5_1_12 SEV Ledger

Building Community Connections in STV & QCVol. 1 No. 24 Wednesday, May 1, 2013 FREE

Hunt Highway

Improvements ...

Slow, but on track See Page 4

Page 2 SoutheaSt Valley ledger May 1, 2013

Southeast Valley LedgerJames Carnes….....................................PublisherMichael Carnes...........................General ManagerJennifer Carnes................................…Managing EditorMila Lira...................................Advertising DirectorChase Kamp............................................ReporterBridgette Crosby.......................................ReporterCourtney Trumbull…................................Offi ce Manager

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Published each Wednesday at 22308 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85142 by Copper Area News Publishers. Mailing address is Southeast Valley Ledger, c/o Copper Area News Publishers, PO Box 579, Kearny, AZ 85137.

Telephone (480) 745-1055The Ledger is distributed via stands and mailed free to

subscribers. Subscriptions are free to those with a Queen Creek or San Tan Valley address.

“There are numerous countries in the world where the politicians have seized absolute power and muzzled the press. There is no country in the world where the press has seized absolute power and muzzled the politicians”

—-David Brinkley

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By Chase KampSoutheast Valley Ledger The Pinal County Supervisors said a request by Sheriff Paul Babeu for an additional $12.1 million next fiscal year would not be financially sustainable at its regular Apr. 25 meeting, unanimously voting to give the Sheriff another month to trim down his proposal. The Sheriff’s request included about $5 million for 69 new staff positions, $3.9 million for 65 new vehicles and $1.1 million to replace 44 vehicles. About $1 million was

requested to fund holiday pay and employee related expenses and $950,000 to fund additional equipment, software, leasing, training, and fuel. Supervisor Anthony Smith said budget projections that included Babeu’s proposal, in additional to a proposed 2.5 percent merit increase for county employees, would run a $21 million deficit next year that would continue to increase, depleting the county’s $49 million contingency fund by FY 2016. “It’s unrealistic,” Smith

Supervisors tell Sheriff to scale back $12.1 million budget proposal

Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu

said, reiterating the Board’s insistence on not raising property tax rates to increase county revenue. Babeu told the Board his request, about a 20 percent budget increase, was not unreasonable. “If you do not address these issues, do not say that public safety is your priority,” Babeu said. Babeu argued his office does not have the staffing nor the competitive pay of similar county and municipal law enforcement departments, introducing a “superstar” county K-9 deputy at the meeting who recently accepted a position at Chandler Police Department for better pay. Babeu said the adoption of 12-hour shifts has led to adequate levels of service despite strained resources. To make his pitch, Babeu provided a study by the Segal Co., an analysis firm, which was presented by company senior vice-president Elliot Sussels. The study concluded PCSO was understaffed by as many as 116 employees in relation to officer-per-population numbers from departments like Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and Tempe Police. PCSO also was also paying officers and certain employees below-

Budget, Page 5

May 1, 2013 SoutheaSt Valley ledger Page 3

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Map # Distributor Address1 Circle K 23447 S Power Rd, QC2 Apache Sun Golf Course 919 E Pima Rd, STV3 Bashas 23760 S Power Rd, QC4 Barros Pizza 18521 E Queen Creek Rd, QC5 Circle K San Tan Valley 40900 N Ironwood Rd, STV6 Flight Deck Café 5803 S Sossaman Rd, Mesa7 Dennys 8689 San Tan Valley 1758 W. Hunt Hwy, STV8 Queen Creek Café 22022 S Ellsworth RD, QC9 Gantzel Farms Country Store 25 W Ocotillo RD, QC

