Life Coach in Florence, AZ

Photo Courtesy ADOT: Look for Gila River bridge replacement projects like this one that involves State Route 79 east of Florence.

By Garin Groff/ADOT Communications

PHOENIX – Since ADOT outlined ambitious plans earlier this year to widen I-10 between Phoenix and Casa Grande, we’ve been talking about new, wider bridges that will carry the Interstate over the Gila River.

The construction will generate even more news coverage, but there’s already another bridge replacement project underway on the Gila River. We figure it’s time to put the spotlight on that lesser-known bridge that’s taking shape east of I-10 in Florence.

The project began in February when State Route 79 crosses the normally dry riverbed. Crews are now working to construct bridge girders for the new structure and are already 36 percent complete with the $22.1 million project.

The work requires overnight restrictions and delays at times, and that will be the case for two weeks, beginning Monday, July 18.

One benefit to drivers is that ADOT developed the replacement project with an innovative plan that keeps both lanes of traffic open on SR 79 during peak hours aside from a few days of lane restrictions toward the end of the project. That’s because crews are constructing the bridge in two halves – one on each side of the existing structure – and will slide the pieces together later on.

If you look at the project photos, you’ll see some new piers are already in place under the existing bridge while also extending out on either side. That extra width is where each new bridge half will be constructed.

Eventually, crews will dismantle the existing structure and then slide the segments into their permanent home. That will require two weekends in which the bridge is restricted to a single lane, and a temporary traffic signal will allow only one direction of traffic to flow at a time.

Throughout the project, drivers should expect a reduced speed limit and occasional lane restrictions. Also, some overnight vehicles may need to use an alternate route. For safety purposes, pedestrians, bicyclists, and offroad vehicles are asked to stay out of the work zone in the riverbed and use an alternate route.

The project in Florence is expected to be complete in 2023, which is when ADOT anticipates work will begin to widen the Gila River bridges on I-10. So if you’re a regular traveler on either highway, be prepared to see some big improvements unfolding in the next few years.

VANCOUVER, BC, July 25, 2022 /CNW/ - Elevation Gold Mining Corp. (TSX.V: ELVT) (OTCQX: EVGDF) (the "Company" or "Elevation Gold") is pleased to announce that exploration discovery drilling has commenced on the Florence Hill target located on the Moss Mine Property in Mohave Country Arizona (see Figure 1: Moss Project Drilling Location).

Michael G. Allen, President of Elevation Gold, stated, "We are excited to be doing the maiden drill program on the Florence Hill Target. Recent geophysical work by the Company has identified key structures from the historic Oatman district that continue to Florence Hill. In addition, geochemical, and alteration mapping indicate the presence of a large hydrothermal system in this area. It is unusual to find an undrilled target with these features in the lower 48, and the Company is excited about the potential for making a new discovery."

More than 2 million ounces of gold have been historically produced from underground mining in the Oatman district (e.g., DeWitt et al., 1986; report.pdf (usgs.gov)). Most of the historic production was from the northwest-trending United Western, United Eastern, Tom Reed, Big Jim, and Gold Road epithermal vein systems, which appear to intersect in the Florence Hill area. Average head grades for these historic mines are reported to have ranged between approximately 10 g/t and 33 g/t gold.

The Company has planned a program of approximately 3,800 meters of oriented diamond core drilling, focused primarily on the Florence Hill target (see May 31, 2022, News Release). In addition, the Company has built roads and drill pads to test adjacent fault-hosted targets, including the Silver Creek Springs, eastern West Oatman, and possibly the Hardy Vein exploration targets.

Dr. Warwick S. Board, Vice President of Exploration for Elevation Gold, stated, "The proximity of significant historic producers in the Oatman district and their location on structures that intersect the Silver Creek Caldera margin in the Florence Hill area, highlights the potential of the Florence Hill exploration target. Ongoing geological and geophysical work continues to add to our knowledge of the multiple features that are coincident in the Florence Hill exploration area. Key learnings from successive drillholes will be used to iteratively optimize drill targeting in the Florence Hill and similar target areas along the caldera margin. Everyone at Elevation Gold is excited about what this drilling may discover."

