Payson Roundup 010317

Happy New Year Rim Country!

ARIZONA NEWSPAPERS AND NATIONAL LOCAL MEDIA ASSOCIATIONS’ NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR

PAYSON ROUNDUP

Commission slashes solar incentives by

75 CENTS

TUESDAY | JANUARY 3, 2017 | PAYSON, ARIZONA

payson.com

Winter storms continue

Peter Aleshire

roundup editor

The Arizona Corporation Commission quickly checked off the first item on the Arizona Public Service’s Christmas wish list, by dramatically reducing the incentives for homeowners to install solar panels.

APS spent millions of dollars on dark money campaigns to elect four of the five members of the Corporation Commission, which in March will also rule on the private utilities’ request for an 8 percent rate increase.

The private utility reportedly spent $3 million two years go to elect two the commissioners and millions more in the last election to elect two more. The utility has refused to confirm or detail its political spending despite a lonely but persistent effort by Commissioner Bob Burns to force disclosure.

One of the commission’s first post-election actions was to approve an APS request to eventually eliminate a requirement that APS buy the excess power generated by rooftop solar installations and apply the cost to reducing the customer’s bill when the sun’s not shining.

This system of “net metering” significantly reduced bills for solar customers, even though they may continue to use electricity from the APS grid during the night or on cloudy days. Under the current system, utilities must pay the full retail rate for the excess power — about 12 cents a kilowatt hour.

The commission agreed to gradually adjust rates for net metering, reducing the benefit to solar customers.

Existing customers will keep the current rates for 20 years.

New customers will lock in a lower rate for 10 years. The commission left the task of setting the new, declining net metering rates for the future — so it’s unclear how quickly the new system will drain the benefits for solar customers out of the existing system.

Commissioner Burns, an outspoken critic of the APS dark money campaign to elect his fellow commissioners, provided the sole vote against the APS proposal. He favored a 20-year lock-in of existing rates for all customers — old and new.

Solar customers and representatives of solar companies criticized the decision, with The Alliance for Solar Choice representative pronouncing himself “deeply disappointed” in the new rate structure. He said the decision ignores the real, long-term value of solar power — which has fewer environmental side effects and contributes far less heat-trapping pollution than most other forms of power generation. He predicted the decision would gradually choke off Arizona’s booming, rooftop solar industry.

However, APS argued that the net-metering system reduced the bills of solar customers to nearly nothing. As a result, the solar customers weren’t making their “fair share” contribution to the cost of maintaining the existing electrical grid on which they still depended at night.

Solar advocates countered that the rise of solar panels

APS spent millions in a dark money campaign to elect friendly regulators

• See Corporation commission, page 3

Peter Aleshire/Roundup

The National Weather Service expects the New Year’s storm to sprinkle another 1-4 inches of snow above 6,000 feet and perhaps 4-8 inches of snow above 8,000 feet — but bring only rain to lower elevation areas like Payson. The ski resorts could get as much as a foot of snow, including Snow Bowl in Flagstaff and Sunrise near Show Low. The forecast for the winter predicts a little more snow than normal for the first time in years. The lingering El Niño sea surface warming in the eastern Pacific normally brings wet winter conditions to the Southwest, which has skittered along the edge of a record drought for the past 15 years.

Jail assault prompts 15-year sentence by

Alexis Bechman

roundup staff reporter

A man that assaulted a Globe correctional officer by putting her in a chokehold in a jail cell was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Andrew Bishop-Thompson, 20, has been in and out of the court system since the age of 11, according to a pre-sentence report.

He recently learned he would spend the next 15 years in prison after Judge Bryan Chambers on Dec. 2 sentenced him for assaulting Lt. Christine Duarte in the Globe jail.

On July 7, a correctional officer collecting food trays in the Globe facility found BishopThompson lying on the floor of his cell.

Bishop-Thompson told the guard he planned to strangle himself with a sheet if he could not get out of his cell.

The guard had the cell opened and BishopThompson started packing up his things, even though the guard told him that he did not need to take anything with him. When Bishop-Thompson continued to disregard her commands, she called for backup. Duarte responded, but Bishop-Thompson ignored her commands as well. When she attempted

to handcuff him, Bishop-Thompson stood up and grabbed Duarte around the neck with his left arm as he tried to grab her Taser.

Duarte covered her Taser so BishopThompson put her in a headlock, obstructing her breathing. Another guard Tasered Bishop-Thompson and he fell onto Duarte.

She injured her knee, back and face.

The other guards finally subdued BishopThompson.

Bishop-Thompson wrote the court that he felt extremely remorseful.

• See Jail attack, page 2

Proposed class divides school board by

Michele Nelson

roundup staff reporter

A vote to initiate and invest budget dollars in a class to teach Rim Country Middle School students about social enterprise split the Payson Unified School District Governing Board.

Shirley Dye voted against funding a class to teach the students how to identify a social issue in their community and then create a business to fund that cause.

Examples of social enterprise include the Time Out Shelter, Senior Center and Humane Society of Central “This is something Arizona’s thrift stores.

All proceeds from those stores cover the everyday that would be more expenses of the organizations so they can pay for staff, appropriate for a keep the lights on and buildings maintained.

These everyday expenses are virtually impossible club or wait until for nonprofits to find donations or grants to cover. Most high school.” donors prefer to pay for identifiable programs, such as Shirley Dye spaying and neutering feral dogs and cats or for major Payson School Board infrastructure investments such as a call center for

Time Out. Yet, these nonprofits must cover the day-to-day costs to do the good works they do.

RCMS Principal Jennifer White said she heard about the program at a conference.

“It’s an elective course,” said White. “It allows kids to dig deep into the community and school. They come up with a product. Then ... they hook them up with someone in their community ... they pair them up with mentors.”

Basically, the social enterprise course would teach students business skills any entrepreneur needs to create a successful business plan. Once the students have created the plan with the help of their mentor, they present their findings.

White said the organization that has created the curriculum usually runs the class for a full year, but because of the timing, she pitched the idea of trying out the course for a semester.

• See School board, page 2

Obamacare: Repeal could create economic, budget crisis Enrollment surged in 2016 by

Michele Nelson

by

Peter Aleshire

roundup editor

roundup staff reporter

Secretary of Health Sylvia M. Burwell this week announced 400,000 new consumers have signed up for the federal health insurance Marketplace in the 39 states that use the Marketplace for 2017.

“Last week was a milestone for open enrollment,” she told reporters from around the country.

Burwell said 400,000 more people purchased health insurance between this year and last year. Last year, 6 million people purchased

• See Enrollment, page 2

THE WEATHER

volume 27, no. 1

Health coverage for 600,000 residents at stake

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy with a high of 44, a low of 32 and a slight chance for rain. Wednesday should see 43 for the high, 27 for the low and a slight chance for snow overnight.

See our ad and upcoming events on page 12

If President-elect Donald Trump follows through on a vow to repeal the Affordable Care Act, it could strip away insurance for 600,000 Arizonans, take $3 billion out of the state’s economy and blow a $600 million hole in the state budget, according to studies and statements released by health care advocacy groups.

Officials from the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) said that a repeal of the controversial effort to provide health care for some 20 million Americans could have a huge impact on the state, where 28 percent of residents rely on AHCCCS for their medical care. Nearly one-third of Gila County residents get their care through AHCCCS.

The Affordable Care Act provided federal funding to allow AHCCCS to expand coverage from women with children living in poverty to families making up to about 138 percent of a poverty-level wage. That’s about $33,000 for a family of four.

In addition, the act provided coverage for many other families, with subsidized premiums for people making up to nearly double a poverty-level wage.

President-elect Trump has vowed to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act, long a goal of Republicans in Congress. He hasn’t specified what he wants to put in place of the health care program. Critics of the program have suggested allowing insurance companies to operate across state lines or sharply limiting medical malpractice

lawsuits and awards might result in lower-cost premiums.

However, the recent estimates paint a bleak picture of the impact on Arizona of a simple repeal of the health care program. The state would find itself faced immediately with the choice between eliminating health care for more than 600,000 residents or finding a way to pick up some portion of the now-federally covered cost.

Among the impacts: • 425,000 residents would lose AHCCCS coverage. Since the state’s voters approved a proposition requiring coverage of many of those working-poor residents, the state might have to pick up much of the cost.

• Currently about 1.9 million res-

• See Repeal, page 3

Payson Roundup LOCAL Tuesday, January 3, 2017

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Rim Country’s big Christmas storm blanketed Green Valley Park in five inches of snow. The historic Zane Grey Cabin maintained by the Rim Country Historical Society looked just like the famous author of western novels left it. The original cabin burned down in a major forest fire. But the historical society maintains the lovingly restored replica of the cabin where Zane Grey wrote such classics as “Riders of the Purple Sage.”

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Enrollment surges in health plans From page 1 The Rebellion makes a risky move to steal the plans to the Death Star, setting up the epic saga to follow.

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Arizona is one of 39 states participating in the Marketplace, the federally-run open market for consumers to shop and pay for health insurance. The other states have their own health insurance market.

Arizona decided to use the federal system rather than create its own insurance marketplace.

The numbers for Arizona are not as high as for other states, however, but still substantial. More than 100,000 Arizona residents have signed up for health insurance through the Marketplace. A much larger number received added coverage through the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System — perhaps as many as 500,000.

In Gila County, in 2015, 1,338 people purchased health insurance through the Marketplace, mostly people working full time making above a poverty level

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Affordable Care Act Demographics 36 percent under 35 28 percent 18 to 34 46 percent male 54 percent female 83 percent subsidized 12 percent black 15 percent Latino 63 percent white 18 percent rural

Affordable Care Act Subsidies Gila County 1,154 with subsidies 184 with no subsidies Navajo County 1,798 with subsidies 165 no subsidies Apache County 420 with subsidies 33 without subsidies wage who can’t get insurance through their workplace.

In Navajo County, 1,963 people obtained insurance through the exchange.

In Apache County, 453 got their coverage through the exchange.

Burwell said these numbers mean the Marketplace is strong, despite a sharp rise in premiums this year for people who didn’t qualify for subsidies based on income.

“Doomsday predictions were wrong,” she said.

President-elect Trump vowed to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which led to speculation that this year few people would sign up for coverage.

“Some people asked if consumers would still sign up,” said Burwell. “Today we have our answer.”

She said call centers have logged thousands of calls from people wondering if they will still have health insurance in 2017.

“The Affordable Care Act is the law of the land,” said

Affordable Care Act Marketplace Premiums 203,066 bought Marketplace plan 74 percent qualified for assistance $324 per month: cost before subsidy $204 per month: average subsidy 63 percent: average subsidy coverage $120 per month: average cost after subsidy 2016 Re-enrollee Information 27 percent re-enrolled in same plan 73 percent chose a new plan Burwell.

She also said insurance plans purchased before the end of the open enrollment period will be honored through 2017.

“The American people don’t want to go backwards,” said Burwell. “These are patients going through cancer treatment and needing mental health support.”

According to the Affordable Care Act, every citizen must have health insurance. To accomplish that, the ACA did two things — expanded Medicaid (AHCCCS in Arizona) and barred insurance plans from refusing people based on pre-existing conditions. The act also let students stay on their parents plans through the age of 26 and required plans to cover preventive care and contraceptive care.

The challenge to the ACA has come from the fact that a disproportionate number of sick people with pre-existing conditions signed up for insurance. Younger, healthier people avoided getting insurance, fig-

uring it was cheaper to pay the fine. Insurance plans hope that the surge in enrollment this year won’t continue that trend, with more people qualifying for federal subsidies for monthly premiums and deductibles.

If people fall below a certain income, they can qualify for tax credits from the government to help pay for medical insurance.

In Gila, Navajo and Apache counties, the majority of people who purchased health insurance through the Marketplace in 2015 received subsidies or tax credits.

This brought their premiums down substantially.

In Arizona, 74 percent of those qualifying for tax credits paid 63 percent less than the actual premium amount in 2016.

The numbers show that around the country, those younger than 35 outnumber older people. Only 36 percent of Marketplace consumers are over 35. With this change, prices on the Marketplace could be stabilizing.

SRP plans to cut electrical rates For the second time in less than a year, SRP’s Board of Directors has approved a decrease in electricity prices for its more than 1 million customers. The 10-month temporary decrease, effective with the January 2017 billing cycle, averages an overall 1.6 percent.

