Payson Roundup

Recent stories

Unhinged ecosystem poses threat to Rim communities

By Pete Aleshire

January 6, 2009

The ancient tree reared, dizzyingly upward, the center pole of a complex, now beleaguered ecosystem. The gigantic ponderosa pine had put down roots before the pilgrims landed, and now stood impassively in a cathedral of giants, sheltering a whole world of creatures. High overhead, a woodpecker scavenged for insects, burrowing through the deep crevices and barked canyons of the giant tree. At my feet, lay the debris of a pine cone scavenged by a tuft-eared Abert's squirrel. I pulled loose a bit of bark, and inhaled the distinctive ponderosa scent of vanilla, a bouquet produced by the complex mix of chemicals that help defend the ancient tree against insects, disease and drought.

Washington office overrules biologists on protecting snake

By Pete Aleshire

January 3, 2009

Administrators in Washington simply threw out biologists’ recommendation to list as endangered the Rim Country’s Northern Mexican Garter Snake, according to an investigation by the Office of the Inspector General.

Town adjusts personnel rules to cope with layoffs

By Pete Aleshire

January 3, 2009

The Payson Town Council has loosened personnel rules, shuffled hours and positions to get through the town’s fiscal crisis.

Eagle biologists’ report overruled by higher-ups

Desert bald eagle debate reveals how politics trumped science at Fish and Wildlife Service

By Pete Aleshire

January 2, 2009

The internal debate about whether to continue to protect the bald eagle population in Arizona offers an example of the mingling of politics and biology at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, concluded a report from the Office of the Inspector General.

Endangered Species process ‘abused’ by wildlife service

Report says three Rim Country species among those subject to manipulation by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

By Pete Aleshire

January 2, 2009

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife official in charge of protecting endangered species repeatedly “interjected herself personally and profoundly” to prevent the listing of species and used tactics that were “abrupt and abrasive, if not abusive” to intimidate and demoralize managers and biologists, concludes a recently released report from the Office of the Inspector General.

Affordable housing complex nearing completion near Beeline Highway

By Pete Aleshire

January 2, 2009

With more apartment complexes converting to condominiums, it could become harder for low-income households to afford housing in Payson, but a new 48-unit complex is nearing completion and could alleviate some of the demand.

Tribe reclaims Fort Apache history

Ruins of a tragic history transformed into cultural insight

By Pete Aleshire

December 26, 2008

A fascinating bit of complicated, tragic, triumphant history lies at the end of an hour-long drive from Payson, which ambles up scenic Highway 260 to the White Mountain Apache Reservation through some of the most scenic parts of the state.

Payson council to set priorities for grant cash

Low-income homeowners can get help with foreclosures, disasters with fed program

By Pete Aleshire

December 26, 2008

So far this Christmas, the town of Payson had found mostly lumps of coal under its budget tree — what with layoffs, four-day schedules and payroll freezes.

Payson council opposes new liquor store

Store owners argue Payson has plenty of outlets, but town attorney says state board won’t care

By Pete Aleshire

December 20, 2008

The Payson council last week voted against letting another liquor store set up shop in town — for all the good that will do.

History Lives

Tribe reclaims story at fort apache

By Pete Aleshire

December 17, 2008

A fascinating bit of complicated, tragic, triumphant history, lies at the end of an hour-long drive from Payson, which ambles up scenic Highway 260 to the White Mountain Apache Reservation through some of the most scenic parts of the state.

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