Punchers play a decisive role in HDMS Division Championship
Patti Daley
by
For the second consecutive year, the High Desert Middle School football team won their division championship, undefeated. Miami Jr. High was runner-up. The foundation for this regional success, according to many in the game, is the CCYS Punchers Tackle Football and Cheer program.
The organization involves youth from Globe, Miami, San Carlos and surrounding areas Players compete in three divisions, by grade: Mighty Mites (K-2), Juniors (3-4) and Minors (5-6).
“It’s a really great program,” says Brandon Palmer, an assistant coach for the Punchers. “It doesn’t matter if you have skills or talent; everyone is accepted.”
Kids learn the fundamentals of football and some fundamentals of a successful life. Everyone gets a chance to participate. Each player gets about 8 plays per game.
“We’re teaching leadership, respect, work ethic, integrity,” adds Gregg Marin, head coach.
“All of those things that come with developing the young people in our society.”
Building Brotherhood
“My players have built a brotherhood and bond due to football that can’t be replaced,” says Coach Don Muniz.
When Don moved back to his hometown, a lifelong friend asked him to become head coach for the Punchers. For the past two years, he has led the Globe junior high football team to back-to-back championships. He also coaches flag football and San Tan football in the spring. Gregg believes kids benefit from playing at a young age in order to build the structure and fundamentals that will improve with experience. The current head
coach of the Punchers agrees.
“We have to open our minds to what they’re capable of,” says Gregg. “It’s mind boggling.”
Gregg heads up a team of 8 coaches. Each of them is a dad, granddad, big brother or uncle.
John Daniel Flores became a Punchers coach when his nephew moved to Globe a couple of years ago. He wanted to be involved with his friends and community.
Coaching youth is about more than
conditioning and running plays, he says. It’s mentorship.
“You become somebody they are able to trust and confide in,” says John Daniel. “Coaches break kids down but also build them up.”
A successful small business owner, global Crossfit competitor and father of a four-year-old daughter, John Daniel recalls the Little League baseball coach,
PUNCHERS, Continued on page 19
Saving History One Building at a Time
by David Abbott
Local attorney and longtime Globe resident
Tom Thompson estimates he has owned upward of 40 buildings in Globe and Miami over the course of his half-century in the community.
Some of them more than once.
Thompson has been “collecting” buildings in Globe-Miami since he moved to the area in 1973, and has served on the board of the Globe Downtown Association for over thirty years. Thanks to his many investments in the preservation and restoration of old buildings in the area, much of local history has survived and been put back into service.
THOMPSON, Continued on page 18
Thompson
2024 Puncher Minors Team won their playoff game and took 2nd place in their division.
prevented the old Globe Cafe from being demolished in 2006. His current project with the Elks Lodge is less dramatic, but equally consuming in the work needed to preserve it for future generations.
Publisher
Editor
Creative
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Contributing
A season of change
The recent election, which will usher in a Trump presidency and a controlling slate of Republican leadership at all levels of government, will allow for sweeping changes in our country.
And Republicans will own the results. Make America Great Again will be guided by their blueprint to remake the country, succinctly spelled out in Project 2025. (Please read it! Visit project2025.org.)
Steve Bannon, on his podcast after the election, admitted that Project 2025 IS the plan after the Trump campaign tried to distance itself from it because it was so unpopular with voters.
There's no way to sugarcoat what this will mean for us as the impacts start to become real. So, I won't try. The results will speak for themselves soon enough. And maybe, as difficult as they’ll be to see, they’ll open eyes to the reality we face as we shift from campaign slogans to actual policy.
As the people of Missouri famously say, "Show Me"—a reflection of those who see themselves as tough-minded and demand proof.
Yes, the proof will be in the pudding.
This month in GMT we take a look at Tom Thompson’s latest project to save another of Globe’s historic buildings. We were around in 2006 when he stepped in to rescue the old Globe Cafe on Broad Street, which was in danger of being torn down. Seeing it still standing tall in our historic district is a reminder that saving these buildings from deterioration is not only a matter of preserving history, but underwriting economic opportunities for others. (See p. 1.)
Our other feature story focuses on the Punchers, a youth tackle football program that is proving instrumental in laying the foundation for future Tigers and Vandals as the kids move into middle school. The recent success of High Desert Middle School in bringing home a 2nd Division Championship is credited mainly to the skill-building of the Puncher’s minor league. It’s a win-win all the way around, and there’s no sign of slowing down. (See p. 1.)
Wishing you comfort and joy this holiday season. We’re heading into challenging times, and community will continue to be our strength and source of joy. This year’s light parade is just around the corner and its theme is “Traditions.” We have much to build on through our shared traditions.
City of Globe proposes water and sewer rate increases
by David Abbott
To continue the City of Globe’s 10-year efforts to modernize its 100-plus year-old water and wastewater system, City Council has proposed rate increases that would go into effect in March 2025.
Council approved a “notice of intent” in October to begin adjusting the City’s water and sewer rates, with a public hearing scheduled for December 10.
Final approval by Council will be completed in January 2025 with a targeted, effective date of March 1.
“Our emphasis is on retaining our high-quality water and sewer system, but we can’t defer maintenance,” City Manager Paul Jepson says. “We’ve been able to do improvements and make progress, but there comes a time when rising costs outpace revenues. We have to keep the status quo at least and prepare for the development opportunities on the horizon for us to improve the system.”
Globe’s current monthly water rates are at the low end of the spectrum in eastern Arizona. Under the current rate structure, a single family uses about 6,000 gallons per month at roughly $33.36.
A comparison of rates in a study done by Kevin Burnett of Willdan Financial Services reported that residents of Mammoth, Miami, Kearny, Star Valley, Payson, and Hayden all pay more, with Payson and Hayden residents paying more than $80 per month for comparable usage.