By contrast, Arizona Public Service, which serves Rim Country, will be seeking an 8 percent increase in its rates, after spending millions trying to influence the election of members of the Arizona Corporation Commission, which will set those rates. APS has about 1.1 million customers and operates one of the largest

nuclear power plants in the country.

The decrease in the SRP rates will save the typical residential customer just under a dollar per month during the winter billing months and around $2.50 to $3.50 per month when the summer billing season begins in May. Prices will return to original winter season prices approved in 2015 with the November 2017 billing cycle.

“Utility customers are generally more used to seeing price increases than decreases, so we are very happy to be able to lower our prices,” said SRP General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Mark Bonsall. “At SRP, our team works hard to

identify market opportunities and cut costs where possible to keep our prices low, and this temporary decrease is reflective of our success in these areas.”

The temporary decrease is possible because SRP has been able to reduce expenses in two components of its electric prices.

One of the price components — the Environmental Programs Cost Adjustment Factor, or EPCAF — tracks costs and revenues related to SRP’s renewable energy and energy-efficiency programs adopted to comply with SRP’s sustainable portfolio standard.

Jail attack produces added 15-year prison term From page 1 “If I could do it differently, I wouldn’t have done it,” he wrote.

A probation officer predicted BishopThompson would re-offend given his lengthy criminal record, which starts at 11.

The report said Bishop-Thompson needs to change his thinking. Incarceration has not served as a deterrent as he has committed new felonies while in custody, probation wrote.

Bishop-Thompson was in jail on the day of the attack on Duarte after he had

absconded while on parole.

Bishop-Thompson was initially given 36 months probation in 2013 for burglary and trespass. He failed to report for probation and was contacted by Mohave County Sheriff’s Office deputies on other calls several times in 2013. His probation was revoked and in November 2013, officers arrested him on charges of burglary and resisting arrest. Bishop-Thompson got 2.5 years in prison on that burglary charge.

After he served his time, Bishop-Thompson returned to Gila County to address the outstanding warrant for not completing

probation. He bonded out of jail and again fled. He was arrested in April and returned to jail.

In jail, Bishop-Thompson in August struck another inmate after they got into a fight about something on television. BishopThompson hit the man in the head, elbowed him in the eye and then kneed him in the face. The man had to get surgery on his eye socket and have a plate put in his skull.

A month later, Bishop-Thompson attacked Duarte.

He pleaded guilty to the charges and did not face a jury trial.

School board debates new course on charities From page 1 White said because of her proposal, the cost of the curriculum dropped in half to $2,500.

Dye said she felt this curriculum didn’t

seem to be appropriate for a regular middle school class.

“My original review of this is that this would be something more appropriate for a club or to wait until high school,” she said.

Angie Prock disagreed.

“It’s a very valuable skill set to have — to think outside the box,” she said.

In his inaugural meeting sitting on the PUSD board, Shane Keith voted with Barbara Underwood, Shelia DeSchaaf and Prock to move forward with the curriculum.

Payson Roundup LOCAL Tuesday, January 3, 2017

3

ADOT finally opens runaway truck ramp on Beeline by

Alexis Bechman

roundup staff reporter

It took more than two years to complete, but construction work on State Route 87 at Slate Creek is finally finished.

Work to add a runaway truck ramp and widen the shoulders on the winding mountainous road near Mt. Ord, which has been the scene of several vehicle and semi accidents through the years, started in October 2014 and wrapped up some seven months later.

Then we waited. And waited. And waited.

The critical component of the improvement work — the runaway truck ramp — was unusable.

While workers had dug a nice long pit for trucks to drive into if they lost the use of their brakes, the pit had no gravel to stop them.

The gravel is so rare it seems it took several years to acquire it.

“The rounded rocks, when placed in a gravel bed, force a runaway vehicle to sink, acting sort of like a box of marbles,” an Arizona Department of Transportation spokesperson said.

In an online comment, one resident asked why they didn’t just use marbles then.

ADOT put $6.2 million in the safety improvement project, adding the truck ramp at milepost 228, realigning the Slate Creek curve at milepost 227, doing slope excavation and reconstruction work, drainage improvements and adding new signs and concrete

barriers.

Construction wrapped around Memorial Day in May 2015 with the truck ramp slated to open in June that year.

When that did not happen, the contractor on the project, Skanska USA Inc., told the Roundup in December 2015 that they hoped to have the rocks by early 2016.

With the rocks finally in place, the ramp opened near the end of 2016.

“We are pleased to complete this challenging project and appreciate the collaboration among ADOT, the local community and SR 87 users to improve the safety of this important corridor,” said Chris Halpin, Skanska vice president.

Repeal of Affordable Care Act could spur budget crisis Other critics of the Affordable Care Act have suggested Congress could lower the cost of health care idents — about 28 percent of the population — gets by allowing the sale of insurance across state lines health care coverage through AHCCCS. That’s even or enacting medical malpractice reforms.

Both those proposals have their own set of critics. higher in Gila County, with one of the percentage of Currently, each state can require whether to AHCCCS and medically uninsured residents in the allow the sale of health insurance plans based in state.

• It would cost the state $1 billion to provide cov- other states. But various studies suggest that states erage for most or all of those 425,000 residents if the that have opened their markets have seen relatively repeal of the Affordable Care Act reduced the federal little impact on the cost of insurance. The major contribution to the same as the normal AHCCCS insurance companies already operate in multiple program. The federal government covers 100 per- states.

The Center for Insurance Policy and Research cent of the cost for the expanded population — but about two-thirds of the cost for the core AHCCCS concluded that a federal mandate would trigger a “race to the bottom,” with insurance plans setting population.

A coalition of child welfare and health care groups up in states with the fewest requirements and reghave been pushing back against the proposed repeal ulations and then offering cut-rate but shaky plans of the Affordable Care Act through a series of press across state lines. Interstate sales would also allow insurance plans to cherry-pick customers, concluded conferences and reports.

For instance, foster parents would likely face the researchers. Moreover, states would effectively lose all ability to regulate or protect major difficulties in getting care for consumers from the practices of an the children abused or neglected by insurance plan based in another state. their parents who end up in the foster “Repealing the Another favored reform intended to care system. reduce costs is regulation of medical Children’s Action Alliance head Affordable Care Act malpractice lawsuits and awards.

Dana Wolfe Naimark in a press con- means repealing An article in the Journal of Patient ference said one little-known proviaffordable, secure Safety estimated that between 210,000 sion of the act guarantees medical and 410,000 Americans die every year coverage for foster children up to the coverage for chilage of 26. dren and families. as a result of medical mistake in hospitals.

The number of children in foster Dana Wolf Naimark And a study published in the New care in Arizona has doubled in the Children’s Action Alliance England Journal of Medicine estimatpast eight years to about 18,000, parted that 1 in 14 doctors face a medical ly as a result of the reaction to news malpractice lawsuit every year. several years ago that Child Protective Critics of the medical malpractice system say the Services had been simply dismissing without investigating some 14,000 reports of abuse and neglect for costs go far beyond the malpractice awards, since many doctors order unnecessary tests and procelack of caseworkers.

“You all have heard talk about this from con- dures in large measure to reduce the odds they’ll gressional leaders,” said Naimark, “but you need to get sued.

Some states have imposed limits on malpractice know that repealing the Affordable Care Act means repealing affordable, secure coverage for children lawsuits, sometimes capping punitive damages, with and families. It would be like promising we are going relatively little impact on health care costs in that to tear down an old building and replace it with a state. California and Texas have longstanding limits. shiny new tower, do the demolition and leave the In both cases the reforms have reduced litigation ugly and dangerous rubble for two years or three and stabilized medical malpractice rates paid by doctors, but haven’t had much impact on overall years before any new construction gets started.”

Gov. Doug Ducey has issued an estimate that costs, physician supply or patient safety, according immediate repeal would leave 600,000 people with- to several studies.

However, a deep, often-bitter political divide may out health insurance and said he favors repeal, but not until Congress enacts an adequate replacement. force action in Congress to repeal the Affordable Trump has softened his stance on the Affordable Care Act, no matter what the possible impacts.

The Harvard School of Public Health analyzed Care Act since the election, saying he would like to keep some elements of the plan — including a provi- 27 different opinion polls on the subject and found a sion requiring insurance companies to cover people stark division of opinion.

Among Republican voters, 56 percent want the with pre-existing conditions. However, that provision without the subsidies or the fine on people who law repealed and 27 percent want it scaled back.

Among Democrats, 74 percent want Congress to don’t get insurance included in the current law could dramatically increase the already rapidly rising maintain or expand the law.

Among Independents, 34 percent support repeal, premiums — since mostly people with pre-existing conditions would seek coverage while others would 27 percent want to scale it back, 8 percent want to keep it as is and 26 percent want to expand it. take their chances without coverage.

From page 1

Photo from Wikimedia Commons

Corporation Commission agrees to slash solar incentives From page 1 would ultimately delay the time when APS and other utilities had to make expensive investments in additional power plants powered by nuclear energy, coal or gas.

Moreover, even large-scale solar arrays built by power companies don’t provide the efficiency of rooftop installations, argued solar advocates like Jim Mapstead. Typically, energy from a power plant flows long distances in transmission lines that waste about 12 percent of the energy generated.

By contrast, virtually all of the rooftop solar energy produced is consumed at

the source.

Solar advocates maintained that APS wanted to choke off the rooftop solar industry because the commission sets rates to provide a guaranteed return on the company’s investment.

Therefore, the more APS invests in infrastructure, the more it could raise its rates to get that guaranteed rate of return.

In the end, four of the five commissioners agreed with APS logic and the recommendations of Administrative Law Judge Teena Jibilian.

The commission must now decide how to adjust the rates APS and other utilities will pay for excess power fed

into the grid by rooftop solar customers. One method will take into account the costs APS can avoid over a five-year term as a result of the extra power from rooftop solar systems. The second method would try to quantify the five-year costs of generating power from an industrial scale solar array as the basis for pricing the excess solar power.

The commissioners largely adopted Jibilian’s recommendations and added a provision that the rate APS pays for the excess solar energy will not decline by more than 10 percent annually — which means it would take 10 years to phase out the benefit to solar custom-

ers entirely.

Last year the Nevada Public Utilities Commission abruptly ended net metering for solar customers, part of a national effort by power companies to reduce solar incentives for homeowners. At that point, almost all the rooftop solar companies pulled out of Nevada entirely. The Nevada commission then backtracked and agreed to grandfather the net metering rates for existing customers and to phase out the benefits gradually.

APS officials hailed the decision as “good for solar” since it would make solar customers pay their fair share of maintaining the electrical grid.

Meanwhile, in previous negotiations with Commissioner Burns, APS agreed to reveal its spending in future dark money campaigns if Burns will drop his effort to get the utility to reveal what it has spent in the last two elections.

Burns refused the offer, saying he will continue to try to force disclosure.

The Arizona attorney general has ruled that Burns can request such a disclosure in his role as a commissioner. On that basis, Burns hired a lawyer to try to force disclosure. The other members of the commission, however, refused to join in the request or approve spending any money on the effort.

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PAYSON ROUNDUP

OPINION

4 Tuesday, January 3, 2017

ourview

lookback

Paying off their political overlords

• Jan. 4, 1965: In his State of the Union address to Congress, President Lyndon Johnson lays out legislation needed to achieve his plan for a Great Society. The address heralded the creation of Medicare/Medicaid, Head Start, the Voting Rights Act, Civil Rights Act, Department of Housing and Urban Development and Economic Opportunity Act. • Jan. 2, 1971: Sixty-six soccer fans are killed in a stampede at a stadium in Scotland as they attempt to leave a game. The crush of spectators on the stairways led to tragedy.

• Jan. 3, 1999: After three days of high winds and heavy snow that killed more than 100 people, the Great Lakes region begins digging out from one of the worst blizzards on record. Chicago’s O’Hare Airport had to shut down, stranding 200,000 people for as much as four days.

It didn’t take the Arizona Corporation Commissioners long to start paying off their corporate overlords.

The commission voted 4-1 to begin phasing out incentives for homeowners to put solar cells on their rooftops.

Officials from Arizona Public Service praised the decision — since that’s exactly what they wanted. Under the current system, APS pays homeowners retail rates for excess electricity generated by the solar panel when the sun shines.

APS insisted the solar panels reduce homeowners’ bills so dramatically that they’re no longer paying their fair share of the cost of the electrical grid on which they still depend when the sun goes down.

But rooftop solar systems offers society many advantages.

First, they produce fewer heat-trapping pollutants.