10 Ymca Copper Basin 28300 N Main St, STV11 Diamond Dot 25851 South Power Road, QC12 Ventura Market Chevron 2528 E Copper Mine RD, STV13 The Gym 2510 E Hunt Highway, STV14 WAL-MART 1725 W Hunt Highway, STV15 Wal-Mart Queen Creek 21055 E Rittenhouse Rd, QC16 Barney Family Sports Complex 22050 E Queen Creek Rd, QC17 Sorella 22721 S Ellsworth Rd, QC18 The Pork Shop 3359 E Combs Rd, QC19 China Moon 40975 N Ironwood Rd, QC20 Don Pedros 270 E Hunt Highway, STV20 Power Postal 270 E Hunt Hwy, STV20 Springdale Pediatrics 270 E Hunt Highway, QC21 Dunkin Donuts Queen Creek 21148 E Rittenhouse Rd, QC22 Queen Creek Town Hall 22350 S Ellsworth Rd, QC23 Barros Pizza 2436 E Hunt Highway, STV24 Terrace Johnson Ranch 30761 N Golf Club Dr, STV25 Encanterra 37449 N Encanterra Dr, STV26 Queen Creek Olive Mill 25062 S Meridian RD, QC27 Walgreens 40663 N Gantzel Rd, STV28 Dunkin Donuts San Tan Valley 40615 Gantzel Rd, STV29 Rosatis 287 E Hunt Highway, STV30 Central Arizona College 2474E Hunt Highway, STV31 Queen Creek Library 21802 S Ellsworth Rd, QC32 Filibertos 40975 N Ironwood Dr, STV33 The Links 445 E Ocotillo Rd, QC34 Paradise Bakery Café 21202 S Ellsworth Loop RD, QC35 Filibertos Hunt Hwy 2510 Ehunt Hwy, QC36 Jims Burros 1532 W Ocotillo Rd, STV37 Frys San Tan Valley 155 W Combs Rd, QC38 Frys Hunt Hwy 542 E Hunt Hwy, STV39 J.O. Combs District Office 301 E Combs Rd, QC40 Absolute Low Cost Storage 868 E Hunt Hwy, STV41 Banner Ironwood 37000 N Gantzel Rd, STV42 Florence Hospital 4545 N Hunt Hwy, Florence43 Circle K 320 E Hunt Highway, STV44 Circle K Queen Creek 21895 S Ellsworth Rd, QC45 Dignity Health Clinic 7205 S Power Rd Suite 101, QC46 Lavelles Deli 2510 E Hunt Hwy, STV47 Mountain View Family Funeral Home 21809 S Ellsworth Rd, QC48 Oasis Golf Course 5764 E Hunt Highway, Florence49 Walgreens Bella Vista 333 E Hunt Highway, STV50 Walgreens Mountain Vista 3111 W Hunt Highway, QC51 CVS Power 7587 S Power Rd, QC52 Pinal County Public Health Clinic 36235 N. Gantzel Rd, QC53 Eduprize 4567 W Roberts Rd, STV54 San Tan Foothills High School 1255 W Silverdale Rd, QC55 Mountain Vista Middle School 33622 N Mountain Vista Blvd, QC56 Coolidge Unified School District Office 450 N Arizona Blvd, Coolidge57 Ranch Elementary 43521 N Kenworthy Dr, STV58 Simonton Elementary School 40300 N Simonton Blvd, STV59 Ellsworth Elementary 38454 N Carolina Ave, STV60 Combs Traditional Academy 32327 N Gantzel Rd, STV61 Combs High School 2505 E. Germann Rd, STV62 Combs Middle School 37611 N Pecan Creek Blvd, STV63 Harmon Elementary School 39315 N Cortona Dr, STV64 Queen Creek High School 22149 E Ocotillo Rd, QC65 Queen Creek Unified School District Do 20217 Chandler Heights Rd, QC66 Poston Butte High School 32375 N Gantzel Rd, STV67 Copper Basin K-8 28682 N Main Street, STV68 Circle Cross Ranch K-8 35900 N Charbray Dr., STV69 Walker Butte K-8 29697 N Desert Willow Blvd, STV70 Skyline K-8 1084 W San Tan Hills, STV71 Anthem K-8 2700 N Anthem Way, Florence72 Magma Ranch K-8 10980 E Desert Mountain Blvd, STV73 Scrubs and More 85 W Combs Rd, QC74 At Home Solutions Distribution 22209 S Ellsworth Rd, QC75 Urgent Care 287 E Hunt Highway Ste 105, STV76 Urgent Care Ocotillo 40773 N. Ironwood Dr., STV77 Ironwood Dental 35 W Combs Rd, QC78 Skyline Dental 1714 W Hunt Highway, STV79 Trophys Steak House 7215 S. Power RD, QC80 Blackbird Music And Art Center 18911 E. San Tan Blvd, QC81 Queen Palms Car Wash 30994 N Golf Club Drive, STV82 JJ Pediatrics 21321 E Ocotillo Rd Suite 110, QC83 Bethesda 22709 S. Ellsworth Suite 104, QC84 Banner Health Copper Basin 2474 E Hunt Highway Suite 10, STV85 UPS Store Anthem 3281 N Hunt Hwy suite 115, Florence86 Queen Creek Smiles 18550 E Rittenhouse Rd Suite 103, QC87 Valley Women For Women 22711 S Ellsworth Rd Suite 104, QC88 Anthem Community Center 3200 N Anthem Way, Florence89 Shear Bliss 3235 N Hunt Hwy Ste 105, Florence

Great Clips 85 W Combs Rd, QCHoliday Inn Express Florence 240 W. Hwy #287, FlorenceLedger Office Queen Creek 22308 Ellsworth Rd, QC


By Chase KampSoutheast Valley Ledger The improvement and expansion of Hunt Highway is critical to San Tan Valley residents and leaders not only to alleviate traffi c but to make the important roadway safer, and county offi cials say delayed plans to expand it to fi ve lanes are now on schedule.Due to the lack of funding, Pinal

County broke the expansion project up into seven phases, and the current Phase I is a 1.79 mile section of the road from Empire Boulevard to Thompson Road, expected to cost around $15 million. Since 2009, the county has been able to obtain $5.5 million in federal dollars, said District 2 Supervisor Cheryl Chase, enough to see the completion of Phase I. Chase said all options are on the table to get the rest of the expansion funded. “In addition to pursuing state and federal funds, I want to take a closer look at our development agreements and impact fees,” she said. “I also want to evaluate if bonding or borrowing for the project is a viable option.” Hunt Highway improvements have been in the planning phase since the fall of 2007, but money from development impact fees dried up during the recession, she explained. The Phase I improvements include a fi ve-lane roadway, drainage culverts, completion of an intersection and installation of a traffi c signal at Thompson Road. In June 2012, Pinal received environmental clearance from the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Environmental Planning Group. Since that time the county has worked to acquire the fi nal rights-of-way, fi nalizing plans and completing utility relocations. The utility relocation project is currently under way, placing SRP power lines and Centurylink/Cox cables underground, which is expected to be completed next month. “It’s a careful symphony to make sure all of that happens in the right sequence,” said county spokeswoman Heather Murphy. She said noticeable road construction on the Phase I portion will likely begin in August once a contractor bid is selected. Phase I improvements are expected to be completed ten months from then. The seven-phase Hunt Highway expansion plans are part of the county’s fi ve-year Transportation Improvements

