City To Seek New Police Chief
Walp’s contract will not be renewed
By Jill Jones
The News
APACHE JUNCTION- For the second time in two years the City of Apache Junction will conduct a nationwide search for a chief of police following a decision not to renew Police Chief Glenn Walp’s two-year contract which expires on December 7, 2007.
   City Manager George Hoffman advised city employees of the decision in an e-mail following a meeting with Chief Walp on Wednesday, October 10, 2007. The process of whether to extend the chief’s contract requires a ratification by the city council, and the matter was discussed in a council executive session on October 9, according to Hoffman.
   Hoffman would not comment any further on the decision, saying only, “I wish to treat Mr. Walp with the dignity and respect I believe he deserves. Consequently, I decline to publicly offer any critique or negative comments about him.”
   Walp, a former minister, said of the decision, “All things work for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.” He added, “I really would have liked to have finished my mission of service to the citizens of this city – but it was not to be I suppose. But then, I now see through the proverbial mirror dimly, but surely, at some point - face to face; I propose that day will come, and as we know - justice belongs to the Lord, not man.”

See A-1 and For related editorial comment, see page, A-5

Resident To Take Part In Valley’s Nov. Cancer Walk
Laurie Strand to participate in 3-day Breast Cancer walk
By Meghan McCoy
The News
An Apache Junction woman will be participating in a threeday, 60-mile breast cancer walk in November to help raise awareness and to educate women about the cause.
   Laurie Strand moved to Apache Junction 15 years ago and works at the Apache Greyhound Park. One of the reasons she decided to participate in the walk is because her mother is a five-year survivor and her aunt is a threeyear survivor of breast cancer. Strand said she has become very passionate about educating everyone about breast cancer because the topic has become close to her heart.
   “I’m just going to do what I can by getting people interested and making them understand more,” Strand said. She said all the treatments offered for women to help fight the cancer are amazing.
   In order for Strand to take part in the event she had to pay a $90 registration fee and raise a minimum of $2,200 for the Arizona Breast Cancer 3-Day event. Proceeds will also benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund.

See A-1

Police Seek Info In Purse Snatch
Need help identifying individuals in surveillance tape

By Jill Jones
The News
APACHE JUNCTION- The Apache Junction Police Department (AJPD) is seeking assistance in identifying two individuals who were seen in the vicinity of a recent purse snatching incident.
   According to AJPD Commander Jay Swart, the victim and a friend had gone to the Walgreen’s store at 55 W. Apache Trail around 12:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 27, at which time they reportedly noticed two men sitting on the bench just outside the entry.
   Shortly after entering the store the victim realized she had left her purse in the truck and went back to retrieve it. She reportedly saw the same two men fleeing from her vehicle and found that her purse was missing.
   Store surveillance cameras captured the two men in question on tape and police are seeking assistance from the general public in identifying the individuals so they can be interviewed regarding the incident. These individuals are not being accused of a crime but are simply being sought as persons of interest.

Swimmer Mohle Waits For Chance At ‘State’
By Chuck Baker
The News
Apache Junction senior Robert Mohle had never swam faster than twenty-four seconds in the 50 freestyle. Until last Friday during the first day of the Desert Sky Region Swim Meet. Swimming in a preliminary race at Tempe McClintock, Mohle turned in a time of 23:95, his best ever, and found himself seeded fourth overall for Saturday’s finals.
   Back at McClintock Saturday morning, Mohle bested twenty-four seconds for only the second time, officially swimming 23:97 in the finals to place fourth overall. It was the highest finish for any AJHS individual swimmer or relay at the region meet, giving Robert the best chance to qualify for the 4A-I State Championships.
   When The News went to press Saturday afternoon, it was not known if Robert’s time was fast enough to qualify for State. The five, 4A-I region champions from across the state all earn automatic berths into this coming weekend’s State Championships at Arizona State University as well as the next nineteen fastest times swum at all of the region meets. It was likely that Robert wouldn’t know for sure whether he qualified for State until late Saturday night or even early Sunday morning.
   Mohle, who also placed eighth overall in the finals of the 100 butterfly when he swam a time of 1:01.36, was one of just four AJHS swimmers who qualified for a finals event during Friday’s preliminary races. The others were senior Jason Yates in the 500 freestyle, senior Austin Cherryholmes in the 200 individual medley and junior Nicole Henry in the 200 freestyle.

See C-1 and see Swim , C-3