Second, they don’t waste energy on transmission lines — which consume 12 percent of the energy produced by power plants.

Third, they will delay the need to build big, new, expensive, environmentally costly coal, gas or nuclear plants.

So why have APS and other power companies tried to smother solar? Here’s one theory: The corporation commission sets rates to guarantee an 8 percent return on the company’s investment in infrastructure. The more the company spends on power plants, the bigger its profit.

So the position of APS makes sense — but what’s the corporation commission up to? Aren’t they supposed to protect the consumers from abuse by a company with a government-granted monopoly?

We circle back around now to the redolent phrase “corporate overlords.”

APS and its parent company Pinnacle West spent millions getting four of the five current commissioners elected.

The outrageous, but perfectly legal, $3 million dark money campaign two years ago succeeded in electing Tom Forse and Doug Little. The utility spent millions more in the past election to ensure the election of Andy Tobin and Boyd Dunn.

Commissioner Bob Burns has waged a long, lonely, principled effort to force APS to fully disclose its political spending, but the other commissioners have protected their benefactor.

Turns out, Burns was the only commissioner to vote against cutting incentives for rooftop solar panels.

Of course, the dismantling of the solar incentives is only the down payment on APS’s dark money investment. Next up — an 8 percent rate increase.

We must note that solar companies also waged a dark money campaign to elect two Democrats running on a pro-solar platform. Furthermore, none of the commission candidates benefiting from the dark money excess played a direct role in the dark money campaigns.

But still, the commission’s vote on the solar net metering system certainly demonstrates the threat this unchecked flood of dark money spending poses not only to our pocketbooks — but to our democracy.

guestcomment

Hillary Clinton has only herself to blame by

Rich Lowry

king features syndicate

The Democrats have a simple explanation for Hillary Clinton’s loss — the Russians did it.

The party that has had a decades-long soft spot toward Moscow and been reluctant to believe that the Kremlin might have aggressive intentions or, say, cheat on an arms-control agreement is in a frenzy over Russian hacking that supposedly denied Hillary the victory that was rightfully hers.

John Podesta, the chairman of a Hillary campaign that considered accepting the results of an election part of American writ as of about two months ago, refused several times on “Meet the Press” last Sunday to say the presidential election was “free and fair.”

In a contest this narrow, anything might have been decisive. But the monocausal Russian explanation for Hillary’s defeat ignores her myriad political and ethical vulnerabilities that the Democrats were determined to disregard, despite the obvious evidence of them for years.

Vladimir Putin couldn’t have hand-picked a worse champion for them this year. There

How many will die?

was no reason to believe that Hillary Clinton was a good politician who could deliver a compelling message, since she had never done it before.

The Democratic establishment rushed into the arms of a candidate who, it was clear from the beginning, could well lose to Donald Trump, especially if a few things bounced the wrong way — and is now shocked and outraged that she indeed lost when a few things bounced the wrong way.

Yes, the Russian interference was among those things. But some perspective: The hack of the Democratic National Committee disrupted the early going of the Democratic convention, but the convention was still a wild political success. Certainly none of them had the effect of the James Comey letter 11 days before the voting, which dominated the coverage for days and led to an immediate slide in Hillary’s poll numbers.

This is why Democrats tend to lump in James Comey with the Russians when arguing that the election was hacked, even though he’s the director of the FBI, not the FSB. Comey is a public servant who had to grapple with the unprecedented circumstance of a major political party knowingly

nominating a presidential candidate under FBI investigation. Who thought this was a good idea?

Democrats just assumed that everything related to the investigation would go Hillary’s way. She escaped indictment, but two of the worst moments of her campaign came courtesy of Comey, whose public explanation of her handling of her emails wounded her in the summer.

It is true that late-deciding voters broke against Hillary, although it’s impossible to disentangle the effect of WikiLeaks, the Comey letter and natural factors, i.e., she was the known quantity running as the quasi-incumbent at a time of great voter discontent, setting her up for a fall at the end.

Democrats are calling for an investigation of Russian interference in the election.

This is entirely appropriate. But everything points to the Democrats not being able to handle the fundamental truth of what happened on Nov. 8 — they took a flier on a historically weak candidate out of a misbegotten attachment to the Clinton dynasty, and paid a grave price for their foolish mistake.

Rich Lowry is editor of the National Review.

Outcast Antiques and Collectibles, Wonders of the Wild 501c, Mr. and Mrs. Anonymous, Morgan Creek Montessori.

A special thanks to Steve Coury and the KC and Keely Parker family for delivering the trees.

Together we made a difference!

Rebecca Acord

everything from forest fires to jobs going to Russia. Whew!

It was so full of hokum and blather. By the way, Hastings, the nemesis of U.N.C.L.E. was not CHAOS. You lose at Trivial Pursuit, too.

Scott Todd

mailcall

Bends your mind

So, now we’ll see.

Republicans fought desperately against the Affordable Care Act from the start, in the knowledge that the longer it lasted the more surely it would create a political constituency in the form of 20 million Americans with healthcare.

The Republican-controlled Congress voted more than 50 times to repeal it, without ever offering a single suggestion as to how to improve it.

So now they have won the Senate and the House and the Presidency. They can repeal it promptly, but will they?

Consider the stakes just in Arizona.

Some 600,000 residents now have coverage as a result of the Affordable Care Act — the bulk of them through the federally-funded expansion of the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).

Taking health insurance away from those Americans will increase their chance of death by a shocking 25 percent, according to repeated studies. One Institute of Medicine study estimated that providing medical insurance to 20 million people would avert about 9,000 premature deaths annually.

But there’s more.

The money pouring into the state to provide that coverage boosts the state’s economy by about $3 billion. The repeal of the Affordable Care Act could cost the state budget somewhere between $600 million and $1 billion — depending on whether the state would have to pick up the cost of AHCCCS patients.

President-Elect Donald Trump has said he wants to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act — but hasn’t indicated what he means by “replace.”

Rim Country’s representatives in the state legislature — Sen. Sylvia Allen and House members Brenda Barton and Bob Thorpe — all say they want to repeal the Affordable Care Act immediately and shrink AHCCCS as much as possible. That’s either foolish or heartless, considering they represent rural counties that rely heavily on AHCCCS and have a high percentage of uninsured residents.

If they get their way, it will cost lives and money.

Would they really do that?

Looks like we’ll have to wait and see.

Editor: I checked out the photos on your website.

Your work is amazing! The first time I saw the moon through a telescope it changed my life. I couldn’t believe how vivid the craters were. I couldn’t even imagine what it would be like to look at a galaxy through a telescope. Knowing that you are looking back in time because of the finite speed of light. It really bends your mind to think about. Keep up the good work!

Andrew Staszak

Merchants say thanks Editor: The Swiss Village Merchants would like to recognize the fabulous businesses, organizations and families who lovingly decorated Charity Christmas trees, which were a part of the 37th annual Lighting of the Swiss Village.

By placing food and pet supplies under the branches of the trees, our community gathered more than 1,000 pounds of food and pet supplies for the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank.

The Charity trees were then delivered to local, less fortunate families.

Please let these special businesses know how much their involvement means by shopping local: Anderson Dental, Hospice of Payson, State Farm-Matt Crespin, Black and Tan, Time Out Thrift Store, Payson Wireless, Country Charm Fudge, Payson Candle Factory, Vintage Roost and Floral Boutique, Steve Coury, Keller Williams-At The Rim Team, Culver’s, Affordable Furniture, Artists of the Rim, Above and Beyond Aesthetics,

Why that guest column?

Editor: Guest comment rant from Peacevoice called “TrumPutin” seemed out of place for Rim Country. Same old “sour grapes” directed at Mr. Trump and now potential Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. The narrative was about losers and CHAOS due to a new administration, but it was a lost cause.

Usually there is an editor’s note associated with the guest commentaries. It was missing. Here is what was missing.

The guest writer is Tom Hastings, an activist writer of books and articles on non-violence and world peace. He is closely associated with the very liberal Portland State University. PSU faculty and staff have a strong dislike of Donald Trump. Peacevoice wants to change the national conversation toward peace and justice. The small group of peace professionals led by Hastings look at ways to assist media and academia elites by providing press-ready content. They create, at no charge, leftist content for small to medium media sources. Peacevoice is funded by the Jubitz Family Foundation.

Director Hastings writes hit pieces from within the protective bubble of a place called White Feather Peace House. Somehow one of his prepared rants found its way into our award-winning Roundup. His article references how the CHAOS team will bring about

The Koch Brothers are generous Editor: While I realize that the Payson Roundup is, like the vast majority of media outlets today to varying degrees, left of center, the political cartoon on the opinion page of the 27 Dec 16 edition really left me shaking my head. It implies the Koch Brothers are a key element of an “evil empire” manipulating our political system and worthy of a congressional investigation. I don’t deny the existence of powerful elements working to sway elections and buy influence. But where’d the cartoonist get this inspiration, from Harry Reid’s unsubstantiated oft repeated boogeyman rant on the Senate floor? I’d be interested in reading an investigative piece that exposes what evil-doers the Koch Brothers really are. But everything I’ve read about them (factual, not opinion) shows them to be a generous, charitable family that supports political candidates that are largely middle of the road but pro-free market and free trade. I could agree with the cartoon if say George Soros’ name was on the marquee, that would be on the mark. Hey, what about a piece comparing the political contributions of the Koch Brothers and George Soros?

Maybe the Clinton Foundation? Now those would be enlightening!

Robert Walters

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letterspolicy The Roundup en­courages you to share your views. Letters should be kept to approximately 400 words or fewer. Letters will be edited for length, grammar, style and accuracy. Each submission must include a name, address and phone number for verification. The Round­ up reserves the right to withhold letters found to be objectionable or otherwise inappropriate. Letters should stick to issues and avoid personal attacks. By submitting letters, poems, or other creative works, you grant the Roundup a nonexclusive license to publish, copy and distribute your work, while acknowledging that you are the author of the work. Send letters to: Editor, 708 N. Beeline Highway, Payson, AZ 85541; or e-mail editor@payson.com.

Payson Roundup LOCAL Tuesday, January 3, 2017

5

Business students inspired by Leadership Conference In the spirit of educating the future generation in business, the local Payson High School DECA chapter took four students to the Western Region Leadership Conference held in Seattle, Washington.

“The purpose of DECA is to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in the areas of marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools and colleges around the globe,” said PHS DECA advisor Joe Parone. “The Western Region Conference is just one way that DECA accomplishes this goal.”

The conference is hosted

in November of each year and invites all of the states from the Western Region to the location for that year.

This year the conference had over 2,000 attendees from the western states, including Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, California, Utah and others.

“The conference began with Keynote Speaker Calvin Wayman, an author and social media entrepreneur. He spoke to Western Region DECA about how he made his dreams a reality. Wayman shared the importance of mentoring under a successful individual and never

giving up.

The two days of workshops that followed ranged from personal development to entrepreneurship to college learning labs. Students also had the opportunity to walk through the marketing fair. The marketing fair had over 30 booths run by businesses, colleges, and military representatives.

“Even Arizona State University had a booth to represent our state at the Washington conference,” said PHS DECA president Veronica Volk.

Other booths included Wells Fargo, Washington Business

Week, University of Portland, USCutter, and the Seattle Sounders.

“Eat the Ball Bread Company was most definitely the most popular booth, because they went as far as to hand out football-shaped breads to each student!” said Volk.

The marketing fair was a huge success, which also

provided students with information about colleges and careers. As the conference was coming to a close on the third day, speakers Karissa Bodnar and Michelle Jolly gave DECA Talks.

Michelle Jolly, a principal product manager at Amazon. com, gave advice to the students about making career

decisions that reflect how you want to live your life; whether that be with the priorities of family, passion or money.

Closing speaker Karissa Bodnar, a DECA alumni, started her own company. She spoke about the importance of DECA and how it has given her the skills she needed to get where she is now.

Sleepy drivers cause crashes Missing only one or two hours of sleep a night could nearly double the chance of having a car crash, according to new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that 35 percent of U.S. drivers sleep less than the recommended seven hours daily, and 12 percent report sleeping less than five hours each night. With drowsy driving involved in more than 1 in 5 fatal crashes on U.S. roadways each year, AAA warns drivers that getting less sleep may have deadly consequences.

“This study is the first to quantify the relationship between specific measures of recent sleep and the risk of crash involvement among the general driving population,” said Lisa Fell, director of communications and public affairs for AAA Arizona. “Driving drowsy is essentially driving impaired.”