and Maintenance Plan (TIMP). Murphy said all of the maintenance projects in the San Tan Valley area outlined between 2011 and 2014 are all being completed on schedule and within their budgets. Chase said plan outlined by the county public works department is a good fi rst step to ensuring a plan in place to get Hunt Highway widened from San Tan Valley to Florence. “It is one of my top priorities as Supervisor,” she said. Getting roads paved and widened is the most pressing infrastructure concern for San Tan Valley, Chase said. “Not only is it important to upgrade our infrastructure to attract new development and businesses to Pinal County, but reducing the number of dirt roads will greatly improve our air quality as well,” she said. “I am glad there is a light at the end of the tunnel when we are talking about starting a project as signifi cant as the improvement of Hunt Highway,” she added. “It’s the fi rst of seven phases, but it’s a big step toward the safety of the people who use this road.”

Hunt Highway improvements slow but on track, o� cials say

E EMPIRE BLVD

W HUNT HWY

N THOMPSON RD

N

WHEREE. Empire Blvd. to N. Thompson Rd.

WHATWidening Hunt Hwy, Drainage

Culverts, Intersection with Traffi c Light at Thompson, Utility Relocation

TIME FRAMEOngoingCOST

$15 Million


So, you still haven’t done your TAXES?

There’s Still Time!Call for information . . . and for an appointment before May 30, 2013. You must have an appointment.

Interested in volunteering for next seasoncall United Way of Pinal County 520-836-0736 ext #11 or email: [email protected]

. . . we do them Free

Casa GrandeSeeds of Hope

Call Malou at602-315-2795

CoolidgeCentral AZ College-

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San Tan ValleyOne Community

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market wages compared to East Valley city police forces. “You’re facing an issue of pay competitiveness,” Sussels said. “Your lack of competitiveness at entry is going to create significant impediment in order to recruit good folks.” Chairman Steve Miller argued the municipal agencies had cut employee pay during the recession and was only now restoring pay levels, whereas Pinal only implemented a pay freeze during the downward recession years. “You can say [county wages] not market,” he said, “but a lot of people come to work for places when it’s not just about money.” As part of its pledge not to raise property taxes, the Board has been reviewing proposals from any County department heads requesting funds higher than last year’s budget. These proposals are not actual budget expenditures or hiring, explained county manager Fritz Behring, but requests to be included in

the preliminary budget to be placed before the Board in July. Earlier in April, the Board approved above-budget preliminary proposals for $1.35 million from the county public defenders office and a $1.7 million

request by the Superior Court. Both included additional positions and funds to offset costs anticipated by the restructuring of the county attorney’s office which aims to bring significantly more cases to trial.

Church DirectorySt. Michael the Archangel Church25394 N. Poseidon Rd., Florence • 520-723-6570

Rev. Fr. Dale A. Branson, Pastorwww.stmichaels77.org • [email protected] Masses (held at Copper Basin K-8 School)

Saturday 4 p.m., Sunday 8 & 10:30 a.m.CCD Classes Sunday 9:15 a.m.

Psalm 1:2

Call Mila Besich-Lira at 520-827-0676 or email [email protected] to be included in the directory today!

4815 W. Hunt Hwy, Queen Creek • 480-677-2100www.mvfcaz.com

Service Times ................ Saturday 5 p.m., Sunday 9:15 & 11 a.m.Children’s Classes held during all services

4th/5th grade & Jr. High ....... Saturday 5 p.m., Sunday 9:15 a.m.High School .................................Saturday 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.

Our current teaching series is: “Tempted”

BudgetContinued from Page 2


May 12 Live Music – Midnight Confessions, Come to the

Olive Mill from 11am-3pm to celebrate Mother’s Day! Midnight Confessions a popular oldies rock band out of Tempe specializes in live performance of your favorite good-time music: 50′s, 60′s, 70′s, Contempo, Classic Rock, R&B, Standards, Surf, Easy Listening, Select Country, memorable One-Hit Wonders – and of course – your requests!!

18-27 Peach Festival at Schnepf Farms

7:30 - 4:00 pm Everything’s peachy! 24810 S Rittenhouse Rd Queen Creek 85242. Call 480-987-3100.

04 Olive Oil Cupcake Tasting at the Queen Creek Olive Mill,

We invite you to try four mini samples of our famous olive oil cupcakes for $5. Taste how good baking with olive oil can truly be! For more information call (480) 888-9290.

4-25 Sausage Sampling, Free, 8-5, The Pork Shop,

3259 E Combs Rd, San Tan Valley, 85140

Visit our online calendar:http://bit.ly/ZuNSoD

11 Mother’s Day Melodies at 3rd Cup Place Coffee

Shop, 7:15 pm. Bring mom in for a delightful concert, delicious dessert and refreshments. San Tan Community Chorale will be performing a collection of songs for your enjoyment. Moms will get a sweet surprise. Event is FREE. - 21805 S Ellsworth Rd Ste 102, Queen Creek, AZ 85142

18 Panning for Gold at the San Tan Mountain Regional

Park Yeee Haww! There’s gold in these here mountains, and we need your help fi nding it. Take your chance at panning for real gold and hear the story of San Tan’s RICH history along the way. Guests will be able to fi nd, and take home, our “Family Fun Gold Nuggets” as well as participate in a separate gold panning with a real sample of gold. 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM. For more information: http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/santan/ or call (480) 655-5554.