In addition, the Company is pleased to provide an update the Company's multi-phase infill and resource expansion drilling program at the Moss Mine in northwestern (see ). Results discussed include those from infill drilling below the active West Pit, the Eastern Extension, as well as from condemnation drilling in the proposed Leach Pad area (see ).

"Infill drilling results continue to highlight the potential for resource and reserve expansion to the west, east, and at depth below the current mine operations. We are particularly encouraged by the continued intersection of relatively broad zones of stockwork mineralization below and to the west of the West Pit, as well as the apparent increase in thickness with depth in the Moss Vein in the Eastern Extension Area."

Infill drilling continues to indicate the presence of broad intersections of stockwork and vein-hosted mineralization beneath the active West Pit (see , News Release; ; ). Stockwork mineralization was intersected from surface down to almost 160 meters below surface in this tranche of drilling.

Drilling approximately 100 meters to the east of the current East Pit intersected stockwork and vein-hosted epithermal gold-silver mineralization in the Moss Vein from a depth of about 110 meters below surface (see ). The vein appears to increase in thickness and grade with depth, being blind at surface in this area. Additional drilling is being planned to further explore the Moss Vein to the east of the current East Pit.

Leach Pad Condemnation Drilling

Stockwork and vein-hosted epithermal gold and silver mineralization was intersected in nine of the ten condemnation drillholes drilled in the proposed Leach Pad area (see Table 1). Drillhole intersections are mainly of low grade stockwork mineralization ranging from more than a meter to almost 40 meters in downhole thickness. Mineralization that may be related to the north-dipping Mordor Vein was intersected at depths of between approximately 22 meters and 58 meters below surface in drillholes AR22-616R and AR22-617R, approximately 400 meters to the west of the active West Pit (see ).

The drilling presented in this news release is focused on infill and resource expansion drilling targeting the Moss and Ruth Veins and associated hanging wall stockwork beneath and adjacent to the West Pit, as well as condemnation drilling in the proposed Leach Pad area (see ).

Assay results from 31 RC drillholes, including 12 drillholes from the West Pit area, nine drillholes from the East Extension area, and ten condemnation drillholes from the proposed Leach Pad area, are presented in Table 1. Assay results are pending for twenty-six additional holes drilled as part of the infill and near-mine drilling program and will be released upon receipt and compilation.

Dr. Board, P.Geo., Vice President Exploration of Elevation Gold, is the Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 responsible for the Moss Regional Exploration Project and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release related thereto.

Elevation Gold is a publicly listed gold and silver producer, engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development, and operation of mineral properties located in the United States. Elevation Gold's common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") in under the ticker symbol ELVT and on the NASDAQ OTC in under the ticker symbol EVGDF. The Company's principal operation is the 100% owned Moss Mine in , Arizona. Elevation also holds the title to the Hercules exploration property, located in Lyon County, Nevada.

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SUN CITY WEST, AZ — Most people want to know the secret to living a long life.

In Sun City West, two women, ages 101 and 98, are living their golden years at an assisted living residence and are sharing their secrets to their longevity.

“People ask me how I got so old, I don’t know, it just came one year at a time,” said Florence Woodward with a chuckle.

Florence and Lucille Duran have lived long happy lives and were married to their husbands for over 50 years. They have children and grandchildren but even now, they don’t really have all the answers.

“I don’t know how I manage it, I guess I’m easy going, I don’t take things too seriously,” said Florence.

Florence says while some relatives lived into their 80s, none made it near her current age of 101.

“I just keep going, try and do things as they come, exercise a little bit every day,” said Florence who takes daily exercise classes on-site.

While Florence keeps her body moving, 98-year-old Lucille focuses on her brain.

“I do puzzles,” said Lucille who will turn 99 in August.

She says it helps keep her mind sharp despite her increasing age taking a toll.

“The words, sometimes I know what I want to say but I can’t remember,” said Lucille.

While neither may have thought they’d make it this long, one thing they can tell you is... what really matters after 100 years is family.

“That’s my mother, that’s me, that’s my daughter, that’s her daughter, and that’s her little grandson,” said Lucille pointing proudly at a picture with five generations in it.