Research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that in a 24-hour period, crash risk for sleep-deprived drivers increased steadily when compared to well-rested drivers: • Six to seven hours of sleep: 1.3 times the crash risk • Five to six hours of sleep: 1.9 times the

crash risk • Four to five hours of sleep: 4.3 times the crash risk • Less than four hours of sleep: 11.5 times the crash risk The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has found that more than one in five (21 percent) of fatal crashes involves driver fatigue. These results indicate that drowsy driving is under-reported and the prevalence is much greater than statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggest.

While 97 percent of drivers told the AAA Foundation they view drowsy driving as completely unacceptable behavior that is a serious threat to their safety, nearly 1 in 3 admitted that at least once in the past month they drove when they had a hard time keeping their eyes open.

For longer trips, drivers also should: • Travel at times when normally awake • Schedule a break every two hours • Avoid heavy foods • Travel with an alert passenger and take turns • Avoid medications that cause drowsiness

Archery season in full swing by

Dennis Pirch

outdoor columnist

There is a new deer season that was added this year to the big game hunts. Starting on December 9th and continuing through December 31st there is an over-the-counter archery deer season for many units within the state of Arizona which include the local areas of units 22, 23, and 24. No drawing is necessary, just a valid Arizona hunting license and the purchase of a $45 deer tag from a local sporting goods store.

If you already have an archery deer tag that was not filled from the late August season then that one is still valid now, provided you did not tag a deer during any of the fall rifle hunts. In Arizona, the regulations prescribe one deer per calendar year by any method of pursuit. Either species can be hunted provided that it is an antlered buck and the local units have both whitetail and mule deer.

When most of the northern tier of states are locked into winter’s grip, the mild Arizona climate provides pleasant days for outdoor activities which includes pursuing big game. At this time of year, deer tend to be moving all day because of the shorter daylight hours and the rut becoming a bit more active. The rut is the breeding season for deer where does are often followed by an aggressive buck. If there are does in the area you are hunting, then a buck is probably close by.

Locating a scrape line can be “golden” in the December/ January archery deer hunts for those who prefer still hunting and using some kind of ground blind or treestand. A scrape line is where a buck will paw the ground, clear a spot, and leave his scent for wandering does in the vicinity. A buck will return to an active scrape line to see if there are does in estrus

close by.

Another key is to identify fresh rubs on small trees and shrubs that have been made by a buck during the rutting season. Small saplings are easy to identify when the bark has been removed and the interior shiny wood is exposed because of an aggressive antlered buck.

If there is a scrape line and various trees that have been rubbed, that is a location that needs to be hunted.

Bucks in the rut tend to be less wary and may be active all day in the pursuit of does.

It is possible to use optics and locate a buck and make a stalk by predicting where he will follow a doe which could create an archery shot of 50 yards or less. It is important to recognize that a doe changing directions could end the

stalk abruptly and another approach will be necessary.

It is no easy fete to harvest a deer during the late archery season even though the bucks are very active.

If a deer is not harvested

by New Year’s Eve, the 2016 season has come to a close.

But, January 1st, 2017 begins the new month-long season for archery deer in the local units.

Of course, another $45 deer tag must be purchased which is also good for the early fall and next December’s hunt. There are ample opportunities to hunt with a bow and arrow for big game in Arizona. So, don’t put the archery equipment away yet, only to wait for springtime fishing. Happy New Year, and make a resolution to enjoy the Arizona outdoors, God’s creation.

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Contributed photo

Payson DECA advisor Joe Parone took a team of local students to the national business club’s Western Regional Leadership Conference in Seattle.

Foul humor covers deeper story Why Him? He did get an award nomination for writing R-rated comedies have a well-deserved rep- “Little Fockers,” a Razzie — the award for terutation for foul language and bizarrely gross rible films. He and actor James Franco had the situations. We can double down on that idea relationship of professor/student in Franco’s when dealing with the likes of James Franco college years, perhaps not altogether and story writer Jonah Hill. If this disunlike the actor/director relationship. claimer doesn’t warn you off, please at the movies In the story, Franco, a very rich continue. game company owner, invites the Fans of Franco and Hill will family of his girlfriend (Zoey Dentch, embrace the language, the naughty mostly known for her TV roles, but bits and the weird, but gross bits a very solid actress) to California without skipping a beat. The rest of for their first meeting. First meetings the viewing world hopefully can look have a great opportunity for mishaps, beyond the surface flash and see the as we know. Bryan Cranston plays the deeper story of generational discord, dad and Megan Mullally the mom and of a loving and protective father and Andy both have some good moments. The an unfiltered, but genuinely decent McKinney game guy cannot speak without foul prospective son-in-law. Those aspects language in any and all circumstancof the story please us. And some of the es, which of course offends the family writing (by Jonah Hill, director John Hamburg flying in from the Midwest. and Ian Helfer) shine ridicule on the pretenAlso watch for Cedric The Entertainer as sions of contemporary art, the lack of cultural well as Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley — history of the millennials and the straight up both of Kiss. cluelessness of the elder generation in regards “Why Him?” runs for one hour and 51 minto all things part of the accelerating modern utes with a hard R rating. Built on a budget of tech world. Some sharply pointed insights $38 million this one has the possibility of movhere. ing the Franco brand beyond his usual hipster/ Director John Hamburg ramrodded such doper fan base. An average three saw blades films as “I Love You Man” and “Along Came for “Why Him?” with the insightful writing Polly,” so comedy films hold no novelty for him. counter balanced with gratuitous foulness.

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Payson Roundup LOCAL Tuesday, January 3, 2017

6

A community partnership between Gila County and

PAYSON ROUNDUP

Installing, maintaining and disposal of smoke alarms by

Scott Buzan

chief building official, gila county community development

By now the benefits of having multiple operational smoke alarms installed in your home is widely known.

“Simply put, smoke detectors save lives,” says Gila County’s Chief Building Official Scott Buzan. “Most home fires happen at night when occupants are sleeping.”

A 2014 report published by the National Fire Protection Association stated that three of every five home fire deaths resulted from fire in homes with no smoke alarms or with none that worked.

There is no argument that smoke alarms are important, but where is the best place to install a smoke alarm, how do you maintain them, and how do you dispose of them when they have met their life expectancy?

Gila County Community Development accumulated the following information to help answer these questions.

Installation • Ionization and photoelectric are the two types of smoke alarms currently being manufactured. Ionization alarms are generally more responsive to flaming fires while photoelectric alarms respond to fires that begin with a long period of smoldering. For best protection, it is recommended that both types be installed.

• Choose smoke alarms that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory.

• Smoke alarms should be installed in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including a basement.

• On levels without bedrooms, install alarms in the living room, den or family room or near the stairway to the upper level, or in both locations.

• Smoke alarms installed in a basement should be installed on the ceiling at the bottom of the stairs leading to the next level.

• Smoke alarms should be installed at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance to minimize false alarms when cooking.

• Mount smoke alarms high on walls or ceilings. Wallmounted alarms should be installed not more than 12 inches away from the ceiling to the top of the alarm. Refer to the alarm manufacturer’s installation instructions for additional information.

• Don’t install smoke alarms near windows, doors, ceiling fans, or ducts where drafts might interfere with their operation.

• Never paint smoke alarms.

• Interconnected smoke alarms using hard-wiring or wireless technology offer the best protection. When one alarm sounds they all sound.

Interconnected smoke alarms should be from the same manufacturer.

• Combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are now available. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for installation information.

• Retain the manufacturer’s

alarms should be replaced with the same brand even if some are still working. The date the alarm was manufactured is located on a label installed on the back of the alarm.

• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries should be replaced when the alarm chirps, warning the battery is low.

Disposal

Courtesy photo

Buckhead Mesa Landfill offers electronic disposal bins at no charge for disposing of smoke alarms, including those with 10-year lithium batteries. instructions for reference.

Maintenance • Smoke alarms should be maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions.

• Test smoke alarms at least once a month and replace the battery every year.

• Due to dust buildup inside the smoke alarm which can desensitize the sensors, it is

recommended they be replaced after 10 years or be replaced if the alarm chirps after you have replaced the battery or if the alarm doesn’t sound when tested. All interconnected

• Recycling is almost always preferable to disposal in a landfill.

• Both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms have circuit boards which contain materials not suitable for landfills. In addition, ionization alarms also have a very minute amount of radioactive material, which does not pose a threat to human health, but should not be disposed of in a landfill.

• Some manufacturers will recycle their brand of smoke alarms. Consult the manufacturer’s website for additional information.

• Gila County landfill sites Buckhead Mesa and Russell Gulch offer electronic disposal bins at no charge for disposing of smoke alarms including those with 10-year lithium batteries.

• Alkaline batteries may be disposed of in either landfill.

If you would like additional information, please contact Gila County Community Development at 928-474-9276.

The Buckhead Mesa Landfill serves Northern Gila County and is east of the Hwy. 87 turn into Tonto Natural Bridge.

County environmental health specialist brings 41 years experience to job Gila County “I really like talking to the owners and operators,” says Gila County Environmental Health Specialist Mike Lemon of his work doing health inspections for restaurants.

“I enjoy learning about their businesses. I try to understand life from their point of view.”

Lemon — a Registered Sanitarian — has been doing this sort of work for 41 years, the past eight of which have been with Gila County.

With the rigorous academic and certification requirements, Lemon says he has to know “at least a little about almost everything.”

He’s probably most widely known for his required twice-yearly restaurant inspections. Indeed, that’s how he and his counterpart in Globe spend the bulk of their time.

However, he also performs inspections required by state health code for other sites, such as pools, children’s camps, and hotels. The state of Arizona delegates the authority to the counties to enforce the health code.

Although they’re required to from

show up unannounced, “we’re not trying to catch someone doing something,” stresses Lemon. “I don’t want people to be afraid of me. I want them to trust me.”

Lemon spends about an hour on average at an inspection and he says that the majority of that time is spent talking with the owner or manager of the establishment.

He likens himself to a consultant for the businesses and wants his meetings with them to be discussions, not just going down a checklist and checking things off.

“We seem to win more friends that way than coming in with a big hammer,” he says.

When Lemon is talking about preventing or investigating possible food-borne illness, he frequently uses the phrase “the flow of food.” One of the things he looks at and asks questions about while doing an inspection is where food travels and how it’s handled from when it comes in the door to when it arrives on customers’ plates.

Something he really loves about doing his job in Gila County is that the majority

of restaurants that he works with are locally owned, mom and pop shops. “The owner is there all the time,” says Lemon.

“They’re really invested in their business.”

Across the board, he works with owners and managers to remedy critical violations right away and is frank about the potential negative, long-term impact that an outbreak of food-borne illness could have on their business.

The health code identifies critical violations that lead directly to a food-borne illness.

Depending on the type of critical violation, it may be required to be fixed before Lemon leaves the establishment or within 24 hours, for example.

If he were to find food on a steam table that was below the safe temperature, it would need to be corrected right away. If he found a refrigerator that wasn’t holding a low enough temperature, it would likely need to be emptied and repaired within 24 hours.

“What I like about Gila County is it’s a small-town environment — very pro-business,” says Lemon.

Metro Creative Services photo

Mike Lemon, Gila County environmental health specialist, has been visiting area restaurants for the past eight years. He strives to work with owners and managers to make their establishments safe and healthy.

He’s proud that he’s able to have a part in supporting economic development in Gila

County by trying to help make sure folks comply with the health code.

“We’re really trying to help businesses survive,” says Lemon.

Payson Roundup LOCAL Tuesday, January 3, 2017

7 A community partnership between Gila County and

PAYSON ROUNDUP

County does taxes, filing free if you make $54,000 or less a year Gila County Dorine Prine loves doing taxes.

Prine, Gila County’s CAP program administrator, has been a driving force behind growing the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in Gila County.

In its sixth year in Gila County, VITA provides free tax preparation and filing for residents whose household income is $54,000 or less a year.

VITA helps keep Gila County tax refund dollars in the county. By providing fast, free tax prep, VITA also makes the services offered by predatory lenders a whole lot less appealing.

Prine explains that VITA started in Gila County when Community Services Director Malissa Buzan saw a need in the community for tax prep for low income residents. Because Prine had experience doing taxes, it was a natural fit.

Prine and other IRS-certified volunteers will start preparing returns in mid-January at Gila County CAP offices in Payson and Globe.