05 Sons of Orpheus 22nd Annual Spring Concert

The program features: Opera choruses and works by Bach, Dickau, and Górecki. Theme music from Exodus and Schindler’s List, cowboy classics and outstanding young guest artists. Admission: $15 in advance, $18 at the door (cash or check made out to CUSD) For tickets in advance, go to www.sonsoforpheus.eventbrite.com. Please print tickets at home & bring to concert. For more information, call 520-723-2424. The concert will be held at the Coolidge Performing Arts Center, 684 W. Northern Ave., Coolidge.

By Chase KampSoutheast Valley Ledger A lawsuit brought by Southwest Valley Partners, a California-based developer and opponent of the Florence Copper Project, against Curis and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality was dismissed with prejudice by a Maricopa County Superior Court judge on Apr. 19. The suit challenged the va-lidity of regulations governing individual aquifer protection permits, or APP, which ADEQ issued to Curis last year which allowed the company to begin small scale tests for its proposed in-situ copper project. “We are pleased with the decision to dismiss what we believe to be a frivolous and ill-advised lawsuit brought forward on very questionable grounds,” said Rita Maguire, senior legal and government affairs advisor to the Curis CEO and Board of Directors. “The APP regulations ensure the safety of the public and the environment, and guaran-tee public involvement in the permitting process.” The decision comes on the heels of a move by the Town of Florence to rescind its ban on sulfuric acid, a measure that Curis alleged was uncon-stitutional special legislation, as well as the February release of the Florence Copper Proj-ect’s pre-feasibility study. Among the major findings in the study was an 18 percent decrease in expected capital costs for the project and a lengthening of FCP’s operat-ing life from 19 to 25 years. Dan Johnson, Curis vice-president and general manag-er, said the in-situ project will have a lower cost per-pound for extraction of copper com-pared to more conventional mining operations. He pegged the cost around $1.10 per pound compared to between $1.70 and $1.90 for large, tra-

Court drops Southwest Valley Partners suit against Curis

dition open pit Copper Basin operations such as the Asarco or Kearny mines. “It shows that we’re in the top ten percent in all mining operation in the world for operation costs,” he said. The project was lengthened because the copper will come out slower and require fewer extraction wells, Johnson said, but will be a higher grade. Johnson also argued that the environmental follow-up Curis would be obligated to perform would exceed that of other past operations in the county. After ASARCO was acquired by a Mexican mining conglomerate in 1999, the company struggled to obtain capital as many sites in need of environmental remediation were neglected. Johnson said the total well field would encompass between 30 to 35 acres, but would focus on concurrent reclamation on 500 by 500 foot ore blocks. The opera-tion would move along the ore field from east to west, with completed areas being brought back to what the per-mits call baseline conditions, “the natural groundwater quality prior to mining opera-tion,” Johnson said.

“We don’t have this large cleanup process,” he said, since 80 to 90 percent of ore blocks would be back to background conditions by the end of operations. Johnson also said the permits issued to Curis by the Envi-ronmental Protection Agency and ADEQ enforce the pay-ment of financial bonds to assure there is enough money for operation clean up. He estimated around $45 to 50 million in bonds will need to be put in place before FCP can start commercial opera-tions.“It’s advantageous to reclaim that bond at the end of the day,” he said. After operations are complete, Curis is required to monitor it point-of-compliance wells for over 20 years or more to prove water quality conditions in the bedroom aquifer have returned to background or baseline conditions. After that, Johnson said the land could be host to new housing, which it is currently zoned for in the Florence general plan. “We pull up all the well-cas-ings and it could be put back into residential use after that 25-year time period,” he said.


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Rachel Baker

Rachel Baker, a 9 year old from San Tan Valley, has been accepted into the Susan G Ko-men 3-Day for a Cure Youth Corps. She will serve as a Youth Corps crew member for the 2013 Arizona 3-Day. The Youth Corps range from

Local girl to serve as Susan G. Komen Youth Corps crew member

10-16 years of age at the time of the event. In order to be accepted, they must answer a series of essay questions and complete a phone interview. They accept on average 15 youths per event. They will help in a variety of ways during the event such as cheering on walkers, help-ing set up camp, handing out water and snacks, cleaning up and any other way they can during the three days, No-vember 8-10, 2013. They will sleep in pink tents just like the walkers and crew. Rachel’s mother, Melanie, will be par-ticipating as a crew member for her second year and has also walked the event. The Youth Corps volunteers are also required to fundraise. The minimum fundraising goal is $500 but Rachel has set her goal at $1,000. She is kicking off her fundraising

with a fundraiser at Sweetie Peaz Frozen Yogurt in Queen Creek in the Fry’s Market-place at Combs and Gantzel. The date is May 18 and 20% of sales all day will go toward her goal. Visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/AZ-girlsgonemiles and view the page under events to print out the posted flier or bring it on your smartphone to the shop. Rachel will be at the shop from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. greet-ing customers and also selling her soda pop tab bracelets to raise funds. Susan G Komen is the world’s largest source of not for profit fundraising fight-ing breast cancer. They sup-port research, public health programs that address breast cancer treatment and care, and provide funds for the medi-cal needs of our friends and neighbors.


Dignity Health

HealthSpan™ Speakers’ Bureau

EOE

Dr. Jonathan Hodgson is a board-certified neurologist. He received his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Hodgson completed his neurology residency and Clinical Neurophysiology fellowship at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Hodgson also serves the East Valley as the medical director of Mercy Gilbert Medical Center’s Medical Center stroke.

