Maricopa Unified School District commits to full-day Kindergarten option for 2009-2010
On Tuesday April 21st, at 10:30 to 11:30 am and 6:00 to 7:00 pm, the Maricopa Unified School District will be registering students for free full-day or half-day Kindergarten placement for the 2009-2010 school year.
The District has committed financially to providing a full-day experience for children whose parents wish it. Many districts are considering options including tuition to address the possible half-day funding cut for Kindergarten by the State of Arizona. Superintendent Dr. John Flores stated recently, “We looked at what was in the best interest of the students and we determined that the full-day investment in the early childhood development of our 5-year olds was critical to their success.”
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Suspects in murder of Casa Grande man arrested in Superior
On Friday, the Superior Police Department arrested Victor Duarte, 44, and Fredrick Nunez, 30, both of Superior, in connection with the death of endangered/missing person Daniel Pena, 44, of Casa Grande.
Back on March 14th, Superior Police located the body of an unidentified male subject, matching Pena’s description, buried in a shallow grave within the town limits. Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Division was contacted and began a joint investigation with Superior Police Department. An autopsy later confirmed that in fact the victim was Pena.
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Indications of a future MLB Star
Every time we see a minor league pitcher throw a shutout, or fan 10, or see a batter hit two homeruns in one game, or drive in five, we immediately picture them as future major league stars.
But as optimistic and enthusiastic as baseball fans and analysts may be, the reality of the situation is far too grim.
In actuality, less than 15 percent of minor leaguers will become major league players, and out of this slim number, less than 5 percent will go on to become stars.
New Maricopa Library on track for May opening
Maricopa’s new public library is nearing completion and should be ready to welcome its first readers on Memorial Day weekend.
The 8085 square-foot facility will feature books for adults, teens, and children, study desks, a children’s storytelling area, 20 public-access computer terminals, 2 small meeting rooms for those looking to do research or hold a teleconference, and a “community room” which can be reserved for small local events.
Ground was broken for the facility last June. As of last week, exterior work on the building was complete and the interior had been painted. The City should be able to take possession of the building next month and begin setting up furniture, stocking the shelves, and interior decoration.
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Analyzing 2009’s Fantasy Baseball Live Drafts
All I can say is, “It’s about time!” Finally, after countless months of waiting, the 2009 Major League Baseball season is set to begin in only a few short days. The wait is painful. Now, though, many of us fantasy baseball owners are rushing to complete our live drafts, sign our free agents, and propose the proper trades to opposing squads. It’s a great time of year, isn’t it?
Speaking of drafts, I have been quite busy myself over the last few weeks, taking part in several live meetings and grabbing my set number of players that I believe will help me win a championship this season.
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Local author publishes inspirational book
A local pastor, and Maricopa resident, has announced the publication of her first book, Saturday Morning Sisterhood.
Norma J Washington has been a Maricopa resident since 2006, at which time her family relocated from Wisconsin to plant a church. She, along with husband Bishop Ben Washington, pastor Walk By Faith Empowerment Center. Norma Washington is also a national motivational speaker and personal life coach assisting women through life changing experiences.
Everyone is faced with a time of transition whether it’s starting a family, starting a job, or starting all over. In Saturday Morning Sisterhood, Washington skillfully weaves heartwarming stories of women she’s met along her journey with her own story, describing how she relied on God and was able to handle a painful time of transition.
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WIC program helps families stay healthy during tough economic times
More mothers, infants, and children may be eligible to participate in the WIC Program due to the current state of the economy. Arizona Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) is a federally funded program providing residents with nutritious foods, nutrition education, and referrals. WIC serves pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, and infants and children under age five who meet certain eligibility guidelines. Pinal County Public Health administers the program for the state through its local public health clinics.
Families that have experienced a work layoff or reduction in work hours may be able to participate in WIC to help put food on the table while parents are looking for new jobs or training for a new career. The income eligibility requirements are 185% of the Federal poverty guidelines.
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Local baseball team holding laser tag fundraiser
Help support local baseball team, the Maricopa Titans, and have fun doing it. The team will be holding a fundraiser this Tuesday, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, at Stratum Laser Tag in Mesa.
For $25, you receive 3 hours of laser tag along with 2 slices of pizza and a large drink. Stratum recommends that players be at least 5 years old, however, there is a play area for smaller children as well. Stratum also has a wide variety of arcade games.
Stratum has a full-service concession stand, but attendees are encouraged to purchase food tickets from a team player as the Maricopa Titans will get a percentage of these sales. The team does not from concession stand sales.
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2009’s top-30 aces in fantasy baseball
In baseball, pitching is everything. Every year, we see good offensive teams like the Texas Rangers fall because of zero pitching depth. The No. 1 pitcher is obviously the most glorified. Who are the top-30 aces in fantasy baseball? I’ll tell you.
30. Kevin Millwood, Texas Rangers: Remember 2005 when Kevin Millwood was a free agent and the Rangers signed him to a five-year, $60M contract? Yeah, bad move. Since signing that lucrative deal, Millwood has gone 35-36 with a 4.89 ERA after having great success with the Atlanta Braves from 1997-2004.
Millwood has had troubles staying healthy, and his workload has decreased every season. On an average team, he would be a good stopgap as a No. 4 starter. But being that he’s on the Texas Rangers, a team with zero pitching depth, he is the ace. He is on the decline and I wouldn’t be surprised if he does not play out his contract. Millwood is the worst ace in baseball and until the Rangers get some of those talented pitching prospects, they aren’t going anywhere.
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The cruel reality of the NFL: There is no loyalty when it comes to players
The NFL is all about one thing: winning football games. A team that wins consistently generates more income and has a larger fan base than a team that doesn’t win on a consistent basis.
NFL head coaches are paid millions of dollars per year to win immediately, placing an extraordinary amount of pressure on them.
With this in mind, it’s no wonder the cruel reality of the NFL is there is simply no loyalty when it comes to players.
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