Only Winkelman, which gets its water through the Arizona Water Company, pays less at about $25 per month.
Jepson says that rates have not increased in four years after previous Councils raised them in roughly twoyear increments over the past decade. While rates have not increased, the cost of operating the water system alone has risen about $300,000 or about 14% overall.
In addition to addressing operational costs, the City must increase revenues to 1.2% for every dollar spent to honor the terms of the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) loans that have financed much of the improved infrastructure on system. Achieving that ratio will allow the City to retain the option to seek additional WIFA loans in the future.
To bridge the funding gap, the Council is proposing rate increases and instituting a “capacity fee” that will be charged to developers to help the City recover capital costs on future expansion.
“The capacity fee puts the development cost on the developer,” Jepson says. “Development should pay for itself. Local residents shouldn’t have to pay for future development costs that will increase demand on our existing system.”
Globe City Council is considering adjustments in the water and sewer rates in the 12% range. The formal proposal is included as part of the 2024 Rate Study that is now on the City website at www.globeaz.gov.
The impact on water rates would be in the $9 to $10 range for water per month and with the addition of sewer and trash cost, the estimated impact for a resident using 15,000 gallons a month would be in the $17 to $18 range. More detailed information can be seen on the City of Globe website for cost estimates for water usage, ranging from 4,000 to 26,000 gallons a month.
Council’s next step will be to hear more from the residents at the Public Hearing on the proposed water
“When we get to the five-year mark, the chances of needing something substantial would be less,” Jepson says. “But even at 12%, we’re not going above the average, and we’ll bring our rates in with the middle line of our peer communities, so we’re not suggesting anything extraordinary.”
and wastewater increases to be held at the City of Globe Council Chambers on Tuesday, December 10 at 6 p.m.
Jepson adds that no matter what approach the Council takes, it is important to raise the rates to match market prices to achieve operational stability over the next five years.
“When we get to the five-year mark, the chances of needing something substantial would be less,” Jepson says. “But even at 12%, we’re not going above the average, and we’ll bring our rates in with the middle line of our peer communities, so we’re not suggesting anything extraordinary.”
The increase will also help the City fund ongoing Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) infrastructure funds for improvements that cannot be financed through the General Fund.
Given projected growth, the City is preparing for capacity fees that would play an important part in future development, particularly in the Northwest Corridor, where infrastructure extension is well on the way. The fees would be about $6,000 per family unit for both water and sewer for the developer to buy into the system. These funds would then be used to expand the system in ways that grant funds are not able to do in preparation for additional development.
Jepson says that capacity fees are an accepted part of the costs developers incur, and the City should not be expected not to subsidize development.
Regardless, he says the current system needs to be stabilized so the City can maintain its obligation to provide clean water and sewer services to its residents.
“We have to have a backstop in case the capacity fees don’t perform,” Jepson says. “If there’s no growth, we’re not getting capacity fees, so we must be able to survive without them. Raising our rates to the bare minimum means we can function without capacity fees.”
On the other hand, if development goes as projected, the fees can be invested back into the system— they cannot be used for operation and maintenance— and allow the City to stave off additional rate hikes in the future.
“We have a history of upgrading our facilities, and if we’re going to raise rates, we have to show our residents what they’re getting,” says Councilman Freddy Rios, who has spent his professional career in the water utility industry. “We’re updating the 100-yearold system, which has an impact on them, but also on the ability for our fire department and other public services to function.”
Mayor Al Gameros echoed the need to educate the public about the importance of the rate increase and hopes that once residents understand the need for adjustments, they will support the changes.
“The City has been strategically stabilizing our ageold infrastructure while making improvements and modernizing the system for consistent high-quality service,” Gameros says. “We can’t stand idle. By being proactive and taking advantage of the funding opportunities available now, we can continue to provide good service now and for future generations.”
COUNCIL MEETING DATE
CHANGES FOR NOVEMBER: Council approved a schedule change for the November meetings due to elections and Thanksgiving. The first meeting will be held on Thursday, November 7th, instead of Tuesday the 12th. The second meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 19th, instead of the 26th. The meetings will resume the regular schedule in December on the second and fourth Tuesdays.
YUMA BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
PROJECT: A presentation was made at the 25th annual Rural Transportation Forum in Prescott on October 16th. The presentation was a request for 3.8 million dollars to replace the Yuma Bridge which was built in 1939, and has continued to show deterioration over the past decade. The last bridge assessment in 2022 showed a sufficiency rating of 40.8 which prompted an ADOT recommendation to decrease the capacity rating from a 25ton bridge to a 15 ton. This is the city’s continued effort and commitment to upgrade our aging infrastructure.
NOTICE ON INTENTION TO INCREASE WATER AND WASTEWATER
RATES: A notice of intent was approved by the council at the October 8th meeting to possibly raise water and wastewater rates. This is just the first step in the process. The next step is for staff to present to the council for public discussion and consideration on the different scenarios, justification, requirements and potential amounts. This meeting is scheduled for November 7th. A public hearing would then be scheduled for public input on December 10, 2024. If approved by the council, final approval will be held on January 14, 2025, with the new rate increase taking effect on March 1, 2025.
ORDINANCE 889 – APPROVAL OF AMENDMENTS TO ICC CODES: Ordinance 889 was approved that includes 61 pages of amendments. This portion of the code review has taken over two years with our internal experts and a third-party consultant. The amendments are geared more to our rural community and not the urban cities. It will now move forward for final approval in January of 2025.