Both told ABC15 that while other memories fade, it’s those you love most that stay with you to the end.

They admitted fear of death has long disappeared, and it's replaced by an overwhelming feeling of appreciation for the lives they’ve been blessed with.

“Just be grateful for what you have and enjoy it as much as possible,” said Florence.

Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

More teams will be eliminated from Little League Softball World Series contention on Monday across the U.S., while the Central Region begins its tournament.

CENTRAL

Beardstown (IL) vs. Omaha (NE)

Floyds Knob (IN) vs. Polk City (IA)

Clare (MI) vs. Columbia (MO)

Ashland (KY) vs. Boardman (OH)

SOUTHEAST

Florence (SC) vs. Salisbury (NC)

One of the Carolina teams will be sent home on Monday.

After felling good with a tournament-opening win on Saturday, Salisbury’s offense did not show up until it was too late against Dudley (GA) on Sunday. The North Carolina team found themselves trailing by four heading into the sixth. Though they got runs from Morgan Efird and Kayla Burns, with Josophina Huynh picking the team’s lone RBI, Salisbury lost 4-2.

Florence needed the day of rest on Sunday after getting thrashed by Niceville (FL) on Saturday. They only trailed by a run after two innings, but seven runs in the third and fourth innings put Florence well behind. Despite scoring three in the bottom of the sixth, they still fell 13-4. Paityn Daniels provided one of the highlights in the regional opener, driving in a pair of runs with a triple in the sixth.

Hedgesville (WV) vs. Niceville (FL)

Niceville is facing elimination for the first time in their tournament after losing 8-0 to Chesterfield (VA) on Sunday. The Floridian squad mustered up just one hit in the loss, and is hoping to get things going at the plate to stay alive.

With their season on the line, Hedgesville came up with a huge offensive output against Erwin (TN) on Sunday. After carrying a five-run lead into the top of the sixth, the team from West Virginia put up a six-spot, and held Tennessee off the board to pick up an 11-0 win. Chloe Frankhouser had herself a game, going 3-4, bringing in three runs in the process.

MID-ATLANTIC

Capitol City (DC) vs. Georgetown (DE)

Capitol City is happy to have a day off after a disastrous start to the tournament, where they were hammered 29-0 by Delmar (MD), where the team did not register a single hit in the three innings before the mercy rule.

Georgetown had a collapse in the final inning against Toms River (NJ) on Sunday, as they allowed gave up a 2-1 lead by allowing five runs in the sixth. Georgetown was unable to get anything going in the bottom-half of the frame, falling 6-2.

Moscow (PA) vs. Massapequa (NY)

A tough fifth inning hindered Moscow in their first game of the tournament against Georgetown (DE). After tying the game at three in the third inning, Delaware’s team put five runs across home plate to come away with an 8-3 win. Cameron Forgione was the star of the game for Moscow, going 2-2 with a couple of runs batted in.

Despite a great pitching performance from Iogen Eaton, Massapequa was unable to come away victorious against Delmar (MD). The team from Delaware was able to score four runs on just two hits in the fifth inning, and though the New York squad would not go quietly, they still ended up with a 4-2 loss. Sara Borgia led the team with two hits.

NEW ENGLAND

Tiverton (RI) vs. Colchester (VT)

SOUTHWEST

Needville (TX-East) vs. Kenner (LA)

A huge first inning for Needville sent them on a path to their first victory of the regionals on Sunday. The Texas East squad brought in five runs in the opening frame, highlighted by a Chaise Roehling triple. While Albuquerque tried to cut away at the lead, Needville scored three more on their way to a 9-2 win. Roehling ended the game going 2-4 with a pair of RBIs.

Louisiana was one of the few teams that did not play on the opening day of regional action.

Colorado Springs (CO) vs. Albuquerque (NM)

After their loss to Needville (TX-East), New Mexico finds themselves on the brink of elimination. They are going to need a better start than their game on Sunday. Though the team picked up eight hits, Albuquerque was able to only have two cross home plate in the 9-2 loss. Athena Joyce and Ava Benavidez each had two hits in the losing effort.

