by 
Sheila Stephenson and Lana Dalton four years ago at a League of Cities and Towns conference. Dalton passed away this past weekend.
Kearny Town Council Member Lana Dalton died this past weekend. She had a long battle to keep above the ravages of her illness. She succeeded in so many ways, in continuing to work, keeping up with the responsibilities of serving on Town Council, and in keep a cheerful face even when it was difficult. I was pleased to be present last year when the League of Arizona Cities and Towns presented her with a certificate of appreciation for her sixteen years of service as an elected official. Thank you, Lana. Well done, servant of the people.
Yep, it’s hot. I have stayed close to home, grateful for my 60’s-era house with its good windows, insulation in the “hot side” of the walls, and a new air conditioner.
I remember, on these hot days, how hard it was for families when the Kearny pool could no longer be safely used; the kids and parents both suffered. And I remember how the whole town came together to help raise funds to refurbish the pool; how volunteers provided mechanical and electrical work; how the Rotary auction provided a night of wonderful entertainment as we all sought to outbid each other.
This week I read that the pool is suffering financially. The number of swimmers is down, and the pool rates are higher than those in Hayden and neighboring towns. Well, I’ll tell you that I’m not surprised. For many years the pool has not broken even financially. It has always relied on extra-budgetary gifts and donations of talent and supplies.
Yes, it costs more to swim in Kearny. The rebuilt pool costs more to operate, because its water needs to be chemically balanced throughout the year, not just during the summer months. And we just don’t have the number of children we used to have. Ask anyone from the school about that! Council member Samantha Misita already knows the problems; right now she is seeking our advice and support.
The Town of Kearny has had to begin charging adults $2 for what used to be the “free swim” period in the evening, and it also offers a new weekly pass for $9 (which covers a 6-day week). The pool employees are doing a great job, and swimming lessons are being offered. Check with Town Hall for more information.
You know, after Rosalia’s Café closed, the spot next to the General Kearny Inn looked grim in its emptiness. Now, thank goodness, the new Whistlestop Café is busy serving up breakfast and lunch and will have a dinner menu in the future. Kearny has a good “café culture” of people who like to eat out on a pretty regular basis. A little variety is good for all of us, and so is new light in the windows.
I have heard that jobs are available at the State Prison in Globe, at the Apache Sky Casino in Dudleyville, and with Cementation, a contractor helping build the Resolution Mine.
I also heard the news this past week of the death of Frank Kush, the legendary football coach at Arizona State University for so many years. Do you know that Coach Kush came often to Kearny? One of his former players is our own Judge Dave Orzell. They would spend their time at the Kearny Golf Course hitting some pretty long balls. Coach Kush was 88 years of age when he died. I know Judge Orzell misses his friend, mentor, and golfing buddy.
by by