Kennedy Elementary School’s Pre-K and Kindergarten classes each had their end of year celebrations. The students in each class entertained their parents with songs about the things they learned throughout the year. These kids are definitely ready for the next steps in their education. Good Job Lil Panthers! (Pre-K Photos submitted by Toni Marie Macias and Kathy Zavala) See more photos online at:

http://bit.ly/10joPZg and http://bit.ly/12JTtur.

The proposed tax increase will cause Gila County Community College District’s primary property taxes on a $100,000 home to increase from $85.25 (total taxes that would be owed without the proposed tax increase) to $86.96 (total proposed taxes including the tax increase).

This proposed increase is exclusive of increased primary property taxes received from new construction. This increase is also exclusive of any changes that may occur from property taxes levied for voter approved bonded indebtedness or budget and tax overrides.

All interested citizens are invited to attend the public hearing on the tax increase that is scheduled to be held at 1:00 P.M. on June 13, 2013 via ITV at Gila Pueblo Campus Room 522, 8274 Six Shooter Canyon, Globe, Arizona 85501, and Payson Campus Room 402, 201 N. Mud Springs Road, Payson, Arizona 85541.

If you have any questions please direct them to Dr. Stephen Cullen at 928.425.8481.

Superior Sr. High School Athletic Director Billy Duarte announced the Panthers’ sports award honorees at the annual Sports Award Banquet on May 15, 2013. Several honorees were recognized for each sport.

And the winners are:

Football: JV Volleyball:

Most Offensive – Louie Fuentes MVP – Lindsay Duarte

Most Defensive – Mario Padilla Offensive Player – Kiyoko Alonzo

Most Improved – Albert Mendoza Defensive Player – Phalicitee Thomas

Most Improved – Keana Torres

Football Spiritline: Captain – Lindsay Duarte

Leadership Award – Nicole Godinez

Most Spirited – Megan Mashaw Varsity Volleyball:

Most Improved – Kaya Rodriguez MVP – Cierra Navarette

Offensive Player – Gabriella Salcido

Varsity Girls’ Basketball: Defensive Player – Alysia Fuentes

MVP – Christine Grap Most Improved – Ariel Alonzo

Best Offensive Player – Kiara Romero Captain – Korteney Urquijo

Best Defensive Player – Cierra Navarette Co-Captain – Cierra Navarette

JV Girls’ Basketball: Basketball Spiritline:

Coach’s Award – Gabriella Salcido Leadership Award – Alyssa Barragan

Coach’s Award – Ariana San Miguel Most Spirited – Ashley Barreras

Coach’s Award – Hunter Flanagan Most Improved – Brittany Barreras

Varsity Boys’ Basketball: JV Boys’ Basketball:

Team MVP – Louie Fuentes Team MVP – Matthew Zavala

Defensive MVP – Mario Padilla Defensive MVP – Ricardo Ochoa

Offensive MVP – Albert Mendoza Offensive MVP – Ricky Longoria

JV Baseball: Varsity Baseball:

Coach’s Award – Elias Olmos Coach’s Award – Mario Padilla

Coach’s Award – Louis Fuentes

Girls’ Tennis: Coach’s Award – Ceasar Villalobos

MVP – Korteney Urquijo

Most Improved – Amber Hernandez Boys’ Tennis:

Best Sportsmanship – Megan Mashaw MVP – Richard Ramirez

Best Sportsmanship – Nicole Godinez Most Improved – Cody Schcolnick

Varsity Softball: Athlete of the Year 2012-13:

Defensive Player – Cierra Navarrette Male – Louie Fuentes

Offensive Player – Phalicitee Thomas Female – Cierra Navarette

Coach’s Award – Hunter Flanagan

Spirit Award – Gabby Salcido Manny Ruiz Award 2012-13:

Matthew Zavala

Few people think of the wonderful vacation spots they already own in rural Arizona locations when they are making weekend plans. Camping at Arizona’s State Parks in the cool country offers economical and fascinating opportunities just a few hours from Arizona’s largest cities and towns.

Lake Havasu, Buckskin Mountain and the River Island Unit, and Cattail Cove are the three parks on the Colorado River where visitors can swim, boat, fish, go tubing and lounge on the beach and play on the river. On the Colorado River the temperature is around 100 degrees but the water is 80 degrees, so spending the day in the river provides a cool retreat from the hot Arizona sun.

Three State Parks in eastern Arizona include Roper Lake, Lyman Lake and Fool Hollow Recreation Area. Roper Lake is warm at night and the top of Mount Graham is only 45 minutes away and there you are in an Alpine climate where you can fish for trout. Lyman Lake has a variety of activities in Apache County that everyone will enjoy including fishing or waterskiing and a professional slalom racecourse. If you are not a camper, stay in a cabin or yurt and enjoy hot showers, or take a swim on the beach.