CITIZENS ACADEMY: The sixth City of Globe Citizens Academy participants were recognized for completion at the October 22nd council meeting. The Participants are as follows: Suzi Dubisar, James Green, Phyllis Haddon, Guy Peterson, Sharon Peterson, Richard Powers, LeeAnn Powers, Ronald Ray Sr., Daniel Mayhall, and Laura Winsor. I want to thank these individuals for taking the time to learn more about our city operations. I invite any potential future attendees to plan to attend our next academy, which will be scheduled in the future. The commitment is for two hours every Wednesday for seven weeks. You will learn about the operations of all the departments in the city and be fed a very good meal at each class.
APPROVAL OF CONTRACT WITH MADDEN DIGITAL MARKETING
SERVICES: Council approved a contract with Madden Digital Marketing Services that is offered as part of the Office of Tourism. This is a co-op program for the amount of $31,300.00, which is one portion of the many marketing initiatives in our city.
REVIVE GLOBE-MIAMI PATHWAYS
TO PRESERVATION: A presentation will be held on November 12th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm to offer guidance and encouragement to owners of historic buildings in restoring and revitalizing Globe-Miami and surrounding communities. Representatives from the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office, the Arizona Preservation Foundation, and the Arizona Downtown Alliance will be on hand to answer any questions.
Owners of commercial properties will have the chance to learn about things such as tax reclassification and tax credit opportunities to support rehabilitation. One of our community’s richest resources is its past. Partnering with the state historic preservation groups is one way to secure expertise, encouragement, planning, and guidance to find funding to revitalize commercial historic buildings. Please contact the Bullion Plaza Cultural Center and Museum if you plan to attend. This presentation will also be available via zoom.
Christmas on the Orient Express
DECEMBER 5 & 6TH
Curtain at 7pm | Tickets: $25/$30
3rd Floor of the Cobre Valley Center for the Arts Call 928-425-0882 for ticket information
Drawing on the characters from their successful show in October, “Murder on the Orient Express”, the Players have created a charming musical presentation and one-act play written by Jason Marr.
Copper Cities Players present their annual Christmas program with proceeds donated to the Cobre Valley Center for the Arts.
Globe and environs becoming high-profile film locations
By David Abbott
Arizona has long been a filming destination for major motion pictures, and the Copper Corridor is once again becoming a hot location in the film industry as movie-makers seek out rural production locations for wideranging projects.
A classic backdrop for Westerns and low-budget biker movies, rural Arizona has also been the scene for horror movies such as 2017’s “The Covenant,” shot in Miami, and “Krampus,” filmed in Globe in 2018.
has become the one-stop concierge service for film & video companies looking to do projects here.
Thanks largely to the efforts of Molly Cornwell, Facilities Manager for the Globe Downtown Association, Globe and its environs are enjoying a new moment in the cinematic sun.
“We take care of people,” says Cornwell. “A majority of our film projects within the last decade have been because of just that. We do a great job working with the film teams in pre-production, post-production and especially on-set during production. They fall in love with Globe-Miami, our locations, our people and they not only want to come back, but they refer us forward to their colleagues.”
Cornwell says that in addition to “authentic locations,” filming in Globe is affordable, it’s home to plenty of legitimate and aspiring actors to fill the screen, and there are behind-the-scenes benefits such as access to costumes and props.
From music videos to independent films and shorts, YouTube paranormal content to documentaries, television series, and much, much more, astute viewers can likely catch glimpses of their favorite local attractions on big and small screens alike.
Through May 2024, upwards of 36 projects used Globe as a base of operations and filming, in addition to “regional partner projects” Cornwell and her crew helped along.
She credits the late Kip Culver with raising the region’s profile. Cornwell stepped into the job after his untimely passing.
According to Cornwell, in 2014, the director team of the indie horror film “The Conduit,” 90% of which was shot in Globe, wanted to return after “falling in love” with Culver. But it was during that time he suddenly passed away.
Not wanting to miss the opportunity, Cornwell stepped into the void. By the time the production team came to scout locations for filming, Cornwell had already prepared 23 possible locations, so film production was able to get underway relatively quickly.
She says that the vast majority of the productions done in the area in the past decade can be credited to Culver’s work. She sees an average of 100 productions annually.
“We have definitely worked hard to earn the complement of recurring projects and crazy growth, which we are really proud of,” Cornwell says. “We are now seeing more and more writer/directors alter and additionally write scripts to return to Globe. It is such a mind-blowing compliment.”
A current example of a major filming in Globe is the recently released “The Keepers of the Five Kingdoms,” an independent film by Zack Ward starring James Hong, George Takei, Gedde Watanabe, and Bai Ling.
Ward calls it a family adventure film in the style of “The Goonies” or “Big Trouble.”
says. “As our film is an ‘80s homage family adventure film, I was looking for my Astoria, Oregon, and Globe had so much personality and character and style, that was the first draw.”
Ward added that people in Globe were considerate and helpful and that setting up infrastructure for 50 to 60 people was not unduly difficult, despite Globe not being a “filming hub,” and thanks to local support.
The crucial piece to that dynamic, though, was Cornwell and her ability to deal with changes in circumstances.
“As we started moving forward with production, and I started deciding where we’re going to shoot it, I was on the phone with her all the time,” Ward says. “Whether it was a phone call, a text message or an email, she was always responding, communicating quickly, and understanding the pressures of filmmaking. The weirdest thing about filmmaking is it’s very, very slow, until it’s very, very fast.”
Ward added that in his 45 years of filmmaking, Cornwell stands out as someone who is “very comfortable with the process.”
“It’s ‘Dark Crystal’ meets ‘The Neverending Story,’ so it’s a pretty aggressive film for an independent project,” Ward
He’s been so impressed with the dynamics of dealing with Globe that he has written pitches specific to the area, but until someone buys in, that project will have to stay on the shelf for now. Ultimately, Ward sees working with a small, rural community as a give-andtake and hopes he has left as good an impression on Globe as it has on him.
“There’s always going to be something that goes wrong on a film production and there’s always surprises,” Ward says. “It’s a challenging process, but the goal is to treat people well… I feel like we really accomplished that.”
