County Peace Officer Memorial Dedicated
Governor Janet Napolitano is keynote speaker
By Jill Jones
The News
FLORENCE- Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano was the keynote speaker at the dedication of the Pinal County Law Enforcement Association’s Peace Officer Memorial at the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) on Tuesday, November 27, 2007.
   A large crowd of state, county and municipal dignitaries; peace officers from various agencies; survivors of the fallen officers and the general public attended the dedication ceremony of the only law enforcement memorial in the nation that includes a representation of the various genders, ethnicity and positions within the law enforcement
community.
   Napolitano thanked all officers for their service and dedication and recognized the sacrifice of those who gave their lives and that of the families who lost a loved one. She observed that law enforcement officers share an uncommon bond, but said they also share a common bond — to serve and protect us.
   In closing Napolitano encouraged the residents of Arizona to “make a commitment to stand united behind them (officers) and help them to make this great state even greater.”

See A-1 and See Memorial, A-3

Council To Review Proposed Commercial Development
Power center proposed for Idaho Road at U.S. 60
By Jill Jones
The News
APACHE JUNCTION- The Apache Junction City Council will consider a proposed development agreement for a commercial center at the southeast corner of U.S. Hwy. 60 and Idaho Road when they meet for a work session on Monday, December 3 and in regular session on Tuesday, December 4, 2007.
   Diversified Partners has expressed interest in the currently undeveloped 80 acre property for the purpose of constructing Apache Junction Gateway, a retail center similar to the Superstition Gateway, which they recently developed at Signal Butte Rd. and U.S. 60.
   The Apache Junction Gateway project is proposed to include 733,155 square feet of big box retail, mini-majors, shops and restaurants, with a projected 2010 move-in date for businesses.
   As a Public Hearing item, council will consider the findings of Applied Economics, an independent third party economic firm, who will give a presentation regarding the proposed development agreement.

See A-1

Rivera Firefighter Of The Year
Firefighter and Paramedic presented with 2007 award
By Meghan McCoy
The News
The Apache Junction Fire District (AJFD) awarded Firefighter and Paramedic Carlos Rivera with the 2007 Firefighter of the Year Award last month.
   Rivera was born and raised in Arizona and lived between Superior and Mesa as a child. He moved to Apache Junction seven years ago with his wife, Yvette, of three years and three children Jared, Jessica and Anissa.
   Rivera said he has known he wanted to become a firefighter since he was a young boy. He said hearing the sirens and riding in a fire truck when he was young made his mind up about what he was going to be when he grew up. “Being a firefighter became a dream and a goal I wanted to achieve,” Rivera said.

See A-1 and see Fire Fighter, A-3

History In The Making
First ever AJHS varsity soccer teams open their seasons this Tuesday at Davis Field
By Chuck Baker
The News
With the toot of the whistle and very first kick of the soccer ball this Wednesday at Davis Field, history will be made at Apache Junction High School as the Prospector varsity soccer team will play its first match.
   After playing the last two years as a junior varsity sport, soccer has hit the big time at AJHS as the Prospectors open their 2007-08 season hosting Marana of Tucson on Tuesday, December 4. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Davis Field.
   Following the Prospector match, it will be the Lady Prospectors turn to make history as they too will host Marana in the first-ever varsity match for the AJHS girls.
   Tuesday’s home matches will be one of four at Davis Field this season for the AJHS varsity boys and girls. Other home matches are scheduled for January 10 against Paradise Valley, January 17 against Phoenix Shadow Mountain and January 24 against Tempe McClintock.
   Away matches on the schedule include December 13 at Scottsdale Chaparral, January 8 at Cave Creek Cactus Shadows, January 9 at Queen Creek, January 15 at Peoria, and January 22 at Scottsdale Saguaro.

See C-1 and see History , C-6