SanTanValley.com

On Wednesday, December 12th, 2012 at approximately 10 a.m. the “West Desert Task Force” was working once again in Pinal County to combat drug and human smuggling. Pinal County has long been one of the main drug and human smuggling corridors used in Arizona by the cartels of Mexico.

Beginning with the 2013 fall semester, Central Arizona College’s Weekend College will join forces with Northern Arizona’s Extended Campuses to offer a 90/30 bachelor’s degree program.

This arrangement will allow students to complete one of three NAU baccalaureate programs without ever having to leave Pinal County, or take classes at a convenient time.

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My name is Picacho and I'm so soft, calm and friendly.

I like being held and petted. I get along fine with other cats and I'm sure glad to eat whatever kind of cat food you might have.

I'm just a terrific young guy.

On Saturday, November 24th, 2012 at 2:13 p.m. the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office received a 9-1-1 call related to a serious injury accident on Mount Lemmon Road near the intersection of Fuego Road in Oracle.

The two vehicles involved with the crash were a 2000 Ford F350 truck and a 1991 SPCO sand-rail. The accident occurred as both vehicles were traveling in opposite directions and struck head-on as they came around the corner of the dirt road.

This morning, Pinal County Attorney Elect Lando Voyles, announced his Chief Criminal Deputy for the Pinal County Attorney’s Office. Voyles stated, “I’m excited to announce as my Chief Criminal Deputy, Richard Wintory. With Richard Wintory’s experience, we will take this county to the next level in prosecuting criminals.” Voyles added that Richard Wintory agreed to ‘lead from the front’ with Voyles. Voyles said that he, his Chief Deputy and all of his criminal deputy county attorneys will be required to try cases. Wintory added, “Mr. Voyles will have to physically pull me out of the courtroom when he needs me back in the office!”

During last week’s Ribbon Cutting ceremony celebrating the new building and  remodeling project on the Superstition Mountain Campus of Central Arizona College (CAC), President Dr. Doris Helmich thanked the community and all involved for “helping students realize their dreams.”

Other speakers included Apache Junction City Manager George Hoffman who pointed out that the economic development of an area “depends on an educated workforce.” He thanked citizens of Apache Junction and Pinal County for passing the $99 million bond in 2008 from which the funding for these vast improvements of the Superstition Mountain campus was derived.

The Pinal County Library District is launching eBook service at a special event at the Florence Community Library on December 4 at 5:30 PM.  The Florence Community Library is located at 1000 South Willow Street.

“This is our next step in putting the library in your living room, your doctor’s office, your back yard, your vacation site or wherever you may choose to access our eBooks from your electronic device,” said Denise Keller, Pinal County Library District Director.  “Our bricks and mortar libraries are here to stay but eBooks are growing in popularity so we obtained grant funding to offer them also.”

“All you need is a device like a Nook, iPhone or iPad, Kobo reader, Android phone or tablet device and a library card with a PIN number.  On December 4, we can show you how easy it is to get the free Cloud Library application and check out your first free eBook,” Keller said. 

On Wednesday, November 21st, 2012 at 5:22 a.m. deputies were dispatched to the “Farmer’s Market” located at 49301 West Papago Road, Maricopa regarding a stabbing.

When deputies arrived on scene, they located an adult male victim who had been stabbed multiple times. The victim was treated at the scene by emergency medical services personnel and then transported to the Maricopa Medical Center for treatment. His injuries are considered to be non-life threatening.

Several weeks ago, I requested that the Board of Supervisors place on its agenda discussion of Sheriff Paul Babeu’s formation of a border posse made up of armed volunteers.