FREE SEMINAR

Stroke Awareness and PreventionWednesday, May 22, 2013

Dr. Jonathan Hodgson 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Mercy Gilbert Medical Office Building McAuley Auditorium, third floor

3420 S. Mercy Road, Gilbert, AZ 85297

RSVP to ResourceLink at (480) 728-5414

What are my chances of having a stroke?

• Strokeaffectsanestimated795,000peopleannually,andisaleadingcauseofserious,long-termdisabilityinadults.

• AccordingtotheNationalStrokeAssociation(NSA),upto80percentofallstrokescanbepreventedifdetectedearly.

Thefollowingarecontrollablefactorsthatcanplaceyouatriskofhavingastroke:

• Highbloodpressure• Highcholesterol• Diabetes

• Tobaccouseandsmoking

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ChandlerRegional.org | MercyGilbert.org


When did you fi rst become interested in education/public service? I've always been drawn to teaching. In my last year at the Uni-versity of Arizona, I volunteered as an adult education tutor and got my fi rst taste of how diffi cult it is. I later went on to earn my certifi cation through Cal State Northridge and thoroughly enjoyed my teaching experiences over the years. In San Tan Valley, I taught one year at Poston Butte High School and about a year and a half in adult education for Central Arizona College. While I'm focusing on different things right now, teaching will always be in my heart, and I will probably go back to the profession at some point. I continue to be interested in public service because I love this community and want to be part of San Tan Valley defi ning itself. What is your proudest achievement thus far? My two sons, Christopher and William, are the best thing I ever did, that's for certain. Christopher is seven, plays violin and is great reader. William is four and is my chatterbox comedian who's doing a great job in preschool and loves gymnastics. Both of them love the Mario Brothers! They truly are best buds just like Mario and Luigi. What additional improvements to San Tan Valley and the surrounding region do you strive to achieve? I would like to see San Tan Valley incorporate and take charge of our own destiny when the time is right. I'd welcome being part of getting that conversation going again. I'd also like to continue to work with the Greater San Tan Chamber of Commerce to support our local businesses and take additional steps to bring more com-merce and industry to the area. We have so much to offer in San Tan -- mountains, good people, great weather, golf, restaurants -- I want the rest of the world to know this is a fi ne place to be! What's your favorite thing about this region? When I pass the San Tan Mountains, I still can't believe I moved to such a beautiful place. I love that I can hop in my car and hike San Tan Mountain Regional Park anytime. Who are your personal heroes? My late grandmother Mary Bracich will always be my hero, full of so much wisdom. It's funny how things she used to say seem so profound now, but I took them for granted at the time. She was a remarkable lady in every way, truly one of the people who most affected my life. I'd do anything to sit and have a cup of coffee with her again. She taught me how time is so precious. What is your favorite fi lm? Dessert? I'm a huge Quentin Tarantino fan. If I had to narrow it down to one of his, it would have to be Kill Bill. Homage to the Spaghetti Western mixed with a tale of revenge – it's hard to top! There's a carrot cake served at The Deli in QC that is amazing, but when I'm in good 'ol STV, it's got to be Sweetie Peaz or anything Lisa brings me at The Daily Bread Bistro.

Stacy GramazioGreater San Tan

Chamber of Commerce

Have a suggestion for a community pro� le?Email [email protected].

Sponsored by:

MetLife Foundation re-cently awarded a Volunteer Ventures grant of $1,000 to the Copper Basin YMCA in support of a project pro-posed by Janet Anderson, a MetLife employee who volunteers with the organi-zation. The monies raised this year will enable the YMCA to provide scholar-ship opportunities to kids and families in San Tan Valley. The Volunteer Ventures Program encourages and supports employee involve-

ment at the local level in nonprofit organizations that work to improve the qual-ity of life for all. Grants are made for specific projects in which MetLife employees have continuing involvement as volunteers. Janet gives of her time, treasure and talent ev-ery year. The YMCA is founded on volunteers and couldn’t do it without these committed individuals. Contact the YMCA by call-ing 602-404-9622 or visitValleyYMCA.org.

Copper Basin YMCA receives Volunteer Ventures grant

The Coolidge Performing & Visual Arts Center is proud to present the first annual Spring Gala Concert featuring Sons of Orpheus, the Male Choir of Tucson. The Sons of Orpheus are a not for profit, community based choral organization, founded and directed by Pro-fessor Grayson Hirst from the University of Arizona School of Music. The group takes their name from the legendary Greek fig-ure named Orpheus who pos-sessed magical powers to move living things through his voice and singing. The Sons of Or-pheus have toured throughout the US and abroad. This will be their last concert in the group’s 22nd Spring Anniversary Per-formances. Lindsey McHugh, a sopho-more from University of Ari-zona studying choral and music education, and the 4th genera-tion of a family from Coolidge, will accompany the Choir. An accomplished singer, McHugh has performed with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. The event will also showcase talents from other outstanding young artists, whose skills in song and music will move the audience. The concert program will delight and thrill all ages and will include an eclectic mix of opera choruses by Wagner, Verdi and Bach, as well as theme music from movies such as “Exodus” and “Schindler’s’

Coolidge Performing Arts Center to host Sons of Orpheus May 5List.” Love songs from English and American poets will be rendered as well as the beloved cowboy classics like “Red River Valley,” “Home on the Range,” “Colorado Trail” and several other classics. Tickets are $15 in advance or $18 at the door, visit www.

sonsoforpheus.eventbrite.com. Print tickets at home and bring to concert for admittance.About the Coolidge PACThe Coolidge Performing Arts Center brings art, music, dance and theatre to Pinal County. It is a 735 seat theatre and state of the art venue. Built in 1975, the Center has been renovated

and serves as the cultural hub for Pinal County. The center is dedicated to encouraging artistic expression, present-ing diverse performances and bringing community events of quality and affordability to the people of Pinal County. The center is located at 684 W. Noorthern Ave., Coolidge.