Molly Cornwell, Facilities Manager for the Globe Downtown Association,
Miami Unified School District
Miami Unified School District
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Superintendent Ramos Leads Miami Unified School District in a New Era of Student Success
By Carissa Pool
Since joining the Miami Unified School District (MUSD) as Superintendent just four months ago, Dr. Richard K. Ramos has set a strategic plan in motion that is aimed at increasing student achievement and fostering a deeper relationship with the community. With 29 years in education, including his recent tenure as Executive Director of Innovation and Learning for Roosevelt School District in Phoenix, Dr. Ramos brings a blend of experience and vision to the District. His plans are ambitious, involving a four-part framework that he believes will shift MUSD’s path for years to come.
Building Community Ties with the Business Partner Café
Central to Dr. Ramos’ vision for MUSD is what he calls the Business Partner Café—a unique program that leverages community relationships to help drive educational goals. The Café brings together local businesses, District leaders, and students in structured gatherings designed to encourage dialogue and collaboration.
“We needed something to bridge the gap between the District and our stakeholders,” explains Dr. Ramos. “With the Café, our community members are no longer just spectators; they’re active participants in shaping our future.”
Since the initial launch of the Business Partner Café, 70 local business leaders and 25 students now gather quarterly in the Miami Junior-Senior High School Library, where students themselves help to facilitate conversations. Student representatives at each table lead discussions on topics like the District’s new vision and mission statements, as well as what Dr. Ramos calls a “portrait of a graduate”—a concept detailing the characteristics students need to have in order to attend college, and work in our community and the global market.
The partnerships created within the Café have also inspired tangible contributions. When the District needed new staff T-shirts, four partners quickly stepped up
with donations, demonstrating the power of community support. “Building a network system like this is essential to the District growing and thriving in the Miami community,” said Dr. Ramos.
Another example of the buy-in Dr. Ramos has achieved with community organizations is one with ConvergeOne. Working together, Dr. Ramos and ConvergeOne successfully wrote, submitted and was awarded a grant for a school violence prevention program within just five weeks.
The success of the Business Partner Café has even extended beyond Gila County, with other districts, like those in Pinal County, taking interest in replicating this innovative, community-focused approach.
According to Dr. Ramos, he is laying a foundation of trust, accountability, and mutual benefit in the community. “Our message is out there, and we’re seeing real buy-in,” he says
Kids at Hope: A Framework for Student Potential
Another key pillar of Dr. Ramos’ plan is the Kids at Hope philosophy which is all about seeing children “at hope” rather than “at risk.” Founded on the belief that every child can succeed, the framework provides students with four mentors, known as “Aces,” who support them across different areas of life: family, school, recreation, and community. These Aces help to gauge what needs are filled, or not filled, in the life of each child.
“This is more than a program,” says Dr. Ramos. “It’s a mindset that reshapes how we approach student success. Every child is seen as having an unlimited potential to succeed, no matter their circumstances.”
The four mentors are essential to the Kids at Hope model, which seeks to instill a sense of future orientation in students. The District encourages students to set personal goals across four domains— home and family, hobbies and recreation, college and career, and community and service. Each goal helps students visualize a positive future, laying out a path for their success.
By facilitating these connections between students and adults who are invested in their future, the District is creating a supportive, goal-oriented environment that enables students to look ahead with optimism.
Enhancing Teaching with the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET)
One of the structural changes Dr. Ramos has introduced is the implementation of the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) model. Focused on enhancing teaching quality through professional development, NIET has shifted how MUSD evaluates and supports its educators.
“The NIET model allows us to invest in our teachers in a way that directly benefits student achievement,” explains Dr. Ramos. “We’re focusing on effective teaching practices that support all students, regardless of their background.”
This partnership with NIET provides MUSD with a three-year, $2 million grant that funds master teachers— two in grades K-6 and two in grades 7-12 —who mentor other educators. These master teachers meet with other faculty weekly, providing ongoing guidance on teaching strategies, curriculum alignment, and classroom management techniques. Through these interactions, the District has seen a change in how educators approach teaching, leading to improved student outcomes and a stronger school community.
The program also includes a performance-based pay structure for teachers, an incentive that Dr. Ramos believes will help attract and retain high-quality educators in Miami’s rural setting. “By supporting our teachers and rewarding their successes, we’re creating a culture of excellence that benefits both students and the community,” he says.
Fostering Creativity and Teamwork in the Innovation Lab
Dr. Ramos is also focused on establishing Innovation Labs within the District. Currently, there is one Innovation Lab at the Miami Junior-Senior High School where students engage in hands-on, team-based problemsolving activities that go beyond traditional classroom instruction. The lab’s flexible spaces, with mobile furniture and updated technology, are designed to support different kinds of learning experiences and foster collaborative and project-based learning. In one example project, students might define a local problem, brainstorm potential solutions, develop a prototype, and present their ideas to an audience of educators and community members.
“We want to cultivate critical thinkers and problem solvers who are prepared for the real world,” Dr. Ramos explains. “The goal is to provide a space where students can explore their creativity while building essential skills in teamwork, communication, and innovation.”
A Vision for the Future
As Dr. Ramos moves forward with his strategic plan for MUSD, he’s continuously focused on encouraging a District-wide culture of growth, urgency, and collaboration. For the broader Miami community, Dr. Ramos offers an open invitation to get involved and be part of the District’s progress. “Our community’s support and trust are essential to achieving our goals,” he says. “Together, we can build a District that not only prepares students for academic success but also empowers them to be leaders and problem solvers in the world beyond.”
For more information about the Miami Unified School District or to get involved in these and upcoming initiatives, contact Dr. Ramos at 928-425-3271 ext.1101 or via email at rramos@miamiusd40.org.
