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Circle City * Morristown * Wittmann
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WITTMANNNEWS.COM LOCAL*REGIONAL*STATEYOUR WEST VALLEY NEWS RESOURCES
Reporting by J.C. Wells for wittmannnews.com
Pam Tindal from Clearwater Texas who reads wittmannnews.com to keep up with happenings in the Wittmann-Morristown areas where she has family, sent this photograph taken near Dalhart Texas located in the Lone Star State’s Pan Handle Region.
About 12 years ago a diamond back stretched out to a reported length of six feet (which many dispute) was found near an abandoned homestead in rural Wittmann, which is now part of property owned by wittmannnews.com owner Benjamin Groff. That snake had crawled out on Easter Sunday of that year to sun. After hikers killed it, the Arizona snake was stretched over a barbed wire fence that was approximately five feet tall, with each end of the snake touching the ground on both sides of the fence according to long time residents who had seen the serpent. Saguaro Jane's Community CenterFor some the only resource left to turn to...serving the needs of hundreds!
Sherry Lamb has volunteered with the Saguaro Jane’s for a very long time.
As with most volunteers she shows up to do what the other volunteers do, belong to a group within our society that quite frankly are hard to find many of now days. Because there are few others who will provide the hours of commitment that it requires keeping the doors of a volunteer organization such as Wittmann’s Saguaro Jane’s Community Center open. One of the wide-range of duties volunteers with Saguaro Jane’s is a food distribution bank that is operating in cooperation with the Sun Valley Gleaners. While on Thursday a food bank is operated through their combined efforts; other assistance measures available through Saguaro Jane’s is taken on independently by the volunteer organization including a second food assistance program every third Monday of each month; where those needing a boost can pickup bag of groceries that usually contain Tuna, Salmon, Beef-Stew, Rice, Beans and vegetables. The food bank has provided assistance to as many as 480 people in a single day. Lamb told wittmannnews.com: “We have people in need traveling to Wittmann from Congress, Aquila or even Surprise.” Despite the charitable acts by volunteers, these are stressing times for the Saguaro Jane’s. An organization who also oversee the Wittmann Cemetery. Out in the Desert a resting place where if you are a Wittmann resident when you your journey on this earth ends, you are provided a free burial plot. The Saguaro Jane’s face expenses in keeping the cemetery up, keeping electric and building cooling costs covered. Expenses that can get as high as $2,600.00 in summer months. The main source of income for the group is a Thrift Store that sits just to the back of the Community Center. It however does not always generate enough funds that the facility needs to operate. Additionally there is more that volunteers would like to provide community members. One volunteer said it would be nice to have meat to provide to those needing assistance. Speaking freely the volunteer said: We have freezers so if winter residents are about ready to travel back north we could certainly use any frozen or canned goods they want to clear from their refrigerators or cupboards. Another problem facing the Saguaro Jane’s is they own a basketball court and recreation park close to the Saguaro Jane’s Community Center, however the courts surface made of –cement- has cracked, fences need mending and backboards and goals need updated. Another issue is more concerning and that is volunteers have reported finding needles and scissors propped up, supported by sand in play boxes in a children’s area. Filling in the play box is something they say they need help with. Wittmannnews.com was told the Wickenburg Community Services Group, will come down and sign up children for new school cloths. The kids are measured for clothing; receiving 2 pair of shirts, pants and shoes. Their parents have to provide documentation to assure they qualify. In the thrift store cloths, books, a boutique plus a variety of things can be found at bargain prices and it is cool inside. Lamb told wittmannnews.com there is yet another issue that has to be dealt with when running such a facility: Our problem is getting enough volunteers who are dedicated and dependable. To join the Saguaro Jane’s you need to attend three meetings. In addition the Saguaro Jane's are required to make sure the right state and county permits and license are in place; pay for insurance and assure above all else the Center operates legally. Lamb summed up the Saguaro Jane's Mission in only a few words: "We are here to serve the public and the community." To learn more about Saguaro Jane's or how you can become a member or donate goods, services or proceeds, you can call Sherry Lamb at - 623-388-2683. ADOT: Signal adjustments create smoother sailing along Grand Avenue
Rush hour commuters who use Grand Avenue (US 60) between the downtown Phoenix area and the City of Surprise are saving time following the improved timing of traffic signals, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. A study of traffic flow along Grand Avenue before and after the signal changes were made last fall shows drivers on average are saving seven minutes in travel time – a 15 percent improvement – during the morning commute, and an even-more impressive 10 minutes – a 20 percent positive change – during the afternoon rush hour.
