Longtime law firm has additions

Byrne and Benesch, P.C., is now Byrne, Benesch and Rice with the addition of Blaine D. Rice as a partner in the law firm. In addition, Shawn D. Garner has joined the firm as an associate attorney.

A Yuma native, Rice graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. He subsequently earned a joint juris doctorate/master's of business administration degree at UA in 2000.

Rice has focused his practice primarily on real estate and business law as well as contested trusts and estates, construction law, creditor’s rights and estate planning.

He and his wife, Samantha, have one child.

Raised in Idaho, Garner attended Mesa Community College and Arizona Western College prior to graduating in the top 1 percent of his class from Colorado State University with a degree in political science and criminal justice. He received his juris doctorate degree from the University of Kentucky Law School in 2008.

That same year he was admitted to practice in Arizona and has focused his practice primarily in the area of contracts, construction law, commercial litigation and consumer bankruptcy.

Garner is married to Yuma native Brittany Lundgreen and has three children.

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The March issue of Yuma Business Direct is now available online at businessinyuma.com. The issue's cover story features Rick Rademacher, a longtime produce grower in the Yuma area who now works for 3 Star Lettuce, a seed company. He reflects on the changes he's seen in the area's agriculture industry since his boyhood and over the 33 years he's worked in the industry.

The issue also features Papa-San Rice Bowl and owners Bill and Judy Gresser as the latest recipient of the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce Member of the Month. The Gressers and their restaurant were honored for their community and chamber involvement since opening 17 years ago February.

Ken Hammac, general manager of the Hilton Garden Inn and Pivot Point Conference Center, was profiled in the ongoing hospitality series.

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Tara's Herbs has moved to 1185 S. 4th. Ave., Suite K, and as of March 8 will be open afternoons Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Owner Laura Lago offers herbal consultations, special formulation, lectures and workshops on herbal medicine. The store can be reached at 782-0950.

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SAAVI (Southern Arizona Association for the Visually Impaired) Yuma recently opened its doors at 2673 S. Avenue A and can be reached at 276-4600.

Services include rehabilitation teaching, assistive technology in computers, orientation and mobility, vocational services and counseling for blind and visually impaired adults in the Yuma area.

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The Car Carrier will move your auto, pickup truck, SUV, van, utility trailer, boat or recreational vehicle anywhere in the United States. For details, contact Blas Cavazos, auto relocation consultant in Yuma, at 210-1721.
 
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After 1-1/2 years selling tea and accessories in Yuma, David Kish has announced he will be closing the Entertaining Tea store at 224 S. Main St. the end of March.

In the meantime, everything in the store is 50 percent off and all fixtures, displays and decor are being sold. The store is open Tuesdays through Sundays. For more information, call 304-9505

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Grading work has begun on the new Arizona Department of Economic Security office to be located south of Home Depot at 1185 S. Redondo Center Drive, reported Alan Kircher, city of Yuma deputy building official.

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In other city building activity, he reported:

• Eleven permits were issued in February for single-family, site-built homes. The same number was issued in January. Plans for other homes were still under review late last week.

• Coco's is still under construction in the former JB's Restaurant at 2198 S. 4th Ave.

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Maggio's Personal Chef Service now makes and delivers special occasion cakes for such events as weddings, birthdays and showers. For more information, call 503-4922.

Maggio's also can provide meals for the family or do special one-time events - from the shopping to the kitchen cleanup.

Owner Stephanie Maggio is the head chef for Reflections Assisted Living and also is the pastry chef for Esther's Good Eats.

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Marlene Gleim, an independent Passion Party consultant, has expanded her business so customers can now order on her Web site at www.PassionsByMarlene.com. Passion Parties by Marlene offers items that will spice up your love life like body oils, games, lingerie and novelty items.

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As an independent distributor for It Works!, Esta Helms offers herbal supplements, skin care products and weight loss applicators. For more information or to schedule a wrap party, visit www.estanow.com or call 1-866-483-9615.