The program is a controlled instant messaging service through which students can log on, ask questions, and receive answers through the website. Students can also draw out questions or math problems on a virtual two-way white board.

Call the library at 777-1500 or visit the PrescottEnews link.

Director, Ernest Giglio will lead, a panel of experts from religion, philosophy and theater in a discussion of this deeply, thought provoking play written by John Patrick Shanley. Gail Mangham & Dino Palazzi will perform a short excerpt from the play.

For those wishing to read the play prior to attending, a copy is in the Prescott Public Library. Shanley doesn't provide answers but leaves his audience in a state of doubt. Had Fr. Flynn acted improperly? Did the evidence support Sr. Aloysius' suspicions? What are the roles of doubt and certainty in our lives? And why did Shanley write the play years after the exposure of the sexual abuse scandals in the Church?

These are just a few of the questions that will be explored. FREE and open to the public. Call 928 771 2554 for details or visit www.NaturallySpeaking.biz

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER CONTACT GOLF SHOP AT ANTELOPE HILLS GOLF COURSE 776-7888.

In July, City Council decided to defer the outstanding issues due to the economic downturn-- and asked city staff to revisit the funding mechanisms in September. Today's presentation will be the culmination of that waiting period.

Council members will also discuss the recommendations submitted by Mayor Wilson's Task Force on Illegal Immigration.

When the committee wrapped its discussions in June, it tendered three recommendations: City Council to send a letter to the area's state legislative representatives and Arizona's U.S. Congressional delegation urging comprehensive immigration reform; that the city form a three-member city immigration advisory committee; and that a public forum take place to allow comments from immigration policy experts.

Other Highlights:

-- Arizona Public Service on upgrades to existing infrastructure in downtown Prescott.

-- Payment to Prescott Chamber of Commerce of $34,036 for the annual Courthouse lighting.

-- Update on Prescott Greenways Project.

For details on these and other items, please visit the City's website to download an official copy of the agenda

"The Prescott citizens who volunteered as members of the Prescott Capital Needs Committee demonstrated why Prescott is such a special place to live," said Mayor Jack Wilson. "They attended meetings over a several month period and never lost their focus on providing the best advise possible to the Mayor and City Council members."

Wilson lauded the committee's effort and dedication adding "This task was exploratory and I as Mayor of Prescott congratulate each and every one of these volunteers for the effort they put into this."

Capital Needs chair, Tammy Linn, felt committee members appreciated the opportunity to develop a comprhensive picture of the city's needs.

"After all the weeks of presentations and discussion, we came up with very usable information for any upcoming bond or sales tax extension opportunities," stated Linn. "It was my pleasure chairing this group and I was delighted to work with people who truly care about Prescott and our future."

Each Capital Needs Committee member in attendance received a plaque and pen set in recognition of their considerable efforts.

Administrative Services Director Mic Fenech, in his presentation, reported that the Purchasing Department followed through on the council's January direction to develop a "request for proposals" (RFP) for possible privatization of the golf course.

Fenech also stated that the feedback from many of the local, regular golfers indicated a very high level of satisifaction in regards to the condition of Antelope Hills.

Councilwoman Mary Ann Suttles, noting that she was one of the council members who asked to put the RFP on hold, maintained that Antelope Hills "is still an asset" for the city.

After considering the strong support from council regarding postponment, City Manager Steve Norwood said the golf course RFP would be on hold "indefinitely."

The grant requires a 25-percent match from the local governments, which this year will amount to a contribution of $120,000 from the City of Prescott.

The transit program is administered by Northern Arizona Council of Government and offers low-cost taxi rides to people in need including the elderly, disabled, and youth of Prescott.

During the past fiscal year, local residents requested a total of 56,735 rides.

On Time and Saving Money - Paving of the Sundog Wastewater Treatment Plant has been completed. The project was done on time and completed for less than the contract amount.

Economy down, Reading up - In July Prescott Public Library patrons checked out 67,913 items, up 14.6% from July 2007. Checkout sessions are up 41.8% and holds placed are up 26.2%. Seems Prescott area residents are feeling the economic pinch and making smart use of their library.

Not the Longest Yard, but the Oldest Athlete - The 10th Annual Prescott Senior Olympics came to a close on August 24. There were a little over 900 athletes participating in 81 individual events. The oldest participant was 94 year old Sibby Peterson of Prescott and the participant with the most entries was Cody Williams, 54, of Prescott with 24 individual events. Participants from Prescott and the Quad-Cities made up most of the participants. We even had a participant fly out from Ohio to play in our Volleyball tournament.

And also the Smallest Athlete - The Tiny Tot Olympics were held Saturday, August 16, 2008 at Granite Creek Park. There were 65 participants entered in up to three events each. Cost to enter was $10.00 for each participant. Events consisted of Baseball Pitch, Football Throw, Basketball Hoop Shoot, Running, Soccer Ball Kick, and the Long Jump. Medals (Gold, Silver and Bronze) were awarded to the top three finishers in each event and age breakdown. There were approximately 200 spectators for the event.

