âWe gave away every single drop of vaccine we could find,â said Jennifer Smith and Kenny Evans of MHA Foundation, speaking on the community effort surrounding the Rim Country roll out of the COVID-19 vaccination drive that has been going on since doses started becoming available in Gila County.
The operation began months ago with community COVID-19 testing. As soon as that technology became available, the MHA Foundation dug in to get the work done. Volunteers and local medical office Ponderosa Family Care were on hand to facilitate the sample collection process. A drive-through approach was utilized to make the logistics flow as seamlessly and safely as possible.
Rich Horna watched over his wife Mary Jean as they waited to see if she would have a reaction to the Moderna vaccine during the Feb. 27 vaccine clinic in Payson.
Waiting in their pickup truck, the 50-something couple were more than happy to talk about why they did what they could to get a shot.
The couple live and work in Phoenix but have owned a cabin in Pine for decades.
Rich already has both his shots because he works with first responders in the Valley, but the couple faced nothing but frustration in trying to get a shot for his wife, who has been caring for sick family members despite the risk and anxiety.
As of Friday, Gila County - open to anyone over age 18 - has vaccinated 38% of its residents, the best in the state, and ahead of the state-wide percentage in Arizona s at 26.9%.
Payson Roundup will have some management changes coming March 1.
Gary Tackett, who has served as general manager since 2016, will take over the same role for the White Mountain Independent. Both newspapers are owned by Casa Grande-based White Mountain Publishing, LLC.
âGary has done a great job leading our staff and innovating with new products during a time when our industry has experienced some challenges,â said Publisher Brian Kramer.
Ann Fowler, who has served as an advertising account executive with the
Roundup for two years, will succeed Tackett.
âIt has been an honor to represent a great paper, the Kramer family and coworkers for the past five-and-a-half years. Ann has surpassed all expectations since coming aboard and we are confident she will serve the community, readers and advertisers in an extraordinary manner,â Tackett said.