The Hayden-Winkelman VITA site at the Hayden Senior Center will be open for appointments the first week of February.

Prine points out that this year the IRS will not issue refunds for anyone getting Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) or Child Tax Credits (CTC) until Feb. 15 due to the PATH Act, a federal law designed to cut down on fraud. However, Prine says that residents expecting to receive EITC or CTC should still file as soon as possible.

For Prine, working with people to file their taxes goes far beyond the hour-or-so appointment. She sees doing someone’s taxes as an opportunity to help. “Taxes are very difficult for people, but I try to make it easy and fun,” she says.

Prine has 25 years of experience with tax preparation and has the knowledge to help people make their taxes work for them. She ensures clients take advantage of all the deductions they can, even the lesser known ones. Buying Girl Scout Cookies, for example, is a deduction that a lot of from

people miss.

“We want to be able to give everyone the maximum amount of their refund,” she says.

“If someone wants a better refund, I talk to them about what to do next year to be able to get it,” says Prine. When she works with a client to file their taxes, she’s always looking ahead to the next year to see what could be done differently to give them a leg up and cut down on surprises.

For example, she might suggest that a single parent who is eligible for the EITC and the CTC might reduce their withholding. Although it may bring down the person’s refund slightly, it could give them more money during the year when they need it.

“I’m happy to counsel people to let

them know what to do for next year,” says Prine.

She’s also quick to remind folks that she’s available year-round. She’d rather talk to people during the year so that they don’t have sticker shock later on.

If you’re filling out a new W-4 and need someone to ask about withholding and exemptions, Prine is there.

“We can do this year-round,” says Prine. “If you don’t understand something I’ll explain it you in your language, not IRS language,” says Prine.

She estimates that an average tax preparation fee is around $250. Many establishments will take that amount out of a person’s refund. Having your taxes prepared and filed by VITA is completely free.

“If somebody gave you $250, what

would you do?” asks Prine. “Buy propane? Pay your heating bill?”

Last year alone, VITA saved Gila County residents over $130,000 dollars in tax preparation fees.

She explains that this savings is particularly important for folks receiving the EITC and CTC. “These tax credits are really so important because they help lift people out of poverty,” says Prine.

“It’s essential that we get folks every penny that they have coming to them so they can put it toward emergency savings, child care, or transportation to get to and from a job.”

Last year VITA prepared and filed 502 returns total in Gila County, bringing $614,191 federal refund dollars and $110,746 state refund dollars to Gila

County. Prine is constantly working to grow those numbers.

She is especially proud of the fact that she and other VITA tax preparers in Gila County are able to give clients a high level of individualized attention.

“Other tax prep sites, you’re in and you’re out,” says Prine.

At the same time, they’re able to pull people away from high-interest, rapid refund loans that can come along with hidden fees.

“We can give folks the full amount of their refunds in about 10 days,” says Prine. “It gives people a lot more money back.”

To make an appointment for VITA tax preparation at Community Services in Payson, call Dorine Prine at 928-474-7192.

Geographic Information Systems critical to county services Although the county has no control over Google Maps or others such as Apple or Bing maps as third party data sources, Homan says there is an avenue for private individuals to submit changes. He suggests going to http://www.gps.gov and reporting the problem there.

He estimates that the review process for changes submitted through http://www.gps.gov

Courtesy illustration from Gila County

Everyone from the Sheriff’s Office Dispatch and Patrol to Health Department to Elections uses GIS data in their work. For example, GIS data supports the BOS Supervisory District map for Payson (pictured).

Gila County “Nearly every service the county provides is based on the parcel number or address,” says Tom Homan, Gila County’s GIS system supervisor. “Every­ one from the Sheriff’s Office Dispatch and Patrol to Health Department to Elections uses GIS data in their work.”

GIS stands for “Geographic Information Systems,” a concept Homan is adept at demystifying.

“GIS data is no different than the phone book,” Homan explains, “except each address has the additional component of coordinates.”

GIS data provides spatial information about a parcel, not just what number it is on the street.

Gathering complete and accurate GIS data has been a years-long process at Gila County that is nearing completion. Homan estimates that they’re close to 90 percent done and hope to have a publicly from

accessible data source for parcel information available within a year. This project has been a collaboration between the Gila County Assessor’s Office and Public Works, where GIS is housed.

Homan also works together with municipalities in Gila County to ensure the data is developed accurately and can be put to the best use for constituents.

Homan says that Gila County is at an advantage because of its small size and relatively small number of parcels.

“Our deliberate, methodical process is really something that isn’t done by most communities,” says Homan.

Due to its size, Gila County has the ability to work to a high degree of accuracy at a lower cost.

“The Rural Addressing program is a critical component of the county’s 911 system along with other GIS data,” states Homan. Especially because the

majority of 911 calls are placed from cellphones, multiple GIS data sets play an essential part in public safety. Some of the more common data sets utilized in 911 are structure address points, street centerlines, jurisdictional limits along with law, fire and medical service boundaries. Homan explains that when someone makes a 911 call from a cellphone, dispatch sees coordinates rather than a street address. Using GIS data that Homan is responsible for keeping updated, dispatch is able to place those coordinates on a map, see the roads in the area, and know how to get help there as quickly as possible.

Homan says that he often fields questions from residents with concerns about the accuracy of Google Maps. For example, “If Google is wrong, how are emergency services going to get to me?” His response is simple: “We don’t use Google.

We use much higher accuracy data.”

may take up to six weeks.

According to Homan, addressing is just not for 911, but also for development of the county.

“Improvements to undeveloped property in the unincorporated areas of Gila County starts with assigning an address. APS will not bring permanent power to a property without an address nor will

Community Development issue a permit,” explains Homan. He responds to rural addressing requests from members of the public, contractors, real estate agents, and others.

Public Works also uses GIS data for accurate right of way management and to build the dirt road blading map and schedule available to the public at http://gis.gilacountyaz.gov.

Payson Roundup LOCAL Tuesday, January 3, 2017

8

COMMUNITY ALMANAC Origami for Tweens The Payson Public Library, 328 N. McLane Rd., is starting a special program for tweens (ages 10-12) on origami. The program is from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. every other Thursday of each month, from Jan. 5 through March 30.

Participants will learn a new origami technique and figure each week.

For details, stop by the library or call 928-474-9260.

Animal Welfare Thrift Shop First Friday sale Visit the Animal Welfare Thrift Shop January 6 for the monthly First Friday “half-off” merchandise sale. We are open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays. The shop is at 434 S. Beeline Hwy., Suite B, C & D. Proceeds benefit local animal rescue organizations. For more information on pick-ups and donations, call 928-951-2587.

Youth Art Contest The Payson Public Library, 328 N. McLane Rd., will present its Youth Art Contest from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 7.

The teens from the Payson Area Advisory Youth Council help the library’s staff organize and judge the contest.

Student artists, from kindergarten through high school, are invited to enter work into the PAAYC/Payson Library Youth Art Contest. Entry forms are available now and work in photography, painting, sketching and 3-D art/ sculpture are all welcome.

Students may submit one piece of artwork for each of the four categories.

This competition is limited to local student artists. Entries may be brought to the library.

Artwork will be on display in the Library Meeting Room during all open hours on Saturday, Jan. 7 and may be taken home following the competition.

Payson Amnesty plans Lunch Letters gathering Amnesty International has been writing letters to free prisoners of conscience, individuals who have been

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You have until April 16 to make a donation for credit on your 2016 State Tax Return.

Volunteers needed to help prepare tax returns AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest free volunteer tax assistance and preparation service.

The service helps local taxpayers with low to moderate incomes, with special attention given to those 60 and older.

Volunteers receive free IRS certified training prior to working with taxpayers. You must be willing to commit at least four hours per week during the tax season from Feb. 1 through April 15 after being certified. If you are interested, email paysontaxaide@gmail.com or phone Lori at 928-478-6460.

And remember, for your online shopping, go to AmazonSmiles.com and designate Payson Helping Payson as your charity of choice.

Amazon Smiles makes a donation to PHP in your name at no cost to you.

Please help the PHP volunteers continue to fill the desperate needs here in our community. unjustly imprisoned for more than 53 years.

As a continuation of the popular International Write-A-thon in December, Payson Amnesty International is hosting a lunchtime letter writing opportunity from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 9 at the Crosswinds Restaurant, 800 W. Airport Rd. Just purchase lunch and Payson Amnesty International will supply everything needed to write a letter and save a life. Join the group at any time throughout the luncheon as members plan events and support human rights issues locally and around the world.

2017 promises to be a busy year for Human Rights activists, call Penny at 928-978-1268 or Joan at 928-478-6295 for information about Lunch Letters and/or Payson Amnesty International.

Teens Only Gaming Club now forming

The Payson Public Library, 328 N. McLane Rd., is forming a Teens Only Gaming Club for those 18 and under. It is for any teen interested in board games, video games, RP games, LARP games, card games, multi-player games.

The first meeting is at 4 p.m., Monday, Jan. 9 in the library meeting room.

Call 928-474-9260 for details.

Veterans Benefits Counselor visits Jan. 12

A Veterans Benefits Counselor from the Arizona Department of Veterans Services is in Payson from 9 a.m. to

workshop will include filling out pedigree charts, citing sources and discussing helpful websites. Application forms will be available for those who think they may be eligible to join either the Daughters or the Sons of the American Revolution.

For those wishing hands-on experience, DAR has reserved the Family History Center Computer Lab at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 913 S. Ponderosa Street. Participants will be able to sign up for a 1-hour session from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and have individual help with their family tree research. It is suggested that, if possible, you bring your pedigree chart filled out to the extent you can and also bring a thumb drive to save important files you discover.

3 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 12 at the DES office, 100 N. Tonto St., Suite 100.

Appointments are recommended; call 602-627-3261. Plan for your appointment to take an hour.

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CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS Veterans of Foreign Wars

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States of America will meet at 5 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Elks Lodge, 1206 N. Beeline Hwy., Payson.

All members are invited to attend.

For more information, contact Post 9829 Commander Ken Dale, 928-363-1037.

Moose Lodge events

The Women of the Moose meet at 6 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of each month. The Loyal Order of the Moose meetings are at 6 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.

The lodge has a Thursday Fish Fry from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and weekly dinner specials are available.

The Moose Lodge is located on E. Hwy. 260 in Star Valley. For more information, call 928-474-6212.

Masonic Lodge

The Sy Harrison Masonic Lodge #70, located at 200 E. Rancho Road in Payson, meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m.

For more information, go online to www.paysonmason.org or contact Bill Herzig, secretary, at 928-474-1305 or 928-951-2662.

Rim Country 4 Wheelers

Members of the Rim Country 4 Wheelers (RC4W) invite anyone interested in four-wheel-drive back road travel to join them at 9 a.m. Wednesdays in the Bashas’ shopping center parking lot in front of the Big 5 store.

For more information, visit the Web site at www.rimcountry4wheelers.com or call RC4W President Tom Doyle, 928600-9009.

Card players wanted

The Saving Graces of Payson — a Canasta card-playing group — is looking for a few ladies who enjoy fun, laughter and friendship.

This Red Hat group meets at 10 a.m. the first Wednesday of every month at the Crosswinds Restaurant patio room. There is a break for lunch around noon and play and resumes after lunch.

Anyone interested in joining will be welcomed. You do not need to know how to play, the members will be happy to teach the game.

Please contact Queen Mum AnnMarie at 928-468-8585; please leave a message if there’s no answer.

Senior Bible study

The Payson Senior Center, 514 W. Main St., hosts a Bible study from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. every Wednesday with a rotating roster of ministers.

Soroptimists

The local Soroptimist club invites all

women who are interested in working with and for the community to improve the status of women to join members for lunch at Tiny’s, 600 E. Highway 260, Payson, at noon Wednesdays.

Anyone interested should contact Jean Oliver, 928-474-6167; or Audrey Wilson, 928-468-3108.

pahh volunteer meeting

Kiwanis meeting

Alzheimer’s caregivers support groups

The Kiwanis Club of Zane Grey Country meets on Thursdays at 7 a.m. at Tiny’s Restaurant, except the first Thursday of the month when an evening meeting is at 6 p.m. at Crosswinds Restaurant.

For more information about Zane Grey Kiwanis, please visit www.zanegreykiwanis.com.

The Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group invites caregivers, families, service providers and members of the community to attend any or all of the following: • First and third Wednesdays of the month from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Senior Center.

For more details, call Mary, 928-4743560. The Payson Senior Center is located at 514 W. Main St.

