Good morning, it’s Wednesday March 10th and this is The Herald Review’s podcast, the Daily Chirp. We’re excited to bring you a closer look at one of our top stories, events in the community, local history, sports, and more. 

Today - Cochise County has announced the opening of a new, two mile multi-use trail around the Palominas Recharge Project - just west of Palominas Elementary School.

Before we begin, some local history.

The Gadsden Hotel is a historic building in Douglas. The hotel opened in 1907. Named for the Gadsden Purchase. The stately five-story, 160-room hotel became a home away from home for cattlemen, ranchers, miners, and businessmen.

The hotel is said to be haunted, especially in Room 333, and has appeared in various "ghost" shows and movies, including “The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean” with Paul Newman, and “Terminal Velocity” with Charlie Sheen.

Today’s history is brought to you by Benson Hospital. Benson Hospital’s comprehensive rehabilitation team strives to get you back on your feet and improve your lifestyle. Offering Physical, Occupational and Speech therapy. For more information visit bensonhospital.org or call 520-586-2262. 

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 GREEN, 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: GREEN.

Now, our feature story. 

Cochise County has announced the opening of a new, two mile multi-use trail around the Palominas Recharge Project on State Route 92 just west of Palominas Elementary School.

Camila Rochin, the county public information officer, said that residents of Palominas and the greater area now have access to yet another recreational opportunity in the neighborhood.

After months of planning and development, the trail is open to hikers, strollers, bikes and horseback riding on the county’s 285 acre recharge property. 

The multi-use trail is open for daytime use only and no motorized vehicles are allowed.

Rochin also noted that the main access to the trail is from Palominas Road about one-quarter-mile west of the school. This access has a parking area and gate to accommodate horse trailers and regular traffic. A pedestrian gate for hikers and mountain bikers is also located along Highway 92.

The Nature Conservancy holds a conservation easement on the parcel, which conserves an estimated 24 acre feet a year of groundwater that will not be pumped due to precluded development.

Mark Apel, environmental projects coordinator for Cochise County said that the views of the Huachuca Mountains to the west and the Mule Mountains to the east are spectacular throughout this mesquite and grasslands landscape. 

Apel also noted that they wanted to provide yet one more opportunity for the public to safely recreate and learn about the county’s recharge efforts. 

It follows on the heels of the educational walking path around the eastern end of the recharge project. The facility is designed to recharge up to 98 acre feet a year via its large detention basin and 13 recharge cells.

To learn more, 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 highlight Valley Union senior Zeke Stewart - who says that there’s nothing more enjoyable than being on the basketball court.

Brought to you by ApexNetwork Physical Therapy. Voted Best of Cochise County 2020, ApexNetwork provides exceptional care to the Sierra Vista and Benson communities. Choose ApexNetwork for all of your physical therapy needs. To learn more, go to ApexNetworkPT.com.

Valley Union senior Zeke Stewart wrapped up an amazing high school career. He finished with just under 1,300 career points in over 80 games, all as a Blue Devil.

Stewart, who was born in Virginia and came to Elfrida from Tennessee when he was in the eighth grade. He has been playing basketball since he was 4-years-old.

Stewart said playing basketball for coach Jeff Baker at Valley Union these past four years has been a lot of fun and also, very rewarding.

Stewart admits he would like a shot at playing collegiate ball somewhere after high school but if not given the opportunity he’s fine attending college somewhere and focusing on his academics.

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

Tomorrow morning, head over to the Sierra Vista Farmers Market! It starts at 10am, and if you can’t make it today don’t worry - stop by on any Thursday all year long. Vendors include Ruth’s Garden, Sky Island Brand Meats, Thunder Mountain Ranch, Simmons Honey Ranchito, The Lettuce Man, and Estrada Citrus!

See you there!

Before we go, we’d like to take a moment to remember the life of 

Robert Willliams of Sierra Vista. Bob graduated from high school in Burlington, Iowa and graduated from Western Illinois University with a Masters in Criminal Justice.

After high school graduation Bob joined the US Navy. Then, in 1960 he married his high school sweetheart, Betty and they began their Navy Lives.

After his service in the Navy, Bob returned to Iowa where he became an Iowa State Trooper. He always loved law enforcement and helping others. He also loved the idea of flying. He was so proud when he achieved his multiple engine rating. Flying made him feel free. Bob was blessed with the ability to interact easily with others and thus earn the respect of the community. In 1973 Bob became an agent for the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation. This job enabled him many opportunities and even found him working undercover at times as well as a short stint in the state prison. During this time, a friend encouraged him to become an instructor for the US Army Reserves. Thus another bonus to his life. 

Later, he retired from the state and moved to Arizona. But retirement wasn’t meant to last long. In 1988 he began work for the Cochise county Sheriff's department with the Border Alliance Group Task force. When our country was attacked on 9/11 Bob was called to active duty with the US Army. He was proud to honor and serve. Then, he was offered a position with the Provost Marshal Office at Ft. Huachuca.

In 2009 Bob needed a kidney transplant and was blessed when his daughter, Michele was a perfect donor match. A beautiful gift of life he was forever thankful for. Due to multiple health issues over the years Bob reluctantly retired in 2010.

Bob has been an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police. He is affiliated with Masonic Lodge at Tombstone King Solomon #5. He also was an active member in Sierra Vista United Methodist Church serving on multiple committees over the years.

Bob was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and continued that support after moving to Arizona. Later he began to support the University of Arizona as well. Football and basketball were among his favorites. Until his health no longer would allow, he and Betty played tennis frequently. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle for a number of years. 

It was family that was his most important focus in life. Bob’s children and grandchildren were the love of his life and spending time with them was precious. Attending their soccer, swim, dance, tennis and volleyball games were a joy. Kobe, his Akita has been a real companion and buddy for him as well. He enjoyed taking him for an ice cream treat at Culvers and a ride in the truck.

Traveling has been a passion for Bob and Betty. They have been blessed to spend numerous vacations in Hawaii, Cabo Mexico, Aruba, the Caribbean Islands, Italy, England, France, Ireland and Scotland. God has blessed his life in so many beautiful ways. Bob and Betty celebrated 60 years of marriage in 2020.

He will be greatly missed by his family, his friends, and everyone who knew him. 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 Thursday! 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.