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A community is grateful and Norm’s IGA in Kearny has provided a place for folks to say, ‘Thanks,’ to firefighters and first responders who helped protect the town during the Kearny River Fire. James Carnes | CBN
By Sam Hosler
Mayor, Town of Kearny
I’m looking forward to the Fourth of July celebration in Hayden this Saturday. I like being an American, I’m proud to be a native of Arizona, and I’m especially pleased to be living in Kearny. It’s a town where people band together to rescue animals from a fire, and where James Ruiz passed out cases of bottled water to anyone who needed it. The Mormon Church opened its doors to all, and fixed food for all the emergency crews. People were helping out all over the place during the fire, simply because the help was needed.
The fire is over now, but I’m proud to say that people are still helping. A fund has been established at the Ray Federal Credit Union to help people at Stephens Trailer Park, and I urge your support. The Copper Basin Railway, before the fire, had cleaned up a large section of overgrowth on its right of way, and is planning to do more since the fire took place.
Thinking toward future safety and town improvement, the Winkelman Natural Resource Conservation District and the Town of Kearny are seeking ways to work together to restore and improve the lands along the Gila River, with a mind toward providing enhanced recreation, fire safety zones, and wetland improvements all at the same time. There will soon be a summit for the parties who might want to be involved in this substantial task. Bill Dunn, head of the Winkelman NRCD, is active in the statewide organization of conservation districts. He is a great friend of the Copper Basin.
The fire is out, but our towns are still not safe. Invasive, combustible salt cedar plants still border our perimeters. The monsoon season is here, but the needed rains also bring lightning, and we all remember that a lightning strike started the Shipman Fire.
Let’s all take a look at our own yards. Are the areas around our buildings free of weeds and combustible clutter? Are vacant lots an invitation to a future disaster? We are the kind of people who help when help is needed. Let’s all lend a hand to make Kearny safer.
If you need help cleaning up, please give a call to Town Hall at 363-5547. We have a few volunteers who are willing to work with you. We also would like you to call if you can be one of those willing volunteers.
Enjoy the fireworks. Celebrate our freedom. Continue being the kind of people who help simply because help is needed.
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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