ADOT crews coordinated the timing of signals at 36 Grand Avenue intersections to improve the flow of southeast-bound traffic during weekday morning rush hours as well as northwest-bound traffic during the afternoon commute. The signal timing program also met a goal to reduce the number of stops Grand Avenue drivers make at red lights. The average number of red light stops for a driver traveling the entire Grand Avenue study area dropped from 16 to 10 in the morning and from 21 to 9 in the afternoon. The signal changes are part of a series of projects to improve Grand Avenue into a major regional corridor for people traveling between the northwest Valley and downtown Phoenix. Last summer ADOT completed an $18 million project to widen and make other improvements between 83rd Avenue and Loop 303. A consistent speed limit of 45 mph has been set between McDowell Road and Loop 303. The traffic signals have been synchronized for 45 mph, meaning drivers traveling at the speed limit are most likely to progress through the updated signals. ADOT has worked with the cities of Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, El Mirage, Surprise and Youngtown, as well as Maricopa County, on the project to coordinate the traffic signal timing. ADOT continues to consult with local communities to limit the impact of the changes on cross street traffic. Two additional Grand Avenue projects concentrating on intersection improvements and other upgrades to enhance traffic flow between 19th Avenue and Loop 101 are scheduled to start this summer. Planning To Become a Candidate for Political Office? Running for office...legally!
An innocent intention could cause you to violate Arizona State Law. You have become frustrated with what you believe is a lack of representation in local government. So you make a decision to run for political office. You decide you are going to wait until later this summer to file the legal paperwork to make it official. In the meantime your campaign plans go into high gear. Flyers, business cards, campaign signs and maybe even bumper stickers you have designed are completed and you begin to approach the general public to ask for their vote in November. The scenario above if carried out, means that you have violated Arizona Campaign Laws. Matthew Roberts is Director of Communications & Community Outreach whose boss is Ken Bennett, Arizona’s Secretary of State. Roberts told wittmannnews.com recently that if you are planning to become a candidate it is important that you research every angle possible to avoid having your opponent in an election from claiming Election-Campaign Ethics violations. The Director of Communications recently replied to a question from Wittmann News. The question was “Can a person campaign for office before they have filed and returned a political petition signed by registered voters who live in the area where a campaign for public office will take place? Roberts responded immediately writing to Wittmann News: A Political Committee Statement of Organization or $500 Threshold Exemption Statement must be filed BEFORE accepting contributions, making expenditures, distributing campaign literature or circulating petitions. If a candidate filed their petitions, we would accept them, but it would be a violation of campaign finance law and subject to enforcement by the AG's office!  Need help finding the Nadaburg Unified School District No.81 website? Click on the school banner above where you will be redirected to the Official School District website. Find Nadaburg Unified School District Number 81 Updates Here
To keep posted on the latest Nadaburg School District Agenda, Meetings Minutes or Governing Board Member information you can visit the NUSD#81 Website Here. When you visit the page you can select from a list of options including the biographies of setting Governing Board Members; and even send your comments, concerns or questions to Governing Board members by finding their individual email addresses at the bottom of each member’s introduction. The school district’s effort to provide you with easy access to each member, the future (even previous) agendas and minutes of meetings are all great resources that allow you to learn more about the Nadaburg Unified School District...as your individual schedule allows. The features being provided also assists the school districts efforts in promoting better transparency. Again visit NUSD#81 Website here! Wittmann, Circle City, Morristown residents have another choice available...
 Point your mouse on the School Bus above and then click!
So you too can take a ride to the Peoria Accelerated High School's wesbsite!
Another High School Option
A message from Peoria Accelerated High School Principal Marcus Englund: Peoria Accelerated High School is looking to expand school bus service to the Circle City, Morristown, and Wittmann area for the 2012-2013 school year. PAHS would like to be another option for families with high school aged students living in the area. PAHS is a free NCA accredited public charter high school located just south of the intersection 91st Ave and Grand/US 60. PAHS will prepare students to succeed in the global marketplace by providing high quality academics taught in 21st century classrooms. We offer extracurricular activities: Volleyball, Tackle Football, Basketball, Cheerleading, Baseball, Softball, Soccer, Key Club, Student Council, Media Club, Drama Club, and Dance Club. If you have any questions or interest please contact Principal Marcus Englund at 623-979-0031 or email englund@peoriabulldogs.com For more information on the school visit www.peoriabulldogs.com
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WITTMANNNEWS.COM NATIONAL*WORLDTips For Summer Driving And Car Care
(Content provided by Arizona DPS with additional reporting from Wittmann News Acting Editor Casey Jones)
In anticipation of record-breaking summer heat the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) wants to make sure that drivers are taking appropriate measures to ensure their vehicles are safe. DPS is advising that drivers check their tires to make sure they have sufficient tread and proper inflation. Moreover, if travelers are taking long road trips DPS would like to remind them to carry extra water during those trips. Get additional summer automobile driving tips by visiting Car Talk. VOTING PRECINCT FOR WITTMANN REGISTERED VOTERS TO BE AT SAGUARO JANE'Swittmannnews.com has learned that the August Primary Election and the November 2012 General Election will be held at the Saguaro Jane's Community Center as it has been in previous years. Wittmann News has been advised that the contract to hold the elections at Saguaro Jane's is currently being finalized.