Day-trippers can head out to the historic parks such as Fort Verde or Jerome State Historic Parks or environmental parks such as Kartchner Caverns State Park (also has a campground), Tonto Natural Bridge State Park and Red Rock State Park.

No matter where you camp, there will be some fire restrictions so check with the park you plan on visiting to get the latest information before you leave town. In addition, all types of fireworks are banned. To keep your family and public lands safe, it is best to always use a propane stove and only smoke in vehicles.

“Camping Central” at the Arizona State Parks headquarters is located at 1300 W. Washington in Phoenix. Once you decide on a location, reservations for camping can be made 24-hours-a-day at AZStateParks.com or by calling (520) 586-2283 between 8am and 5pm (Mountain Standard Time) seven days per week.

Superior Jr. High School announced the Jr. Panthers’ sports award honorees at the annual Sports Award Banquet on May 15, 2013. Several honorees were recognized for each sport.

And the winners are:

Football: 7^th Grade Volleyball:

MVP – Edgar Galindo Pacheco MVP – Alicia Arriola

Def. Player of the Year – Austin Navarrette Most Spirited Player – Casandra Drennan

Off. Player of the Year – Nicolaus Cruz Outstanding Def. Player – Jalisa Murray

Most Improved – Ramon Ramirez Most Improved – Victoria G. Juarez

Most Improved – Analysse Jaurez

8^th Grade Volleyball:

MVP – Elizabeth Ochoa Football Spiritline:

Most Spirited Player – Eleanna Ybarra Leadership Award – Ashley Lira

Most Spirited Player – Maria Banda Most Spirited – Sivanna Lopez

Most Improved Player – Allison Martinez Most Improved – Holly Byrd

Special Manager Award – Alexandria Hernandez

Basketball Spiritline: 7^th Grade Boys’ Basketball:

Leadership Award – Stephanie Martinez Outstanding Off. Player – Marcos Bueno

Most Spirited – Casandra Drennan Outstanding Def. Player – Lorenzo Garcia

Most Improved – Yasmin Rangel Velasquez Most Improved – Marco Ochoa

8^th Grade Boys’ Basketball: 7^th Grade Girls’ Basketball:

Co-MVP – Nicolaus Cruz MVP – Victoria Grace Juarez

Co-MVP – Austin Navarrette Best Defensive Player – Analysse M. Juarez

Attitude & Dedication – Steven Byrd Best Offenvise Player – Jalissa D. Murray

8^th Grade Girls’ Basketball: Baseball:

MVP – Elizabeth Ochoa MVP – Nicolaus Cruz

Best Defensive Player – Maribel Castro Off. Player of Year – Austin Navarrette

Most Improved Player – Eleanna Ybarra Def. Player of Year – Jesse Lopez

Def. Player of Year – Frank Pino

Softball: Def. Player of Year – Edgar Galindo Pacheco

MVP – Elizabeth Ochoa Most Improved – Joseph Diaz Gonzalez

Def. Player of Year – Alicia Arriola Most Improved – Steven Byrd

Most Improved – Analysse Jaurez Most Improved – Steven Denogean

Diablo Award 2012-13

Male – Austin Navarrette

Female – Allison Martinez

Richard Rosales from APS presents a bicycle to Gene Green, Kearny Town Manager. The bike will be given away at the opening of the Kearny Pool on Saturday. (Submitted photo)

Kearny, AZ — The Kearny swimming pool is opening for the season this Sat., May 25, the better for you to regain your coolness in the blueness. Come and enjoy the day at the Kearny pool where your coolness is infinite, but the depth varies

There will be free swim from noon to 5 p.m. in the pool and free hot dogs and drinks in the park from noon to 2 p.m. A bicycle giveaway drawing sponsored by APS will be held at 2 p.m. for those 12 years of age or younger. Winners must be present to win.

Season passes will be available during the grand opening with a 10 percent discount thanks to the generous sponsorship of ASARCO, United Steelworkers 915, Jake Jacobson CBRR, Nomad’s sponsored by United Methodist Church, APS, Southwest Gas, City of Mesa, City of Tempe, Gordon’s, Big D’s Sparklett’s, Kearny Public Works, Kearny Volunteer Firefighters, and Kearny Glass.

The regular Kearny Pool schedule will be noon to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wedesday and Friday; 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday; noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and closed on Sunday.

The price for daily passes are $2 per person for one to 20 people. A season pass for one person is $40 and $10 more for each additional person, up to $90 for six or more persons.

A total of 212 crashes occurred during the 2012 Memorial Day weekend with 85 people being injured. DPS will be monitoring our state highways in an effort to reduce these numbers.

