul M. Grijalva of Tucson. Was he invited? I don't know. But he knew about it, because I sent emails to his staff and they knew. In fact, I was promised a telephone interview by his Press Secretary that never came about. And there were no replies to my following emails asking what happened. Looks like the people of Arizona have elected a guy to Congress who basically is non-responsive. Congressman Raul Grijalva is apparently once again holding up the Resolution Copper Land Exchange Bill in a House Committee that he serves on and apparently once again is ducking the issue. When Congressman Ed Pastor (D) Az introduced his House land exchange bill in 2007, Grijalva as subcommittee chairman did not advance it forward after a hearing, and it sat, sat and just sat, ...a $4 billion project bottled up without any due diligence on the part of a very influential member of the Arizona Congressional Delegation. Grijalva was quoted by the Washington Roll call as to saying he agreed to allow a hearing for Pastor’s bill but didn't support it. So I guess that is why it sat in his committee's file 13 and later died. All that work on a very important bill never got any input from the full House of Representatives because of a Congressman who lives in Tucson. Asking around the town of Superior Friday, has anyone ever seen or talked to Grijalva? Oh, yes Michael Hing, Mayor of Superior talked to him earlier while he was back in Washington. Hing said he asked Grijalva about Rep. Kirkpatrick's bill on her version of the land exchange and how it was going in the U.S. House of Representatives. He tells us all the Congressman would say was " It's Ann's bill and she has got to work on it." Hing said he asked for more information and Grijalva said again " it's Ann's bill and she has got to work on it." According to Hing, that was the end of the conversation. Congressman Raul Grijalva serves as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Parks and Forest Lands in the House and is also on the House Committee on Natural Resources. With Secretary of Interior Salazar in Superior last Friday, one believes this would have been a great opportunity with the Interior Secretary here for the Southern Arizona Congressman to come up to this small community in dire need of economic development and do his due diligence on the Resolution Land Exchange for once and for all with the U.S. Secretary of Interior. This would have given the two of them the chance to talk in person about it. I guess that is not how Washington works. Comon sense no longer prevails. No way, Congressman Raul wasn't seen in town and in fact ever since this land swap business started, Congressman Grijalva has apparently never taken the time to come over and look at this project which would create 1,400 new jobs and cost more than $4 billion dollars to build 7,000 feet underground. Maybe it's the traffic in Tucson or Washington that made it too difficult for him to get out in some of our fresh mountain air in our small communities. On Friday, I also asked some of the folks at Resolution Copper, have they ever held a one to one conversation with Grijalva about the exchange? Couldn't find anyone to say yes. Grijalva has a great record of protecting the Grand Canyon and keeping a low expense account as a U.S. Congressman. However, when it comes to helping rural Arizona, which now has unemployment rates of 11% and 12% he is not available to take time to check out the Resolution Exchange and see if it is viable or come up with his own ideas. Maybe that is because he represents Congessional District #7 and doesn't care about us now. But you know, there is going to be a reapportionment in 2012, and maybe this guy will be shifted to "represent" some of our mining communities? That is a distinct possiblity. Natalie Lune Rose, Grijalva's Press Secretary, told the Tucson Arizona Daily Star that her boss, Congressman Grijalva believes Resolution Copper hasn't been transparent enoungh about the environmental- review process and hasn’t made enough of an effort to talk to San Carlos tribal leaders about their concerns. "As chairman, his job is to do due diligence as a public servant because he is not flack for the company and he feels they want him to do that." From this writer's viewpoint, we got some double talk here folks. If the Congressman has not made the effort to come to the town of Superior to look over the site of the 3,000 acre exchange and the company's proposed opertions....what happened to his values on due diligence? I guess he doesn't have any. If any of our readers would like to give Congressman Raul Grijalva or his staff an earful, here are the telephone numbers and addresses. Congressman Raul Grijalva, District Office, 810 East 22nd Street Suite 202, Tucson, Arizona 85713, Telephone 520-622-6788 ( Ask to speak directly to Natalie Luna Rose, his press secretary Congressman Raul Grijalva, Washington Office, 1440 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515, Telephone 202-225-2435.

