A Thatcher taxidermist is now permitted to turn his hobby into a home business following Tuesday's decision by the Town Council.

After the council listened to several neighbors, both for and against a taxidermy business in Daley Estates, Jeff Schmidt gave a detailed presentation about his hobby and possible business.

Schmidt, employed by the Federal Prison system, told the council of his love for hunting and creating memorable trophies of the sport through taxidermy. He passed around photos of his clean and professional shop and explained his system of careful disposal of the carcasses. Equipped with a foam deer head, skins and real antlers, Schmidt showed the council how the process works. Monitored by Game and Fish every four months, Schmidt is certified through a Colorado taxidermy school and is following the strict rules already enforced by the state, he said.

"This nation was founded on small business, and I want to help make this community grow," Schmidt said.

He openly welcomed people to see his home and work area or even see him work on an animal. Schmidt said that he has improved his home and increased the property value of neighbors' homes through his extra income with this hobby.

"I run a very clean and professional shop and take the carcasses to the dump for a charge of $25," Schmidt said, "I'm also the cheapest in town."

Councilor Bill Mullenaux said he is also a hunter and advised Schmidt to immediately dispose of all carcasses and parts far away from his workshop. He also said he doesn't foresee any problems with Schmidt's side job.

Mayor Bob Rivera asked, "Can Game and Fish come by and see your place unannounced?"

Schmidt said Arizona Game and Fish official Joe Hall works with him on a regular basis and can come by whenever he wishes. Hall keeps track of Schmidt's habits with a point system and can take his right to taxidermy away if he is in violation of Game and Fish codes, Schmidt said.

Councilor Heath Ledger read a letter and expressed concerns from 12 neighbors opposed to the business who live within 1,000 feet of Schmidt's residence. The neighbors opposed the home business because of increase in traffic, possible odors or insects attracted to the carcasses.

Town Manager Terry Hinton asked the other council members, "Is it going to change the nature of the neighborhood?"

Following the discussion, the permit was approved with the agreement that it would be reviewed again in one year.

Jean Crinan addressed the council regarding the successes of the Regional Mount Graham Safe House. As a non-profit victim service, the "house" is currently full of mostly nonresidents.

Crinan said the Valley is very supportive with volunteers, donations, repairs and other needs. She said the center is in need of one thing.

"Everyone helps, but not with the money. I do travel to Phoenix to get our pot of the funds," Crinan said.

Crinan said she has been to all the police departments of the area discussing the "First Response" program, except for Thatcher.

She also said the department is amazing and very open-minded, especially Police Chief Mike McEuen.

"We are not law enforcement; we come by after the situation has been contained and help with the victims. It is to take the social work off the officer," Crinan said.

One of the Safe House's best-kept secrets is a grant-funded teen education program teaching self-respect known as "Chill." It has been addressing the problems of date rape and other sex-related problems with teens and college students. Chill teaches young people to make choices carefully, according to Crinan.

Other town council news:

€ A request was made for funds for an irrigation ditch needing replacement at First Street and First Avenue. The new ditch will be funded by the federal government, the town of Thatcher and local farmers. Floodwaters will be diverted more efficiently to the river, and new notches will help prevent other problems.

€ In street projects, the intersection at 20th St. and 8th Ave. will be closed Monday, Sept. 19, to put in a stoplight (for a week to 10 days), according to Hinton.

€ Hinton said he is worried about Thatcher going into debt with these extensive street projects and repairs. He is hoping for a reasonable bid to make up for a considerable deficit in projected estimates for the 20th Avenue intersection.