Impaired driving, fatigue, seatbelt use, and speeding are the four main factors in serious injury and fatal crashes. They are also factors that can be controlled by the driver. Do not drive impaired, get plenty of rest before any trips, wear your seatbelt, and be patient on the roadway.

At DPS, our goal has always been to have zero fatal crashes regardless of any time of the year.

Pete Rios

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.

Hayden, AZ – Hayden High School honored their student-athletes on Thurs., May 16, with a potluck banquet and awards presentation.

After the pledge of allegiance, led by Alexis Felix, and a welcome speech by Athletic Club President Danielle Paton, Athletic Director Lydia Martinez introduced all the senior athletes and also introduced past Hayden coaches present in the audience. The student-athletes could hardly wait for the speech to end. They had seen the variety of food awaiting them.

After the meal, the awards presentation began with the Spirit Line. Just like other sports, Spirit Line members have to get in shape for strenuous routines and have to keep their grades up. Spirit Line coach Maria Gonzales introduced her team and awarded her Outstanding Spirit Line trophy to Kiani Kame.

Football Assistant Coach R.J. Guzman was next, taking over for Head Coach Matt Waddell who had to stay home due to a family illness. After giving a summary of the season, he introduced the players and handed out the All-Section selections.

Getting honorable mention awards were Aaron Lagunas, Rodney Ortiz and Roman Padilla. Second-Team Defense awards were Manny Armenia and Francisco Moreno. Robert Sandoval earned a Second-Team Offense award.

Earning First-Team Defense and Offense awards was Erica Rivera. After announcing that Eric Rivera and Adrian Ochoa would represent Hayden in this summer’s Football Coaches All-Star Game, Guzman presented the most valuable player trophy to Eric Rivera.

After the awards, Martinez paid tribute to long time educator, coach and friend to many, Mr. Robert “Coach” Lorona, Sr. He had many accomplishments and it was announced that next year the Lobos would play at Lalo Serrano Stadium on the Robert Lorona field. The field will be dedicated in his honor during the first football game this coming season.

Boys Basketball coach Enrique Padilla stepped up next, introducing his very successful team. Padilla had two All-Section selections with Julian Gomez awarded a second team certificate and Adrian Ochoa receiving a Fast Team selection. After announcing that Adrian Ochoa would play in the Basketball Coaches All-Star Game, he presented the Most Valuable Player award to Adrian Ochoa.

Volleyball coach Marissa Gallego praised her team on the great season they had. She named Danielle Paton as the Most Valuable Player.

Girls Basketball coach Helene Martinez commented on the hard season her team had playing teams that were always much taller. Martinez presented her Most Valuable Player trophy to Devin Estrada.

Jeff Gregorich came to the podium next to introduce the of the wrestling team. After a few years of no wrestling at school, the program was resurrected with five young men stepping up to represent Hayden on the wrestling mats. Gregorich presented the Most Valuable Wrestler award to Francisco Morena.

Baseball awards were next and after a brief overview of the season, coach Salvador Gallego announced All-Tournament players Eric Rivera and Wyatt Forno. He then announced that the baseball Most Valuable Player trophy would be awarded to Roman Padilla.

After the awards, Martinez gave tribute to the success of Hayden baseball coach, educator and administrator, Mr. David O. Lacuyurs. She mentioned his State Tournament success, numerous outstanding coaching awards and his presence on the A.I. A. Executive Board and announced that the Hayden Baseball Field would be named David D. Lagunas Baseball Field.

The next presenter was softball coach Gene Westrope, who commented on the great season the softball team had and the remarkable defensive production of the Lady Lobos Softball Team. He introduced his team and handed out All-Section certificates to Melissa Marinez for Second Team honors and to Melissa Islava, Dean Estrada and to Marlisse Perez for First-Team honors.

Westrope explained that he had two MVP selections because of their play on the field. He and his assistants could not just pick one over the other. For her performance in the pitching circle, not wanting to come out of a game despite a painful injury, he presented the first M.V.P. trophy to Marlisse Perez. The second M.V.P. trophy went to Devan Estrada, a Lobos softball player that put up some astronomical offensive numbers for the season, led the team in just about every offensive statistic and other teams hate to see come up to bat.

Martinez then paid tribute to one of the most successful softball coaches in Arizona softball history, Ysideo “Chito” Guzman. He had eight state champions with several more teams bringing home running trophies. His coaching awards are equal to any coach in the state and the admiration his past players have for him is a great tribute. Henceforth, Lobos Softball Field will be known as Ysideo “Chito” Guzman Softball Field.

The banquet ended with the presentation of the newly created Principal’s Award, an award to honor a male and female student who showed the true spirit of being a Lobos Student-Athlete by working hard on the field, hard on the grades and being a mentor at school. Francisco Moreno and Melinda Martinez were the first recipients of the award.