Colorado Springs did not have the best of times in their tournament opener, as they were mercied 16-1 by Hewitt (TX-West). Their lone run came in the third inning when Madalyn Mitchell drove in Audrey Duncan.

WEST

Cedar City (UT) vs. Cave Creek (AZ)

Cedar City used the day off on Sunday to try and forget about their rough 16-1 loss at the hands of Hilo (HI) on Saturday. Their lone run came in the third inning, when Hayden Bunnell scored for the Utah squad.

Cave Creek comes into Monday’s slate of action after suffering their first loss of the tournament. The Arizona squad only picked up three hits against La Verne (S-CA), and allowed five runs in the third and fourth innings on their way to a 10-0 loss.

Chico (N-CA) vs. Hilo (HI)

Though they came into the tournament with momentum, Chico received a rude awakening in their first game against Cave Creek (AZ), and now their season is on the line. The Northern California squad found themselves trailing by five early, and though they would get a run themselves, they were not able to recover, losing 12-1. Reese Brunemeyer was the lone bright spot in the game for Chico, going 2-3 with an RBI.

After a huge win in their first game against Cedar City on Saturday, Hilo’s offense was not the same against Ely (NV) on Sunday. Despite a solid first few innings from pitch Madelyn Awaya, the Hawaii squad gave up three runs in the fourth inning. Jessica Garza scored in the fifth, but Hilo still lost 4-1.

NORTHWEST

Lewiston (ID) vs. Billings (MT)

Lewiston will look to regroup to keep their tournament alive after a tough game against Hermiston (OR) on Saturday. The Idahoan squad were not able to get a single baserunner, giving up 17 runs in the mercy rule defeat.

Despite cashing in some runs early in their regional opener against Issaquah (WA), Billings was not able to keep up with their opposition’s offense. A couple of mistakes allowed the Washington side to pour it on, leading to a mercy rule loss for Montana’s squad, losing 13-3.

Gillette (WY) vs. Palmer (AK)

Gillette is licking their wounds after falling to Issaquah (WA) on Saturday. A few walks and a couple of errors put the team from Wyoming down by eight after the opening inning, and Issaquah was able to add a few more the rest of the way to win 15-0. Gillette will be looking for their first baserunner of regionals on Monday.

Palmer’s first game of the tournament did not go exactly how they planned. In taking on Hermiston (OR), the Alaskan squad fell behind by two in the first inning, before allowing eight more runs by the fourth, falling to the mercy rule, losing 10-0. Palmer will look to try and get their first hit of the regionals on Monday.

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PHOENIX – A Mexican national in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) passed away, July 8, at Central Arizona Florence Correctional Complex (CAFCC). An autopsy is pending to determine the official cause of death.

Benjamin Gonzalez-Soto, 36, most recently entered ICE custody on June 30, upon his release from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Intake Transfer Release facility and following his arrest for possession of drug paraphernalia and obstructing a highway/public throughfare. Relevant records indicate that Gonzalez-Soto had been removed to Mexico on two previous occasions, most recently in 2012.

Between June 30 and July 8, Gonzalez-Soto was detained in ICE custody, throughout which he had access to medical care and health services. On July 8, while Gonzalez-Soto was detained at CAFCC he collapsed and CAFCC medical personnel began life-saving efforts and contacted local paramedics. Emergency medical personnel arrived on scene and took over efforts to save Gonzalez-Soto’s life. After continuing emergency aid, Gonzalez-Soto was pronounced deceased at 1:41 a.m. MST on July 8.

Consistent with the ICE protocols, the appropriate components have been notified about the death, including the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG), and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). Additionally, ICE notified the Mexican consulate of Gonzalez-Soto’s death.

ICE is firmly committed to the health and welfare of all those in its custody and undertaking a comprehensive agency-wide review of this incident, as it does in all such cases. Fatalities in ICE custody, statistically, are exceedingly rare and occur at a fraction of the national average for the U.S. detained population.