New Jobless Rates For Arizona, by Ted Lake

Unemployment rates went up again in Gila and Pinal Counties as well as statewide according to the latest figures released by the Arizona Department of Commerce. Here in Gila County, the seasonally adjusted jobless rate went from 10% in June to 11% last month. The state agency says there are some 20,550 persons presently working in our county which is a drop of 225 workers over the past 30 days. For Pinal County, the rate jumped to 11.8% from 11.2%. Commerce says Pinal had 103,725 persons who were on payrolls during the month of July which is down from some 104,300 individuals list for June. Statewide, Arizona's unemployment rate hit 9.2% last month. That's up one half percent from June. Our state lost 26,300 jobs over the 30 day period in with government job cut backs leading the way and some 9,000, according to officials at the Department of Commerce. Nearby Graham County's new unemployment rate went down from 14.4% to 14.1% while Greenlee County experienced a slight drop to 19.5% from 19.7% In Phoenix, jobless numbers increased from 8% in June to 8.4% last month. In Tucson, it went from 7.9% to 8.1%.

Free Outdoor Family Expo to Highlight National Parks in Arizona

A free event to celebrate National Parks in Arizona and other public lands will take place on the University of Arizona campus in Centennial Hall and on the nearby grounds on Saturday, Aug. 29. The expo, hosted by Arizona Public Media, in collaboration with the Morris K. Udall Foundation, Friends of Saguaro National Park, and Western National Parks Association, is aimed at getting families outside and enjoying the National Parks in Arizona and nation-wide. The event will include booths with activities for all ages, a screening of the upcoming film by PBS and Ken Burns entitled The National Parks: America's Best Idea, and a panel discussion on the "State of the National Parks." The event will take place on the University of Arizona campus in Centennial Hall and on the nearby grounds. All activities are free of charge to the public. The interactive booths will be open from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and will provide a variety of hands-on activities for children of all ages. A sneak peek at the PBS fi lm "The National Parks: America's Best Idea" by Ken Burns will be shown from 4 to 5 p.m. indoors at Centennial Hall; the entire six-part, 12-hour film will begin airing Sunday, Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. on PBS. Finally, following the screening will be a panel discussion from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., "Community Conversation: The State of the National Parks." Participants confi rmed for the panel include Senator Mark Udall of CO.; Congressman Raul Grijalva of AZ.; and Darla Sidles, Superintendent of Saguaro National Park. National Parks from around the state will be represented at the interactive booths, including Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, Chiricahua National Monument, Coronado National Memorial, Fort Bowie National Historic Site, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Grand Canyon National Park, Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site, Petrified Forest National Park, Pipe Spring National Monument, Saguaro National Park, Tonto National Monument, and Tumacacori National Historical Park. Some of the activities include adobe brick making, gourd painting, weaving, critter tracking, traditional costumes for trying on and much, much more. For additional information visit Arizona Public Media's website at www.azpm.org You can also locate information on all national parks in Arizona and across the United States at www. nps.gov and www.nps.gov.

Rep. Kirkpatrick Returns from Israel Trip; Focused on Working with Israelis to Combat Terrorism

Representative Ann Kirkpatrick returned to Greater Arizona Sunday at the end of a productive eight-day trip to Israel. The Congresswoman took the opportunity to learn more about the ever-present terrorist threat Israel faces and the value of a solid U.S.-Israel relationship in the struggle against Al Qaeda and global terrorism. Rep. Kirkpatrick was one of 29 Members of Congress to make the trip, out of 31 who had planned to participate. She had the chance to discuss how we can more effectively address security threats and other issues with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Israel Defense Forces Director of Military Intelligence Major General Amos Yedlin and key military and civilian leaders. "Israel is a critical ally in our fight against terrorism, and both sides gain so much from our unique strategic partnership," said Rep. Kirkpatrick. "We should do all that we can to support their efforts and continue to strengthen our longstanding relationship." The group also toured military bases and strategic sites across the country and met with leaders from the Palestinian territories such as Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad. "In these challenging times, our government's most important responsibility is protecting our communities," said Rep. Kirkpatrick. "By working together with the Israelis, we can make real strides against violent extremist groups and do more to keep our Nation safe." As the only Arizonan on the House Committee on Homeland Security, Rep. Kirkpatrick is dedicated to securing our borders and entry points, guarding our infrastructure and addressing the unique challenges that law enforcement personnel face in this state. Israel is a world leader in homeland security programs, and the Congresswoman is interested in taking the best practices in place in Israel and employing them in the United States to defend our homeland.

