Also from November 18
Obituaries
Photos
Polls
If a parent with a small child in their arms stopped you outside of a store and asked you for a dollar, what would you do?
| Response | Percent | |
|---|---|---|
| Give them a dollar | 46% | |
| Ask them why | 27% | |
| Ignore them | 12% | |
| Or remember the plight of the Great Depression and help them | 11% | |
| Tell them to get a job | 2% | |
| Total | 369 | |
Lead stories
2:56 p.m.
Dr. Lowe acquitted of theft- November 18, 2011
- The high profile investigation of a popular Payson doctor that started more than a year ago concluded Tuesday with a jury returning a not guilty verdict. Dr. Michael P. Lowe was acquitted of taking over the nearly $600,000 estate of a former patient illegally, putting an end to what many supporters called a “witch hunt.”
All stories
- School officials left dangling on the ropes
- Administrators conquer fear and learn lessons atop a 40-foot pole
- November 18, 2011
- Jeez. Running a school district is such a high wire act. Literally. Payson Unified School District Superintendent Casey O’Brien and a slew of the district’s top administrators spent a couple of hours this week balancing precariously on wires far above the ground, climbing telephone poles and dangling from ropes — all in the name of team building. The afternoon included hooking up to safety harnesses, climbing a 40-foot-tall pole, standing unsteadily atop the pole and then jumping into space to smack a big plastic ball in mid air, trusting that the people on the ground hanging onto the ends of the safety ropes would keep them safe.
- sportsbriefs
- Nichols is Niners Club Champion
- November 18, 2011
- Debbie Nichols is the 2011 Club Champion of the Payson Women’s Golf association Nine Hole Golf Club. The low gross club championship was held the first two weeks of October during which Nichols, who is also the club president and operates the recently opened Peak Medical Care in Payson, held off stiff competition from her fellow Niners to emerge victorious. Donna Larson won “Most Improved” for the 2011 season.
- Dr. Lowe acquitted of theft
- November 18, 2011
- The high profile investigation of a popular Payson doctor that started more than a year ago concluded Tuesday with a jury returning a not guilty verdict. Dr. Michael P. Lowe was acquitted of taking over the nearly $600,000 estate of a former patient illegally, putting an end to what many supporters called a “witch hunt.”
- Dispute cuts off water to subdivision
- Corporation commission orders Geronimo Estates landowner to allow Brooke Utilities access to disputed well
- November 18, 2011
- The Arizona Corporation Commission on Thursday ordered a landowner to grant access to a well used by Brooke Utilities to provide water to 85 residents in Geronimo Estates. Complaints from homeowners, State Rep. Brenda Barton and the water company prompted the corporation commission to hastily schedule a hearing and step into a feud between Brooke Utilities and a homeowner. Steve Prahin has been bickering with the water company since at least 2006 about ownership of a well on a property he bought at a tax sale.
- County agrees to quit claim 32 acres to GCC
- November 18, 2011
- The board of supervisors gave 32 acres of land to Gila Community College (GCC), but left controversial questions unanswered at its Nov. 15 meeting. “As soon as the supervisors voted to proceed with the quit claim deed, the community college had full ownership of the land,” said Don McDaniel, county manager who is the point man for the county in negotiations over the GCC land with the Rim Country Education Alliance (SLE).
- Slinky warms the hearts of court staff, jail prisoners
- November 18, 2011
- Justice may be blind, but for once, it has a heart. In less than two weeks, an ashy gray cat warmed its way into the unlikeliest of hearts. When Slinky the cat found itself alone and without food near the Gila County jail and courtroom in Payson Nov. 2, she did what any cat would do — she meowed and clawed. And meowed some more. Soon prisoners, judges and courtroom staff noticed Slinky’s not so subtle calls. During a recent trial, Slinky persistently sat outside the courtroom doors, peering her pink nose through a crack in the door and meowing merrily.
- Three accidents occur near Corvair Curve on Hwy. 87
- November 18, 2011
- It was a busy weekend near Corvair Curve on Highway 87 south of Payson. A semi took out several dozen feet of guardrail in the tight turn north of Rye after rolling on its side and several more motorists wrecked in the area later that weekend. No one was seriously injured.
- Community Almanac
- November 18, 2011
- The Women’s Ministries of Payson First Assembly of God, 1100 W. Lake Drive (the church at Green Valley Park), will hold its annual Holiday Craft and Bake Sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, Nov. 18 and Saturday, Nov. 19.
- Thanks to theater for showing movie ‘Courageous’
- November 18, 2011
- I wish to take this opportunity to offer a public thank you to the management of the Sawmill Theatres.
- Appraisal should be questioned
- November 18, 2011
- Thank you, Tom Loeffler, for asking questions and for requesting accountability before a deal is done with the SLE on land sales for the proposed college and satellite businesses.
- Prosecutor wrong about Dr. Lowe
- November 18, 2011
- I am writing to add a different perspective to the character assassination of Dr. Lowe.