The ICE Health Service Corps ensures the provision of necessary medical care services as required by ICE Performance-Based National Detention Standards and based on the medical needs of the individual. Comprehensive medical care is provided from the moment individuals arrive and throughout the entirety of their stay. All people in ICE custody receive medical, dental, and mental health intake screening within 12 hours of arriving at each detention facility, a full health assessment within 14 days of entering ICE custody or arrival at a facility, and access to daily sick call and 24-hour emergency care. Pursuant to our commitment to the welfare of those in the agency’s custody, ICE annually spends more than $315 million on the spectrum of healthcare services provided to people in ICE custody.

Never Give Up Day is a global celebration focused on cultivating the mindset of determination and held each year on August 18th.

Never Give Up Day works like a resilience pill for anyone who feels the world has shattered their will to live or fight."”

— Mr Never Give Up

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, UNITED STATES, July 25, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Millions of people across the world celebrate Never Give Up Day this year. Mayor cities across the United States and Canada have proclaimed August 18th, 2022, as Never Give Up Day.

Never Give Up Day is a global celebration focused on cultivating the mindset of determination and held each year on August 18th. Like any other special day, our perseverance and determination must be celebrated on a particular day each year. Whenever we are pursuing our dreams, goals or overcoming any kind of obstacle – we all can use such a day to fuel our ambition, resilience and determination. Never Give Up Day is also an occasion to educate and encourage the general public to keep the fight on issues of global concern, like climate change, illness and poverty. Never Give Up Day will reinforce our personal achievements and that of humanity.

"There are many people who are struggling in silence, facing certain upsetting life experiences - bullying - marriage breakdown, unemployment, bereavement, failure of any kind. Never Give Up Day works like a resilience pill for anyone who feels the world has shattered their will to live or fight."

The day encourages awareness-raising activities, (sports) events, run/walk for charity, workshops and community programs. Health care and social associations, organizations and charities can initiate their call to action and fundraising events.

Here are 10 reasons why you should celebrate Never Give Up Day. 1. It is the perfect day for acknowledging the resilience and determination of hundreds of million people who never give up. 2. It is the perfect day for putting your health care providing work and service at the center of attention 3. It is the perfect da for taking pride in everything you’ve overcome and defeated. 4. It is the perfect day for helping and educating people to persist through their challenges. 5. It is the perfect day for honoring those who’ve set out on their extraordinary journey, and whose life stories inspire others to never give up. 6. It is the perfect day for bringing communities together to promote the spirit of never give up. 7. It is the perfect day for marking an anniversary and the accomplishments achieved over the years. 8. It is the perfect day for giving yourself many kudos for everything you’ve gotten through. 9. It is the perfect day for convincing ourselves and the world that we are strong, determined and able in achieving everything we dream of. 10. It is the perfect day for celebrating with someone who has never given up on you in your difficult times.

Here are some of the many proclamations from across the US and Canada:

USA: Phoenix (AZ), Milwaukee (WI), Warren (MI), Charlotte (NC), Fort Worth (TX), Baltimore (MD), Irving (TX), Grand Rapids (MI), Florence (SC), Lake Havasu City (AZ), Surprise (AZ), Reno (NV), Deland (FL), Greenville (NC), Cherry Hill (NJ), Huntington (WV), Linden (NJ), Concord (NC), Rome (GA), Loveland (CO), Springfield (OR), Corona (CA), El Mirage (AZ), Commerce City (CO), North Las Vegas (NV), Hemet (CA), Dania Beach (FL), Pinellas Park (FL), Pine Bluff (AR), North Lauderdale (FL), Hoffman Estates (IL), Las Cruces (NM), Durham (NC), Little Elm (TX), Petersburg (VA), Daly City (CA)

CANADA: Brampton (ON), Burlington (ON), Strathcona County (AB), Red Deer (AB), Niagara Falls (ON), Victoria (BC), Newmarket (ON), Welland (ON), Saanich (BC), Regina (SK), Halifax (NS), Belleville (ON)

Watch the video trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iql7cJPJorw

#NeverGiveUpDay #InternationalNeverGiveUpDay #NationalNeverGiveUpDay For more information, you can reach out via; USA: (929) 388 2146 Canada: (647) 243 7276

Mr never give up Never Give up day +1 929-388-2146 info@nevergiveupday.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iql7cJPJorw

News

Florence Martin will join NC State’s College of Education in the 2022-23 academic year as a professor of learning, design and technology in the Department of Teacher Education and Learning Sciences.