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By Heather SneadSpecial to the Ledger Welcome back! As the weather starts to heat up here in the Valley, I thought it would be nice to highlight some refreshing cocktails and favorite sum-mer wines in my upcoming columns. I hope you’ll give these a try and share your thoughts with me. This week’s column features a light, refreshing cooler that with just a few simple ingredients. You’ll have created a delicious drink in no time. The

result is a beverage that is clean, easy to drink, and makes you just a little hap-pier too. Pomegranate Water-melon Rum Cooler Serves 2 (plus a little ex-tra to top off your drink) One-half cup pomegran-ate juice 2 shots light rum 2 shots sour watermelon schnapps (such as Mr. Stacks) Juice of 1 lime Small amount of Sprite Ice Watermelon slices for

garnish Start by chilling 2 glass tumblers in the freezer. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the pome-granate juice, light rum, sour watermelon schnapps, and lime juice. Shake it! Using the cocktail shaker’s strainer, pour into tumbler and fill about 2/3 full. Top off with Sprite and garnish. Sip. Enjoy. Repeat. Wanted to also share a quick update on my little one’s upcoming birthday party preparations. Invita-tions have been created,

The Bubbly Hostess makes a pomegranate watermelon rum coolercake design in mind, deco-rations and party enter-tainment confirmed…but that’s all I can say for now. I can’t share too much until after the invitations are mailed. I’m pretty sure you’ll think it was a creative choice for my four-year-old. Please stop by my Facebook page or blog and leave a comment. You can find me at TheBubblyHostess.blogspot.com. You can also “like” my page on Facebook at Facebook.com/TheBubblyHostess. Lastly - always remember

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May 1, 2013Visit: www.PinalCountyAZ.gov www.QueenCreek.org

FLORENCE – Orange cones, detour signs, lighted message boards, fl aggers, work crews and heavy equipment – for some drivers, all of these items can add up to confusion and sometimes fatal accidents. The Pinal County Public Works Department observed the 11th annual Work Zone Safety Week, held April 15-19. This year’s theme: “Work Zone Safety: We’re All In

This Together.” The Work Zone Safety Week began as a small event developed by the Virginia Department of Transportation to remind employees to be aware of the dangers while working on highway projects. The weeks’ observance has evolved into a nationwide event aimed at educating highway workers as well as the travelling public.

“We stress safe work habits every day with our employees,” said AJ Blaha, Pinal County’s Public Works Director. “Our workers take somewhat of a defensive stand out in the fi eld because you never know if an approaching driver is really paying attention to the roadwork that is ahead of them.” The Fatality Analysis Reporting System reports

National Work Zone Awareness Week Aims to Educate Drivers

As the Phoenix Metropolitan Area continues to grow, plans are constantly being developed to accommodate the transportation needs of the public. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is currently conducting a study to evaluate seven alternatives for passenger rail corridors, as well as how a bus rapid transit system can potentially meet the need for future transportation options between Tucson and

Queen Creek Town Council adopts resolution in support of passenger rail alternatives

Phoenix. Based upon input received from stakeholders, as well as the public, the seven alternatives will soon

be narrowed to two to three alternatives and ultimately there will be one alternative selected. There is currently no funding identifi ed to construct a passenger rail system. The Town of Queen Creek has played an active role in the development of the study and has identifi ed two preferred passenger rail corridors. On April 17, the Town Council adopted Resolution 941-13 endorsing and supporting the “yellow” and “teal” route alternatives. These

FLORENCE – A national shortage of Tubersol solu-tion, the solution used to test for the tuberculosis (TB) infection, is forcing a tem-porary change in procedures for Pinal County’s Public Health program. Effective Friday, April 20, the county will only administer the test to those who are suspected of having TB or people who are suspected of being in contact

with a person having TB who needs to be screened for possible treatment. Some occupations, school admissions or in-home childcare arrangements require screening for TB. This is considered ‘rou-tine screening’ and, due to the shortage of Tubersol, the county must suspend routine testing until the solution is more widely

available. “We reached this deci-sion after consulting with the Arizona Department of Health Services and noting that several other counties have suspended routine testing,” said Public Health Director Tom Schryer. “If we continued routine testing, we would exhaust our Tubersol supply in a matter of weeks. If we ran out, we could not

test people we believe to pose an infectious disease risk due to signs of an active TB infection.” “This does not mean people requiring a TB test should go untested,” Schryer said. “Our staff has assembled a list of health care providers that stand ready to administer routine tests for occupational or other needs.” Providers that can meet rou-

tine testing needs include:• Casa Grande Regional Ur-gent Care (520) 381-6300• Urgent Care Extra (480) 840-3075• My Doctor Now (480) 677-8282• Gold Canyon Urgent Care (480) 982-3691• MBI Casa Grande (520) 836-3800• Maricopa Urgent Care (520) 381-3811

• Fast Med (480) 855-9400• NextCare Urgent Care Clinics (Multiple locations (888) 381-4858 Health offi cials expect to be able to resume routine testing once supplies of the solution return to normal levels. An announcement will follow when routine screening is available at Pinal County’s public health clinics.