High Country Garden Club

The High Country Garden Club meets at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 5 in the log cabin building of Mount Cross Lutheran Church, 601 E. Hwy. 260, Payson. All members and guests are invited to attend and bring non-perishable food items for the area food banks.

For more information, contact Sallie at 928-468-6102.

Rim Country Classic Auto Club

The Rim Country Classic Auto Club (RCCAC) holds its monthly meetings at 6:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at Tiny’s Family Restaurant, 600 E. Highway 260 in Payson. For information, call Steve Fowler at 928-478-6676.

87 Mountain Biking Club

87 Mountain Biking Club meets at 4 p.m. every Wednesday at the 87 Cyclery shop, 907 S. Beeline Highway.

Members have group trail rides throughout Gila County for every level of rider (beginners to advanced).

Everyone is encouraged to join and learn about all the great mountain biking trails Payson and the surrounding area has to offer.

For more information or questions, please call 928-478-6203.

SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery meetings are from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Wednesday at Messinger Mortuary’s meeting room, 901 S. Westerly Rd., Payson.

Please bring a pen. Please call 480364-3344 with questions.

Rim Country Rotary Club

The Rim Country Rotary Club meets at 6:45 a.m. Thursdays at the Cedar Ridge Restaurant of the Mazatzal Hotel & Casino.

Members invite Rim residents to join them in their work for Payson youth and the area’s food banks.

For more information, go online to www.rimcountryrotary.

Strawberry Patchers meet

The January business meeting of the Strawberry Patchers, a chapter of the Arizona Quilters Guild, is Thursday, Jan. 5, in the Isabelle Hunt Memorial Library Activity Room, 3872 Highway

General information about Habitat for Humanity and volunteer opportunities will be provided as well as snacks.

There will be a brief presentation, with questions and answers afterward.

Please call Lorraine at 928-474-0330 with questions and to RSVP.

Wikimedia Commons photo from Petty Officer 2nd Class William Colclough

The Payson Area Habitat for Humanity volunteer meeting is at 6 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 5 at the Payson Library meeting room. General information about Habitat for Humanity and volunteer opportunities will be provided as well as snacks. There will be a brief presentation, with questions and answers afterward. Please call Lorraine at 928-474-0330 with questions and to RSVP. 87, Pine. The meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. and is preceded by a social period with refreshments beginning at 9 a.m.

The group welcomes anyone who is interested in quilting at any skill level.

For more information, contact Karen Plante, membership chairman, 480703-4056 or visit the website at www. strawberrypatchers.com.

Arizona Cactus Navy luncheon An informal get-together of Navy and Coast Guard veterans and Merchant Marines in the Payson area is held on the first Thursday of each month at La Sierra restaurant on north AZ 87 at Forest Dr. in Payson.

The group meets for coffee or lunch at 11 a.m. to share stories and camaraderie among fellow vets of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, other conflicts, and peacetime naval service. For questions please call 928-970-0066.

Genealogical Society

The Northern Gila County Genealogical Society meets at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 5. This is a membership meeting, but all citizens of the Rim Country are welcome.

President Griff Brown will discuss three initiatives the Society will

endeavor to develop this fiscal year, one of them is tracking the genealogy of about 75 young people in Payson who wrote part of their genealogy, and interviewed an older family member in 1985. The cassette recordings of the interview are great to listen to. These are priceless collections members need to evaluate and protect.

All members are encouraged to attend and browse the Society’s old books (some are duplicate genealogy books) available for purchase.

The Society Library is now open three days a week, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday. The Society Library and meeting place is at 302 E. Bonita St., Payson. Refreshments and snacks will be served.

Radio Control flyers

Rim Country Flyers is the local club for RC airplane/helicopter/drone flyers.

It has a local flying field and, if a novice, instructors to get you started. Visit rimcountryflyers.com or call Jason at 928-478-6234.

PAHH volunteer meeting

The Payson Area Habitat for Humanity volunteer meeting is at 6 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 5 at the Payson Library meeting room.

Computer group changes

The Payson Area Computer Association will hold its monthly “MeetUp” in the Payson Public Library meeting room on the first Friday of the month, Jan. 6, starting at 6:30 p.m.

There are no dues or membership lists, just show up and have the opportunity to interact with other residents involving today’s computers, tablets, smartphones, and other technology related devices and software. These meetings are for those new to today’s technology as well as experienced users who want to share their knowledge.

After the January 6 meeting, the day of the meeting will change as the library now closes early on Fridays. The new meeting date will be announced as soon as it is selected.

Payson Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Payson Girl Scouts invites all girls ages 5-18 to join.

Troops are accepting new girls and new troops are forming. The organization is also seeking volunteers at the neighborhood and troop levels. For more information, call Chris at 928474-2480 or text 928-978-7177.

Bridge results

Winners of Wednesday Bridge for Dec. 28 were: Diane Bricker and Kathy Salvaggio, first; Ruth and George Aucott, second; and Dot and Ed Koshinski, third.

For information and reservations, please call Kay Young-Hutchinson at 928-474-0287.

Payson Roundup LOCAL Tuesday, January 3, 2016

9

Rain and snow a welcome sight The late fall and early winter Rim through Star Valley and precipitation is much needed eventually joins Tonto Creek in the Rim Country and we south of Hellsgate. have received just that. Since The year-round flowing Thanksgiving, most streams of Tonto, of the rain gauges in Christopher, Horton, outdoors the community and under the rim and Haigler will benefit during the sumthe surrounding area mer months with have received over much-needed winter 5 inches of moisture moisture. Better water either in rain or snow. flow aids in healthiWater is the lifeblood er trout populations of the Southwest and when the Tonto Fish Arizona will benefit Hatchery truck makes from the much-needed precipitation. The pop- Dennis Pirch the weekly visits to the ular Salt River Project popular summer fishing destinations.

“Arizona slogan, The East Verde River is a Grows Where Water Flows” is so true, and especially in the tributary of the major Verde River watershed, which fills the Rim Country.

The headwater sources reservoirs of Horseshoe and of the Verde and Salt rivers Bartlett before being used by originate along the Mogollon the metropolitan Phoenix area.

Rim from Flagstaff to the New The headwaters of the East Mexico border and the sur- Verde River originate above rounding Payson area may be Washington Park at the base considered the epicenter of the of the Mogollon Rim and flow watershed. It is critical that southwest along the Houston the ground has a high moisture Mesa. It joins the Verde River content prior to any snow pack at the southwest tip of Polles that will occur this winter, and Mesa after draining numerous the late fall rains have accom- small creeks and canyons along plished this. the way.

The Payson area is unique This watershed is greatly in that much of the topography enhanced when the pumps are east of the Beeline eventual- running from the Blue Ridge ly drains into Tonto Creek by Reservoir. This lake on top of numerous canyons that flow to the Rim has also benefited from Roosevelt Lake and the Salt the recent rains, going from River chain of reservoirs. Many 25 percent capacity to over of these canyons are dry most of 60 percent in the last month. the year, but rainfall can make Hopefully a healthy snow pack them a torrential danger with on top of the Rim will raise the flash flooding. An example of reservoir to 100 percent before this would be Mayfield Canyon, the spring. which flows from the Diamond The pumps at Washington

F O R The following reports and arrests were released by the Payson Police Department and Gila County Sheriff’s Office. All persons listed in this report are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. After reviewing cases, the Gila County Attorney’s Office often drops or modifies charges. If your name is listed and you are exonerated, please contact the Payson Roundup at editor@payson. com.

Nov. 28 – Danielle Marie Vickers, 32, Payson – possession of dangerous drugs, shoplifting, unlawful use of means of transportation-control(driver); Charyree Faye Cox, 36, Payson – failure to pay a fine; Beau James Lootans, 45, Payson – aggravated domestic violence; Juan Carlos Torres, 48, Payson – failure to appear-second degree, warrant, possession of drug paraphernalia.

Nov. 30 – Jamie Lynn Moreno, 27, Payson – disorderly conduct-fighting.

Dec. 1 – Steven James Brydie, 25, Payson – possession of stolen property, possession of drug paraphernalia; Steven Douglas Clark, 38, Mesa del Caballo – possession of stolen property, possession of drug paraphernalia; Virginia Jean Boggs, 35, Payson – disorderly conduct-fighting; Sheila R.

T H E

Smith, 30, Payson – disorderly conduct-fighting; Ronda Renai McConnell, 53, domestic violence, touching another person with intent to injure, insult or provoke; Cody James Barrett, 36, Star Valley – domestic violence, assault - placing another person in reasonable apprehension of physical injury; Charles James McConnell, 68, Payson – touching another person with intent to injure, insult or provoke, domestic violence; David Bryce Knoner, 57, Payson – failure to pay a fine; Jadasha Bree Knoner, 21, Payson – domestic violence, disorderly conduct - abusive or offensive language or gestures; Michael James Kennedy, 36, Payson – domestic violence, touching another person with intent to injure, insult or provoke, possession of drug paraphernalia; Cody Timothy Krantz, 37, Payson – failure to pay a fine; Ryan Lee Perry, 38, Payson – warrant.

Dec. 2 – Michelle Reay Mulkey, 28, Payson – possession of narcotic drugs; Jennifer Danae Grandjean, 23, Payson – possession of drug paraphernalia, theft, theft of means of transportation-intent to permanently deprive; Brad Alan Kendall, 52, Payson – burglary-third degree-non-residential, fenced commercial or residential yard, theft, possession

Direct: (928) 978-5183

BonnieJo@MyPaysonRealty.com www.MyPaysonRealty.com

Pete Aleshire/Roundup

The recent precipitation improved water flow in the East Verde River and elsewhere. The benefits to anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts will be evident later in the year.

Park operate from mid-spring until the end of October, but because of the construction of the pipeline there will be some periods when the pumps need to be shut down. A consistent water flow enhanced by the pumps allows for trout stocking almost weekly throughout the spring and summer by the excellent work of the Tonto Fish Hatchery employees.

Many of the small tributaries that add to the flow of the East Verde are well-known landmarks with names like Weber, Dude, Bonita, Chase, Ellison, Cold Springs, and Pine Creek which all have a few miles of moving water. Then, there will be stretches of dry stream bed where the flow actually goes underground. A few of these creeks have a limited wild trout

population for only the most adventuresome anglers. Some of these limited small streams could benefit from management which should include some wild trout stocking to enhance the existing population.

Whether it is water in the streams, cattlemen’s stock tanks, or replenishing existing ground water, all wildlife will be healthier which enhances reproduction and survival rate of the newborn in the life cycle.

The rainfall and snow might be a bit inconvenient for outdoor activities now, but the benefits for later in the year are huge to wildlife and those who enjoy angling, hunting, hiking and other outdoor hobbies. The Arizona Rim Country is a great place to live, so enjoy God’s creation.

R E C O R D of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana.

Dec. 3 – Cheyane Lea Gore, 21, Payson – false reporting to law enforcement agency; Christopher Thomas Zelkovich, 25, Beaver Valley – failure to pay a fine; Justin Daniel Wood, 28, Payson – theft, failure to appear-second degree, warrant; Michael Gallosa, 43, Payson – driving with a suspended/canceled/ revoked license; Christy

Monica Miranda, 42, Payson – failure to appear-second degree.

Dec. 4 – Ryan Patrick Patterson, 29, Gilbert – DUIextreme with a BAC of .20 or higher, DUI with BAC of .08 or higher, DUI-alcohol, drug, vapor or combination thereof; Dalvin Darryl Proctor, 20, Gisela – minor with alcohol in body, possession of narcotic drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia.

O B I T U A R I E S Michael R. Elliott (JAWS) (1944-2016)

Mike Elliott, known as JAWS, moved to Tonto Basin in 1989 with his family. He was a union crane operator who came to the Basin to work on raising Roosevelt Dam, fell in love with Tonto and they never left. He sure loved his fishing and hunting.

He is survived by his wife, Judy; and son, Michael Jr.

Elgin G. Hirni (1917-2016)

Elgin G. Hirni passed away of natural causes in Prescott, AZ on December 27, 2016.

He was born in Rockville, MO. in 1917. He lived in Papinsville, MO. until 1955.

He then moved to Flagstaff, AZ. From there he moved to Payson, AZ, where he retired.

After the loss of his wife,

Luella, he moved to Dewey, AZ. He is survived by his son, Marvin; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Interment will be in the Messinger Payson Cemetery with graveside services at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 3, 2017.