Martin previously directed and taught in graduate programs at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Cato College of Education and at University of North Carolina at Wilmington’s Watson College of Education. She earned her doctorate and master’s degrees in educational technology from Arizona State University,

“I am excited to join NC State’s College of Education to prepare students for life in this global, digital world and create transformative and accessible digital learning solutions through my teaching, research and service,” Martin said.

Martin’s research focuses on the creation of transformative learning experiences through the effective design and integration of digital learning solutions in both higher education and K-12 settings. She is the author of more than 100 published articles and book chapters and has received awards for her research and practice of online teaching and learning.

Her most recent projects, funded by the National Science Foundation, have researched and supported K-12 learners in computer science and cybersecurity education. Her current projects include “Digital Safety Immersion for Elementary School Students” and “Advancing Cybersecurity and Privacy of Educational Technologies Used in K-12 Schools.”

Martin currently serves on the advisory council for North Carolina Virtual Public Schools and as the Associate Editor for the Online Learning Journal and Education Research Review. She has previously served as the President of the Multimedia Production Division and the president of the Division of Distance Learning for the Association for Educational Communications and Technology.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Martin to our College of Education faculty. Her years of research related to digital learning will help prepare our students for the demands of a modern-day classroom and with the ability to use technology to promote educational success for all learners,” said College of Education Dean Paola Sztajn.

Country Thunder staff said the reality here is this is on a ranch with one-way roads in and out, but this year they’re trying something a little different.

FLORENCE, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) -- One of the biggest Arizona music festivals returns Thursday — Country Thunder out in Florence! They have some major names lined up for this weekend, and with the big names, bring the big crowds. Last year they had a traffic problem, so they’ve taken some steps to alleviate that this year.

Wednesday evening, campers were already ready to go at Country Thunder. All the RVs descended on the grounds Wednesday morning. “Got here about 3:30 in the morning, pulled off on the side of the road, and slept until the gates opened,” said Tim Wuerfel, who drove overnight from Huntington Beach, CA.

“Driving on the 60 was fine, 79 was fine, it was when we hit Florence it was bumper to bumper, but it was moving,” said Karen Gass, who has been coming to Country Thunder for 11 years.

Last year’s shows were extremely popular, and this year they’re expecting about 35,000 people per day to attend.

There was a big focus on a specific part of operations this year. “The traffic issue — we put that at the top of our priority list to make sure everybody can get in,” said Megan Benoit with Country Thunder. Last year people waited up to five hours in traffic to see Luke Combs on Saturday.

Country Thunder staff said the reality here is this is on a ranch with one-way roads in and out, but this year they’re trying something a little different, widening the roads to make them two lanes. “By widening the lanes, we can get multiple cars in at once, and then same exiting,” said Benoit.

Campers already noticed the change. “They opened two lanes once you got into the grounds, and that made a world of difference, we think, from previous years,” said Gass.

Staff said it’s still smart to leave early on any of the days you plan to come, especially on Saturday when headliner Morgan Wallen performs. The demand was so high to see him that they released extra tickets for his show. “We know that Saturday is going to be crazy busy. People are so excited for Morgan Wallen,” said Benoit. “Come as early as you can. Gates open at one-o-clock, and you’re going to have much more fun having a full day out here than sitting in traffic.”

Many campers also said they came Wednesday and won’t be leaving until Monday; that way, they avoid any traffic altogether and can enjoy the weekend. But if you are coming from the Valley, especially for Blake Shelton on Friday and Morgan Wallen on Saturday, the Country Thunder staff suggests leaving in the early afternoon with the expectation of heavy traffic into the grounds.

Copyright 2022 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.

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FLORENCE, AZ — Less than a year after two men escaped a Florence prison, another Arizona prison had a near miss, as an inmate disappeared and jumped two fences in an apparent escape attempt, according to a report obtained by ABC15.