HALLOWEEN WINNERS
1ST PLACE
2ND PLACE
SCUSD students achieve success within the District and throughout the state
By David Abbott
San Carlos Unified School District students have a lot to be proud of in 2024.
Not only are students carrying on the traditions of their Tribe, but they are also looking into the future to imagine the lives they might live.
From school pageants to the Gila County Fair, to statewide essay contests, SCUSD students are achieving social and academic success that will help them in the present and as they reach for their dreams beyond primary school.
Following the District’s tradition, both San Carlos High School and San Carlos Middle School recently crowned pageant winners who will represent the school and their culture throughout the year.
“Our schools have a pageant every year and traditionally select a new candidate,” says SCHS Principal Durena Thompson. “They share their talents, have to answer an impromptu question and then they have to do traditional attire modeling.”
This year’s winner is 10th grader, 15-yearold Antonette Phillips, who was crowned Miss San Carlos High School on October 16. Phillips will serve after being selected amongst two other contestants who will act as her attendants whenever she represents the school.
She read in Apache about the legends surrounding the formation of the Salt River Canyon and performed a traditional hoop dance to the four directions.
Her mother, Angelina Phillips, was a pageant participant as well, vying for Miss Indian Globe and Miss San Carlos as well as participating in pow wow and rodeo pageants in her youth.
“My mom taught me how to read the story, and how to dance with the hoops and really prepared me for most of it,” Phillips says. “I just had to have confidence in myself and tried my best not to be scared, to just show confidence.”
She hopes to go to college to become a pediatric occupational therapist and is an “A-plus student” according to her sponsor and chaperone Joyce Johnson.
“Pageantry is huge at this time of the year,” Johnson says. “Most of our pageants are held in October, because the veterans fair and rodeo is coming up, so they’re representing our school in the community with all the events that are going on during that time.”
Johnson says pageant winners have to be knowledgeable about the San Carlos community and ceremonies and must present themselves as model members of the community.
“She’ll be going to different parades and pageants within our community and nearby communities, so she acts as an ambassador for the school,” Johnson says. “She has to keep her grade point average up and can’t get into any trouble. It’s about her integrity as an individual representing San Carlos High School and being a role model for other students at our school.”
This year’s San Carlos Middle School Princess, 7th grader Anaya Wilson, age 12, was crowned on October 23. It was her fourth pageant after a two-year break.
Wilson spoke in Apache about the importance of preserving San Carlos Apache language and culture. She wore the traditional clothing she had worn for her Sunrise Ceremony, a coming-of-age rite of passage for Apache girls.
“When I do these, my main goals are to be a good role model to younger audiences and to show that you can do what you put
your mind to,” Wilson says. “The rules are just simple behavior: Stay good in school, reach the expectations, which I can do because I’m an achiever.”
She credits her grandfather and mother for her success and for teaching her traditional Apache values as well as giving her the tools she needs to thrive.
Despite her competitive nature, Wilson appreciated the pageant’s positive atmosphere and the community’s support.
“It takes a lot of courage to go out there and go on a stage,” she says. “Especially when you’re speaking in front of a lot of people, it’s nerve-wracking.”
In addition to carrying on the pageant tradition, SCUSD is accelerating in other areas, with students from all levels achieving academic success.
The district’s Pre-K students won an art project at this year’s Gila County Fair and primary school students accelerated in writing and the arts.
“Every year, we participate in the Gila county fair,” says Rice Primary School Pre-K Teacher Marne Perez. “This is our third year, so this is our third first place.”
The project done by the 3- to 4-yearold students focused on the letter “C” and featured words such as “caterpillar” in English presented with their Apache translation.
Perez says it was a collaborative project with fellow teachers Antonia Tohtsoni and Kaylei Preston, the “three musketeers.”
The exercise taught students the importance of teamwork and helped prepare them for their next big project, creating a banner that will be displayed at the annual Veterans Day Parade.
“Every time they come to school and see their project on the wall, with all their works, it’s more motivating on their part,” Perez says. “It’s the same with us too. We think,
‘this is something, let’s do it again.’”
Fourth grader Kalianna Palmer also won a ribbon at the fair for her essay, “The Apache Family,” about her Apache ancestor’s lives in their wickiup. The story is about the roles of each family member in protecting the camp and feeding the family by hunting for game and gathering corn.
In the end, everyone ate and warmed themselves by the fire.
“I thought about it and thought about the setting and the characters,” Palmer says. “It’s an idea I got about my ancestors.”
According to her homeroom teacher, Tiffany Smitley, the story began with a picture Palmer presented to her reading class.
“They started with the picture first and then gathered ideas of what life was like back then,” Smitley says. “Then Kalianna built the story from there.”
For fifth-grader Lewis Cleveland, his essay was one of 20 winners in the state that won $529 to start an AZ529 Education Savings Plan through the state-sponsored AZ529 Essay Writing Contest.
Cleveland’s story outlined his dreams of becoming a woodworker and was one of 600 entries statewide. In addition to the prize, he was able to travel to Phoenix to be honored by State Treasurer Kimberly Yee.
In his essay, Lewis wrote that making money is not as important as finding happiness in his chosen field.
“I plan on being a woodworker,” Cleveland says.
The essay was one of 25 submitted by Rice Intermediate School Improvement Specialist, Maria Pura, who says it was an outgrowth of the school’s focus on improved student writing skills.
“We’re trying to emphasize writing as part of our educational day,” Pura says. “And I think we’re seeing some of the fruits of that labor by the essays they write.”
Maria Pura, Lewis Cleveland, SCUSD Superintendent Dr. Deborah Jackson-Dennison at the awards ceremony for the essay contest.