Finally, the presentation of the Outstanding Senior Athlete trophies, and no better student-athletes could have been found then Roman Padilla and Melissa Islava.

By Mila Besich Lira

A few weeks ago community members and the Superior Town Council heard a presentation from Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu about the possibility of the Town contracting with PCSO for police services. At the request of several citizens and members of the Town Council the Superior Police Department was allowed to hold a forum on the benefits of staying with the Superior Police Department.

In his introduction, Superior Police Chief Lou Digirolamo explained that they were not hosting this forum to bash the services of the Sheriff. He explained that the Town has a great partnership with PCSO and many of the services such as the SWAT team and accident investigation were things that the town already receives with a mutual aid agreement. He also explained that the Town uses the Department of Public Safety for other services as well. As for training, all of the officers are AZ Post Certified and they attend all mandatory training.

One key financial point that Digirolamo made was the fact that if the Town votes to disband their Police Department the Town would need to pay $71,000 in vacation and holiday pay out to the employees that would be let go. The Chief also pointed out that if the Town were to keep the Police Department they would be able to control the budget as well as any political situations that arise. The Chief also cautioned that if a new sheriff was elected after the first five years the new sheriff may not honor the contract in the same way or he may want even more money.

Another cost that the Town would have to consider is the cost for misdemeanor crimes. Currently the Town cannot afford the jail costs or a Town Prosecutor that would be needed if the Town went to a contract with PCSO because the current magistrate cannot handle misdemeanor crimes.

The Town would also have to maintain some dispatch services as residents call the Police Department for animal control calls, street problems, and other public works needs.

Statistically the Superior Police Department has been improving on their service. In 2006 the department arrested 217 people, which is eight percent of the Town’s population. The department has been instrumental in completing cases so local criminals spend time in prison. In 2012, Superior Police Department had the best record per capita in police reports that were accepted by the County Attorney for prosecution.

Sergeant Bartlett also gave a presentation and talked about how due to the decreased budget at SPD now each of the officers are required to do their own investigations which does slow things down compared to when they had a a full time detective. He gave an example of how last year he had a sexual assault case that four victims and those types of crimes require a tremendous amount of investigation and support for the victims. Often the officer will travel with the victims to the Family Advocacy Center in Eloy of Childhelp in the valley. He also explained that when the discussion was first brought up to have PCSO assist the town, SPD was under the impression that PCSO would be helping with drug busts. “To date, PCSO has not popped one drug dealer or drug house,” explained Sgt. Bartlett.

Another situation that was brought up by the SPD was the fact that PCSO rotates their deputies every six months, and that would mean that Superior would have new deputies every six months. Other areas where the potential switch could hurt Superior would be on how warrants are paid. Right now the SPD can accept money orders for warrants and process them to the county. If the switch was made local residents needing to pay on warrants will need to go through the County’s electronic process which often will not process as quickly so the person will have to stay in jail longer. Impounded vehicles will also be handled on a rotating basis versus having a local business like Southwest Towing handle the tow. Residents who have vehicles impounded will face higher fees and may have to go to another community to retrieve their vehicle.

Residents were able to ask questions of the SPD and the Town Council. Resident Mary Darr asked the council if she could prove that people don’t want to change the police services would they listen to the community. After council members Tomerlin and Hansen said they would listen to the community, Mayor Valenzuela said that she could not poll the council members.

Town Manager/Attorney Kane Graves explained that he would prefer the Town to stay with their own police force because the Town will have more control over the budget and services and the cost is less than a contract with PCSO.

Councilmember Tomerlin invited all the residents to do a ride a long with the SPD to see what they encounter on a daily basis.

Councilmember Aguilar explained during his comments that he was the one who initiated a conversation with Sheriff Babeu on what PCSO could offer the town.

Mayor Valenzuela ended the meeting with stern comments to the community. His comments explained that he and the council were only looking at things to make the community better, and stated that there was no other political agenda. He questioned Mr. Graves’ comments that the Town cannot afford PCSO when the numbers he is looking at are the same either way. He also stated that he felt there was a lot of misinformation being spoken in the community.

Community member Bill Vogler spoke out against the Mayor, stating that he felt that Valenzuela has a conflict of interest in voting or negotiating this matter because he holds an appointed position with the PCSO and his daughter is also employed there. Valenzuela explained to the public that the County Attorney Lando Voyles along with Mr. Graves has reviewed this case and confirmed the Valenzuela does not have a conflict of interest.

The next steps for this potential change service will be for the Pinal County Board of Supervisors to approve Sheriff Babeu to enter into a contract with the Town of Superior for police services. The Board of Supervisors will be having a work session on this issue and will be voting on it in the coming weeks. Once the county approves the contract the item will be placed on the Town Council’s agenda for approval.

See more photos online at http://bit.ly/10jgVLU.