Last week, ABC15 investigator Melissa Blasius exposed the security failures and staffing shortages that led up to a January 2021 escape from Florence Prison's South Unit. John Charpiot and David Harmon were captured after a five-day manhunt.

Charpiot and Harmon's escape was the tip of the iceberg, according to Carlos Garcia, the executive director of the Arizona Correctional Peace Officers Association. He compared the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry to the Titanic, only worse.

"There’s not one hole; there’s like 20 to 30 holes," Garcia said. "The owners of the ship do not want to fix the holes, so what they have is two staff going around with Dixie cups trying to get the water out."

Garcia said the prison problems put staff, inmates, and members of the public in jeopardy.

Corrections director David Shinn has refused a sit-down interview with ABC15, but he did send a statement saying, "We take our responsibilities seriously and we are very proud of our record. Over the past 10 years, there have been only three escapes at our facilities."

Shinn testified about chronic understaffing at an Arizona House subcommittee hearing in January.

"We are down 1,800 correctional officers, which essentially is two-and-a-half complexes throughout the state," Shinn said. An ADCRR spokesperson said that number now sits at 1,900 vacancies.

Multiple sources told ABC15 Lewis Prison in Buckeye was so short-staffed one day that Warden John Mattos was seen filling in at the front gate. ADCRR would not confirm or deny those reports. Director Shinn did explain to the subcommittee how shortages hinder prison operations.

“We have correctional officer IIIs, your program providers, to fill security posts, or we’re also using sergeants to fill security posts," Shinn said.

Inmate Ryan Lindstrom, in prison for aggravated assault, tried to escape from Lewis Prison four months ago, according to a prison report leaked to ABC15.

According to the record, a correctional officer counted Lindstrom as "inside" his dorm building at 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. even though he left unnoticed at 2:46 a.m.

Lindstrom got over two fences to an area under construction on October 2. He hid there for five hours before staff became aware of his location, according to the report.

“That’s called getting out,” Garcia said. “He didn’t complete the transaction, by another grace of God, but we should be concerned because this can happen at any prison.“

The report, an administrative inquiry, asked why a correctional officer did not secure the run and outer door, whether he actually conducted his counts, and whether he used the prison’s inmate tracking system appropriately.

“There’s a lot of people that are just worn out,” explained a current ADCRR employee to ABC15. Concerned about retribution from his bosses, he asked ABC15 to disguise his appearance and voice.

He said one correctional officer sometimes must watch more than 250 inmates in two separate dorm buildings.

“They have to do all of these jobs every single day, and they're exhausted,“ the employee said. “They don't have a positive outlook on the situation, so therefore, their performance is going to deteriorate over time.”

Several ADCRR insiders told ABC15 that correctional officers are quitting to work at Maricopa County’s jail or private prisons.

“If you can drive down the street in Florence and see a sign that says you can make $51,000 here working in our private prison while you're only making $40,000 that's a big game-changer,” the disguised employee said.

To help with retention and recruitment, Shinn is asking for the state legislature to approve a 20%, permanent pay raise for many ADCRR employees.

If passed, the average correctional officer’s salary would increase from $45,000 a year to $54,000.

“I don’t care where you get that your money, pay the staff,” Garcia said.

Full statement from ADCRR Director David Shinn:

"I am tremendously grateful to Governor Doug Ducey for providing critical resources to the Department for recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified men and women - our greatest resource. This has included a 20% stipend through the end of this fiscal year for our front-line staff and 28 million in building renewal funding. These funds allow us to implement critical improvements including fence structures, reinforced gates, additional detection systems, and enhanced storage system requirements.

The Executive historic proposed budget for FY2023 would make the stipends permanent and would help us to recruit and retain outstanding men and women for crucial public safety positions while also providing 32.6 million in building renewal funding. These resources are critical to ADCRR's ability to sustain our mission and provide solutions to key challenges in recruitment, retention, and much-needed infrastructure improvements. ADCRR is committed to the safety of our communities, prison personnel, and the men and women in our custody. We take our responsibilities seriously and we are very proud of our record. Over the past 10 years, there have been only three escapes at our facilities. Public safety is — and always will be — our top priority."