Blaze Destroys 26-Year-Old McDonald’s
Total of 14 units and more than 30 firefighters responded to the fire
By Meghan McCoy
The News
APACHE JUNCTION — McDonald’s went up in flames and was ruled a total loss last Tuesday, November 11, 2008, after the fast food restaurant had been serving Apache Junction since 1982.
   The structure fire was discovered by two employees who were inside McDonald’s, due to their 24-hour service. Fire Marshal David Montgomery said after the employees called 9-1-1 they were able to exit the building safely.
   The Apache Junction Fire District (AJFD) arrived on scene at 2383 W. Apache Trail at 3:13 a.m. last Tuesday and battled the fire until approximately 4 a.m. when fire control was achieved. The AJFD was on scene most of the day last Tuesday putting out hot spots. No injuries were reported, Montgomery said.
   He said due to the intensity of the fire it became a first alarm, which increased the number of responding units drastically. Montgomery explained that when the AJFD normally responds to a fire, they have three engines, a ladder truck and two battalion chiefs on scene, but when the fire was upgraded to a first alarm, they received additional help from the Mesa Fire Department.

See A-1

City Encourages Neighborhood Meetings
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
The News
June Wittman likes to keep her community, Saguaro Canyon Village, up to date about local events. She decided the best way to do so was to allow city officials to come to her park and hold Neighborhood Partnership Program meetings.
   “We have those every year,” said Wittman, whose neighborhood has generated 20 Citizen Leadership Institute graduates. “It’s to bring us up to speed with what’s going on with Apache Junction and what the Police Department and our protection around here has been doing for us. I’m the Neighborhood Watch captain and I keep them informed.
   “I think everybody should have them at least once or twice a year. We like to keep in touch with our city officials and know what’s going on in our community. At least they’re paying attention to us.”
  According to Pat Brenner, CPM, community relations manager, Neighborhood Partnership Program meetings are established in several different ways.

See A-1 and see Meetings, A-6

Farewell Party For Sandi Smith In Florence
Sunday, December 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
By Meghan McCoy
The News
Sandi Smith is inviting all Pinal County citizens to Florence for a farewell party on Sunday, December 14, 2008, to thank everyone for the many years of support everyone has given her.
   “I have had such a wonderful experience, the people have enriched my life so much,” Smith said.
 She said as a token for her appreciation, a special pin will be given to those who attend the party while supplies last.
   The event will be held at The Windmill, 1140 W. Butte Avenue in Florence from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
 There will be water, games and a celebration cake offered during the event. Smith encourages those who participate to bring a packaged lunch with them and folding chairs to guarantee seating. For those who do not wish to pack their own picnic lunch, hot dogs will be for sale with proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Club.
   Cards and shared thoughts are welcome for Sandie’s Memory Book, but please do not bring any gifts.
  For those who wish to attend are encouraged to call (480) 982-0659 or (480) 982-3313.

The Perfect Season (13-0)
Pee Wee Muddogs capture PCYFF championship game in overtime
By Chuck Baker
The News
The Pee Wee Muddogs of the Black and Gold Youth Football League closed out a perfect 13-0 season by defeating the Casa Grande Storm 12-6 in overtime to capture the Pinal County Youth Football Federation championships played November 8 in Maricopa.
   The Muddogs, forced to play three tournament games in a seven-day period due to a protest, had enough left to hold off the Casa Grande Storm in overtime in a great defensive battle.
   Behind some good runs from Cisco Valenzuela and Danny Frederick and key pass plays from Brett Darling to Christian Harris, the Muddogs moved down the field in the second quarter of the championship game and got a one-yard touchdown dive from Valenzuela to grab a 6-0 halftime lead.
   The Storm was able to tie the game at the end of the third quarter by scoring a touchdown on a fourthand- goal play from the five-yard line. The Storm later scored what would have been a game-winning TD on a fourth-quarter interception return that was called back because of a block in the back and then the Muddogs defense held tight to send the game to an extra period.

See B-1 and see BGYFL, page B-2