News! News! News!

This is indeed a busy edition, packed with loads of information to keep readers abreast of everything from local issues to state happenings to legislative updates to national news. Readers should be delighted with "Dizzy Dover," a new comic strip which makes its debut in this issue. The new cartoon is here to amuse us thanks to the talent of mother- daughter team Natalie and Diamond Ortiz. Speaking of teams, one of our feature article's tells of the heart-warming story of a young man who overcame adversity handed to him at a young age to win a USTRC saddle and the chance to compete in the USTRC National Finals. In sharp contrast, the other front-page story offers a sizable reward for the deliberate killing of 7 horses and the wounding of another by an unknown person or persons. Anyone with knowledge of these brutal slayings is urged to notify the authorities who will hopefully catch those responsible. In other local news, Ken Norton, a local DPS officer, has garnered the attention of Gila County attorney, Daisy Flores. Her office recognized Officer Norton as Officer of the Quarter (for the fourth and final quarter of 2006) for his "exemplary attitude and work ethic. Congrats Kenny! We're proud of you! Check out the rest of the story on page 4. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome guest columnist, Dr. Linda O'Dell, Gila County School Superintendent. She will be sharing her knowledge and expertise in the education field with readers on a regular basis. Slowly, but surely, transformations are taking place with the redesign of this publication - much more to come - stay tuned! Until next issue . . . take care.