Those living in the Wittmann Precinct can go there to vote on the designated polling dates. If you are not certain of where to vote you can check to see where your precinct is by visiting the suggested links listed below. You can learn what precinct you live in, check your party affiliation and learn more information concerning your voter registration and address on file with officials by clicking here. If you wish to vote by mail, click here. If you are not registered to vote you can do so by clicking here and at the same time request to vote by mail.  Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic
During these tough economic times, MCACC wants to take some of the strain off keeping your pets healthy. MCACC’s Uno por Uno program will be holding a FREE Rabies Vaccination Clinic for your dogs May 30th!
The clinic will be held at MCACC West Shelter in Phoenix from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Dogs must be on a leash less than 6 feet in length and cats need to be in carriers. It is important to vaccinate your pet against rabies. Rabies, an infectious viral disease, affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals. It is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Rabies can be eliminated by maintaining current rabies vaccinations for your pets, public education, and seeking appropriate medical care for you or your pet, if bitten. Rabies prevention starts with the animal owner. Protect yourself, your pet and your community by taking animals to be vaccinated. Avoid stray animals and wildlife. If you are bitten, wash bite wounds with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately. If your pet is bitten, consult your veterinarian immediately. Prompt and appropriate treatment after being bitten and before the disease develops can stop rabies infection and/or prevent the disease in humans and animals. Max Wilson, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, urges all pet owners to take advantage of this free program to keep their pets safe from Rabies. MCACC West Shelter 2500 S. 27th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85009 Wednesdays May 30. 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM MCACC now offers canine 4-in-1 vaccines for $23 and Feline 3-in-1 vaccines for $27 at the vaccination clinics as well. What’s more, your pet will receive a basic wellness exam with the purchase of one of these vaccines. For more information on the program, or where we’ll be next, please visit www.pets.maricopa.gov or call (602) 506-7387. Clinics are held rain or shine; however, MCACC reserves the right to cancel or limit the clinic duration in the event of severe weather. Mobile Gardens Has New Facebook Page! Click Photo go to Facebook Page
Charles Miller of Mobile Gardens has done what every citizen should do…become involved. Recently Miller contacted wittmannnews.com that a Facebook Page has been designed especially to meet the needs of Mobile Gardens. A small residential area located just up the road northwest of the traffic signal in Wittmann.
ADOT announces upcoming start of two more Loop 303 expansion projects in West Valley
The Arizona Department of Transportation's work to transform Loop 303 into a modern six-lane freeway in the West Valley will be in full gear this summer now that two more construction contracts have been approved by the State Transportation Board.
The board has awarded contracts worth a total of $96.6 million for the additional sections of Loop 303 – stretching a total of five miles – between Thomas and Camelback roads and between Glendale and Peoria avenues. The upcoming launch of both projects means expansion work will soon be under way along nearly the entire stretch of Loop 303 between I-10 on the south end and US 60 (Grand Avenue) on the north end, according to ADOT. Under the Maricopa Association of Governments' Regional Transportation Plan, construction of the sixth and final segment between Camelback Road and Glendale Avenue is scheduled to start this fall and be completed by fall 2014. ADOT started work on two other major Loop 303 projects started last year. The $129 million Mountain View Boulevard to Peoria Avenue project south of Grand Avenue in Surprise is due for completion by fall 2013. The $134 million I-10/Loop 303 Interchange project in Goodyear is scheduled for completion by summer 2014. Details about the new Loop 303 projects:
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You can contact wittmannnews.com by email at: benjamingroff@wittmannnews.com
or you can contact Benjamin Groff Owner and Editor - http://www.wittmannnews.com at P.O. Box 547 Wittmann Arizona 85361 or by telephone office# 623-239-1983. To learn the Terms of Use for this website and the Disclaimer Notice for any news article appearing on wittmannnews.com you can learn more here.
News Tips and Press Releases may be sent to P.O. Box 547 Wittmann Arizona 85361 or by calling Wittmann News at phone # 623-239-1983 or to benjamingroff@wittmannnews.com
or you can contact Benjamin Groff Owner and Editor - http://www.wittmannnews.com at P.O. Box 547 Wittmann Arizona 85361 or by telephone office# 623-239-1983. To learn the Terms of Use for this website and the Disclaimer Notice for any news article appearing on wittmannnews.com you can learn more here.
News Tips and Press Releases may be sent to P.O. Box 547 Wittmann Arizona 85361 or by calling Wittmann News at phone # 623-239-1983 or to benjamingroff@wittmannnews.com