Antonette Phillips
Anaya Wilson
WELCOME to Globe-Miami
Globe Historic District
The Copper Basin Coalition and partnering agencies will be hosting the annual Saturday, December 14 from 12–4pm Old Train Depot • 230 S. Broad Street, Globe
October 19 • Historic Downtown Globe
In addition to artisans, dancers, and performers, this year’s event included two crowd pleasing fashion shows by Joanna Reid (RAID), top photo, and Selena Curley (Traditions by Selina), bottom photo
San Carlos celebrates ISABELLA NEWMAN
Capstone Copper celebrated 50 years in the community at the day long event held at Bullion Plaza on Nov. 2nd.
Lyndsay Potts, General Manager for Pinto Valley Mine at Capstone Copper
Jaimie Ramsey, Sr. Advisor of Communications & Community Relations
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”
— Ecclesiastes
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM LINDSTROM
“TGR volunteers have been the glue that binds the mountain biking community, local businesses, and the Tonto National Forest. Their hard work, creativity, and dedication have made a real difference in the future of our public lands.”
– TNF staffer
The Pinal Mountain Trail System is located on one of Arizona’s prized sky islands. The trail system is largely comprised of old roads that were used for varying purposes in the early history of the area. Like all sky islands Pinal Mountain is host to many species of flora and fauna. You will experience everything from grasslands-desert scrub to pinyon-juniper as you descend or ascend one of the many beautiful trails in the Pinal Mountain Trail System.
Volunteers & Service Award goes to Tonto Gravity Riders
After the Telegraph Fire in 2021, many trails in the Pinal Mountains were destroyed. Thanks to the work done by members of the Tonto Gravity Riders, many have been restored including Six Shooter and Icehouse Trails. So as you are enjoying the beauty of the mountains this Fall give thanks to the volunteers of the Tonto Gravity Riders who cleared the way!
Tonto Gravity Riders recently earned the USDA Forest Service Southwestern Regional Volunteers and Service Award in the “Citizen Stewardships and Partnerships” category!
These dedicated volunteers have been essential in restoring trails after the 2021 Telegraph Fire, including Kellner, Icehouse, and Six Shooter Canyon-National Recreation Trails in the Pinal Mountains. From the cold of winter to the heat of summer, TGR volunteers have consistently shown up—ranging from small teams of 2 to larger groups of 20, putting in hard work to keep these trails open and accessible for everyone.
For more information on how you can get involved as a volunteer go to www.tontogravityriders.org.
Retirement party!
Roberto Ybarra will retire from the Tonto National Parks Service this month after 50 years of service.
A retirement party in his honor will take place on November 21 from 11:30 - 3:30 at the Tonto Basin Visitors Center.
Ybarra began with the National Park Service in 1974 at the Chamizal National Monument in Texas as a student. After graduation, he went on to work at Big Bend National Park in Texas for three years before transferring to the Forest Service. He began his Forest Service career in Oregon and moved to the Tonto National Forest in 1991.
IN LOVING MEMORY
JOE PAUL MEDINA, December 8, 1943 –October 31, 2024, age 80, passed away. (LM)
GLORIA ANN EWING, July 8, 1968 – October 31, 2024, age 56, passed away. (LM)
AIDA HORTON, April 12, 1943 – October 29, 2024, age 81, of Kearny, passed away. As a young woman, Aida worked at the Pioneer Hotel, as an elevator operator and in other roles. (BM)
LUCILLE GONZALEZ, August 14, 1930 –October 26, 2024, age 94, of Globe, passed away. (BM)
KRCINA PATSY LONNIE, December 24, 1985 –October 26, 2024, age 38, passed away. (LM)
ROBINSON POLK SR., December 24, 1939 –October 25, 2024, age 84, passed away. (LM)
BRIAN PAUL SIMMONS, March 7, 1965 –October 25, 2024, age 59, passed away in Superior. He was originally from Loveland, Colorado, and worked in the mines, starting at the Stillwater Mine in Nye, Montana. (BM)
DAVID “NINI” BARRERAS, May 4, 1951 –October 22, 2024, age 73, of Superior, passed away. He worked at Magma Copper and at BHP for 29 years as a heavy equipment operator. (BM)
HERBERT M ENCINAS, August 9, 1939 –October 20, 2024, age 85, passed away. He was born in Douglas and had a long career as a general contractor in Phoenix. He moved to Globe in 2006. (BM)
MILLIE “LUPE” MADRID, December 2, 1956 – October 20, 2024, age 67, of Globe, passed away. Millie worked in many jobs, including cleaning, cooking, and factory work at the Gomez Tortilla Factory and Republic Plastics. She was originally from Pueblo, Colorado. (BM)
EDITH MARGUERITA PEAY, July 2, 1931 –October 20, 2024, age 93, passed away at her home. (LM)
TEDDY RAY COX, December 3, 1968 – October 19, 2024, age 55, of Miami, passed away at his home. He worked as a truck driver and was originally from New Albany, Indiana. (LM)
RAMONA LAUREEN MILLER, May 11, 1982 –October 19, 2024, age 42, of Bylas, passed away at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center in Gilbert. She was originally from Phoenix. (LM)
DYLAN SHADOE BOURKE, July 3, 1990 –October 18, 2024, age 34, of San Carlos, passed away at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Tucson. He was born in Globe and worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs Forestry as a seasonal firefighter. (LM)
ALESA MARIE ROSS, November 19, 1993 –October 18, 2024, age 30, passed away. Alesa had been diagnosed with an illness when she was young and was expected to live only three years. She astounded everyone with her resilience and positivity. (BM)
ROBERT ANTHONY RAMOS, May 26, 1966 –October 24, 2024, age 58, passed away. (LM)
