Sonoran News / Community News

Rural/Metro firefighters playing Santa Claus this season

Curtis Riggs | December 17, 2008

CAREFREE/CAVE CREEK – Rural/Metro firefighters in both Desert Foothills communities are doing all they can to ensure needy area children have at least a few Christmas presents under the tree this year.

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Ten vying for Carefree Town Council in March 10 primary

Curtis Riggs | December 17, 2008

Seven incumbents joined by Koteas, Stavoe, Vanik
CAREFREE – Ten candidates for the Carefree Town Council met the Dec. 10 filing deadline and will be on the March 10 primary election ballot.

Planning and Zoning Commissioner Susan Vanik, downtown businessman Doug Stavoe and longtime resident Peter Koteas placed their names into contention for the seven open council seats along with the present council incumbents. Councilmen Bob Coady, Greg Gardner, Bob Gemmill, Glenn Miller, David Schwan, Vice Mayor Lloyd Meyer and Mayor Wayne Fulcher also turned in nominating petitions with the signatures of 40 Carefree registered voters, qualifying them for the March 10 ballot.

If any candidate does not receive 50 percent, plus one, of the total votes cast in the March 10 primary they must advance to the May 19 general election.

Christopher Diamonds – A cut above the rest

SCOTTSDALE – Christopher Diamonds is the reigning neighborhood jeweler in the Cave Creek / Carefree / N. Scottsdale community for many reasons. Two that come immediately to mind are price and integrity. Owner and jewelry designer Chris Uptain often sells his diamonds at better price than the ‘bigger’ diamond chain stores do.

The sales staff at Christopher Diamonds doesn’t need to sell an extended warranty with your purchase. Chris says, “I don’t sell warranties – I personally guarantee all of my jewelry.” Now that’s integrity!

Hurry in now! The 20% Off Sale continues through Christmas Eve! That’s Christopher Diamonds at the Summit in Scottsdale: (480) 488-9144.

Learn more about new OHV laws taking effect Jan. 1

PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department has a new web page designed to inform off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts about new laws that will affect OHV use starting Jan. 1, 2009.

A link at www.azgfd.gov/ohv will take you to a list of answers to frequently asked questions about the new laws and the rules and regulations. Some of the provisions include:
• The requirement to purchase an annual “OHV Decal” for any OHV designed by the manufacturer primarily for off-highway use and weighing 1,800 pounds or less, in order to operate that OHV in Arizona. This generally includes all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), side-by-sides (utility vehicles), dirt bikes, and some sand rails. The OHV Decal can be purchased through the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) after Jan. 1. It is anticipated MVD will announce the cost of the Decal soon.
• 4X4’s, trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), cars, and other recreational vehicles (motor homes) are not required to purchase the OHV Decal.
• Travel is limited to roads, trails and areas designated open by the land management agency for motorized vehicle use.
• Travel by motorized vehicles that causes damage to wildlife habitat, riparian areas, cultural or natural resources, or property or improvements is prohibited.
• OHVs generating sound greater than 96 decibels must have a muffler or other noise dissipative device.
• Anyone under the age of 18 will be required to wear a properly fitted and fastened USDOT approved helmet when riding any OHV.

The new laws were passed thanks in large part to a joint effort between Arizona sportsmen, conservation groups, off-highway vehicle (OHV) user groups, elected officials, and other members of the public. The goal of the new regulations is to provide better OHV management and protection of natural resources while maintaining access. For more information go to: www.azgfd.gov/ohv.