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Payson Roundup Tuesday, January 3, 2017

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Classifieds More ways than ever to publish and pay for your classified ad!

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Order: 10085203 Cust: -McDonalds Keywords: Please use current McDonalds ad art#: 20139518 Class: Customer Service Size: 2.00 X 4.00

Join our Friendly Team

Juniper & Oak; Full Cords, Delivery Available Call 928-474-9859 Oak and Juniper Firewood, $175 per Truck Load, $200. Trailer, Call 928-521-0248

FURNITURE For Sale: 14 Rifle Stack-on Gun Safe $500. Five Piece Queen Bedroom Set (Walnut) Originally $2,000; Now $800.

Four Chairs/Table w/Leaf Dinette $125.

928-978-4501 Loveseat and Sleeper Sofa Loveseat recliners n fair/good condition. Mechanicals in excellent condition. Lazyboy Sleeper Sofa, queen size bed in very good condition. $Free 540-335-5037

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McDonald’s invites you to join our professional, friendly and dedicated team. McDonald’s is committed to outstanding customer service, people development and professional growth.

The McDonald’s Team offers Part-Time and Full-Time employment with wages starting at $10.00 per hour. Flexible hours, training, advancement opportunities, management development, employee retirement benefits, insurance, performance reviews and raises, and many other benefits.

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10ft, 20ft, 30ft. and 40ft.

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Office Manager for

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Please send resumes to Lance.Porter@bannerhealth.com

CLERICAL/OFFICE LICENSED REALTOR? WANT REGULAR HOURS AND STEADY PAYCHECKS? WORK IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT FULL TIME, PAID VACATION FAX RESUME TO 928-474-3067 OR EMAIL TO: RENTALS@RIMHOMES.COM

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Monday thru Thursday, 8-5

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$

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BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices Advantage Realty PO Box 329, 3640 Hwy 87, Pine, AZ 85544

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Pine, 1BR, 1BA . . . . . . . . . . . $650 Pine, 3BR, 2BA . . . . . . . . . . $1750 Strawberry, 3BR, 2BA . . . . . $1600 UNFURNISHED RENTAL HOMES NEEDED

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906 N. Hillcrest Dr., 4BD, 4.5BA........................$1995 2115 N. Florence, 3BD, 2BA ............................$1350 2004 N. Fredanovich 4BD, 1.75BA...................$1100 306 S. Bentley St., 4BD, 2BA..............................$995 112 N. Pinecrest, 3BD, 2BA.................................$975 1206 N. Easy St., 2BD, 2BA................................$925 1101 E. Frontier St., 3BD, 2BA............................$900 609 N. Ponderosa #B, 2BD, 2BA........................$899 107 E. McKamey 1BD, 1BA................................$575

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1110 S. Sequoia Cir., 3BR, 3BA..................$2300-$2600

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MOBILES FOR RENT Cute 1Br/1Ba Trailers in Well Kept Park, that has Laundry Facilities, Starting at $435.mo, Some Utilities Included, NO PETS, 928-978-3775 ONE MONTH FREE THE LAZY D RANCH WANTS YOU TO STAY WITH US! To prove it, we will give New RV Tenants ONE MONTH FREE Space Rent when you sign a Rental Agreement of 6 months or longer, through January 31st; we will give your 3rd Absolutely FREE, not including electric or tax.

Must pass criminal background check and have proof of income. $25. Application Fee. For details and availability call Mark 928-474-2442

MOBILE/RV SPACES Mountain Shadows R.V. & Mobile Home Park Nice Quiet Family Park 2 bedroom double wide mobile home $700, Travel trailer $425.00, RV Spaces $256.55 mo, with onsite Manager, Laundry, Shower, Game room, and free Wifi Call Shawn at 928-474-2406

Payson Roundup CLASSIFIEDS Tuesday, January 3, 2017

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES 16422: 12/20, 12/27/2016, 1/3, 1/10/2017 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE S SALE TS#: 16-44814 Order #: 160320665-AZ-VOO The following legally described trust property will be sold, pursuant to the power of sale under that certain Deed of Trust dated 4/2/2012 and recorded on 4/10/2012, as Instrument No. 2012-004032, in the office of the County Recorder of Gila County, Arizona, NOTICE! IF YOU BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFENSE TO THE TRUSTEE SALE OR IF YOU HAVE AN OBJECTION TO THE TRUSTEE SALE, YOU MUST FILE AN ACTION AND OBTAIN A COURT ORDER PURSUANT TO RULE 65, ARIZONA RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE, STOPPING THE SALE NO LATER THAN 5:00 P.M. MOUNTAIN STANDARD TIME OF THE LAST BUSINESS DAY BEFORE THE SCHEDULED DATE OF THE SALE, OR YOU MAY HAVE WAIVED ANY DEFENSES OR OBJECTIONS TO THE SALE. UNLESS YOU OBTAIN AN ORDER, THE SALE WILL BE FINAL AND WILL OCCUR at public auction to the highest bidder at the Front Entrance of the Gila County Courthouse, 1400 E. Ash Street, Globe, AZ 85501, on 2/15/2017 at 11:00 AM of said day:PARCEL NO. 1 PARCEL 2 OF RECORD OF SURVEY RECORDED AT SURVEY MAP NO. 2003, RECORDS OF GILA COUNTY, ARIZONA BEING A PORTION OF THE EAST HALF OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 8, TOWNSHIP 9 NORTH, RANGE 14 EAST OF THE GILA AND SALT RIVER BASE AND MERIDIAN, GILA COUNTY, ARIZONA. PARCEL NO. 2 AN EASEMENT FOR INGRESS, EGRESS AND PUBLIC UTILITIES OVER THE FOLLOWING:THE EAST 15 FEET OF THE NORTH HALF OF THE SOUTH HALF OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER; THE NORTH 15 FEET OF THE EAST 15 FEET OF THE SOUTH HALF OF THE SOUTH HALF OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER;THE WEST 15 FEET AND THE SOUTH 15 FEET OF THE NORTH HALF OF THE WEST HALF OF THE SOUTH HALF OF THE SOUTH HALF OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER; THE NORTH 15 FEET AND THE EAST 15 FEET OF THE SOUTH HALF OF THE WEST HALF OF THE SOUTH HALF OF THE SOUTH HALF OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER; THE SOUTH 15 FEET OF THE WEST 15 FEET OF THE NORTH HALF OF THE EAST HALF OF THE SOUTH HALF OF THE SOUTH HALF OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER; THE WEST 15 FEET OF THE SOUTH HALF OF THE EAST HALF OF THE SOUTH HALF OF THE SOUTH HALF OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER; ALL IN SECTION 5, TOWNSHIP 9 NORTH, RANGE 14 EAST OF THE GILA AND SALT RIVER BASE AND MERIDIAN, GILA COUNTY, ARIZONA, TOGETHER WITH THE FOLLOWING PORTIONS OF SECTION 8, TOWNSHIP 9 NORTH, RANGE 14 EAST OF THE GILA AND SALT RIVER BASE AND MERIDIAN, GILA COUNTY, ARIZONA; THE EAST 15 FEET OF THE NORTH HALF OF THE NORTH HALF OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER; THE EAST 15 FEET OF THE SOUTH HALF OF THE NORTH HALF OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER;THE EAST 15 FEET OF THE SOUTH HALF OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER;

ATTORNEY

THE WEST 15 FEET OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER;THE WEST 15 FEET OF THE WEST HALF OF THE NORTH HALF OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER; ALL IN SECTION 8, TOWNSHIP 9 NORTH, RANGE 14 EAST, OF THE GILA AND SALT RIVER BASE AND MERIDIAN, GILA COUNTY, ARIZONA. EXCEPT ANY PORTION LYING WITHIN PARCEL NO. 1 PARCEL NO. 3 AN EASEMENT FOR INGRESS AND EGRESS OVER THE FOLLOWING:THE SOUTH 15 FEET OF THE NORTH HALF OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER;THE SOUTH 15 FEET OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER; THE NORTH 15 FEET OF THE SOUTH HALF OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTH OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER; THE NORTH 15 FEET AND THE WEST 15 FEET OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER; THE EAST 15 FEET OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER; ALL IN SECTION 8, TOWNSHIP 9 NORTH, RANGE 14 EAST OF THE GILA AND SALT RIVER BASE AND MERIDIAN, GILA COUNTY, ARIZONA. EXCEPT ANY PORTION LYING WITHIN PARCEL NO. 1. PARCEL NO. 4 AN EASEMENT FOR INGRESS, EGRESS AND PUBLIC UTILITIES OVER THE FOLLOWING:THE SOUTH 15 FEET OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER AND THE SOUTH 15 FEET OF THE WEST HALF OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 5, TOWNSHIP 9 NORTH, RANGE 14 EAST OF THE GILA AND SALT RIVER BASE AND MERIDIAN, GILA COUNTY, ARIZONA, AND THE NORTH 15 FEET OF THE WEST HALF OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 8, TOWNSHIP 9 NORTH, RANGE 14 EAST OF THE GILA AND SALT RIVER BASE AND MERIDIAN, GILA COUNTY, ARIZONA. EXCEPT ANY PORTION LYING WITHIN PARCEL NO. 1. Per A.R.S. Section 33-803 (A)(2) the successor trustee appointed here qualifies as a Trustee of the trust deed in the Trustee s capacity as a member of the State Bar of Arizona. ACCORDING TO THE DEED OF TRUST OR UPON INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY THE BENEFICIARY, THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS PROVIDED PURSUANT TO A.R.S. SECTION 33-808(C):Street address or identifiable location: 405 S HOMESTEAD RD YOUNG, AZ 85554 A.P.N.: 305-19-006J Original Principal Balance: $213,566.00 Name and address of original trustor: (as shown on the Deed of

LEGAL NOTICES Trust) KENNETH E. SMITH, AS TRUSTEE OF THE REVOCABLE TRUST DATED THE 9TH DAY OF JANUARY, 1990 AND ELLEN K. SMITH AS TRUSTEE OF THE REVOCABLE TRUST DATED THE 9TH DAY OF JANUARY, 1990 133 PO BOX YOUNG, AZ 85554 Name and address of beneficiary: (as of recording of Notice of Sale) Specialized Loan Servicing, LLC 8742 Lucent Blvd., Ste. 300 Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 NAME, ADDRESS and TELEPHONE NUMBER OF TRUSTEE: (as of recording of Notice of Sale) Eric L. Cook, a member of the State Bar of Arizona Zieve, Brodnax and Steele, LLP 112 North Central Avenue, Suite 425 Phoenix, Arizona 85004 Phone Number: (602) 688-7420 Dated: 11/10/2016 SALE INFORMATION:Sales Line: (800) 280-2832 Website: www.auction.com Eric L. Cook, a member of the State Bar of Arizona Per A.R.S. Section 33-803 (A)(2) the successor trustee appointed here qualifies as a Trustee of the trust deed in the Trustee s capacity as a member of the State Bar of Arizona. A-4601540 12/20/2016, 12/27/2016, 01/03/2017, 01/10/2017 16428: 12/20, 12/27/2016, 1/3/2017 SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF ARIZONA FOR THE COUNTY OF GILA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BERYL CECILIA CHALLET. An Adult, Deceased. Case No.: PB201600115 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT: 1.

Duffy Michael Root was appointed Personal Representative of this Estate on December 5, 2016, and the notice to the persons named in will of informal appointment of personal representative and probate of will was given as required by law.

2.

All persons having claims against the Estate who are unknown are required to present their claims within (4) months after the first publication of this Notice of the claims will be forever barred.

3.

All persons having claims against the Estate who are known are required to present their claims within (4) months after receipt of this Notice by mail or the claims will be forever barred.

4.

Claims must be presented by delivering or mailing a written statement of the claim to Duffy Michael Root. Personal Representative, c/o The Owens Law Firm, 200 W. Frontier St., Ste. L. Payson, AZ 85541.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED this 9th day of December, 2016.