Shortage of TB Skin Test Solution Forces Halt to RoutineTesting

alternatives would directly serve the Town of Queen Creek, as well as offer service in very close proximity to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. The Town of Gilbert is considering a similar resolution at its April 18 Town Council meeting. The “yellow” and “teal” alternatives align very closely with an earlier study conducted by the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), which showed these alignments had very high ridership potential

should a commuter rail system be constructed. Passenger rail and commuter rail differ in that passenger rail traditionally links cities and communities over longer distances with fewer station stops, while commuter rail traditionally serves suburban markets with an urban core or downtown and has more frequent stations spaced approximately 5-10 miles apart. Details about the alternatives are available on the map at the left. The next steps in the

process include narrowing the seven alternatives to two alternatives and preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS) which will be followed by a public comment period on the EIS. The public comment period is planned for the fall of 2013. ADOT is planning to publish the fi nal EIS in late 2013. The fi nal EIS will include one preferred route. For more information about the ADOT Passenger Rail Study, please visit http://www.azdot.gov/passengerrail/.

that nationally there were 576 fatalities in work zone traffi c accidents during 2010. In Arizona, there were 14 fatalities attributed to work

zone traffi c accidents in that same year. Blaha said that vigilance on the part of both parties is the key to keeping these work zone traffi c accidents to a minimum. “The fi rst rule that a driver should practice is to dedicate your full attention to the road,” Blaha stressed. “That means you should be looking to merge before reaching the lane closure, watch for

brake lights, be prepared to react to the traffi c and slow down. Patience, in this case is not only a virtue, but a life saving attitude.” Pinal County’s website features a host of information pertaining to road projects, county services, tourism, public health and much more. Explore www.pinalcountyaz.gov and discover Pinal County’s wide open opportunity.


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Chase Beal takes the lead. (Andrew Luberda photo)

Sophomores come through in the clutch for QC baseballBy Andrew Luberda Sophomore Kody Fun-derburk delivered a clutch, 2-out RBI single in the bottom of the eighth inning to give the Bulldogs a first-round playoff victory over Williams Field High School, 8 – 7. Funderburk wasn’t the only sophomore who was clutch in the vic-tory. Josh Andrews hit a 2-out solo homerun in the bottom of the seventh to tie the game after the Black-hawks scored in the top of the seventh to take the lead. After the game, a self-less Funderburk deflected any individual accolades, instead declaring it was a team victory. “It wasn’t all me in that game,” Funderburk said. “If Josh Andrews didn’t hit that homerun we had no chance in the last inning. It was a great team win. My hit at the end just shows how scrappy we all are.” “Kody plays the game like he’s been around it a

lot longer (than he actually has),” head coach Mike Campbell said. The Bulldogs were a little out of character during the first few innings as they dug themselves a hole and trailed, 6 – 2 after two innings. Josh Andrews and Ryan Kottcamp came through with some timely hitting in third, which al-lowed the Bulldogs to close the gap, 6 – 5. They later tied the game, 6 – 6, in the fourth. The scored remained that way until the seventh. The Blackhawks were able to extend their half of the seventh on a dropped third strike – it would have been the third out of the inning – and capitalized by scoring the go-ahead run. That set the stage for Andrews’ dramatic game-tying home-run in the bottom of the seventh. “I just saw a pitch in, I was waiting for it, and I turned on it,” Andrews said. “Things happen.” “Josh couldn’t have been any more of a stud today,” Campbell said. “Good grief, he comes (to pitch in relief), shuts them down, and has his longest outing

of the year.” Marcus Still and Chase Beal pitched a scoreless top half of the eighth before the exciting game ending. After Jaren Holmes hit a one out double, Still was intentionally walked. Ryan Kottcamp followed with a single and Camp-bell held Holmes at third. Still was out at second on Kottcamp’s single. The rest is history, as Funderburk singled home the winning run to advance the Bull-dogs to the second round of the state playoffs. “Our kids have guts,” Campbell said. “They’re fun to coach. One guy after another picked each other up and that’s what we’ve been preaching all year. Fifteen guys have to con-tribute and they have each other’s back.” “All of these kids are great kids,” Campbell con-tinued. “I’m not surprised by (their determination to win).” Their second-round playoff game was Tuesday, April 30, 2013, versus No. 2 seed, Greenway High School. Information on that game was not available at press time.


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By Andrew Luberda The Bulldogs’ softball team lost their first round playoff to the Casa Grande Cougars, 6 – 3. Unfortunately, the game is not the only loss they suffered on this day. After the game, Head Coach Katie Bundy announced her resignation as Head Softball Coach. Coach Bundy said her husband’s job had been reassigned to northern Arizona, which forced her family to move out of the area. The Bulldogs started ace pitcher Madi Merrell against the Cougars. The Cougars were able to score two early runs to take a 2 – 0 lead in the first. Merrell was able to pitch five scoreless innings after the 2-run first. With Merrell keeping her team in the game, the Bulldogs were able to score one run in the fourth and another in the fifth to tie the game, 2 –

2. Ryland Estrada and Mariah Gallegos each had an RBI in the game. The game remained tied, 2 – 2, entering the seventh inning before Casa Grande was able to score four runs. The Bulldogs added one run in the bottom of the seventh, but it was not enough to extend their season. After the game, Coach Bundy’s passion, affection, disappointment, and pride were evident. “We came out battling, but we only had two hits,” she said. “I told them before the game the team that makes the least amount of errors (will win the game).” “I don’t like losing and neither do the girls but someone has to do it and unfortunately (we did).” Despite the loss, the Bulldogs completed a very successful season and have plenty to look forward next year. Ryland Estrada, a senior, is the