Mayor to Welcome Fast-Pitch - The Men's 2008 ASA Class C Fast-Pitch National Championships will be conducted in Prescott, August 28-31. The tournament will kick-off with a Manager's Breakfast at the Prescott Resort, beginning at 8:00am on Thursday, August 28th, where Mayor Pro-Tem Suttles will speak, followed by Opening Ceremonies at Ken Lindley Field starting at 10:30am. The tournament will be played at Pioneer Park, Ken Lindley, and Bill Vallely fields.

Pets returned to Owners - During the month of July 277 dogs were impounded. During that same period 140 dogs were returned to their owners and another 62 were adopted out.

Natural or Not so Natural Gas? - Planning is underway to include an improved air exchange and purification component to the kennel area when the heating and air conditioning system is upgraded later this budget year. This upgrade will improve the health and safety of the facility for both the staff and the animals. In addition, a connection to natural gas is in the works to replace our current dependency on more costly propane.

Firefighter/Military Man - City of Prescott Firefighter Tom Pleitgen, a Lieutenant Colonel with the Air force, is recently back from Simulator school in Twenty Nine Palms California. He has re-qualified as an AMO (Aircraft Maintenance Officer) where he commands a squadron of C130 aircraft and 240 personnel. He proudly serves our country in the Military and our community as a Firefighter Medic. Firefighter Pleitgen is an employee of the highest caliber of which we can all be proud.

A First for Prescott Area - This Fall the Prescott Fire Department will be hosting a Regional Technical Rescue Program. This training will be the first of its kind in Northern Arizona. The only other agency who provides this training in Arizona is the Phoenix Fire Department's FEMA team. It is approved through the State Fire Marshals office. Prescott Fire Department's TRT instructors will provide training in the disciplines of, high angle rope rescue, confined space rescue, swift water rescue, helicopter operations and structural collapse. Among those who will be participating are: Phoenix Fire Department, Central Yavapai Fire District, Chino Valley Fire District, Sedona Fire District, Bullhead Fire District, Prescott Fire Department, Yavapai County Emergency Services and Granite Mountain Hotshots.

Firefighters for Sister Cities - Once again the Prescott Fire Department will be participating in the Sister City's Auction. Up for bid will be a meal for 4 at one of the fire stations. This will be the second year for our participation. The winners and the crews look forward to sharing in this culinary delight so bid early and bid big.

The Clean-up Continues - Code Enforcement will have a neighborhood clean up in the Thumb Butte area on August 27 and 28. At this point, Code Enforcement has collected 53.34 tons of trash--that's a whopping 106,680 pounds!

Firearms in Schools? - Eddie Eagle to Fly in Prescott - The Prescott Police Department is working with the National Rifle Association to start a nationally recognized firearms safety program to be taught in our elementary schools by officers from our Special Enforcement Section. The program is called Eddie Eagle and is taught to Kindergarten through Third grade students. The program teaches children to recognize firearms and to stay away from them and notify an adult when they see one. Local businesses have donated approximately $5,000 to this program for supplies and materials.

ICE Training - The Prescott Police Department sponsored Immigration Customs Enforcement training at their training facility August 21-22. The 16 hour training was attended by 21 law enforcement officers from local agencies. The Prescott Police Department had 11 officers receive this training.

Taking ACTION on Crashes - The Prescott Police Department Operation Action (Attacking Crime Trends In Our Neighborhoods) program was able to identify the three hot spots for traffic collisions for the month of July:

Gail Gardner Way/Iron Springs Road Montezuma Street/Carleton Avenue Willow Lake Road/State Route 89

Extra enforcement is being provided to these locations in an attempt to reduce the collision numbers.

Caught in the Act - Prescott Police Department Patrol Officers responded to two calls of burglaries at the Liquor Barn and the Coffee Roasters Restaurant. The quick response and good teamwork by these officers resulted in three arrests being made as the suspects fled the area.

In April, city consultant Economist.com proposed raising the impact fee for a new home to $2,343 for water and wastewater.

"When growth occurs, the city incurs costs," explained consultant Dan Jackson. "The question from a policy standpoint is 'who pays that cost?'"

He also stated that if impact fees are set at less than the prescribed amount, "You are making the decision that the people who are already here are going to have to pay a little extra each month."

Council agreed to postpone a decision until Oct. 21. In the interim, a committee comprised of YCAA Executive Director Sandy Griffis, Prescott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director David Maurer, and Leslie Hoy will deliberate with city officials to develop an alternative plan.

This expansion of the city's open space portfolio comes on the heels of a recent $3 million open space purchase, also in the Dells area.

The Harold James Family Trust currently owns the land and offered it to the city with a 10-percent discount off the appraised value.

The city will pay the $4 million in two $2 million installments over the next two years, with no interest.

Trust representative Ron James told the Council at Tuesday's meeting that the open space purchase was a "win-win situation" adding, "I'm glad to pass the (preservation) torch to you."