Lost Dutchman State Park To Close
Facility to shutter June 3
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
The News
The Arizona State Parks Board voted unanimously Friday, January 15, to shutter 13 state parks, including Lost Dutchman State Park, in a phased series of closures starting February 22 due to six different parks funds being swept of $8.6 million, officials said.
   The remaining nine parks will stay open, but in addition, four parks remain closed due to previous budget reductions.
   Lost Dutchman State Park is among the parks slated to close June 3. The group also includes Tonto Natural Bridge State Park near Payson, Alamo Lake State Park in Wenden, Picacho Peak State Park and Red Rock State Park in Sedona.
   The nine parks that will remain open are ones that generate the most revenue back into the parks operating revolving funds. The parks that will remain open include Buckskin Mountain State Park in Parker, Catalina State Park near Tucson, Cattail Cove State Park in Lake Havasu City, Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood, Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area in Show Low, Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson, Lake Havasu State Park, Patagonia Lake State Park and Slide Rock State Park in Sedona.
   The remaining parks will be closed in a phased sequence starting on February 22 and include Homolovi Ruins State Park in Winslow, Lyman Lake State Park in St. Johns and Riordan Mansion State Historic Park in Flagstaff.

See A-1 and see Closing, A-5

CAAG Receives $1.5 Million Grant
Award will support programs that help disadvantaged out of poverty
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
The News
Central Arizona Association of Governments (CAAG) has been awarded a $1.5 million grant through the U.S. Department of Labor’s “Pathways Out of Poverty” Training Grant for Green Jobs through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
   This grant will support programs that help disadvantaged populations find ways out of poverty and into economic self-sufficiency through employment in energy-efficiency and renewable energy industries.
   Regional Council Chairman/ Apache Junction Mayor John Insalaco said he is thrilled about the news.
“In these times when people are real slim with money, I’m surprised that the grant did come through,” Insalaco said.
   CAAG has partnered with the National Association of Regional Councils, the South Eastern Arizona Governments Organization (SEAGO), and Councils of Governments in Odessa/Midland, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, to provide green jobs training to individuals with limited English language proficiency, Native Americans and ex-offenders.
   Participants will receive recruitment and referral services; basic skills, work-readiness and occupational skills training; supportive services to help overcome barriers to employment; and other services at times and locations that are easily accessible. Through these programs, participants will receive certifications and on-the-job training that will lead to employment.

See A-1 and see Grant, A-2

City Raising Firework Funds
Even with budget cuts, July 4 display still planned
The Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Department, with assistance from concerned citizens, has “ignited” a fundraising campaign to help defray the cost of the annual July 4 Fireworks Show.
   The fundraising effort involves the placement of donation containers at various businesses and public facilities in the community, including the Apache Junction/Gold Canyon News.
   The containers resemble a large firecracker with the phrase “Don’t Let Your Home- Hometown Fireworks Fizzle.”
   “We hope the appearance of the containers will spark more interest from the community (excuse the pun),” said Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Bell.
   According to Bell, the City Council directed his department to pursue alternatives on funding the fireworks, due to the sluggish economy and dwindling sales tax dollars.
   “I believe events of this nature are more critical now than ever,” Bell said. “Not only does our annual 4th of July event provide a great opportunity for families to spend time together, we must not forget the real reason we celebrate, to appreciate the freedoms we all enjoy in this great country.”
   The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for businesses willing to help out by placing a container in their establishments. If interested in maintaining this community’s
   “Independence Day” tradition of fireworks, please contact Parks and Recreation at (480) 983-2181.

Three AJHS Wrestlers Win Titles
Prospectors finish 4th as a team at A.J. Invitational
By Chuck Baker
The News
Three Prospectors wrestlers won individual weight class titles at the A.J. Invitational held January 8 and 10, and as a team, Apache Junction finished fourth overall in the 14-team event.
   Senior Dallon Bush won the 119-pound weight class when he edged Jake Sondrup of Tempe Marcos De Niza 5-4 in the championship match, junior Chase Converse captured the 125-pound title by pinning Kaleb Cisneros of Scottsdale Coronado in 1:33, and sophomore Trent McMinn won the 130-pound title with a thirty-four second pin victory over Jesse Morales of Marcos De Niza. The only other Prospector wrestler to place was senior Thomas Eckhardt, who finished fourth in the 145-pound weight class.
   Mesa Skyline defeated Marcos De Niza 36-30 to capture the team championship title and Apache Junction lost to Coronado 45-35 in the 3rd-4th place team match. Also at the tournament, Chandler Perry was fifth beating Williams Field 40-27, and Tempe finished seventh with a 57-18 victory over Morenci.
  The Prospector wrestling team also competed this past Wednesday in multidual matches ate Chandler Seton Catholic.
   Apache Junction will make their final home appearance of the regular season this Wednesday, January 20, hosting Tempe McClintock, Cottonwood Mingus, Scottsdale Saguaro and Williams Field. The action begins at 4:00 p.m. and AJHS will compete against all four opponents.

More Sports See B-1