Covenant 31 Concert September 12

Everyone in the Globe-Miami and surrounding area is invited to attend a free concert on Saturday, September 12, 2009, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The location is East of Fry's Food and Drug. Covenant 31, a contemporary Christian band from Prescott Valley, began their music ministry in 2008. Their mission is to give encouragement and show the majesty of the One True God through their talents. Members of Covenant 31 include Patrick and Heather Eddols, who are Worship Leaders in their church and own and operate a computer company in Prescott Valley. Patrick is the main s o n gwr i t e r , lead singer and acoustic guitarist. Heather is a lead singer and back-up vocalist who home schools their 3 children and serves on the Women's Ministry in her spare time. Jake Wallace, the electric guitarist, works in real estate and nursing. Jake also served as a Worship Leader in his church. He and wife Jocelyn have two children. Jake's brother, Zack, is the keyboardist and periodically plays drums and keyboards in his church. Jared Willis is the bass player and is employed by the City of Prescott as a Police Officer. Jared Haxton is the drummer and a graduating senior at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He leads worship in his church and works part time doing construction and computer programming with a family member. Last, but certainly not least, audio/ video technician, Mike Canfi eld, is always there to take care of the band’s technical needs. Come out and bring your chairs, your friends and family to enjoy a night of singing and fellowship with Covenant 31.

Globe High Open House

Globe High School open house/curriculum night has been moved from Wednesday, Aug. 26 to Thursday, Aug. 27, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Upon arrival, parents are asked to pick up their child's schedule in front of the auditorium. Once you have received your child’s schedule, you will then be asked to attend brief sessions of each class beginning with 1st period. During these sessions, teachers will explain the state standards of each course and explain requirements and expectations of students. If you have any questions regarding open house/curriculum night, feel free to contact the office at 928-402-6102.

Ruben Montano Appointed as PCSO Jail Commander

Pictured:Chief James Kimble, Commander Ruben Montano, Sheriff Paul Babeu: On Aug. 17, 2009 Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu appointed Mr. Ruben Montano to a key leadership position within the Sheriff's Office Adult Detention Center. Montano was hired by Sheriff Babeu as an at-will Jail Commander and will be an integral part of the Sheriff's Office team assuming the duties of developing policies and procedures in accordance with the National Detention Standards. This will prepare the Adult Detention Center for American Correctional Association accreditation. The experience and professionalism Commander Montano brings with him to the Sheriff's Office, including his 15 years of supervision, as well as his knowledge of and involvement in the Pinal County Community will provide the Sheriff's Office with a valuable resource. Chief James Kimble commented "The interview and selection process for this position was difficult as there were several outstanding candidates. I applaud the selection of Commander Montano as his professional experience and formal education will greatly benefit the Pinal County Sheriff's Office Adult Detention Center." Commander Montano expressed excitement with the appointment stating he is ready for the challenge. "I'm honored to be selected by Sheriff Babeu. I intend to help implement his many reforms within our Sheriff's Office with special interest focused on the Adult Detention Center" he said. Commander Montano has worked in the fields of detention and corrections for nearly 23 years. He started his career with the Pinal County Sheriff's Office in the 1980's where he worked in the Adult Detention Center and later obtained his peace officer certification working in the Community Service Division. Following his employment with the Sheriff's Office, Montano spent 20 years working for the Arizona Department of Corrections. Montano retired from the Department of Corrections in 2004 as a Deputy Warden. Montano also served the Florence community as a member and then President of the Florence Unified School District Governing Board. Following his retirement, Montano obtained his teaching credentials and served as an educator for the Florence Unified School District from 2004 until June of 2009, when he returned to his passion for corrections/detention by rejoining the Pinal County Sheriff's Office Adult Detention Center as a detention officer. Commander Montano holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Management and a Master of Education/Administration degree. Commander Montano and his family reside in the Florence area. He has always enjoyed living in and serving the Pinal County community as is evidenced by his long term commitment to Pinal County Law Enforcement and education. Sheriff Paul Babeu stated, "As evidenced by his broad range of experience and knowledge in the field of detention/corrections, Commander Montano will play a vital role in the renewed professionalism and forward progression of the Sheriff's Office Detention Center." Babeu continued, "Montano is a wellrespected leader in the community and his experience and skills will assist us in providing the best possible services to our community."

Pictured:Commander Ruben Montano and Sheriff Paul Babeu.

CVCH Honors Foundation Supporters

Pictured:Present were front row – left to right: Opal White; Janice Cook, CVCH Board of Directors. Back row – left to right: Neal Jensen, CVCH CEO; Ted Schaefer, CVCH Foundation Chairman; Marilynn Rasmussen, CVCH Foundation Vice Chairman; Diana Wheeler, CVCH Foundation Member; and Jim Rasmussen, CVCH Board of Directors Secretary.: The Cobre Valley Community Hospital and Foundation are pleased to add the names of Opal White and her late husband Milo to the plaque honoring significant donors to the work of the Hospital Foundation and its programs. The White Family continues its many years of support.