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Madi Merrell takes the starting pitcher position. (Andrew Luberda photo)

Bulldogs’ softball suffers two losses in one dayonly player who won’t return. Madi Merrell and Lexis Valenzuela, two of the top hitters in Division II, will return along with Ryann Holmes, Abi Rope, and group of talented freshman. Coach Bundy said the team can learn and build on their success of this season even without her leading the way. “(This season) was a learning experience,” Bundy said. “And I hope they don’t like this feeling.” “It was so fun watching the girls come out to practice and watching them improve and get W’s. They have a good group, a good core coming back even though I know Ryland is going to be hard to replace.” Madi Merrell spoke about the season, Coach Bundy, and next season, after the game. “This has been, by far, the best season I’ve ever had,” Merrell said. “All the girls are amazing and we’ve improved so much since the beginning of the season. Coach Bundy has

never stopped believing in us regardless if we’ve had a bad game or not.” “I want to work on my pitching and be one of the

top pitchers so I can go to college,” she continued. Even though the season didn’t end the way they wanted it to, the Bulldogs

have much to be proud of and much to look forward to. Coach Bundy will be watching from afar.

Baseball – The Coyotes finished their season at 22 – 6 and qualified for the state playoffs. Their first-round matchup was April 30, 2013, versus Northwest Christian at the Surprise Sports Complex. Information on that game was not available at press time. The Coyotes enter the postseason winners in nine of their last ten games. Their most recent victory came against Apache Junction on Apr. 24, 13 – 1.

Softball – The Broncos finished their season with a five-game winning streak. They defeated Campo Verde, 3 – 2 and Apache Junction, 15 – 5, last week. The Broncos will say goodbye seven seniors on this year’s team: Emily Lodge, Samantha Castoldi, Taylor Clark, Beth Barnes, Natalie Fernandez, and Kalee Wells. Baseball – The Broncos finished their season on a posi-tive note with a 6 – 0 victory over Apache Junction. Head Coach Jim Stevens has a young core group returning which includes Tim Aden, Alex Jensen and Sal Martinez. The departing seniors are Wyatt Pattyson, Tyler Ervin, Daniel Rodriguez, Robert Herrera, Zach Rosten, Dustin Blevins, and Alex Merriman.

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By Bridgette CrosbySoutheast Valley Ledger An excited crowd filled the gym at Eduprize School in San Tan Valley, as parents, teachers, dignitaries and students gathered for the 4th Annual Scholastic Achievement Awards and the 2013 San Tan Valley Think Tank Essay Contest Awards. Desert Song Community Choir opened the event which was sponsored in partnership by The Greater San Tan Chamber, San Tan Valley Think Tank, Eduprise School, JO Combs, Florence and Coolidge Unified School Districts and Central Arizona College. Jack Malpass, President and Founder of the San Tan Valley Think Tank stated that “This was the first year that awards for the Essay Contest was open to both high school and middle school students. What an honor it was to read the essays and pick the winners for this year’s theme “What is the Importance of Science and Archaeology to Pinal County?” The top two winners in the high school division were Matthew Bandusky, a senior at JO Combs High School, and Bronwyn Younger-Howard, a junior at JO Combs High School. Both received $500 and a matching CAC Scholarship. Second place went to Josie Newman, a sophomore from Florence High School, who received $300 and a matching CAC Scholarship; third place wen to Ming Ngu, a senior from Poston Butte High School, who received $200 and a

Pinal County students recognized during Scholastic Achievement Awards and 2013 Pinal County Scholastic Essay Contest Ceremony

matching CAC Scholarship. Honorable mention went to Cheyenne Grigorieff, a junior at Poston Butte High School, who received $50 and a matching CAC Scholarship. Middle school winners were: • Gold Medal Award, Christian Ashbeck, seventh grade, JO Combs Middle School

• Silver Medal Award, Dallas Jacob, eighth grade, Mountain Vista Middle School• Bronze Medal Awards, Jada Clint and Sydney Brown, both from JO Combs Middle School The Scholastic Achievement Awards were given to students who achieved Academic Excellence

during the year. Outstanding Teachers from each school were also recognized. Dignitaries included Tom DiCamillo, Central Arizona College, (CAC) who gave a brief speech about CAC’s ‘Promise for the Future’ program which awards students in Pinal County two free years of community college if they sign a contract

that they will keep their grades up and graduate; Arizona State Representative TJ Shope, who encouraged Pinal County students to set their sights high and finish strong. School representatives from JO Combs, Florence and Coolidge School Districts were all in attendance to present awards, but the

biggest stars of the show were the students themselves. Stacy Gramazio, President of the Greater San Tan Chamber, stated that “In San Tan Valley and Pinal County we are blessed with students who exceed and aren’t afraid to learn and lead! Congratulations to all of our students! We are proud of you!”

Jack Malpass of the San Tan Valley Think Tank recognizes STV’s and QC’s top students. (Bridgette Crosby photo)


We invite you to join us in celebrating the unveiling of Banner Health Center in Gilbert and learn what patient-centered care is all about. In one convenient location, we’ll meet your family’s medical needs with Internal Medicine, Family Medicine and Pediatrics as well as on-site Laboratory and Imaging Services.

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