Payson Roundup

A fire that destroyed a house and carport tore through Bear Flat at the third meadow July 3. With the help of Diamond Star Fire Department, the Tonto Village Fire Department and the Hot Shots from the Forest Service, the flames were kept under control and damage was limited to one house and carport with a small amount of brush.

With the help of one of the helicopters from the Willow Fire, the flames were extinguished rather quickly. Neighbors in the area were a tremendous help in controlling the fire until the fire departments arrived. In particular, a volunteer fireman with the Tonto Village Fire Department, Phon Sutton, had gone through his training with the department, which enabled him to make the initial attack on the fire.

The cause of the blaze is under investigation, but is suspected to be human caused. Those of you who were watching the Phoenix channel 15, ABC News 10 p.m. broadcast, got to see the action right away. A few of the News 15 reporters were with the Forest Service when they arrived at the scene and transmitted the story to Phoenix.

The homeowners of Bear Flat are very grateful for all the assistance they received from the fire departments.

Tonto Village Fire District

Tonto Village Fire District and its auxiliary will hold meetings July 10 at the fire station starting at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. respectively. There is a short agenda for the fire department and fund-raising activities scheduled for discussion for the auxiliary. Representatives from the Firebelles of Christopher Creek, along with the other auxiliary members from the surrounding fire departments have been invited to attend to discuss combined future activities.

Collins Ranch

I received an e-mail from the son of Paul Livermore and he would like to include this message to all of Paul's friends and family:

Dear family and friends of Dad (Paul Livermore)

This is his son, Matthew Livermore, writing to you all on this Day of Independence for the USA and for my Pops. Dad died this morning at 5 a.m. in Mesa, AZ of an unknown infection that the doctors tried to discover for three weeks. Two days ago, he was taken off life support due to the fact that modern medicine could do no more, his body was simply dying. He is so loved and will be dearly missed ... Please spread the word to those who are not on this list and who loved Paul.

Matt Livermore

A celebration of life was held for Mr. Livermore July 9 at Mariposa Gardens in Mesa. Sincere condolences and prayers go out to all of the Livermore family for their profound loss.

Tonto Village Chapel

There will be a potluck luncheon at the Chapel after the regular church service, about 12:30 p.m., Sunday, July 11. Bring one of your favorite dishes and enjoy talking with your neighbors.

Pool Shots

On Sunday afternoon, villagers could hear the sound of cue sticks cracking those numbered balls across green felt to vie for first place. A newcomer to the game, Jimmy Makatsu, was the first-place winner. Phyllis Mullen shot for second place and Peter Spiess came in third.

Tuesday evening, the ladies took over that bit of green felt and Lorraine "Bo" Mathews was the big winner, second place went to Laura (didn't get a last name) and Michelle Grundy took third. Congratulations to all the winners.

Tonto Village Water Company

Jerry Bauler, our local water man, thanks everyone in the Village for being frugal with their water use over the long weekend. The water was turned off only once during the night during the holiday. He reminds everyone that it will be to everyone's benefit to keep being miserly with the water; we still have a long dry spell to get through before we get any measurable rainfall.

Birthdays, etc.

Jim Sumpter of Bonita Creek and Sam Coe of Tonto Village II will celebrate their birthdays July 16. Happy birthday to the both of you.