RAPHEL LEE BREAD, December 6, 1993 –October 18, 2024, age 30, of Sacaton, passed away in Phoenix. (LM)
GARNET “PEGGY” LORRAINE SMART, October 23, 2024 – October 18, 2024, age 97, of Miami, passed away. (LM)
ELVA ANNE POWERS, November 10, 1930 –October 17, 2024, age 93, of Globe, passed away. (LM)
ABBIE GAIL PATTERSON, December 4, 1963 – October 16, 2024, age 60, of San Carlos, passed away at San Carlos Apache Healthcare Center in Peridot. (LM)
ANTHONY MATTHEW MADRID, April 21, 1985 – October 16, 2024, age 39, of Superior, passed away. Anthony was trained in HVAC but became a talented freelance artist. (BM)
JERRI DOLORA MENTZER, July 30, 1955 –October 15, 2024, age 69, passed away. Jerri enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1979 and served as a narcotics dog handler. She was a pioneer for women serving in the armed forces. (LM)
EDITH LOUISE MARSCHALL, May 14, 1923 –October 14, 2024, age 101, of Globe, passed away. Edith worked at the Edison Power Company, the Miami Clinic as a receptionist and bookkeeper, and at Miami Inspiration Hospital in payroll and administration. (BM)
LIBORIO VEGA URQUIDEZ, February 17, 1946 – October 14, 2024, age 78, of Globe, passed away at CVRMC. He was originally from Alpine, Texas. (LM)
KATHERINE ANN GOODE, March 3, 1952 – October 14, 2024, age 72, of San Carlos, passed away at Northwest Medical Center in Tucson. (LM)
GERALDINE ROBERTA PIKE, September 10, 1955 – October 14, 2024, age 69, of Chinatown, AZ, passed away. (LM)
RUBEN M. HUERTA, May 13, 1959 – October 14, 2024, age 65, of Superior, passed away in Apache Junction. (BM)
MARY LOU BROCKERT, September 13, 1936 – October 13, 2024, age 88, of Globe, passed away. She was an interior designer and helped launch and manage Brockert’s Plumbing Supply in Globe. She also served as director of the Globe Active Adult Center and implemented its Meals on Wheels program. She was appointed to the Arizona Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging by Rose Mofford. (LM)
GEORGE C. WINGERSKY, September 1, 1939 – October 13, 2024, age 85, of Globe, passed away at his home. (LM)
RICHARD RALPH TARANGO, September 13, 1969 – October 13, 2024, age 55, passed away. (LM)
MICHAEL DANIEL FRANCISCO, October 12, 1981 – October 12, 2024, age 43, of San Carlos, passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix. He worked as a seasonal firefighter for the Bureau of Indian Affairs Forestry. (LM)
INFANT HUDSON C. MORRIS was born and passed away on October 10, 2024, at CVRMC. (LM)
MANUEL CANIZALES GAONA, July 27, 1946 –October 9, 2024, age 78, of Mesa, passed away at Vesta House in Chandler. He worked for the copper mines as a heavy-duty equipment mechanic. (LM)
BRENDA CUNNINGHAM, August 1, 1959 –October 9, 2024, age 65, of Casa Grande, passed away. Brenda was a habilitation technician at the Arizona Training Center in Coolidge. (BM)
ROXANNA KAREN JAMES, June 9, 1989 –October 6, 2024, age 35, of Glendale, passed away at Hospice of the Valley in Glendale. She was a salesperson in retail. (LM)
IGNACIO “NACHO” MAGALLANEZ, July 31, 1941 – October 5, 2024, age 83, of Superior, passed away in Superior. Nacho worked for Magma Copper for 31 years and for the Pinal County Juvenile Detention Center in Florence. He was originally from Litchfield Park. (BM)
JAMES SCANLAN, May 27, 1949 – October 5, 2024, age 75, passed away at CVRMC. (LM)
DANNY SCOTT RAWLEY, August 10, 1970 –October 5, 2024, age 54, of Globe, passed away in Roosevelt. Danny was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. (LM)
LUIS CARLOS LOPEZ BRACAMONTE, April 24, 1976 – October 5, 2024, age 48, passed away in Chandler. He was originally from Tucson and grew up in the Winkelman Flats. (BM)
HERMINE (LAURA) BESSEE, July 10, 1930 – October 4, 2024, age 94, of Miami, passed away at Haven Health in Globe. She was born in Vienna, Austria. (LM)
JUANITA MCNEIL, September 21, 1944 –October 4, 2024, age 80, passed away. (BM)
TERESO GUZMAN, October 15, 1935 – October 2, 2024, age 88, of Hayden, passed away. Tereso worked for Kennecott Copper and ASARCO for over 40 years and was highly respected for his prowess as a brick mason. He served on Hayden’s town council for three terms and held every position except parish priest at St. Joseph’s. (BM)
(LM= Lamont Mortuary BM=Bulman Miles Funeral Home)
THOMPSON, continued from page 1
Most notable of these investments has been the old Globe Cafe in downtown Globe which had been in danger of being demolished when a huge crack opened up on the outside wall. While the out of town owner refused to address the situation and the City was ready to condemn it, Thompson was able to purchase the building and repair the structural damage to prevent further deterioration. In doing so, he prevented a demolition which would have left a gaping hole in Globe’s Historic District.
He later sold the building to an investor from Seattle with experience in restoration of historic buildings and the passion and money necessary to preserve the historic nature of the building. The result has been a win-win for the downtown district, providing much needed housing with upstairs apartments and a first floor event space used for private parties and business functions.
His latest project, the historic 1910 Elks building at the corner of Pine and Mesquite streets in downtown Globe, has been in his portfolio since the summer of 2023 after the death of Dr. Glenn Wilt, Jr. in March 2023. When Thompson took it over it had pigeons living upstairs and damage from a leaky roof.
He immediately went about clearing out the old debris, fixing the roof and giving the rooms a fresh coat of paint. The effect has been transformational and has halted further deterioration of this iconic and amazing building which once held a central role in Globe’s history.