THE OWENS LAW FIRM, PLC /s/ Jared R. Owens Jared R. Owens, Attorney for Personal Representative, Duffy Michael Root ORIGINAL of the foregoing mailed

LEGAL NOTICES this 9th day of December, 2016 to: Gila County Clerk of the Court, 714 S. Beeline Hwy, Payson, AZ 85541. /s/ Jared R. Owens 16430: 1/3, 1/10, 1/17, 1/24/2017 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE S SALE File ID. #16-04832 Morrison Title No: 21603256 The following legally described trust property will be sold, pursuant to the power of sale under that certain trust deed recorded on 10/28/2010 as Document No. 2010-011914 Gila County, AZ. NOTICE! IF YOU BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFENSE TO THE TRUSTEE SALE OR IF YOU HAVE AN OBJECTION TO THE TRUSTEE SALE, YOU MUST FILE AN ACTION AND OBTAIN A COURT ORDER PURSUANT TO RULE 65, ARIZONA RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE, STOPPING THE SALE NO LATER THAN 5:00P.M. MOUNTAIN STANDARD TIME OF THE LAST BUSINESS DAY BEFORE THE SCHEDULED DATE OF THE SALE, OR YOU MAY HAVE WAIVED ANY DEFENSES OR OBJECTIONS TO THE SALE. UNLESS YOU OBTAIN AN ORDER, THE SALE WILL BE FINAL AND WILL OCCUR at public auction on March 15, 2017 at 11:00 AM, at the front entrance to the Gila County Courthouse, 1400 East Ash Street, Globe, AZ 85501. and the property will be sold by the Trustee to the highest bidder for cash (in the forms which are lawful tender in the United States and acceptable to the Trustee, payable in accordance with ARS 33811). The sale shall convey all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust, in the property situated in said County and State and more fully described as: Parcel No. 1 A portion of Section 23, Township 7 North, Range 10 East, Gila and Salt River Base and Meridian, Gila County Arizona, more particularly described as follows; Commencing at the West Quarter corner of said Section 23; Thence North 89 degrees 18 00 East along the East West Midsection line 990.07 feet to the true point of beginning; Thence North 0 degrees 25 30 West 1321.02 feet to the North line of the Southwest Quarter of Northwest Quarter of said Section 23; Thence North 89 degrees 15 46 East along said North line 15.71 feet; Thence South 0 degrees 03 43 East 1321.10 feet to the East West Midsection line; Thence South 89 degrees 18 00 West along said Midsection line 7.34 feet to the point of beginning. Parcel No. 2 A portion of Section 23, Township 7 North, Range 10 East, Gila and Salt River Base and Meridian, Gila County Arizona, more particularly described as follows: Commencing at the West Quarter corner of said Section 23; Thence North 89 degrees 18 00 East (East recorded) along the East West Mid-Section line a distance of 997.41 feet (990 feet recorded) to the true point of beginning; Thence North 00 degrees 03 43 West (North recorded) to the North line of the Southwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section of 23, a distance of 1320.89 feet (1320 feet recorded); Thence North 89 degrees 15 46 East, (East recorded) a distance of 166.00 feet, (165 feet recorded); Thence South 00 degrees 04 19 East (South recorded) a distance of 1321.20 feet (1320 recorded) to the East West Mid-Section line; Thence South 89 degrees 18 00 West (West recorded) along said Mid-Section line a distance of 166.28 feet (165 feet recorded) to the point of beginning. The street address/location of the real property described above is purported to be: 352 Slate Creek Trail Tonto Basin, AZ 85553 Tax Parcel No.:

11

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

201-04-025C 4 The undersigned Trustee, Leonard J. McDonald, Attorney at Law, disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein.

The beneficiary under the aforementioned Deed of Trust has accelerated the Note secured thereby and has declared the entire unpaid principal balance, as well as any and all other amounts due in connection with said Note and/or Deed of Trust, immediately due and payable. Said sale will be made in an as is condition, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession or encumbrances, to satisfy the indebtedness secured by said Deed of Trust, advances thereunder, with interest as provided therein, and the unpaid principal balance of the Note secured by said Deed of Trust with interest thereon as proved in said Note, plus fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust.

Original Principal Balance: $200,500.00 Original Trustor: Jerry M Morrison, married man as his sole and separate property P.O. Box PO BOX 953, Tonto Basin, AZ 85553 Current Beneficiary: JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association Care of / Servicer JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. 3415 Vision Drive Columbus, OH 43219 Current Trustee: Leonard J. McDonald 2525 East Camelback Road, Suite 700 Phoenix, Arizona 85016 (602)255-6035 Leonard J. McDonald, Attorney at Law Trustee/Successor Trustee, is regulated by and qualified per ARS Section 33-803 (A)2 as a member of The Arizona State Bar A-4602274 01/03/2017, 01/10/2017, 01/17/2017, 01/24/2017 16432: 12/30/2016, 1/3/, 1/6/2017 NOTICE (for publication) ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION HAVE BEEN FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE ARIZONA CORPORATION COMMISSION FOR I. Name: HBC CORIOLIS

LLC File No. L-2138683-5 II. The address of the known place of business is: 1101 N. Earhart Pkwy, Payson, AZ 85541.

III. The name and street address of the Statutory Agent is: Rory Alan Hanson, 1101 N. Earhart Pkwy, Payson, AZ 85541.

(A) Management of the limited liability company is vested in a manager or managers. The names and addresses of each person who is a manager AND each member who owns a twenty percent or greater interest in the capital or profits of the limited liability company are: Rory Alan Hanson, 1101 N. Earhart Pkwy, Payson, AZ 85541; Donna Lee Hanson, 1101 N. Earhart Pkwy, Payson, AZ 85541.

16435: 1/3, 1/6, 1/10/2017 NOTICE (for publication) ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION HAVE BEEN FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE ARIZONA CORPORATION COMMISSION FOR I. Name: MILMAH CAPITAL LLC File No. L-2125931-7 II. The address of the known place of business is: 12016 N. 111th Ave, Yountown, AZ 85363.

III. The name and street address of the Statutory Agent is: Mohammad M Islam, 2223 E. Redwood Dr., Chandler, AZ 85286.

(A) Management of the limited liability company is vested in a manager or managers. The names and addresses of each person who is a manager AND each member who owns a twenty percent or greater interest in the capital or profits of the limited liability company are: Mohammad M Islam, 2223 E. Redwood Dr., Chandler, AZ 85286.

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PAYSON ROUNDUP

12 Tuesday, January 3, 2017

OUTDOORS

When the jeeping gets tough – time to go a wandering Well, folks, this will be my last Jeepin’ in really no big deal.

Rim Country column. Why, you ask? Simple. I So what am I going to do with it? My first sold my beloved red Jeep. thought when I bought it was to give me a I didn’t want to do it, but it seems that I am comfortable, dry, secure place to sleep when not as young and tough as I used to be, and I I’m pursuing my oddball hobby of looking for have developed a problem with my neck that the big, hairy folk (but that’s a subject for makes doing what Jeepers do quite painful. a different column). Think of it as sort of a Every time I went anywhere even the slightest “steel tent,” without the dirt, mud, rocks, bugs, bit rough, I would hurt for sevand other critters that are part eral days afterward. It made of regular tent camping. And me not want to go out, so in ... I’ve never felt comfortable order to address the root cause with only a millimeter of nylon of the problem, the Jeep had separating me from whatever to go. might be out there. But the van After I made the decision, also allows me to carry all of I casually mentioned it to Rim the items needed for my other Country 4 Wheelers’ President outdoor interests, such as phoTom Doyle in an email. He in tography, hiking, prospecting, Jeepin’ in Rim Country turn passed the word around and exploring old backroads,

by Chuck Jacobs to other RC4W members, and mines, and ghost towns. It’s outdoor columnist one of them (the first person kind of like a universal base of to come and look at it) bought it. I hadn’t even operations — always stocked up and ready to had a chance to clean it up. I’m happy for him, go at a moment’s notice. Kind of cool, actually. and I hope it gives him the same kind of faith- I could never do that with the Jeep. It was just ful service that it has given me for the past 12 too small. The van, being about the size of a years. large pickup truck, can go anyplace a twoSo the Jeep is gone, but with that comes wheel-drive pickup can go. And all you need is the chance to change gears a bit and move a somewhat level spot and you’re home. in another direction. About a year ago, I purThis is all part of my overall plan to slow chased a 25-year-old Ford Econoline van as a down a bit and to try harder to get better at project, and spent several months converting being retired. I don’t know how many times it into a simple, low-buck, off-grid camper. I I have stopped at a spectacular viewpoint look at it as kind of my “man cave on wheels,” with a group of Jeeps, and thought to myself and I just love the old thing. Sure, I could have that I’d like to stick around and see what the bought something newer and fancier, but this sunset looks like from there. Now it’ll be easy one has a ton of personality, and is plenty good to do that. It will also be easy to visit the myrenough for the gravel backroads up on the iad of little towns and out-of-the-way spots in Rim. And, if I put a scratch or a dent in it, it’s Arizona that are too far away to see on a day

trip. Our state is a spectacular place, and there is a lot to see. I’ve been to a lot of places just long enough to say that I was there, but I haven’t had the time to actually experience them.

I plan to change that, and along with it, to write about it and take pictures. Who knows, maybe I can get good enough to get a piece in Arizona Highways some time. That’d be great.

So I invite you all to follow me along on my adventures. I plan to continue writing the column, but I obviously need to change the name.

I think I’ll call it Wandering in Rim Country.

Yeah, that has a nice ring to it.

We’ll see if Editor Pete approves ...

Until next time ... Happy Jeepin’ Wandering.

Teaching kids to love the world, with an eye for details During the summer when my grandsons different insect groups in separate containcome up from the Valley to visit, we often go ers as reference insects to compare to the “creeking.” This is what we call wading in Christopher Creek samples we were studyTonto Creek or the East Verde River look- ing. Owen in particular was very interested ing for any critters we can find in the water. in this and he quickly was able to distinWe take nets and buckets and kick the guish between the aquatic insect groups. He rocks and overhanging grass in the current could tell the difference between stoneflies just upstream from our nets and see what and mayflies by body shape and number of sweeps down and is captured. Owen who is tails. He could identify the caddisflies by 9, and Ayden who is 6 have been their cases; or if they didn’t doing this with me since they have cases, by their tube-like each were about 4 years old. bodies. He was able to tell When we catch various the difference between dragaquatic insects we put them in onfly and damselfly nymphs buckets to observe for a little by their size and shape. He while and then let them go in was surprised by the incredithe same section of water. The bly small size of the black fly boys have gotten pretty good at larvae and other midges. figuring out what kinds of bugs If he had any doubts, it we are likely to find in different was fun to see him look at the habitats within the creek. sample insects and use his JIM STROGEN When they were up in late hand lens to look for identiFishing Columnist November, I offered them an fying characteristics. I was opportunity to up their game impressed to see my fourtha bit. As part of my ongoing citizen sci- grade grandson doing fantastic science ence efforts of exploring aquatic insects in right in front of me and sorting all of the nearby streams, I had collected in Upper insects into their correct groups.

Christopher Creek recently and had my Aquatic insects can tell you a great deal samples from the creek in five jars. I hadn’t about the health of any stream. If there are examined the jars to know exactly what I a lot of stoneflies, caddisflies, and mayflies, had caught and how many of each insect then the stream is typically a great place for group was represented in each sample. I trout to live. These insects prefer cold, clear suggested that they could help me identify flowing streams with a high dissolved oxythe aquatic insects and make a table of our gen content, which is also what trout prefer. findings. They were excited to give it a go.

If the samples from a stream are domiTo assist the boys, I put samples of the nated by midges, snails, and crayfish then

LIFE on the FLY

Peter Aleshire/Roundup

the stream is not likely to be as good a habitat for trout. Often these waters are warmer and less well-oxygenated.

We made a table of the results to get a sense of the health of the creek. Owen found that caddisflies were the predominant group of insects (57 percent) in Upper Christopher Creek. Mayflies accounted for 30 percent, and stoneflies totaled 11 percent of the sample. Dragonfly and damselfly nymphs only accounted for 2 percent of the sample, and no midges were found. He concluded this section of Christopher Creek was in great health as represented by the aquatic insects collected.

Ayden was my clean-up crew. As a 6-year-old, he demonstrated great care and skill using the forceps to pick up these very fragile aquatic insects and return them to their collection jars. He understood that these insects would be used again for our reference collection for any future studies.

Fishing and stream exploration have become activities that both boys enjoy and are becoming quite skilled in. They love the forest and enjoy camping and hiking whenever they get the chance.

I am so proud of them and I am thrilled that they care so much for our streams, lakes and forests.

Besides the fun that you can have with your kids and grandkids pursuing outdoor activities, it is also what helps guarantee that the streams, lakes and forests that we all enjoy will be in great shape for them as they take on the charge to protect them.