Arizona Licensed Beverage Association Discussing Issues Locally

The Arizona Licensed Beverage Association will be in your community to discuss issues that are most important to all Liquor Licenses. We will be discussing the new guns in bars Legislation, possible new liquor taxes, gaming in Arizona, and other pertinent issues. The meeting will be held Tuesday August 25th. at 12:30pm - 3:30pm. at Gila County, American Legion Post 4. 645 South Broad Street, Globe, Arizona.

Repairs to US 70 Gila River Bridge at Bylas to begin Aug. 24

SAFFORD — The Arizona Department of Transportation will begin a project on Aug. 24 to repair the US 70 Gila River Bridge in Bylas. On July 30 bridge inspectors found damaged structural elements on the bridge. ADOT subsequently reduced the speed limit to 45 miles per hour and the weight limit to 20 tons to prevent additional damage from occurring. ADOT recognizes that the weight restriction has a significant impact on trucker and local commerce and has awarded an emergency repair contract to Truesdell Corporation of Tempe. The contract requires the repairs to be completed by Sept. 17. Truesdell is experienced in this type of work and may complete the work sooner depending on weather conditions. Although the weight restriction will be removed after repairs are completed, the reduced speed limit will remain in effect until the bridge can be reconstructed. The speed reduction is needed to minimize damage to bridge components and avoid the need to restrict weights and perform emergency repairs in the future. ADOT is currently performing engineering and environmental work to reconstruct the bridge but has not yet budgeted construction funding. ADOT advises drivers to proceed with caution, obey all posted speed limit signs and be alert for construction equipment and personnel. While ADOT strives to inform the public about planned roadway restrictions during any construction project, there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Please visit ADOT's Travel Information Site at www.az511.com or call 5-1-1 for the most current information about planned restrictions in the area.

More Than 3,300 Participate in Rep. Kirkpatrick's August Tele-Town Hall on Health Insurance Reform

PRESCOTT, AZ – Representative Ann Kirkpatrick continued her efforts to make sure that the voices of folks in Greater Arizona are heard in the health insurance reform debate Tuesday night, with more than 3,300 joining her for an hour-long tele-town hall. The Congresswoman emphasized the need to reform the current system to control costs and increase access for those in rural areas, and cited the risks to our economic growth of allowing prices to continue to rise unchecked. She also mentioned that we need to make the needed reforms effectively, not just by some arbitrary deadline. "One thing that has become clear from this discussion is that most folks do believe that the current system needs reform," said Rep. Kirkpatrick. "Rising costs are hurting our small businesses and families and will slow our economic growth. Furthermore, in areas like Greater Arizona it is often a struggle for people to access quality medical care, making it less attractive for businesses to invest here." "However, our need to get the job done fast is not an excuse for not getting the job done right. I am committed to doing this well, not just quickly." The Congresswoman took 13 questions over the course of the tele-town hall. She responded to her constituents' points about critical issues such as how health insurance reform will be paid for, preserving our ability to choose our own doctors and the need to cover folks with pre-existing conditions. Rep. Kirkpatrick also outlined the value of the public insurance option and the importance of making sure that folks in Greater Arizona get a say in the bill. "Not just any change will work for us," said Rep. Kirkpatrick. "We need to make sure that the final bill meets the needs of the folks in Greater Arizona and is a uniquely American solution, building on our strengths as a country. It's important to me that you get a chance to weigh in on whether or not the House bill meets that standard." People from all across the district were able to take part in the tele-town hall, with folks from each of the eight counties listening in. The Congresswoman previously held a tele-town hall on July 27 with almost 1,800 participants, and it has proven to be an effective way to help folks share their thoughts and opinions no matter where they live. A recording of the July tele-town hall is available on Rep. Kirkpatrick's website at www.kirkpatrick. house.gov, and Tuesday's tele-town hall will be posted soon. The Congresswoman will continue to get feedback from her constituents on health insurance reform in the coming weeks, and is planning events over the next few weeks where folks will get the chance to speak to her in person about this issue.