- Why what’s happening in Greece matters
- November 18, 2011
- There was a time when we associated debt crises with banana republics and failed states, when the IMF was a lender that Western countries supported to help others — not themselves. Times have certainly changed. As we look across the Atlantic to Greece, things only seem to keep getting worse. Bailout upon bailout, crisis after crisis, rioting in the streets — it has been a bewildering drama. The issues may be complicated, but they’re also worth understanding, because they hold lessons for us as we work to address our own growing debt problems in the U.S.
- County, college must strike the right balance
- November 18, 2011
- The cliffhanger continues. The Gila County Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved the transfer of some 33 acres of land to Gila Community College. Well and good: The action brings to a happy ending a complicated transaction that finally leaves the community college one step closer to gaining control over its future.
- Our forefathers weren’t just land hungry
- November 18, 2011
- I’m just like you. I sometimes get so %$#@ angry with the Forest Service I could strangle somebody. But some reading I’ve been doing lately has made me think. Maybe they have something. Maybe they’re so all-fired worried about letting us in the woods because they’ve read some of the same stuff I’ve recently read. Could it be they are worried that if they don’t keep their eyes on us, you and I might go out there in the woods and eat up everything in sight?
- Time Out executive director retiring to become a volunteer
- November 18, 2011
- After helping countless women transition from victim to survivor of domestic violence, Time Out’s executive director is retiring. Gerry Bailey says although she is stepping down as director on Nov. 30, she will not stray far from the program she helped expand over the last seven years. “Following a rest and relaxation period, I will be very pleased to step into a volunteer role at our domestic violence emergency shelter,” she said.
- First-time entry wins quilting Hall of Fame award
- November 18, 2011
- The staff at the Quilting Sisters shop had to talk Ingeborg Hill into entering her quilt into the Quilt Roundup held at the Mazatzal Casino this past weekend, Nov. 11-13. Hill had never entered a quilting contest before, but the quilt she designed for her daughter’s 25th anniversary had such an eye-catching design, attention to detail, and bright colors, she took a chance. The judges awarded her work with the Hall of Fame award, first place in the traditional bed spread category, best hand appliqué award and the Strawberry Patchers’ choice award.
- Free Thanksgiving dinners and special church services available
- November 18, 2011
- Four separate groups are offering free Thanksgiving dinners to the community this year and a number of churches have special services. The Elks Lodge, Expedition Church, the First Assembly Church and the Pine Senior Center Affairs Foundation are making sure everyone has the opportunity to have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner this Thursday. Expedition Church has helped those in need make Thanksgiving dinner for the past three years. Members of the church are expecting there to be a bigger need this year than before, so are inviting the community to help them make Thanksgiving dinners this year.
- Plans for new gym room OK’d
- November 18, 2011
- The Payson school board this week approved final plans for a state-funded replacement of the structurally unsound roof over the old high school gym. The Arizona School Facilities board will foot the $750,000 bill for the project, which includes an extra $160,000 to remove ceiling tiles laced with lung-damaging asbestos.
- Critical thinking on girls varsity coach’s agenda
- November 18, 2011
- Jennifer White stands in the middle at half-court in the Payson High School dome. The girls varsity basketball team thunders past her playing a scrimmage against themselves. The sound of voices, shoe squeaks and bouncing balls creates a cacophony that makes the coach’s commands difficult to hear — but the girls still follow her orders.
- Second-year coach working hard to build up wrestling program
- November 18, 2011
- Payson High School’s wrestling program is working from the ground up. With a young coach and a small group of mostly inexperienced wrestlers, after-school practices are running longer and more intensely to get the team caught up. Coach Casey Woodall, himself a former All American wrestler, knows the journey stretches beyond one good practice, a good meet and even a good year. With only five returning varsity members, building up the program will likely take years.
- Unity of Payson begins formal services this Sunday
- November 18, 2011
- After more than 10 months of work, Unity of Payson will begin formal Sunday services this month. It will be a place of fellowship; a place of meditation and prayer; and a place to grow spiritually. A core group of 25 to 35 Rim residents has been working since January to get Unity of Payson started. It has hosted a weekly Prayer and Meditation Study Group Thursdays and a Unity Book Study Group Fridays. It is now an official church affiliated with Unity Worldwide Ministries and will have regular Sunday services beginning Nov. 20 at the office of the Central Arizona Board of Realtors, 600 E. Hwy. 260. The services are at 10 a.m. and will be led by visiting ministers from around the state.
- Gem, mineral show kicks off holiday season
- Arts and crafts fair follows gem show at Mazatzal Casino
- November 18, 2011
- Get ready to crack open that Christmas account. This weekend and next are some prime holiday buying times in the Rim Country. First, the 14th Annual Gem & Mineral Show, presented by the Payson Rimstones Rock Club is Saturday, Nov. 19 and Sunday, Nov. 20 at the Mazatzal Hotel & Casino event center. The weekend after Thanksgiving is the big Mazatzal Arts & Crafts Fair, Saturday, Nov. 26 and Sunday, Nov. 27, also taking place at the casino’s event center.