The building, which served as a meeting hall of the Elks, also hosted a theater and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. Built of brick, the story goes that when they got to the third floor they had so many bricks left, they simply kept going until the walls were 24 ft high. The result was stunning to the eye, and gave the building its fame as the ‘tallest three story building” in the world.
Thompson says his main goal is preserving these kinds of buildings for posterity and getting them into a condition in which others see their potential and might be encouraged to invest further.
Reflecting on when he first arrived in the region nearly 50 years ago, he remembers a time when both Globe and Miami were thriving communities, with downtown districts which pulsed with activity. Slowly as the economy ebbed and
flowed, and businesses moved out, many buildings were simply left abandoned, and often open to the elements.
His work therefore in saving buildings that may otherwise be lost to time has proven crucial to the local economies and those working to bring activity back to the downtown areas. Having the building blocks remain of the historic districts, means opportunity for those wishing to reimagine new uses.
He sees progress in the local economies that have been bringing activity back to both downtown areas and is a promising sign for the future.
“Give it some more time, because people with real money will come in and fix some of these buildings,” Thompson says. “That’s why I play this weird game of trying to do whatever I can to clean them up and prepare them for the next owner.”
The Elks meeting room on the third floor still has the furnishings, including 12 massive mahogany chairs and pedestals.
The second floor is close to completion with a fresh coat of paint and sanded floors.
In 2007, Ohio fine art photographer Bill Woody discovered Globe and spent time photographing its old buildings and juxtaposing models in the time capsules he discovered here. This image taken on the third floor shows the the Elk lodge meeting room with the dust and decay gathered over years of neglect.
The bar has been well preserved, and as is, makes a great movie location.
PUNCHERS, continued from page 1
George Hernandez (1932-2022), who saw something in him, even though he was never the best athlete.
“Everyone is encouraged,” says Brandon Palmer.
Brandon is a former Tigers running back and Globe Hotshot and has fought fire in 32 states. He currently works full-time for Freeport McMoran and has been a Punchers coach for the past 4 years. His 11 year-old son is a cornerback for the Minors.
“It’s created a lot for me in my life,” says Brandon. “It gives me more time, not just with my son, but with other kids, passing on knowledge and things I understand about when I was their age.”
Working with the same kids over 4 years has allowed him to watch the boys develop into young men. Brandon is also on the Punchers board, and sees the full breadth of the organization – from player registration and ordering gear to preparing the field and welcoming newcomers.
“It’s like one big family,” Brandon says. “Once you get involved, everyone is looking out for each other.”
His family is all in on the Punchers. His 10 year-old daughter is on the cheer team and his wife, Nora is both a “football mom” and a “cheer mom.” The commitment of parents is critical to the team’s success, all the coaches acknowledge.
On October 26th, 2024, the Puncher Minors (ages 1112) competed for their division championship, against Snowflake, in a night game at Blue Ridge High School. The stands were packed with their supporters and they took home the silver medals.
“This championship game will be in their memories their whole life,” says their head coach, Gregg Marin.
He was 10 years old when he played in the Superbowl of Pop Warner. Today, Gregg has 30 years of coaching experience, from Kindergarteners to the Vandals varsity team. He loves the game of football, but he commits the coaching hours out of love for the kids. He motivates wind sprints and tackle drills with a philosophical chant. Tough times don’t last. Tough people do.
“We have to be positive. We can’t put each other down,” says Gregg. “We have to have the clarity that we’re on each other’s team.”
There was a 10 year span with no minor league football, according to Gregg Marin, and the impact it was having at the Jr./Sr. High school level was evident. Today the benefits of consistent coordinated efforts are coming to fruition. The Punchers have one of the best organizations in the state, from the hard work of the administration to the commitment of the coaches, the parents and the youth. There’s a huge cheer team.
“As coaches, there is a lot for us to learn, as human beings, in communication,” says Gregg.
Inevitably, there are disagreements, but the coaching staff comes together to hash out their differences. The biggest challenge comes from the stands, he says. People who provide 1% effort and 99% opinion.
Choosing Football for Children
“I feel like football is a great choice of a sport,” says Coach Don Muniz. “I also believe that any sport a child decides to do is an important part of growing up.“
Football is the most popular spectator sport in America, but it was nearly banned in the early 1900s after 18 players died in one season. In 1905, President Roosevelt convened a meeting with elite college reps with a request to reform and save the game. Two years later, the NCAA was formed.
Today, equipment at all levels of play goes through rigorous testing to ensure it meets safety standards. Still, there are risks. A broken arm, sprains. Concussions are the biggest concern. All of the coaches go through concussion classes and learn how to prevent, recognize and react to a concussion. They also run drills to teach kids the proper way to tackle. How to wrap up. How to use their hips, not their heads.
Parents sign their kids up for football for many reasons –get active, get strong, stay out of trouble.
Brandon Palmer likes that his son has made a lot of friends through football, and traveled to new places. It comes with an expectation of good conduct.
“No matter how good you are in football, academics come first,” he says.
Gregg also sees social skills developing in his players. At the start of the season, some kids couldn’t make eye contact, but when the Punchers celebrated their season with a banquet at Copper Rim, players were shaking hands and thanking coaches.
As for the popularity of youth football in this town, John Daniel sums it up this way:
“It’s just American football and small-town culture. Friday Night Lights.”
“Coaching is about attitude and effort!”
Assistant Coach John Daniel Flores, who is also a local business owner and competitive CrossFit athlete, bikes alongside the team during the homecoming parade in September with an answer-and-call chant.
For Punchers coach Brandon Palmer and his wife, Nora, CCYS Punchers Tackle Football and Cheer is a source of family fun and fitness.
The High Desert Middle School football team in the Homecoming parade in Sept.