The Active Environmentalist, by Ted Lake

Pictured: Environmentalist Roger Featherstone speaks with Senator John McCain about his concerns regarding the controversial land swap.: He didn't say necessarily what most of the 700 persons wanted to hear at last Friday's Superior Town Hall, but he gave his viewpoints anyway. Before the Town Hall, he was up by the Apache Leap at Oak Flat in the morning listening to what the opposition (mainly San Carlos Apaches, and friends) had to say about the Resolution Land Exchange to Interior Secretary Salazar, Senator John McCain and Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick. If you go through recent files of the Tonto National Forest headquarters in Phoenix, you will find his name pops up among documents filed by him, San Carlos Apache Chairman Wendsler Nosie and others who wanted to go on record against the proposed expansion of deep exploration drilling by Resolution Copper on the East of the Town of Superior on Forest Service land. He is Roger Featherstone, Director of the Arizona Mining Reform Coalition based in Tucson. So what is this Coalition and what does it do? Featherstone explains: " We are a coalition that represents groups interested in mining issues statewide. We work on reform on national federal laws and regulations involving mining. We also work with community groups and help them fi ght inappropriate mines." Featherstone believes the proposed 3,000 acre Tonto National Forest Land Exchange is wrong because it avoids federal regulations. He explains his viewpoints in this way. "The copper company should drop the land exchange bill and go through the process that every other mining company in the United States goes through which is to write a plan of operation and apply for a permit from the U.S. Forest Service under the whole National Environmental Act Process." "There have been 185 mines permitted since the NEPA law was enacted in 1970. Every mine that has been operating since 1970 has gone through NEPA before they have gotten any permits. That's the normal process. What is happening here, this company (Resolution Copper) is going to Congress asking for a land exchange before any environmental statements." "We can't comment on a mine proposal because we haven't seen one. We have heard a lot of talk, but until there is something in writing we can look at, analyze and talk about jobs, sustenance, talk about water, talks about how they are going to comply with the cultural laws..until all of these kind of things happen, we can't really decide if it is a good mine or a bad mine. That's because this land exchange bypasses all that decision making, this is why we are opposed. The land exchange process allows this company to do something that no other company has ever done before” claims Featherstone. F e a t h e r s t o n e acknowledges by having Resolution Copper go through process he is suggesting, it would prohibit the company from ever acquiring the 760 acres at Oak Flat and cause additional delays. He claims the Company should be able to mine without that acreage. It was around 1959 when President Dwight Eisenhower signed a mineral rights withdraw order on the 760 acres. And apparently, the only way the Resolution Copper Company can acquire fee title (surface and mineral rights) to this acreage is by Congressional approval of a land exchange that includes this site. Resolution Copper has said in the past this 760 acres is definitely needed for their 7,000 foot underground operations. This Tucson Environmentalist also states that he believes officials of Resolution Copper Company should develop and mine their new project the same way mining has been done in Superior for the past 100 years.

Season Finale, "Learn Your Lizards Walk"

Desert Spiny Lizards can grow big as bratwursts -- and they're among a half-dozen lizard species which are commonly seen and easy to photograph around the trails and gardens at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. BTA's popular "Learn Your Lizards" guided walks during summertime come to an end next month with backto- back weekend tours on Sept. 6 (a "Sunday special") and again Sept. 12 featuring reptile researcher Abi King from the Arizona Game and Fish Department. You can "sneak preview" this tour by video on YouTube; Arizona State Parks volunteer videographer Mike Rolfe posted a clip following one of the tours earlier this summer at: youtube.com/ watch?v=HUivrMLTPpw. Close-up photos and more detail about BTA lizard walks are also posted on the Arboretum's award-winning website: http:// ag.arizona.edu/bta Carry along binoculars for the best close-up looks at lizards such as Western Whiptails and Greater Earless, Ornate Tree and Side-blotched lizards which scurry across the trails and through the colorful gardens during summer months. Bring your kids, or grandkids; this family-friendly tour offers a chance to meet a charismatic fi eld biologist, Abi King, and to learn about ongoing reptile research across the state conducted by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Other lizard walk tourguides such as Casa Grande ecologist "Wild Man Phil" Rakoci are likely to be on hand as well. Arboretum daily admission of $7.50 for adults, $3 for ages 5-12 includes the lizard walk and other weekend nature tours. The Arboretum’s located at highway 60 milepost #223, about 45-minutes drive west of Globe-Miami and just past the scenic copper mining town of Superior. Confi rm weekend event dates and times with a visit to http://ag.arizona.edu/bta.

Wanted: Volunteers Needed for "The Wall"

Have you ever wanted to volunteer and not known what to volunteer for? Well, we have an offer for you! THE WALL is coming to our area September 17 - 20 out at the fairgrounds. We need volunteers to help us run the computers that look up names on The Wall. Shifts are for two hours (although you can certainly sign up for more!) You would be able to show the veterans of this community and our country your gratitude for all they have done for us. Shifts are from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Thursday through Saturday, and from 12:00 to 4:00 on Sunday. Please call: Franceen Gregovich - Benton at 928-473-3916 or Peggy Vuksanovich - Dunn at 928-812-0781 for more information.