- Clubs and Organizations
- November 18, 2011
- Elks members and guests are welcome to enjoy lunch at the Lodge, 1206 N. Beeline Highway, Payson, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday; Friday dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday dinner from noon to 5 p.m. Basic refreshments are offered for sale at the Elks Open Mic Night, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 30. Elks members and guests are also welcome at these events.
- Make a homeless pet thankful by adopting
- November 18, 2011
- What better way to show your thanks, than adopting a pet before Thanksgiving. We have so many wonderful pets to choose from. Don’t believe me? Come down and see for yourself. I will personally show you around and help you find your match. We all have so much to be thankful for, why not let a new companion be thankful too; thankful for you that is.
- Businesses honored for work with disabled
- Gila County celebrates National Disability Month
- November 18, 2011
- Gila County recently recognized Rim Country businesses that have hired workers facing the challenge of mental and physical disabilities as part of National Disabilty Month. “More than 40 businesses in Gila County hire disabled adults,” said David Cadell, program manager of Gila Employment and Special Training (GEST). Cadell handed out plaques and gift certificates to some of those businesses at a Gila County Board of Supervisors meeting.
- Manage finances carefully this holiday season
- November 18, 2011
- As you know, the holiday season can be joyous, hectic, celebratory — and expensive. And while hosting family gatherings and giving presents to loved ones can be fulfilling, these things are even better when they don’t add more debt. Follow these smart money-management techniques over the next few weeks to keep your debt in check. To begin with, establish realistic budgets for both entertaining and gift giving. When hosting family and friends, don’t go overboard on expenditures.
- Assessor will give a presentation at Heber Overgaard Fire District meeting
- November 18, 2011
- Slightly warmer nights are the trend for the last few days dipping to just around the freezing mark of 32 degrees and daytime temperatures reaching into the low to mid 50s. Clear skies are giving way to partly cloudy with no precipitation in the forecast for this weekend.
- Be cautious of new scam letter making the rounds
- November 18, 2011
- This week has been a hectic time along with great sadness for the my maternal family. My sister-in-law passed away suddenly, without any warning, from a massive heart attack. Ellie, as she was called, was the sister I never had. She was kind, full of compassion and fortitude, and a super good wife to my brother and a fantastic mother to four boys. I will miss her dearly. Veterans Day was last Friday and since my husband is a member of the Tonto Basin V.F.W. post number 8807, we spent the morning there handing out Buddy Poppies and watching a fantastic parade.
- Dolly Parton exemplifies ‘rags to riches’ story
- November 18, 2011
- Country-pop singer Dolly Parton certainly exemplified the American dream of going from “rags to riches,” but never losing sight of where she came from. Born the fourth child of 12, Dolly and her family lived in a rustic, dilapidated one-room cabin in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, near the foothills of the Smokey Mountains. She often has referred to her family’s early days as “dirt poor” and described her family’s lack of money in a number of her early songs, most notably in “Coat of Many Colors” and “In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad).”
- The community of Christopher Creek lost a good, caring man
- November 18, 2011
- I received a call the other day that a very special man who was part of our family for almost 20 years had passed away. I could not believe what I was hearing. I thought this must be a mistake. This cannot be true. But it is and today we say goodbye to a wonderful man, a good-hearted man, a mentor, and someone we could always count on. George Billings passed away last week. This following article was submitted by Mikey Marazza.
- Storytellers to take part in annual Tellabration
- November 18, 2011
- The seasons have been changing so fast, it feels like someone hit fast forward. It was a beautiful summer day, then suddenly, cold. The golden trees with highlights of red splashed brilliant color across the Rim, reminiscent of local artist Ruthellen Mason’s oil paintings, and then the snow came. Although the patches of snow are gone, the surrounding mountain tops are capped with snow and are a spectacular sight. This time I think the winter-coat weather is here to stay, and just in time for Thanksgiving.
- Local Western batik artist earns international fame
- November 18, 2011
- Marilyn Salomon’s face glows with joy. In her hands she holds an iron and a piece of newsprint paper, and beneath these two mundane objects lies the mystery of batik artwork, images created with wax and dyes on cloth. “This is one of the most exciting parts. You never know exactly what will come out. It’s an emotional high,” she said. Salomon has worked on this piece for the past couple of months. A black rim of fabric frames three panels, each showing a different Native American scene. She used at least 15 colors of dyes to capture the details of the figures depicted in her piece. She made this along with a batik of moccasins for the Western Artists of America show in Corsicana, Texas. The show will start at the end of March and run for about a month at the Pearce Museum on the Navarro College Campus.
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Question of the week
Do you think new Principal Anna Van Zile has a valid idea in eliminating the Asst. Principal and replacing it with an Athletic Director position that would share her duties as Principal?
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