Good morning, it’s Monday March 29th and this is The Herald Review’s Daily Chirp podcast. We’re bringing you a closer look at one of our top stories, along with other important things going on in our community. 

Today - On Friday, Mayor Ken Budge lifted the mask requirement in public places.

But first, a quick message from our sponsor [insert sponsor audio]

Before we begin, some local history.

Historic Highway 80, touted as the country’s first “National Road,” extends through southern Arizona as it stretches from Tybee Island near Savannah, Georgia to San Diego, California.

Established in 1914 by the Automobile Club of Savannah as the Dixie Overland Highway, the roadway was a major transcontinental highway that connected Savannah and San Diego, and followed most of what later became US 80.

Today’s history is brought to you by Benson Hospital - they’re doing more than treating illnesses in Benson, they're building a healthier community. Benson Hospital is now collaborating with the Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona to provide diaper assistance to families in need. For more information visit their website at bensonhospital.org.

Also, The Daily Chirp podcast is giving away 5 Amazon Echo Dots - one every month now through July. You can enter for your chance to win twice a day! Today's code is MAGIC, and find the other codeword in our e-newsletter “The Morning Blend”. To enter the sweepstakes go to myheraldreview.com, again today's codeword is: MAGIC 

Now, our feature story. 

On Friday, Mayor Ken Budge lifted the mask requirement in public places, as well as the public gathering restrictions in accordance with Gov. Doug Ducey’s order.

But Budge also said that people should continue to exercise the habits we’ve learned during the pandemic, like social distancing, good hygiene and mask wearing when distancing is not possible. He noted that for now, all Bisbee residents should remain actively vigilant because the pandemic is not over.

The order prohibits the enforcement of mask requirements in public, with the exception of government buildings and public transportation.

Businesses and event organizers still have the option to require masks, social distancing and other preventive measures if they want. Private businesses are still allowed to refuse service to anyone who does not comply with their requests to wear a mask.

The order does encourage businesses and governmental entities to continue to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19.

To stay up to date on this story, and how re-opening is going visit us at myheraldreview.com.

Thanks for listening, before we continue, a quick message from our sponsors, Prestige Family Living. 

Now, we’d like to take a moment to highlight our high school sports teams.

brought to you by ApexNetwork Physical Therapy in Benson and Sierra Vista. They’re doing more than just treating patients, they’re helping patients get back to living their daily lives. Using extensive knowledge, their therapists treat each patient one-on-one, focusing on individual care. To learn more, go to ApexNetworkPT.com.

The Cochise College Apaches’ opportunity to clinch a third straight ACCAC title Thursday night was denied by Central Arizona College in a 69-65 upset. This snapped Cochise’s eight-game winning streak.

Cochise will be on the road to Central Arizona College tomorrow for a 7:30 p.m. tipoff.

This will be the final regular season game for the Apaches.

A win will lock up the ACCAC title and the No. 1 seed in the upcoming NJCAA Region 1 tournament, which begins April 7.

A loss will drop the Apaches to the No. 2 seed.

Next, an upcoming event in our community that you should know about -- brought to you by our sponsors, Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative.

Today the Sierra Vista Public Library is reopening the lobby! Going forward it’ll be open Monday through Thursday from 10am to 7pm, on Friday from 10 to 4, and on Saturday from 10 to 2. Their computer lab will also be available Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 1pm. 

Finally - we’d like to remember the life of  Cmdr. James E. Perry. He was born on 1942, in McBride, Missouri. Jim lettered in football, basketball, and track and field and graduated from high school in 1960. Then, he joined the United States Navy as an Electronics Technician.

He married his first wife, Vicki, the mother of his children, in 1963. During his 28-year naval career, Jim was a commissioned Ensign in 1970, earning a four-year Navy scholarship and receiving a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Mexico. After spending two years stationed with his family in Japan, he earned a Master of Science in Computer Systems/Management in 1976 from the Naval Postgraduate School in California.

Jim also served on the aircraft carrier USS Midway and flew over 150 combat missions while in the Gulf of Tonkin. As Mission Commander in the E-2 Hawkeye aircraft.

He retired from the Navy and married his wife Kathryn on Coronado Island in California in 1989. He earned his second master’s degree in Logistics Engineering and began a successful defense contracting career specializing in communications programs and aircraft systems. One project of which he was most proud was working with the Hunter Unmanned Air Vehicle program while with Northrop Grumman in Sierra Vista

He retired in 2012 and moved South Carolina where he enjoyed his Harley, RV trips, his three beloved dogs and cat, and time with his grandchildren. A dedicated veteran, he joined the American Legion Riders and the Patriot Guard Riders.

Jim was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, the Military Officers Association of America, and the Tailhook Association, supporting the Navy’s carrier aircraft operations.

Jim credits Knights of Columbus of Sierra Vista, Arizona with a refreshed Catholic faith later in his life. He also loved a great pinot noir, fresh strawberries, and Starbucks coffee.

Thank you for taking a moment with us today to remember and celebrate his life.

Thanks for tuning in to the Herald Review podcast today, join us again on Tuesday! And remember, the Herald Review is here for you with local news you can trust. For more information on any of the stories you heard about today, visit us at myheraldreview.com. Right now you can become a member starting at just $1.99 per week.