July is here, and despite the newly-created "monsoon season," the rains, wind and vivid lightning displays came in with a vengeance over the fourth of July weekend. Numerous areas throughout the state experienced the gusto of Mother Nature. Roosevelt felt her presence when hail, coupled with 70 mph winds and a raging downpour hit the small community. Despite the dampening weather, fireworks displays delighted young and old across the state. Freeport McMoRan continued the Phelps Dodge tradition in Globe, receiving accolades from all who watched the annual light show.

The welcoming rain has given us respite from this summer's sweltering heat with more days of 110 degrees than I care to keep track of, along with a contribution to the lifting of the fire restrictions on Tonto National Forest.

Speaking of Tonto National Forest, Roosevelt Lake levels are still up - 95% at last check. It seems more and more city folk are discovering what residents and long-time visitors have known for years - Roosevelt Lake is the largest man-made lake in Arizona, and with 119 miles of shoreline, even on a busy holiday weekend, it still has plenty of room for boaters, water-skiers, fishermen, jet skis and those just trying to cool off in the invigorating water.

I've received an incredible amount of positive comments on the new look and name change of this publication. I couldn't help but chuckle during a recent outing to Payson when one of the local restaurant proprietors upon seeing a copy of Arizona Free Press, commented, "Whose paper is this and where is the Tonto Basin News?" We'd love to hear your thoughts on the changes we've implemented to this publication.

The website also has some new additions, specifically, more new links. If you visit azfreepress.com and click on Cool Links under Special Sections, you'll find an array of new listings under Arizona State Agencies. We're always interested in adding new websites (with substance) to the links list, so if you come across one or more during your web perusals, let us know.

A Bulletin Board section has been added with this edition for easily locating area businesses. The rates are quite reasonable. If we can answer any of your questions, please give us a call at 928-425-8253. We've also included the Food and Dining section with several new mouth-watering recipes and finally added the Classifieds.

All in all, it's been a great summer thus far and we're sizzlin' here at Arizona Free Press. Until the next "hot" issue . . . take care.   back...