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Good morning, it’s Monday April 5th 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 - Members of the community are raising concerns about a facility in Benson that is housing unaccompanied migrant children.
But first, a quick message from our sponsor [insert sponsor audio]
Before we begin, some local history.
In 1858, the first leg of what became known as the Butterfield Trail was launched. It was originally a mail and passenger route that included eight states and also passed through Benson as it made its way to San Francisco. The path through Arizona included three of the state's cities and played a huge role in this region's development.
In addition to Arizona, Missouri and California, the trail also ran through Arkansas, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico.
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 BUNNY, 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: BUNNY
Now, our feature story.
Arizona-based business, VisionQuest National, recently remodeled a hotel in Benson. Why? To house unaccompanied migrant children. It’s one of several for-profit businesses under contract with the federal government to provide housing for children that enter the country without a guardian.
This particular facility in Benson is one that provides short-term housing. Other similar facilities are designed for longer-term stays.
In the March 22 Benson City Council meeting, Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels addressed concerns about the influx of immigrants that’s been overwhelming the country’s southwestern borders.
He also spoke of how unaccompanied migrant children often fall victim to drug cartels and human trafficking.
It was during this meeting that members of the public raised questions about VisionQuest.
Benson resident Dawn Barrett was one of many who spoke up. Barrett noted that illegals housed at the facility are not tested for COVID until after they arrive.
Barrett later said that Cochise County’s immigration situation is even worse than she thought. She also spoke of VisionQuest’s lack of transparency.
But… a few days after the council meeting, VisionQuest reached out to Sheriff Dannels and Benson Mayor Joe Konrad with an invitation to tour the Benson facility.
After the tour Konrad said that both he and Sheriff Dannels found the facility to be a safe, secure and sanitary place for kids. He also noted that typically, the kids are housed between seven and 21 days, but because of COVID, every child is quarantined for 14 days upon arrival, so the stays are a little longer.
While the facility is capable of housing 80 occupants, Dannels was told the most VisionQuest expects to house there is 60. Right now, there are about 20 children there.
The facility is for low-risk males ranging from 12 to 17 years old.
Dannels clarified that there is one case worker assigned to eight kids, and all of the children are receiving six hours of education, as well as medical, psychological and legal services.
Oversight of this facility is through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and its Office of Refugee Resettlement, along with the Unaccompanied Alien Children program, which is managed by ORR within the Administration for Children and Families.
But while Dannels and Konrad agree that the VisionQuest facility is providing a safe haven for the migrant children, they are troubled by the fact these facilities are even necessary.
Konrad emphasized that we’ve got to look at the bigger picture. With thousands of unaccompanied migrant children flooding the border, we have a serious immigration problem in this country. VisionQuest grew out of a need that came with this border crisis, which has multiplied exponentially because of the current administration.
In an effort to address the public’s questions, Konrad held another meeting on Thursday in the City Council Chambers.
During Thursday’s meeting Carol Keller, the chief operating officer at Vision Quest also joined to answer questions.
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 local business Mile High Muncheese.
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.
Aspiring to own a cheese shop may not be at the top of the list for many people, but for Barbara Brewer, the owner of Mile High MunCheese, it was a dream she has had since she was 14 years old.
Now her shop features locally fresh bread baked daily to a wide selection of imported cheeses, wines, beers and snacks.
She opened back in July last year, four months later than expected thanks to the COVID-19 shutdown. Ever since, she has seen a steady stream of customers, local and out of town, which have provided her with a loyal base of supporters who look forward to the breads baked by local Brandy Fisher and the ever changing and expanding imported cheeses, wines and beers carried at few places locally, if at all.
So how did she end up here?
Well, Brewer first heard of Bisbee through a TV show which featured Bisbee’s One Book Book Store owner Walter Swan. She wanted to see the city and meet him, so she did. She fell in love with the high energy vibe and townsfolk she met.
Next, an upcoming event in our community that you should know about -- brought to you by our sponsors, Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative.
Today through the 8th the Sierra Vista Unified School District is calling all new kindergarteners - it’s time to register for school! The district is hosting their annual kinder round up, so be sure to make an appointment to register. Staff will be present to help you through the process, just make sure to bring shot records, birth certificates, and proof of residency.
Finally - we’d like to remember the life of Fawn Newman. Fwan passed away after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Fawn was born in Bisbee. She was a daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and will be deeply cherished and remembered forever.
After graduating from Buena High School, Fawn attended Cochise College. She then earned her teaching degree from ASU. Fawn loved children and taught elementary school for more than 30 years. She earned numerous recognitions as well as the notable Sierra Vista Unified School District Teacher of the Year award in 2004.
During her career Fawn worked to support fellow teachers and students. She also established herself as an entrepreneur by opening and operating Fawn’s Teaching Supplies, an educational business providing classroom materials to teachers and the community.
After retirement, Fawn remained active in the community by volunteering with both the Sierra Vista Police Department Volunteer Program and the Nancy J Brua Animal Shelter. She continued to distinguish herself and received the SVPD Volunteer of the Year award in 2005.
Throughout her life Fawn enjoyed arts and crafts, music, traveling, and volunteering. She often did things for others humbly, and quietly with no desire for recognition. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
Fawn deeply loved the land she grew up and lived on. The property gave her great joy in staying connected to nature and various wildlife that frequented near her home.
She always had a smile on her face when friends and family came to visit, especially her nieces and nephews. She enjoyed being with children and always encouraged them along their life's journey.
Fawn impacted countless individuals by instilling knowledge, confidence, and a positive attitude, while accepting life’s challenges and overcoming trials. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and everyone who knew her. Thank you for taking a moment with us today to remember and celebrate Fawn’s amazing 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.
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